A chronological text record of the AI Market Commentator: important releases, breaking developments, market reactions and concise context for the trading day.
Zerostack Corp. reports cryptocurrency holdings with an aggregate market value of approximately $1.06 billion, representing $18.19 per partially diluted share. MicroVision announces multiple IRIS orders across North America and Europe. Cyabra has secured contracts with two European national security agencies, with total annual revenues exceeding $500,000.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.16 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.59 percent, Dow futures is down 0.1 percent and Russell futures is down 0.11 percent.
US equities are lower: S&P futures are down 0.17 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.62 percent, and Russell futures are down 0.1 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.14 percent, EUR/USD is down 0.03 percent, and USD/JPY is up 0.08 percent. Treasury yields are lower: the five-year yield is at 4.417 percent, down 0.7 basis points; the 10-year yield is at 4.712 percent, down 2.6 basis points; and the 30-year yield is at 5.239 percent, down 3.7 basis points. Volatility is higher with the VIX at 15.91, up 5.16 percent. In commodities, WTI crude is down 1.81 percent and gold is up 0.84 percent.
Braskem's out-of-court restructuring plan includes a possible follow-on share offering, with instrument exposure tied to BAK-listed equity. Separately, Tesla has lost another top chip engineer to ex-Dojo startup DensityAI.
Zillow and Redfin have resolved antitrust litigation, with their partnership continuing through at least June 30, 2030. Zillow Group reaffirmed its Q3, Q4, and full-year 2026 financial outlook. GRI Bio will present Phase 2a GRI-0621 data on lung function, anti-fibrotic biomarkers, and tolerability in IPF at ERS 2026. Bitmine Immersion Technologies reports total crypto, cash, and "moonshot" holdings of $14.9 billion, including 5.85 million Ethereum tokens, over 5 million ETH staked, and projected annualized staking revenue of $330 million.
PDD Holdings reports Q2 revenue up 8% year over year to RMB 112.4 billion, with net income down 12% to RMB 27.2 billion. Argus maintains a Buy rating on ASH and raises its price target to $80 from $64. Wattmore and Eos Energy Enterprises announce a strategic software and energy storage agreement.
The Iranian Rial has hit a record low. This comes as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to hold a press conference today at 2:00 P.M. ET, expected to detail new sanctions and economic measures against Iran.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.13 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.53 percent, Dow futures is down 0.13 percent and Russell futures is down 0.17 percent.
US equity futures are lower: S&P futures are down 0.13 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.53 percent, and Russell futures are down 0.17 percent. In FX, the dollar is firmer with the dollar index up 0.11 percent. EUR/USD is down 0.04 percent and USD/JPY is up 0.02 percent. Treasury yields are lower across the curve: the 5-year yield is at 4.408 percent, down 1.6 basis points; the 10-year yield is at 4.708 percent, down 3 basis points; and the 30-year yield is at 5.234 percent, down 4.2 basis points. The VIX is at 15.87, up 4.89 percent. In commodities, WTI crude is down 1.87 percent and gold is up 0.78 percent.
USTR Greer will meet a Mexico delegation this week on trade. TEM Tempus has received FDA clearance for its AI product designed to detect signs of pulmonary hypertension from standard ECGs. Ameriwest Critical Metals plans to sell its Railroad Valley property in Nevada to Pure Energy Minerals.
ZJK Industrial has secured large-volume purchase orders for AI infrastructure components, covering its precision parts and hardware business. Separately, Ivanhoe Electric received a preliminary project letter from US EXIM for up to $1.1 billion in potential debt financing for its Santa Cruz copper project, an increase from the prior $825 million letter.
USTR Greer states there are no issues proceeding with its trade policy as planned. Greer also indicated political reasons were a driver for Canada's action, and Canada was offered the best access to the U.S.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.19 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.57 percent, Dow futures is down 0.12 percent and Russell futures is down 0.09 percent.
US equities are lower: S&P futures are down 0.16 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.52 percent, and Russell futures are down 0.06 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer with the dollar index up 0.17 percent, euro dollar down 0.09 percent, and dollar yen up 0.1 percent. Volatility is higher, with the VIX at 15.9, up 5.09 percent. In commodities, WTI crude is down 1.93 percent and gold is up 0.71 percent.
The FT reports the US plans a nuclear-powered merchant fleet. Edible Garden and Square Roots announce a strategic partnership. MicroStrategy's SEC filing reports 840,447 Bitcoin held, a $75.39 billion aggregate purchase price, $5.10 billion USD reserve, and $1.59 billion USD cash as of August 23, 2026.
Capstone Energy+ CEO Vince Canino reports rising demand for onsite power is increasing orders for larger generation blocks. Roche and Lilly's Elecsys pTau217, a biomarker blood test for Alzheimer's, received FDA clearance. Canaccord notes SPY consolidation, but sees underlying resilience in stocks and consumers.
NVT is down 2% premarket after the company announced it will acquire Maverick Power for $1.75 billion. Total's CEO reports USO crude is moving through the Strait of Hormuz "very quietly." Gemini Space Station signed a letter of intent with Apex Fintech Solutions to distribute Gemini’s CFTC-regulated crypto event contracts.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.2 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.57 percent, Dow futures is down 0.18 percent and Russell futures is down 0.18 percent.
US equities are lower: S&P futures are down 0.28 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.68 percent, and Russell futures are down 0.27 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer with the dollar index up 0.18 percent, while EUR/USD is down 0.03 percent and USD/JPY is up 0.06 percent. Volatility is higher, with the VIX at 16.04, up 6.01 percent. In commodities, WTI crude is down 1.79 percent and gold is up 0.4 percent.
The IEA is not discussing a second strategic oil reserve release at this time. The agency's chief, Fatih Birol, confirms the March release was 400 million barrels, leaving 80% of reserves.
Micron memory pricing update suggests blended DRAM and NAND average selling prices quarter-to-date are trending better than expectations.
Guardant Health has been ordered to pay over $245.2 million to TwinStrand Biosciences and the University of Washington following a patent infringement ruling. Separately, Insulet CEO Ashley McEvoy reported a Form 4P transaction for 1,100 shares at $147.47. Stifel initiated coverage on JMKE with a Buy rating.
Napa Security Technologies will increase its quarterly dividend to $0.17 per share, payable October 2, 2026. Separately, Labcorp will offer the first FDA-cleared blood test for Alzheimer's pathology.
Putin says Russia increases fertilizer supplies to India. Xiaomi launches its Xring O3 chip, reportedly using TSMC's 3-nanometre process, targeting 200,000 to 300,000 shipments. Eli Lilly launches its oral weight-loss drug Foundayo in the UK.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.31 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.77 percent, Dow futures is down 0.2 percent and Russell futures is down 0.24 percent.
US equities are lower: S&P futures are down 0.31 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.77 percent, and Russell futures are down 0.24 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.21 percent, EUR/USD is down 0.09 percent, and USD/JPY is up 0.17 percent. The VIX is at 15.95, up 5.42 percent. WTI crude is down 2.1 percent, and gold is up 0.39 percent.
BKV Corporation announced its Form S-3 registration statement is effective, which can support future securities issuance. UPS is investing over $2 billion for faster service and more resilient global supply chains. India's BSE Sensex closed about 0.2% lower at 77,369, ending a two-day winning streak.
INSM reports its brensocatib has been approved in Japan for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. InterCure has reached a final settlement with Israeli tax authorities for approximately $77 million in indirect war damages. Agnico Eagle will acquire 53.4 million Radisson Mining Resources units for C$57.2 million.
Breaking. The U.S. economic calendar for Monday, August 24th, includes the Chicago Fed National Activity Index at 8:30 AM ET, a preliminary Treasury buyback announcement at 11:00 AM ET, and 3- and 6-month bill auctions at 11:30 AM ET.
Brazilian petrochemical firm Braskem has filed for an out-of-court debt restructuring. Separately, Silver Bow Mining Corp signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Jefferson County metallurgical complex in Montana for $28.60 million cash to creditors.
Martin Marietta has completed its combination with Lhoist North America. No further transaction terms or catalysts were supplied.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent wrote in the Financial Times that an economic D-Day is coming for Iran, stating the U.S. would deliver a major financial offensive and warning nations courting reprieve from Tehran.
Shell is drawing Exxon interest in the planned $8 billion sale of its US chemical assets. Separately, China has opened applications for an 800 billion yuan policy-based financing tool for local government projects. And Hugging Face has been fielding M&A interest for a deal worth at least $13 billion.
China's Xi states that China consistently advocates for resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means. GE Vernova introduces a medium-voltage UPS to accelerate AI factory buildout, with shipments beginning mid-2027. Takeda Pharmaceutical's Orzeyful has received Japan approval for narcolepsy type 1.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.18 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.58 percent, Dow futures is down 0.06 percent and Russell futures is down 0.11 percent.
US equity futures are lower: S&P futures are down 0.18%, Nasdaq futures are down 0.58%, and Russell futures are down 0.11%. In FX, the dollar is firmer with the dollar index up 0.18%. EUR/USD is down 0.09%, and USD/JPY is up 0.13%. The VIX is at 15.92, up 5.22%. WTI crude is down 2.45%, and gold is up 0.42%.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City and IBEW agreed to binding arbitration, ending the strike and sending employees back to work beginning August 24. Amazon's autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel, dashboard, or pedals is the first to charge for rides. Michael Burry exited Alibaba and built a large position in JD.com, citing concern over Alibaba's planned share issuance as Alibaba seeks about $10.2 billion in a discounted stock offering for AI expansion.
AAOI has entered a $600 million equity distribution agreement. The company may issue and sell up to $600 million of common stock through sales agents Raymond James and Needham & Company. AAOI shares are down 12% in premarket trading.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls for immediate dialogue to de-escalate US-Iran tensions in the Gulf. Separately, the Shell CEO states the oil market's 'shock absorber' is weakening.
EWJ and FXI track mixed Asian and European index moves. The Nikkei fell 488 points to 65,528, the Shanghai Index fell 23 points to 3,882, and the Hang Seng dropped 492 points to 25,517. The DAX and FTSE 100 each rose 23 points.
NVIDIA is in talks to invest in Perplexity as part of an equity funding round that would value the AI startup at more than $30 billion. Alibaba Group Holding Limited prices a HK$80 billion equity placement of 710 million newly issued ordinary shares at HK$112.70 each. Baird downgrades BRCB from Outperform to Neutral and cuts its price target to $10 from $12.
Trump's Monday, August 24 schedule includes policy meetings and tele-rallies. Additionally, Treasury Secretary Bessent is set to introduce new economic sanctions on Iran. Analysts have also raised price targets on DE, EMR, EOG, and several other tickers.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.14 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.54 percent, Dow futures is down 0.04 percent and Russell futures is down 0.05 percent.
US equities are lower: S&P futures are down 0.14 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.54 percent, and Russell futures are down 0.06 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.18 percent, EUR/USD is down 0.07 percent, and USD/JPY is up 0.16 percent. The VIX is at 15.88, up 4.96 percent. WTI crude is down 2.3 percent, and gold is up 0.51 percent.
Alibaba CEO Wu Yongming purchased 350,000 shares at an average price of $14.24, totaling approximately $5 million. XPENG's robotics unit raised over $900 million, achieving a post-money valuation exceeding $6.3 billion. Separately, Elon Musk commented on a resurfaced passage from Wernher von Braun's fiction, which described a Martian leader titled 'Elon'.
Ecovyst announces a chief financial officer transition. No catalyst, timing, or successor details were supplied.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.16 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.57 percent, Dow futures is down 0.03 percent and Russell futures is down 0.07 percent.
US equities are lower: S&P futures are down 0.17 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.6 percent, and Russell futures are down 0.08 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer; the dollar index is up 0.2 percent, EUR/USD is down 0.1 percent, and USD/JPY is up 0.15 percent. Volatility and commodities: the VIX is at 15.9, up 5.09 percent, WTI crude is down 1.92 percent, and gold is up 0.23 percent.
EU carbon permits are trading at 83.80 EUR, a four-week high. Nvidia is in discussions to invest in AI startup Perplexity, potentially valuing the company at over $30 billion.
Iran's rial has fallen to a record low of 2.027 million against the US dollar in the open market. Concurrently, hedge funds are expanding short positions against the US dollar following Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's decision to double long-term bond buybacks, with options demand for dollar downside also rising.
Here is what changed in the last few minutes. NVIDIA DISCUSSES PERPLEXITY INVESTMENT AT OVER $30B VALUATION - TIF. Iran denies Oman Tehran visit links to Pakistan Army Chief. TSMC to manufacture Xiaomi's new Xring O3 chip.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.1 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.58 percent, Dow futures is up 0.04 percent and Russell futures is down 0.03 percent.
US equity futures are lower: S&P futures are down 0.11 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.55 percent, and Russell futures are down 0.05 percent. In FX, the US Dollar Index is up 0.2 percent, EUR/USD is down 0.09 percent, and USD/JPY is up 0.16 percent. The VIX is at 15.87, up 4.89 percent. WTI crude is down 2.62 percent, and Gold is up 0.25 percent.
Several stocks, including BIAF, BRCC, INCR, VCIG, GRML, GAME, and SKYE, are scheduled for reverse stock splits on Monday, August 24. Ratios range from 1-for-5 to 1-for-50.
South Korea President Lee is set to meet Samsung Electronics chair, likely this week. No further details on the agenda or market impact have been provided.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.16 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.63 percent, Dow futures is unchanged at 0 percent and Russell futures is down 0.07 percent.
US equity futures are lower: S&P futures are down 0.19 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.68 percent, and Russell futures are down 0.04 percent. In FX, the dollar is firmer with the dollar index up 0.21 percent. EUR/USD is down 0.09 percent, and USD/JPY is up 0.19 percent. Volatility is higher, with the VIX at 15.9, up 5.09 percent. WTI crude is down 1.69 percent, and gold is up 0.15 percent.
Southern California Edison reports an outage in Long Beach that affected 22,066 customers at its peak Sunday evening. Crews are working to restore service, with no estimated restoration time provided.
Goldman Sachs and The Kobeissi Letter estimate China bought 88 tonnes of gold in May and June. June OTC data indicate a 40-tonne purchase versus the official 15 tonnes reported.
Rice leads commodity gainers, up 3.92%, with corn rising 2.17% and wheat 1.69%. In the UK, FICO reports credit card payment rates have fallen while card balances have risen.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.28 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.91 percent, Dow futures is down 0.06 percent and Russell futures is down 0.1 percent.
US equities are lower: S&P futures are down 0.26 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.82 percent, and Russell futures are down 0.15 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer with the dollar index up 0.16 percent. EUR/USD is down 0.07 percent, while USD/JPY is up 0.17 percent. Volatility is higher, with the VIX at 15.95, up 5.42 percent. In commodities, WTI crude is down 1.72 percent, and gold is up 0.39 percent.
Asian cash markets finished mixed: the Nikkei 225 closed down 0.74 percent, the Hang Seng closed down 1.98 percent, the Shanghai Composite closed down 0.59 percent, the KOSPI closed down 3.12 percent and the ASX 200 closed up 0.49 percent. Asian volume leaders were Alibaba down 8.86 percent, Xiaomi down 4 percent, AIA Group down 0.67 percent, Tencent down 3.76 percent and Meituan down 3.29 percent.
Lithium carbonate is up 5.42%, leading commodity gainers. OCS has treated the first patient in its PIONEER-1 registrational trial of Privosegtor for optic neuritis.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei states Iran has issued warnings regarding cooperation with the US over its economic pressure on Tehran.
France's CAC 40 opened 0.2% lower at 8,467. US natural gas prices are down to $2.73 per million British thermal units.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.18 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.63 percent, Dow futures is down 0.05 percent and Russell futures is down 0.03 percent.
US equity futures are lower: S&P futures are down 0.18%, Nasdaq futures are down 0.63%, and Russell futures are down 0.03%. In FX, the US Dollar Index is up 0.11%, EUR/USD is up 0.02%, and USD/JPY is up 0.1%. In commodities, WTI crude is down 2.15% and gold is up 0.44%.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.22 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.76 percent, Dow futures is down 0.07 percent and Russell futures is down 0.09 percent.
US equity futures are lower: S&P futures are down 0.22%, Nasdaq futures are down 0.76%, and Russell futures are down 0.09%. In FX, the dollar is firmer with the Dollar Index up 0.08%, EUR/USD is unchanged, and USD/JPY is up 0.09%. In commodities, WTI crude is down 2.08% and gold is up 0.55%.
Zelensky urges Musk to extend Starlink coverage over Russia, arguing expanded coverage would weaken Russia’s ability to prolong the war.
Emerson reports Equinor selected its advanced measurement instrumentation to optimize operations and accelerate development. No deal value was supplied.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.25 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.8 percent, Dow futures is down 0.1 percent and Russell futures is down 0.09 percent.
US equity futures are lower: S&P futures are down 0.25%, Nasdaq futures are down 0.8%, and Russell futures are down 0.09%. The US Dollar Index is up 0.07%, with EUR/USD up 0.03% and USD/JPY up 0.01%. In commodities, WTI crude is down 2.06% and Gold is up 0.54%.
UK natural gas prices are at 161 pence per therm. This move occurs as investors await a US plan to economically isolate Iran and as Strait of Hormuz disruptions delay Qatari LNG.
Coal prices are above $131 per ton, reaching a three-week high. This marks the highest level since early August.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.2 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.61 percent, Dow futures is down 0.05 percent and Russell futures is down 0.05 percent.
US equity futures are lower: S&P futures are down 0.2 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.61 percent, and Russell futures are down 0.05 percent. In FX, the US Dollar Index is up 0.04 percent, EUR/USD is up 0.03 percent, and USD/JPY is down 0.03 percent. WTI crude is down 1.6 percent, and gold is up 0.33 percent. The VIX is down 5.5 percent. US 10-year yields are up 4.2 basis points, and US 5-year yields are up 3.7 basis points.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.19 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.56 percent, Dow futures is down 0.09 percent and Russell futures is down 0.07 percent.
US equity futures are lower: S&P futures are down 0.13 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.46 percent, and Russell futures are down 0.01 percent. In FX, the US Dollar Index is up 0.04 percent, EUR/USD is up 0.03 percent, and USD/JPY is unchanged. WTI crude is down 1.75 percent, while Gold is up 0.32 percent. The VIX is down 5.5 percent. The US 10-year yield is up 4.2 basis points, and the US 5-year yield is up 3.7 basis points.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.14 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.41 percent, Dow futures is down 0.08 percent and Russell futures is down 0.04 percent.
US equity futures are lower: S&P futures are down 0.14 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.41 percent, and Russell futures are down 0.04 percent. In foreign exchange, the dollar is firmer with the dollar index up 0.03 percent; EUR/USD is up 0.05 percent, and USD/JPY is down 0.01 percent. In commodities, WTI crude is down 1.67 percent, and gold is up 0.32 percent.
US equity futures are lower: S&P futures are down 0.13 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.39 percent, and Russell futures are unchanged. In FX, the Dollar Index is up 0.03 percent, EUR/USD is up 0.05 percent, and USD/JPY is down 0.04 percent. WTI crude is down 1.68 percent, and gold is up 0.32 percent.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.11 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.39 percent, Dow futures is down 0.04 percent and Russell futures is unchanged at 0 percent.
US equity futures are mixed: S&P futures are down 0.11 percent, Nasdaq futures are down 0.41 percent, and Russell futures are up 0.01 percent. In FX, the US Dollar Index is up 0.03 percent, EUR/USD is up 0.03 percent, and USD/JPY is unchanged. WTI crude is down 1.69 percent, while Gold is up 0.4 percent. The VIX is down 5.5 percent. US 10-year yields are up 4.2 basis points, 5-year yields are up 3.7 basis points, and 30-year yields are up 3.9 basis points.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.04 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.33 percent, Dow futures is up 0.02 percent and Russell futures is up 0.06 percent.
The offshore yuan weakened to around 6.72 per dollar after the PBOC set the midpoint at 6.7841, 593 pips weaker than Reuters' estimate.
Drone debris triggered a fire in warehouses in Russia's Dagestan region, according to Interfax, quoting local officials. Separately, Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh is due to debut at the Jackson Hole Symposium.
US index futures: S and P futures is up 0.07 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.05 percent, Dow futures is up 0.06 percent and Russell futures is up 0.17 percent.
Nvidia is in talks regarding perplexity funding at over a $30 billion valuation, which is viewed as a tech licensing agreement.
Breaking. The Japanese yen trades little changed around 158.9 per dollar Monday as expectations for an early Bank of Japan rate hike strengthen, with September increase pricing rising to ~82% from ~23% pre-July meeting.
US index futures: S and P futures is up 0.05 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.08 percent, Dow futures is up 0.05 percent and Russell futures is up 0.18 percent.
Heating oil futures are retreating to around $4.40 per gallon. Markets are awaiting Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's planned Iran sanctions announcement.
In Asia FX, the South Korean won is up 0.59% and the Japanese yen is up 0.09%. The Indonesian rupiah is down 0.26%, and the Chinese yuan is little changed.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.03 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.26 percent, Dow futures is up 0.01 percent and Russell futures is up 0.1 percent.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index is down 2.1% at 25,473, with technology stocks leading the decline. US gasoline futures are trading below $3.30 per gallon.
US index futures: S and P futures is up 0.08 percent, Nasdaq futures is up 0.09 percent, Dow futures is unchanged at 0 percent and Russell futures is up 0.11 percent.
Silver is trading near a two-month high at $69 an ounce. This follows concerns over US debt management and fiscal sustainability after the Treasury increased buybacks of longer-dated government debt.
US index futures: S and P futures is down 0.04 percent, Nasdaq futures is down 0.14 percent, Dow futures is down 0.07 percent and Russell futures is down 0.01 percent.
Gold is trading near a three-month high, around $4,600 an ounce. This follows persistent concerns over US debt management and fiscal sustainability after the Treasury's unexpected ramp-up of longer-dated government debt buybacks.
US index futures: S and P futures is up 0.11 percent, Nasdaq futures is up 0.21 percent, Dow futures is up 0.01 percent and Russell futures is up 0.12 percent.
SquawkNews LiveCast Briefs are informational market commentary, not investment advice. Facts may be corrected as verified information changes.