Market Minutes

Read snapshots of the latest market news

Daily discussion thread for August 21, 2026

Oil prices advanced following the announcement of unprecedented US sanctions against Iran, triggering concerns over potential supply disruptions. Concurrently, Japan recorded its highest inflation rate in several months, while Canadian retail sales exhibited signs of deceleration.

Daily discussion thread for August 18, 2026

US stock markets fell as US-Iran geopolitical tensions escalated. Meanwhile, weak housing data, elevated Treasury yields, and unchanged UK unemployment figures influenced global investor sentiment.

Daily discussion thread for August 13, 2026

US PPI slowed to 4.7% in July, boosting equities and lowering interest rate hike expectations, while UK GDP growth decelerated to 0.4% and Japanese producer prices remained near multi-year highs.

Daily discussion thread for August 11, 2026

The Reserve Bank of Australia maintained its benchmark interest rate at 4.35% amid persistent inflationary pressures and ongoing Middle East conflict. Concurrently, US existing home sales declined due to elevated long-term mortgage rates, while escalating fears of energy supply disruptions pushed global crude oil prices higher.

Daily discussion thread for August 7, 2026

US Non-Farm Payrolls unexpectedly contracted by 23K, lowering Federal Reserve rate-hike expectations and lifting equity markets. Concurrently, resilient Canadian labour market data and robust Chinese artificial intelligence exports highlighted selective economic stability.

Daily discussion thread for July 15, 2026

Middle East tensions remained elevated, supporting crude oil prices despite limited overall gains. Concurrently, China’s activity data showed marked improvement, the Bank of Canada held interest rates steady, and a softer US producer price inflation reading eased upward pressure on the US dollar.

Daily discussion thread for July 14, 2026

US inflation cooled more than expected in June, easing immediate Federal Reserve interest rate hike fears and lifting US equities. Meanwhile, robust Chinese trade data supported global growth optimism, while Japan’s industrial production contracted unexpectedly, signalling renewed manufacturing weakness.

Oil jumps as US–Iran tensions re-escalate; Indian inflation accelerates

Oil prices surged after renewed US–Iran tensions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz heightened supply risks. Rising energy costs intensified inflation concerns, while India’s inflation rate exceeded forecasts.

US stocks rebound despite rising Middle East tensions; Chinese inflation slows

US equity markets advanced as a contraction in global oil prices countered geopolitical friction in the Middle East. Concurrently, consumer price inflation in China moderated to a 1.0% annual rate, while US domestic macro data revealed a decline in existing home sales.

Renewed geopolitical tensions put US–Iran ceasefire at risk; Oil moves higher

Renewed friction between the United States and Iran has driven Brent and WTI crude prices sharply higher. Despite an unexpected build in US commercial inventories reported by the EIA, global energy markets remain heavily focused on supply vulnerabilities within the Strait of Hormuz.