Market Minutes

Read snapshots of the latest market news

Daily discussion thread for August 17, 2026

China’s economic growth slowed in July, as retail sales and industrial output fell short of market estimates. Meanwhile, oil prices rose following stalled US–Iran negotiations and heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Daily discussion thread for August 14, 2026

US retail sales fell by 0.6% and University of Michigan consumer sentiment declined, placing downward pressure on US equities. Meanwhile, Applied Materials surpassed quarterly earnings expectations; however, its shares dropped significantly despite robust annual growth.

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 12, 2026

US headline inflation slowed to 3.4% in July, tempering expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike. Meanwhile, crude oil inventories registered an unexpected surge, and Cisco Systems shares declined post-market despite surpassing quarterly revenue and earnings forecasts.

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 10, 2026

Crude oil prices jumped nearly 5% as Middle East conflicts threatened the Strait of Hormuz, pushing bond yields higher ahead of crucial US inflation data and key corporate earnings reports.

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 August 6, 2026

Oil prices surged following renewed transit conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Washington. Meanwhile, Australia reported an unexpected trade surplus, and Airbnb shares jumped in post-market trading following strong second-quarter earnings.

Daily discussion thread for August 5, 2026

US ADP private employment growth slowed to 44K in July, missing expectations and easing Federal Reserve rate-hike bets. Despite strong second-quarter revenue, SpaceX shares plunged due to high market participants scrutiny.

Daily discussion thread for August 4, 2026

US equities reached new record highs following robust corporate earnings from major corporations. Meanwhile, declining JOLTS job openings signalled a cooling labour market, as investors await the upcoming non-farm payrolls data.