Global Markets Tumble as Middle East Tensions Ignite Oil Prices, Bond Yields Soar
02 September 2026 · Morning
Global markets faced a sharp downturn as renewed US airstrikes on Iranian targets sent oil prices surging, reigniting inflation fears.
WTI crude jumped 5.20% to $90.22, its highest in a month, triggering a widespread sell-off in sovereign bonds.
US 10-year Treasury yields climbed to 4.796%, a level not seen since January 2025, while major equity indices in New York and Europe closed at one-month lows.
The dollar strengthened amid safe-haven demand, but gold surprisingly fell, reflecting the complex interplay of geopolitical risk and monetary policy expectations.
European nations face widening fiscal deficits, with Finland and Italy reporting significant increases, signaling reduced financial flexibility across the continent.
Global Markets
Detail
S&P 500
Closed at 7,631.47 on September 1st.
-0.71%
Nasdaq
Closed at 26,099.76 on September 1st.
-1.03%
STOXX 600
Closed at 647.47 on September 1st.
-0.56%
Nikkei 225
Closed at 66,215.12 on September 1st.
-0.15%
CSI 300
Closed at 4,611.44 on September 1st.
-0.30%
KOSPI
Closed at 6,835.80 on September 1st.
+0.23%
Hang Seng
Closed at 25,329.73 on September 1st.
-0.93%
Dollar Index (DXY)
Reached 99.68 on September 1st.
+0.26%
USD/JPY
Traded at 160.15 on September 2nd.
-0.01%
EUR/USD
Traded at 1.16 on September 2nd.
-0.04%
USD/KRW
Traded at 1,374.31 on September 1st.
+0.55%
USD/CNY
Traded at 6.72 on September 1st.
+0.01%
US 10-year
Yield reached 4.796% on September 1st.
+4.2bp
US 2-year
Yield reached 4.400% on September 1st.
+5.4bp
Japan 10-year
Yield reached 3.005% on September 1st.
+6.4bp
Germany 10-year
Yield reached 3.369% on September 1st.
+4.6bp
Korea 10-year
Yield reached 4.371% on September 1st.
+5.8bp
US HY Spread
Reached 263bp on August 31st.
+3.0bp
WTI
Price reached 90.22 on September 1st.
+5.20%
Gold
Price reached 4,328.12 on September 1st.
-2.69%
Copper
Price reached 6.60 on September 1st.
-1.30%
VIX
Index reached 16.33 on September 1st.
+9.38%
US-Iran Military Conflict Escalates, Oil Prices Surge 4%
US forces attacked Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz, responding to attacks on merchant vessels and US bases.
Oil +4%
Global Bond Sell-off Deepens, Japan 10-year Yield Hits 3% for First Time Since 1996
Japan's 10-year government bond yield reached 3.0%, a level not seen in 30 years, while US and European 10-year yields also traded near multi-year highs.
JGB 10Y 3.0%
US August Economic Data Weakens, Manufacturing and Employment Signals Deteriorate
ISM Manufacturing PMI fell to 54.6 (vs. 55.2 expected, 55.6 prior), while S&P Global PMI improved slightly to 53.9 but remained weak.
ISM PMI 54.6
Israel Central Bank Cuts Interest Rates for Third Consecutive Time, Bucking Global Trend
The Bank of Israel lowered its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 3.25%, the lowest since late 2022.
Rate Cut -25bp
Emerging Market Currencies Weaken, Dollar Strengthens on Fed Hike Bets
The Canadian dollar fell 0.4% against the USD to 1.3905, the largest decline among G10 currencies, while the Australian dollar weakened below its 200-hour moving average.
CAD -0.4%
United States
US-Iran Military Conflict Resumes, Oil Prices Surge 5%, Reigniting Global Inflation FearsOil +5%
US military launched unannounced strikes on Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets yesterday afternoon GMT, in response to attacks on merchant shipping and US bases.
President Trump deemed the actions 'justified' and hinted at further attacks, while Iran warned of retaliation against US bases and interests in the region, escalating tensions.
Brent crude rose 5%, pushing overall oil prices up over 4%, leading to a surge in global bond yields and renewed inflation pressures.
US Treasury Yields Reach Highest Since January, Strengthening Expectations for September Fed HikeUS 10Y 4.798%
The 10-year US Treasury yield hit 4.798%, and the 2-year yield reached its highest level since February, reflecting rising oil prices and increased rate hike expectations.
Fed Governor Barr's hawkish remarks at Jackson Hole yesterday fueled expectations for a September rate hike.
The sharp rise in bond yields contributed to a decline in stock markets, highlighting the inverse relationship between rates and equities.
Dollar Strengthens, Yen Weakens Further as US Pressures Bank of Japan for TighteningUSD/JPY 160+
The dollar gained on safe-haven demand and rate hike expectations, while the yen breached 160 per dollar, deepening its depreciation trend.
US Treasury Secretary Bessent directly urged BOJ Governor Ueda to conduct 'sound monetary policy' to curb yen volatility, explicitly linking yen weakness to global inflation.
This intervention is expected to strengthen expectations for a September BOJ rate hike.
US Stock Market Starts September Weakly, All Three Major Indices DeclineS&P 500 -0.71%
The Dow fell 0.79%, S&P 500 declined 0.71%, and Nasdaq dropped 1.03%, impacted by rising oil prices, surging bond yields, and geopolitical risks.
September is historically a weak month for stocks, with deteriorating economic indicators and geopolitical uncertainty contributing to position unwinding pressures.
US Economic Indicators Weaken, High Interest Rates Visible in Construction and Employment SlowdownConstruction -0.5%
Construction spending fell 0.5% in July, near a three-year low, primarily driven by high mortgage rates dampening housing construction.
July JOLTS job openings increased by a modest 89,000, below market expectations, while the August ISM Manufacturing PMI dropped to 54.6 from 55.6 in July.
US Expected to Strengthen Sanctions on Iranian Financial Institutions This Week/NextSanctions Imminent
Treasury Secretary Bessent indicated two new sets of sanctions targeting Iranian banks would be announced sequentially, pursuing an 'economic strangulation' strategy.
Recent military clashes are being used as justification for intensified sanctions, with promises of allied support.
G20 Consultations Face Difficulties, US Insists on Reflecting 'America First' StanceG20 Disagreements
A US Treasury official stated that the G20 joint communiqué reflected 'America First' priorities, complicating international coordination on global imbalances and sovereign debt restructuring.
Bessent criticized China's 'distortive' economic policies, particularly overproduction and exports, revealing a protectionist stance.
US Government Shutdown Averted, Spending Extended Until December 11Shutdown Averted
The House passed a temporary spending bill 370-48, awaiting President Trump's signature (Senate passed it on August 8).
This ensures temporary funding until year-end, postponing full budget negotiations until December.
Palo Alto Networks (PANW)Q4 Beat
Reported Q4 adjusted EPS of $1.02, exceeding consensus of $0.98, with revenue of $3.41 billion, above $3.35 billion estimates.
Next-Generation Security (NGS) ARR grew 63% to $9.10 billion, and the company provided strong FY27 guidance, including $14.1-14.2 billion in revenue.
Acquired Console, an AI-based security automation platform, to enhance AI-driven security workflows.
Apple (AAPL)CEO Change
Tim Cook stepped down as CEO after 15 years, with John Ternus appointed as his successor, amidst challenges in AI competition.
Phil Schiller also departed from his roles overseeing the App Store and product events, signaling a broader management reshuffle.
Presented new evidence in its trade secret lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging access to circuit design diagrams, and requested expedited discovery.
Amazon (AMZN)Lawsuit Filed
Sued by the FTC and 22 state attorneys general over allegations of secretly manipulating ad auction prices, causing its stock to drop 3%.
The company vehemently denies the claims, stating the lawsuit is without merit.
AWS launched a preview of multi-cloud interconnect with Azure, enhancing cloud interoperability.
Nvidia (NVDA)AI Infrastructure
Supporting Anthropic with a $35 billion cloud contract, which includes supplying chips and leasing data center capacity in Texas.
This investment underscores the ongoing robust demand for AI infrastructure.
Micron Technology (MU)Strike Threat
Taiwanese union, representing over two-thirds of Micron's employees, is on the verge of a strike, with over 80% member support.
The union demands a one-time bonus and quarterly bonuses tied to 15% of operating profit, raising concerns about global semiconductor supply chain disruptions.
Taiwan is Micron's largest chip manufacturing base, making potential strike action critical for the company.
Oracle (ORCL)EU Probe
EU antitrust authorities initiated an investigation into Oracle's software licensing practices, suspecting market competition restrictions.
The probe follows a precedent set by SAP, which reached a settlement with the EU in July over similar licensing practices.
Google (GOOGL)AI & Energy
Expected to release its new AI model, Gemini 3.8 Flash, as early as Wednesday.
Signed a power purchase agreement with Fervo Energy for approximately 400 megawatts of carbon-free geothermal power in Utah, with an option to expand to 1 gigawatt by 2030.
EU authorities are investigating Google's AI search opt-out practices for publishers, gathering feedback that could influence the ongoing probe.
Meta Platforms (META)New API
Meta's Superintelligence Labs launched 'Muse Voice Transcribe,' a new voice transcription API.
The API is accessible through Meta Model API, Meta AI for Mac, and Muse Code, with pricing set at $3.00 per 1,000 minutes of audio.
Bank of America (BAC) / Goldman Sachs (GS)Stablecoin Plan
Joined 19 other financial institutions in a plan to launch a dollar-pegged stablecoin by the first half of 2027.
An issuer company is expected to be established this year, with plans to expand to other G7 currencies like the Euro.
GE Aerospace (GE)Defense Contracts
Secured a contract to supply 12 LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine engines for six next-generation destroyers (KDDX) for the Republic of Korea Navy.
Also awarded a separate contract by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to develop a hypersonic flight testbed (HyCAT program).
Caterpillar (CAT)Liquidity Boost
Renewed an $11.5 billion unsecured credit facility, including a $3.5 billion 364-day revolving credit facility, a $3 billion 3-year facility, and a $5 billion 5-year facility.
This move enhances the company's liquidity position, with all facilities currently undrawn.
Boeing (BA)Labor Talks
Contract negotiations with its engineer's union are scheduled to resume on September 8th.
Chevron (CVX) / Exxon Mobil (XOM)Venezuela Expansion
Chevron is nearing a deal to expand its operations in Venezuela, with negotiations for two Orinoco Belt oil fields in the final stages.
Exxon Mobil's potential re-entry into Venezuela after 20 years is being discussed, though not officially confirmed by the company.
Amgen (AMGN)UK Suspension
The UK regulatory authority halted new prescriptions for Amgen's rare disease drug Tavneos due to concerns over the reliability of key clinical trial data.
The agency is considering revoking the drug's marketing authorization, currently sold by CSL Vifor under the name Avacopan Vifor.
Eli Lilly (LLY)M&A Clearance
Received antitrust clearance for its acquisition of AtaiBeckley, with the US waiting period expiring on August 28 and no further inquiries from UK competition authorities.
This resolves most regulatory risks associated with the acquisition.
UnitedHealthcare (UNH)Prior Authorization
Will eliminate prior authorization requirements for a wide range of services, including cardiology, genetic testing, physical therapy, and orthopedics, starting October 1.
A separate program for rural healthcare providers will reduce prior authorization requests by approximately 70% for about 1,400 rural and emergency care hospitals, effective November 1.
Tesla (TSLA)Europe & FSD
Reported mixed new registrations in Europe for August, with Denmark up 104% and France strong, while Norway saw a 79% decline and Sweden a 41.4% drop.
Released safety data showing its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology had 4.1 times fewer crashes than manual driving in Europe, ahead of an EU approval vote.
An Australian court is reviewing access to engineering systems in a class-action lawsuit regarding phantom braking.
NextEra Energy (NEE)Pipeline Stake
Acquired a 49% stake in a $1.2 billion Florida natural gas pipeline project from Chesapeake Utilities' subsidiary, Peninsula Pipeline Holdings.
The project aims to expand natural gas transmission capacity in Southern Florida and address regional supply bottlenecks.
Europe
Leipzig Airport Drone Attack Attributed to Russian State Actors, Germany Retaliates DiplomaticallyGermany Retaliates
The German government concluded that Russian state entities were behind last month's drone attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport.
In retaliation, Germany decided to close the Russian Consulate General in Bonn and the Russian Cultural Center in Berlin.
German authorities view the incident as part of Russia's broader hybrid operations across Europe, with Russia vowing a response and EU member states expressing solidarity with Germany.
Eurozone Inflation Above 3% Fuels Bond Sell-off, Strengthens ECB September Rate Hike ExpectationsSTOXX 600 -0.6%
The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell 0.6% to 647.08, its lowest in over a month.
Germany's 10-year bond yield reached a 15-year high of 3.36%, and the 30-year yield rose to its highest since 2011 at over 3.8%, reflecting a global bond market sell-off.
Markets are now largely pricing in a 25 basis point rate hike by the European Central Bank in September.
Pound Continues to Weaken Despite UK 10-year Gilt Yield Hitting Post-2008 High, London Stocks FallGBP 1.35395
The pound fell to 1.35395, weakening about 1% from late August highs, even as the UK 10-year Gilt yield reached its highest level since the 2008 financial crisis.
The FTSE 250 (mid-cap index) recorded its worst decline since March, and the FTSE 100 hit a two-week low, with banking and housing stocks falling sharply due to surging Gilt yields.
Stronger dollar demand amid global bond sell-offs and safe-haven flows is outweighing the usual currency-strengthening effect of rising rates, with markets having already priced in one 25bp BOE hike by year-end.
Euro Breaches 1.1600 as Hawkish Fed Signals and Rising Oil Prices Strengthen Dollar DemandEUR/USD <1.1600
The EUR/USD exchange rate fell below 1.1600, showing increased bearish signals around the 100-day and 200-day moving average support levels (1.1570-1.1634).
Market discussions suggest further declines to 1.1500 are possible, driven by a combination of hawkish Fed signals, Middle East tensions pushing oil prices higher, and technical weakness.
European Natural Gas Prices Hit Year-to-Date Highs, Raising Concerns for Eurozone Growth OutlookGas Prices High
European natural gas prices reached their highest levels since the beginning of the year.
This surge in energy costs is increasing concerns about the growth prospects for the Eurozone economy.
Bank of England MPC Member Mann Notes Strengthening Economic Growth Signals, Maintains 'Slightly Higher for Longer' Rate StanceBOE Hawkish
Catherine Mann, a member of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee, observed strengthening growth signals in the UK economy since the last meeting, noting stable labor markets and stronger-than-expected inflation.
She reiterated a hawkish stance on monetary policy, stating it's better to keep interest rates 'slightly higher' and adjust if necessary.
Finland's Fiscal Deficit-€12.4B
Finland's ruling coalition set a fiscal deficit target of -€12.4 billion for 2027, a significant increase from the initial 2026 estimate of -€8.7 billion.
The projected deficit for 2026 was also revised upwards to -€13.4 billion, indicating persistent fiscal strains.
Italy's State Budget Deficit-€12.3B
Italy recorded a state budget deficit of -€12.3 billion in August, a sharp rise from approximately €200 million in the same month last year.
This surge signals a broader reduction in fiscal flexibility across Europe.
Germany Warns G20 on Geopolitical RisksRisk Warning
Germany's Finance Minister warned at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Asheville, US, that geopolitical uncertainty is eroding global growth.
He cited the Iran conflict, US tariff disputes, and Chinese competitive distortions as specific examples, urging G20 cooperation to reduce uncertainty.
Eurozone Yields and InflationMulti-Year Highs
Eurozone yields reached new multi-year highs, with inflation data solidifying expectations for a September rate hike.
Markets are reacting to persistent inflationary pressures and the prospect of continued monetary tightening.
STOXX 600 Hits One-Month LowOne-Month Low
Europe's STOXX 600 index fell to a one-month low, as inflation concerns and rising bond yields pressured markets.
UK Gilt Yields Weigh on London MidcapsGilt Yields Up
London midcap stocks led losses as rising UK gilt yields weighed on market performance.
Concerns over UK fiscal health contributed to the downward pressure on sterling and bonds.
Bank of England Sees Stronger GrowthGrowth Signs
A Bank of England policymaker indicated signs of stronger economic growth, suggesting potential resilience in the UK economy.
This outlook contrasts with broader concerns about rising yields and fiscal pressures.
Asia
India Q1 GDP Growth+7.8%
India's Q1 GDP achieved 7.8% growth, primarily driven by a resurgence in private investment.
Private investment increased by 12% year-on-year, more than doubling, signaling a shift in growth momentum from consumption to investment.
India Q1 Current Account Deficit-$4.2B
India's Q1 current account deficit expanded to -$4.2 billion (0.5% of GDP), influenced by rising crude oil prices and a worsening trade balance.
This widened from -$3.4 billion (0.4% of GDP) in the previous year and reversed a $6.5 billion surplus in the preceding quarter.
India Government Borrowing Target₹7.89T
The Indian government set a borrowing target of ₹7.89 trillion for the second half of the fiscal year (October-March).
The annual borrowing was adjusted to ₹16.09 trillion after bond switching, with the second-half target representing approximately 49% of the total.
India Adjusts Windfall Tax on Petroleum ProductsTax Adjustment
India fine-tuned its special additional excise duty on petroleum product exports, effective September 1, to respond to crude oil price volatility.
The tax on diesel increased from ₹24/liter to ₹25/liter, a new tax of ₹1.5/liter was imposed on gasoline, and aviation fuel tax slightly decreased from ₹19.5/liter to ₹19/liter.
India's August Power Demand Surge+11.6%
India's power demand surged by 11.6% in August, with renewable energy generation skyrocketing by 42.1%.
Total electricity production reached 180 billion kWh year-on-year, indicating an expanding share of solar, wind, and small hydro power.
Foreign Equity Inflow into India23-Month High
Foreign investors recorded their highest monthly net purchases of Indian equities in 23 months during August.
This strong inflow, combined with active intervention by the Reserve Bank of India, helped the Indian Rupee reach a two-month high against the dollar.
Latin America
Brazil Q2 GDP Exceeds Expectations+0.5% QoQ
Brazil's Q2 GDP grew by 0.5% quarter-on-quarter and 2.0% year-on-year, surpassing market expectations of +0.4% and +1.8% respectively.
Despite the beat, growth slowed from the previous quarter's 1.1% increase, constrained by reduced household consumption and high interest rates.
Brazil August Manufacturing PMI46.3
Brazil's August Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) registered 46.3, remaining below 50 and signaling a continued deterioration in economic conditions.
This figure reinforces warnings from economists about a broad economic slowdown, prompting the government to lower its annual GDP forecast.
Brazil Central Bank Targets High-Cost CreditCredit Control
Brazil's central bank is moving to curb debt in high-cost credit segments, including credit cards and unsecured consumer loans.
The director of supervision highlighted these areas as primary drivers of the rapid increase in household debt.
Brazil Stocks Rise on Oil StrengthBovespa +1.9%
Brazil's Bovespa index rose by 1.9%, and the MSCI Latin America index gained 0.9%, as strong oil prices boosted Brazilian export companies.
Renewed Middle East conflicts drove oil prices higher, leading to gains in stocks and currencies of oil-exporting nations like Brazil and Colombia.
Chile July Economic Activity Falls-1.5%
Chile's July economic activity index (IMACEC) unexpectedly fell by 1.5% year-on-year, missing market expectations of +0.4%.
This sharp reversal from the previous month's 2.4% expansion was primarily due to a 3.2% decline in industrial production, led by weak copper mining.
Mexico Economic OutlookInflation Trimmed
Private analysts in Mexico lowered their year-end inflation forecasts while raising economic growth projections.
According to the central bank's monthly survey (published September 1), the headline inflation forecast for end-2026 was cut from 4.00% to 3.90%.
Core inflation forecasts also saw a slight reduction from 4.00% to 3.99%, and the GDP growth forecast for 2026 was revised upwards from 1.20% to 1.30%.
Emerging Markets
Senegal Debt Restructuring Agreement$2.2B Program
Senegal reached an agreement with the IMF for a $2.2 billion three-year program, conditional on debt restructuring under an 'enhanced common framework'.
The country's 2031 international bond hit a record low of 50.4 cents per dollar, reflecting market concerns about its debt crisis.
Oil Prices Jump on US-Iran Tensions+5%
Oil prices surged by 5% following direct attacks between the US and Iran, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions.
Iran urged compliance with an interim agreement signed in June, despite threats of further attacks from the Trump administration.
Ukraine Parliament Fails on Tax LawFunding Risk
Ukraine's parliament failed to pass a property tax law, jeopardizing approximately €4 billion in IMF and EU funding.
Prime Minister Koretskyi warned of a roughly $27 billion shortfall in defense spending, creating uncertainty about securing necessary funds.
Nepal Hydropower Capacity Lost to Floods-10% Capacity
Nepal lost 10% of its hydropower capacity due to recent floods, transforming the country from an electricity exporter to an importer.
The extent of infrastructure damage and recovery timelines remain uncertain, exacerbating energy investment risks in the Himalayan region.
South Africa Manufacturing WeaknessPMI 45.8
South Africa's manufacturing sector showed continued weakness, with the August Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) falling to 45.8.
This marks the fourth consecutive month of deterioration (from 46.8 in July), signaling ongoing economic fragility and leading to a slight weakening of the Rand against the dollar.
Ghana COCOBOD Debt Restructuring2026 Deadline
Ghana's COCOBOD completed its domestic debt restructuring obligations for the year with a payment of 2.3 billion Ghanaian cedis ($204.4 million).
Further repayments under the 2023 Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) are scheduled for the next two years.
IAEA on Syria and Iran Nuclear ProbesSyria Resolved
The IAEA confirmed that a bombed site in Syria was a reactor under construction and found approximately 73 tons of uranium.
However, progress on Iran's nuclear inspections remains stalled due to restricted access for inspectors.
The Kremlin suggested a potential trilateral meeting between Putin, Xi, and Trump at the upcoming APEC summit.
Aides stated that all three leaders are expected to attend the summit, with the possibility of such a meeting depending on circumstances.
Czech August Central Government Budget DeficitCZK 1.86T
The Czech central government budget deficit worsened to 1.86 trillion koruna in August, an increase from 1.65 trillion koruna in the same period last year.
Cumulative expenditures for January-August rose by 5.3%, while tax revenues increased by 4.4%.
Zambian President Hichilema ReelectedReelection
Zambian President Hichilema secured reelection amid observations of electoral irregularities and the imprisonment of a key rival, Mundubile, on treason charges.
Despite the irregularities, investors showed little reaction to the election outcome.
Pakistan InflationCPI +11.1%
Pakistan's consumer price index (CPI) rose 11.1% year-on-year in August.
This figure indicates persistent inflationary pressures within the economy.
China
Xi Jinping Visits EgyptState Visit
Chinese President Xi Jinping made his first state visit to Egypt in a decade, against the backdrop of Middle Eastern nations re-evaluating security and economic ties after the Iran conflict.
Chinese companies are investing in Egyptian ports, factories, and renewable energy, with both nations strengthening strategic cooperation through annual military exercises.
Premier Li Welcomes US FirmsEconomic Ties
Premier Li Qiang welcomed US companies to expand their presence in China, signaling a desire to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
He urged for expanded opportunities for US firms in the Chinese market and expressed expectations for concrete actions from the US to address China's concerns.
COSCO Allegedly Used Spy EquipmentIntel Gathering
US officials revealed that Chinese state-owned shipping company COSCO allegedly equipped its vessels with concealed intelligence-gathering equipment.
This equipment reportedly monitored military communications along the coasts of various countries, including the US, and tracked ships and aircraft in Europe, North America, and Asia.
Japan
SoftBank's SB Energy Plans US IPOUS IPO
SoftBank Group's renewable energy unit, SB Energy, is reportedly planning an IPO in the United States.
The move comes amid increasing demand for AI infrastructure, which requires significant energy resources.
Japan's 10-Year JGB YieldYield 3%+
Japan's 10-year government bond yield surpassed 3% for the first time in years.
The Finance Minister affirmed the government's commitment to continuous dialogue with markets at the G20 Finance Ministers' meeting in North Carolina.
The government reiterated its policy stance of achieving strong growth and fiscal sustainability simultaneously.
Companies
SB EnergyIPO Filing
SoftBank-backed SB Energy filed for a US IPO, targeting a valuation exceeding $50 billion.
The company's project backlog stands at $439 billion.
Investment commitments expanded from $215.5 million to $3.21 billion, including a $1.5 billion private placement from Nvidia (NVDA).
Palo Alto Networks (PANW)-5.24%
Reported Q4 adjusted EPS of $1.02 and revenue of $3.41 billion, surpassing analyst consensus of $0.98 EPS and $3.35 billion revenue.
Next-Generation Security (NGS) Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) grew 63% to $9.10 billion, establishing it as a high-margin, high-growth business.
Acquired Console, an AI-based automated security platform, to enable AI-driven security workflows via natural language commands, addressing cybersecurity as a top corporate priority.
Provided FY2027 revenue guidance of $14.1-14.2 billion (projected 30% growth) and adjusted EPS of $4.16-4.19, emphasizing its high-growth trajectory.
Reaffirmed its FY2028 free cash flow margin target of 40%, demonstrating strong cash generation capabilities.
Micron Technology (MU)-2.64%
Faces a strike threat from its Taiwan labor union, representing approximately two-thirds of its Taiwanese employees, with over 80% member support.
The union demands a one-time bonus and quarterly bonuses equivalent to 15% of operating profit.
A strike could disrupt the global semiconductor supply chain, as Taiwan is Micron's largest semiconductor manufacturing base.
The dispute arises from disagreements over worker profit sharing amidst surging AI-driven memory chip demand and rising industry profitability.
Apple (AAPL)+2.61%
Tim Cook concluded his 15-year tenure as CEO, with John Ternus taking over; Cook will transition to Chairman, maintaining relations with policymakers.
Under Cook's leadership, the company's size expanded approximately 3.8 times, from $108 billion to $416 billion in the last fiscal year, building a highly profitable enterprise.
Ternus faces challenges including sluggish sales of the Vision Pro and delays in Siri's overhaul, contributing to Apple's perceived lag in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.
Amgen (AMGN)+1.92%
The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) temporarily suspended Amgen's rare disease drug Tavneos for new patients.
The suspension is due to reliability flaws in key clinical trial data, indicating the drug's therapeutic effects and safety benefits can no longer be proven.
The MHRA plans to initiate procedures to revoke the UK marketing authorization for Tavneos, currently sold as Avacopan Vifor by CSL Vifor.
General Electric (GE)-1.38%
GE Aerospace secured a contract to supply 12 LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine engines for six next-generation destroyers (KDDX) for the Republic of Korea Navy.
GE Aerospace also won a separate contract with the US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to develop a hypersonic flight testbed (HyCAT program).
Oracle (ORCL)-5.23%
EU regulators launched an investigation into Oracle's licensing practices (terms for selling and using software licenses) on suspicion of restricting market competition.
The probe involves gathering information from customers, competitors, and other third parties, following a precedent set by competitor SAP, which settled with the EU in July over similar practices.
Lam Research (LRCX)-3.74%
UBS revised its outlook on Lam Research.
Applied Materials (AMAT)-3.61%
UBS analysts revised their outlook on Applied Materials.
Palantir Technologies (PLTR)-3.47%
Palantir delivered eight Titan Systems, its large-scale data analysis platform, to the US Army.
Tesla (TSLA)-3.22%
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology demonstrated 4.1 times fewer collision incidents compared to manually driven Tesla vehicles, based on operating data from five European countries.
This safety performance was disclosed ahead of a crucial European Union (EU) vote on widespread FSD deployment approval, aiming to strengthen persuasion of regulatory authorities.
Following the Netherlands' provisional approval of FSD in April, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, and Lithuania are also pursuing temporary approvals.
Chevron (CVX)+2.38%
The US Energy Secretary is scheduled to visit Venezuela on September 2nd to sign an agreement with Chevron and announce an expansion of Chevron's Venezuelan operations.
Chevron is nearing a deal to operate two oil fields in Venezuela's Orinoco Belt, a heavy oil-producing region.
The next phase of negotiations with the Venezuelan government is set to resume in mid-September.
Caterpillar (CAT)-2.30%
Caterpillar entered into several unsecured credit facilities on August 27, totaling $11.5 billion in liquidity.
This includes a $3.5 billion 364-day revolving credit facility (expiring August 26, 2027), a $3 billion 3-year facility (expiring August 27, 2029), and a $5 billion 5-year facility (expiring August 27, 2031), all currently undrawn.
Goldman Sachs (GS)-2.28%
Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Deutsche Bank, and 18 other financial institutions are collaborating to establish a dollar-pegged stablecoin issuer this year, with a launch planned for the first half of 2027.
The group of participating institutions has expanded from 10 in October 2025 to 21, with future plans to extend stablecoin offerings to other G7 currencies like the Euro.
UnitedHealth Group (UNH)+1.77%
Implemented a policy to eliminate prior authorization requirements for a broad range of services, including cardiology, genetic testing, physical therapy, and orthopedics, starting October 1.
Aims to eliminate prior authorization for 30% of all medical services by year-end.
A separate program for rural healthcare providers, effective November 1, will reduce prior authorization requests by approximately 70% for about 1,400 rural and emergency care hospitals.
Also aims to accelerate payment speeds for rural hospitals by up to 50% in Q3 and increase the number of eligible groups for its Gold Card program (preferred provider certification) by 80%.
Merck (MRK)+1.42%
The WHO recommended that Merck's ERVEBO vaccine currently be used only within research protocols related to the Bundibugyo virus (BVDV).
Alphabet (GOOGL)-1.28%
EU regulators are consulting publishers on Google's AI search content opt-out proposal, which would allow publishers to refuse inclusion of their articles while maintaining general search rankings.
This feedback could influence the ongoing EU investigation, potentially leading to another substantial fine for Google if competition concerns are not adequately addressed.
Google Pix (AI-powered image generation and editing tool) is set to roll out to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers and most Workspace Business customers in the coming weeks.
Signed a contract with Fervo Energy to supply approximately 400 megawatts of carbon-free power from a geothermal power plant in Utah, with an option to expand the supply to about 1 gigawatt by June 2030.
Microsoft (MSFT)-1.24%
Bank of America Global Research team revised its outlook on Microsoft.
Meta Platforms (META)+1.08%
Meta's Superintelligence Labs, its ultra-intelligence research team, launched a new voice transcription tool called 'Muse Voice Transcribe'.
The tool is accessible through various channels, including Meta Model API, Meta AI for Mac, and Muse Code.
The API pricing structure is $3.00 per 1,000 minutes of audio playback time.
SpaceX (SPCX)-1.02%
SpaceX underwent a restructuring of its data center division's executive management, according to The Information.
NextEra Energy (NEE)+0.72%
Chesapeake Utilities' subsidiary, Peninsula Pipeline Holdings, sold a 49% stake in the $1.2 billion Florida natural gas pipeline project (Florida Energy Pathways) to NextEra Energy.
The project aims to expand natural gas transmission capacity in Southern Florida and alleviate regional supply bottlenecks, as part of utility infrastructure investment to meet growing residential, commercial, and power demands.
Cisco Systems (CSCO)-0.68%
Deutsche Bank initiated new coverage on Cisco.
Bank of America (BAC)+0.08%
Confirmed in an internal memo (reported by Reuters) that its security team is fully engaged in cooperating with police investigations and enhancing office and personnel safety.
Bank of America, along with Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, and 18 other financial institutions, is collaborating to launch a dollar-pegged stablecoin (cryptocurrency) by the first half of 2027, with an issuer firm to be established this year.
The stablecoin collaboration group has expanded from 10 banks in October 2025 to 21, with future plans to extend offerings to G7 currencies like the Euro.
Middle East
Jordan's Aqaba PortCargo +155%
Jordan's Aqaba port emerged as a bypass for Middle East trade following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to US-Iran tensions.
Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was effectively halted after a US-Israel attack on Iran in late February.
Transshipment cargo volume at Aqaba port surged 155% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, driven by diverted goods bound for Iraq, with port operators expecting continued growth.
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