Global TradFi & Macroeconomics

According to Goldman Sachs economist Jan Hatzius on August 17, U.S. consumer spending growth is expected to slow to 1–1.5% in the second half of 2026, down from 3.2% in the second quarter, as temporary tax refund boosts fade and real cash flows weaken in the latter half of the year. In Q2,

According to Zhitong Finance, on August 18, the Hong Kong stock market's Hang Seng Index fell 0.65%, or 165 points, to 25,287 points, while the Hang Seng Tech Index declined 1.99%. Morning trading volume reached 136.5 billion Hong Kong dollars. Pork-related stocks led gainers amid recent price

According to BlockBeats, on August 18, UBS cut Marvell Technology (MRVL.O) target price from $340 to $300 while maintaining a Buy rating.

According to Financial Times, Libya is seeking up to $40 billion in funding to develop its oil resources.

U.S. stock futures declined in overnight trading Monday as geopolitical tensions resurfaced following President Donald Trump's threat to bomb Oman if it impedes efforts to end the war against Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Dow futures fell 0.03%, S&P 500 futures dropped 0.25%, and

Japanese life insurers held unrealized losses on government bonds totaling 30.86 trillion yen as of June-end, Nikkei Asia reported August 18. The losses surged 60% year-over-year based on survey responses from 13 of 14 major insurers, exceeding unrealized gains on domestic stocks of 30.03 trillion y

According to Nikkei Asia, major Japanese life insurance companies recorded unrealized losses on Japanese government bonds (JGBs) of 30.86 trillion yen (approximately 272.85 trillion Korean won) as of end-June, surging 60% year-over-year based on data from 13 of 14 surveyed insurers. These losses

U.S. stock index futures traded lower late Monday following renewed geopolitical tensions. President Donald Trump threatened military action against Oman if it impedes efforts to resolve the Iran conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with negotiations expiring without breakthrough on Monday.

According to U.S. Treasury Department data, foreign investors' holdings of U.S. Treasuries fell to $9.299 trillion in June from $9.371 trillion in May, a decline of approximately $72 billion, primarily driven by reduced purchases from Japan, the UK, and China. However, holdings remained up 2.3%

According to ChainCatcher, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) distributed its semi-monthly dividend on $STRC preferred shares at $0.50 per share today (August 18). The next semi-monthly dividend payment is scheduled for August 31. $STRC is a preferred stock offering through which Strategy, a major

The Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Committee faces a crucial decision as its regular meeting approaches approximately one week from the 18th, with the central bank's economic forecast report emerging as a key factor increasing the likelihood of back-to-back interest rate hikes. Market

According to bond market analysts, South Korea's central bank is expected to announce significant upward revisions to growth and current account forecasts in its economic outlook report at the August Monetary Policy Committee meeting, scheduled for next week. Market participants believe the

According to BlockBeats, U.S. hedge funds and sovereign wealth funds significantly adjusted technology stock holdings in the second quarter ended June 30, according to 13F filings disclosed on August 18. SpaceX emerged as the top institutional pick, with all 9 disclosed investors increasing or

According to Morgan Stanley's August 16 report, AI data center power supply has emerged as the new competitive frontier, with gas turbine blade and rotor casting becoming a critical constraint. Only three global foundries can produce large-scale turbine hot-end components, with order backlogs

Taiwan Central Depository Corporation (TCSD) Chairman Lin Binghuih recently led a delegation including Fubon Securities and Sunwan Securities to the United States to visit major institutions including Citibank, NYSE, ICE, Nasdaq, and the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC). The delegation

South Korea's KOSPI stock index reversed early gains to trade lower by 11:31 AM on August 18, falling 28.58 points (0.41%) to 6,949.36 after opening 149.83 points (2.15%) higher at 7,127.77. The reversal occurred as individual investors net sold 690.8 billion won despite foreign investors net

Cerebras Systems' stock jumped 15.1% on Monday before dropping 2% in overnight trading, following a favorable analyst note on the company's deepening integration with OpenAI. Wedbush Securities cited Cerebras' proprietary Wafer-Scale Engine technology powering OpenAI's newly launched GPT-5.6 Sol

According to Wedbush Securities, Cerebras Systems' stock jumped 15.1% on Monday (August 18) after the analyst issued a favorable note on the company's deepening integration with OpenAI. Wedbush flagged the progression as a tailwind for the chipmaker, citing its Wafer-Scale Engine technology

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is seeking public comments on computing power futures contracts. Bloomberg reported on August 18 that the CFTC had sent a draft request for comments to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Once the review is completed, the CFTC will initiate a public comment period typically lasting 30 to 60 days. This regulatory process could affect the product launch timelines of CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). CFTC Request-f

The Nikkei 225 index fell over 2 percent during today's trading session on August 18.