Global TradFi & Macroeconomics

On Tuesday (August 18), UK 10-year gilt yields rose 1.5 basis points to 5.075% in late European trading, while two-year yields climbed 0.7 basis points to 4.374%. The 2/10-year yield curve differential widened by 0.893 basis points to +70.105 basis points.

According to Nikkei, Japan is preparing for demands that Donald Trump may raise before the U.S. midterm elections, specifically on defense spending and the yen issue.

WTI crude oil climbed 1.5% intraday on August 18, trading at $85 per barrel.

According to Yonhapinfomax, on August 18 at 8:57 a.m. ET, U.S. 10-year Treasury yields rose 1.30 basis points to 4.738%, extending a three-day rally. The 2-year yield gained 1.60bp to 4.198%, while 30-year yields reached 5.317%, marking their highest level since 2007. The selloff reflects growing c

According to international news reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia and Myanmar are discussing hydrocarbon production. The comments underscore ongoing bilateral engagement between Moscow and Naypyidaw on energy

BioMarin Pharmaceutical (BMRN) shares surged 2.4% intraday today after the biotech company agreed to acquire Alesta Therapeutics for $275 million upfront plus up to $215 million in development and regulatory milestone payments. Wedbush analyst Yun Zhong called the deal "an encouraging signal that management is actively pursuing new growth opportunities," noting that Alesta's oral candidate for hypophosphatasia (HPP) aligns well with BioMarin's focus on metabolic and skeletal diseases.

On August 18, the U.S. 6-week Treasury bill auction settled at a yield of 3.645%, down from 3.67% in the prior auction.

Gold is encountering resistance just above $4400, according to a Kitco Commentary technical analysis published today. The precious metal found minor support at $4320 on Friday of last week, while daily momentum indicators remain stuck in overbought territory and appear to be turning back upward. The

According to Fonterra, on August 18, the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) index rose 2.3%, with milk powder futures contracts averaging $3,873 per ton at FAS (Free Alongside Ship) valuation. Wholesale milk powder prices increased 3% to $3,591 per ton.

European equity indices declined today (August 18). Germany's DAX 30 index fell 0.81% to close at 26,124 points. France's CAC index dropped 0.73%, while Italy's FTSE MIB fell 0.94%. The UK's FTSE 100 index was the sole gainer,

Europe's major stock indices closed lower today. The STOXX 600 fell 0.65% to 652.13 points, the Stoxx Europe 50 declined 0.96% to 6,468.00 points, and the FTSE Eurotop 300 dropped 0.65% to 2,607.03 points.

According to Wall Street Journal analysis of regulatory filings, nine major technology companies—Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, Nvidia, Broadcom, SpaceX, and AMD—have approximately $3 trillion in off-balance-sheet AI-related commitments as of June. These undisclosed commitments far

According to a Bank of America survey, global fund managers have increased equity allocation to the highest level in nearly five years. The latest BofA strategist team survey shows that 56% of fund managers are in net overweight positions on stocks, the highest share since November 2021. Cash alloca

U.S. crude oil futures rose over $1 intraday on August 18 as hopes for a U.S.-Iran peace agreement weakened.

According to Bank of America strategists led by Michael Hartnett, the political outcome of November's U.S. midterm elections could significantly impact stock markets. The team warned that if Republicans perform strongly, stocks will surge. However, if Democrats simultaneously control the Senate

Metaplanet, a Tokyo-listed firm and one of the world's largest corporate Bitcoin holders, agreed to contribute 2,100 BTC (approximately $132.1 million) plus $2.5 million in cash to Nasdaq-listed Super League Enterprise in exchange for stock, preferred shares and warrants, with the deal announced

Metaplanet, Japan's third-largest corporate Bitcoin holder, contributed 2,100 BTC (approximately $132.1 million) plus $2.5 million in cash to Super League Enterprise on Tuesday in exchange for stock, preferred shares and warrants. Super League will be renamed Superplanet, Inc. and trade under

According to the Wall Street Journal, private equity firm KKR has proposed acquiring UGI Corp. for $42.50 per share.

According to BlockBeats, U.S. storage chip stocks fell further at the open on August 18, with Sandisk and Seagate leading declines. Sandisk dropped 9.18%, Seagate fell 9.08%, SK Hynix declined 8.44%, Western Digital fell 8.21%, and Micron Technology dropped 7.62%.

According to BitcoinTreasuries.NET, Royal Bank of Canada recently increased its holdings in MSTR (MicroStrategy) by 46,001 shares, worth approximately $4.45 million. The bank's total position now stands at 385,002 shares, valued at around $37.2 million, representing a 13.5% increase in its