Financial Digest August 26: Easing Inflation Risks, IT Sector Rebound, and Bitcoin at $79,000

Today, August 26, 2026, global markets show moderately positive dynamics. Investors are pricing in hopes for the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil to decline for the third consecutive day, inflation concerns to ease, and bond yields to fall. At the same time, market participants are taking cautious positions ahead of the release of U.S. inflation and GDP data, as well as Nvidia's quarterly report, which will be published after market close.

Stock Markets: Semiconductor Gains in the US and Asia Ahead of Nvidia Report

USA: Indices closed the previous session higher thanks to semiconductors: Nvidia rose 2.2%, Meta about 2%, Micron 2.5%, AMD 4.9%. Moderna jumped 14% on melanoma vaccine data, while Dick’s Sporting Goods plunged 30%. Nasdaq futures are currently down 0.2% awaiting Nvidia’s evening report (analysts expect Q3 revenue growth of 82.8% to $104.2 billion; options imply a ±5.4% move or about $280 billion).

Europe and Asia: STOXX 600 holds near 656.87 (+0.06%). Trading is mixed: luxury goods rose (+1.2%), while IT fell (-1.1%) due to SAP’s plunge (-4.2%). In Asia, most markets are up: Nikkei +0.62%, Hang Seng +0.6%, and Taiwan and South Korea tech sectors gained over 1%.

Commodity Market: Oil Drops to $86 on Iran Negotiation News

Oil: Prices are down more than 2% (Brent $86.3–86.5; WTI $80.2). Market optimism is driven by talks between Iran and Oman on creating a temporary shipping corridor and clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Additional pressure comes from API data showing rising crude inventories in the U.S.

Precious Metals: Gold paused after three days of gains (spot $4,631 / -0.6%), locking in profits ahead of the PCE release. However, demand from central banks and a weak dollar support prices near a three-month high.

Bitcoin Trades at $79,000, Government Bond Yields Decline

Currencies and Debt: The dollar index DXY holds at 98.95 (-1% in August). Yields on 2-year US Treasuries fell to 4.20%, and German bonds to 2.77%, as falling oil prices reduce the risk of a new inflation surge.

Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin consolidates around $79,000 (+1% daily) after a brief spike above $80,000. The market is supported by easing liquidity conditions and expectations of regulatory clarity in the U.S. BTC has gained about 16% over the week.

Key Events of the Day:

Summary: Negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz have brought oil back to $86 and eased inflation fears, giving a boost to stock indices and bonds. However, the key intrigue of the day remains the evening PCE data and Nvidia report, which will determine whether the market rally continues.