Market Snapshot

Global markets opened the week mixed on Monday, 24 August 2026: US equities gained on strong PMI data, European indices rebounded, while Asian markets were cautious amid rising bond yields and oil price volatility. Brent crude is trading at about $94.39 per barrel, while gold surged above $2,400/oz, supporting emerging market sentiment.

📈 Equity Markets

• United States:
  • Dow Jones: 53,277 (+0.98%)
  • S&P 500: 7,674 (+0.43%)
  • Nasdaq: 26,180 (+0.43%)
  • Gains supported by strong composite PMI (56.0, fastest pace since April 2022).
• Europe:
  • Euro STOXX 50: 6,458 (+0.60%)
  • STOXX Europe 600: 653 (+0.50%)
  • Banking and luxury stocks led the rebound, though weekly performance remained negative.
• Asia:
  • Nikkei 225: 66,016 (-0.30%)
  • Hang Seng: 26,009 (+1.21%)
  • Shanghai Composite: 3,905 (+0.04%)
  • Sentiment weighed by higher bond yields and oil prices.
• India:
  • Sensex: 77,629 (+0.25%)
  • Nifty 50: 24,285 (+0.20%)
  • Experts warn of volatility due to rising oil prices and IPO-driven liquidity pressures.

💱 Currencies & Bonds

• US Dollar Index (DXY): 98.80 (-0.2%)
• EUR/USD: 1.1679
• GBP/USD: 1.3644
• USD/JPY: 158.95
• AUD/USD: 0.7171 (+0.8%)
• US Treasury yields: 2Y at 4.24% (+5bps), 10Y at 4.73% (+3bps).

🛢 Commodities

• Oil:
  • Brent: $94.39 (+0.7%)
  • WTI: $87.06 (-0.9%)
  • Prices volatile as markets await US sanctions details on Iran.
• Gold: $2,400+/oz (strong rally supporting EM sentiment).
• Copper: $8,624/MT (+2.39%)
• Aluminium: $2,215/MT (+1.28%)

🌍 Geopolitical & Macro Drivers

• US Federal Reserve: Chair Kevin Warsh expected to speak at Jackson Hole later this week; markets cautious about rate guidance.
• Iran Sanctions: Anticipated US measures keeping oil and bond markets volatile.
• India: IPO boom draining liquidity from secondary markets, raising volatility risks.

📊 Snapshot for South Africa

• JSE All Share Index: Supported by gold rally and weaker USD, emerging market sentiment improved.
• Rand (ZAR/USD): Benefiting from softer dollar, though volatility remains tied to global bond yields and oil prices.