Global markets showed cautious positivity on August 17, led by tech stocks. Concerns arose over falling US retail sales and high oil prices, while the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decisions remain pivotal for economic outlook.
By William Collins, consultant in stock markets – Eurasia Business News, August 17, 2026. Article no 3096
Global markets opened the week with a cautiously positive tone on August 17, as investors positioned for potential gains in technology shares while monitoring higher oil prices, US consumer spending and the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook. Nasdaq futures led the advance, while the Dow Jones futures market edged lower.
Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.40%, while S&P 500 futures rose 0.13%. Dow futures slipped 0.15%, reflecting a more selective market mood at the start of a traditionally quiet summer trading week.
Tech Stocks Lead US Futures Higher
Technology stocks appeared set to outperform after the S&P 500 reached an all-time high last week. The broad US benchmark has been supported by expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged in September, following evidence of slowing inflation and weaker retail spending.
Investors remain focused on artificial-intelligence-related companies, including semiconductor producers, cloud-computing providers, data-centre operators and software businesses. The AI investment theme has helped support major US equity indices despite concerns over high valuations and slowing consumer demand.
The Nasdaq’s relative strength reflected the sensitivity of growth stocks to interest-rate expectations. If the Federal Reserve avoids another rate increase, lower expected borrowing costs and declining yields could support the valuations of companies whose earnings are expected further into the future.
However, the split between Dow and Nasdaq futures showed that investors remain cautious. Traditional industrial, consumer and financial companies face different risks from technology firms, particularly as signs emerge that US household spending may be weakening.
Retail Sales Raise Consumer Concerns
US retail sales fell 0.6% in July, the first monthly decline in nine months. The figure raised concerns that consumers may be becoming more cautious after months of high borrowing costs and persistent pressure on household budgets.
The headline decline was influenced partly by lower gasoline prices and a calendar effect from Amazon moving its Prime Day promotion to June. Nevertheless, the retail report will increase investor scrutiny of earnings and forecasts from major consumer-facing companies.
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This week, Home Depot reports quarterly results on Tuesday. Target, Lowe’s and TJX are due to release earnings on Wednesday, followed by Walmart on Thursday. Their sales figures, inventory trends, price commentary and consumer outlook will provide an important test of whether July’s retail weakness was temporary or the start of a broader slowdown.
Federal Reserve Minutes in Focus
The minutes from the Federal Reserve’s July policy meeting will be released on Wednesday. Investors will analyse the document for clues about the debate among policymakers and the conditions that could prompt a September interest-rate decision.
The minutes may carry particular importance because three members reportedly voted for an interest-rate increase in July. However, the meeting occurred before the most recent CPI, PPI and retail-sales data, meaning the record of the debate may not fully reflect the latest cooling signals from the US economy.
For now, markets appear to see a greater probability that the Fed will hold rates steady. A weaker consumer outlook can reduce inflation pressure, but it also introduces downside risks for earnings and economic growth.
Oil Prices at $89
Oil prices rose as fading expectations of a US-Iran peace breakthrough and slower tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz increased supply concerns. Brent crude futures climbed as much as 1% to $89.40 a barrel before trading near $89.20 at 0229 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 44 cents to $82.83 a barrel.
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The higher oil prices could complicate the inflation outlook if sustained. Energy costs affect transport, manufacturing, household fuel bills and logistics, which can eventually feed into consumer prices.
Gold Price at $ 4,385
Gold traded near $4,385.30 per ounce in early New York dealings, up $9.00, or 0.21%, on the day.
Spot pricing showed a bid of $4,387.20 and an ask of $4,389.20, within a daily range of $4,366.50 to $4,417.30. Gold was up 0.99% over seven days and 31.49% over one year, though it remained down 13.03% over six months.
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© Copyright 2026 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 3096
