15:55 - 14.08.2026

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August 14, Fineko/abc.az. Global stock markets traded near all-time highs, heading for a third consecutive weekly gain driven by cooling U.S. inflation data and robust corporate earnings within the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem.

However, escalating geopolitical friction between the U.S. and Iran, coupled with stalled peace talks, continues to push energy prices higher across global commodities markets.

Key Market Takeaways:

• Global Stocks: The "MSCI All-World" index hovered just below record highs, on track for its third straight weekly gain.

• Crude Oil & Gas: "Brent" crude futures climbed 6% over the week to $87 per barrel. European natural gas contracts gained 10%, while U.S. gas futures rose 3.2%.

• Currencies & Japanese Yen: The yen strengthened against the U.S. dollar to 159.13 following reports that the Bank of Japan could raise interest rates as early as September.

• Gold: Spot gold traded at $4,352 per ounce, holding near two-month highs amid fading expectations of aggressive Federal Reserve rate hikes.