ETFs in Europe Reach Record Assets - Markets Media

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.4% annually in July, a slight decrease from June's 3.5% pace. • Monthly inflation saw a modest increase of 0.1% in July, following an unexpected 0.4% drop in June, with both figures aligning with economist expectations.

• The Indian stock market closed lower on August 17, 2026, with the Sensex dropping 280 points and the Nifty 50 falling 80 points to end at 24,287.65. • IT giants Infosys and HCL Tech were among the top losers of the session, contributing to the overall market decline.

• Executive compensation at India's top listed companies saw a sharp increase during FY26, with 20% of CEOs earning ₹50 crore or more. • HCL Technologies CEO C Vijayakumar became the highest-paid executive with ₹171 crore following a pay revision, followed by L&T's SN Subrahmanyan at ₹120.84 crore.

• Indian equity markets are expected to open lower following negative cues from the GIFT Nifty, following a previous close where the Nifty dropped to 24,287 points. • Analysts predict range-bound trading as investors shift their focus toward global macroeconomic trends and escalating geopolitical tensions.

• European stock markets have declined, moving toward their longest losing streak since 2025. • The downturn is primarily driven by escalating war risks, which are creating instability across regional markets.

• Major European stock indexes closed lower on Monday as investors reacted to escalating military tensions in the Middle East. • Market volatility was driven by reports concerning potential diplomatic or military movements involving Washington and Tehran.

• Indian equities continued their downward trend on Monday, with the Sensex dropping 281 points and the Nifty recording its fifth consecutive session of losses. • Market analysts identify rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and upcoming Federal Reserve meeting minutes as the primary drivers of current volatility.

• JPMorgan Private Bank's global investment strategist, Madison Faller, advises investors to become more selective when choosing European stocks. • The recommendation comes as improving corporate earnings across Europe are increasingly being priced into stock valuations, making them more expensive.

• The UK labour market showed continued loss of momentum in June, characterized by weaker hiring conditions and a cooling in wage growth. • Private-sector wage growth slowed to 2.8%, marking its weakest pace since 2020, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.9%.

• The FTSE 100 saw gains today, driven primarily by a rally in mining stocks and a rebound in oil prices triggered by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. • Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has announced the cancellation of a late-stage lung cancer trial following a significant data setback.

• Japan's economy grew by 0.3% quarter-on-quarter (1.1% annualized) in Q2, missing the consensus estimate of 0.5% and decelerating from Q1's 0.5% growth. • The growth was driven almost entirely by net exports, as exports rose 0.5% while imports contracted by 1.5%.