Stock Market Today (Aug. 7, 2026): Nasdaq rises after July jobs report shows unexpected losses - TheStreet

• Declining financing costs are expected to trigger a rebound in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and strengthen IPO markets, creating new fee income opportunities. • Regional banks remain vulnerable after accumulating low-yielding securities during the near-zero interest rate era, which subsequently lost value as rates rose.

• Corporate investment remains strong midway through 2026, though the primary drivers behind these financial decisions are shifting. • There has been a recent uptick in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, supported by renewed board confidence and the reopening of select capital markets for deal financing.

• IBM has underperformed the broader market over the past year, though Wall Street analysts maintain a cautiously optimistic outlook for the stock. • For the fiscal year ending in December, analysts project a 6.5% growth in diluted earnings per share (EPS), reaching $12.34.

• The August 7, 2026, edition of Daily Newswatch provides an overview of corporate developments, privatization proposals, and economic forecasts within the Malaysian and US markets. • Technical analysis for Mah Sing Group Berhad (8583) indicates a bullish trend, with an upward parallel channel and a recent breakout suggesting potential for further gains.

• Asian stock markets closed with mixed results on Friday, August 7, 2026, as investors balanced Middle East geopolitical tensions against strong corporate earnings. • China's SSE Composite and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index recorded gains, driven largely by bargain hunting following recent market declines.

• Thailand’s SET Index closed at 1,612.00 points on August 7, 2026, marking a decrease of 2.64 points or 0.16%. • Total trading value for the session reached THB 63.39 billion, though the market primarily traded sideways within a narrow range.

• The SET Index is currently trading sideways as investors maintain a cautious stance amid a lack of significant new market drivers. • Market participants are closely monitoring geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, specifically focusing on negotiations regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

• European stock markets, including the DAX, CAC, and FTSE 100, are on track for their strongest weekly performance since late June. • Major regional indices have reached fresh record highs, driven by a robust round of corporate earnings that has bolstered investor sentiment.

• The European Central Bank (ECB) is hosting and partnering on several high-level academic conferences and seminars focused on economic policy and financial stability. • Key events include a joint conference with the Journal of Money, Credit and Banking celebrating its 50th anniversary, and a workshop with the Centre for Economic Policy Research on household heterogeneity.

• Major US stock indices rallied today, with the Nasdaq 100 leading gains at +0.89%, followed by the S&P 500 (+0.37%) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (+0.14%). • The surge was triggered by July nonfarm payrolls data showing an unexpected decline in jobs and lower-than-anticipated growth in average hourly earnings.

• Global markets turned cautious as the Dow Jones ended its record streak with a 464-point drop, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed lower due to rising US Treasury yields and weak chip-maker earnings. • Brent crude futures rose above $83 per barrel and US WTI futures climbed to $78.84, driven by renewed geopolitical tensions near the Strait of Hormuz.