Business

• Asian stocks, specifically equity-index futures for South Korea and Hong Kong, are expected to open lower on Friday, August 28, while Japanese futures remain flat. • The cautious sentiment follows a rally in US technology stocks driven by a strong outlook from Nvidia. • Investors are bracing for a speech by US Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh at the Jackson Hole symposium, with many anticipating a hawkish tone regarding monetary policy.

• Bank of Thailand Governor Vitai Ratanakorn announced that current restrictions on gold trading are effective and may be tightened further to stabilize the baht. • The current online gold trading limit is set at THB 50 million per person per day, but officials are considering reducing this cap to THB 30 million or less. • These measures are designed to manage the gold-baht link and curb speculative trading that could lead to currency volatility.

• Federal Reserve official Kevin Warsh is preparing to speak at the influential Jackson Hole conference amid rising concerns over inflation. • The event is critical for financial markets as Fed governors typically use the platform to signal future shifts in monetary policy. • Deutsche Bank economists suggest Warsh's address may focus on "big-picture" topics, including the Fed's internal taskforces or the economic implications of AI.

• Medical technology company Renata Medical has closed a $25 million Series D financing round led by ARCHIMED to advance care for children with congenital heart disease. • A new study reveals that Trump-era trade wars resulted in cheaper whiskey across much of the U.S., though prices increased in the production hubs of Kentucky and Tennessee. • Researchers from Rutgers Health report that brands selling intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids are exploiting a lack of social media oversight to target consumers.

• The Trump administration is reportedly considering a new round of sweeping tariffs on semiconductors, sparking concerns among tech companies. • Industry experts warn that these trade barriers could jeopardize United States efforts to maintain global dominance in artificial intelligence. • Market reactions were mixed across Asia, with South Korea's Kospi rising 1.3% and Samsung Electronics shares climbing 3%, while Japan's Nikkei fell 0.2%.

• Several key stocks, including ICICI Prudential AMC, Vedanta, Bharat Electronics (BEL), and PFC, are expected to be in the spotlight on Thursday, August 27. • Other companies likely to see significant market activity include Aye Finance, IRB Infra, Foseco India, and Juniper Green Energy. • These stocks are being monitored by investors as they may react to specific corporate developments, earnings reports, or broader market trends.

• Thailand’s central bank maintained its policy interest rate at 1.00% on Wednesday, a move widely anticipated by economists. • The decision comes as strong investment and technology-related exports provide economic support, offsetting weak household spending and limited lending to small businesses. • This stability reflects a balancing act by the central bank to sustain growth while addressing sluggish domestic demand.

• Forward-looking economic indicators surged in June 2026, despite moderate current activity and ongoing labor-market weaknesses. • The U.S. administration has implemented sanctions against over 70 Iran-related entities as part of an "economic D-Day" strategy. • A significant portion of these targets are based in mainland China or Hong Kong, as China currently purchases approximately 80% of Iranian oil.

• Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) detected and blocked over 75 million cyberattacks across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region during the first half of 2026. • Key threats included 3.4 million backdoor attacks, 2.4 million password stealer attempts, and 250,000 other malicious activities. • These figures highlight an increasingly active and volatile cyberthreat landscape targeting users and infrastructure within the APAC region.

• Asian stock markets are positioned for gains as oil prices continue to decline, providing relief to investors after persistent inflation and high yields pressured risk appetite. • Market attention is heavily focused on upcoming earnings reports from Nvidia, which are expected to serve as a key indicator for the tech sector. • LPL Financial chief economist Jeffrey Roach warns that while employment remains solid, fading expectations for income growth could hinder future consumer spending.

• On August 26, 2026, the Indian stock market showed mixed results with the Sensex remaining flat and the Nifty 50 slipping despite improving global cues. • Market activity focused on the BSE and NSE, reflecting a cautious sentiment among investors regarding current share prices. • A recent acquisition was noted as complementary to business operations, though analysts expect its overall financial impact to remain limited.

• German business sentiment rose more than expected in August, with improvements reported across all economic sectors according to the Ifo survey. • This positive shift follows a 0.3% increase in Germany's GDP during the second quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter. • The rise in sentiment is significant as it signals a broader economic recovery for Europe's largest economy.

Multicultural Business Coalition sues New York City mayor, alleging plan for city-run stores will harm smaller grocersA New York City business group sued mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday over his plan to create five municipally owned grocery stores.The Multicultural Business Coalition, which says it represents hundreds of small supermarkets, filed two lawsuits in New York county supreme court on Monday, arguing that the plan violates the civil rights of smaller, immigrant- and minority-owned businesses. The group argues that smaller stores would be unable to match the discounts offered by the city grocery stores and “therefore, will be put out of business,” according to the lawsuits. Continue reading...

• The United States is considering the imposition of 7.5% tariffs on Chinese imports to combat industrial overcapacity. • This move serves as a strategic step to revive the protectionist trade agenda of the US president ahead of upcoming talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. • The proposed tariffs highlight escalating trade tensions and the US effort to protect domestic industries from an influx of low-cost Chinese goods.

• The HinduBusinessLine has issued a stock recommendation for IndusInd Bank for August 24, 2026. • Analysts highlight that the bank is currently exhibiting a bullish long-term trend, suggesting a strong foundation for growth. • The recommendation is based on technical indicators pointing toward a potential upcoming rally in the stock's price.

• The South Korean Kospi index fell 1.4% as Asian stock markets dipped amid investor caution. • Market volatility is being driven by focus on the artificial intelligence sector and anticipation of the upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve meeting. • Investors are also monitoring a scheduled Monday conference by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding a plan to economically isolate Iran.

• Indian equities are expected to open lower on August 25, 2026, as markets face pressure from geopolitical tensions in West Asia and the upcoming Nifty expiry. • Key global triggers include Brent crude futures hovering around $92 a barrel and a general slip in Asian shares ahead of Nvidia’s earnings report. • Geopolitical instability has intensified following Iran's pledge to retaliate against expanded economic sanctions imposed by the United States.

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the Trump administration is preparing new secondary sanctions targeting Iran. • The proposed measures are designed to block all potential sources of revenue for the Iranian government. • These sanctions threaten to penalize any international entity or individual continuing to do business with Iran.

• Former President Donald Trump has renewed discussions regarding annexation following Canada's decision to withdraw from a previous deal. • Privacy expert Colin Bennett and journalist Marsha Lederman highlight the growing crisis of online monitoring and the shift toward state-led economic planning in advanced economies. • Global stock markets remained muted as investors weighed upcoming corporate earnings reports against the risk of impending U.S. sanctions on Iran.

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the actions of dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, labeling them as misguided. • Key grievances include Fedorov's involvement in protests, calls for new elections, and problematic decisions regarding national defense spending. • Zelenskyy noted that inaccurate information provided by the Defense Ministry caused a diplomatic "awkward encounter" with the United States.

• Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) infused Rs 23,544 crore into Indian equities during August, marking a significant shift in investment trends. • This surge follows four consecutive months of heavy selling and is driven by improving quarterly earnings, a stable rupee, and positive market prospects. • The trend is critical as it signals a return of foreign confidence in the Indian market after a period of sustained capital outflow.

• Jubilant Pharmova Ltd announced that the USFDA has approved commercial batch manufacturing for the first product on Line 3, a new Isolator-based fill-and-finish line. • The approval applies to the Jubilant HollisterStier LLC (JHS) contract manufacturing facility located in Spokane, Washington, US. • This development is significant as it expands the production capabilities of Jubilant's subsidiary network, including Jubilant Pharma Holding Inc. and Jubilant Pharma Limited, Singapore.

• On August 24, 2026, the Indian stock market saw gains, with the Nifty 50 topping 24,300 and the Sensex rising by over 200 points. • Market attention is now focused on the upcoming Jackson Hole symposium, where signals regarding inflation and interest rates will be critical. • Analysts warn that a hawkish message could increase Treasury yields and strengthen the dollar, potentially reducing demand for risk assets like cryptocurrency.

• Thailand is advancing its circular economy goals through a PET bottle recycling partnership between Indorama Ventures, Suntory, and Iwatani. • In a significant retail shift, Japan's Aeon is exiting the Thai market to focus on Vietnam's growing middle class. • These developments highlight Thailand's strategic push toward sustainability while facing increased regional competition in the retail sector.

Review will look at improving system for English and Welsh hospitality venues before next revaluation date in 2029 The government has promised that business rate valuations will be “made fairer” for pubs and hotels in England and Wales, as Andy Burnham faces growing calls to help the UK’s struggling hospitality sector.An independent review for England and Wales will look at improving the system for hospitality venues, which were hit by higher business rate bills this year after the end of pandemic-era relief and when new revaluations took effect. Continue reading...

• Indian equities have significantly underperformed global markets in 2026, recording a 9.1% decline in US dollar terms according to Bank of America data. • This downturn stands in sharp contrast to strong growth observed in the US, Japan, and broader emerging markets during the same period. • The trend highlights a shift in investor sentiment, with capital flows indicating that investors are increasingly favoring other international markets over India.

• Union Bank of India's stock has entered a bullish trend after rallying since early July and surpassing a key resistance barrier at ₹178. • The stock found initial support at ₹154 and is currently trading around ₹183, indicating strong upward momentum. • Analysts suggest the stock is likely to continue rising from its current level or after a potential slight softening back to ₹178.

• Indian businesses are transitioning from AI experimentation to using the technology as a primary engine for growth and global expansion. • A survey of 2,500 industry leaders across 17 global markets reveals that 93% of Indian businesses trust AI with their data, while 87% intend to use it to enter new markets. • This shift is driven by rising investments in AI adoption and a growing focus on workforce readiness to remain competitive internationally.