OpenAI Barrels Toward IPO, US Readies Iran Econ Attack | Bloomberg Businessweek Daily 8/14/2026

Market Trends & Stock Performance - S&P 500 Index was on track for a weekly gain of 0.3% despite a 0.2% decline, while the Russell 2000 Index of small-cap shares rose 0.3%[6][7] - U.S. retail sales fell in July by the most in more than a year as consumers pulled back on purchases, with Walmart shares down 0.4% and Target shares down 0.5%[7] - OpenAI was on track to generate annualized revenue of more than $40 billion, roughly doubling its run rate from the end of 2025, with consumer weekly active users pushing above 1 billion[9][11][13] - Sandisk shares surged almost 600% year-to-date, with JPMorgan initiating coverage with an overweight rating and setting a street-high target price of $3,600[82][84] - Reddit shares jumped about 12%, adding nearly $4 billion in market capitalization following the announcement of its addition to the S&P 500 Index[85] Geopolitical & Energy Sector Dynamics - U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans for unprecedented economic isolation measures against Iran combined with a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz[21][22] - Global energy markets faced structural risks and long-term uncertainty as major economies like Japan and India actively pursued alternative routes, pipelines, and supply redundancies to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz[43][50][57][60] - Middle Eastern crude exports to U.S. shores reached an expected 9 million barrels in August amid shifting infrastructure and regional logistics[46]