Bloomberg Television·2026-08-18 06:45Macroeconomic Trends & Bond Markets - Global bond selloffs intensified, with U.S. 30-year Treasury yields climbing to their highest levels since the 2007 financial crisis, driven by surging national debt loads and inflation pressures[1][18] - U.S. fiscal deficit remains severe, with the government continuing to spend over $2 trillion more than its annual revenue[80] - Japan's 10-year bond yield hovered near three-decade highs, driven by local fiscal concerns and anticipated monetary tightening by the Bank of Japan[10] - China's economic indicators missed estimates in July, with industrial production rising just 4.5% year-over-year versus the 5% estimate, and retail sales registering at 6% versus 1.5%[8] Energy Markets & Geopolitics - Brent crude prices remained elevated above $90 per barrel (settling at $91.58) as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East persisted and President Trump declined to extend the expiring U.S. agreement with Iran[17][46] - U.S. and Iranian estimates on oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz diverged significantly, with the U.S. Energy Secretary reporting U.S. military facilitation of 8 to 9 billion barrels per day compared to zero for Iran[16] - Vitol expanded its dominant market position in eastern and southern Africa, accounting for over 40% of diesel shipments to the region in July through exclusive supply deals[64] Corporate & Technology Sector - Anthropic is on track to generate an annualized revenue run rate of more than $65 billion ahead of its anticipated public listing in the fall[26] - Nvidia backstopped the financial buildout for the first phase of an AI infrastructure project with OpenAI, providing a capacity of 4.2 gigawatts (enough to power approximately 6 million homes), with total project capacity potentially reaching 8 gigawatts[30][31] - BHP reported profits up by almost one-third, driven by improved copper and iron prices, with plans to increase copper production by 50% over the next five years[34][37] - Frasers Group acquired Harvey Nichols as part of a broader retail and real estate strategy to push into the higher end of the luxury market[69]