US gasoline futures fell below $3.20 a gallon to a two-week low as fuel supplies showed signs of recovery.  According to the EIA, US gasoline inventories rose by 3.5 million barrels in the week ending October 9th, marking a second consecutive weekly build and easing concerns over tight supplies. The reading follows the IEA’s announcement that it will complete the release of 100 million barrels of oil agreed in March, amid pressure from US officials to curb high fuel prices. Additionally, Russia reported that the release of its diesel supplies had begun reaching global markets. However, geopolitical risks remain elevated as Russia and Ukraine move further away from a US-backed energy truce. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy ordered continued strikes on Russian refineries, while President Putin downplayed their impact. Attacks on tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz and by the Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia added to concerns over disruptions to global oil flows.

Gasoline Declines to Two-Week Low

Brent crude oil inched up to over $106 per barrel on Thursday, testing one-month highs as markets continued to focus on mounting risks to supply in the Middle East. Repeated strikes on commercial vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz resulted in the sinking of a Singapore-flagged container ship, extending the record-high rates for tankers in the Persian Gulf. The events also dimmed prospects that oil exports from GCC countries could pick up, adding further strain to the global supply backdrop. On top of that, Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure added to export disruptions, with some tankers reportedly avoiding their usual loading areas. Consequently, data from the EIA showed that crude oil stockpiles in the US fell by 8.6 million barrels in the week to October 9th, the sharpest decline since February. In addition, the federal Strategic Petroleum Reserve remained unchanged near its record low.

Brent Tests Highest Level in 1 Month

Crude oil rose further to over $98 per barrel on Thursday, the highest in one month, as markets continued to focus on mounting risks to supply in the Middle East. Repeated strikes on commercial vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz resulted in the sinking of a Singapore-flagged container ship, extending the record-high rates for tankers in the Persian Gulf. The events also dimmed prospects that oil exports from GCC countries could pick up, adding further strain to the global supply backdrop. On top of that, Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure added to export disruptions, with some tankers reportedly avoiding their usual loading areas. Consequently, data from the EIA showed that crude oil stockpiles in the US fell by 8.6 million barrels in the week to October 9th, the sharpest decline since February. In addition, the federal Strategic Petroleum Reserve remained unchanged near its record low.

Crude Oil Rises to 1-Month High

Ecuador’s annual inflation rate rose to 1.34% in September 2026, the first increase in three months, from 1.12% in August in the same year. Food prices fell 0.12%, a much milder deflation than the 1.32% drop in August. Goods inflation accelerated to 1.06% from 0.74%, while services inflation edged up to 1.69% from 1.60%. Fuel prices surged 18.95%, although the increase was slower than August’s 24.64%. Compared to the previous month, the CPI went up 0.3%. Year-to-date inflation reached 1.65%.

Ecuador Inflation Rate Rises in September

TE Crack Spread Index decreased to 59.09 Index Points, the lowest since September 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, TE Crack Spread Index lost 13.83%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 148.78%.

TE Crack Spread Index Hits 5-week Low

The CAC 40 rose 0.8% to close at 7,935 on Thursday, supported by gains in luxury and industrial stocks. Luxury shares rebounded after Chinese trade data showed imports rising 31% year-on-year in September to a record high, suggesting that Chinese consumer demand has not collapsed, contrary to concerns raised by LVMH’s recent results. LVMH rose 2.2%, Hermès gained 3.3%, Kering added 1.3%, and L’Oréal advanced 3.2%. Industrial stocks also gained, with defense contractors leading as the conflict in the Middle East showed no sign of easing. Airbus rose 2.4%, while Thales gained 1.3%. In contrast, Schneider Electric fell 2.4% and STMicroelectronics dropped 3.8%, tracking a selloff in US semiconductor stocks. Financial stocks were mostly lower after French annual inflation rose to 3.4% in September on an EU-harmonized basis, its highest level since January 2024. BNP Paribas fell 0.7%, while Crédit Agricole lost 1%.

CAC 40 Rises on Luxury and Industial Gains

European stocks closed mixed on Thursday, reflecting similar developments in North America, as plunges in AI infrastructure and heavyweight lenders offset strong performances elsewhere. The Euro STOXX 50 fell 0.4% and the STOXX Europe 600 rose 0.3% to 640. Industrial production in the Eurozone unexpectedly fell at a sharp pace in August, injecting fresh concerns that the bloc's economy may start to feel a bigger impact from higher energy prices, interest rates, and cheap Chinese exports that drove major economies to campaign in Brussels for tariffs and quotas. ASML sank 4.2% and Infineon dropped 5.2%, tracking the global chip sector following slower revenue growth from Anthropic. Meanwhile, Nordea tanked 7.8% after a quarter of lower profits drove the bank to pause its share buyback. On the other hand, L'Oreal, SAP, Rheinmetall, and Wolters Kluwer rose by up to 4.5%.

European Stocks Close Mixed

Crude Oil increased to 98.10 USD/Bbl, the highest since September 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Crude Oil lost 4.24%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 72.11%.

Crude Oil Hits 4-week High

The FTSE MIB Index dropped 356 points or 0.72 percent on Thursday to close at 49398 points. Losses were led by Technoprobe (-11.42%), Saipem (-4.34%) and STMicroelectronics (-4.05%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Telecom Italia (1.87%), Leonardo SpA (1.79%) and Ferrari NV (1.71%).

The FTSE MIB Index Closes 0.72% Lower

Frankfurt’s DAX 40 closed 0.3% higher at 25,368 on Thursday, recovering from earlier losses in a choppy trading session. Gains in software, retail and telecom stocks offset declines in technology, banking and industrials. Meanwhile, investors monitored geopolitical developments and the ongoing earnings season ahead of Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s speech on Friday. Recent upside surprises in US inflation have reinforced expectations of a prolonged period of elevated interest rates. Scout24 led gains among stocks, rising more than 7%, followed by Rheinmetall (4.4%), Zalando (3.8%), Fresenius Medical Care (3%), SAP (2.2%), Adidas (2.1%) and Airbus (2.1%). On the downside, Infineon shares dropped over 5%, reflecting the general weakness in the tech sector. Shares of energy technology company Siemens Energy declined by 2.1%.

DAX Closes Slightly Higher

The DAX Index went up by 84 points or 0.33 percent on Thursday to close at 25383 points. The rise was led by Rheinmetall (3.87%), Zalando (3.63%) and Scout24 (2.98%). On the downside, the weakerst performers were Infineon (-5.53%), Hochtief (-2.51%) and Siemens Energy (-2.16%).

The DAX Index Closes 0.33% Higher

The CAC 40 Index rose 52 points or 0.66 percent on Thursday to close at 7925 points. Leading the gains are Capgemini (3.47%), Hermes International (3.09%) and Publicis (3.05%). Top losers were STMicroelectronics (-4.09%), Schneider Electric (-2.45%) and Credit Agricole (-1.01%).

The CAC 40 Index Closes 0.66% Higher

The US 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.4% as of October 15th, 2026, remaining above 7% and at its highest level since November 2023 and remaning unchanged from the previous week. This marks the eighth consecutive week without a decline. A year ago, the the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.27%. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.71%, down from an over two year high of 6.73% reached last week.

US Mortgage Rates Hold at Highest Since 2023

US crude inventories fell by 8.557 million barrels in the week ended October 9, the most since February and well above market expectations for a 0.3 million-barrel draw. On the other hand, crude stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, delivery hub rose by 1.862 million barrels. Meanwhile, refinery crude runs increased by 0.135 million barrels per day. Gasoline stocks rose by 3.518 million barrels, versus expectations for a 0.5 million-barrel decrease. Distillate stockpiles, which include diesel and heating oil, fell by 2.527 million barrels, above estimates for a 1.6 million-barrel draw. Net US crude imports fell by 0.596 million barrels per day.

US Crude Inventories Fall the Most in 8 Months

The FTSE 100 Index gained 110 points or 1.03 percent on Thursday to close at 10835 points. Gains were led by Experian (5.14%), The Sage Group (4.85%) and BT (4.21%).

The FTSE 100 Index Closes 1.03% Higher

Colombia’s Consumer Confidence Index rose by 0.2 percentage points month-over-month to a balance of 15.7% in September 2026. The modest increase came despite a 3.1 percentage point decline in the Economic Conditions Index, which fell to 1.7%. Consumers’ assessments of their households’ current economic conditions deteriorated to -4.8% from 5.4%. In contrast, their willingness to purchase durable goods improved, rising to 8.1% from 4.2%. The overall index was supported by a 2.5 percentage point increase in the Consumer Expectations Index to 25.1%. Expectations for the general economic outlook improved to 21.3% from 16.7%, while expectations for the country’s future economic conditions also rose to 21.3% from 16.7%. However, consumers’ expectations for their households’ economic outlook weakened, declining to 34.1% from 36.4%.

Colombia Consumer Confidence Edges Up in September

Israel’s annual inflation rate rose to 1.6% in September 2026 from 1.5% in August, remaining comfortably within the central bank’s 1%-3% target range. Price pressures picked up for food, including vegetables (1.6% vs 1%), dwelling maintenance (1.5% vs 1.4%), and education, culture and entertainment (1% vs 0.8%). Meanwhile, deflation deepened for furnishings (-4.3% vs -3.9%) and clothing and footwear (-5.7% vs -5.2%). Inflation was unchanged for housing (3.8%), while it eased for transport and communication (0.4% vs 0.6%) and health (1.3% vs 1.5%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices fell 0.5%, reversing a 0.7% rise in August.

Israel Inflation Rate Edges Up

Brazil’s 10-year government bond yield rose to around 12.94%, up from the two-year low of 12.60% reached on October 5th, as bonds came under pressure amid a narrowing lead for Flávio Bolsonaro over President Lula in runoff polls. Recent surveys reinforced the perception that the incumbent has gained momentum in recent days, prompting investors to reprice risk premiums across the yield curve. Although Flávio Bolsonaro has yet to present detailed policy plans, investors view him as more likely to pursue fiscal reforms, including spending cuts, which are seen as essential to lowering interest rates. Questions also remain about the fiscal discipline of a potential Flávio administration. Political pressure has already prompted the candidate to change his position and support ending the six-days-on, one-day-off work schedule, which the Senate approved yesterday. In addition, the amendment’s approval is also being viewed as a political victory for Lula’s government.

Brazil’s 10-Year Yield Rises on Political Risks

Milan's FTSE MIB fell 0.7% to 49,398 on Thursday, extending losses as heavyweight financial and tech stocks remained under pressure. Chip stocks plunged as signs of persistent inflationary pressures increased expectations of elevated borrowing costs for longer and raised concerns over capital-intensive sectors, particularly the AI buildout. Technoprobe plunged 10.3%, while STMicroelectronics also fell sharply by 3.8% and Prysmian by 3%. Financials also tumbled, as higher borrowing costs weigh on credit demand. UniCredit lost 2.1% while it looks to reduce the risk of its target Commerzbank on €1 billion worth of German mortgages by transferring part of that risk to other investors. Fincantieri fell 1.3% as the firm is in the process of integrating AI in its shipyards. Leonardo rose 1.9% as geopolitical tensions continue to increase. Utilities extended gains while European gas prices declined, led by Snam (1.3%) and Terna (1%).

FTSE MIB Extends Decline

The FTSE 100 climbed 1% to 10,840 on Thursday, its highest level since August 26, as defensive stocks helped London outperform global markets unsettled by concerns over the artificial intelligence sector. Better-than-expected UK economic data also supported sentiment, with GDP expanding 0.1% in August after a 0.4% increase in July, defying forecasts of a contraction. The index’s limited exposure to technology shares provided an additional advantage. Pharmaceutical stocks led the advance, with AstraZeneca gaining more than 3% amid a collaboration with biotech startup Insitro to develop treatments for liver and heart diseases. GSK rose nearly 3%, while Unilever added over 1.5% and British American Tobacco advanced more than 2%. Mining shares moved in the opposite direction, with Antofagasta falling 3.8% after missing third-quarter copper production estimates and cutting its 2027 outlook, while Rio Tinto lost 1.7% and Anglo American also declined.

FTSE 100 Rises to 7-Week High

The Brazilian real weakened to near 5.05 per USD from the near five-month high of 4.98 touched October 5th, as investors reconsidered the likelihood that fiscally conservative candidate Flavio Bolsonaro will win Presidential runoffs later this month. New polls showed Bolsonaro's lead over President Lula narrowing. Brazilian assets had rallied last week after the senator unexpectedly finished ahead of Lula in the first round. Although Bolsonaro has yet to present detailed policy plans, investors view him as more likely to pursue fiscal reforms, including spending cuts, which are seen as essential to lowering interest rates. Questions also remain about the fiscal discipline of a potential Flávio administration. Political pressure has already prompted the candidate to change his position and support ending the six-days-on, one-day-off work schedule, which the Senate approved yesterday.

Brazilian Real Retreats Amid Political Risks

The Canadian dollar strengthened past C$1.42 per US dollar, rebounding from an 18-month low of 1.428 on October 12th amid a broad decline for the greenback and hawkish bets for the bank of Canada. Strong Canadian manufacturing sales boosted expectations of a Bank of Canada rate hike at its next meeting, with a majority of the market positioned for the central bank's first hike this cycle. Manufacturing sales rose 1.5% month-over-month to C$79.9 billion in August 2026, beating expectations for a 1.1% increase and marking the sharpest rise since April. However, the upbeat data contrasted with signs of a cooling economy, as employment fell by 68,300, far below expectations for a 7,000 increase, pointing to a weaker start to the third quarter. Uncertainty over US-Canada trade relations also persisted.

Canadian Dollar Rises on US Dollar Weakness

Wheat rose above $6.75 a bushel, rebounding from an over two-month low of $6.69 on October 13 as traders assessed escalating security risks around Black Sea shipping. Concerns intensified after Russian drones reportedly struck two chemical tankers in Romanian territorial waters, raising fears of further disruption to a key grain-export corridor. Geopolitical tensions also deepened as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ended a three-day pause on attacks against Russian oil refineries, citing continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and uncertainty over US support. The decision followed growing friction with President Donald Trump over Washington’s proposed easing of restrictions on Russian diesel sales and reported limitations on Ukraine’s use of Starshield satellite services. However, increased Russian wheat shipments through alternative Baltic routes have helped ease some supply concerns.

Wheat Rebounds from 2-Month Low

Peru’s economy expanded by 3.23% year-on-year in August 2026, slowing from 3.56% growth in July. Fishing activity continued to contract, although at a slower pace of 17.33%, as warmer sea surface temperatures associated with the El Niño phenomenon pushed fish into deeper waters. Mining and hydrocarbons also declined, contracting by 5.53%. In contrast, all other sectors recorded growth, led by construction, which surged by 10.34%. Among the sectors making notable contributions to overall economic growth were manufacturing (4.18%), commerce (6.89%), agriculture (3.37%), transport (2.56%), utilities (6.61%), business services (3.91%), and public administration and defense (3.06%). Cumulatively, the economy grew by 3.14% year-on-year in the first eight months of 2026. Over the twelve months through August, economic activity increased by 3.31% compared with the corresponding period a year earlier.

Peru's Economic Growth Slows

Belgium’s trade surplus narrowed to EUR 816.6 million in August 2026, from EUR 1,272.2 million in the same month a year earlier. Exports rose 14.9% to EUR 43,989.3 million, supported by higher shipments to EU member states (15.8%) and non-EU countries (12.8%). Meanwhile, imports increased 16.6% to EUR 43,172.7 million, as purchases from EU member states went up 19.5% and those from non-EU countries rose 12.4%. For the first eight months of the year, the trade surplus widened sharply to EUR 26,266.1 million, compared with EUR 15,565.9 million in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Belgium Trade Surplus Narrows in August

Rice futures traded above $17 per hundredweight, staying close to their highest level since July 2024, amid mounting supply cooncerns.Global rice prices are facing upward pressure as adverse weather threatens production and disrupts supply chains across major Asian exporters. In India, rice output is forecast to decline by 7 million tonnes to 147 million tonnes in the 2026/27 marketing year following the weakest monsoon in nearly two decades. The projected reduction is significant for global markets, as India accounts for more than 40% of worldwide rice exports. Meanwhile, flooding in Thailand has disrupted rice transportation and raised concerns over planting delays and potential crop losses. Higher freight costs are adding to trade uncertainties, although ample inventories could help cushion the impact of lower production. The outlook for prices will depend on the extent of crop losses, export availability and the ability of major suppliers to meet international demand.

Rice Futures Hover at 2024-Highs

Canada’s 10-year government bond yield fell to around 3.80% in October, its lowest level in five weeks, tracking a decline in global yields as a selloff in technology and AI stocks drove investors toward safe-haven government bonds. Concerns about the sustainability of AI spending in a high-interest-rate environment fueled a broader flight to safety. However, strong Canadian manufacturing sales boosted expectations of a Bank of Canada rate hike at its next meeting, with markets pricing in a 69.7% probability of an increase. Canadian manufacturing sales rose 1.5% month-over-month to C$79.9 billion in August 2026, beating expectations for a 1.1% increase and marking the sharpest rise since April. The upbeat data contrasted with recent signs of a cooling economy. Employment fell by 68,300, far below expectations for a 7,000 increase, pointing to a weaker start to the third quarter.

Canada 10-Year Yield Hits Five-Week Low

The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, slumped about 4.6% to its lowest since june 30 at 2,545 points on Thursday, marking the ninth consecutive session of declines. Downward pressure conti ued to come from larger vessel segments. The capesize index, which typically transports 150,000-ton cargoes, including iron ore and coal, plunged 8.5% to its lowest since early April at 3.322 points; and the panamax index, which usually carries 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, slumped by 2.2% to 2,356 points. Among smaller vessels, the supramax index rose by 0.6% to 1,856 points.

Baltic Dry Index Extends Slide

US natural gas prices climbed to around $3.26 per million British thermal units, approaching a three-week high after government data showed a smaller-than-expected increase in storage. The EIA reported an injection of 67 billion cubic feet for the week ending October 9, below forecasts of 76 bcf and the five-year average of 90 bcf. Total inventories reached 3.567 trillion cubic feet, leaving stocks 3.9% below year-earlier levels but 1.3% above the seasonal norm. Supply constraints have also supported prices, with Lower 48 production averaging 110.8 billion cubic feet per day so far in October, down from record levels of 113.3 bcfd in August and September. Hurricane-related shutdowns, force majeure events and pipeline disruptions contributed to the decline. However, forecasts for milder-than-usual weather through October 29 could restrain heating and cooling demand. Meanwhile, average feedgas deliveries to major US LNG export terminals slipped to 17.5 bcfd from 17.9 bcfd in September.

US Natgas Prices Rise After EIA Data

US natural gas inventories increased by 67 billion cubic feet in the week ending October 9, falling short of market expectations for a 76 bcf build and marking a slowdown from the previous week’s 85 bcf injection. The latest addition was also smaller than the 80 bcf recorded during the same period last year and the five-year seasonal average of 90 bcf. Despite the below-forecast increase, total gas in storage rose to 3.567 trillion cubic feet. Inventories were 3.9% lower than a year earlier but remained 1.3% above the average for this time of year over the 2021–2025 period.

US Natural Gas Stocks Rise Less Than Expected

The annual inflation rate in the Dominican Republic edged slightly down to 5.12% in September 2026, but remained largely unchanged from the 5.13% reading in August.Inflation eased for food (5.59% vs. 5.9%), education (6.63% vs. 7.08%), and restaurants and hotels (7.66% vs. 7.96%). Price declines deepened for clothing and footwear (-1.38% vs. -1.08%) and communications (-2.36% vs. -1.76%), while inflation in housing and utilities remained broadly stable at 1.78%. In contrast, transport inflation accelerated to 8.19% from 7.36% in the previous month. Core inflation also moderated for a second consecutive month, easing to 4.61% from 4.76%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.33%, down slightly from a 0.38% increase in August.

Dominican Republic Inflation Rate Inches Lower

The S&P/TSX Composite Index edged lower toward 35,500 on Thursday, weighed down by losses in the banking and tech sectors. Major banks declined amid volatile oil prices, as persistent concerns about energy-driven inflation continued to pressure credit-sensitive stocks. TD Bank, National Bank and BMO each fell 0.5%. In the technology sector, Celestica extended its losses, plunging more than 7% as the selloff in Wall Street chipmakers continued, while Shopify fell nearly 1.5%. Energy producers also retreated as oil prices fluctuated, with Cenovus shedding 1% and other major energy stocks edging lower. Energy infrastructure stocks weakened as well, with Enbridge falling more than 1%In contrast, rising gold and silver prices supported mining shares, with Agnico Eagle gaining more than 1% and Barrick rising nearly 1%. On the data front, Canadian manufacturing sales rose 1.5% month-over-month in August, beating forecasts for a 1.1% increase, led by gains in the primary metals and chemicals.

TSX Falls as Banks and Tech Stocks Slide

Business inventories in the US rose by 0.4% month-over-month in August 2026, following an upwardly revised 0.9% advance in July and matching market forecasts. Stocks increased at a slower pace at merchant wholesalers (0.5% vs 1.4% in July) and retailers (0.2% vs 0.9%). Manufacturing stockpiles, meanwhile, rose 0.5%, up slightly from 0.4%. On a yearly basis, business inventories grew by 4.6%.

US Business Inventory Growth Slows

IT40 decreased to 49068.00 Index Points, the lowest since May 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Italy Stock Market Index (IT40) lost 5.5%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 15.9%.

Stocks in Italy Hit 21-week Low

The annual inflation rate in Nigeria fell further to 14.63% in September 2026 from 15.39% in August, reaching the lowest level since October 2020. This marked the fourth consecutive month of slowing price growth, helped by the relative stability of the naira currency. Prices slowed down for several categories, including education (9.77% vs 10.72%); health (10.95% vs 12.80%); recreation & culture (3.98% vs 4.59%); information & communication (4.6% vs 5%); furnishings & household equipent (3.62% vs 7.66%) and housing & utilities (15.98% vs 16.94%). Food inflation, the largest component of the inflation basket, remained stubbornly high at 19.59%, little changed from 19.57% in August. Meanwhile, the core inflation rate, which strips out the volatile prices of agricultural produce and energy, also moderated for the fourth month to the lowest since January 2021 at 12.95%, down from August's 13.29%. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.06%, after a 0.71% increase in the prior month.

Nigeria Inflation Rate Hits 2020-Lows

The Dow Jones Index is picking up 216 points or 0.42 percent on Thursday. Gains are led by Walmart (4.01%), Nike (3.85%) and Sherwin-Williams (3.62%). Biggest losers are Caterpillar (-4.72%), Nvidia (-3.26%) and Amazon (-1.65%).

The Dow Jones Index Opens 0.42% Higher

The Ibovespa fell over 1% to around 204,000 on Thursday following weaker-than-expected retail sales data. Brazilian retail sales volume rose 0.1% month-over-month in August, missing forecasts for a 0.7% increase and adding to signs of a gradual slowdown in economic activity. Services and industry point in the same direction, with services volume falling 0.1% and industrial production declining 0.6%. The weakness is most pronounced in sectors sensitive to credit and financial conditions, including furniture, household appliances, vehicles and construction materials. Among major retailers, Magazine Luiza led losses, falling 5%, while other retail stocks declined between 1% and 3.5%. Other credit-sensitive stocks also weakened, with Itaú and Bradesco down about 2%, alongside other major financial shares. Utilities fell as well, with Axia losing nearly 1%. Petrobras and Vale each shed about 1% as oil prices fluctuated and iron ore prices extended their declines.

Brazil Stocks Slide as Retail Sales Disappoint

US equities extended their mixed momentum as pressure on AI infrastructure offset resilience in traditional sectors of the economy. The S&P 500 fell 0.5% and the Nasdaq 100 dropped 1.5%, its sixth decline in seven sessions. Chip producers and AI hyperscalers sank further after Anthropic disclosed third-quarter sales figures that slowed from the pace earlier this year and missed most estimates, reinforcing skepticism that soaring expenditure in the sector may not translate into returns. Micron, Intel, AMD, and Marvell dropped over 6%, while Seagate and Western Digital tumbled 9%. On top of that, hot producer inflation consolidated bets of a Fed hike this year to add stress on datacenter operators that took record-levels of debt to finance capex, with CoreWeave sinking 8% as its bonds declined sharply. Still, the Dow gained 0.6% as a rally in Treasuries exemplified the pivot from speculative companies to established sectors. Walmart added 3% and Eli Lilly gained 2%.

AI Stocks Plunge on Thursday

Silver rose nearly 2% to $56.50 an ounce on Thursday, tracking gains across precious metals as a broader flight to safety amid a global equity sell-off and tech rout supported demand for safe-haven assets. Concerns over the sustainability of AI spending in a high-interest-rate environment, a weaker US dollar, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine also shaped market sentiment. Meanwhile, US producer price data added to signs of mounting inflationary pressures, echoing the CPI report released on Wednesday. Persistent inflation has reinforced expectations that the Fed will keep interest rates elevated for longer, potentially weighing on non-yielding precious metals.

Silver Rises on Thursday

Gold prices rose to around $4,150 an ounce on Thursday, supported by a broader flight to safety amid a global equity sell-off and a tech rout driven by concerns over the sustainability of AI spending in a high-interest-rate environment. A weaker US dollar and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine also supported the precious metal. Meanwhile, US producer price data added to signs of mounting inflationary pressures, echoing the CPI report released on Wednesday. Persistent inflation has reinforced expectations that the Fed will keep interest rates elevated for longer, a headwind for non-yielding gold. Other major central banks, including the ECB, the BoE and the BoJ, are also expected to tighten monetary policy, adding to pressure on bullion.

Gold Gains Nearly 1%

Futures tracking US equities remained mixed as pressure on AI infrastructure offset resilience in traditional economic sectors. The S&P 500 eased 0.4% and the Nasdaq 100 slumped almost 1.4%, its sixth decline in seven sessions. Chip producers and AI hyperscalers sank further after Anthropic disclosed third-quarter sales figures that slowed from the pace earlier this year and missed most estimates, reinforcing skepticism that soaring expenditure in the sector may not translate into returns. Micron, Intel, AMD, and Marvell dropped over 4% premarket, while Seagate and Western Digital tumbled 6%. On top of that, hot producer inflation consolidated bets of a Fed hike this year to add stress on datacenter operators that took record-levels of debt to finance buildouts. Still, the Dow  edged higher as a rally in Treasuries as markets pivoted from speculative assets into lower-risk alternatives. Walmart added 3% and Eli Lilly gained 2%.

Tech Shares Hold Plunge After PPI

The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note fell nearly 13 basis points to 5.05% on Thursday, amid a broad flight to safety as a global equity sell-off and tech rout fueled concerns over the sustainability of AI spending in a high-interest-rate environment. A much hotter-than-expected US PPI report did little to shift expectations that the Fed would keep borrowing costs elevated for longer. US producer prices surged 1.3% month-over-month in September, the largest increase since March 2022 and well above market forecasts of 0.5%. Meanwhile, retail sales rose 0.8%, significantly exceeding expectations of 0.3%.

US 10-Year Treasury Yield Falls

Canada’s wholesale sales fell 1.6% month-over-month to C$91.6 billion in August 2026, slightly exceeding expectations for a 1.5% decline and marking the first decrease since January. Sales fell in five of the seven subsectors surveyed. Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories sales dropped 3.8% to C$15.1 billion, with all three industry groups reporting declines, led by a 4.6% fall in motor vehicle sales. Agricultural supplies recorded the second-largest decrease, with sales plunging 12.4% to C$3.5 billion, partly reflecting lower potash sales. The decline was partly offset by a 1.4% increase in building material and supplies sales to C$14.1 billion, driven by a 3.3% rise in lumber, millwork, hardware and other building supplies. Wholesale sales fell in six provinces, led by Ontario (-1.6%) and Saskatchewan (-8.2%). Despite the monthly decline, sales were up 7.2% year-over-year.

Canada Wholesale Trade Falls in August

GB100 increased to 10821.00 Index Points, the highest since September 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, United Kingdom Stock Market Index (GB100) gained 1.23%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 14.67%.

Stocks in United Kingdom Hit 4-week High

The US dollar fell to 102 on Thursday, retreating from an 18-month high as falling Treasury yields weighed on the currency and Federal Reserve officials tempered expectations of an imminent rate increase. Recent economic figures offered little relief on inflation, with US producer prices rising at their fastest pace in more than four years, strengthening bets on tighter monetary policy. However, comments from Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman and San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly suggested policymakers could wait for additional evidence before deciding on rates at their October 27–28 meeting. Meanwhile, a risk-averse mood supported demand for Treasuries as investors grew concerned about the debt exposure of artificial intelligence companies. Market participants are now looking to further comments from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh for clues on the policy outlook before the central bank’s communications blackout begins on Saturday.

DXY Falls on Thursday

Futures tied to Canada’s stock market edged higher on Thursday, supported by a rebound in precious metals prices and easing global bond yields. Gold and silver prices climbed, lending support to mining shares. Global yields retreated from multi-year highs as a deepening selloff in technology and artificial intelligence stocks drove investors toward safe-haven government bonds. On the data front, Canadian manufacturing sales rose 1.5% month-over-month in August, beating forecasts for a 1.1% increase, led by gains in the primary metals and chemicals subsectors.

TSX Futures Edge Higher on Metals and Bonds Rebound

The number of people claiming unemployment benefits rose by 1,000 to 199,000 in the week ending October 10, 2026, coming in slightly below market expectations of 200,000. Continuing claims, a gauge of ongoing unemployment in the US, fell by 4,000 to 1,710,000, remaining relatively close to the more-than-three-year low reached two weeks prior. Meanwhile, initial claims filed by federal employees, which remain in the spotlight due to the administration's push to shrink the public sector, rose by 68 to 463.

US Initial Jobless Claims Remain Low

Canada’s manufacturing sales rose 1.5% month-over-month to C$79.9 billion in August 2026, beating expectations for a 1.1% increase and marking the sharpest rise since April. Sales increased in 12 of the 21 subsectors surveyed. Primary metal sales climbed 14% to a record C$7.6 billion, driven largely by gains in non-ferrous metal (excluding aluminum) production and processing. Chemical sales rose 4.4% to C$6.2 billion, with basic chemicals contributing the most to the increase. In contrast, transportation equipment sales fell 2.6% to C$12 billion, as motor vehicle sales declined 4% and motor vehicle parts sales dropped 4.2%. Sales increased in six provinces, led by Quebec (4%) and Newfoundland and Labrador (58.5%).

Canada Manufacturing Sales Beat Estimates

The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index fell to 20.9 in October 2026 from 37.8 in September, well below market expectations of 28.4. The latest reading indicated the slowest expansion in manufacturing activity since June. New orders and shipments declined but remained in expansionary territory, while the employment index edged down but continued to signal overall job growth. The prices paid index decreased, while the prices received index rose, although both continued to indicate overall price increases. Looking ahead, firms remained optimistic about the next six months, with 51.4% expecting general business activity to increase. However, most future indicators declined.

Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Activity Slows More than Expected

The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index climbed to 25.5 in October from 7.6 in September, beating forecasts of 10.3 and signalling the strongest improvement in New York manufacturing conditions in nearly five years. New orders increased markedly and shipments grew. Unfilled orders rose, delivery times lengthened substantially, and supply availability worsened further. Inventories increased. Employment continued to rise modestly and the average workweek rose. The pace of input and selling price increases remained elevated. Firms continued to expect conditions to improve in the months ahead, though optimism moderated.

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