U.S. stocks closed mixed on Friday, August 15, as investors locked in profits after a strong rally. While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq retreated from record highs, all three major indexes posted a second straight week of gains on hopes the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next month.

Gold prices held steady on Friday, August 15, but still posted a weekly decline as hotter U.S. inflation data dampened expectations for interest rate cuts. Investors are now shifting their focus to the high-stakes summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Intel’s stock jumps 7% following reports that the Trump administration is in talks to acquire a stake in the U.S. chipmaker, aiming to boost domestic high-tech production.

Brent and WTI crude prices climbed over 2% on August 14, reaching their highest levels in a week, as escalating US-Russia tensions over Ukraine and expectations of a Fed rate cut in September supported oil markets.

Gold prices slipped on August 14 as US PPI data beat expectations and jobless claims fell, boosting the US dollar and Treasury yields, while dampening hopes for a large Fed rate cut.

US coffee prices in July 2025 jumped 14.5% year-over-year, while steep tariffs on imports like tea and spices are squeezing small businesses, forcing price hikes or quality compromises.

Global equity markets posted their second straight record-breaking session as investors grew more confident that the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) will move to cut interest rates soon.

US consumer inflation cooled slightly in July, coming in below expectations and fueling market speculation that the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates in the coming months. The slowdown reflects the broader economic impact of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.

Oil prices edged lower on Tuesday, August 12, after the United States and China agreed to extend a freeze on planned tariff increases, while U.S. inflation data for July showed a modest rise.

U.S. stocks surged on Tuesday, August 12, as a softer-than-expected inflation report boosted expectations that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates as early as next month.

With no clear directional movement and a widening spread between domestic and international prices, the gold market is entering a phase of uncertainty. Experts say the most prudent move for investors right now is to stay on the sidelines and observe.

Wall Street kicked off the week with losses on Monday (August 11), as investors turned cautious ahead of critical U.S. inflation reports expected later this week, largely shrugging off positive developments in U.S.-China trade relations.