Daily Market Report – August 20, 2026
Markets
Rising capital market interest rates weighed on the stock markets. The S&P 500 (SPX) closed 0.87 percent lower at 7,641 points. The Nasdaq 100 (NDX) lost 0.72 percent to 29,213 points. The Dow Jones (DJI) fell by 1.32 percent to 52,759 points, while the DAX (DAX) closed 0.42 percent lower at 25,983 points. The yield on ten-year US Treasury bonds (US10Y) rose by around 4 basis points to 4.70 percent, after expanded buybacks by the Treasury did not offset the selling pressure on long-term securities. WTI crude oil (CL1!) increased by 2.46 percent to $86.47 per barrel.
Company
Walmart (WMT) fell by 9.15 percent to $103.84 after a disappointing forecast and the weakest revenue growth in six years. Alibaba (BABA) came under pressure after high investments in artificial intelligence had pushed quarterly profit down by more than 75 percent. Broadcom (AVGO) is reportedly negotiating external financing of more than $60 billion for a deal involving AI chips. Nvidia (NVDA) came into focus due to its capital expenditure to tap into new markets for AI computing power.
SK Hynix (000660) rose by 12.73 percent to 1,691,000 Won. Samsung Electronics (005930) gained 9.49 percent to 271,000 Won. Alphabet (GOOGL) came into focus with a chip developed by Waymo for robotaxis. This reduces dependence on external suppliers. Super Micro Computer (SMCI) stated after an independent investigation that today's management was unaware of the alleged diversion of Nvidia chips to China.
Moderna (MRNA) benefited from reports about progress on a personalized mRNA preparation against skin cancer. Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) lost 5.84 percent to $374.48 after data indicated a decline in certain surgeries due to the spread of GLP-1 medications.
Volkswagen (VOW3) suffered from reports about possible EU penalties due to missed fleet emission targets. Commerzbank (CBK) came into focus after the indictment against four former employees in connection with Cum-ex transactions. Holcim (HOLN) reportedly wants to acquire parts of the European business of James Hardie for nearly 840 million euros.
Macroeconomics
According to White House, the US government will reduce tariffs on certain Canadian aluminum exports, thereby limiting cost pressure for American buyers. According to the Bundesbank, the German industry is losing significance as an employment engine. This increases the structural adjustment pressure on the labor market. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced details on Monday regarding further measures for the economic isolation of Iran and its trading partners. This raises risk premiums in the energy market.
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*Created on 08/20/2026 / 16:50 (Europe/Berlin)*