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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 17, 2026Miami-Dade

Asian stock markets rise as U.S. investors await retail earnings and Federal Reserve minutes

Asian stock markets mostly increased on Monday following a slight decline in U.S. stocks, as investors prepare for upcoming quarterly earnings reports from major U.S. retailers and the release of Federal Reserve meeting minutes. The market activity follows recent economic data indicating slower U.S. retail spending and mixed economic growth in Japan.

economystock marketinflationinterest ratesoil pricesinternational trade
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Why It Matters

The performance of global stock markets and upcoming U.S. retail reports provide indicators of consumer spending health and potential future adjustments to interest rates by the Federal Reserve.

Key Facts

  • The Nikkei 225 index rose 0.3% to 68,929.33.
  • The Hang Seng index rose 1.6% to 25,521.99.
  • The Shanghai Composite index rose 0.8% to 3,960.19.
  • The S&P/ASX 200 index fell 0.4% to 9,076.90.
  • Japan's economy grew at a 1.1% annual pace in the April-June quarter.
  • Brent crude oil rose 0.1% to $88.62 per barrel.
  • U.S. benchmark crude oil fell 0.3% to $82.19 per barrel.
  • The U.S. dollar fell to 159.09 Japanese yen.
  • The Federal Reserve is scheduled to release minutes from its July meeting on Wednesday.
  • Major U.S. retailers including Home Depot, Target, Lowes, and Walmart are scheduled to report earnings this week.

Who's Mentioned

organizationWalmart“Retailer reporting earnings this week.”organizationLowes“Retailer reporting earnings this week.”otherShanghai Composite“Chinese stock market index.”otherHang Seng“Hong Kong stock market index.”organizationHome Depot“Retailer reporting earnings this week.”organizationFederal Reserve“U.S. central bank responsible for interest rate policy.”organizationTarget“Retailer reporting earnings this week.”otherS&P/ASX 200“Australian stock market index.”otherNikkei 225“Japanese stock market index.”