• Meta shares AI vision, new model: Meta (META) CEO Mark Zuckerberg published a 6,500-word essay outlining his AI vision, including more open-weight models and a $1B fund for data-center communities. Meta also launched Muse Glimmer, a smaller AI model designed for on-device agentic tasks. Sources: WSJ / Reuters.
• Burger King retakes No. 2 spot: RBI-owned (QSR) Burger King has overtaken Wendy’s (WEN) as the second-largest U.S. burger chain by systemwide sales. Burger King’s U.S. same-store sales rose 8.5% in Q2, while Wendy’s fell 7%. Source: CNBC.
• Berkshire puts cash to work: Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) cut cash to $365.5B in Q2 as CEO Greg Abel deployed capital, including $4.5 B of buybacks and a net $20B increase in equities. Operating earnings rose 16% to $12.98B. Source: CNBC.
• J.P. Morgan lifts S&P target: J.P. Morgan (JPM) raised its 2026-end S&P 500 target to 8,000, up from 7,800, citing stronger earnings and AI-driven cloud growth. It also lifted 2026 EPS expectations to $365, implying about 3.1% upside. Source: Reuters.
• Rockstar founder targets Celsius: Rockstar Energy founder Russ Savage disclosed a 4.7% stake in Celsius Holdings (CELH) worth about $300M. He also offered to replace CEO John Fieldly. Source: CNBC.
• Sony and TSMC plan sensor plant: Sony (SONY) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) are in talks to invest ¥1 trillion (USD $6.4B) in a Japanese image-sensor plant targeting AI robots and autonomous vehicles. Source: Bloomberg.
• TSMC sales surge on AI demand: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) reported July sales rose 45% to $14.5B as AI chip demand remained strong. It expects 2026 capex of a record $60–$64B and full-year sales growth above 40%. Source: Bloomberg.
• Kalshi strengthens trade surveillance: Kalshi is partnering with Nasdaq (NDAQ) to deploy its market surveillance platform, enhancing real-time detection of manipulation and insider trading as prediction markets face increased regulatory scrutiny. Source: Reuters.
• OpenAI slows Astra over cyber risks: OpenAI is slowing the development of its upcoming Astra model after tests could not rule out “critical” cyber capabilities. Source: Axios.
• ConocoPhillips CEO inherits Alaska bet: ConocoPhillips (COP) CFO Andy O’Brien will become CEO on Sept. 1, inheriting a plan to add $7B in free cash flow by 2029. Source: Reuters.
• Private credit stress grows: Defaults at funds run by Ares Management (ARES), Blackstone (BX), Blue Owl Capital (OWL), and Golub have hit at least five-year highs. Returns are weakening and watchlists are growing, signaling potential further defaults. Source: WSJ.
• Myspace plots comeback: Myspace’s owners plan another relaunch aimed at users tired of algorithm-driven platforms, but analysts warn it faces tough competition from established platforms. Source: CNBC.

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• Euro-zone growth outlook improves: Economists raised their 2026 euro-zone growth forecast to 0.8%, up from 0.5%, after Q2 GDP rose 0.4%. Improving Middle East sentiment and stronger German growth are supporting the outlook. Source: Bloomberg.
• U.S. container imports stay elevated: U.S. ports handled 2.5M 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in July, the fourth-highest July on record, as shippers rushed goods ahead of tariff changes. Chinese imports hit a one-year high despite trade restrictions. Source: Reuters.
• Oil rises as Hormuz talks stall: Brent crude is climbing to about $84 a barrel as hopes fade for a U.S.-Iran breakthrough on the Strait of Hormuz. Ship traffic remains far below prewar levels. Source: NY Times.
• Germany’s China trade gap widens: Germany’s first-half trade deficit with China widened to about €55B as exports fell over 12% to below €37B while imports rose 8.9% to €91.8, underscoring China’s reduced reliance on German industry. Source: Reuters.

• Ukraine strikes deep inside Russia: A Ukrainian drone attack has killed at least 13 people and injured 39 in Nizhnekamsk, home to a major Russian oil refinery. Source: CNN.
• Netanyahu rejects Gaza peace plan: Israeli PM Netanyahu rejected President Trump’s 15-point Gaza plan, saying Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas fully disarms. Source: NPR.
• Typhoon Dolphin arrives in China: China is evacuating more than 1 million people as Typhoon Dolphin brings severe flooding and transport disruptions, including nearly 1,000 canceled Shanghai flights. Heavy rain and landslide risks are expected through Wednesday. Source: BBC.
• Trump leans on Iran pressure: President Trump signaled the U.S. may rely on economic pressure rather than fresh strikes as Hormuz talks remain stalled. Source: Bloomberg.
• Biden’s cancer has spread: Former President Biden’s prostate cancer has metastasized beyond his bones and is causing severe pain, his son said. Biden, 83, disclosed the cancer diagnosis in 2025. Source: Reuters.
• Europe prepares for total eclipse: Mainland Europe’s first total solar eclipse in nearly 30 years will occur Aug. 12, with totality crossing Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain. Source: NY Times.
• Auto insurers deny more claims: U.S. insurers closed 45% of auto liability and medical claims without payment in 2025, up from 35% in 2016. Source: WSJ.

• Tuesday: Existing Home Sales
• Wednesday: Core Inflation Rate MoM & YoY, Inflation Rate MoM & YoY
• Thursday: PPI MoM
• Friday: Retail Sales MoM, Michigan Consumer Sentiment Prelim.

Vistra (VST) has released its quarterly earnings.

• Revenue of $4.02B (-5.48% YoY) misses by $1.87B.
• EPS of $0.91 (+12.35% YoY) misses by $1.30.
• Financials · As Reported · Metrics · Press Release

PPL Corporation (PPL) has released its quarterly earnings.

• Revenue of $2.11B (+4.25% YoY) misses by $64.65M.
• EPS of $0.33 (+3.13% YoY) misses by $0.03.
• Financials · As Reported · Metrics · Press Release

AECOM (ACM) will report today after close.

• Analysts estimate revenue of $3.91B (-6.47% YoY).
• EPS is estimated to be $1.48 (+10.45% YoY).
• Financials · As Reported · Metrics

Simon Property Group (SPG) will report today after close.

• Analysts estimate revenue of $1.63B (+8.95% YoY).
• EPS is estimated to be $3.18 (+0.95% YoY).
• Financials · As Reported · Metrics

Hims & Hers Health (HIMS) will report today after close.

• Analysts estimate revenue of $722.14M (+32.54% YoY).
• EPS is estimated to be -$0.05.
• Financials · As Reported · Metrics

Smithfield Foods (SFD) will report tomorrow before market open.

• Analysts estimate revenue of $3.65B (-3.69% YoY).
• EPS is estimated to be $0.60 (+9.09% YoY).
• Financials · As Reported · Metrics

DPC Holdings (DPC) will report tomorrow before market open.

• Analysts estimate revenue of $244.18M (n/a YoY).
• EPS is estimated to be $0.04 (n/a YoY).
• Financials · As Reported · Metrics

CAVA Group (CAVA) will report tomorrow after market close.

• Analysts estimate revenue of $358.73M (+28.93% YoY).
• EPS is estimated to be $0.18 (+12.50% YoY).
• Financials · As Reported · Metrics

Sea Limited (SE) will report tomorrow before market open.

• Analysts estimate revenue of $7.14B (+35.72% YoY).
• EPS is estimated to be $0.85 (+30.77% YoY).
• Financials · As Reported · Metrics

Coherent (COHR) will report Wednesday.

• Analysts estimate revenue of $1.98B (+29.68% YoY).
• EPS is estimated to be $1.58 (+58.00% YoY).
• Financials · As Reported · Metrics

Nu Holdings (NU) will report Thursday.

• Analysts estimate revenue of $5.47B (+49.23% YoY).
• EPS is estimated to be $0.19 (+46.15% YoY).
• Financials · As Reported · Metrics

• Estimated Wednesday, Aug. 12: Londian Wason New Energy Tech Inc. (FOIL), a Chinese copper foils producer with $1.56B in TTM revenue and 24.88% revenue growth YoY.