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.

On August 11, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending a temporary tariff freeze with China by an additional 90 days, in a move aimed at preventing a sharp escalation in trade tensions as American retailers gear up for the year-end shopping season.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on August 10 announced that Washington will no longer use its national budget to fund aid for Ukraine, calling on European allies to bear the cost themselves by purchasing weapons from American manufacturers.

Despite mounting pressure and strong reactions from the international community, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on August 10 announced a new military plan for the Gaza Strip, while outlining his “post-war vision” for the territory.

The decision to host the U.S.–Russia summit in Alaska on August 15 carries not only geographical and historical significance but also underscores the state’s strategic importance in today’s global context. The meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to mark a turning point in efforts to reach a peaceful resolution to the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Ahead of the planned U.S.–Russia summit in Alaska on August 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed a firm stance: “Ukraine will not surrender any land in exchange for peace.”

Global financial markets are showing a remarkable level of “immunity” to the latest tariff measures announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Instead of the panic-driven sell-offs seen in April, investors are now reacting with calm, with several major indexes even posting solid gains.

The U.S. financial market is witnessing a remarkable wave of capital flowing into funds holding high-quality corporate bonds. This trend underscores strong investor confidence, even as indicators point to a cooling economy.

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order to clarify the country’s stance on tariffs for gold bullion, following reports that popular gold bar formats would be subject to import duties.

According to Financial Times, the United States has confirmed it will continue imposing retaliatory tariffs on 1 kg and 100-ounce gold bars imported from Switzerland. This decision is expected to trigger notable disruptions in the global gold market while putting significant pressure on Switzerland’s refining industry — recognized as the world’s largest hub for gold processing.

On August 7, US President Donald Trump officially nominated economist Stephen Miran, Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, to serve on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, replacing Adriana Kugler.

On August 7, French President Emmanuel Macron held an important phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders, reaffirming France’s strong support for Ukraine and calling for a ceasefire. The move is seen as a key diplomatic step aimed at paving the way for peace talks and ensuring security for both Ukraine and the whole of Europe.