ULTRA QUANT · GLOBAL MARKETS ROUNDUP
August 02, 2026
Post-Market Edition
Global markets closed out the week with key inflation signals emerging from India, while institutional investors adjusted their positions in cryptocurrency and equity ETFs. Central banks in emerging markets continued to navigate economic crosscurrents, holding rates steady amidst varying inflationary pressures.
SOURCE · Niftytrader
Indian Firms Signal Price Hikes as Inflation Rebounds
Major Indian consumer goods companies, including HUL and Havells, are signaling further price increases as retail inflation has surpassed the Reserve Bank of India’s target for the first time in 17 months. This trend, driven by elevated crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, coincides with the RBI’s upcoming monetary policy meeting, prompting close observation of potential interest rate adjustments.
“Retail inflation has moved above the RBI’s 4% target.”
SOURCE · The Lincolnian Online
Arete Wealth Boosts Holdings in Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF
Arete Wealth Advisors LLC significantly increased its stake in the Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF during the first quarter, acquiring an additional 15,404 shares. This move brings their total holdings to over 46,000 shares, indicating a bullish sentiment from the advisory firm towards the cryptocurrency-linked ETF.
SOURCE · The Rio Times
Chile Holds Interest Rate Steady Amidst Economic Balancing Act
Chile’s central bank has maintained its benchmark interest rate at 4.5%, marking the fifth consecutive pause. Policymakers are grappling with inflation that remains above their target while simultaneously observing moderating economic growth.
SOURCE · Ticker Report
Bank of America Adjusts Nasdaq Stake
Bank of America Corp DE has reduced its investment in Nasdaq, Inc. by nearly 10% in the first quarter. The financial services provider’s stake in the exchange operator was valued at approximately $665.85 million after selling over 847,000 shares.
SOURCE · Defenseworld Net
Bank of America Sells Cybersecurity ETF Shares
Bank of America Corp DE has trimmed its holdings in the First Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF by 6.5% in the first quarter. The institutional investor sold over one million shares, adjusting its position in the technology-focused ETF.
SOURCE · Americanbankingnews
JPMorgan Equity ETF Stake Grows for Bank of America
Bank of America Corp DE has increased its investment in the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF by 8.9% during the first quarter. The firm acquired over 1.1 million additional shares, boosting its total stake to approximately $770.49 million.
SOURCE · Et Now
Inflation Fears Prompt Indian Consumer Price Hikes
Indian blue-chip companies, including HUL and Asian Paints, are reportedly preparing for additional price increases as escalating costs and Middle East tensions fuel inflation. These moves aim to offset rising expenses and protect profit margins ahead of the crucial festive season.
SOURCE · The Daily Hodl
Strategy Reports Significant Quarterly Loss Amid Bitcoin Decline
Strategy has posted a substantial net loss of $8.22 billion for the second quarter of 2026, primarily attributed to the decline in Bitcoin’s price. Despite the loss, the firm managed to increase its cash reserves to $3.75 billion and expand its Bitcoin holdings.
Curated and rewritten by the UQ AI Engine from third-party reporting — sources linked above.