ULTRA QUANT · GLOBAL MARKETS ROUNDUP
August 24, 2026
Post-Market Edition
Today’s global markets saw volatility across digital assets and traditional finance, with central bank watchers seeking inflation signals. Institutional shifts in key ETFs and regulatory developments in emerging markets also shaped the landscape.
SOURCE · Investing Nigeria
Bitcoin Dips as Mining Economics Improve
Bitcoin’s price has recently fallen below the $77,000 mark, a move occurring alongside an uptick in mining profitability. This dynamic suggests that as the cryptocurrency’s value rises, the economics for Bitcoin miners become more favorable, potentially influencing supply-side pressures.
SOURCE · Ticker Report
Ieq Capital Initiates Stake in Nasdaq
Ieq Capital LLC has established a new investment in Nasdaq, Inc. during the second quarter. The fund acquired over 129,000 shares, representing a significant valuation, signaling institutional confidence in the exchange operator’s future performance.
SOURCE · The Rio Times
Nigeria Proposes Strict Crypto Exchange Rules
Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission has put forth draft regulations that would require cryptocurrency exchanges to meet a substantial capital threshold of 2 billion naira. Additionally, these exchanges would need to establish their Chief Executive Officers as residents within the country, pending finalization.
“Nothing is in force yet.”
SOURCE · Asianet Newsable
Standard Chartered Affirms Bitcoin Price Target
Standard Chartered’s Geoff Kendrick maintains a bullish outlook on Bitcoin, reaffirming the bank’s long-term price objective of $500,000. This conviction follows adjustments to near-term forecasts, with Kendrick suggesting that Bitcoin has “turned the tide” towards sustained growth.
“bitcoin has ‘turned The tide,”
SOURCE · Watch List News
NewEdge Advisors Trims VanEck Bitcoin ETF Holdings
NewEdge Advisors LLC has significantly reduced its exposure to the VanEck Bitcoin ETF during the first quarter, divesting nearly 60% of its holdings. This move indicates a strategic rebalancing or a shift in short-term sentiment regarding the digital asset ETF.
SOURCE · Markets Daily
Compass Financial Invests in Cybersecurity ETF
Compass Financial Management LLC has made a substantial investment in the First Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF, acquiring shares valued at over $1.3 million. This capital infusion into a cybersecurity-focused fund suggests growing institutional interest in the technology sector.
SOURCE · News 18
India’s Monsoon Shortfall Fuels Inflation Worries
India’s monsoon season is progressing with less rainfall than usual, exacerbating an existing deficit and raising concerns about crop production. The drier conditions are expected to heighten risks of increased food inflation in the coming months.
“drier-than-normal phase”
SOURCE · Perthnow
Australian Inflation Data to Guide RBA
Upcoming inflation data and minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia are anticipated to provide crucial insights into the future direction of interest rates. While July’s inflation is forecast to have eased, recent fuel price increases could potentially reverse this trend.
Curated and rewritten by the UQ AI Engine from third-party reporting — sources linked above.