Stock futures were up Thursday while oil prices and government bond

yields stabilized.

Brent crude edged up to $96 a barrel after President Donald Trump told the press in the Oval Office on Wednesday that the U.S. is ready to launch more strikes at Iran at "any time," but that renewed fighting would not last "too long."

"Until there is a complete stop to attacks from both sides it is hard to see commodity prices pull back in a meaningful way, or bonds stage a long term recovery as central banks will remain wary about inflation risks," XTB said.

In early trading, a decline in oil prices helped push yields lower, as well as signals from a Federal Reserve official that there isn't an urgent need to raise interest rates.

Meanwhile, the yen climbed further against the dollar, bringing its two-day gain to around 2%. Investors were also on alert amid chatter that authorities could again intervene in foreign-exchange markets

Looking ahead, the Institute for Supply Management's August report on business services purchasing managers' index is expected today. Fed governor Christopher Waller is also due to speak at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Stocks to watch

Broadcom was bullish about demand for its custom chips over the next two years; shares slipped premarket.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise's results beat analyst expectations, helped by AI demand. It also lifted its long-term goals; alas, this wasn't enough to boost its shares, which fell around 4% ahead of the bell.

Snowflake reported a narrower quarterly loss, saying AI drove its business. Its stock surged more than 20% ahead of the bell.

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical said a drug in its pipeline failed to meet its primary endpoint in a late-stage trial; its stock plunged about 45% ahead of the bell.

Watch For:

U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims; U.S. International Trade in Goods & Services for July; U.S. Revised Productivity and Costs for 2Q; U.S. ISM Report on Business Services PMI for August; Canada International merchandise trade for July; Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Beth Hammack and Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Austan Goolsbee special remarks at 'Connecting Communities' online event

Today's Top Headlines/Must Reads:

- Why Washington's 'Economic D-Day' Against Iran Faces Steep Odds

- The Hunt for AI-Proof Assets Is Leading Investors to Sports, Casinos and Travel

- Why Trump's Venezuela Oil Grab Is No Quick Fix for Gas Prices

MARKET WRAPS Forex:

The dollar declined, driven by lower oil prices and no urgency by the Fed to raise interest rates.

Bonds:

Treasury yields fell in early trade as oil prices retreated, albeit remaining at elevated levels.

Bond yields have more room to rise due to multiple unresolved issues, conflicts, and no clear resolution timeline anywhere, ​CIFC Asset Management said.

Energy:

In early European trading, Brent crude futures fell 0.7%, while WTI is down 0.7%. Both benchmarks settled higher in the previous trading session, with Brent climbing above $95.

Metals:

Gold prices rose more than 1% after U.S. private payrolls data pointed to slower job growth in August. Prices could still decline, despite their recent bounce, said Tickmill. The precious metal may be weighed down by Fed Chair Warsh's recent hawkish remarks and oil-driven inflation concerns from the renewed U.S.-Iran tensions.

Copper

Copper prices were flat in early European trading, but still above the $14,200-a-metric-ton mark as persistent supply issues continue to provide support. Renewed attacks between the U.S. and Iran raised concerns that high energy prices could hit economic activity and metals demand.

TODAY'S TOP HEADLINES

Ford's $30,000 EV Truck Sets Ambitious Goal: 100,000 Sales in Year One

Ford Motor is setting an ambitious target for its new electric truck that has only been seen by Tesla in the U.S.

The automaker aims to sell more than 100,000 of the trucks in its first year of production, according to people familiar with the matter. The truck, called the Ford Fathom, starts around $30,000 and will go on sale next year. Ford is seeking mainstream sales not seen by its earlier, more expensive electric vehicles.

Uber, Wayve Bring Robotaxis to London

Uber Technologies and British startup Wayve are rolling out their robotaxi service in London, securing a head start in a key battleground for autonomous-vehicle players.

Starting Thursday, passengers using Uber's app in the U.K. capital could be matched with a vehicle outfitted with Wayve's autonomous-driving technology. However, the service will come with a human driver behind the wheel to monitor and take over if needed, as the companies work to secure further regulatory approvals for fully driverless operations.

Impala Platinum Profit Surges on Higher Precious-Metal Prices

Impala Platinum reported surging earnings for its fiscal year, buoyed by higher precious-metal prices and the reversal of prior write-downs at its Rustenburg operations in South Africa.

The South African platinum-mining company, also known as Implats, said Thursday that net profit for the year ended June 30 came to 31.04 billion South African rand ($1.93 billion), up sharply from the 761 million-rand profit it posted for the prior year.

The Hunt for AI-Proof Assets Is Leading Investors to Sports, Casinos and Travel

Venture capital is usually associated with moonshot technology bets. Lately, though, some venture investors have found new, more analog pursuits: sports teams, iconic real estate and even children's toys.

Investors are looking for opportunities insulated from the AI boom, including businesses built around human experiences that ChatGPT can't replace.

Global Bond Markets Take a Breather

U.S. and European government bond yields fell in early European trade, pulling away from multiyear highs following a decline in oil prices and signals from a Federal Reserve official that there isn't an urgent need to raise interest rates.

New York Fed President John Williams told CNBC in an interview on Wednesday that "there's no clear signs right now...whether monetary policy currently is sufficient to make sure we bring inflation back to target in the next year or two, or whether we need to see further action to do that."

Japanese Yen Strengthens Amid Intervention Chatter

The Japanese yen strengthened to a one-month high against the dollar, amid chatter that authorities could again intervene in foreign-exchange markets.

A sharp appreciation of the yen in New York trade on Wednesday sparked some speculation that Japanese authorities checked on currency rates, a move considered to be a sign or warning that they are on the verge of intervention.

Malaysia Central Bank Holds Rates as Growth Stays Firm

KUALA LUMPUR-Malaysia's central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged, as expected, as strong economic growth and mild inflation gave policymakers room to remain on hold.

Bank Negara Malaysia on Thursday held its overnight policy rate at 2.75%, where it has stood since a 25-basis-point cut in July 2025.

The Bond Market Is Changing Fast. Investors Need a New Playbook.

The simple part of your portfolio is getting a lot more complicated.

As interest rates rise, bonds are becoming a drag on investment portfolios. Bond prices move inversely to yields, and yields have been climbing all through this year, leaving many investors with subpar performance or outright losses in their so-called safe investments.There is no quick fix for the problems bedeviling the bond market, whether persistent inflation, rising government debt, or the torrent of issuance by corporate borrowers that threatens to crowd out demand for U.S. Treasuries. Thus, bond investors now need a different and more strategic approach to their bondholdings than they did just a year or two ago.

Hegseth Extends Mideast Deployments Into 2027, Escalating Strain on Troops

When the U.S. launched its campaign against Iran six months ago, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promised a quick, decisive blow that would avoid a long entanglement. Now, he is quietly extending troop deployments in a sign that the conflict could drag well into next year, according to people familiar with the matter.

It is part of an open-ended military strategy designed to give President Trump options in the war, the people said. But the deployment of 19 warships, air-defense units, fighter squadrons and paratroopers across the region is straining servicemembers and their families and creating a maintenance backlog that could take years to unwind, the people said.

Chinese Warships Are Cruising Too Close for Comfort Off Japan's Shores

SETOUCHI, Japan-The Chinese warships that sail close to the Japanese island of Amami-Oshima make Naruhito Kamada nervous.

A stocky former sumo wrestler, the mayor of this small city here worries there might be a collision one day in the narrow channel that connects the East China Sea with the Pacific Ocean.

Tech CEOs, Trump Administration Ask G-20 to Adopt Pro-AI Policies

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.-Tech executives and Trump administration officials urged policymakers from other leading economies to minimize artificial-intelligence regulations, arguing that strict rules could strangle an industry capable of supercharging global growth and curing diseases.

Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang, OpenAI's Sam Altman, Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX were among the speakers at a Group of 20 summit focused on innovation and technology, and they cautioned that aggressive regulations could limit the benefits of AI.

Ted Cruz Is Testing the Waters for a 2028 Run-and Taking Swipes at JD Vance

CLIVE, Iowa-Ted Cruz isn't hiding his presidential ambitions-and he is taking some digs at the presumptive front-runner along the way.

The 2028 contest hasn't started yet, and there is still a midterm election in November. Vice President JD Vance, who is leading in early polls of potential Republican nominees, is campaigning for candidates in tough races and fundraising for the party.

Write to priscila.barrera@wsj.com

TODAY IN CANADA Earnings:

BRP Inc. 2Q Enghouse Systems 3Q VersaBank 3Q

Economic Indicators (ET):

0815 Aug Official International Reserves 0830 Jul International merchandise trade 0830 Q2 Labour productivity, hourly compensation & unit labour cost 0930 Aug Canada Services PMI 1300 Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem unveils new C$20 bank Stocks to Watch:

AutoCanada Expands Edmonton Collision Repair Platform Through the Acquisition of Doug's Place Southgate

Bank of Montreal Toronto Stock Exchange, Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada Approve Previously-Announced Normal Course Issuer Bid; Normal Course Issuer Bid to Purchase Up to 25M of Common Shares

BioRestorative Therapies Announces Reverse Stock Split; Board Approves 1-For-20 Reverse Split Major Drilling 1Q EPS C$0.18; 1Q Rev C$277.3M

Richelieu Hardware Acquired the Hardware Division of The Penrod Co; Penrod Is National U.S. Distributor Specializing in Hardware and Components for Residential and Comml Doors; Acquisition Adds Approximately $70M in Annual Sales

Shell Completes Acquisition Of ARC Resources

Expected Major Events for Thursday 00:30/JPN: Aug Japan Services PMI

06:00/JPN: Jul Revised Machine Tool Orders

06:00/RUS: Aug Russian Services PMI

07:45/ITA: Aug Italy Services PMI

07:50/FRA: Aug France Services PMI

07:55/GER: Aug Germany Services PMI

08:30/UK: Aug UK Official Reserves

08:30/UK: Aug S&P Global UK Services PMI

08:30/UK: Aug Narrow money (Notes & Coin) and reserve balances

08:30/GER: ifo Economic Forecast

09:30/US: Aug Challenger Job-Cut Report

12:15/CAN: Aug Official International Reserves

12:30/CAN: 2Q Labour productivity, hourly compensation & unit labour cost

12:30/CAN: Jul International merchandise trade

12:30/US: Jul U.S. International Trade in Goods & Services

12:30/US: 2Q Revised Productivity and Costs

12:30/US: 08/29 Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report - Initial Claims

12:30/US: U.S. Weekly Export Sales

13:00/RUS: Weekly International Reserves

13:30/CAN: Aug Canada Services PMI

13:45/US: Aug US Services PMI

14:00/US: Aug ISM Report On Business Services PMI

14:30/US: 08/28 EIA Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report

15:00/US: Aug Global Services PMI

16:00/US: Aug Monthly U.S. Retail Chain Store Sales Index

20:30/US: Foreign Central Bank Holdings

20:30/US: Federal Discount Window Borrowings

23:01/UK: Aug BRC-Sensormatic IQ Footfall Monitor

23:30/JPN: Jul Household Spending

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Expected Earnings for Thursday Ambarella Inc $(AMBA)$ is expected to report $-0.35 for 2Q.

America's Car-Mart Inc $(CRMT)$ is expected to report $-0.67 for 1Q.

American Outdoor Brands Inc (AOUT) is expected to report $-0.41 for 1Q.

Asana Inc $(ASAN)$ is expected to report $-0.16 for 2Q.

BRP Inc (DOO.T,DOOO) is expected to report $-0.46 for 2Q.

Brady Corp - A Share (BRC) is expected to report $1.10 for 4Q.

Campbell's Co $(CPB)$ is expected to report $0.37 for 4Q.

Ciena Corp (CIEN) is expected to report $1.27 for 3Q.

Concrete Pumping Holdings Inc (BBCP) is expected to report $0.09 for 3Q.

Docusign Inc (DOCU) is expected to report $0.40 for 2Q.

Domo Inc $(DOMO)$ is expected to report $-0.31 for 2Q.

Duluth Holdings Inc (DLTH) is expected to report $-0.04 for 2Q.

Enghouse Systems Ltd (ENGH.T) is expected to report $0.33 for 3Q.

Genesco Inc $(GCO)$ is expected to report for 2Q.

Guidewire Software Inc (GWRE) is expected to report $0.47 for 4Q.

John Wiley & Sons Inc - A Share $(WLY)$ is expected to report $0.15 for 1Q.

Lands' End Inc (LE) is expected to report $-0.12 for 2Q.

Mama's Creations Inc (MAMA) is expected to report $0.03 for 2Q.

Oxford Industries Inc $(OXM)$ is expected to report $1.35 for 2Q.

Planet Labs PBC (PL) is expected to report $-0.07 for 2Q.

Quanex Building Products Corp (NX) is expected to report $0.51 for 3Q.

Samsara Inc (IOT) is expected to report $0.01 for 2Q.

Seaport Therapeutics Inc (SPTX) is expected to report for 2Q.

Smith & Wesson Brands Inc $(SWBI)$ is expected to report $-0.06 for 1Q.

Toro Co $(TTC)$ is expected to report $1.29 for 3Q.

Torrid Holdings Inc (CURV) is expected to report $-0.01 for 2Q.

UiPath Inc (PATH) is expected to report $0.03 for 2Q.

VersaBank (VBNK.T) is expected to report $0.38 for 3Q.

Victoria's Secret & Co $(VSXY)$ is expected to report $0.79 for 2Q.

Winchester Equity Corp (WEC.V) is expected to report for Interim.

Zscaler Inc (ZS) is expected to report $-0.05 for 4Q.

eGain Corp $(EGAN)$ is expected to report $-0.01 for 4Q.

lululemon athletica inc (LULU) is expected to report $1.80 for 2Q.

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ANALYST RATINGS ACTIONS Alumis Raised to Buy From Neutral by HC Wainwright & Co.

EyePoint Cut to Hold From Buy by TD Cowen

GitLab Raised to Market Perform From Underperform by William Blair

Knife River Cut to Underweight From Neutral by JP Morgan

Martin Marietta Raised to Overweight From Neutral by JP Morgan

Matador Resources Raised to Overweight From Equal-Weight by Wells Fargo

Myriad Genetics Cut to Underweight From Overweight by Piper Sandler

OGE Energy Raised to Outperform From Sector Perform by RBC Capital

Sirius XM Raised to Buy From Hold by Deutsche Bank

SiriusXM Shares Rise on Deutsche Upgrade

Toast Cut to Neutral From Outperform by BNP Paribas

This article is a text version of a Wall Street Journal newsletter published earlier today.