EconomyTechnology Stocks Lift Equities as Mideast Peace Prospects Wane | The Opening Trade, Aug. 17, 2026

Global equities rose after Anthropic’s stellar revenue growth reinforced expectations that heavy artificial-intelligence spending will continue. Fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah flared in Lebanon over the weekend, further undermining efforts to end parallel Middle East wars that have lasted nearly six months and disrupted markets.