Market news for August 17, 2026: Defying war, tariffs, and AI volatility, emerging markets showed surprising strength. Investor demand for EM debt reached two-decade highs as Asian stocks rose and US dollar weakness dampened expectations for an imminent Federal Reserve rate hike.

Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region.

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War, tariffs, and AI? Emerging markets aren’t flinching

BT Market Focus

War, tariffs, and AI? Emerging markets aren’t flinching