New York Open Briefing: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
The New York session opens with mixed sentiment across global markets. Japan’s JP225 gained 0.65% and the US30 is up 0.20%, while Germany’s DE40 is down 0.16%. Gold, XAUUSD, advanced 0.26%. In currency markets, EURUSD is up 0.19% and USDJPY is down 0.19%. The overall risk meter stands at -0.12, indicating a slightly risk-off environment.
Earlier, South African Retail Sales figures for both year over year and month over month missed consensus expectations. Retail Sales y/y came in at 1.6% against a 2.1% consensus, and m/m was -0.6% versus -0.5% consensus. Germany’s 10-Year Bond Auction yielded 3.26%. Eurozone CPI data showed a significant miss, with y/y at 2.9% against 3.2% consensus, and m/m at 0.2% versus 2.8% consensus. Core CPI was reported at 102.84.
For the New York session, several USD data releases are scheduled. At 14:30 UTC, traders will monitor the EIA Crude Oil Stocks Change, with consensus at 6.913M, and EIA Cushing Crude Oil Stocks Change, with consensus at 0.919M. The US 20-Year Bond Auction is scheduled for 17:00 UTC. Later, at 18:00 UTC, the FOMC Meeting Minutes will be released, followed by President Trump Speaks at 18:30 UTC.
All eyes will be on the FOMC Meeting Minutes for insights into monetary policy perspectives.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Biggest moves since the previous session | JP225 +0.65%, XAUUSD +0.26%, US30 +0.20% |
| Currency strength, 24h | JPY strongest at +0.33%, AUD weakest at -0.65% |
| Risk meter | -0.12 (mildly risk-off) |
Scheduled this session (High and Medium impact)
| Time | Ccy | Event | Impact | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:30 UTC | USD | EIA Crude Oil Stocks Change | High | 6.913M |
| 14:30 UTC | USD | EIA Cushing Crude Oil Stocks Change | Medium | 0.919M |
| 17:00 UTC | USD | 20-Year Bond Auction | Medium | – |
| 18:00 UTC | USD | FOMC Meeting Minutes | High | – |
| 18:00 UTC | USD | FOMC Minutes | Medium | – |
| 18:30 UTC | USD | President Trump Speaks | Medium | – |
| 01:30 UTC | AUD | Australia Employment Change | High | 11.7K |
| 01:30 UTC | AUD | Unemployment Rate | High | 4.4% |
Times are UTC. This brief describes measured market state and the published schedule. It is not financial advice and nothing in it is a trade recommendation.