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Below are AI-generated insights on today's premarket moves, powered by MarketReader technology.

Monday, August 17

Noteworthy macro moves today: DAX 30 Index (Germany) -4.4%. Noteworthy US mega-cap moves today: Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Class A Common Stock (SPCX) +1.5%. Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) -1.0%. Visa Inc (V) -0.7%.

Global equity indices are trading mixed, with Asian markets generally higher while U.S. and European indices are lower. Germany's DAX has slipped about 0.2% to around 26,390, giving back early-session gains after touching 26,505, as investors weigh weak Chinese activity data and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

In the U.S., recent economic data has raised concerns about slowing growth, particularly following a notable drop in retail sales for July, which fell by the largest margin in over a year. This has contributed to a shift in market sentiment, with expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike now at around 33% for September, down from previous estimates of nearly 50%.

Today, Canada reported an inflation rate of 2.9% for July, slightly above expectations but below the peak observed earlier this year at 3.2%. Meanwhile, China's economic indicators showed rising unemployment at 5.2% and industrial production growth slowing to 4.5%, both figures raising alarms about the health of the world's second-largest economy.

Market participants are also closely monitoring upcoming releases such as the FOMC minutes on Wednesday and various economic indicators from Japan and the UK later this week that could further influence monetary policy outlooks amid ongoing global uncertainties.

VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) [+1.5%]
Gold prices edged higher today as the U.S. dollar slipped towards two-month lows following softer retail sales and consumer sentiment data released on Friday. This backdrop highlights economic concerns ahead of the Federal Reserve's upcoming Jackson Hole meeting. Additionally, geopolitical tensions from renewed fighting in Lebanon and tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have driven oil prices up, further supporting gold as a safe-haven asset. In this context, the VanEck Gold Miners ETF is gaining, approaching the $93 mark after an inside week breakout. Observers are noting potential resistance levels at $100 and $107, with initial support identified at $85. The ETF's performance is also supported by positive contributions from key holdings, including Newmont Corporation and Agnico Eagle Mines, among others.

Global X Copper Miners ETF (COPX) [+1.1%]
Copper prices reached a new weekly all-time high, contributing to bullish sentiment in the copper market that may positively impact the Global X Copper Miners ETF. In pre-market trading, COPX is advancing, supported by strong performances from key holdings such as Teck Resources, Hudbay Minerals, Southern Copper, BHP, and Freeport-McMoRan. The United States Copper Index Fund has also increased, reflecting a strong historical correlation with COPX. Earlier in the session, the ETF reached a high but has since pulled back slightly. Overall, the ETF is trading higher since Friday's close, benefiting from favorable market dynamics in the copper sector.

iShares China Large-Cap ETF (FXI) [+0.8%]
China's economic data released today showed industrial production rising by 5.0% year-over-year in July, while retail sales increased by 1.5%. However, fixed asset investment fell by -6.2%, and the unemployment rate slightly edged up to 5.1%. These mixed signals regarding China's economic health may impact investor sentiment toward Chinese equities like iShares China Large-Cap ETF. In pre-market trading, FXI is advancing, reflecting a notable upward movement since Friday's close. The ETF's performance has been bolstered by positive contributions from holdings such as TCOM and LI, although JD has slightly detracted from overall gains. Earlier in the session, FXI reached a high of 1.12%, indicating strong pre-market activity despite current levels being around the middle of its one-month range.

HTHT | +6.3% | +9.2B
H World Group Ltd | Consumer Discretionary
H World Group Ltd's stock is experiencing a notable pre-market surge following the release of its second-quarter financial results. The company reported a year-over-year revenue increase of 10.8% to RMB7.121 billion ($1.050 billion) and net income growth to RMB1.577 billion ($232 million), up from RMB1.544 billion last year. Additionally, H World has raised its fiscal 2026 revenue growth outlook to a range of 4%-8%, up from a previous estimate of 2%-6%. The board also approved a three-year shareholder return plan totaling $2.5 billion and declared a cash dividend of $0.087 per ordinary share, effective September 15, 2026. These developments have collectively driven positive sentiment in the stock, contributing to its sharp gain since Friday's close.

ARGX | +11.4% | +6.4B
argenx SE | Health Care
Piper Sandler analyst Allison M. Bratzel raised the price target for argenx SE to $1,215 from $1,075 while maintaining an Overweight rating, indicating increased investor confidence. Additionally, argenx announced that its Phase 3 ALKIVIA trial of VYVGART Hytrulo in adults with autoimmune myositis met its primary endpoint, showing a statistically significant 15.4-point improvement in disease activity at Week 52 compared to placebo. This marks a significant advancement as it provides the first Phase 3 evidence of meaningful benefits in a treatment area historically lacking approved options. The company plans to host a conference call today to discuss these findings further. As a result of these developments, shares are trading sharply higher in pre-market hours.

ALAB | +5.2% | +2.7B
Astera Labs Inc | Information Technology
Astera Labs Inc received an upgrade from Northland Capital Markets to an Outperform rating, with a price target set at $350. This announcement has contributed to a notable increase in pre-market trading, with the stock advancing sharply. Analysts have raised their estimates for the company's 2027 topline revenue from $1.3 billion to $3 billion, a 131% increase over 16 months. The upgrade reflects expectations for positive earnings revisions and a favorable outlook on AI infrastructure spending, particularly as major firms like Google, Broadcom, and Nvidia commit substantial funding to this area. Technical discussions on social media suggest potential rapid gains if the stock breaks certain price levels, further supporting the optimistic sentiment surrounding Astera Labs.

MESO | +10.0% | +2.0B
Mesoblast Ltd | Health Care
Mesoblast Ltd announced the completion of patient treatment in its pivotal Phase 3 trial for rexlemestrocel-L, targeting chronic low back pain associated with degenerative disc disease. The trial involved 350 patients, an increase from the initial 300 due to strong demand from trial investigators. The primary endpoint focuses on pain reduction after 12 months from a single injection, with top-line results expected in mid-2027. This milestone is considered crucial for the company's prospects regarding its first potential blockbuster product, as noted by CEO Silviu Itescu. In pre-market trading, Mesoblast shares are sharply higher since Friday's close, reflecting positive sentiment surrounding this significant development.

HCM | +6.5% | +0.7B
HUTCHMED (China) Ltd | Health Care
HUTCHMED (China) Ltd reported positive results from the SAFFRON Phase III trial of its ORPATHYS and TAGRISSO combination therapy, demonstrating statistically significant improvements in both progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. This trial is notable as it is the first global Phase III trial to achieve such benefits in this patient population. The safety profile of the combination therapy remained consistent with known profiles, with no new safety findings reported. The trial involved 338 patients whose disease progressed after prior treatment with TAGRISSO. Following this announcement, shares of HUTCHMED are sharply higher during pre-market hours, reflecting investor optimism regarding the potential of this therapy to address unmet medical needs in lung cancer treatment.

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