📉 Market hints at slow start amid global cues

Nifty closed down 0.3% at 24,570 on Friday due to weak global cues and profit booking by investors. GIFT Nifty traded up by 13.5 points at 24,655, suggesting a muted start for Dalal Street on Monday. Analysts believe Indian equities will trade positively this week, supported by domestic fundamentals and easing geopolitical worries. The India VIX rose by 0.8% to settle at 12.16 levels, indicating market apprehension. Further stock-specific opportunities are expected as the Q1 earnings season nears its end.

🚢 US keeps economic pressure on Iran over Hormuz Strait

President Donald Trump stated the US is maintaining a 'low-key' approach towards Iran instead of starting new military strikes. This comes as the US closely watches Iran's worsening economic situation, noting its huge inflation. On August 9th, CENTCOM redirected at least 55 vessels to enforce the naval blockade against Iranian ports. Iran also appointed Mohsen Rezaei as the new Supreme National Security Council chief. Oil prices are rising as Iran and Oman have yet to finalize a deal to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz. 🚢

⚓ US ramps up blockade amid Middle East tensions

US Central Command redirected at least 55 vessels on Sunday to enforce a naval blockade against Iranian ports. This action involved over 20 US warships deployed in the Middle East supporting military missions. As of August 9, CENTCOM reported redirecting 55 commercial vessels and disabling two others. Meanwhile, oil prices rose as Iran and Oman failed to finalize a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, Iran-backed Houthis resumed attacks on Mocha, a port city in Yemen.

🔮 Horoscope predictions for all 12 signs this week

Weekly horoscope predictions are available for all twelve zodiac signs covering the period from August 10 to August 16, 2026. This astrological reading is provided by iDivaRead for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Daily horoscopes for August 7, 8, 9, and 10, 2026, were also featured in the listings. These readings offer free astrological insights into the week ahead. Users can check out the detailed forecasts for their specific sign now. ✨

💰 FPIs finally buy into IT stocks in July

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) made IT stocks their first net buyers in 2026 during July. This buying occurred across Mumbai, with total inflows hitting ₹3,358 crore for the month. In the latter half of July, FPIs bought ₹4,640 crore worth of equities. The trend shows money moving into broader markets beyond just the main index stocks. Analysts suggest this shift might be tactical, given current market uncertainty. 📈

💴 US sold euros to boost yen, raising ECB questions

The United States sold euros from its foreign-exchange reserves to buy Japanese yen, informing the European Central Bank post-transaction. This move adds a European angle to the US intervention in the yen market, which first surfaced on August 1st. The latest coordinated intervention pushed the USD to JPY exchange rate to 157.80 on Friday. MUFG believes this intervention could signal a broader trend reversal for the currency. The Fed's Vice Chair also stated that policy is well-positioned for hitting the 2% inflation target.

🧠 Less sleep messes with how your brain talks

A study found that decreased sleep is linked to lasting changes in brain communication among adolescents. Researchers tracked 2,991 children aged 11 to 12 in the US, analyzing their sleep and brain scans. They observed that less sleep correlated with increased somatomotor network communication and reduced visual network activity. Over two years, sleep changes corresponded with these brain network shifts in the youth group. Furthermore, sleep deprivation in adults reproduced this specific brain pattern, suggesting a clear link. 🧠

🔬 Blood test could catch lung cancer 5 years early

New research in the journal 'Cell' suggests a blood test can detect lung cancer risk up to 5 years before diagnosis. Scientists identified 14 specific proteins in the blood that indicate this potential risk. This technology is currently in the research and clinical validation phase and is not yet public. It estimates risk, meaning high readings require doctor advice for further screening. Smokers and those with high-risk factors could benefit most once this test is available. 🔬

🕸️ Spider-Man beats Avatar in China box office run

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is performing incredibly well in China, securing a spot in the top 5 post-COVID Hollywood hits. The film, starring Tom Holland, surpassed Avatar: Fire and Ash in China's box office rankings. In just 12 days, Brand New Day reached $186.6 million, nearing the $200 million mark. This success places it ahead of Avatar: Fire and Ash, which had previously collected $178 million. The movie is on track for a massive worldwide haul in record time. 🚀

💸 Disney's Moana Live-Action Fails Big at Box Office

The Disney live-action movie Moana is underperforming both domestically and internationally. Starring Dwayne Johnson, the film has collected $280.4 million worldwide as of its 5th weekend. Made on a $250 million budget, it needs $625 million to break even based on the industry's 2.5x multiplier rule. Currently, the movie is tracking to finish its global run $325 million below this break-even point. It might find success later on Disney+ streaming, which is expected to be its next stop. 📉

🎬 Nolan's Odyssey shows strong run at Indian box office

Christopher Nolan's film The Odyssey is showing strong holding power at the Indian box office. It is currently running against Spider-Man: Brand New Day in India. In 24 days, the movie has collected a net total of 165.76 crore. Despite only having 832 shows, the film saw an 81.2% jump from its 4th Friday. It now ranks as the 8th highest-grossing Hollywood film in India. 🎬