Global markets react to US economic data and tech sector shifts

Global financial markets are experiencing a period of relative calm amid summer trading, though investors remain cautious ahead of September. In the United States, lower-than-expected retail sales for July have bolstered hopes that the Federal Reserve will maintain current interest rates rather than implementing hikes.

In the technology sector, European software stocks such as Dassault Systèmes and SAP have seen gains, fueled by rumors of a potential $43 billion acquisition of the American firm Workday. Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly testing Chinese memory chips from CXMT for use in its iPhone and MacBook product lines.

In the banking and mining sectors, the British fintech Revolut has secured a banking license in France as part of its European expansion. Conversely, Barrick Mining reported second-quarter results below forecasts, citing increased production costs and retroactive tax penalties in Mali.