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On August 26th, according to the Wall Street Journal, Chris Malone, a key executive at OpenAI responsible for data center construction and expansion, resigned last week. Malone joined OpenAI in March 2025 to oversee the data center construction for the Stargate project, a collaboration between OpenAI, Oracle (ORCL.N), and SoftBank. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the Stargate project initially faced difficulties, leading OpenAI to shift towards partnerships with cloud service providers. The company is currently restarting its internal infrastructure construction by leasing complete data center facilities, but this work has been taken over by other personnel. Malone's departure comes as OpenAI undergoes a high-level reshuffle and prepares for its anticipated 2027 IPO. Recently, several other executives, including Chief Revenue Officer Dennis Dreser, Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap, and Figgi Seymour, have also left the company. OpenAI is simultaneously increasing its investment in computing power, projecting that its computing infrastructure spending will reach approximately $750 billion by 2030, up from its previous forecast of approximately $600 billion.

On August 26th, sources stated that European Central Bank (ECB) policymakers are prepared to raise interest rates at their September meeting to curb the economic side effects of the Iran conflict, but "have no intention of signaling further policy tightening." The sources indicated that with Eurozone inflation near 3%, the ongoing conflict in Iran, and the economy showing resilience, the ECB believes it is necessary to raise the policy rate from 2.25% to 2.50%. This rate hike is already incorporated into the ECB's June economic forecasts, aiming to avoid a repeat of the severe inflation triggered by rising energy prices following the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, long-term inflation expectations remain anchored near the 2% target, and policymakers see no need to hint at further rate hikes after September. The market currently expects one or two more rate hikes from the ECB in the future.

A U.S. judge ruled that the Postal Service’s final rule restricting mail-in voting violated a court order, but would not take action to prevent it.

According to the Wall Street Journal: The head of OpenAI's data center has resigned.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi: The proposed new passage through the Strait of Hormuz, joint mine clearance, and future management framework are a prime example.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi: Regional solutions were emphasized in talks with Pakistan and Oman.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi: Iran is committed to maintaining peace and stability, which is consistent with its firm foreign policy toward its neighbors.

Hang Seng Index futures closed up 0.38% at 25,648 points in overnight trading, a premium of 137 points.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that joint fundraising committees and party committees will also be able to purchase television advertising slots at discounted rates, just like candidates.

On August 26, it was reported that on August 24 local time, the Trump administration, in a court filing, proposed for the first time that it might consider demolishing the Kennedy Center if it is not granted permission to close for two years for renovations.

On August 26, Mazloum Abdi, leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led coalition, announced at a press conference at the Syrian presidential palace on August 25 that the SDF and the autonomous government established by the Kurdish forces would be dissolved and fully integrated into the Syrian state apparatus.

According to Al Jazeera, Israel expelled the Dutch representative of the Gaza International Support Center on the grounds of "anti-Israel actions."

Pakistani Foreign Minister: Pakistan welcomes the US decision to lift all sanctions against Syria.

ExxonMobil (XOM.N): Operations at the Liza Unity floating production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) in Guyana have returned to normal, and the crude oil unloading operation that was briefly interrupted has now been completed.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that 36% of American voters prefer the Democratic Party's handling of the cost of living issue, while 28% support the Republican approach.

On August 26, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva urged governments to address rising fiscal risks, stating that "all countries need to address their own fiscal problems and develop and publish credible plans to ensure debt and deficits are on a sustainable track." She also called on central banks to "focus heavily on their price stability mandate." Georgieva noted that the global economy is under pressure from high inflation and trade tensions, but growth from AI investment has partially offset the shocks. However, rising bond yields and stalled inflation indicate a high degree of uncertainty about the economic outlook. She stated that the energy shock triggered by the Iran war is not yet over, and the global economy is facing a tug-of-war between "negative supply shocks from the Middle East" and "positive demand shocks from AI." She also warned that energy supply, El Niño weather, and the impact of AI on financial stability remain major risks.

British Chancellor of the Exchequer: Supports US efforts to promote a diplomatic solution and welcomes increased pressure on Iran through means such as "economic isolation".

British Chancellor of the Exchequer: (Regarding sanctions against Iran) He called on Iran to cease its disruptive activities in the region, including the Strait of Hormuz.

On August 26, Cuban Foreign Minister Rodríguez condemned the U.S. government on August 25 for extending the Trade Against the Enemy Act, which has been in place since 1962, once again. Rodríguez stated via social media: "Cuba condemns in the strongest terms the U.S. government's extension of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade for another year, a policy of genocide against our people that has lasted for over sixty years." He added, "Cuba is not the threat; the blockade is."

As of the 2:30 closing bell, the main Shanghai gold futures contract fell 0.26%, the main Shanghai silver futures contract fell 0.14%, and the main SC crude oil futures contract fell 3.80%.