5 key themes set to drive global markets this week

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Global markets are bracing for a closely watched gathering of central bankers at the Federal Reserve’s annual Jackson Hole symposium in Wyoming. Investors will look for clues on the future path of interest rates as bond markets remain volatile following a selloff in long-dated U.S. Treasuries. (Source: Reuters)
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh is set to deliver a keynote address at Jackson Hole on Thursday. Markets will be watching whether he focuses on long-term reforms at the central bank or offers clearer guidance on monetary policy and interest rates.
Rising crude prices and prolonged disruption around the Strait of Hormuz are reviving concerns over global inflation. Investors will track inflation data from Australia, France, Spain and Tokyo, while U.S. core PCE data will be closely watched for signs of persistent price pressures.
Nvidia's second-quarter results on Wednesday will provide a fresh test of the artificial intelligence investment boom. Investors will focus on demand from major cloud companies and their AI spending plans, with the results potentially setting the tone for global technology stocks.
South Korea's central bank will meet on Thursday, with investors assessing whether policymakers could deliver another rate hike after July's increase. A tighter policy stance could weigh on equities but provide further support to the won, which has strengthened sharply this month.
Iceland will hold a referendum on August 29 on whether to restart negotiations over European Union membership. The vote does not determine EU membership itself, but a 'yes' outcome could reopen negotiations, with fisheries expected to remain a major sticking point.
Thailand's central bank will also announce its policy decision this week, while markets track developments in energy prices, global bond yields and the Middle East. Together with Nvidia's earnings and Jackson Hole, these events could shape investor sentiment heading into September.

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