“The markets are always changing, and the successful trader needs to adapt to these changes” — Michael Steinhardt

1. U.S. Reimposes Sanctions on Iran — the first batch of American sanctions on Iran has come into effect, 90 days after the U.S. withdrew from the nuclear deal. The new measures bar the sale of U.S. currency to Iran’s government, sanction trade in precious metals and industrial materials, outlaw the purchase of Iran’s sovereign debt, and restrict the country’s auto and aerospace sector. Unless Iran complies with the U.S. demands, far-tougher steps will take effect on Nov. 5, when the U.S. will cut off Iran’s oil exports and impose sanctions on shipping.
2. China Outspent the U.S. in 5G — since 2015, China has outspent the U.S. by $24B in 5G infrastructure, potentially creating a “tsunami” that will be difficult to catch up with, according to a new study by Deloitte. China has built 350,000 new cell sites, while the U.S. has built fewer than 30,000 in the same time frame. 5G would support connected infrastructure in cities, including driverless cars, and make it possible for people to stream high-bandwidth video.
3. SEC Delayed Decision & Bitcoin Crashes Under $6,500 — the crypto reaching as high as $8,496 in July, but its latest descent has seen the digital currency fall overnight to under $6,500. The move was accelerated after the SEC pushed back an eagerly-awaited decision on the SolidX Bitcoin ETF (XBTC), sponsored by SolidX Management with marketing assistance from Van Eck Securities. A verdict is now expected by the end of September.
4. U.S.-Japan Enters New Trade Talks — Japan and the U.S. are headed for a new round of trade talks today in Washington. Economic Revitalization Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will try to avert steep tariffs on car exports and stress the significance of multilateral free trade, with an eye on persuading the U.S. to return to the TPP. The world’s third-largest economy will also face demands from U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, including a trade deficit reduction and the further opening of Japan’s automobile and agriculture markets.
5. Turkish Crisis Rattles Global Markets Amid Escalating Spat With U.S. — the lira dropped as much as 25% against the dollar, extending a tumble that ranks as one of the steepest in world markets this year. Turkey’s problems are spilling over into the greater market following reports that the ECB is concerned over the impact of a weak lira on European banks, especially BBVA, UniCredit (OTCPK:UNCFF), and BNP Paribas (OTCQX:BNPQF). Data from the BIS also showed the currency, which plunged 13.5% overnight to an all-time low against the dollar, will weigh on banking exposure internationally.

The week ahead — Economic data from Econoday.com: