US markets opened cautiously on Friday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq edging higher while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped. Latin American markets were more defensive, led by another decline in Brazil as investors weighed weak US retail sales, higher oil prices and escalating trade tension between Washington and Brasília.
Wall Street opens close to unchanged
The S&P 500 began the session marginally higher after closing at a record 7,798.99 points on Thursday. The technology-focused Nasdaq also advanced slightly, while the Dow opened in negative territory.
Investors received conflicting signals before the opening bell. US retail sales unexpectedly fell by 0.6 per cent in July, compared with expectations for a modest increase. Sales excluding vehicles also declined, raising questions about the strength of household demand as consumers face high borrowing costs and expensive energy.
The weaker figures could reduce pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates in September. Earlier consumer and producer inflation reports had already indicated that price pressure was easing, helping the S&P 500 and Nasdaq move towards a third consecutive weekly gain.
Oil prices limit risk appetite
Confidence was restricted by renewed tension involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude traded above $88 a barrel after rising around 1 per cent, while uncertainty surrounding shipping routes increased concern about future energy supplies.
Higher oil prices could complicate the Federal Reserve’s decisions by adding fresh inflationary pressure, even as underlying price indicators and consumer spending weaken.
Reddit shares gained more than 10 per cent after the company was selected to join the S&P 500 from 18 August. Applied Materials fell more than 5 per cent despite forecasting quarterly revenue above expectations, reflecting demanding valuations across the artificial intelligence sector.
US-listed shares in Brazilian digital lender Nubank rose strongly after the company reported quarterly profit of $1.06 billion, exceeding $1 billion for the first time.
Brazil heads towards ninth consecutive decline
Brazil’s Ibovespa opened 0.2 per cent lower at approximately 166,738 points, placing the benchmark on course for a ninth consecutive losing session. The index had already fallen 6.1 per cent during its previous eight-session retreat.
The Brazilian real weakened slightly, with the US dollar trading near 5.20 reais. Foreign investors have withdrawn more than 11 billion reais from the B3 exchange during August, increasing pressure on shares and the currency.
Local sentiment was also affected by a growing trade dispute between Brazil and the United States. The Brazilian government has started a formal reciprocity process in response to US tariffs, creating additional uncertainty for exporters and companies dependent on American components.
Latin American markets remain mixed
Mexico’s S&P/BMV IPC opened cautiously after falling 1.4 per cent on Thursday to a one-month low. Industrial, consumer and transport-related companies remained sensitive to weaker US demand because of Mexico’s close economic integration with its northern neighbour.
Elsewhere in Latin America, investors monitored softer commodity prices, currency movements and the direction of Wall Street. Chile and Peru remained exposed to changes in metals markets, while Colombia’s outlook was influenced by oil prices. Argentina’s market continued to respond primarily to domestic inflation, currency and policy developments.
Friday’s opening demonstrated a widening contrast across the Americas. Wall Street remained supported by technology earnings and softer inflation, while Latin American markets faced capital outflows, political uncertainty and greater sensitivity to trade and commodity risks.
Newshub Editorial in the Americas – 14 August 2026
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