Global markets shifted on Thursday as artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies, and commodities played pivotal roles in trading. A coordinated push from leading AI firms called for urgent action in cyber defense, while Bitcoin advanced past the $80,000 mark, and commodities such as oil and gold saw renewed demand.
AI firms seek urgent action on cyberattack risks
OpenAI and Anthropic, two prominent artificial intelligence research organizations, have joined over 100 technology and financial services groups in urging stronger defenses against emerging AI-driven cyber threats.
In an open letter, these companies called on governments, business leaders, and technology firms to elevate cyber defense as a leadership priority and address existing software vulnerabilities.
The letter encouraged cybersecurity organizations to bolster protections against AI-fueled attacks and appealed to governments for closer coordination with the tech sector in the event of major incidents.
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AAPLLeading AI developers have also been asked to supply access, financial resources, and training to entities that protect critical infrastructure.
This collective effort follows several cybersecurity incidents involving cutting-edge AI models. OpenAI stated it could have acted more quickly to prevent a cybersecurity incident involving Hugging Face in July.
Executives from these organizations warned that, as AI technology continues to progress, attackers are likely to adopt even more sophisticated methods.
Mini dictionary: Anthropic is an AI safety and research company focused on developing reliable and transparent artificial intelligence systems.
OpenAI together with Anthropic, industry groups, and cybersecurity firms are urging more preparation and coordination in defending against AI-powered cybersecurity threats, especially as attackers begin to leverage advanced AI models in their tactics.
Bitcoin rebounds above $80,000 amid ETF demand
Bitcoin rose as much as 2% on Thursday to approximately $80,122, reclaiming the $80,000 level for the first time since May.
The rally came in tandem with a jump in technology stocks, supported by Nvidia’s better-than-expected quarterly results and future guidance.
Data from Bloomberg shows that US-listed Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have attracted more than $2.6 billion in inflows over the past eight trading sessions, signaling renewed investor appetite after a period of subdued sentiment.
For the first time in about three months, Bitcoin traded at a premium on Coinbase compared to Binance, indicating stronger demand from US investors.
However, Bitcoin remains significantly below its all-time high of roughly $126,000 reached in October last year.
Earlier in the week, heavy liquidation of leveraged positions contributed to Bitcoin’s initial climb above $80,000. Further gains may now depend on additional spot buying instead of short squeezes.
| Metric | Current Value | Reference Period |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin price | $80,122 | June 2026 |
| US ETF inflows | $2.6 billion | Past 8 sessions |
| Bitcoin all-time high | $126,000 | October 2025 |
Nvidia’s earnings helped lift technology stocks, providing additional momentum for $BTC to climb back above $80,000 as spot ETF demand renewed.
Oil prices recover as Middle East tensions persist
Oil prices moved higher after US officials stated that talks with Iran had stalled, lowering expectations for an imminent diplomatic breakthrough that could ease regional supply concerns.
Brent crude futures increased by 2.6% to $90.14 per barrel, and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate settled 1.9% higher at $83.81 per barrel.
Both Brent and WTI had been under pressure for three consecutive sessions before bouncing back amid uncertainty over Middle Eastern oil flows. Concerns remain heightened as vessel traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz is still limited.
According to data from Kpler, ten commodity vessels transited the Strait on Wednesday, which is below the ten-day average of 15 vessels.
Before recent conflicts began in late February, the Strait of Hormuz accounted for about a fifth of global daily oil and liquefied natural gas supply. Ongoing restrictions keep geopolitical risks elevated for energy markets.
Gold rises as markets await Federal Reserve signals
Gold prices edged up amid a weaker US dollar and investor anticipation ahead of Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s speech at the Jackson Hole symposium.
Spot gold added 0.3% to reach $4,606.90 per ounce, while US gold futures for December delivery rose by 0.18% to $4,661.
Recent gains in gold have been supported by concerns about dollar weakness following the US Treasury’s decision to increase buybacks of older, long-term bonds, alongside steady ETF and central bank demand.
Investors are closely watching Warsh’s remarks for clues about the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates and inflation.
US PCE inflation reached 3.7% year-over-year through July, above the forecasted 3.6%. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders now assign a 34% chance of a rate hike in September and a 74% probability for a hike by year-end.
Higher interest rates typically weigh on gold, as the metal yields no interest. Silver, platinum, and palladium also traded higher during the session.
