Deposits of real-world assets (RWA) deployed in decentralized finance protocols stood at $3.98 billion as of August 18, nearing the $4 billion mark. The figure was $650.88 million a year earlier and about $12 million three years ago. That represents roughly a sixfold increase over the past 12 months, according to DefiLlama data.

Nasdaq plans to extend U.S. stock trading to nearly 23 hours a day, five days a week, adding an overnight session from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. ET. The exchange expects the schedule to begin on December 6, 2026, subject to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approval and readiness of the securities information processor. Nasdaq also plans risk controls such as static price bands to reject orders outside set limits. The move is aimed at meeting rising global demand for U.S. equities.

BHP posted full-year underlying profit of $13.2 billion, up 30% from a year earlier, beating expectations as copper and iron ore prices improved. Copper revenue made up more than half of group revenue for the first time, helped by a 35% jump in realised copper prices. The miner set a target of 3% to 4% copper equivalent growth per year through 2035, about double consensus expectations.

Paytm parent One 97 Communications said shareholder Resilient Asset Management BV plans to sell up to a 4.98% stake through a block deal at a price about 3% below the market. The stake traces back to Resilient’s August 2023 purchase of a 10.20% holding from Antfin, though the economic interest remained with Antfin. Under the arrangement, One 97 said the economic value from the proposed sale will be retained by Antfin.

Crude oil and gold prices rose amid heightened Middle East tensions and a softer U.S. dollar. After Israel attacked Iran on February 28, Brent crude futures climbed to $91.14 and WTI hit $85.37, both recent highs. Gold extended gains for a third straight day, with spot gold at $4,424.28, while silver added 0.3%.

The euro and sterling held near recent highs as markets sharply pared back expectations for a Federal Reserve rate increase. September hike odds fell to 35% from 52.2% a week earlier, according to the CME FedWatch tool. Meanwhile, worries about war involving Iran helped push Brent crude to its highest level since late July. Analysts said persistent inflation pressures are limiting the Fed’s room to maneuver.

Australian fintech Iress reported first-half net profit of A$32 million, up 85% year on year, while underlying net profit increased 18.4% to A$38.8 million. Revenue from continuing operations rose 2.5% to A$250 million. The company lifted its interim dividend 27.3% to 14 cents. Iress said it expects full-year underlying profit growth of 15% to 21% and has already met its A$31.5 million annualised cost-savings target ahead of schedule.

Spot gold extended its advance to $4,424.28 per ounce after softer U.S. jobs, inflation and retail sales data reduced expectations of a September rate increase. Market pricing now implies a nearly 65% chance the Federal Reserve will hold rates steady. Investors are awaiting the Fed’s latest meeting minutes for clues on the policy outlook. Spot silver rose 0.9%, platinum added 0.2%, and palladium slipped 0.3%.