Maoyan Pro data show China’s 2026 summer box office (June 1–Aug 31) exceeded RMB10.5 bln as of 11:00 on Aug 19; Kung Fu Women's Football, Eight Immortals!, and Spider-Man: A New Day ranked first through third.

Syrian state TV, citing sources, said Israel struck an air force base in northwest Syria.

The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) reversed a two-day gain, sliding 63 points (-2.19%) to 2,815, its lowest since July 31, as falls in capesize and panamax freight outweighed higher supramax rates. The Capesize Index (BCI) dropped 138 points (-3%) to 4,452, lowest since July 31; capesize daily earnings fell $1,250 to $36,872. The Panamax Index (BPI) fell 51 points (-2.3%) to 2,155, lowest since Aug. 3; panamax daily earnings declined $462 to $19,391. The Supramax Index (BSI) rose 3 points (0.2%) to 1,631, a high since July 28, while the Handysize Index (BHSI) added 2 points to 866.