Most Hong Kong-listed auto stocks fell; SERES (09927.HK) down nearly 5%, Leapmotor (09863.HK), BAIC (01958.HK), NIO-SW (09866.HK) and BYD Company (01211.HK) all off more than 3%.

White House press secretary Leavitt said on Aug. 5 a Washington Post report that President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth argued at Camp David over severe US missile and munitions shortages tied to the Iran conflict was "fake news." Leavitt said she was at Camp David with Trump and Hegseth and the incident did not occur, and that they have repeatedly told the Washington Post the same. The Washington Post, citing sources, reported on Aug. 5 that last week Trump expressed strong displeasure at Camp David and demanded an explanation from Hegseth over an alleged weapons shortfall.

Final July eurozone PMIs: services 51.7, composite 52.0, both slightly above expectations and prelims; composite remains above 50, indicating the eurozone’s Q3 start has not sharply decelerated. The preliminary composite rose from June’s 50.0 to 51.9 and the final is 52.0, reinforcing mild re-acceleration. France services remain below 50, leaving France near contraction; the expansion is uneven, with Germany, manufacturing and pockets of services offsetting French weakness. July manufacturing PMI rose to 51.9 and the manufacturing output index to 52.9—the highest since March 2022—suggesting industrial activity is supporting the improvement. Market takeaway: data could reduce urgency for an immediate ECB dovish pivot.