Iran's annual inflation hit 66% in the 12 months to July, the Statistical Center of Iran reported via ILNA, with food prices up more than 100% since last July. Staples including eggs, rice, meat and bread have become unaffordable for many, especially workers and pensioners near the statutory minimum wage; labor activists say many workers can now only cover about eight days of living expenses per month. The government says improving livelihoods is a top priority, and the first vice president warn

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index closed down 49.90 points, or 0.55%, at 9,065.30 on Monday, Aug. 17.

The ECB said in a Monday blog that frothy US tech valuations may be vulnerable to a market correction and that limited fiscal and monetary policy space would constrain the ability to cushion any economic shock. Prices could fall even if technologies succeed and corporate profits rise because profit expectations may be overly optimistic; when investor sentiment reverses, losses can outpace what would occur under rational pricing. A US tech downturn would pose a financial‑stability risk for Europe: European household exposure to the seven largest US tech firms is roughly €440bn, with pension funds and insurers holding similar-sized exposures. Given high correlation between European and US markets, European equities would likely be affected.