Closing Bell Overtime: Markets Confront a Bond Test as the Consumer and Fed Take Focus 8/20/26

Markets grapple with a renewed bond debate after the Treasury’s intervention. Robert Tipp, Global Head of Bonds at PGIM Fixed Income, breaks down the Treasury market and what rising deficits mean for yields. Former Kansas City Fed President Esther George weighs the Fed’s next move. Walmart stock sinks in its latest results. Rupesh Parikh of Oppenheimer, who downgraded the stock ahead of earnings, examines whether the latest concerns reflect a Walmart-specific problem or broader pressure on consumer spending. Our Contessa Brewer takes a look at a growing challenge for the AI industry: how insurers can price the risk of rogue models and who ultimately bears the cost when AI systems cause damage. Adam Farstrup, Head of Multi-Asset Americas at Schroders, assesses the broader market and how investors should balance stocks, bonds and macro risk. Plus, our Seema Mody looks ahead to a critical week for software earnings and whether upcoming results can sustain the sector’s recent rally.