While the United States was asleep, global markets saw a mixed session with Europe making gains and Asia delivering a mixed performance. The price of gold surged to a new all-time high, adding to the uncertainty prevailing in the markets. As investors eagerly anticipate Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium, U.S. futures indicate a positive start.

Crude oil prices showed strength in early trading, with WTI (West Texas Intermediate) rising by 0.90% to $73.67 per barrel, while Brent registered a gain of 0.80% to reach $77.84 per barrel. The surge in gold prices continued, with the precious metal trading higher by 0.63% at $2,532.60 per ounce. Silver also experienced a notable increase of 1.27% to $29.415 per ounce, and copper rose by 0.66% to $4.1750 per pound.

On Thursday, August 22nd, U.S. stock markets closed lower as traders analyzed fresh economic data and speculated about potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Major indexes, including the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq, declined, with technology stocks leading the slump. A rise in unemployment claims and a slowdown in business activity further heightened concerns of an economic downturn.

According to the economic data released, U.S. jobless claims reached 232,000 in the week ending August 17th, slightly surpassing expectations with a rise of 4,000. The S&P Global manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) dropped to 48 in August from 49.6, indicating contraction, while the services PMI increased to 55.2 from 55.

Most sectors of the S&P 500 ended in negative territory, with consumer discretionary, information technology, and communication services experiencing losses. Conversely, financials and real estate stocks managed to finish the day with gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 0.43% at 40,712.78, the S&P 500 ended lower by 0.89% at 5,570.64, and the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.67%, closing at 17,619.35.

As the focus now shifts to international markets, Japan's Nikkei 225 witnessed a modest gain of 0.55%, closing at 38,419.50, driven by notable advances in the Transportation Equipment, Pharmaceutical Industry, and Paper & Pulp sectors. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 saw a marginal decline of 0.04%, finishing the day at 8,023.90, predominantly due to losses in the Utilities, Energy, and Resources sectors. India's Nifty 50 recorded a minor gain of 0.05%, closing at 24,823.15, while the broader Nifty 500 closed slightly lower by 0.09% at 23,418.65. China's Shanghai Composite rose by 0.20%, ending the session at 2,854.37, and the Shenzhen CSI gained 0.42%, closing at 3,327.19. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index closed lower by 0.16% at 17,612.10.

In the Eurozone, the market sentiment was positive with the STOXX 50 index gaining 0.47%. Germany's DAX rose by 0.64%, while France's CAC increased by 0.61%. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 also saw a modest rise of 0.21%.

The commodities market maintained its upward trajectory, as gold continued its ascent, setting a new record high at $2,550. Crude oil prices, both WTI and Brent, remained strong, registering gains of 0.90% and 0.80% respectively. Natural gas, however, saw a decline of 1.12%, falling to $2.030.

Looking ahead to U.S. futures, the indicators point to a positive opening. Dow futures climbed 0.31%, S&P 500 futures rose by 0.48%, and Nasdaq 100 futures showed a gain of 0.76%. In the forex market, the U.S. dollar index weakened by 0.09% to 101.41. The USD/JPY pair declined by 0.08% to 146.14, and the USD/AUD pair fell by 0.30% to 1.4869. Friday's weakening of the U.S. dollar came ahead of Fed Chair Powell's highly anticipated speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium, while the yen strengthened following Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Ueda's reaffirmation of a hawkish stance.

Market participants around the world remain cautious and are anxiously awaiting any insights into the future monetary policy direction from the central banks, hoping for solutions to the prevailing economic uncertainties. As all eyes turn towards the upcoming speeches by the Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and other monetary policymakers in Jackson Hole, the stage is set for a potentially eventful day in the global markets.