8-20-2026: Middle East Tensions, Treasury Buybacks + Crypto's Big Comeback

Michael Reinking, Senior Market Strategist at the NYSE, recaps a week dominated by Treasury Secretary Bessent, whose doubled liquidity support buybacks reignited the debasement trade, sending gold back above 4,500 and triggering a massive crypto short squeeze that propelled Bitcoin up ~15% and Ethereum up 25%. Escalating Iran tensions pushed ICE Brent into the low 90s after a 60-day ceasefire expired, while equity markets drifted lower with the S&P 500 down ~1.5% as retail earnings disappointed broadly and healthcare surged nearly 4% on landmark cancer trial results from Merck and Moderna. Looking ahead, next week's PCE print, Nvidia earnings, and Fed Chair Warsh's first Jackson Hole speech are the marquee events to watch.