Overseas Markets End Volatile Week on Mixed Note

ST. LOUIS, MO – August 15, 2026 (STL.News) Overseas Markets – Overseas stock markets ended a volatile trading week Friday, with sharp gains in Japan and South Korea contrasting with losses in Hong Kong, London and parts of continental Europe as investors balanced encouraging inflation signals against renewed uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz. Geopolitical risk remained a dominant force across global markets. Oil prices climbed again on Friday after the United States threatened to maintain its naval blockade of Iran indefinitely and reports of attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz added to concerns…