Michael Saylor: Strategy is transforming Bitcoin into digital credit and digital equity

U.S. major indexes closed lower yesterday. Walmart’s weaker-than-expected same-store sales and guidance weighed on the consumer sector and dragged the three major averages lower. Silver and platinum rose sharply, supported by lower yields from expanded long-bond buybacks and a softer dollar. Bitcoin climbed toward $75,000, lifting crypto-related equities. Markets are now focused on the August S&P Global Manufacturing and Services PMI flash readings due on August 21 U.S. Eastern Time, which will directly influence September rate-path pricing.

Expanded U.S. Treasury long-bond buybacks helped pull yields lower and supported a modest rebound in risk appetite, with the major indexes closing slightly higher. At the same time, Bitcoin briefly rose above $70,000 and lifted crypto-linked equities, while positive Phase 3 vaccine data from Merck and Moderna pushed healthcare and biotech stocks higher. SK Hynix’s large-scale buyback also kept attention on the storage cycle and AI-related demand. Markets are continuing to digest the relatively hawkish Fed minutes while positioning ahead of earnings from Alibaba and Walmart.