The Australian dollar reached parity with the Canadian dollar for the first time in more than eight years, the most notable move in a mixed market session. Wall Street futures were little changed and European stock futures edged higher, while Asian shares weakened after five consecutive sessions of gains. Investor attention remained focused on Meta’s Muse and whether Google’s CC agent can replicate its apparent success in attracting consumers to AI agents. SoftBank’s $10 billion-plus debt deal reportedly drew more than $20 billion in demand, potentially making it one of the largest junk bond (below-investment-grade debt) offerings and a gauge of lender confidence in artificial intelligence. The sale also adds competition for government debt, although 10-year Treasury futures rose 6 ticks. Brent crude remained below $100 a barrel as Saudi Arabia reportedly restored flows through its East-West pipeline faster than expected. Tehran said it had engaged with the United States through a Qatari mediator in New York over conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but most of those conditions had previously been rejected. President Trump said at the United Nations that the talks had progressed, while also threatening to annihilate Iran after making similar progress claims for months. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was due to address the UN General Assembly later on Sept. 23, with markets watching reports that he might meet President Trump. Chinese President Xi Jinping was also due to arrive in Washington, amid speculation that a trade truce could be extended and that the two countries might cooperate on AI. Wednesday’s market focus includes September flash PMIs (early business-activity indicators) for Europe, the UK and the US, as well as appearances by Fed Governor Michael Barr, ECB Supervisory Board member Pedro Machado, ECB Board member Piero Cipollone, ECB chief economist Philip Lane and ECB Vice President Boris Vujcic.