News & Views

UK equities led a broadly positive week for markets, although technology stocks remained under pressure. Extreme heat and wildfires dominated headlines across Europe, while volatile oil prices kept inflation risks in focus. Attention now turns to key interest-rate decisions from the Federal Reserve and Bank of England, alongside fresh eurozone growth and inflation data.

This week’s review covers mixed equity markets, UK political uncertainty, steady inflation, softer commodity prices and ongoing US-Iran negotiations, alongside ESG developments focused on low-carbon fuels and cleaner energy investment.

Markets moved cautiously this week, with UK equities outperforming while US indices softened as investors weighed easing energy concerns against renewed inflation pressure. A proposed US-Iran peace deal helped drive oil prices lower, but central banks remain cautious as higher energy costs continue to feed through into inflation. Meanwhile, ESG developments focused on the expanding reach of carbon regulation, with potential implications for UK exporters and supply chains.

This week’s market review highlights a more uneven backdrop across global markets, with UK equities edging higher while US technology stocks came under pressure. Inflation concerns remain closely tied to rising oil prices and renewed Middle East tensions, while central bank debate, evolving ESG disclosure rules and the ongoing war in Ukraine continue to shape investor sentiment.

Global markets moved higher in April as improving sentiment around the Middle East and continued strength in technology and semiconductor sectors supported equity returns. However, inflation reaccelerated across major economies due to rising energy prices, prompting central banks to maintain a cautious “higher for longer” stance on interest rates. While growth-oriented equity markets performed strongly, bond markets came under pressure as rising yields weighed on fixed income

February 2026 saw global markets advance steadily, supported by easing inflation trends and a broadly unchanged monetary policy backdrop across major economies. Central banks in the UK, US, and Eurozone opted to hold interest rates, reflecting a cautious but stabilising environment. Beneath this surface stability, however, performance diverged sharply across regions and sectors, with commodity-linked and technology-driven markets leading gains while others lagged.

Global markets rebounded strongly over the past week, with equities posting notable gains following a more cautious tone earlier in the month. The improvement in risk sentiment comes against a complex backdrop of easing UK inflation, renewed US trade policy developments, and widespread weather-related disruption affecting supply chains across multiple regions.

Global markets navigated a mixed week as investors balanced resilient UK equity performance against softer US returns and persistent inflation pressures. Fresh US inflation data reinforced the view that price growth remains above target, while central bank commentary signalled a continued data-dependent approach to policy. Meanwhile, shifts in US sustainability regulation and renewed diplomatic developments in the Middle East added further layers to an already complex global

Global markets were mixed over the week as investors weighed easing inflation expectations against political and geopolitical uncertainty. UK equities posted modest gains, supported by large-cap stocks, while US markets diverged, with defensive sectors outperforming as technology shares came under renewed pressure. Central banks maintained a cautious, data-dependent stance, and attention now turns to a busy week of economic data that could shape near-term market expectations.

Global markets were mixed over the past week as easing inflation expectations were weighed against ongoing policy uncertainty and geopolitical developments. UK equities moved higher, supported by resilient large-cap stocks, while US markets finished lower amid a more cautious risk tone. Inflation forecasts continued to improve, with the IMF signalling further disinflation, while central bank policy, commodity price volatility and geopolitical developments remained key drivers