News & Views

UK equities proved resilient over the week, while US markets moved lower as technology stocks led the decline. Renewed fighting between the United States and Iran drove oil prices sharply higher and revived inflation concerns, while UK politics entered a new chapter with Andy Burnham preparing to take office. Looking ahead, markets will focus on UK inflation data and the ECB’s latest interest-rate decision.

This week, UK equities led the way as the FTSE 100 moved higher, while US markets delivered more modest gains and technology stocks edged slightly lower. Away from markets, England’s World Cup win offered a boost to national sentiment and consumer-facing sectors, while inflation, housing affordability and energy costs remained key themes for the UK economy.

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.

Global markets advanced in May, supported by renewed strength in technology and AI-related sectors, with semiconductor-heavy markets such as Korea, Taiwan and the Netherlands leading gains. However, the backdrop became more complex as inflation pressures re-emerged, driven largely by higher energy costs linked to Middle East tensions. Central banks remained cautious, reinforcing a higher-for-longer stance, while bond markets came under pressure from rising yields.

Markets moved higher over the week as investor sentiment improved across both UK and US equities. Gains were supported by renewed appetite for risk assets, although investors continued to monitor inflation pressures, higher energy prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The week also highlighted the growing economic importance of climate-related disruption, with the UK heatwave adding pressure on infrastructure, public services and household costs.

This week’s market update saw US equities continue to strengthen despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and rising inflation pressures linked to higher energy costs. Commodity markets remained volatile as oil prices surged on renewed concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, while central banks maintained a cautious tone on inflation and interest rates. Political developments in the UK and wider geopolitical tensions also remained firmly in focus throughout the week.

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

Markets delivered another constructive week overall, with technology stocks continuing to lead gains as investor sentiment improved across US equities. Political developments in the UK, inflation concerns across Europe, and ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz remained key drivers for markets, while central banks continued to signal a cautious approach toward interest rates amid persistent inflationary pressures.

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.