News & Views

Global markets moved higher this week, with investor sentiment improving following a period of heightened volatility. While geopolitical tensions remain a key source of uncertainty, markets have shown resilience, supported by stabilising commodity prices and renewed confidence in growth sectors. At the same time, inflation dynamics and central bank expectations continue to shape the outlook, with investors balancing short-term risks against a more constructive medium-term bac

Markets closed the week on a more cautious footing, with geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices driving increased volatility across global assets. While UK equities showed relative resilience, US markets moved lower as investors reassessed the outlook for inflation and interest rates. With oil prices climbing and uncertainty in the Middle East continuing to evolve, attention is now turning to how these developments may feed through into inflation and central bank poli

Global markets faced a challenging week, with rising geopolitical tensions and renewed inflation concerns weighing on investor sentiment. Volatility increased across asset classes as developments in the Middle East introduced fresh uncertainty around energy prices and the broader economic outlook. Against this backdrop, investors have adopted a more cautious stance, with markets increasingly sensitive to both geopolitical developments and central bank signals.

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.

This week’s Weekly Market Review highlights a more cautious tone across global markets as equities moved lower amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. We also look at the unexpected rise in Eurozone inflation, the sharp surge in oil prices driven by concerns around energy supply routes, and the latest policy signals from central banks. In addition, we explore the EU’s new long-term emissions target and the key economic data releases investors will be watching i

Global markets were mixed over the week as investors balanced signs of easing inflation against continued caution from central banks and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. US equities diverged, with strength in the Dow offset by weakness in technology stocks, while UK markets were broadly flat. Attention remains firmly on incoming inflation and labour-market data, which will be critical in shaping interest-rate expectations as markets move toward year-end.

Global markets advanced in September 2025 as the Fed cut rates for the first time this year, while the BoE and ECB held steady. Strong performances in commodities and China-focused sectors powered broad equity gains, with the Netherlands and Peru leading the way. Despite persistent inflation, improving sentiment and policy support lifted the Balanced portfolio Index by 1.58%, signalling renewed investor confidence.

Recent trade tensions between the United States and China triggered brief market turbulence following new tariff and export control announcements. Despite initial volatility, conciliatory statements from both sides have calmed investor sentiment, with markets showing signs of stabilisation and optimism for future dialogue—particularly ahead of the APEC Summit.

Global markets in July showed resilience but faced sharp volatility. Strong earnings and steady growth lifted equities in the U.S., UK, Eurozone, and Japan, yet trade tensions, rising public debt, and mixed inflation created uncertainty. Bond yields climbed, currencies weakened in key regions, and late-month policy concerns reminded investors how quickly sentiment can shift.