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Weekly Market Review - 08-09-2025

  • Writer: Eloise Bell
    Eloise Bell
  • Sep 8
  • 3 min read

Updated: Sep 9

Global markets began September on mixed footing, with investors weighing fresh economic data, central bank signals, and geopolitical developments. UK equities edged higher, U.S. indices diverged, and commodities gained support from both supply concerns and monetary policy expectations. Key themes included UK housing market uncertainty, central bank commentary on inflation and regulation, and new ESG reporting initiatives in the U.S. Looking ahead, attention will turn to upcoming inflation releases, GDP figures, and policy decisions across major economies.



Market Recap.


Equity markets posted mixed results during the first week of September. In the UK, the FTSE 100 ETF increased by 0.18%, supported by gains in housebuilders and consumer staples. U.S. indices were more varied: the Nasdaq 100 ETF rose 0.82%, the S&P 500 ETF gained 0.21%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF declined by 0.16%. Investor sentiment remained cautious ahead of key inflation data and central bank decisions.

 


News.


In the UK, housing market sentiment weakened amid speculation over new tax reforms. Savills reported that house prices fell by 0.1% in August, with annual growth slowing to 2.3%. Rumours of replacing Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) with an annual land tax and introducing Capital Gains Tax on high-value homes have created uncertainty.



Inflation. 


Britain’s finance minister, Rachel Reeves, urged government colleagues to assist the Bank of England’s efforts to reduce inflation while promoting economic growth ahead of her annual budget in November. Speaking after a cabinet meeting, she reaffirmed that the economy is not “broken,” and highlighted the need for fiscal discipline to lower borrowing costs. As of July, the UK recorded the highest inflation rate among G7 nations at 3.8%, with the Bank of England expecting a rise to 4% before a gradual return to its 2% target by mid-2027.



Central Banks.


European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde urged EU lawmakers to address regulatory gaps in stablecoin oversight, particularly those involving foreign issuers operating within the bloc. She called for “safeguards” and “robust equivalence regimes,” emphasising that any stablecoin schemes operating in the EU must be backed by solid regulatory frameworks in their home jurisdictions and include secure mechanisms for transferring assets between EU and non-EU entities.

Highlighting the importance of global coordination, Lagarde warned: “Without a level global playing field, risks will always seek the path of least resistance.”



Commodities.


Brent crude held steady at $68.16 per barrel, while WTI rose to $65.00, supported by geopolitical tensions and supply concerns. Gold reached a four-month high of $3,475.87/oz, driven by expectations of Fed rate cuts and a weaker dollar. Silver surged past $40/oz for the first time since 2011. Analysts are watching the upcoming OPEC+ meeting for signals on output adjustments.

 


ESG.


In the U.S., California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) is making climate reporting clearer and more accessible for businesses. New proposals simplify definitions of which companies must report, and a draft checklist has been published to guide firms through the process. Reporting deadlines are set for 2026, with Scope 1 and 2 emissions due by June and financial risk disclosures by January. CARB also confirmed that nonprofits and small remote teams may be exempt. These updates aim to make climate transparency easier to manage while helping investors and regulators access reliable data.



Geopolitics.


UK foreign policy is taking a proactive turn this autumn, with Chatham House hosting high-level discussions at both the Labour and Conservative Party conferences. Topics include strengthening diplomatic ties in Europe, boosting defence cooperation with Washington, and expanding climate leadership globally. Olivia O’Sullivan, Director of the UK in the World Programme, said, “Our events will ask the big questions—on defence, economic growth, trade, and climate—and debate the answers with senior decision-makers.” These forums aim to shape a more resilient and globally engaged UK strategy, with cross-party support for deeper international collaboration.



Week Ahead.


United States: Markets will focus on the August inflation data, with the Consumer Price Index and Producer Price Index due midweek. These releases will be closely watched for signs of persistent price pressures and their implications for the Federal Reserve’s next policy move.


United Kingdom: Attention will turn to the latest GDP figures for July, alongside industrial and manufacturing production data. The RICS House Price Balance and BRC Retail Sales Monitor will also provide insight into housing market sentiment and consumer activity.


Eurozone : The European Central Bank’s interest rate decision will headline the week, with investors looking for guidance on the path forward. Final inflation readings for August and updated GDP and employment data will offer further clarity on the region’s economic momentum.




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