Category: Investment Outlook
The might of the bond markets returns
27 August 2026This week was the first time this summer that we observed the seasonal lack of trading liquidity becoming an issue in markets. Last week, we titled ‘Hot weather, chilled markets’ and wrote that the “market-moving narratives...
Hot weather, chilled markets
20 August 2026Capital markets had another decent week, led by US tech stocks and propelled by AI-related corporate earnings reports. How many times have we written that sentence? The market-moving narratives are basically the same as they have...
Regaining confidence after July’s drought
13 August 2026The announcement of yet another Iran deal buoyed stock markets this week. Iran and Oman reportedly agreed a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, which would temporarily solve the issue that collapsed the US-Iran ceasefire...
Learn to make your mind up
3 August 2026This week has seen marked volatility in bonds and a number of major high-profile stocks. Some of it has been a little concerning and yet, most portfolios will probably show a reasonably positive outcome. That’s what diversification...
Hiatus in optimism
29 July 2026Equity and bond markets came under pressure this week, as oil prices rose above $100 per barrel again. The downside was clearest in bond markets, with long-term government yields moving up sharply. Stocks held up a little better...
AI froth coming off
21 July 2026The summer lull has arrived early. Broad stock indices, bonds and even oil prices have bounced up and down over the last two weeks without any clear direction. The previous AI winners, particularly semiconductors (chips), are...
Markets keep calm and carry on with business
10 July 2026Just as markets had downgraded the risks emanating from the Middle East, they flared up again. Yet again, however, it is telling how measured the market’s reaction has been to ships being set ablaze in the Strait and the consequent...
Much appreciated slowing down
6 July 2026Global stocks recovered from last week’s sell-off, but are still only roughly flat from a month ago. Once again, the previous big winners – like US tech – are the most under pressure. Last week, we put these moves down to...
Mind the money flow at quarter end
26 June 2026Stock markets, predictably, wobbled this week. Investors have seen great returns this quarter despite intense global risks, so now many institutional investment managers must rebalance their asset weightings back to target –...
From Wars to Warsh
19 June 2026The deal between US and Iran, which extends the ceasefire and opens the Strait of Hormuz, is unequivocally good news for markets. Oil prices are sharply down, global stocks are up and long-term bond yields have calmed. ...