Weekly Market Update – 13th April 2026: Markets Rally on Middle East Ceasefire Framework

Global equity markets rallied strongly last week as a proposed two-week ceasefire framework in the Middle East improved investor sentiment and pushed oil prices sharply lower. Japanese equities led the gains, while UK equities also rose but underperformed global peers. US: Equities jump on two-week ceasefire framework U.S. equities recorded a second consecutive week of …

Weekly Market Update – 7th April 2026: Markets Rebound on Hopes of De-escalation

Global equity markets were mixed last week, with sentiment shifting as comments from U.S. President Donald Trump raised hopes of a near-term resolution in the Middle East. U.S. and European equities rebounded strongly, while Japanese and Chinese markets lagged as energy and geopolitical concerns continued to weigh. US: Equities rally on hopes of de-escalation U.S. …

Weekly Market Update – 30th March 2026: Volatility Continues as Energy Prices Drive Markets

The ongoing Middle East conflict and continued energy price volatility remained the dominant drivers of investor sentiment across global markets last week. U.S. equities were hit hardest as shifting headlines weakened confidence in a near-term resolution. UK equities proved more resilient, rebounding following the previous week’s sharp sell-off. US: Escalating conflict weighs on sentiment U.S. …

Interest Rates Held at 3.75%: What It Means for Mortgage Holders

The Bank of England’s decision to hold interest rates at 3.75% might suggest a period of calm, however, for UK mortgage holders, the reality is far from reassuring. While the pause in rate changes brings a degree of stability, it does little to ease the financial pressure many households are still facing. Although rates have …

Weekly Market Update – 23rd March 2026: Markets Fall as Energy Prices Surge

Global equity markets sold off sharply last week as attacks on key energy infrastructure and fears of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East pushed energy prices higher. Central banks remain in a wait-and-see position, but markets have begun pricing in the possibility of further interest rate increases, particularly in the UK. US: Federal Reserve …

Weekly Market Update – 16 March 2026: Energy Prices and Geopolitical Risk Continue to Weigh on Markets

Global equity markets remained under pressure last week as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to influence investor sentiment. Concerns about elevated energy prices and the potential inflationary impact have kept markets cautious. Japanese equities experienced the largest declines during the week, while Chinese markets held up comparatively better following stronger economic data. …

Weekly Market Update – 9th March 2026: Markets React to Escalating Middle East Conflict

Global markets experienced sharp swings this week following the attack in Iran, with energy prices surging and equities falling across most regions. Oil rose by around 20%, gas prices jumped roughly 60%, and both global equities and bonds declined. These types of market moves are common during major geopolitical events. They often reflect uncertainty rather …

March 2026 | Market update

Markets rise amid easing tariff fears Equities recovered after Trump’s tariffs were a lower rate than threatened Markets steady as tariff fears ease. Global market concerns surrounding tariffs eased when the Supreme Court ruled that the mechanism used in President Trump’s sweeping Liberation Day tariffs were unlawful. Trump subsequently announced new tariffs would come into …

Weekly Market Update – 2nd March 2026

The global economic backdrop was mixed last week, with shifting monetary policy expectations, geopolitical developments and tariff uncertainty. Despite varied market drivers, themes such as improving confidence in parts of Europe and Japan, firmer policy signals in the UK, and renewed risk appetite in China helped shape overall sentiment. The US was again the laggard, …

Weekly Market Update – 23rd February 2026: Europe and UK Extend Outperformance

Global equities delivered a broadly positive week as supportive macroeconomic data helped underpin investor sentiment. UK and European markets extended their year-to-date outperformance versus the U.S., while Japan paused following an exceptionally strong start to 2026. US: Policymakers split on near-term interest rate cuts U.S. equities finished the shortened week higher, with markets rallying on …