Weekly investment insights

Weekly investment update

What's been happening in markets?

  • Equities: Equity markets advanced across the board last week, excluding the UK. The FTSE 100 retreated -1.2% whilst Europe gained +0.9% and the US +2.3%. Gains were also seen in Emerging Markets of +4.2%. Broad positive sentiment was driven through a falling oil price and US strong; although concerns linger regarding increased CapEx estimates for AI.
  • Bonds: UK government bonds advanced +0.5%; 10yr UK yield is currently 4.91%. US bond prices gained +0.1% ; 10yr US yield is currently 4.39%. Global bonds gained +0.3%.
  • Diversifiers: Gold was up +3.7%, with falling bond yields making the non-yielding asset more attractive. Bitcoin gained +1.3% to rise to $80,849 as risk on sentiment flowed into the alternative asset space. Brent crude oil dropped -11.4% to $101/bbl as negotiations continue and OPEC agrees to increase output by 188,000 barrels in June.

Key market drivers

  • UK Local Elections: Labour lose 1,500 councillors, with majority going to Reform and Greens. More than 30 Labour MP’s have called for Starmer to resign.
  • US Employment: The US added 115,000 jobs in April, almost double the expected number forecasted by economists.
  • Iran War: Negotiations continue; ceasefire largely continues; both sides struggle to come to an agreement. Israel PM stated War is not considered over until Iranian uranium stockpiles are taken out.

Chart of the week

The Iran war has stock markets on tenterhooks

In this week’s ‘Chart of the Week’ we examine how stock markets have performed during previous conflicts in the Middle East involving the US.

The chart shows the performance of the MSCI World Index over the first 100 days following the start of the war, specifically for
– Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait in 1991
– The Afghanistan War in 2001
– The Iraq War in 2003

The stock markets mostly reacted negatively only in the short term or in the run-up to these conflicts. In all three cases, the global equity index was well into positive territory 100 days after the start of the war. In 1991, the dollar also strengthened significantly, which boosted returns in Pounds somewhat.

Reactions remain limited for now. Measured in pounds, there was a decline of just 3 per cent. Prices have stabilised in recent days.

Upcoming events

Monday 11th May
  • US: Existing home sales
Tuesday:
  • US: Consumer Price Inflation
Wednesday:
  • Europe: GDP Growth
Thursday:
  • UK: GDP Growth
Friday:
  • N/A

This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a personal recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Investments can rise or fall in value, and you may receive less than you originally invested.

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