Weekly investment insights

Weekly investment update

What's been happening in markets?

  • Equities: Equity markets were positive last week. The FTSE 100 added +1.3% whilst Europe gained +0.7%. The US advanced +0.3%. Emerging markets added +1.6%. The UK benefitted from a higher oil price, Europe rallied on hope of a EU-US trade deal and thus increased demand for luxury goods; US had modest gains but wider market participation and EM rallied on a weaker dollar and Chinese government stimulus.
  • Bonds: UK government bonds fell -0.5%; 10yr UK yield is currently 4.98%. US treasuries fell 0.7%; 10yr US yield is currently 4.63%. Investment Grade bonds fell -0.7% whilst High Yield gained +0.3% as investors seek increased risk / reward.
  • Diversifiers: Gold was flat ($4,096), Brent oil rose +8.2% to $89 as US-Iran strikes continued over the week (these stopped on the weekend as talks have restarted). Bitcoin gained +2.1%.

Key market drivers

  • UK Prime Minister: Burnham announced several policies in first week: end rough sleeping in England, VAT cut from electricity bills, capped bus fares in England and business rates cut for pubs.
  • UK Inflation: Inflation (2.6%) beats forecast (2.7%) in June; 15-month low; driven by lower food, petrol and clothing; expected to rise again in July when energy price cap increases.
  • Iran War: Strikes continued throughout last week but no strikes over weekend; US states blockade will remain in place; Iran spokesperson describes talks as ‘constructive’.

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 27th July
  • N/A
Tuesday:
  • US: Consumer confidence report (increase expected)
Wednesday:
  • US: Interest rate decision (forecast hold at 3.75%)
Thursday:
  • UK: Interest rate decision (forecast hold at 3.75%)
Friday:
  • Japan: Interest rate decision (forecast hold at 1%)

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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