Weekly Markets Monitor

Last week, US-Iran tensions intensified and broadened, pushing oil prices and inflation fears higher. In the US, stronger-than-expected August inflation raised investor expectations of a Fed rate hike. Meanwhile, the ECB raised rates, Eurozone growth was revised higher, and UK economic activity exceeded expectations. In China, exports strengthened and inflation firmed, while the government announced a major recapitalization of eight banks and insurers. In Japan, wage growth accelerated. 

Stronger-than-expected US economic data dominated the week, reviving rate-hike expectations, while escalating US-Iran tensions and fresh sanctions added to geopolitical risks. US labour market and business activity data remained robust, Europe saw a rise in inflation and weaker retail sales, China's manufacturing sector remained under pressure, Japan's services sector stayed resilient despite weak consumption, and India's Q2 GDP growth of 7.8% y/y exceeded expectations.

Geopolitics intensified last week on expanded Iran sanctions and escalating trade tensions with Canada. A hawkish message from Fed chair Warsh at Jackson Hole jolted markets. On the data front: US inflation remained sticky and consumer confidence weakened, while Eurozone growth surprised to the upside. In China, industrial profit growth continued to slow. Japan's rising inflation increased chances of BOJ tightening, and India's industrial production exceeded expectations.

Last week, markets were driven by geopolitical tensions and policy surprises. The expiry of the US-Iran ceasefire and threats of economic and military retaliation heightened geopolitical uncertainty, while the US Treasury's surprise announcement of bond buyback increases added to volatility. 

Last week, global economic updates delivered a blend of signals, while US-Iran talks showed little progress. In the US, subdued inflation, weak retail sales and softer consumer sentiment reduced expectations of near-term rate hikes. In the Eurozone, Q2 growth surprised to the upside and inflation remained contained. Meanwhile, deflation concerns resurfaced in China, while inflation stayed elevated in both Japan and India. 

Geopolitical concerns eased as talks on access through the Strait of Hormuz continued.  Economic updates were uneven across major economies: in the US, resilient business activity and strong corporate earnings contrasted with a cooling labour market; Eurozone manufacturing improved; China’s exports stayed strong even as domestic activity moderated; Japan’s consumer spending weakened further; and in India, the RBI kept rates unchanged while business activity moderated.  

Last week was marked by shifting monetary policy expectations, fragile geopolitical conditions in the Middle East, and volatility across equity and currency markets. The Fed, BoE, and BoJ all held rates amid dissenting votes.

Geopolitical tensions re-escalated last week as the conflict around the Strait of Hormuz intensified (though paused late on Friday) and the US unveiled fresh tariffs.

Geopolitical tensions escalated last week, while economic data pointed to divergence. In the US, inflation softened; consumer demand and labor markets stayed resilient. In the Eurozone, the trade deficit widened and industrial production fell.

Geopolitics resurfaced last week as the US-Iran ceasefire came under strain. US data pointed to softer services activity, a wider trade deficit and hawkish Fed messaging. 

Economic updates were at the fore last week. In the US, weak jobs data and softer manufacturing activity reduced expectations of near-term Fed tightening.

The past week saw US‑Iran tensions ease following peace talks, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz resuming. 

A data light shortened week in the US put the spotlight on Fed Chairman Warsh’s first meeting and a perceived ‘hawkish pause’. Sentiment was however aided by signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran. 

The past week was marked by optimism over a potential US-Iran agreement and a historic mega IPO. On the macro front, headline inflation accelerated across major economies. 

The stronger than expected US employment report raised expectations of tighter monetary policy, triggering a selloff in stocks and bonds.