Q1 26 US Bank Earnings Preview
As is typically the case, the major Wall St banks will kick-off Q1 26 earnings season, with Goldman Sachs getting things underway on Monday 13th April.
Markets Seek To Move Past Geopolitics Amid Fragile US-Iran Ceasefire
A fragile ceasefire has triggered a broad risk-on rally across asset classes, exacerbated by bearish positioning being squeezed, with participants potentially now seeking to move past geopolitics as a narrative, as focus turns to the economic impact of the conflict, as well as the upcoming Q1 reporting season.
Middle East Ceasefire Agreed – Quick Thoughts
Initial thoughts on President Trump suspending attacks on Iran for two weeks, with a ceasefire agreed contingent on the Strait of Hormuz now re-opening.
Gold Outlook: Geopolitics and Rate Expectations Drive Price Action, $4,660 as Key Pivot
Amid uncertain geopolitical developments and a hawkish shift in rate expectations, gold volatility has risen, with $4,660 potentially serving as a short-term pivot. This week, traders will closely monitor Middle East developments, the FOMC minutes, and March U.S. CPI data, which could steer near-term gold movements.
A Look Ahead To Q1 26 US Earnings Season
Earnings season will soon be upon us once more and, while conflict in the Middle East continues to pre-occupy market participants for the most part, corporate commentary and guidance will nonetheless prove instructive, both in terms of how firms are dealing with increased cost pressures, and how consumer demand is holding up amid heightened uncertainty.
March 2026 US Employment Report: Chunky Headline Beat But Geopolitical Uncertainty Presents Downside Risks
Payrolls growth massively beat expectations in March, with unemployment unexpectedly declining too, though ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and continued geopolitical uncertainty, pose downside risks looking forwards.
Markets Start To Trade An End To The Middle East Conflict
A combination of euphoria, exuberance, and relief has driven a considerable rebound in risk appetite over the last day or so, as hopes grow for a swift end to conflict in the Middle East.
Ceasefire Expectations Boost Gold Bulls, March NFP Could Trigger Volatility
Rising ceasefire expectations in the Middle East have fueled a rebound in gold, with prices breaking above the key $4,660 resistance level. However, geopolitical uncertainty remains, and markets are closely watching Friday’s U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, which could act as a key catalyst for heightened volatility.
Have We Hit a Tradable Low in the S&P500 and Global Equity Markets?
Markets rally as geopolitical tensions ease and traders reposition. Are equities forming a tradable low? Key levels, flows, and market internals analysed.
Taking Stock Of The Equity Market Slump: Gauging Where A Turning Point May Lie
Despite a broad-based equity correction driven by geopolitical risk and an energy shock, technical indicators and market positioning suggest a turning point may not yet have been reached.
Gold Outlook: Inflation Pressure vs Recession Concerns – Nonfarm Report Could Trigger Volatility
Gold has been trading in a range, weighed down by a stronger dollar and some passive selling, while lingering recession concerns have offered support. This week, U.S. nonfarm payrolls, ISM PMIs, and Fed commentary could trigger heightened volatility, making careful position management crucial for traders.
Preview For The March 2026 US Jobs Report
The first Friday of the month, despite being Good Friday, will nonetheless bring our latest update on the health of the US labour market. While ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to dominate the narrative, and the subsequent surge in energy prices poses notable upside inflation risks, policymakers and market participants alike will no doubt continue to pay close attention to the jobs report, particularly after a substantial downside surprise in the February figures.
Markets Reprice Economic Fallout as Crude Spikes and Risk Appetite Weakens
Markets shift focus to the economic fallout of rising oil prices and geopolitical escalation, with bonds, gold, and volatility signalling growing downside risks to global growth.
Five Market Takeaways From Another Hectic Week Of Geopolitical Headlines
Amid intense geopolitical headlines, markets are balancing de-escalation signals, disrupted energy flows, and a recalibration of central bank policy expectations.
Equities Look Through The Noise As A ‘Trump Put’ Potentially Emerges
Markets are stabilising despite ongoing Middle East conflict, with de-escalation signals and the re-emergence of the ‘Trump put’ helping to anchor risk sentiment.
This Energy Price Shock Isn’t Like The Last One
Markets are treating the latest energy shock as a repeat of 2022, but weaker growth, tighter monetary policy, and greater labour market slack point to limited risks of inflation persistence and a different central bank reaction function.
Oil Pullback Limited: Cautious Take on De-escalation, Two Key Scenarios in Focus
Trump signals a softer stance on geopolitical tensions, yet oil has not seen sustained selling. Markets are closely watching Strait of Hormuz flows and negotiation progress, actively pricing in two key scenarios. In a high-volatility environment, positioning remains critical, with divergence across crude benchmarks worth monitoring.
Gold Volatility Surges: XAUUSD Trading as the Anti-Bond
Gold volatility has surged as rising real yields and shifting macro dynamics challenge its safe-haven status. Explore the key drivers behind XAUUSD’s sharp moves and what traders should watch next.