Q1 26 ‘Magnificent Seven’ Earnings Preview
First quarter earnings season is now well underway. With the big banks having reported largely solid results, focus now turns to other sectors, with the tech sector soon to be in the spotlight, as the ‘Magnificent Seven’ get set to deliver first quarter figures.
February 2026 UK GDP: Strong Data Masks Mounting Downside Risks
This morning's UK GDP data pointed to a stronger pace of expansion than expected before conflict broke out in the Middle East.
Equities Price An End To Middle East Conflict, But Sector Dispersion Persists
While the S&P 500 has now erased losses seen since the start of conflict in the Middle East, less than half of the index’s sectors have done the same, suggesting significant room for select areas of the market to play ‘catch up’.
Q1 26 Energy Earnings Preview
In light of the recent surge in energy prices, and amid the ongoing disruption caused as a result of conflict in the Middle East, earnings, and associated commentary, from energy majors, will be a key focus for market participants in the upcoming Q1 26 earnings season.
Gold Outlook: Tug-of-War Continues, Geopolitics and Earnings in Focus
The breakdown in U.S.–Iran negotiations has lifted risk premiums and inflation expectations, limiting gold’s upside potential. However, growth slowdown pricing and sustained central bank buying continue to provide support.
Markets Say "Could Be Worse" On News Of Hormuz Blockade
While crude has advanced, and stocks slipped a touch, the overall market reaction to the weekend news of a US Navy blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has been relatively contained, as participants view the move largely as a negotiating gambit from President Trump.
March 2026 US CPI: The Energy Shock Arrives
March’s US CPI report provided the first evidence as to the inflationary impact of higher energy prices, stemming from conflict in the Middle East, though the near-term policy implications of the data are likely lacking.
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.
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.