Just as households adjusted to the hustle and bustle of the new school year, investors were reminded that the summer calm never lasts forever, with September proving far more turbulent than the first two months of the quarter. While equities largely avoided the disorder seen across other asset classes, the
Global equities advanced modestly during the third quarter, as resilient economic activity, strong corporate earnings and continued investment in artificial-intelligence infrastructure outweighed higher energy prices, rising government-bond yields and renewed geopolitical tension. The increase in oil prices supported energy shares, while rate-sensitive areas came under pressure as central banks maintained
Markets balanced resilient activity and earnings expectations against high bond yields, fiscal strains and renewed energy risks, leaving central banks constrained as regional equity and bond markets diverged. Download PDF
Markets balanced resilient activity and strong technology investment against a renewed rise in sovereign yields and volatile energy prices. Diversification remained important as regional growth, inflation and policy risks continued to diverge. Download PDF
Markets balanced resilient activity and strong technology investment against a renewed rise in sovereign yields and volatile energy prices. Diversification remained important as regional growth, inflation and policy risks continued to diverge. Download PDF
Markets grappled with rising bond yields, higher energy prices and renewed rate-hike expectations as geopolitical tensions intensified globally. Download PDF
Markets grappled with rising bond yields, higher energy prices and renewed rate-hike expectations as geopolitical tensions intensified globally. Download PDF
Global financial markets were broadly positive in August 2026, with equities advancing despite volatility driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, elevated oil prices, and uncertainty over monetary policy. Strong corporate earnings, particularly in technology and AI-related sectors, helped lift major indices, with many equity markets posting gains and
While there was no let up in eventful news headlines, August was noticeably calmer than much of 2026, with markets enjoying a brief period of respite after a year dominated by geopolitical tension, Al euphoria and volatility across bonds and equities. That calm will have been particularly welcomed by investors