The US–Israel strikes on Iran, including the killing of its supreme leader, have sharply escalated conflict and energy risks, provoking global condemnation, fears of wider war, and increased volatility in oil markets and financial conditions. Download PDF
The dominant financial theme was a sharp escalation in global trade tensions driven by new US tariffs, which disrupted global supply chains, weakened trade outlooks, and reshaped relative competitiveness between major economies. Download PDF
Global markets were increasingly driven by political developments, especially Japan’s election stimulus, UK political instability, and China’s Treasury positioning, while resilient economic growth and AI-led equity strength supported overall market performance. Download PDF
Global financial markets began 2026 with broadly constructive sentiment, as risk assets advanced while investors remained attentive to macroeconomic and geopolitical crosscurrents. Equities posted solid gains, supported by improving risk appetite, a weaker US dollar, and strength in select technology-linked segments, which contributed to notable outperformance in several non-US developed and emerging
Geopolitical risk, driven primarily by shifting US trade and security policy, has become the dominant force shaping global markets, alliances, and economic decisions across regions. Download PDF
Geopolitical risk, driven primarily by shifting US trade and security policy, has become the dominant force shaping global markets, alliances, and economic decisions across regions. Download PDF
Geopolitical risk, driven primarily by shifting US trade and security policy, has become the dominant force shaping global markets, alliances, and economic decisions across regions. Download PDF
Global markets were rattled by escalating US tariff threats, political pressure on central banks, and rising geopolitical tensions, offset partly by resilient Chinese markets and strong UK gilt performance, as investors rotated defensively amid elections, sanctions, and strained transatlantic relations. Download PDF
In December 2025, global financial markets consolidated after a year of strong returns, ending on a mixed note. US equities paused their rally, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq finishing the month flat to slightly negative, though they secured double-digit gains for the full year. Conversely, international and emerging markets