August saw strong gains in global equities, particularly in the Dow Jones, as well as indices in both China, and Japan. Gold has hit a four-month high nearing USD 3,500 per ounce this morning, driven by concerns over the Federal Reserve’s independence and uncertainty around US tariffs. Silver is breaking the USD 40 an ounce level – for the first time since 2011 – boosted by supply constraints and rising demand from the clean energy sector. After tech profit-taking last week and ongoing political risks in France, investors face a seasonally weak September with pivotal US labour market data due on Friday and the anticipation of US rate cuts later in the month. Mensur Pocinci, Head of Technical Analysis, notes that declining US corporate bond yields bodes well for US stocks, while gold and silver offer further upside.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content

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Yesterday saw a flurry of economic data releases, accompanied by significant political developments. The US economy demonstrated stronger-than-expected resilience in the second quarter, expanding at a revised annualised rate of 3.3%, while recent labour market figures suggest a supportive backdrop. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s attempt to dismiss Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, followed by her decision to sue the President, could have a profound effect on the relationship between the White House and the central bank. Stock markets remained robust yesterday, with the S&P 500 reaching a new intraday high. Attention now turns to today's key US economic data release: the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index – the Federal Reserve's favoured measure of inflation. 

Joining us today are Nenad Dinic, who offers insights into the French equity market amid ongoing political uncertainty, and Tim Gagie, who provides an update on the current trends in FX and precious metals.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content

French stocks have staged a modest recovery following the recent sell-off, while government bond spreads relative to neighbouring Germany have continued to widen. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 reached a new record high, as investors awaited Nvidia's Q2 earnings report after the market close. Despite exceeding analyst expectations, Nvidia's share price declined in after-hours trading. To discuss how current geopolitical developments may influence commodity prices, we are joined by Norbert Rücker, Head of Economics and Next Generation Research.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content

French political uncertainty sparks market jitters, sending European equities tumbling, with the CAC 40 falling a further 1.7% yesterday. In contrast, US stocks buck the trend despite concerns over the Fed's independence. Today, market participants will focus on upcoming corporate earnings, in particular Nvidia's quarterly results. And we have Dario Messi, Head of Fixed Income Research, on the show to discuss what Jackson Hole and the French confidence vote mean for bond markets, and what fixed income investors should do now.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Bernadette Anderko, Product & Investment Content

The US President attempted to sack Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook yesterday – a move that saw the dollar fall and gold gain. These moves were somewhat reversed when Governor Cook’s lawyer called the action illegal and lacking proper process and Cook vowed not to quit. Trump was also in the news for threatening “200% tariffs or something” on China if it does not export rare-earth magnets to the US. European markets closed Monday lower with the CAC 40 down more than 1.6% after the country’s Prime Minister announced that he will seek a confidence vote in parliament next month over the government’s budget plans. US markets also traded lower on Monday following Friday’s rally, and Asia followed suit with the exception of China’s CSI 300 which traded marginally higher. Richard Tang, Head of Equity Research Asia, shares his thoughts on the recent Chinese equity rally and explains why he now believes that A shares should outperform H shares. He also provides insights into his preferred sectors for those looking to get on board. 

• (00:00) - Introduction: Mike Rauber, Product & Investment Content

Global markets have rallied following Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's dovish speech on Friday that opened the door to interest rate cuts. In response, stocks, bonds, gold, and crypto assets surged, while the US dollar has fallen. Asian equity markets are following Wall Street this morning, led by shares in Hong Kong. The US government will acquire a 9.9% stake in Intel. Looking ahead to the week, key events include Nvidia's earnings report on Wednesday after the market close, as well as crucial inflation data releases on both sides of the Atlantic on Friday. According to Mensur Pocinci, Head of Technical Analysis Research, market breadth indicators in the US and Europe suggest further stock market gains are likely through to the end of the year.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Bernadette Anderko, Product & Investment Content

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US stocks extended their losses amid trade tensions and mixed corporate earnings. Stronger-than-expected PMI data and warnings from Walmart, the US retail giant, that Trump's tariffs are driving up costs, have heightened inflation concerns and lifted yields. As markets are looking for direction, investors eagerly await Federal Reserve Chairman Powell's keynote speech at Jackson Hole, seeking guidance on future interest rates. Tim Gagie, Head of FX/PM Solutions Geneva, discusses what this means for the US dollar and in which currencies he sees opportunities.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content

The Nasdaq 100 fell as much as 1.5% before recovering to close just 0.6% lower. Markets remain on edge ahead of key events, including Jay Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium tomorrow, whilst the USD remains unchanged and gold rises amid concerns over Fed independence. UK inflation surged to an 18-month high and government bonds rallied, lifting large-cap UK stocks, whilst Asian markets showed mixed results, with technology-heavy Korea and Taiwan rising and Japan's Nikkei 225 falling. Shares in Shanghai have reached their highest in a decade. Carsten Menke, Head of Next Generation Research, discusses the Circular Economy investment theme, focusing on the plastic problem.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content

While major European stock markets experienced a cautiously optimistic trading session, buoyed by hopes of de-escalation in Ukraine, the main US indices ended the day in negative territory, led by declines in large-cap technology stocks. Nevertheless, a notable 70% of S&P 500 constituents managed to finish higher, as investors looked ahead to the Jackson Hole symposium, which begins tomorrow, for fresh insights into future monetary policy. For expert analysis, Dario Messi, Head of Fixed Income Research, shares his perspectives on these developments, while Mathieu Racheter, Head of Equity Strategy Research, discusses the potential implications of a peace agreement for European equities, especially the defence sector.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Bernadette Anderko, Product & Investment Content

President Zelenskyy’s second meeting at the White House delivered more smiles than his first but resulted in expectations rather than deals. President Trump has announced that he will now set up a face-to-face meeting for Ukraine and Russia’s leaders, and President Zelenskyy has made security guarantees a ‘starting point for ending the war’. Financial markets are breathing a small sigh of relief and now turning their attention to the Jackson Hole global central bank symposium starting on Thursday. Meanwhile, technological advancements and product innovations in the asset management space are blurring the divide between public and private markets, and the exchange traded fund (ETF) market is now undergoing something of a revolution – Next Generation analyst Manuel Villegas joins the podcast to explain the trend and what it might mean for investors.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content