The Bank of England keeps rates on hold, but the global economy? Not so chill. Oil prices are surging, war drums are thumping in the Middle East, and central banks can't agree on anything — except that it's all a bit of a mess.

Today on Bullhorn Daily, we explain what the BoE’s decision means for your wallet, why oil’s on a four-month high, and how Gen Z just became the most optimistic generation (yep, really). Plus: a beauty stock faceplants, construction booms in Europe, and everyone’s watching Friday like it’s a season finale.

Markets made simple. Finance without the fluff. Let’s go.

📋 Show Notes:

• BOE: The ‘Hold’ Heard Round LondonWhy the Bank of England left rates unchanged, and what that means for inflation, mortgages, and your future self.

• The Market Mood: Gloomy with a Chance of WarOil prices surge on fears of a U.S.-Iran escalation — we explain what’s happening and why it’s spooking investors.

• Stocks: Winners, Losers, and Total CollapsesFrom Revolution Beauty’s 40% crash to BP’s oil-fueled rally, we break down the biggest market moves.

• Gen Z: Finally Some Good News?Consumer confidence ticks up — and younger people are leading the charge. We look at why optimism is on the rise.

• Europe: Building Up, Tensions UpConstruction activity surprises to the upside, even as investor nerves fray across the continent.

• Asia: Oil Up, Stocks DownGeopolitical uncertainty sends Asian markets lower — with a few surprise winners.

• Quick Hits: Economy CornerAustralia’s job market, the Fed’s rate stance, and what’s next for inflation and growth.

• Tomorrow: What We’re WatchingRetail sales, public borrowing, Iran talks in Geneva, and a vibe check on Europe’s diplomacy efforts.

The Federal Reserve stands still while the rest of the world spins — and possibly burns. On today’s Bullhorn Daily, we break down why US interest rates remain unchanged, what the latest Fed forecasts mean for 2025, and why Jerome Powell’s crystal ball is looking a little cloudy.

Meanwhile, markets are flinching at every word out of Donald Trump’s mouth as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate — and the US edges closer to involvement. We look at how global stocks, oil prices, and safe-haven currencies are reacting to the geopolitical heat.

Plus: UK inflation stays sticky, the Bank of England’s next move hangs in the balance, and Singapore slashes its growth outlook. We also unpack the biggest movers on the London Stock Exchange — from Rathbones and ME Group to Tullow Oil’s brutal nosedive.

As always, we explain what matters, why it matters, and what it means for you — without the jargon. Let’s get into it.

📝 Show Notes:

• US Fed keeps interest rates steady for the fourth straight meeting

• Forecasts now suggest just two rate cuts in 2025, down from earlier expectations

• Jerome Powell warns of uncertainty from Trump’s tariff proposals

• Trump teases possible Iran strike, prompting market jitters and oil price volatility

• Dow and S&P dip while Nasdaq inches higher as investors stay cautious

• UK inflation holds at 3.4% — food prices surge, housing market cools

• Bank of England likely to hold rates steady at Thursday’s meeting

• CBI cuts UK growth forecast for 2025 to 1.2%

• FTSE ends higher, boosted by Rathbones, ME Group, and airlines

• Tullow Oil crashes after failed merger talks; PZ Cussons and AO World slide

• Europe’s Stoxx 600 hits lowest level since May 9 amid Middle East tensions

• Asia-Pacific markets mixed as Japan rallies, Hong Kong sinks

• Japan’s exports fall in May, Singapore growth expectations revised down

Follow Bullhorn Daily for your fast, fun, and clear-eyed take on global markets, investing, and the financial news that actually matters.

President Trump exits the G7 summit with a warning for Tehran and markets recoil. We unpack how the escalating Middle East crisis is rattling investors, lifting oil, and souring global sentiment. Plus, US retail sales slump, airline shares dive, and the UK clinches a trade deal with Washington. From Wall Street to Westminster, here’s what you need to know.

📝 Show Notes:

• US stocks fell sharply Tuesday as President Trump called for the evacuation of Tehran and issued threats against Iran’s leadership.

• Oil prices jumped after tanker collisions and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, fuelling gains in energy stocks and heavy losses in travel names.

• US retail sales declined 0.9% in May — the steepest drop in four months — while capacity utilisation missed expectations and housing sentiment dropped to 2022 lows.

• Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a new bilateral trade deal, lifting tariffs on British exports.

• European markets declined as the conflict intensified, though German investor sentiment surged to a 26-month high.

• Asia-Pacific equities were mixed, with Japan rising and China slipping. The Bank of Japan held rates steady but signalled a slow unwind of bond purchases.

• Trump failed to strike a trade deal with Japan, raising the prospect of steep US tariffs on Japanese goods next month.

• Ocean Wilsons soared in London after announcing a merger with Hansa Investment Company.

• Morgan Sindall and B&M also rallied on upbeat updates, while Bunzl slumped on a broker downgrade.

Global markets slipped and oil prices surged as Donald Trump abruptly departed the G7 summit and called for an evacuation of Tehran, reigniting fears of escalation in the Middle East. In today’s episode, we break down the geopolitical shockwaves, the oil market’s reaction, and why the FTSE is faring better than its European peers. Plus: a UK-US trade deal, Morgan Sindall’s earnings surprise, and Asia’s mixed day.

Show Notes:

• US futures fall as Trump leaves the G7 early and warns Tehran

• Brent crude spikes amid tanker fire near the UAE and Hormuz risks

• FTSE 100 outperforms thanks to BP, Shell and new UK-US trade deal

• European banks slump as geopolitical tensions hit risk appetite

• Morgan Sindall surges after raising 2025 guidance

• Japan holds rates, plans gradual bond tapering; trade talks with US stall

• Singapore export shock; China tech drags; Nikkei gains

• ZEW sentiment beats expectations in Germany

• Airline stocks down on oil price pressures

• Market outlook: risk-off sentiment prevails amid conflict fears

Wall Street rebounds and oil retreats as Iran signals a willingness to de-escalate. With missiles still flying, markets are betting on containment — not escalation. Meanwhile, retail sales roar back in China, and takeover talk fuels sharp moves in London and Europe.

We break down the day’s key moves across the U.S., Europe, and Asia — from the Strait of Hormuz to the FTSE and beyond.

📌 Show Notes

• Wall Street climbs as Middle East tensions appear contained

• Oil prices fall despite attacks on energy infrastructure

• Iran reportedly urges Saudi Arabia to push for a U.S.-brokered ceasefire

• Empire State manufacturing data sinks further into contraction

• FTSE and Stoxx 600 rise on hopes for diplomatic off-ramp

• Entain, Metro Bank, and Spectris soar on guidance upgrades and M&A buzz

• China’s retail sales beat forecasts; industrial output and property lag

• South Korea’s Kakao stocks and Japan’s chipmakers lead Asia’s rally

• Renault tumbles as CEO de Meo eyes move to Kering

Markets tread water as trade talks resume in London. While chip stocks rally and crypto surges, China’s economic data casts a long shadow. We break down a cautious Monday across Wall Street, London, and Asia — where investors are watching every move in a fragile U.S.–China detente.

Plus: Apple disappoints, Spectris soars, and the Nasdaq edges closer to 20,000.

⏱ Show Notes / Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Markets flat as U.S.–China trade talks resume
00:42 – Wall Street: S&P inches higher, chip stocks lead gains
02:15 – Movers: Apple slips, Warner Bros splits, Bitcoin surges
03:34 – Commodities & currencies: Oil climbs, yields fall, dollar softens
04:20 – London: Mixed close; Spectris rockets, WPP slides
05:35 – China: Exports slump, prices fall, stimulus hopes grow
06:50 – Asia-Pacific: Hong Kong rallies, Japan revises GDP, Korea rebounds
08:15 – Europe: Stocks stall as traders eye London trade talks
09:00 – Wrap: Trade diplomacy and data in the spotlight this week

Stocks climb, growth shrinks. On today’s Bullhorn: Wall Street rallies to three-month highs, even as U.S. factory orders slump and global forecasts are cut. We unpack the OECD’s revised outlook, China’s factory contraction, and who’s leading and lagging across London, Europe, and Asia.

Tech, defence, and discount retail are up. Tariffs and uncertainty still loom.

• Intro: Markets rising despite growth headwinds

• Wall Street: Nasdaq, S&P hit highs; Dollar General surges
• U.S. Data: Factory orders fall, job openings rebound
• London: Miners, housebuilders slump; defence stocks shine
• Global Outlook: OECD cuts U.S., UK, and global growth forecasts
• Europe: Inflation falls, tariffs return, Gerresheimer sinks
• Asia: China’s factory slump, Hang Seng gains, Aussie stocks rally
• Currency & Commodities: Dollar firm, oil edges higher
• Wrap: Markets up, but storm clouds building

London markets closed higher Thursday after stronger-than-expected UK GDP growth and a flurry of upbeat corporate earnings. The FTSE 100 rose 0.6%, with Hikma, Serco, and Watches of Switzerland among the top gainers. But oil majors BP and Shell slipped as crude prices dropped amid speculation over US-Iran diplomacy.

In the US, mixed economic data and remarks from Fed Chair Powell on global volatility shaped investor sentiment. Retail sales rose modestly while producer prices unexpectedly fell. Meanwhile, Dick’s Sporting Goods confirmed a $2.4bn deal for Foot Locker, and Walmart’s CEO flagged new pricing pressures.

CityCast PM gives you the City’s closing snapshot in under 10 minutes.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & FTSE 100 closes up 0.6%
00:25 – UK GDP grows 0.7% in Q1, led by services and production
00:55 – Corporate risers:
• Hikma +7.4% on long-term growth targets
• Watches of Switzerland +5.2% on strong sales
• Serco +3.8% on £1bn Navy contracts
• National Grid, Aviva also higher
01:55 – Corporate fallers:
• BP -3.9%, Shell -2% on oil weakness
• Auction Technology -11.2% on weak March
• Spectris, PageGroup down on ex-dividend trading
02:40 – Wall Street update:
• Powell says higher rates may be needed long-term
• Jobless claims steady; manufacturing surveys mixed
• PPI -0.5%, retail sales +0.1%
03:45 – US stocks:
• Dick’s confirms $2.4bn Foot Locker deal
• Walmart CEO warns on price risks
04:20 – Europe wrap:
• Stoxx 600 +0.5%, DAX +0.7%, CAC +0.2%
• Merck cuts outlook, Thyssenkrupp profits plunge
• Siemens steady; eurozone industrial output +2.6%
05:15 – GDP outlook: Eurozone +0.3% in Q1, may be short-lived
05:40 – Wrap-up: Back after Wall Street close tonight

London stocks held modest gains by midday Thursday as upbeat UK GDP data bolstered sentiment. Growth reached 0.7% in Q1, with strength in services and production offsetting weakness in education and telecoms. JD Sports, Serco, National Grid, and Aviva advanced, while 3i Group, BP, and Shell came under pressure.

Asian markets slipped as tech and property names sold off, though strong jobs data lifted Australia. China’s central bank moved to support the economy with fresh liquidity and rate cuts. Meanwhile, US futures pointed lower ahead of key inflation and retail sales data.

CityCast Lunchbreak brings you a five-minute midday wrap from London’s financial district.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: FTSE up 0.1% by midday
00:20 – UK GDP Q1: Grows 0.7%, driven by services (+0.7%) and production (+1.1%)
00:55 – Movers:• JD Sports rises on Dick’s-Foot Locker deal reports• Serco wins £1bn Navy contracts• National Grid, Aviva upbeat• 3i Group disappoints• BP, Shell lower on crude weakness
02:00 – Europe: Stoxx 600 flat, awaiting Powell; Thyssenkrupp, Merck fall
02:35 – Asia markets:• Nikkei -0.98%, Shanghai -0.68%, Hang Seng -0.79%• JD.com, Longfor down sharply• ASX +0.22%, NZX +0.79% on strong jobs data• China cuts RRR, adds liquidity
04:10 – Wall Street preview: Futures down ahead of PPI, retail sales, US-Iran headlines
04:50 – Wrap-up: Back post-close with the day’s full recap