September saw strong gains across markets, with the S&P 500 up 3%. Hong Kong outperformed, rising 7%. Gold hit multiple highs and credit spreads narrowed to multi-year lows. Yesterday, healthcare rallied after Pfizer announced discounted drug sales via a new government platform. Switzerland and the United States issued a joint statement opposing currency manipulation. In Asia, trading was subdued due to China’s Golden Week, while Tokyo declined on interest rate concerns. Dario Messi, Head of Fixed Income Research, comments on the US government shutdown, noting that while politically sensitive, the market impact is likely to remain limited.

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