Markets are riding high on tech and AI momentum – but sustained by fragile undercurrents: inflation pressures, escalating tariff threats and political uncertainty suggest recent gains may face turbulence ahead.

Underperformance of UK Investment Trusts versus equities
Despite aggressive tariff threats from the US, global markets remained resilient, bolstered by record high stock indicies, robust AI sector inflows, strong earnings, and postponed tariff deadlines, highlighting investor confidence even as trade policy risks loom.

Not-so-magnificent banks
Global financial markets were buoyed by strong equity rallies, easing trade tensions, and resilient growth in some regions, but lingering risks from looming US tariffs, persistent inflation, and financial market fragmentation kept investor caution elevated.

The Five Percent Club
Market sentiment was buoyed by hopes for better trade relations, especially the US/China rare earth deal and extensions to temporary tariff relief, helping lift global equities to record levels. However, this optimism was tempered by growing worries over US long term sovereign debt outflows, highlighting growing investor concerns about fiscal sustainability and pent-up inflation risk.

Momentum Real Assets Growth & Income (RAGI) a year on
Rising geopolitical tensions—particularly the escalating Israel-Iran conflict—have significantly unsettled global markets, driving energy prices sharply higher and prompting a flight to safe assets.

Debt of a nation
Markets navigated a fragile equilibrium last week as central banks signalled easing, geopolitical and trade tensions escalated.

May-be not
Global financial markets were influenced by a combination of corporate earnings volatility, strategic international agreements, and the broader implications.

Has the first 100 days of President Trump made anything great again?
Global markets remained under pressure from US tariff policies and political instability, with economic growth downgrades, falling confidence, and financial market volatility, though slight easing in US-China tensions.