Moving Markets: Daily News

Markets are off to a strong start this week, which will be a critical one with a 'triple-header' of major central bank decisions. The US Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, and the Bank of Japan are all scheduled to announce their latest monetary policy moves. Recent economic data suggest it may now be time for the Fed to restart its rate-cutting cycle, following a pause that began in January. In today’s discussion, we’re joined by Mensur Pocinci, Head of Technical Analysis, who anticipates further declines in US Treasury yields and the value of the US dollar. He a...

marked a second consecutive pause following eight hikes since last year. In the US, data was mixed: inflation remains sticky but isn’t accelerating, and jobless claims unexpectedly surged. These developments have reinforced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut next week. Asian markets were lifted overnight by renewed enthusiasm around artificial intelligence. In commodities, gold is trading near record highs, while oil has pulled back from earlier gains this week as investors refocus on fundamentals. Joining us today is Dario Messi, Head of Fixed Income Research, who shares his insights on what the ECB’s decision and US infl...

US equities surged again yesterday, closing off their intraday highs but nevertheless achieving new records. US PPI data confirmed that growth is slowing, providing more of the data that the Fed needs to start cutting rates again – markets will now scrutinise today’s CPI data for more clues. Oracle’s near 36% rally yesterday was sparked by astonishing cloud demand numbers. Asian tech also drove markets there higher. Norbert Rücker, Head of Economics & Next Generation Research, explains why his team believes oil prices should trend lower and gold higher in the next 12 months, whilst Nicolas Jordan, CIO Strategy & Investment Analysi...

Stocks in the US hit another all-time high on expectations that the Federal Reserve will fight the slowdown in jobs growth with interest rate cuts. US inflation data out today and tomorrow will be the next test for markets. The Anglo/Teck ‘merger-of-equals’ creates a premier global player in copper and critical minerals. Today, we are joined by Mathieu Racheter, Head of Equity Strategy, who explains why he believes markets will grind higher into year-end, and Tim Gagie, Head of FX/PMPrivate Banking Sales Geneva, who shares his current insights on currencies and metals markets.

French Prime Minister Bayrou lost the confidence vote yesterday, triggering the collapse of his government. European markets had no chance to react, as the decision came after trading ended. The political uncertainty adds fresh strain to the eurozone, where stock markets actually started the week on a high. Speaking of highs, the Nasdaq hit a fresh record, driven by strength in tech and AI-related stocks, while gold also rallied to a new peak, supported by expectations of a US rate cut and ongoing geopoliticaltensions. Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei 225 briefly touched a record intraday high before turning negative, as investors as...

The Nikkei 225 was up around 1.5% and the Topix hit a record high this morning after Japan’s prime minister resigned over the weekend. It’s hoped that a new regime should provide greater longer-term policy and political stability, and a more conducive pro-growth environment for the equities market. Asia’s stock markets rallied after the US jobs report on Friday provided further justification for data-based Fed rate cuts.At the start of a big week including inflation data, a vote of confidence in the French government and the September ECB meeting, Mensur Pocinci, Head of Technical Analysis, explains why he bel...

The S&P 500 is trading at fresh all-time highs ahead of today’s crucial US non-farm payrolls report, which iswidely seen as the final piece of the puzzle that could give the Federal Reserve the go-ahead to resume cutting interest rates. Meanwhile, Asian markets are rising, buoyed by positive trade developments out of Japan and broader optimism in the region. Joining us today is Tim Gagie, Head of Private Banking Sales in Geneva for FX and Precious Metals, to discuss which currencies – beyond the usual suspects – could benefit from a renewed weakening of the US dollar.

Google avoiding worst-case penalties in its antitrust case lifted tech stocks yesterday, which drove the good performance of both the Nasdaq Composite and the S&P 500. Meanwhile, US job openings data provided a boost to US Treasuries, fuelling hopes of a September rate cut. Asia joined the rally, with the notable exception of China and Hong Kong. The latter had news specific to Nidec Corp to digest but China’s dropcame on the back of news that financial regulators are said to be considering a number of cooling measures for the stock market following its spectacular rally since the st...

Global long-term government bond yields spike amid renewed concerns over fiscal sustainability. This has put pressure on equities, which declined broadly – though certain sectors held up better, including luxury stocks. In the US, both major indices ended the session lower, though they recovered somewhat from their intraday lows. Meanwhile, gold emerged as a key beneficiary, climbing to new all-time highs as investorssought safe-haven assets. Alphabet and Apple shares surged in extended trading following a favourable court ruling. Joining us today is Dario Messi, Head of Fixed Income Research, and he explains why he isn’t overly alarmed by the rise...

With US markets closed yesterday for a public holiday, attention was firmly on European markets, where equities began the new month on a positive note. Two sectors led the gains: defence and healthcare. Meanwhile, European bond markets weakened slightly, weighed down by ongoing concerns over France’s political stability and fiscal outlook. Overnight in Asia, markets traded mixed as investors digested developments from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit amid lingering uncertainty over tariffs. In commodities, gold hit a fresh record high, while oil prices were supported by worries of potential supply disruptions. Joining us today is Manuel Villegas from Ne...

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 an...

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: th...

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.

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.

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 g...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

Major equity markets surge to new highs, driven by easing trade tensions, robust US earnings, and expectations of US interest rate cuts even as US inflation remains a concern. This trend is also reflected in US investment-grade credit spreads, which have reached their lowest level since 1998. Meanwhile, Indian markets are up over 1% today, following news of a planned cut in consumption tax. Looking ahead, investors are eagerly anticipating several key events this week, including today's meeting between Ukrainian President Zelensky and US President Trump in Washington DC, the release of the FOMC minutes on Wednesday, and Fed Chair Jay...

Yesterday’s hotter-than-expected US inflation data prompted a reassessment of rate cut expectations, driving yields and the US dollar higher. Although most stocks fell, the S&P 500 managed to eke out a marginal gain, largely due tothe strong performance of major tech companies. Notably, Intel’s stock jumped on news that the Trump administration was considering taking a stake in the beleaguered chipmaker. Attention now turns to the upcoming Trump-Putin summit, where discussions may significantly impact safe-haven assets like gold and the Swiss franc. To explore the potential implications and trading opportunities, Thomas Caflisch, Head of FX/PM Solutions, shar...

Benchmark equity indices in the US, Italy, Spain, and the UK have surged to new highs, fuelled by a benign US inflation report and Germany's inflation data confirming a sub-2% reading. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says US interest rates could be 150 to 175 basis points lower. Bitcoin has hit a new all-time high, with Ether also close to its record high. Japanese shares are down on a stronger yen, after previously reaching a record high. Norbert Rücker, Head of Economics and Next Generation Research, weighs in on the energy market outlook: from oil to gas and Friday's US-Russia s...

The latest US inflation figures for July sent stocks soaring to new all-time highs once again. With a 25 basis-point rate cut in September now widely anticipated by market participants, expectations are running high. In contrast, European markets underperformed due to disappointing economic data from Germany. Joining us today are Dario Messi, Head of Fixed Income Research, and Mathieu Racheter, Head of Equity Strategy Research. Dario shares his rationale for why he doesn't foresee any significant yield spikes, while Mathieu provides insight into the challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector and the shifting landscape of market leadership in Europe.

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The main question on everyone’s mind is whether today's US inflation report will corroborate the narrative of easing inflation, potentially paving the way for a possible Federal Reserve rate cut in September. A stronger-than-expected inflation figure would serve as a reality check for investors. Meanwhile, geopolitical developments, such as the upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin, and trade news, including the extension of the US-China trade truce, are dominating the headlines. Overnight, the Australian central bank cut interest rates, whilst Japanese shares reached new record highs. Joining us on the show to discuss the recent surge in Bitcoin an...

US stocks are on a tear with the S&P 500 trading just a whisker below its all-time high and the Nasdaq shining thanks to renewed enthusiasm around tech and artificial intelligence stocks. European stocks are also having a good run with banks in the lead. However, Switzerland has been lagging after the hefty 39% levies on Swiss exports to the US took effect on Thursday. This week’s inflation data will be decisive in terms of whether markets can rally further. Joining us this morning is Mensur Pocinci, Head of Technical Analysis, who shares his insights on the direction of US...

Once again, investors are facing a flood of news to digest – from tariff updates, such as Japan’s announcement that the US will end the stacking of universal tariffs and cut levies on cars; to central bank developments, including the Bank of England’s rate decision and the appointment of Stephen Miran to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors; to company-specific headlines, such as Eli Lilly’s latest study results; and geopolitical updates, including a potential Trump - Putin meeting. Joining us to discuss the latest developments in the currencies and metals markets is Tim Gagie, our Head of FX/PM Pr...

Markets are in a positive mood, driven by corporate earnings that are exceeding expectations, and this is despite further 'tariff sabre-rattling' by President Donald Trump, who announced a potential 100% tariff on chips and semiconductors that are not manufactured in the US. Meanwhile, Switzerland has yet to successfully negotiate a reduction in the US tariff of 39%. Yields are slightly higher this morning, partly due to the underwhelming demand in yesterday’s auction of new 10-year US Treasuries. For insights into the bank's investment strategy, we are joined by Nicolas Jordan from the CIO Investment Analysis team.

With tariffs on Switzerland still in focus, a small Swiss delegation travels to Washington to negotiate a resolution. Meanwhile, emerging tariff threats for semiconductors and pharmaceuticals are weighing on market sentiment. Beyond trade developments, investors must digest a slew of macroeconomic figures and reports from the ongoing earnings season. The US Federal Reserve is also in the spotlight, especially after President Trump announced his intention to nominate a new Fed Chair by the end of the week. To provide clarity amidst the market turmoil, we welcome Dario Messi, our Head of Fixed Income Research, and Mathieu Racheter, our Head...

European and US stocks staged a recovery rally yesterday, although the Swiss market trailed behind following the recent 39% tariff shock. Meanwhile, yields have fallen sharply across Europe due to robust real money demand. In the US, yields have also dipped slightly, as markets now largely anticipate a 25 basis-point rate cut in September. With a comprehensive update on the current state of the Swiss property market, we are joined by Markus Waeber, Head of Indirect Real Estate Advisory and Intelligence.

President Trump’s team delivered more tariff surprises ahead of the weekend with conditions worsening for both Canada and Switzerland. Then the jobs data delivered some ugly news for the US economy, with severe downward revisions to May and June’s data which saw the bearer of the tidings - the commissioner of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics – lose her job. Added to this, Fed Governor Adriana Kugler announced her early departure from office, leaving the President with two new job announcements to make. It’s therefore no surprise that equity markets fell, and US treasuries rallied, as markets...

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has tempered expectations that the central bank may cut interest rates at its September meeting, leading to a modest decline in stock prices. However, after the close of trading, both Microsoft and Meta reported strong earnings for Q2, with their shares rising substantially, which could set the stage for a positive trading day ahead. Meanwhile, Tim Gagie, Head of FX/PM Private Banking Sales in Geneva, offers his insights on the current strength of the US dollar and identifies potential opportunities as we head into August.

European equities rebounded yesterday, driven by largely positive earnings, as the IMF upgraded its global growth forecast for this year and next, citing reduced US trade war impact and a weaker US dollar. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk makes headlines with a 30% share dive on revised sales and profit guidance, and US equities lose steam ahead of today’s Fed meeting. For more on the earnings season so far and ahead of the four mega-cap tech stocks that are scheduled for this week, we have Mathieu Racheter, Head of Equity Strategy, on the show.

The long-awaited trade deal between the EU and the US only provided a temporary boost to the markets, with concerns swiftly being voiced in Europe. Many described the agreement as one-sided, favouring US interests. Following the announcement, the US dollar strengthened while the price of gold plummeted to a three-week low. Meanwhile, oil prices rose, driven by the trade deal and President Trump’s renewed pressure on Russia. Attention now turns to US monetary policy, with the Federal Open Market Committee commencing its two-day meeting today. 

Joining us on the show to discuss the implications of last wee...

The European Union and the United States have reached a significant trade agreement, substantially reducing the likelihood of an all-out trade war. While some details remain unclear, the markets have responded favourably to the announcement. In a related development, Chinese and US officials are set to convene in Stockholm today to discuss easing trade tensions. Markets have a lot to digest this week with the Federal Reserve interest rate decision and the latest US jobs data due. Also, it is a busy week for company earnings reports, with four of the Mag7 companies reporting, among other. As always on...

Earnings remain in the spotlight, with notable gains in the banking sector, while Tesla tumbled amid US policy headwinds. The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged and offered a modestly upbeat assessment of the eurozone economy, raising doubts among investors about further policy easing, even while US tariff threats still cloud the outlook. This pushed yields higher and weighed on gold. Tim Gagie, Head of FX/PM Private Banking in Geneva, explains why the precious metal has consolidated since Liberation Day, and why he agrees with the consensus view of higher prices for metals.

Global equity markets rally on US-Japan trade deal progress, sparking hopes for EU agreements, with equities surging and gold easing. Japan’s Nikkei 225 reaches a new all-time high, as does the S&P 500. In earnings: Alphabet surprises positively, while Tesla disappoints. Companies reporting today include industry giants like Nestle, Roche, Deutsche Bank, and LVMH. The ECB is not expected to cut rates today, with the market’s focus on its outlook. Carsten Menke, Head of Next Generation Research, discusses China's historic new hydropower project – which is six times bigger than the Three Gorges Dam – and explores its potential impact on iron...

The current earnings season is proving particularly intriguing, with some companies surpassing analyst expectations and others struggling, particularly due to the impact of US tariffs. On the subject of tariffs, the recently announced US-Japan trade deal has boosted market confidence and fuelled optimism that others, such as the European Union, may also be able to secure similar deals. Meanwhile, attention is slowly but surely shifting towards interest rate decisions, with the ECB set to announce its decision tomorrow and the US Federal Reserve scheduled to follow next week. Joining us on the show today is Manuel Villegas from Next...

The US stock market reached new heights, driven by the strong performance of several of the top tech giants, but the broader market failed to follow suit. Meanwhile, government bond yields declined across the board as the deadline for President Trump's trade negotiations, set for 1 August, draws closer. Mathieu Racheter, Head of Equity Strategy Research, offers his insights on the Japanese market in the aftermath of the recent election upheaval and provides a comprehensive overview of the earnings season thus far.

Japan's Upper House election has sparked market uncertainty after the ruling LDP coalition lost control. Nevertheless, the JPY remained surprisingly stable. The S&P 500 and MSCI World indices reached new heights last week, bolstered by robust economic data and impressive corporate earnings. The US Congress passes legislation regulating stablecoins, thereby giving credibility to the digital asset industry. According to Mensur Pocinci, Head of Technical Analysis, the CHF is likely to maintain its strength, and small- and mid-cap stocks are currently preferred over large-cap equivalents in the Swiss equities market.