Evolution of the international financial markets and evaluation of the main events and economic indicators of the previous day session. Available in English.
Risk-off sentiment took over yesterday's session. Oil and gas surged amid escalating tensions in the Middle East (eg., the Houthis attacked two Saudi Arabian tankers in the Red Sea), sending global stocks lower and triggering higher sovereign yields across the board. In FX markets, the U.S. dollar index strengthened towards a one-month high.
Investor sentiment was mixed in yesterday's session. Energy prices crept up as the U.S. and Iran continued to exchange fire and Brent oil briefly topped $95. Stocks rose across Europe but the U.S. S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed lower amid a mixed performance of tech stocks and ahead of key Q2 earnings releases.
Global markets traded on a risk-on note in yesterday's session. Stocks rallied across advanced and emerging economies, supported by a recovery in semiconductor shares. The improvement in investor sentiment defied higher energy prices in commodity markets, as the price of Brent crude rose above $90 per barrel amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Brent oil and TTF gas whipsawed and stock markets were mixed as hostilities in the Middle East continued to weigh on investor sentiment. Tech equities steadied after last week's rout, but both the S&P 500 and the Eurostoxx closed moderately lower.
Markets ended the week on a cautious note, driven by a deterioration in investor sentiment towards the Middle East conflict and a selloff in tech stocks. Brent oil prices rose nearly 5% to close above $88 per barrel, and TTF gas surged towards €60 as the U.S. and Iran stepped up attacks across the Gulf.
Market sentiment remained downbeat due to persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and continued weakness in AI-related market segments. In commodities, energy prices lacked clear direction, with Brent edging lower and TTF prices rising. The dollar strengthened modestly against the euro, on expectations of a resilient U.S. economy.
Softer-than-expected US inflation data drove a decline in Treasury yields, while equity markets showed a mixed performance across the Atlantic. US June PPI came in below expectations, following the previous day’s soft CPI, while Fed officials struck a hawkish tone but signalled patience, prompting a repricing of Fed rate expectations, with the probability of an additional hike declining to around 40%. US Treasury yields declined, with a flattening of the curve led by the short end.
Risk appetite improved on Tuesday after US inflation surprised to the downside in June. The CPI print was driven by falling energy prioces but also softer core services, particularly shelter, overshadowing Warsh’s hawkish remarks in Congress, where he said he has "no tolerance for persistently elevated inflation". Interest rate expectations for the Fed declined, with markets now pricing a second hike over the next 12 months with a 70% probability.
Risk aversion intensified on Monday after President Trump reinstated the Hormuz blockade for Iranian ships and imposed a transit levy on non-Iranian cargo, fuelling concerns over energy supply disruptions. Brent crude oil prices rose sharply, inflation expectations moved higher and market volatility increased.
Markets closed Friday on a mixed note as attention remained on the risk of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, although Trump signalled openness to a deal with Iran. Oil prices ended little changed after a choppy session and TTF gas prices fell.
Market sentiment improved during yesterday's session, with oil prices falling by more than 2%, as investors valued that negotiations between US and Iran remain open, despite Hormuz clashes. On the other hand, TTF gas continued to climb, on a bleaker supply outlook. Gold stabilised, as investors assessed higher geopolitical risks and tighter monetary policy.
Yesterday's session was marked by news that the US and Iran were resuming the strikes as the interim deal between the two countries to end the war was over. Energy prices peaked near European closing, with Brent crude reaching USD 80/barrel to further ease and close the session at USD 78. TTF closed the session up 5% at EUR 49/MWh.