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Risk appetite extended across markets during the last session of the week, boosted by signs that inflation in the US may have peaked while consumer spending remained strong at the start of Q2, according to the April’s PCE report.

Investors started the week with a risk-on mood, with sentiment supported by easing COVID restrictions in China, including reports that Chinese regulators are relaxing some rules against some tech giants. Data also showed the decline in the Chinese services sector eased in May (the services PMI rose from 36.2 to 41.4).

The week began on a cautious note, with US Treasury yields remaining flat, equities posting modest gains, and the US dollar edging lower amid reports that Fed Chair Jerome Powell has been threatened with a criminal indictment related to the costs of a building renovation, which he described as a pretext by President Trump to exert influence over monetary policy.

Investors traded cautiously ahead of today’s Fed meeting. Yesterday’s JOLTS report showed US job openings increased in October, indicating that the labor market isn't weakening abruptly and raising the risk that the Fed may strike a hawkish tone despite the widely expected rate cut later today. In response, Treasury yields edged higher and the dollar strengthened.

For the second consecutive day, markets traded without a clear direction. Government yields ended flat on both sides of the Atlantic while stocks mostly fell, with some exceptions in the euro area, amid reports that the Trump administration is considering to curb exports to China made with US software.

On Friday, the Japanese yen strengthened sharply after the Bank of Japan left its policy rate at 0.75% and signaled a hawkish stance. Speculation around potential currency intervention intensified after New York Fed officials reportedly sought information on the yen’s exchange rate, and Prime Minister Takaichi warned of action against “abnormal” market moves.

During yesterday's session, investors continued to digest the implications of the US Supreme Court's ruling to strike down US emergency tariffs. While the global tariff stands at 10%, the Trump administration is reportedly working to increase it to 15%. Against this backdrop, government bond yields closed flat on both sides of the Atlantic, in a day of choppy trading.

Investors ended the week with a mixed session as the US government shutdown, which prevented the release of the employment report, clouded sentiment. Sovereign yields edged lower in the euro area and stocks mostly advanced, while US Treasury yields ended higher, and equities were mostly flat weighed down by the underperformance of tech stocks.

Signs of easing tensions in energy markets supported a modest improvement in risk sentiment. Reports of vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, alongside comments from the IEA on potential reserve releases, pushed Brent crude down by around 3% to $100/barrel. Global equities rebounded, volatility declined, and the US dollar weakened (EUR/USD rose toward 1.15).

Yesterday’s session saw a sharp turnaround in sentiment. Markets initially opened under pressure, with equities declining and sovereign yields rising amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising energy prices. Sentiment shifted after President Trump announced a temporary halt to planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, following reports of constructive talks between the Washington and Tehran. Brent prices quickly fell just below $100/barrel.

Yesterday's session showed a risk-off tone amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude prices hit $100/barrel after Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader, vowed to keep the Strait of Ormuz and after Iran reportedly attacked oil tankers and other energy facilities.

Investors started the week with mixed results, taking on board hawkish commentaries by some ECB officials and news reporting that the US government may announce a decision to lift certain tariffs on Chinese imports.

Risk aversion returned to the fore during a volatile session on Tuesday, as investors reassessed the risk of a global recession amid ongoing disruptions in gas supply in Europe and reports of new COVID cases in some regions in China.

Sentiment deteriorated as stalled US–Iran negotiations and reports that Washington may be preparing for a prolonged conflict pushed energy prices sharply higher. Meanwhile, the Fed left rates unchanged, as expected, but highlighted rising inflation risks, with the statement drawing three dissents from officials opposed to maintaining an easing bias.

Risk appetite extended across markets on Thursday, as fears about inflation and monetary tightening eased following soft labour data in the US (weekly jobless claims rose to the highest level since January). Meanwhile, news reported that China’s government is considering more fiscal support by raising by $220bn the issuance of special bonds.

Markets remained caught between geopolitical tensions and a key run of central bank meetings. With no progress reported in US–Iran negotiations, energy prices moved higher, with Brent crude rising above USD 110/bbl for the first time in three weeks. Risk sentiment stayed subdued, while concerns over the inflationary impact of higher energy costs persisted.

Investors shifted gears across asset classes on Friday, as the US employment report showed robust job growth in May for a third month in a row. The resilient labour market and inflation risks led markets to fully price in a Fed rate hike by year‑end. US Treasury yields rose accordingly, especially at the short end, further flattening the curve.

Investors started the week trading cautiously, taking on board weak sentiment data, hawkish commentary by some ECB officials and news reporting that Russia is due to reduce gas supplies to Europe.

Market participants remained relatively cautious as the publication of earnings reports will intensify in the coming days. U.S. stocks declined slightly while most of the European indices were up.