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Investors ended the week focused on the US employment report for June, which signaled the labor market is cooling as job creation slowed and the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.0% to 4.1%. This boosted expectations for two rate cuts this year, which sent Treasury yields lower and stocks higher, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 hitting new record highs.

Improving prospects of a de-escalation in the Middle East supported risk sentiment, with reports suggesting both the US and Iran may be open to ending the conflict. Sovereign yields fell for a second straight session, as inflation concerns eased, while equities moved higher, led by a strong rally in the US (the S&P 500 saw its largest daily gain since May).

Investors started the week trading with more appetite for risk, as concerns about the banking sector receded following the announcement that SVB is to be acquired by another institution (First Citizens Bank & Trust) and news reporting additional support from the US authorities for regional banks.

Yesterday’s session centered around the June inflation report from the US: inflation cooled to 3.0% in June (from 3.3% in May) and core inflation fell to 3.3% from 3.4% last month. On a monthly basis, prices fell –0.1%, the first negative rate in four years. Markets are discounting two interest rate cut from the Fed in 2024, and a 40% probability of a third cut.

As no major developments were reported in the Middle East, investors remained cautiously optimistic that US–Iran talks could resume in the coming days and the ceasefire will hold. Energy prices were broadly stable to softer, with Brent crude trading around $95/barrel and TTF gas easing toward €41/MWh.

Investor sentiment ended the week on the up amid positive reports over a potential antiviral drug to treat COVID-19. As risk appetite rose, stocks increased across Europe and the U.S., the USD weakened and commodity prices advanced (in oil markets, the barrel of Brent closed moderately above $43).

Investors continued to trade with caution, taking position ahead of the publication today of the crucial US payrolls report for February. Data released on Thursday showed an unexpected increase in new jobless claims last week (to 211,000), which contrasted with signals from other surveys pointing to further tightening in the labour market.

Risk-off sentiment dominated investors for most of yesterday's session. In the Eurozone, peripheral spreads narrowed and the German Bund yield curve steepened as talks between political parties over new spending plans continued. US Treasuries rose as well after the JOLTS report showed an increase in job openings in January.

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.

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.

Financial markets posted a mixed performance on Thursday, with moves closely tied to shifting headlines on US‑Iran ceasefire talks. While European markets closed under a cautious tone, US assets benefited from late‑session reports pointing to a draft agreement between the US and Iran to extend the ceasefire.

Financial markets had a mixed session yesterday, although the overall mood among investors remained gloomy as they await today's U.S. inflation report for August, which is expected to show easing price pressures. Government bond yields fell across the board on both sides of the Atlantic.

Financial markets had a mixed session on Tuesday. Brent prices declined after Saudi Arabia moved to restart its East-West pipeline, while Trump reported some diplomatic progress with Iranian representatives.

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.

In Friday's session, global stocks declined and U.S. equities continued their selloff, particularly in the tech-heavy Nasdaq, as investors digested a mixed U.S. employment report.

During a volatile session, markets closed with mixed results, as investors digested a mix of hawkish comments by central bank officials, upbeat corporate earnings reports, positive macro data (e.g. consumer confidence in the eurozone) and a good showing by incumbent French President Macron at a TV debate against FN Le Pen.

Investors continued to trade with a cautious mood on Wednesday, as results from the US midterm elections suggested the Republicans may gain control of the House but the Democrats could hold on the Senate. Investors were also taking position ahead of a crucial CPI inflation report in the US today.