Financial Markets Daily Report

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Markets traded higher on Wednesday as optimism that the US and Iran were nearing a deal to ease hostilities pushed crude oil and natural gas prices sharply lower.

Risk appetite improved on Tuesday after senior officials from Iran and the US confirmed that the truce remains in place and that negotiations are ongoing. In this context, crude oil prices fell, although Brent remained around USD 110 per barrel.

Risk sentiment deteriorated on Monday, particularly in Europe, as oil prices rebounded sharply. Renewed Middle East tensions and fears of supply disruptions amplified growth and inflation concerns. Sovereign bond yields rose on both sides of the Atlantic by a similar magnitude, while euro area peripheral risk premia also widened.

Risk sentiment improved late in the week as crude prices eased. European markets were closed on Friday for the May Day holiday, while US and OTC markets remained open. Here, risk sentiment was supported by lower crude prices for the second day in a row, following an Iranian proposal regarding negotiations with the US.

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.

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 kicked off the week on a cautious tone, amid stalled US–Iran peace talks and ahead of a week packed with central bank meetings, including the Fed, ECB, BoJ and BoE. Markets will focus on policymakers’ assessment of the recent energy shock, its implications for growth and inflation, and any potential monetary policy response.

Investors ended the week on a cautious note as they assessed the prospects for renewed US–Iran talks over the weekend. Energy prices were volatile, with Brent crude finally settling around $105/bbl and European TTF gas near €45/MWh.

Uncertainty continued to dominate markets in yesterday's session, as no progress was made in the Middle East conflict. The naval blockade of the Iranian coast and of the Strait of Hormuz persists, and peace talks have not been resumed. Market volatility ticked up and Brent prices continued to rise, reaching $105/barrel.

Yesterday's session began with news that the US was extending the ceasefire until Iran retakes the negotiations, lowering market volatility. Despite this, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian coast persists, as Iran seized two vessels, thus driving Brent prices back above $100/barrel, and opening today's session nearly at $103.

Yesterday's session began on a positive tone, but sentiment deteriorated as the day progressed amid rising concerns that Iran may not participate in upcoming talks in Pakistan and with the ceasefire deadline approaching. Energy prices rose, with Brent trading above USD 98/barrel and TTF closing at EUR 42/MWh.

Yesterday's session reverted the growing risk-on sentiment from last week, after developments during the weekend unveiled the fragility of the truce between US and Iran as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz lasted less than 24 hours and the two parties have substantial differences in some of the points needed for an extension of the ceasefire.