Moving Markets

After a period of relative calm, gold has re-emerged as a focal point for investors amid geopolitics, shifting central bank strategies, and evolving global demand. How should investors interpret gold’s recent volatility, and what does the outlook hold as we move through 2026? In this episode of Julius Baer’s Moving Markets:The View Beyond, Ayako Lehmann is joined by Carsten Menke, Head of Next Gen...

US equities surged to record highs on optimism over a potential US–Iran ceasefire extension, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 all closing at all-time highs yesterday. Oil prices fell sharply and are on track for their steepest monthly decline since March 2020. US economic data was mixed, pointing to slowing growth and increasing pressure on household finances. Technology remained the...

Oil prices are swinging on every twist in the Middle East, while AI continues to dominate global markets. Europe’s stocks are under pressure from high energy costs, but in the US, AI momentum is driving major indices to fresh record highs. In today’s episode, Carsten Menke, Head of Next Generation Research, dives into copper, and why electrification is set to shape markets for years to come. (00:0...

Global equities extended their record rally as momentum in technology shares accelerated and geopolitical tensions eased. Micron and SK Hynix have joined the USD 1 trillion market-capitalisation club, fuelled by surging demand for AI chips. This milestone underscores the growing dominance of semiconductor companies in global markets, with ripple effects from Seoul to Silicon Valley. Mensur Pocinci...

Despite US consumer confidence falling to a record low, the S&P 500 extended gains last week, driven by semiconductors, as AI enthusiasm remains strong and crowded. Global equities also advanced, led by Europe and Japan. Kevin Warsh was sworn in as Fed Chair, while Governor Waller emphasised inflation risks. Middle East tensions remain volatile, with shifting ceasefire prospects, US military a...

The petrodollar system has long been a cornerstone of global finance, underpinning the US dollar’s dominance for decades. But as energy markets shift, and talk of de-dollarisation grows louder, is this system now fading? And what could that mean for the future global order? In this episode of The View Beyond, Jan Bopp is joined by Julius Baer’s currency strategist, David Meier, and Norbert Rücker,...

Markets remained choppy as weak PMI data across Europe and the UK signalled slowing growth, while US data painted a mixed but still resilient picture. Oil prices were volatile amid shifting headlines around Iran, underlining ongoing geopolitical sensitivity. Equities in both Europe and the US ended modestly higher despite intraday swings, with pockets of strength in sectors like satellites and qua...

European and US stock markets rallied yesterday after President Trump hinted that the US administration is in the final stages of an agreement to end the war with Iran. The 10-year US Treasury shaved 9 basis points off the previous session’s yield. Asian markets were further boosted overnight by an impressive set of results from NVIDIA. Warnings did come in from the Fed though, in the form of the...

US markets dipped amid rising long-term bond yields, with the 30-year Treasury hitting the highest level in almost two decades fuelled by inflation fears and potential Fed tightening. Geopolitical tensions and key upcoming catalysts, including Nvidia’s earnings and FOMC minutes, keep investors on edge. Dario Messi, Head of Fixed Income Research, explains what is behind the recent surge in bond yie...

Global equities are caught between hopes for a peace deal and rising Middle East tensions, with Brent fluctuating around USD 100 per barrel. In the US, strong market breadth contrasts with weakness in technology stocks, weighing on major equity indices. Japan and Switzerland posted stronger-than-expected Q1 growth, highlighting resilience despite geopolitical tensions and high oil prices. Carsten...

Global markets are kicking off the week on the back foot as government bond yields surge to multi-year highs, reigniting concerns about stagflation. Oil prices climbed another 2% overnight, with no quick resolution in sight for the ongoing Middle East tensions. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Mensur Pocinci, Head of Technical Analysis, who shares his outlook on whether US 10-year Treasury yiel...

Despite geopolitical tensions, US equity markets have reached record highs, with artificial intelligence at the heart of this surge. What is driving these historic moves? How are investors positioning themselves to both capture the opportunities and manage the risks?  In this episode of The View Beyond, Bernadette Anderko is joined by Carsten Menke, Head of Next Generation Research at Julius Baer,...

Markets were driven by headlines from the Trump–Xi summit in Beijing, where progress on trade and a surprise easing of US chip export restrictions to major Chinese tech firms lifted sentiment, particularly in technology. European equities closed higher and US indices reached fresh record highs, supported by strong earnings from Cisco, although gains in Asia faded as rising Treasury yields and rene...

Markets showed a broad risk-off tone on Tuesday, with equities weaker and bond yields moving higher. Oil prices surged as hopes for a US–Iran deal faded, stoking inflation concerns after stronger-than-expected US inflation data. Dario Messi, Head of Fixed Income Research, explains the implications for bond markets and shares his view on UK gilts amid ongoing political turmoil. And Nenad Dinic, Equ...

European markets were weighed down by declines in the luxury sector yesterday, as concerns over weakening global demand dampened sentiment. In contrast, major US indices reached fresh record highs, led by strong gains in the technology sector. Meanwhile, oil prices are climbing again this morning amid signs that the Middle East ceasefire may be unravelling. Today, we are joined by Dr. Damien Ng fr...

Strong earnings and resilient jobs data are prompting markets to rule out rate cuts this year. Semiconductor stocks continue to lead gains across the US and Asia, with South Korea and Japan hitting new highs, supported by AI investment. Inflation pressures reflected in China’s data release, rising oil prices amid a fragile Middle East ceasefire, and broader geopolitical risks remain in focus ahead...

Global equity markets have performed strongly, led by the AI-driven rally across the US, Japan, and Korea, while China’s headline indices have lagged in comparison. Yet beneath the surface, performance has been more nuanced, with parts of the market showing stronger momentum than index-level data suggests. In this episode, Richard Tang, China Strategist and Head of Research Hong Kong at Julius Bae...

Markets remained on edge as ongoing uncertainty around a potential US–Iran agreement drove a clear risk‑off tone. European equities moved broadly lower, while US indices pulled back after briefly touching record highs, weighed down by weakness in technology and semiconductors. Oil prices proved volatile but ultimately rebounded, with both Brent and WTI holding elevated levels, while gold edged hig...

Hopes grew yesterday that the US and Iran might be able to seal a deal to end the conflict, with a memorandum of understanding apparently having been sent by the US to Iran. The oil price dropped and with it so did bond yields. Meanwhile, global stock markets continued to rally and were given a further boost by artificial intelligence firms and yet more good news from earnings calls. Norbert Rücke...

Semiconductor stocks, from Intel to Samsung Electronics, are pushing US and Asian equities to new all‑time highs. Strong earnings from Anheuser‑Busch and Unicredit also lifted European markets. US services activity slowed in April, while inflation pressures stayed elevated. UK yields surged on inflation and fiscal concerns, Swiss data showed higher headline but subdued core inflation, and PMIs in...

After several days of solid gains, markets paused yesterday as risk aversion returned, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East and a sharp rise in oil prices. European equities bore the brunt of the sell-off, while major US indices also closed lower. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Carsten Menke, Head of Next Generation Research, to unpack the outlook for hyperscalers following last w...

Geopolitics continues to dominate as investors weigh mixed Middle East messages. Trump has signalled his openness to Iran talks while also warning of renewed conflict and saying the US will begin guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Global equities are rallying on AI optimism and strong tech earnings, even as central banks stay cautious amid uneven growth and sticky inflation. A pivotal wee...

With geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility top of mind, investors are seeking tools to help navigate an increasingly complex landscape. How can structured products add value to portfolios in this environment? In this episode of Julius Baer’s Moving Markets: The View Beyond podcast, Helen Freer is joined by Yves Klenk, Head of Client Coverage and Advisory, and Maximiliano Ranieri, Head of...

The US Federal Reserve remains on hold but is the most divided since 1992. Kevin Warsh advanced in a key Senate vote to become the new chairman of the Fed next month. The ascent of the oil price continues amid reports of another military escalation. Major US technology firms reaffirmed heavy AI investment in their earnings releases, but results differed sharply across the companies reporting yeste...

Oil prices surged above USD 110 on supply concerns stemming from the stalled Iran war and news of an extended blockade of Iran. The rally was capped by historic news that the UAE will exit OPEC. In equities, AI-driven gains faltered amid questions about OpenAI’s growth prospects. With mega-cap technology firms Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft set to report earnings today, attention will also...