7 Minutes on Markets

The podcast highlights a range of economic and market dynamics, starting with the cooling U.S. economy, which has impacted job openings and shifted perceptions around interest rate hikes. Oil price stabilization is noted as a factor alleviating inflation pressures. Significant attention is given to the revival in sectors such as financials and consumer goods, and the emerging role of AI in healthc...

In this episode of 'Seven Minutes on Market,' Sam and Ben discuss the shifting dynamics of the tech industry and their impact on the financial markets. Notably, tech giants are grappling with cash flow issues due to increased spending on AI and semiconductors, hindering their ability to perform share buybacks.

In this episode, Ben and Ahmer delve into the intricacies of market reactions to geopolitical tensions, namely the anticipated yet failed peace deal involving Iran. Despite continuous negotiations between the US and Iran, markets have remained relatively unfazed, highlighting an emerging 'new normal' of uncertainty. Amid these global uncertainties, UK bonds present an attractive 5% yield, offering...

In this episode, hosts Sam and Ben explore a tumultuous week in the markets. They cover the unexpected announcement of a peace deal between the USA and Iran, as well as Israel and Lebanon, which initially excited equity markets and affected oil prices positively. Additionally, the discussion highlights SpaceX's stock market debut, where retail investors played a significant role in its upward traj...

In this episode, the podcast delves into recent economic indicators that suggest a strengthening US economy. Job openings in sectors like HR and software development are on the rise, signalling healthier employment figures. However, this positive news complicates interest rate decisions, as higher rates could temper inflation but also risk stifling growth.

Ben and Sam explore how the path to de-escalation with Iran has triggered reactions in global oil markets, with prices dropping significantly. The episode sheds light on how businesses, especially in the U.S., are focusing on supply chain security by investing domestically, spurred on by political dynamics including Donald Trump's policy decisions.

In this episode of 'Seven Minutes on Markets,' hosts Sam Hannon and Ben Kumar discuss the recent market trends and how external factors like geopolitical tensions are influencing them. The oil market remains volatile, with sanctions on Russia easing but energy demand in Europe increasing due to air conditioning needs. Nvidia's financial strategies, including increased dividends reminiscent of Appl...

Sam Hannon and Ahmer Tirmizi explore the dual impact of geopolitical tensions and inflation on financial markets in the latest episode of 'Seven Minutes on Markets.' They discuss the rising bond yields in the UK and the US, driven by heightened energy prices due to Middle East conflicts. The podcast delves into the implications for central banks worldwide, including the Federal Reserve and the Ban...

The podcast episode examines the market's recent steadiness as tech stocks start gaining traction again, achieving new highs in the NASDAQ and S&P 500. As geopolitical tensions stabilize, the focus returns to profits and earnings, with a more predictable range of oil prices helping define inflation expectations. Amir suggests that the shifting headlines can often mislead, emphasizing the impor...

In an episode of the podcast, Ben and Sam discuss the broader implications of recent central bank meetings, which saw no major shifts in interest rates. The duo highlights the deep divisions within bodies like the Federal Reserve, torn between inflation concerns stemming from geopolitical events and local economic pressures like unemployment.

Sam and Ben provide an insightful analysis of recent market activities, highlighting strong US corporate earnings and the resilience of consumer spending. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, significant advancements in the tech industry, exemplified by Intel's remarkable performance, are catching investors' attention. The duo discusses upcoming pivotal announcements from the Federal Reserve and...

In this podcast episode, Ben Kumar and Sam Hannon discuss the current state of the markets, where little has changed despite headline-grabbing events. They argue that the reliance on oil as a driver of economic growth has diminished over time, as illustrated by companies like Netflix, whose success is largely unimpacted by oil prices. They emphasise the importance of long-term investing over short...

In this episode, Sam and Ahmer dive into the complex relationship between geopolitical events and market fluctuations, focusing on the recent hopes for a ceasefire and its impact on emerging markets reliant on energy imports. They explore whether the market reaction is a sign of panic or a normal response to the ongoing uncertainty.

In this episode of Seven Minutes on Markets, hosts Sam Hannon and Ben Kumar delve into the current state of the global markets amidst ongoing Middle Eastern conflict and other geopolitical tensions. They discuss how despite the chaos and lack of clarity from political figures like Trump, equity markets have surprisingly thrived, showing resilience. With economic data from the U.S. revealing strong...

On this episode of Seven Minutes on Markets, hosts Sam and Ben reflect on market behaviour amid oil price surges and geopolitical tensions. They note a trend where markets seem less reactive to repetitive crises, suggesting a normalisation to current volatility.

Ben and Ahmer tackle the complex dynamics affecting global markets, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions and economic indicators. They point out how traditional safe havens like gold are surprisingly underperforming, emphasising the need for investors to stay focused on long-term growth rather than get caught up in short-term market frenzies.

In this episode of 'Seven Minutes on Markets,' hosts Sam and Ben delve into the significant impact of the Iran conflict on global markets, with a particular focus on the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. The strait's role in the transport of not just oil, but also crucial fertilisers, highlights the potential for widespread repercussions, especially for nations like India.

In this episode of 'Seven Minutes on Markets', hosts Ben Kumar and Sam Hannon discuss the ongoing Iran conflict's effects on global markets. The Straits of Hormuz closure has contributed to rising oil prices, creating uncertainty in the markets. While historical conflicts have shown markets' resilience over time, the current situation brings second-order effects. Rising oil prices influence sector...

In this podcast episode, hosts Sam Hannon and Ahmer Tirmizi discuss recent geopolitical events impacting global markets. They focus on the significant rise in oil prices caused by tensions in the Middle East, noting a 9% surge, which is among the 38th largest daily moves historically. Despite the uncertainty, they emphasise the markets' resilience, often recovering swiftly from such shocks. With r...

This episode sheds light on the dynamics affecting the US and UK economies, highlighting the impact of AI and government spending on US growth. As these drivers wane, the underlying economy appears less robust. Meanwhile, the UK witnesses positive developments as inflation drops, leading to potential interest rate cuts.

The podcast episode discusses the contrasting political landscapes of Japan and the UK in 2026. Japan's Prime Minister has secured a significant majority, promising long-term economic reforms and growth, while the UK's persistent political instability raises concerns about its ability to implement effective policies. The hosts also examine the implications of Google's recent 100-year bond issuance...

In this episode of 'Seven Minutes on Markets,' hosts Ben Kumar and Sam Hannon delve into the latest economic events shaping global markets. With the Bank of England opting to keep interest rates steady at 3.75%, the decision reflects a close 5-4 vote, revealing the mixed perspectives on the UK's economic trajectory. They emphasise the importance of data-driven policy, with rates anticipated to sta...

The podcast dives into recent movements in commodities and tech, noting gold and silver's exceptional price swings amid profit-taking and speculative trading. Big tech firms reveal steady profits but face cautious market reactions as expectations rise, driven in part by AI's anticipated influence. AI advancements are seen as easier for large companies to adopt, enhancing productivity and potential...

Ben Kumar and Sam Hannon address the noise in global markets emerging from political events, such as the US's unpredictable moves under Trump and Japan's upcoming snap elections. The rising gold prices serve as a barometer for investor confidence shifting away from traditional US-safe havens.

In this episode, Ben and Sam discuss the tumultuous impact of Donald Trump's unpredictable policy decisions on the market. From capping credit card interest rates to imposing new tariffs on European countries, Trump's actions have sparked uncertainty.