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24th June 2026
Market update – 24th June 2026
So far this week, investor attention has been split between developments in UK politics, progress in Iran-related peace talks, and fresh news from the world's largest technology firms.
22nd June 2026
Week ending 19th June 2026
As you can see from the accompanying table, it was positive week for global financial markets following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding last week between the US and Iran which includes a commitment to reach a final deal within 60 days, as well as an end to fighting on all fronts and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
17th June 2026
Market update – 17th June 2026
This week, markets have been driven by the sharp drop in oil prices following the U.S.–Iran peace framework, the powerful relief rally in global equities led by tech and the SpaceX IPO, and shifting expectations ahead of new federal reserve chair, Kevin Warsh’s first monetary policy meeting
10th June 2026
Market update – 10th June 2026
This week, China announced that its trade surplus expanded by more than expected in May. In dollar terms, the surplus widened to $105.43 billion from $84.80 billion in April, driven by another strong month for exports, which rose 19.4% year-on-year. The figures suggest global demand remained resilient despite supply chain disruptions and heightened investor caution stemming from the recent conflict in the Middle East.
8th June 2026
Week ending 5th June 2026
Geopolitical developments remained firmly in focus this week, with progress on Middle East peace negotiations proving uneven, marked by intermittent progress followed by setbacks. While markets have largely avoided panic, uncertainty surrounding the conflict have continued to cloud the outlook, particularly for inflation and future interest rate expectations.
5th June 2026
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Childcare costs are a major driver of financial strain. The rising childcare costs mean that almost a quarter (24%) of parents would have to leave the workforce is childcare costs increased by 10%.
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3rd June 2026
Market update - 3rd June 2026
A combination of renewed enthusiasm for AI, diverging manufacturing trends, and unresolved geopolitical tensions has set the tone for markets this week. Excitement in the technology sector followed reports that Anthropic, the artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT rival Claude, is taking steps towards a US stock market listing.
1st June 2026
Week ending 29th May 2026
As shown in the accompanying table, market performance was mixed over the week, with strong gains in the US contrasted by more subdued results across the UK, and the wider European markets. It was a holiday-shortened week, with both UK and US markets closed on Monday for the late May bank holiday and Memorial Day.
26th May 2026
Week ending 22nd May 2026
Global equity markets finished the week higher, with the U.S. S&P 500 recording its eighth consecutive weekly gain. European markets also delivered strong performances, up over 2% and the UK’s FTSE 100 climbing 2.66%. After a volatile start to the week, sentiment improved as optimism surrounding technology and AI continued to support markets, helped in part by stronger-than-expected earnings from chipmaker NVIDIA.
20th May 2026
Market update - 20th May 2026
So far it has been a mixed week for markets, with sentiment swinging between possible easing in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, inflation concerns and some softer economic data.
18th May 2026
Week ending 15th May 2026
As you can see from the accompanying table markets experienced a more volatile week as investors balanced political developments in the UK, Middle East tensions and ongoing concerns around inflation and interest rates. Part of this week’s weakness appears to also reflect some profit-taking, following strong market performance following a robust first-quarter earnings season, in which many companies continued to deliver solid results despite an uncertain backdrop.
13th May 2026
Market update - 13th May 2026
Global markets have turned notably more cautious through the middle of the week. While first-quarter earnings have broadly surprised to the upside, particularly across technology, financials and industrials, markets are increasingly focused on higher energy prices and the possibility that central banks may need to keep interest rates elevated for longer.