Market Insights

In-depth insights on market events and major trades

BoJ Holding rates now, but markets eye tightening ahead

Attention is turning to the upcoming policy decision from the Bank of Japan, where markets expect interest rates to remain unchanged for now. Still, there is growing anticipation that policymakers may begin to lean more hawkish, as external pressures particularly a weaker yen and rising energy costs.

18 Mar 2026, 09:54

Bank of England set to hold rates

Attention is firmly on the upcoming decision from the Bank of England, where markets widely expect policymakers to hold interest rates at 3.75%. After an aggressive tightening cycle over the past two years, the central bank now faces a more delicate balance: inflation is easing, but economic momentum is clearly slowing.

17 Mar 2026, 09:23

Japan’s inflation momentum tests the BoJ

Japan’s inflation dynamics are moving back to the center of policy discussions as the country navigates a rare period of sustained price growth. After decades of near-zero inflation, policymakers are now assessing how rising consumer prices, currency weakness, and fiscal developments interact with the broader economic outlook.

6 Mar 2026, 09:08

Europe gas rally reignites as Middle East geopolitical tension

European natural gas futures jumped again as traders priced deeper supply disruption risks, with Europe entering the refill season after winter drawdowns.

5 Mar 2026, 08:21

European natural gas sparks supply fears

Qatar's Ras Laffan suspension and a choked Strait of Hormuz have delivered the most disruptive supply shock to global gas markets, European natural gas futures rising more than 5% to trade above €56 per megawatt-hour levels not seen in over three years. In just two days, prices have surged roughly 60%, a move that underscores how fragile the global energy balance remains.

4 Mar 2026, 09:09

Gold’s seven-month run meets geopolitical tension in March

Gold has just closed seven consecutive months higher, the longest monthly winning run in more than five decades — and it’s kicking off March with a familiar fuel: Middle East risk. After weekend U.S strikes on Iran jolted global markets, bullion jumped back above $5,400 an ounce, reminding investors why the metal tends to “wake up” when geopolitics gets loud. The question hanging over this rally isn’t whether gold can move on headlines — it’s whether anyone is prepared to price a clean exit from

2 Mar 2026, 10:37

US Dollar gains on geopolitical risk but eyes on Labour data for direction

The US dollar strengthened at the start of the week as escalating tensions in the Middle East drove investors toward safe-haven assets. Military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran over the weekend have intensified regional instability. Aerial strikes are continuing, with Iranian missiles reportedly targeting Tel Aviv and parts of the Persian Gulf.

2 Mar 2026, 10:29

Higher for now fed signals extended pause

Thomas Barkin of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond said policy is “well positioned” to handle economic risks, and inflation has now eased to 2.4%, its lowest level since May 2025, a meaningful step closer to target. At the same time, the unemployment rate printed 4.3% lowest number since July 2025.

25 Feb 2026, 09:08

Australia’s sticky inflation keeps RBA on watch

On Wednesday, annual inflation is expected between 3.6% and 3.7%, easing slightly but still above the Reserve Bank of Australia 2–3% target band. Even if upcoming inflation data comes in slightly below the central bank’s own projections, the focus inside the Reserve Bank of Australia has clearly broadened beyond just CPI prints.

24 Feb 2026, 08:37

The BoJ hits the brakes on rate hikes

Bank of Japan has been navigating the opposite challenge: figuring out when to finally tighten. However, the latest market pricing suggests that the much-anticipated Japanese rate hike cycle is being pushed further down the road. BoJ is buying time. A combination of shifting political headwinds and easing inflation has given policymakers the breathing room to delay their next move.

23 Feb 2026, 08:58