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Market Insights
In-depth insights on market events and major trades
BoE between cooling growth and rising inflation risks
All eyes are on today’s decision from the Bank of England, where policymakers are widely expected to hold interest rates at 3.75%. Just a few weeks ago, markets were leaning toward a near-term rate cut to 3.50%, but that view has shifted quickly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
