Global Financial Markets

The markets are discounting the expectation that AI will continue to drive economic growth and profits, and that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen soon, causing energy prices to fall and enabling central banks to limit the number of rate hikes. As a result, US equities have entered a blow-off phase. It is difficult to predict how long this phase will last, but for a number of reasons there is a very high chance that the markets are now becoming over-enthusiastic.

Stock prices are already back at record highs and oil futures are trading well below spot prices. We do not share the optimism this reflects. In this report, we explain why — and why, as a result, EUR/USD could well see some surprising moves.

For now, the economic damage caused by the war in Iran appears to be manageable as long as oil prices remain below $120 per barrel. Above that level, the consequences could quickly become more severe. But will the ceasefire lead to a lasting agreement? And what other factors are currently driving the direction of currencies, interest rates, and shares?