Everything you need to know, Simplified! Markets pause as inflation and interest rate concerns return to focus Summary US equities paused after a strong run, as stronger economic data and renewed inflation concerns led investors to question whether interest rates may need to stay higher for longer A stronger-than-expected US payrolls report reinforced the picture of labour market resilience, but markets treated the news negatively as it added to fears that policy could remain

Everything you need to know, Simplified! The rally keeps rallying as earnings continue to power markets Summary US equities rose to another record high last week, with technology once again leading the market higher The backdrop also improved as oil prices fell, hopes of a US-Iran ceasefire increased and global bond yields moved lower The rally continues to look earnings-led rather than purely valuation-driven, with record forward earnings extending beyond mega-cap technology

Everything you need to know, Simplified! Markets hold firm despite ongoing US-Iran tensions Summary US launches new ‘self-defence’ strikes in southern Iran despite apparent progress in peace talks between the two nations Key sticking points remain unresolved, including control of both the enriched uranium and the Strait of Hormuz Last week, US Treasury market yields initially rose before retracing, while UK gilts outperformed amid falling oil prices and weaker UK data Equitie

Everything you need to know, Simplified! Summary UK gilts (UK government bonds) have come under pressure from a confluence of factors, including rising political uncertainty following Labour’s election losses, a deteriorating fiscal outlook, sensitivity to higher global energy prices amid the conflict in the Middle East and persistent inflation against a backdrop of weak growth Shorter-dated gilts have been more resilient, with current yields offering a cushion and markets ar