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Weekly Market Update Summary:
Global equities rallied in the first full week of trading for 2026, as investors looked through rising geopolitical tensions. Japanese equities led the charge, while we saw a broadening of the market rally in the United States.
This week's presenter: Ed Russell - Investment Solutions Associate
A muted week for global equity markets, with no major surprises. The US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25%, as expected. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank is expected to keep interest rates on hold this week.
Presenter: Rohit Vaswani - Investment Director
Global equities advanced as expectations for aDecember interest rate cut supported risk assets. Chinese equities were the best performer, as investors shrugged off concerns surrounding slowing economic activity in the region and focused on the attractive outlook for domestic technology and AI.Presenter: Patrick O'Donnell - Chief Investment Strategist
Optimism surrounding a December interest rate cut in the U.S. saw global equities rebound strongly. The rebound was led by U.S. equities, in particular small caps and big tech.
Presenter: Patrick O'Donnell - Chief Investment Strategist at Omnis Investments
AI-related valuation concerns see global equity markets fall sharply. Chinese equities were pressured the most, while UK equities held up best due to increased expectations of a December interest rate cut.
A largely muted week for global equities, despite a significant number of headlines. Investor sentiment was broadly supported by the end of the US government shutdown, however, economic growth concerns and valuation concerns in the artificial intelligence space provided something for both the bulls and the bears. European equities were the standout performer, while Chinese equities lagged.
Global equities pullback amid widespread selling across mega-cap Tech and AI-exposed companies. Chinese equities proved resilient, while the Bank of England held interest rates steady, as widely expected.
This week's presenter: Edward Russell, Investor Solutions Associate at Omnis Investments
A mixed week for global equities, with Japan again the standout performer for the week, rallying over 6% to close out the month. This capped off the best month for Japanese equities in over 30 years.
This week's presenter: Matt Daniels - Investment Analyst at Omnis Investments
A strong week for global equities, as favourable economic data supported risk-on sentiment. Japanese equities led the way, rallying strongly following the announcement of Sanae Takaichi as new Prime Minister.
A mixed week for global equities, with the S&P 500 leading the way, as it recovered from the sharpest daily sell-off sinceApril on the prior Friday. The CBOE Volatility Index reached its highest level since April, highlighting ongoing uncertainty facing the global economy. Chinese equities were the laggard, as risk sentiment turned negative following a spike in trade tensions with the U.S.
A fairly muted week for markets in terms of news, with mixed performances across the world during the week. Tariffs took centre stage again, but with a more muted reaction in markets. Over the weekend, news continued on the trade front which may impact markets further in the coming week.
A muted week for markets in terms of news, with mixed returns across the world during the week. In theUS, we saw markets reach new highs, whilst in Japan the lack of progress in trade negotiations weighed on sentiment. Data on China’s economy paints a mixed picture. As inflation settles in Europe, the European Central Bank considers what next for interest rates. And in the UK, the housing market appears to be recovering following a momentary downturn.
A positive week for markets around the world – primarily driven by the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, sprinkled with some potential developments in trade negotiations.
This week shows how quickly things can escalate and subsequently de-escalate – reminding us once again of the importance of not reacting to news and remaining invested in pursuit of your financial objectives.
A week dominated by developments in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have escalated further over the weekend after markets closed. This update covers the week ending 20th June and is likely to be a key driver of markets in the coming week.
At Omnis, we will be monitoring your portfolios and funds as we always do and will provide updates on what the evolving situation could mean for markets through our weekly market updates, and we may provide more frequent updates via our website, or your financial adviser.
Weekly markets in brief
US: Stocks close mixed amid hopes for de-escalation in the Middle East
Japan: Trade talks and interest rates
China: Mixed economic data
Europe: Central banks cut rates, German investor morale surges but French manufacturing weakens
UK: Bank of England holds interest rates and inflation slows somewhat
A week dominated by the escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, sending oil prices higher and markets lower. Other factors included developments in trade negotiations and a focus on economic news.
Weekly markets in brief
US: Week starts with better-than-expected economic data but ends with geopolitical tensions rising.
Japan: Trade talks and geopolitics take centre stage.
China: Deflationary pressures could weigh on the economy.
Europe: Will the European Central Bank (ECB) pause its interest rate cuts?
UK: UK economy shrinks, labour market cools, pay growth slows.
Global Markets: Trade talks continue, jobs hold strong, and mixed signals from Asia
A more muted week for global markets. In the US, trade talks continue to be the focus, and the jobs market appears to be more resilient than many expected. Europe appears to be in a good place when it comes to inflation and economic growth, and meanwhile some areas of concern remain in China and Japan.
A more muted week for global markets, but with plenty of moving parts coming out of US trade policy.
From an announcement regarding negotiations with the European Union and speculation regarding a US-Japan trade deal, to the ruling from the U.S. Court of International Trade and subsequent appeal – trade policy dominated investor sentiment during the week.
Markets React: Trade Tensions Ease, But Uncertainty Remains
Global market reacted positively to a de-escalation in trade tensions between the US and China – with the US stock market posting some strong returns during the week. Investors remained concerned about the economic impact of tariffs and more muted returns from China appear to suggest that investors expect less stimulus from Beijing.
Global market returns were mixed but muted during the week. Trade talks continued to be a key focus area, with the UK-US trade deal boosting investor sentiment, as were the news that China and US were holding trade talks over the weekend. In China, an expected policy boost by the central bank also added to positive sentiment. Meanwhile, the Bank of England cut interest rates, as widely expected.
Global market returns were strong last week as trade tensions eased off and President Trump walked back on earlier comments about the chair of the US Central Bank. All eyes will continue on trades and tariffs, the impact these may have on economic growth and any stimulus from governments to ease the impact of these tariffs.