A global network and market expertise
We make cross-border trade straightforward for you.
We make cross-border trade straightforward for you.
The rally in risk assets on ceasefire optimism came to a halt over the weekend. The ceasefire talks between the US and Iran collapsed in Pakistan and the US announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be blockaded to ships going to or from Iranian ports.
The most important European elections of 2026 are just around the corner. On 12 April, Hungarians will head to the polls to decide whether Fidesz will remain in power after 16 years in government. This is a decision that could alter the course set by Viktor Orbán, leading to a reset in relations with the European Union.
The war in Iran is now entering its second month without any clear prospects for either a ceasefire or the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iran war is now in its second week, and markets are bracing for the possibility that it will last a while.
The US dollar confirmed last week that it remains a safe-haven currency of choice for investors during times of global conflict.
The New Year has begun with a bang following the shock ousting and capture of Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro by US forces over the weekend, but the early reaction in currency and futures markets has been calm.
The dollar sold off against most of its peers after the Federal Reserve fell short of delivering on market expectations for a "hawkish cut" last week.
As the results of the UK general election filtered through during the early hours, markets responded with a shrug to the anticipated Labour majority victory under newly-appointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Despite a narrower victory margin than both the polls and models had predicted, the impact on sterling has thus far been muted, reflecting investor preparedness for the political landscape that lies ahead.
Investors have no time to rest on their laurels as we approach the Christmas break and year-end, with all of the world’s ‘Big Three’ central banks to unveil their final policy decisions of 2023 this week.
Currencies were thrust out of their recent slumber on Tuesday, as a softer-than-expected US inflation report sent the dollar sharply lower and raised the possibility of a long-awaited dovish pivot from the Federal Reserve at its meeting this evening.
Focus in financial markets continues to remain on the UK after an extraordinary few days that have culminated in the reversal of almost all of the controversial tax cuts announced during last month’s mini-budget.
The euro seemed to be about to lock in a decent performance last week, buoyed by expectations of a hawkish ECB and a labour market report in the US that signalled to the Fed that pressures there may be easing.
