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Week ending 17th July 2026

It was an eventful week for markets, with investors digesting a busy calendar of second-quarter earnings, economic data and rising geopolitical tensions. While technology companies delivered another round of impressive earnings, tech stocks nevertheless pulled back, weighing on US and Asian markets. Meanwhile, the UK's FTSE 100, with relatively limited technology exposure, rose 0.98%.

Market update - 15th July 2026

This week, attention turned to comments from President Donald Trump, who threatened to reinstate restrictions targeting Iranian oil exports and proposed imposing a 20% toll on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The remarks raised concerns over potential supply disruptions and were enough to send brent crude oil futures up to $87 dollars per barrel. Despite the rally in energy prices, equity markets remained resilient, supported by a softer-than-expected US inflation report.

Week ending 10th July 2026

As shown in the accompanying table, markets closed the week on a mixed footing. With economic data relatively light and investors awaiting the start of the second-quarter earnings season, it had been shaping up to be a relatively quiet week. However, markets were once again forced to navigate a fresh bout of geopolitical uncertainty as tensions between the United States and Iran intensified.

Market update – 8th July 2026

Global markets enjoyed a positive start to the week as easing energy prices and continued optimism surrounding artificial intelligence (‘AI’) supported investor sentiment, while attention remained focused on monetary policy, geopolitical developments and political events across Europe.

Week ending 3rd July 2026

Global equity markets delivered a positive performance during the holiday-shortened week, supported by easing inflation pressures in Europe, a soft US labour market report and resilient economic data from China.

Market update – 1st July 2026

With relatively few major macroeconomic developments to drive markets this week, investors refocused on AI and big tech, providing fresh momentum for U.S. equities. Renewed buying interest in large-cap technology and semiconductor stocks helped push the Nasdaq and S&P 500 higher, underscoring continued confidence in companies expected to benefit from continuing adoption of artificial intelligence.