Encouraging news on AI, oil and the BoJ — but not enough
Markets found some relief this week, but the underlying risks are far from resolved. Nvidia revived appetite for AI and semiconductor stocks, yet massive capex requirements, financing needs and shrinking free cash flow remain important concerns. Meanwhile, oil prices eased, and global inventories are falling more slowly than JP Morgan’s earlier “no-resolution” scenario had feared. That buys the world precious time — but not necessarily enough if Middle Eastern supply disruptions persist.
Central banks are also walking a tightrope. The Bank of England overhauled its QT programme, the Fed raised rates to defend its inflation objective, and the Bank of...