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With no progress on Middle East peace talks, rising tensions are pushing energy prices higher, complicating the outlook for inflation, central banks and global growth. The BoJ leaved rates unchanged but revised growth projections lower and inflation forecast higher. The Fed may be on hold for longer, as well. while policymakers face a tough trade-off: rising prices and slowing economies.
At the same time, Big Tech is stepping back into the spotlight. Once questioned over massive AI spending and stretched balance sheets, tech giants are now seen as a relative safe haven in a fragile market environment. But there’s a...

Markets are kicking off the week in a risk-on mood — but is it built to last?
Renewed peace hopes in the Middle East are helping ease geopolitical tensions, pulling energy prices slightly lower and boosting equities across Asia, the US and Europe. At the same time, earnings season is delivering: a strong majority of companies are beating expectations, keeping the bullish momentum alive.
Beneath the surface, cracks are forming, but the latter is also softening the central bank expectations!

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Ipek Ozkardeskaya has begun her financial career in 2010 in the structured products desk of...

Bitcoin is finally showing us some strength!

#crypto #cryptonews #cryptotrading #swissquote

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Geopolitical tensions remain elevated as markets navigate fragile ceasefire dynamics, rising oil prices, and persistent inflation pressures. Brent crude is consolidating near the $100 per barrel level, keeping global yields elevated and reinforcing concerns about the inflation outlook. At the same time, macro data is beginning to reflect the strain, with European activity—particularly in services—showing signs of weakness under higher energy costs.
Equity markets remain resilient near all-time highs, but internal dispersion is increasing. Software stocks came under pressure after IBM’s results raised questions about AI disruption to traditional business models, while semiconductor names continue to outperform on strong AI-driven...

Major US indices hit fresh record highs yesterday but the contrast between market prices and fundamentals is striking. Geopolitical tensions remain elevated, energy markets are volatile and macro data is starting to show strain. Yet risk assets continue to climb, driven less by the physical economy and more by narrative momentum—especially around AI and long-term productivity gains.
The growing gap raises a broader question—are markets still pricing reality, or expectations?

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Ipek Ozkardeskaya has begun her financial career in 2010 in the structured products desk of the Swiss Banque Cantonale Vaudoise. She worked at HSBC Private...

Markets are navigating a fragile calm. The Middle East ceasefire extension isn’t enough to anchor sentiment, as oil volatility persists and uncertainty around supply dynamics lingers. Yet, despite rising energy prices, the US consumer refuses to crack—fueling higher yields and pushing back rate cut expectations.
Across assets, conviction is thin: equities are mixed, the dollar is losing momentum, and investors are increasingly focused on what comes next. With earnings season kicking off, all eyes turn to Tesla—not for the numbers, but for its AI narrative and long-term growth story.
Is this just noise… or the start of something bigger?

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Oil spikes, then pulls back. Markets sell off, then bounce. Is this the same pattern all over again?
This week kicked off with renewed Middle East tensions shaking sentiment, but the real story may lie beneath the surface. Despite supply risks and ongoing disruptions, oil prices are struggling to hold their gains — pointing to something deeper: demand destruction may already be kicking in.
Meanwhile, equities — especially tech and AI names — continue to show resilience, brushing off macro uncertainty and geopolitical noise. Are investors underestimating the risks, or correctly looking through the volatility?
With key US data ahead...

Markets are walking a tightrope. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have flared up again, sending oil prices higher and raising fresh questions about global stability. Oil is up, US and European markets are pressured but Asian tech heavy indices are holding up well thanks to encouraging AI news of late.
This week, earnings season is picking up pace, with major companies about to report. Can strong results offset the pressure from higher oil and ongoing conflict?

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Ipek Ozkardeskaya has begun her financial career in 2010 in the structured products desk of the Swiss Banque...

For decades, the US dollar has been the undisputed anchor of the global financial system. But what happens if that dominance starts to crack — even slightly? And could the euro step in?
From the weaponisation of finance to rising US deficits and a more fragmented global trade system, the foundations of dollar dominance are being quietly challenged. Europe sees an opportunity: a stronger international euro could reduce imported inflation, lower transaction costs, deepen capital markets and increase financial autonomy.
But the path is far from simple. Without a unified fiscal system, a true safe asset comparable to US Treasuries,...

When investors talk about “the market,” they are usually referring to an index. But what exactly are stock market indices, and why have they become such a powerful tool for investors? In this episode, we break down how major benchmarks like the S&P 500, FTSE 100, DAX, and CAC 40 work. We also explore how indices reflect different economies, why diversification matters, and how investors can gain exposure through ETFs or futures. From technology-driven US markets to commodity-heavy indices, discover how tracking the right index can help shape a smarter investment strategy.

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Ipek Ozkardeskaya has...