Markets Explained

Lots to discuss again this week, with conflict raging on in the Middle East, central banks under pressure to raise rates and bond markets still unsettled.

In this week's podcast, Karen and Hugh discuss the latest flurry of economic news which suggests the global economy is weathering the barrage of shocks thrown at it. They also share their immediate reaction to the new UK Chancellor of the Exchequer’s first speech and ask: having talked the talk, can the Chancellor turn those words into effective policy action? 

Bond markets are off to a bumpy start in September with government borrowing costs rising sharply around the globe. In this week’s podcast, Karen and Hugh break down what is troubling bond investors, how policymakers may respond, and whether equity investors need to worry.

This week, Karen and Hugh discuss recent strong economic data and lingering inflation concerns that are pushing up bond yields. They then delve into what to make of the bond market interventions we’re increasingly seeing from finance ministers and treasury secretaries who are grappling with higher interest rate costs.

The market is wrapping up a stellar earnings season with growth broadening by geography and sector. No wonder markets keep hitting all-time highs. Karen and Hugh break down the earnings news and discuss what the macro data suggests about the outlook from here.