Global markets The rise and rise in global bond yields in recent weeks – on the back of rising raw material and wholesale price pressures – finally got noticed by hard-charging equity markets last week, though at this stage the yield impact is a glancing blow …

Global markets Global equities continued to grind higher last week in the absence of bad news. Biden’s massive U.S. fiscal stimulus package remains the ‘gift that keeps on giving’ as it slowly winds it way through Congress and gives equity bulls something positive to talk about …

Global markets Those of us counting on a deeper correction in equities to add exposure would have been a little disappointed last week as the “retail rebellion” volatility fizzled out and markets instead basked in the glow of ongoing good economic data, corporate earnings, and major …

Global markets It’s great to be back for another years of Bites! Since I last wrote on December 21, global equities have essentially moved sideways (consolidating after the big push higher in November), while bond yields have pushed modestly higher. The $US is trying to bottom …

Global markets Global equities pushed ever higher last week as the rollout of vaccines and the lingering promise of a U.S. stimulus deal outweighed serious but seemingly now ‘lagging’ news on soaring COVID cases, new restrictions, and slowing economic data. Why worry about new waves of …

Global markets It was a frustrating week for global markets with the U.S. failing to agree on a new stimulus plan and the UK and EU also failing to agree on the terms of their post-Brexit trade relationship. America’s raging COVID crisis – and recent ratcheting …

Global markets Despite a weaker than expected payrolls report, and surging COVID cases, U.S. stocks hit new records last week, buoyed by an apparent breakthrough in fiscal stimulus talks and ongoing excitement about an impending vaccine rollout. Risk-on sentiment was also reflected in a further decline …

Global markets Last week again highlighted the forward-looking nature of markets, with global equities pushing higher on further positive vaccine news, despite a softening in economic data and ever-rising COVID cases in the United States. Trump also edged closer to conceding defeat, allowing his bureaucrats to …

Global markets Weighed down by rising COVID cases, U.S. stocks pulled back last week – which is likely a consolidation after two solid weekly gains on the back of the U.S. Presidential election and positive vaccine news. While Trump continues to mount legal challenges, the country …

Global markets Global post-U.S. election optimism continued last week, buoyed by hopeful signs with regard to a COVID vaccine. The S&P 500 rose 2.2% after a solid 7.3% gain in the previous week to reach a new record high. While Pfizer’s vaccine results suggested an impressive 90% …