Global markets* My last Bassanese Bites blog of last year was on Monday 18 December. At the time, I expressed hope that the ‘soft landing’ scenario for both the Australian and global economy appeared increasingly possible for 2024 – indeed, Fed chair Powell was close to popping …

Global markets Bond and equity markets surged last week after a surprise dovish pivot by the US Federal Reserve. US 10-year bond yields dropped a lazy 0.32% to 3.91%, while the S&P 500 popped 2.5% higher. The $US also dropped 1.4%, helping the $A rise to …

Global markets Global equities inched ahead for a sixth week in a row and bond yields edged higher as both equity and bond markets took a breather after strong gains over the past month. Underlying the renewed caution, markets may well be questioning the aggressiveness of …

Global markets Global equities were up for the fifth week in a row as the remarkable bond rally continued. US 10-year bond yields dropped a lazy 0.27% to 4.2%, with markets getting very excited about potential Fed rate cuts next year. Importantly, this growing expectation does …

Global markets Global equities continued to grind higher last week as the main event – the Fed minutes – did little to dissuade markets from the view that the Fed has finished raising interest rates. With inflation continuing to ease and some signs of softening in …

Global markets Global equities rose for the third week in a row as a slightly lower-than-expected US CPI result led to a chunky decline in bond yields and increased hopes that the Fed has finished raising interest rates. A further easing in oil prices contributed to …

Global Markets Global equities eked out further gains last week despite a modest rebound in bond yields. As feared, it was a return to more hawkish commentary from US Fed chair Powell that was the main event – in particular, he indicated he was “not confident” …

What a week! Softer-than-expected US economic data, reduced Treasury issuance, Middle East containment and a somewhat more dovish Federal Reserve saw bond yields plummet last week and equities bounce back. US 10-year yields dropped a lazy 0.26% to 4.57%, while the S&P 500 rebounded by an …

Global markets Global equities continued to sell off last week despite a fall back in bond yields and solid economic reports, with trigger-happy traders expressing disappointment with some tech earnings results. US 10-year yields tested 5% but ended the week at 4.84%. The S&P 500 dropped a …

Global markets Global equities continued to sell off last week on the back of a further rise in bond yields. After easing the previous week, US 10-year yields surged back to end the week at 4.91% while the S&P 500 index dropped 2.4% Several factors drove the …