Jacqueline Lowe

A turbulent week in markets as oil surged back above $100, inflation fears reignited, and markets whipsawed between escalation risk and uneasy calm. 

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to impact the markets while inflation expectations are recalibrated.

While energy prices and government bond yields rose this week, the impact on equities was different across regions, and credit stress was contained. The situation so far is one of uncertainty rather than a downturn.

Oil supply and price will be key to longer-term outlook.

The “Magnificent Seven” begin to split as two tech giants break away from the pack.

In 2026, investors are targeting increases to their private market allocations. Debt is here to stay, but equity is set to regain ground.

Our private markets research team have crunched the Q4 2025 data. They explain how evolving macro conditions are reflected in private debt returns.

The new year has begun with a bang with global equities at, or near, record highs. But as fears of an artificial intelligence (AI) led bubble mount, reducing downside risk without necessarily sacrificing lots of upside potential makes increasing sense.

Owning and trading assets as digital tokens could transform markets, and money market funds are leading the charge. We explore what this means for investors.

Japan’s bond markets enter 2026 transformed and recent structural shifts have changed the behaviour of the country’s powerful life insurers.

Correlation is one of the most widely used statistical measures in modern finance. But investors looking for genuine portfolio diversification may wish to use it alongside other metrics as they look to mitigate risk.

Aviva’s Nick Molho looks at this year’s policy priorities and likely developments for the UK’s low-carbon agenda, and reflects on what it means for investors.

European infrastructure debt enters 2026 in a healthy position, with no shortage of demand for its diverse range of opportunities. Nonetheless, investors need to be alert to various risks and conduct thorough due diligence, argues Darryl Murphy.

Could the proliferation of short-term leverage strategies be the next hidden challenge for fixed income markets?

Today’s private market investments will shape 2050 cities. We explore what this could look like, and the related challenges and opportunities.

Despite some headwinds, the liquidity team expects broadly supportive conditions in 2026. The new year could also see interesting developments in regulation and tokenisation.