Oil prices came under pressure as noise grows around the potential for further supply increases from OPEC+, while US government shutdown fears provide a further boost to precious metals
Last week ended on a positive note despite fresh tariff threats on pharma, trucks and kitchen cabinets. PCE data coming in line with expectations helped keep investor mood sweet after a week of hesitation. The S&P 500 rebounded after a three-day retreat, the Stoxx 600 held above its 50-DMA, and even the pharma-heavy SMI index bounced from August lows – confirming that trade news has become usual bad news.
Many investors went into 2025 assuming Donald Trump would use tariffs as a negotiating tool, but this belief has been shaken in recent weeks, generating significant market angst. But Trump’s fiscal strategy may yet lead to a benign outcome for the global economy.
