As the hostilities in Ukraine escalated, energy markets were once more a focus, although the price of Brent crude settled back over the week. In the week ahead, we have the much anticipated March meeting of the US Federal Reserve, and it is widely expected that it will announce its first interest rate hike since 2018.

Safe havens saw sustained buying interest, as commodity prices were pushed higher by Russia’s action in Ukraine. The ECB meeting this week could change policy expectations, in the light of events on Europe’s eastern borders.

As tensions remained high on the Ukrainian border, equity markets fell for a second consecutive week, while government bonds and the oil price steadied somewhat. This week brings CPI inflation data from Europe, as well as the Federal Reserve’s preferred target PCE inflation data in the US.

Market volatility has returned, driven by swiftly rising inflation and sharply tighter central bank outlooks. Have we have passed the point of no return for a Goldilocks outlook for 2022, with major economies ‘not too hot and not too cold’ by year end?

As tensions remained high on the Ukrainian border, equity markets fell for a second consecutive week, while government bonds and the oil price steadied somewhat. This week brings CPI inflation data from Europe, as well as the Federal Reserve’s preferred target PCE inflation data in the US.

Markets were roiled once again by geopolitical tensions and inflation fears, as the price of oil touched seven year highs. This week brings further inflation data from around the globe.

Market volatility has returned, driven by swiftly rising inflation and sharply tighter central bank outlooks. Have we have passed the point of no return for a Goldilocks outlook for 2022, with major economies ‘not too hot and not too cold’ by year end?

Equity markets were rattled, as forecasts climbed to five Fed rate hikes for this year, before rallying on Friday. This week will culminate in US unemployment data, with no change expected from December’s 3.9%.

Equity markets were rattled, as forecasts climbed to five Fed rate hikes for this year, before rallying on Friday. This week will culminate in US unemployment data, with no change expected from December’s 3.9%.

Markets experienced growing volatility on fears of rising interest rates, as the Nasdaq briefly hit correction territory. This week’s Federal Reserve meeting will be closely analysed for clues as to monetary policy for this year.

Inflation has hit multi decade highs, but is forecast to fall sharply this year. Will that fall be steady or bumpy? And how will central banks adjust their policy while keeping markets calm? 

Financial markets struggled to find direction, as major data points on inflation, GDP and trade came in. This week the US banks’ sector will continue to kick off the Q4 reporting season.