LifeGoals Market Update

LifeGoals

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Monthly market update from LifeGoals Asset Management Department.

FEB 27

Update for February 2026

This report reviews macroeconomic and market developments in January and February 2026. In the US, job growth surprised to the upside with 130,000 new jobs in January, while unemployment fell to 4.3%. Inflation eased to 2.4%, boosting expectations for a June Fed rate cut. The Fed held rates steady at 3.5%–3.75%, signaling patience. Political tensions intensified after the US Supreme Court struck down a large part of President Trump’s tariff framework, only for the administration to quickly introduce a new 15% global tariff. In Europe, inflation declined to 1.7% in January. The ECB kept rates unchanged and maintained a data-dependent stance, while monitoring euro strength and trade uncertainty. The euro has appreciated significantly over the past year, raising some concerns about downside inflation risks. Oil prices rose around 10% amid escalating US-Iran tensions and supply concerns. Gold rebounded strongly and remains near record highs, supported by geopolitical volatility and central bank demand. In contrast, Bitcoin fell nearly 30% over the period, reflecting a sharp deterioration in risk appetite. US equities were largely flat, with the S&P 500 up just 0.2% after briefly surpassing 7,000. AI-related disruption fears weighed heavily on technology and software stocks, while IBM fell sharply following developments in AI-driven legacy system modernization. European markets outperformed, with France’s CAC and the STOXX Europe 600 reaching record highs. Bond yields declined in both the US and Europe, reflecting softer inflation data and expectations of a more dovish Fed leadership transition later this year. In Cyprus, inflation jumped to 1.7%, while 10-year yields edged slightly lower. European banks reported strong Q4 earnings, with BNP Paribas posting record results and ING delivering solid profits.

18 min
JAN 23

Update for January 2026

This market report covers developments in December 2025 and January 2026. US job growth remained weak, with only 50,000 new jobs in December, making 2025 the slowest hiring year outside a recession since 2003. Inflation remained at 2.7%, with no Fed rate cut expected until June. The Trump administration opened a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Powell, intensifying political pressure on monetary policy. Tensions escalated after Trump threatened new tariffs on eight European countries unless the US is allowed to buy Greenland. Europe is considering strong countermeasures, including a potential €93bn tariff package and activating the Anti-Coercion Instrument. This trade rift has cast uncertainty over US-Europe relations and delayed progress on the EU-US trade deal. Euro area inflation edged down to 2.0%, and the ECB held rates steady while signaling a possible future hike if growth momentum continues. Oil prices rose 7–8% on improved global growth sentiment. Gold hit a record high of $4,730 (+7.9%), while Bitcoin rose 5.7% to $90,940. US equities reached new highs before retreating on “sell America” sentiment triggered by the Greenland dispute. European stocks were mixed, with Germany’s DAX up 2.9%. Bond yields rose in the US but fell slightly in parts of Europe. Cyprus inflation held at 0.1%, with 10-year yields dipping slightly to 3.13%. US bank earnings were mixed; megabanks beat estimates but saw share price declines on valuation concerns. European banks were set to report in late January and early February.

17 min
2025-12-18

Update for November/December 2025

This market report reviews macroeconomic and market developments in November and December 2025. In the US, delayed jobs data showed weak payroll growth—just 64,000 in November—while the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, the highest since 2021. Wage growth slowed to 0.1%, and the job market remains constrained by tighter immigration policies. The Fed cut interest rates by 0.25% to a range of 3.50%–3.75%, while also announcing renewed Treasury purchases amid liquidity concerns. Euro area inflation ticked up to 2.2% in November, with the ECB expected to hold rates steady at its December meeting. Inflation diverged across the bloc: Cyprus held steady at 0.2%, while Greece jumped to 2.9%. Oil prices dropped 7% over the month due to oversupply fears and progress on a potential Russia-Ukraine peace deal. Gold surged 7.4% to record highs ($4,368), while Bitcoin fell 7.5% to $86,060 amid broader risk-off sentiment. US equities reached new highs mid-December before pulling back on weak tech/AI performance. Nvidia, Microsoft, and Meta all saw notable declines, while the Dow and old economy stocks outperformed. European equities posted solid gains, with Germany’s DAX up 3.4%. Yields rose across the board in the US and Europe, steepening the yield curve and boosting bank stocks. Cyprus 10-year yields rose to 3.17%. The EURO STOXX Banks Index is up 76% year-to-date, marking its best year ever. The US dollar weakened modestly, with gains in the euro, sterling, and Canadian dollar. The yen fell sharply by 4.6% vs the dollar.

13 min

3 Episodes

Monthly market update from LifeGoals Asset Management Department.

Creator

LifeGoals
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

3
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 LifeGoals Market Update