LifeGoals Market Update

LifeGoals
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business News
  • Updated Monthly

Monthly market update from LifeGoals Asset Management Department.

Episodes

  1. Sep 22

    Update for September 2026

    This report reviews developments in August and September 2026. The dominant themes were renewed escalation in the Middle East conflict, persistent supply disruptions in global energy markets, and continued strength in AI-driven equity markets. Higher oil prices pushed inflation higher and prompted both the Federal Reserve and the ECB to tighten monetary policy. In the US, payroll growth remained strong with 162,000 jobs added in August, while unemployment held at 4.1%. Inflation rose to 3.4%, driven primarily by higher energy costs. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.75%–4.00%, its first increase since 2023, and signaled that further hikes remain possible. Eurozone inflation increased to 3.2%, prompting the ECB to raise its deposit rate by 25 basis points to 2.5%. Policymakers warned that elevated energy prices and geopolitical tensions are likely to keep inflation above target for an extended period. Global equity markets delivered mixed performance. The S&P 500 reached a new record high, with gains driven almost entirely by AI-related companies, while most traditional sectors lagged. European markets were broadly flat as higher energy costs weighed on earnings expectations. Oil prices remained elevated as the Strait of Hormuz stayed closed and disruptions spread to the Bab al-Mandab shipping route. Brent crude rose to around $98 per barrel, while gold gained 7.4% and Bitcoin surged nearly 30%, despite continued volatility. Bond yields climbed across the US and Europe as markets priced in higher inflation and additional interest rate increases. In Cyprus, inflation rose to 5.2%, while Bank of Cyprus reported another strong quarter, with higher profitability, improved asset quality, and robust capital and liquidity ratios.

  2. Jul 22

    Update for July 2026

    This report reviews developments in June and July 2026. The collapse of the US-Iran ceasefire dominated markets, driving oil prices sharply higher, increasing geopolitical uncertainty, and weighing on global equity sentiment, although strong AI-driven bank earnings helped support markets.  In the US, payroll growth slowed sharply to 57,000 in June, while unemployment edged down to 4.2% due to lower labour force participation. Inflation eased to 3.5%, helped by falling energy prices earlier in the month, but the renewed conflict has increased expectations that the Fed could raise rates later in the year. Eurozone inflation declined to 2.8%, although markets continue to expect further ECB tightening as rising energy prices threaten to keep inflation elevated. Cyprus inflation rose to 4.1%, the highest among the countries covered in the report. Global equity markets were mixed. The S&P 500 slipped 0.4% after failing to reach new highs, while European markets posted only modest gains as higher oil prices weighed on sentiment. Strong AI-related investment activity continued to drive record earnings for major US banks, offsetting some of the broader market weakness. Oil prices rebounded sharply following the breakdown of the ceasefire, with Brent crude rising to around $91 per barrel amid renewed disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Gold fell 2.8%, while Bitcoin recovered 4.8%. Bond yields rose across the US and Europe as investors priced in higher inflation and a more hawkish outlook from central banks.

  • 2 Episodes

About

Monthly market update from LifeGoals Asset Management Department.

Information

  • Creator
    LifeGoals
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 LifeGoals Market Update