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NAVIGATING THE FOG OF WAR

NAVIGATING THE FOG OF WAR

The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical oil chokepoint. Roughly one-fifth of global oil supply transits here each day. Commercial traffic has been severely disrupted since late February. Iran maintains a stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz – the narrow waterway through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil transits during peacetime. As long as that remains the status quo, analysts expect oil and stock markets to experience continued heightened volatility.

MIDDLE EAST ESCALATION: EARLY MARKET IMPACT & PORTFOLIO IMPLICATIONS

MIDDLE EAST ESCALATION: EARLY MARKET IMPACT & PORTFOLIO IMPLICATIONS

Following the weekend escalation involving US – Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s subsequent response, markets have – so far – reacted in a relatively orderly way. The immediate transmission mechanism is energy, because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas flows.

GETTING MY HEAD AROUND AI: WHY MARKETS ARE EXCITED — AND NERVOUS

GETTING MY HEAD AROUND AI: WHY MARKETS ARE EXCITED — AND NERVOUS

Artificial Intelligence has moved from novelty to necessity in what feels like months. Markets have reacted accordingly. Some technology shares have surged on the promise of AI, while others have fallen sharply on fears that AI could undermine existing business models. Like many investors, I’ve been trying to get my head around what is actually happening — and why the stakes suddenly feel so high.

UK TAX: THE PAIN DEFERRED – WHY THE REAL IMPACT COMES LATER

UK TAX: THE PAIN DEFERRED – WHY THE REAL IMPACT COMES LATER

Financial markets were primed for sharp, immediate tax rises. Commentators warned of fiscal tightening. Yet when the Chancellor delivered the measures, the initial reaction was muted. Markets barely moved. The plaster came off—and it didn’t hurt.