Weekly Market Insights – 13 July 2026

A week marked by renewed geopolitical uncertainty and persistent inflation concerns saw investors navigate a mixed macroeconomic backdrop. The latest FOMC minutes reaffirmed the Federal Reserve’s cautious stance on inflation, while resilient US services activity contrasted with continued weakness in the housing market. Across Europe, investor sentiment improved as inflation eased in Germany and France, whereas Japan continued to face mounting price pressures and China maintained an accommodative policy stance despite subdued domestic demand.

Markets delivered mixed performances as renewed tensions in the Middle East weighed on global risk sentiment. US equities ended the week higher, supported by a rebound in semiconductor and AI-related stocks, while European markets underperformed and Asian equities remained divided. Sovereign bond yields moved higher on renewed inflation concerns and firmer oil prices, pressuring fixed income markets. Meanwhile, crude oil advanced sharply following the escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, the US dollar remained broadly stable, and cryptocurrency markets strengthened modestly despite continued consolidation across digital assets.