Global markets
The ‘bloodbath’ in global bond markets continued last week, with U.S. 10-year bond yields ending the week up another 7bps to 1.41%. A poorly supported U.S. 7-year Treasury bond auction appeared to be the catalyst for last week’s further yield gain, with assurances from Fed chair Powell (not even thinking about ending QE anytime soon!) only stemming the sell-off for a couple of days.

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Global markets
The rise and rise in global bond yields in recent weeks – on the back of rising raw material and wholesale price pressures – finally got noticed by hard-charging equity markets last week, though at this stage the yield impact is a glancing blow rather than a knockout punch.

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Global markets
Global equities continued to grind higher last week in the absence of bad news. Biden’s massive U.S. fiscal stimulus package remains the ‘gift that keeps on giving’ as it slowly winds it way through Congress and gives equity bulls something positive to talk about on quiet days. The U.S.

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Global Markets
Those of us counting on a deeper correction in equities to add exposure would have been a little disappointed last week as the “retail rebellion” volatility fizzled out and markets instead basked in the glow of ongoing good economic data, corporate earnings, and major ongoing macroeconomic stimulus. The S&P 500 Index surged back 4.6% to a new record high.

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Global markets
It’s great to be back for another years of Bites! Since I last wrote on December 21, global equities have essentially moved sideways (consolidating after the big push higher in November), while bond yields have pushed modestly higher. The $US is trying to bottom out, while gold remains in retreat and oil prices are trying to push higher.

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Global markets
Global equities pushed ever higher last week as the rollout of vaccines and the lingering promise of a U.S. stimulus deal outweighed serious but seemingly now ‘lagging’ news on soaring COVID cases, new restrictions, and slowing economic data. Why worry about new waves of the virus when vaccines will soon solve the problem!

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Global markets
It was a frustrating week for global markets with the U.S. failing to agree on a new stimulus plan and the UK and EU also failing to agree on the terms of their post-Brexit trade relationship. America’s raging COVID crisis – and recent ratcheting up of social distancing restrictions –

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Global markets
Despite a weaker than expected payrolls report, and surging COVID cases, U.S. stocks hit new records last week, buoyed by an apparent breakthrough in fiscal stimulus talks and ongoing excitement about an impending vaccine rollout. Risk-on sentiment was also reflected in a further decline in the $US, and a lift in U.S.

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Global equities
Last week again highlighted the forward-looking nature of markets, with global equities pushing higher on further positive vaccine news, despite a softening in economic data and ever-rising COVID cases in the United States. Trump also edged closer to conceding defeat, allowing his bureaucrats to a least start making the necessary steps for transition.

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Global markets
Weighed down by rising COVID cases, U.S. stocks pulled back last week – which is likely a consolidation after two solid weekly gains on the back of the U.S. Presidential election and positive vaccine news. While Trump continues to mount legal challenges, the country and financial markets in general appear to have already moved on –

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