Michaël Lok

A tentative US-Iran ceasefire drove a broad-based rally across rates, credit and risk assets last week, even as US inflation data sent mixed signals. Government bonds rose sharply as falling oil prices eased pressure on central banks.

In May, we anticipated fragmentation of global growth against a backdrop of persistently elevated interest rates and energy prices. That scenario has since materialised with a level of precision that, far from surprising us, reinforces our structural reading of markets.

A stronger-than-expected US jobs report shattered nine weeks of US equity gains, triggering a violent rotation out of semiconductors and forcing markets to reprice the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) policy path higher.

In an environment marked by the return of inflationary tensions, the rise of AI, and the reshaping of geopolitics, Michaël Lok believes that markets are entering a new cycle.

Global equities hit new all-time highs, bonds rallied, and credit tightened, all on the hopes of a US–Iran ceasefire that remains, as yet, unsigned.

Markets were driven by shifting rate expectations and geopolitical developments, with US–Iran tensions adding volatility.

Global markets are entering a more balanced phase, where higher‑for‑longer rates, renewed energy pressures and sticky inflation are starting to test an artificial intelligence (AI)‑driven equity rally rather than abruptly reversing it.

In April, we anticipated an inflationary shock and a persistently cautious stance from central banks. That scenario has now materialised, reducing the prospects of any meaningful monetary easing.

Global equities extended their rally, powered by significant technology sector strength and a standout earnings season: S&P 500 Q1 earnings per share (EPS) growth reached +27.7%, double initial expectations. Emerging markets outperformed, led by Taiwan and South Korea.