Global equities edged higher this week, lifted by Fed rate-cut hopes, resilient tech, and reduced US tariff concerns.
@ 15:26 – Friday 26th September 2025 – London.
Markets:
- FTSE 100 edged 0.8% higher this week to 9,287, driven by strength in a range of sectors, including travel and leisure stocks as investors shrugged off U.S. tariff threats.
- S&P 500 rose 0.6% to 6,644, buoyed by easing inflation concerns and expectations of Fed rate cuts.
- Nasdaq Composite also gained, supported by AI and broader tech momentum.
- Euro Stoxx 50 climbed 1.0% to 5,497, with sentiment boosted by strong industrials and energy.
- Bonds: US 10-year Treasury yields eased to 4.16%, while UK 10-year gilt yields slipped to 4.75%, reflecting softer inflation expectations.
- Commodities: Brent crude held steady at $67.0, supported by supply concerns and geopolitical risk. Gold gained 4.0% to $3,800/oz, as safe-haven demand firmed, while Copper rose 0.6% to $4.58/lb, supported by industrial demand expectations.
- FX: GBP/USD slipped to 1.34, weighed by UK macro concerns, while EUR/GBP held broadly steady at 0.867.
Macro:
- Signs of moderating US inflation reinforced hopes of Fed easing later this year.
- UK markets were unsettled by fresh tariff tensions with the US, though gains in travel and energy names helped offset pressure.
- European equities benefited from improving sentiment and resilience in industrial activity.
Company News:
- No notable earnings or guidance updates this week from companies in our holdings or target list.
- Broader market optimism in tech and industrials lifted tone, though forward guidance from larger names remains under scrutiny.
What to keep an eye on next week:
w/c 29th Sept
- Watch US inflation readings, employment data, and Fed commentary.
- In the UK, tariff developments, consumer confidence, and business data will be key.
- Europe: industrial output and sentiment indicators may drive performance.
Markets move constantly and the numbers in this update will change. This is a snapshot only, pulled together from a range of sources, and is meant as a quick guide rather than a precise record. It’s not investment advice and shouldn’t be used to make trading or investment decisions. If you need more accurate or specific data over a defined period, please get in touch with a member of the team who will be happy to help.
Important Information
This article is for information only and does not constitute advice or recommendation and you should not make any investment decisions based on it. The views and opinions of this article are those of Casterbridge at the time of writing and may change without notice. Any opinions should not be viewed as indicating any guarantee of return from investments managed by Casterbridge nor as advice of any nature. It is important to remember that past performance and the value of an investment, and any income from it, may go down as well as up and the investor may not get back the original amount invested.