Weekly Analysis

Global markets entered the week as investors reassessed the Federal Reserve's outlook after a surprisingly weak US employment report signaled further deterioration in labor market conditions. The Dollar Index fell toward a two-month low, while gold and silver held onto strong weekly gains as expectations for a September Fed rate hike dropped sharply. At the same time, uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continued to influence oil prices and global inflation expectations, with Iran and Oman reporting progress toward a transit agreement but no broader resolution yet reached.

Global markets entered August with investors reassessing the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook while renewed diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran triggered sharp moves in oil and precious metals. The dollar recovered to around 100.3 but remained under pressure after posting its worst weekly decline in three months. Meanwhile, Brent crude fell more than 4% after President Donald Trump said peace talks with Iran would resume, easing immediate concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and energy-driven inflation.

Global markets began the week on a more positive footing after a pause in US and Iranian military operations reduced immediate concerns over energy supplies and inflation. The United States quietly suspended its nearly two-week strike campaign against Iran late Friday, while Tehran halted retaliatory operations and entered discussions with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The developments pushed oil prices sharply lower, supporting precious metals and government bonds after weeks of pressure from rising energy costs.

Global markets were dominated by renewed geopolitical tensions this week as the collapse of the US-Iran ceasefire reignited concerns over energy supplies and inflation.

Global markets remained driven by geopolitical developments this week as renewed US-Iran strikes and uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire kept investors focused on inflation risks and the outlook for monetary policy. Although oil prices eased toward the end of the week as diplomatic talks continued, supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continued to support energy markets. Investors also assessed the latest Federal Reserve commentary and June FOMC minutes, which highlighted persistent concerns over inflation despite keeping interest rates unchanged.

Global markets ended the week with improving risk sentiment after weaker US employment data reduced expectations for further Federal Reserve rate hikes. The US dollar posted its steepest weekly decline since April as June payrolls missed forecasts by a wide margin, while falling oil prices and the normalization of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz eased inflation concerns. Investors also continued to monitor central bank guidance, with policymakers balancing slowing inflation against resilient economic activity.

Global markets entered the week with investors focused on the upcoming US labor market report, which is expected to provide the next major signal for Federal Reserve policy. The US dollar remained near its highest level in more than a year after last week’s strong rally, supported by hawkish comments from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh and growing expectations of further monetary tightening. At the same time, renewed military clashes between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz briefly reignited inflation concerns before both sides agreed to suspend military action ahead of another round of peace talks in Doha.

Global financial markets faced a turbulent cross-current this week as sharp shifts in the US–Iran diplomatic track collided with hawkish monetary policy signals.