Market Insights

In-depth insights on market events and major trades

A beginners guide to trading in global financial markets

Before you place your first trade, it's good to understand how global financial markets operate, what influences prices and how to manage risk effectively. This guide covers the main markets, common trading strategies and the key steps to get started.

12 Aug 2026, 09:45

Yen bears are testing Tokyo again as policy and politics pull in opposite directions

Yen’s post-intervention rebound is fading, and investors are beginning to challenge Tokyo’s resolve once again. After the coordinated action by Japan and the United States in July, markets initially pulled back from aggressive short-yen positions. That caution is now disappearing. So far in August, the yen has been the only major G10 currency to weaken against the dollar, a sign that traders are rebuilding positions that had been reduced after the intervention.

Fed bets, inflation and Iran risk move back to the center of the market

After several weeks in which investors focused mainly on softer U.S. economic data, markets are once again being pulled between two competing forces: a cooling labour market and the risk that higher energy prices could keep inflation elevated. The combination matters because it directly affects expectations for the Federal Reserve, the U.S. dollar, and broader risk sentiment across equities, bonds.

What are inflation-protected bonds and how do they work?

Inflation-protected bonds link their value to changes in inflation, helping investors defend against the loss of purchasing power. This article explains how they work, how they differ from conventional bonds and what risks to consider.

10 Aug 2026, 11:00

Gold heads for best week since January as dip-buyers return

Gold is heading for its strongest weekly gain since late January after buyers returned aggressively around key technical levels. Bullion has climbed nearly 6% this week and briefly traded above $4,300 an ounce, although growing expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike remain a major near-term risk.

Yen’s move below 155 could decide whether historic intervention succeeds

The first coordinated US-Japan yen-buying intervention since 1998 has pulled the currency sharply away from a four-decade low, but the rally now faces its most important test at 155 per dollar. A sustained break through that level could trigger a short squeeze and change trading behavior, while failure may reinforce expectations that the yen will eventually return toward 160.

Iran talks resume: oil market shift focus away from conflict

Oil prices have retreated sharply after President Donald Trump said the United States would hold off on a planned strike against Iran, citing what he described as agreed "parameters" for a rapid diplomatic deal. The announcement eased fears of an immediate military escalation, prompting traders to unwind much of the geopolitical premium that had been built into crude prices during recent weeks.

Why Japan's verbal intervention is losing its grip on the yen

Japanese officials have once again warned that they are prepared to act against excessive moves in the currency market, but investors appear increasingly unconvinced that words alone will be enough to halt the yen's decline. The warning came after USD/JPY climbed above 163, pushing the currency back towards levels that have previously triggered official intervention.

SpaceX valuation split: growth story or market excess?

SpaceX is entering one of its most important weeks since going public, with investors weighing a massive share at the same time, the company is targeting Thursday for Starship Flight 13, a mission that could influence investor confidence in one of SpaceX's most ambitious long-term projects.

Market liquidity and how it affects trading decisions

Market liquidity plays an important role in how smoothly trades are executed. Understanding liquidity can help traders assess costs, manage risk and decide when or how to enter a position.

21 Jul 2026, 12:00