Latest Irish Life weekly markets update

Key talking points include:

• Markets finished the week mixed as easing inflation concerns and positive AI-related earnings were offset by rising oil prices, geopolitical uncertainty and weaker US consumer data.
• The S&P 500 rose by 0.4% (MTD 4.0%, YTD 13.7%) while the Euro Stoxx 600 fell by 0.4% (MTD 1.3%, YTD 11.1%).
• The week ahead is relatively light on economic data, with European inflation and employment figures among the main releases. Investors will also focus on minutes from the Federal Reserve's latest meeting and continuing US-Canada discussions aimed at avoiding further tariffs.