Latest Irish Life weekly markets update

Key talking points include:

• Global markets struggled last week as escalating tensions in the Middle East drove market uncertainty. Rising inflation concerns and hawkish signals from global central banks also weighed on investor sentiment.
• US futures have just jumped 2% higher in the last hour as President Trump signalled that the US and Iran have held productive talks with the US halting strikes. Oil prices have fallen almost 10% to below $90 a barrel.
• The S&P 500 fell by 1.9% (MTD -5.4%, YTD -4.9%) while the Euro Stoxx 600 fell by 3.8% (MTD -9.6%, YTD -3.2%).
• While geopolitical developments are likely to continue dominating headlines, upcoming economic data will still provide important context for policymakers and investors alike. Global flash PMIs for March are due this week and should offer an early indication of how recent tensions are affecting activity.