The Five Questions That Will Decide Markets in the Second Half of 2026
Five questions will decide whether markets can keep climbing, or whether today’s assumptions begin to crack.
Five questions will decide whether markets can keep climbing, or whether today’s assumptions begin to crack.
Macro headwinds are weighing on commodities, but structural growth themes continue to underpin the sector.
Rising Fed expectations and higher front-end yields drive dollar strength, pressuring gold and equities while lower oil may ease inflation risks.
The pair strengthens further amid rising Fed rate hike bets and cautious tightening by the BoJ, but FX intervention risks loom.
Oil prices drop while metals and stock markets rise after the two sides announced an interim deal, but risks still loom.
President Trump expects to sign a settlement with Iran, raising optimism around the global economy and copper consumption, but risks still loom.
US inflation showed signs of cooling beneath the surface as softer core pressures eased Fed concerns, although volatile energy prices remain the key risk ahead.
Shifting interest-rate expectations are reshaping markets as investors weigh stronger growth momentum against the pressure of higher yields.
XAU/USD falls deeper into bear territory on lingering geopolitical tensions and higher-for-longer Fed prospects, with the US CPI update looming today.
The Fed, the ECB, the BoE and other major central banks announce pivotal policy decisions in June, as inflation pushes them toward a hawkish stance but growth risks call for caution.
Markets are being driven by the inflationary impact of elevated oil prices, with rising yields and a stronger dollar tightening financial conditions and pressuring gold.
Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this website are provided on an "as-is" basis, as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice. The market commentary has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and it is therefore not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of dissemination. Although this commentary is not produced by an independent source, FXCM takes all sufficient steps to eliminate or prevent any conflicts of interests arising out of the production and dissemination of this communication. The employees of FXCM commit to acting in the clients' best interests and represent their views without misleading, deceiving, or otherwise impairing the clients' ability to make informed investment decisions. For more information about the FXCM's internal organizational and administrative arrangements for the prevention of conflicts, please refer to the Firms' Managing Conflicts Policy. Please ensure that you read and understand our Full Disclaimer and Liability provision concerning the foregoing Information, which can be accessed here.