2026 has thus far seen geopolitical events, from Venezuela and Iran to Greenland, attracting attention. Headlines about tariffs and questions over the independence of the US Federal Reserve have continued. Still, financial markets remain resilient.

Markets expected double-digit growth for Europe in 2026, but this has been impacted by the Middle East crisis.

Gilts were inflamed as a path opened up for the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to return to Westminster and potentially replace Keir Starmer as UK prime minister. Elsewhere, the global sovereign bond sell-off accelerated.