PhillipCapital DIFC Research Team

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Daily Market Updates – June 24

24 June 2026 – Daily Market Updates Daily Market Briefing: AI enthusiasm meets a choppier tape Overview Equity markets are stabilizing after a sharp, tech-led reversal, with US index futures modestly higher and Asia rebounding, led by semiconductor-heavy benchmarks. European shares are mixed to flat. Rates are edging lower at the long end as investors reassess growth and inflation momentum. The US dollar is firm against major peers. Crude oil is softer, while refined fuel prices have eased—an incremental relief for headline inflation and freight costs. The AI trade: momentum, crowding and bigger swings A long stretch of gains in chipmakers and AI-linked leaders has left positioning elevated across many investor types. When a popular theme becomes crowded, day-to-day moves can amplify as leveraged strategies, derivatives hedging and ETF rebalancing reinforce direction. That dynamic cuts both ways: rallies can be powerful, but air pockets emerge when sentiment turns or when headlines challenge the prevailing narrative. Practical takeaway: concentration risk matters. Investors are increasingly weighing a blend of quality growth exposure with cash flow resilience, plus selective hedges, to navigate larger intraday ranges. Earnings spotlight: a bellwether for AI infrastructure A leading US memory-chip producer reports after the close. Because advanced memory sits at the heart of AI server buildouts, its demand outlook and capital spending commentary are viewed as a proxy for the broader AI supply chain. What to listen for: backlog durability, pricing power for high-bandwidth products, capacity expansion timelines, supply discipline across the industry, and customer capex visibility from cloud and enterprise buyers. Options markets are signaling heightened implied volatility into the event, underscoring how one update can sway sentiment across the semiconductor complex. Regional and sector pulse US: Futures point to a tentative rebound in growth-heavy segments after Monday’s slide. Market breadth remains a focal point as investors gauge whether leadership can broaden beyond a narrow set of mega-cap winners. Asia: Chip-centric markets bounced following the prior session’s slump. Some regional manufacturers continue to explore capital-raising avenues to fund capacity and tap deeper pools of investors. Europe: Indices are little changed, with defensives providing ballast while cyclicals track commodity and rates moves. Sectors: Semiconductors and AI infrastructure remain the volatility epicenter. Energy underperforms alongside softer crude. Transportation and select industrials are in focus on cost trends and trade flows. Travel and leisure names watch demand indicators into peak season. Rates, commodities and FX Bonds: Long-dated government yields are slightly lower as markets balance cooling goods inflation against sticky services components and steady labor conditions. Any shift in growth expectations or central-bank guidance could reprice the curve quickly given thin summer liquidity. Commodities: Oil extends recent declines amid signs of smoother tanker flows and adequate supply. Softer diesel and gasoline prices provide incremental relief to logistics, though refining margins and inventories bear watching. Currencies: The dollar is supported by yield differentials and safe-haven demand on risk-off days. Commodity-linked and cyclical currencies track the moves in energy and global growth sentiment. What could move markets next Corporate earnings: AI and cloud supply-chain reports, along with updates from transportation, software and consumer names, will help test whether profit growth can keep pace with elevated multiples. Macro catalysts: Upcoming global inflation and growth releases, as well as remarks from central-bank officials, may influence rate-cut timelines and risk appetite. Flows and technicals: End-of-month and quarter rebalancing, plus systematic and volatility-targeting strategies, can add to intraday swings. Watch market breadth, leadership rotations and credit spreads for confirmation. Investment considerations Balance enthusiasm with discipline: Pair structurally attractive AI and automation themes with cash-generative companies, diversified factor exposure and defined risk limits. Manage concentration: Consider position-sizing frameworks, scenario analysis around key earnings prints, and selective hedging where correlations rise. Liquidity awareness: Use staged entries/exits and avoid chasing gap moves in thin conditions. Navigate Market Volatility with Confidence Access a wide range of global equities, futures, and structured notes to build a resilient and diversified portfolio today. Explore Investment Products Disclaimer: Trading foreign exchange and/or contracts for difference on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors as you could sustain losses in excess of deposits. The products are intended for retail, professional and eligible counterparty clients. Before deciding to trade any products offered by PhillipCapital (DIFC) Private Limited you should carefully consider your objectives, financial situation, needs and level of experience. You should be aware of all the risks associated with trading on margin. The content of the Website must not be construed as personal advice. For retail, professional and eligible counterparty clients. Before deciding to trade any products offered by PhillipCapital (DIFC) Private Limited you should carefully consider your objectives, financial situation, needs and level of experience. You should be aware of all the risks associated with trading on margin. Rolling Spot Contracts and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 78% of our retail client accounts lose money while trading with us. You should consider whether you understand how Rolling Spot Contracts and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. 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Daily Market Updates – June 24 قراءة المزيد »

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Options Fundamentals

Options Fundamentals Table of Contents Introduction What Is an Option in Simple Terms? What Are the Two Main Types of Options? How Does an Option Premium Actually Work? What Key Terms Should Every Beginner Know? How Does an Option Differ From a Futures Contract? Why Do Traders and Institutions Use Options? Conclusion: Key Takeaways Introduction Options are among the most flexible tools available to investors who want to manage risk or position for market movement without committing the full value of an asset upfront. For institutional desks and serious retail traders across the UAE, understanding options is the gateway to more advanced derivatives strategies. This guide breaks down options fundamentals in plain English, using one running example throughout, so every concept builds on the same numbers instead of floating as an abstract definition What Is an Option in Simple Terms? An option is a contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a fixed price within a set time frame. Unlike a futures contract, which obligates both parties to transact, an option buyer can simply let the contract expire worthless if the trade no longer makes sense. Example to follow throughout this guide: Suppose a stock is trading at $100. You buy a call option with a strike price of $105, expiring in one month, for a premium of $2 per share (options typically control 100 shares per contract, so the total cost is $200). This single example will be used to explain every concept below, so keep these four numbers in mind: stock price $100, strike $105, premium $2, expiry 1 month. What Are the Two Main Types of Options? There are only two basic option types, and every strategy is built from combinations of these two. Feature Call Option Put Option Right granted to buyer Right to buy the asset Right to sell the asset Used when trader expects Price to rise Price to fall Buyer’s maximum loss Premium paid Premium paid Buyer’s maximum gain Unlimited (in theory) Capped at strike price minus premium Common use case Speculation on upside, leveraged exposure Hedging existing holdings, downside protection Using our example: a $105 call bought for $2 profits if the stock rises above $107 (strike + premium) before expiry. A $105 put bought for $2 would instead profit if the stock fell below $103, making it the natural choice if you already own the stock and want downside insurance rather than upside exposure. This concept builds directly on broader derivatives basics, where understanding obligation versus right is the first distinction every trader should master. Ready to Trade Futures & Options? Access 15+ global exchanges with institutional-grade execution. Explore Futures & Options Trading How Does an Option Premium Actually Work? The $2 premium in our example is not a random number — it is made up of two parts. Intrinsic value is what the option would be worth if exercised right now: since the stock at $100 is below the $105 strike, intrinsic value is $0. Time value is the extra amount paid for the chance the stock moves favorably before expiry, which in this case is the entire $2 premium, since intrinsic value is zero. If the stock later rises to $108 with two weeks left to expiry, the option would then have $3 of intrinsic value ($108 − $105) plus some remaining time value, so the premium would be higher than $2. This is why option premiums change constantly even when the strike price never moves — they react to the underlying price, time remaining, and market volatility. What Key Terms Should Every Beginner Know? Every beginner should be comfortable with a short list of terms, each of which maps directly onto our running example. The strike price is the fixed price at which the option can be exercised — $105 here. The premium is the price paid to buy the option — $2 per share, or $200 per contract. The expiration date is the last day the option can be exercised — one month from purchase in our case. From there, three terms describe where the stock price sits relative to the strike: in-the-money (ITM) means exercising now would be profitable, which would require the stock to be above $105; out-of-the-money (OTM) means exercising now would not be profitable, which is true at purchase since the stock sits at $100; and at-the-money (ATM) simply means the stock price equals the strike price, i.e. exactly $105. At the moment of purchase in our example, the call is out-of-the-money because the $100 stock price is below the $105 strike. It only becomes in-the-money if the stock climbs past $105 before expiry. Many of these terms overlap with concepts used when comparing notional value versus market value, since the actual exposure an option controls is often far larger than the premium paid for it. How Does an Option Differ From a Futures Contract? Feature Options Futures Obligation Buyer has a right, not an obligation Both parties are obligated to transact Maximum loss for buyer Limited to premium paid Potentially unlimited, tied to price movement Upfront cost Premium only Margin requirement, no premium Typical use Defined-risk speculation or hedging Direct exposure to price movement If our $100 stock instead had a futures contract at $105, you would be obligated to buy at $105 regardless of where the price ends up — there is no “letting it expire worthless” option. This distinction matters when deciding which instrument fits your market view, a topic explored further in our breakdown of futures contracts and how they are structured for delivery or cash settlement. Diversify with DGCX-Listed Derivatives Trade currencies, metals, and indices with 24/5 execution. View DGCX Products Why Do Traders and Institutions Use Options? Options serve three broad purposes, each with a different relationship to risk: Hedging – An investor holding the underlying stock might buy a put (like our $105 put example) to protect against a price drop, paying the

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Daily Market Updates – June 23

23 June 2026 – Daily Market Updates Daily Market Briefing: Risk Appetite Cools as AI Leaders Retreat Overview A risk-off tone is sweeping through global markets, led by pronounced weakness in high-growth technology and semiconductor names. After a powerful multi-month advance anchored to artificial intelligence themes, investors are reassessing how much capital spending, power demand, and margin pressure the ecosystem can absorb in the near term. With policy uncertainty lingering and rates still elevated, dip-buying has been tentative. Across regions Asia: Tech-heavy markets led declines, with memory and chip supply chains underperforming. Korea and Taiwan saw the sharpest swings as investors trimmed crowded positions tied to the AI buildout. Chinese shares listed in Hong Kong extended recent underperformance, reflecting ongoing concerns about growth momentum and earnings visibility. Europe: Regional equities opened softer. Cyclicals and autos lagged as trade frictions and weaker demand in key end-markets weigh on outlooks. Consumer staples were mixed after company-specific leadership updates and restructuring signals. US: Equity futures indicated a weaker open, with the tech complex leading losses. Profit-taking has been most visible in semiconductors, storage, and AI-adjacent hardware, while a handful of legacy tech and software names showed relative resilience on rotation into perceived quality. Credit and financing Investors are preparing for a sizable bond sale from a prominent private space-and-satellite company closely associated with reusable launch systems and global connectivity. That the market appears receptive to investment-grade debt tied to a capital-intensive, fast-expanding platform underscores how growth narratives have migrated from equities into credit. The transaction will be an important barometer of appetite for long-duration capex stories amid tighter financial conditions. More broadly, primary markets remain active, but selectivity is high. Investment-grade issuance continues to clear with concessions, while pockets of private credit face renewed scrutiny around liquidity management as some retail-oriented vehicles moderate redemption flows. Rates, FX, and commodities Sovereign yields are little changed to modestly lower as investors weigh sticky inflation against softer activity signals. The curve remains relatively flat by historical standards, reflecting uncertainty around the timing and pace of future policy easing. The dollar is firmer on haven demand and interest-rate differentials, pressuring export-sensitive regions. Gold eased alongside a stronger dollar and higher real yields, while oil traded steady-to-softer on demand concerns and position unwinds. Earnings and corporate updates to watch US results today include a major cruise operator before the open and housing/logistics bellwethers after the close. Later this week, an AI-linked memory manufacturer reports, with investors focused on supply discipline, pricing, and capex plans for data center demand. In Europe, automakers and luxury brands continue to reassess model strategies and capital allocation as tariffs and China demand dynamics evolve. Select consumer names moved on leadership changes aimed at accelerating turnarounds. What’s driving the tech pullback Positioning: AI beneficiaries have been consensus overweight for institutions, leaving limited room for positive surprises and making the group vulnerable to bouts of profit-taking. Capex intensity: The multi-year investment cycle in compute, memory, networking, and power is immense. Any sign that spending will be phased more gradually can spark sharp reversals. Rates and discounting: Elevated real yields weigh most on long-duration cash flows typical of secular growth names. Buy-the-dip behavior: For now, bargain hunting is cautious; investors appear to want clearer validation from upcoming earnings and guidance. Navigate Tech Volatility with US Equities Access global markets to seamlessly trade US-listed technology stocks, ETFs, and ADRs. Trade US Stocks Trade US Stocks The week ahead: key signposts Micro: AI supply chain earnings; logistics/housing read-throughs for goods demand; management commentary on pricing power and inventories. Macro: Housing, consumer confidence, and inflation gauges later in the week will refine views on the growth/inflation mix and rate paths across major economies. Policy: Central bank speakers remain in focus for any hints on reaction functions, while FX watchers monitor authorities’ tolerance for currency volatility in Asia. Portfolio considerations Equities: Expect higher day-to-day volatility in AI-exposed names. Emphasize balance between quality growth and cash-generative defensives; within semis, differentiate by end-market exposure (memory vs. logic vs. storage) and capex discipline. Fixed income: In investment-grade credit, robust demand continues for resilient cash flows, but be mindful of duration and new-issue concessions. In private credit, ensure alignment between liquidity terms and portfolio assets. Alternatives and commodities: A stronger USD can cap upside near-term; stagger entry points and consider diversification to manage currency and rate sensitivity. Bottom line After an exceptional run, the AI complex is encountering its first meaningful reality check of this leg higher. The underlying secular story hasn’t changed, but the market is insisting on cleaner proof of earnings durability and capex returns. Until that arrives, expect choppier trading, narrower leadership, and a higher bar for positive surprises. Capitalize on Market Shifts with CFDs Maintain flexibility in a changing market by trading global indices, forex, and commodities. Explore CFD Trading Disclaimer: Trading foreign exchange and/or contracts for difference on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors as you could sustain losses in excess of deposits. The products are intended for retail, professional and eligible counterparty clients. Before deciding to trade any products offered by PhillipCapital (DIFC) Private Limited you should carefully consider your objectives, financial situation, needs and level of experience. You should be aware of all the risks associated with trading on margin. The content of the Website must not be construed as personal advice. For retail, professional and eligible counterparty clients. Before deciding to trade any products offered by PhillipCapital (DIFC) Private Limited you should carefully consider your objectives, financial situation, needs and level of experience. You should be aware of all the risks associated with trading on margin. Rolling Spot Contracts and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 78% of our retail client accounts lose money while trading with us. You should consider whether you understand how Rolling Spot Contracts and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Daily Market Updates – June 23 قراءة المزيد »

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Deferred Coupon Bonds

Perpetual Bonds Table of Contents Introduction What Are Deferred Coupon Bonds? How Does the Deferral Period Work? Why Do Issuers Use Deferred Coupon Structures? What Are the Benefits for Investors? What Are the Key Risks to Consider? How Do Deferred Coupon Bonds Compare to Zero-Coupon and Floating Rate Bonds? Who Should Consider Adding Deferred Coupon Bonds to a Portfolio? Conclusion: Key Takeaways Introduction Not every bond pays interest the same way. Some bonds delay their first payment by design, trading immediate income for a larger payout later. These are known as deferred coupon bonds, and they sit in an interesting corner of the fixed-income market — useful for issuers managing early-stage cash flow, and potentially rewarding for investors who understand the trade-off. This guide breaks down how deferred coupon bonds work, why they exist, and where they might fit into a diversified portfolio. What Are Deferred Coupon Bonds? A deferred coupon bond is a debt instrument that does not begin paying interest immediately after issuance. Instead, the issuer delays the first coupon payment for a fixed period — often one to five years — before regular interest payments begin. Once the deferral period ends, the bond typically behaves like a standard coupon-paying bond, distributing interest on a fixed schedule until maturity. This structure differs from a standard bond, where coupon payments start right after issuance, and from a zero-coupon bond, which pays no interest at all until maturity. To understand how these structures compare on a broader scale, our guide on zero-coupon bonds explains the no-interest model in more detail. During the deferral window, some issuers accrue the unpaid interest and add it to the bond’s principal value, a method known as payment-in-kind. Others simply postpone cash payments without compounding them. The exact mechanics vary by issuance, which is why reading the bond’s offering documents carefully is essential before investing. How Does the Deferral Period Work? The deferral period is set at issuance and disclosed in the bond’s prospectus. It is not optional or subject to investor negotiation once the bond is live. A typical structure might involve a five-year bond with a two-year deferral period, meaning investors receive no coupon for the first two years, followed by three years of regular payments. During deferral, the investor’s capital is effectively locked into the bond without generating cash income. However, this does not mean the investment is unproductive. Many deferred coupon structures compensate for the delay by offering a higher overall coupon rate once payments begin, or by accruing interest that boosts the bond’s redemption value at maturity. Investors should also note that the deferral period is distinct from features found in callable bonds, where the issuer can redeem the bond early. Our breakdown of callable and putable bonds covers how early redemption rights affect bond economics, which is a useful comparison when evaluating deferred structures. Why Do Issuers Use Deferred Coupon Structures? Issuers typically use deferred coupon bonds when they need time before generating the cash flow required to service regular interest payments. This is common among: Infrastructure and project finance issuers, where construction or development phases precede revenue generation. Leveraged buyout or acquisition financing, where the acquired business needs a runway to stabilize earnings. Early-stage corporate issuers in capital-intensive sectors such as energy, telecommunications, or real estate development. By deferring coupons, issuers preserve cash during the critical early period of a project or business plan, reducing the risk of default before revenue streams mature. In exchange, investors are usually compensated with a higher yield relative to a comparable bond that pays coupons from day one. Explore the Global Bond Market with PhillipCapital DIFC Access sovereign and corporate bonds tailored to your income and risk objectives. Discover Bond & Debenture Solutions What Are the Benefits for Investors? Deferred coupon bonds can offer several advantages for investors who are comfortable with delayed income: Higher yield potential. Because investors forgo near-term cash flow, issuers often price these bonds with a yield premium compared to standard coupon bonds of similar credit quality. Portfolio diversification. These instruments behave differently from traditional bonds during the deferral phase, which can offer diversification benefits within a broader fixed-income allocation. Investors building out a wider fixed-income strategy may also find value in pairing deferred coupon exposure with floating rate bonds, which respond differently to interest rate cycles. Potential capital appreciation. If the issuer’s creditworthiness improves during the deferral period — for example, as a project nears completion — the bond’s market price may rise even before coupon payments begin, rewarding investors who bought early. What Are the Key Risks to Consider? Deferred coupon bonds carry risks that go beyond those of standard fixed-income instruments: No interim income. Investors relying on bonds for regular cash flow should be aware that deferred coupon structures will not generate payments during the deferral window, which can strain income-dependent portfolios. Credit risk concentration. Because these bonds are often issued by entities in early growth or restructuring phases, default risk during the deferral period can be elevated. If the issuer struggles before the deferral period ends, investors may receive reduced or no compensation. Reinvestment uncertainty. Once coupons begin, the rates locked in at issuance may no longer reflect prevailing market conditions, particularly if interest rates have shifted significantly during the deferral years. Liquidity constraints. Deferred coupon bonds can trade less frequently in secondary markets than standard corporate or government bonds, which may affect an investor’s ability to exit a position before maturity. For investors who want professional support in weighing these risks against return potential, our institutional services team works directly with funds and family offices to structure fixed-income allocations suited to specific risk tolerances. Build a Resilient Fixed-Income Portfolio Get tailored guidance on bond selection based on your income needs and risk appetite. Speak to Our Team How Do Deferred Coupon Bonds Compare to Zero-Coupon and Floating Rate Bonds? It helps to place deferred coupon bonds alongside two structures investors often confuse them with. Versus zero-coupon bonds: A zero-coupon bond never pays

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Daily Market Updates – June 22

22 June 2026 – Daily Market Updates Market Brief: Dollar Strength Reasserts Itself as Policy Tone Tightens Global markets are easing back into trade with a cautious tone as investors weigh a softer inflation pulse, resilient growth signals, and shifting sector leadership. Equities are mixed to slightly softer in early trade, sovereign yields are edging higher as traders reassess the path of policy rates, and crude is lower on improved supply dynamics. Foreign exchange is relatively steady, with modest strength in select European currencies. Global overview Equities: After a strong run in select technology bellwethers, leadership is broadening. Europe is drawing renewed interest as energy costs ease and growth expectations stabilize. US futures are mixed, with investors rotating within sectors rather than making big directional bets. Asia was uneven, reflecting ongoing regulatory and policy headlines. Rates: Longer-dated yields are a touch higher as markets recalibrate to “higher-for-longer” rhetoric and await fresh inflation data. Curves remain flatter than average, keeping duration risk in focus. Commodities: Oil is softer as near-term supply disruptions appear less acute, easing one of the key stagflation worries from earlier in the year. Softer crude takes some pressure off input costs for transport, industrials, and consumer sectors. Currencies: The dollar is range-bound; European FX has firmed on improved growth sentiment and fading tail risks. Spotlight: Europe’s relative appeal rises Investors are revisiting the “own more Europe” narrative as the ingredients that hampered the region earlier this year—elevated energy prices and sticky inflation—have moderated. With oil off recent highs and macro indicators stabilizing, cyclical pockets look better supported. What’s driving the shift: Cooling energy prices: Lower input costs help margins for manufacturers, autos, travel, and consumer names. Healthier growth mix: Business surveys suggest stabilization, reducing fears of a stagflationary backdrop. Valuation and concentration: Europe’s benchmarks carry less mega-cap AI concentration risk, which can be attractive as investors question the durability of a one-sided tech trade. Sector rotation: Banks, consumer cyclicals, and select industrials are benefiting from steeper curves at the margin and improving earnings visibility. Counterpoints remain: Fiscal uncertainty in parts of the region, geopolitical risks, and uneven domestic demand could cap outperformance. But on balance, the macro setup has improved versus the start of the year. Rates, credit, and volatility Policy watch: Markets continue to map out a slower pace of easing among major central banks. Any upside surprise in US inflation gauges could nudge terminal-rate expectations higher again. Credit: Spreads are broadly stable; carry remains compelling but select pockets of private debt and structured credit are seeing greater dispersion as financing costs bite. Volatility: Index-level volatility remains subdued compared with macro uncertainty, leaving room for abrupt swings around data and policy events. Corporate pulse Deal and listing activity: A steady trickle of M&A and capital markets headlines continues across healthcare, consumer, and technology, with buyers prioritizing strategic tuck-ins and IP acquisition over larger leveraged deals. Earnings-in-brief: Company updates this week should shed light on inventory normalization, pricing power in consumer categories, cloud and AI spending intentions, and capex plans into year-end. The week ahead: data and events to watch North America: Personal income and the PCE price index; durable goods; GDP updates; weekly labor indicators; large-cap earnings from tech and logistics. Europe: Flash and final manufacturing readings; confidence surveys; inflation expectations; select GDP releases. UK: Business sentiment and housing indicators; watch gilts and sterling for policy-path repricing around data. Asia: Industrial production and trade figures from North Asia; confidence surveys; policy commentary as authorities balance growth support with financial stability. Central banks and policy: Stress test results for major US banks; multiple Fed and ECB appearances that could recalibrate rate-cut timelines. AI and the future of wealth management Artificial intelligence is accelerating the shift toward scalable, personalized financial guidance. For mass-affluent clients, digital tools are already delivering portfolio construction, tax-loss harvesting, and goal tracking at lower cost and with faster iteration. That raises the bar for human advisors, who will increasingly concentrate on complex planning—succession, liquidity events, concentrated-stock diversification, cross-border issues—and the behavioral and family-dynamics coaching that algorithms don’t address. The likely end state is a blended model: AI handling routine analytics and monitoring, with advisors focusing on judgment, context, and high-stakes decisions. Strategy thoughts Rebalance concentration: Consider whether equity exposure is overly reliant on a narrow set of growth leaders. Adding cyclicals, quality value, and international developed markets can reduce single-theme risk. Mind the rate path: Duration remains a two-way risk. Laddering or blending short and intermediate exposures can help manage uncertainty around policy timing. Earnings over narratives: With macro tail risks easing, fundamentals—free cash flow durability, pricing power, and balance-sheet strength—should drive dispersion within and across regions. Keep hedges pragmatic: With volatility subdued, options-based protection or disciplined stop-loss frameworks can be cost-effective ways to guard against data shocks or geopolitical headlines. Diversify Your Portfolio with Global Equities Access international markets and rebalance your concentration risk with our institutional-grade brokerage solutions. Explore Institutional Services Risks to monitor Geopolitics and energy supply routes The trajectory of services inflation and wage growth Liquidity conditions around month- and quarter-end Weather-related disruptions that could affect agricultural and energy markets Regulation of leveraged products in select markets, with potential impacts on retail-driven flows Bottom line Leadership is broadening as inflation anxiety ebbs and energy pressures cool. Europe’s improving backdrop is drawing attention, while US markets digest an extraordinary run in a handful of megacaps. With multiple data catalysts ahead, balance and diversification remain essential. Disclaimer: Trading foreign exchange and/or contracts for difference on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors as you could sustain losses in excess of deposits. The products are intended for retail, professional and eligible counterparty clients. Before deciding to trade any products offered by PhillipCapital (DIFC) Private Limited you should carefully consider your objectives, financial situation, needs and level of experience. You should be aware of all the risks associated with trading on margin. The content of the Website must not be construed as personal advice. For

Daily Market Updates – June 22 قراءة المزيد »

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Perpetual Bonds

Perpetual Bonds Table of Contents Introduction What Are Perpetual Bonds? How Do Perpetual Bonds Generate Returns for Investors? What Makes Perpetual Bonds Different from Traditional Bonds? Who Typically Issues Perpetual Bonds? What Are the Key Risks of Investing in Perpetual Bonds? Are Perpetual Bonds Suitable for Retail or Institutional Portfolios? Conclusion: Key Takeaways Introduction Most fixed-income investors are taught to expect a maturity date — a fixed point when their principal returns. Perpetual bonds break that rule entirely. These instruments pay interest indefinitely, with no scheduled date for the issuer to repay the principal. For investors comparing structures like floating rate bonds or standard government securities, perpetual bonds represent a genuinely distinct category — closer in risk profile to a hybrid security than a conventional loan. This guide breaks down how they work, why issuers use them, and what investors need to verify before allocating capital to them. What Are Perpetual Bonds? A perpetual bond is a debt instrument that pays a fixed or floating coupon to investors for as long as the issuer remains solvent, with no contractual maturity date. Unlike a conventional bond — where the issuer promises to return the face value at a specific point, say in 10 or 30 years — a perpetual bond simply continues paying interest indefinitely unless the issuer exercises a call option to redeem it early. This structure means investors are effectively buying an income stream rather than a future repayment of capital. The bond’s value to an investor, then, comes almost entirely from its ongoing coupon payments. To understand how this pricing logic compares with bonds that do mature, it helps to first review how face value and coupon rate interact in a standard fixed-income instrument. Most perpetual bonds include a call date — often five or ten years after issuance — giving the issuer, not the investor, the option to redeem the bond at par. If the issuer chooses not to call it, the bond continues indefinitely, sometimes with a “step-up” clause that raises the coupon rate as a penalty for not redeeming. How Do Perpetual Bonds Generate Returns for Investors? Returns from perpetual bonds come almost entirely from coupon income rather than capital appreciation tied to a maturity payout. Because there is no fixed repayment date, investors price these instruments based on the present value of an indefinite coupon stream, discounted by prevailing market interest rates and the issuer’s credit risk. This is conceptually similar to valuing a preferred share, and it is why perpetual bonds often carry meaningfully higher coupons than standard corporate or sovereign debt — investors demand compensation for tying up capital with no guaranteed exit through redemption. The coupon itself may be fixed for the life of the bond or reset periodically, depending on structure. For investors more familiar with rate-reset mechanics, our breakdown of floating rate bonds offers useful context on how periodic coupon adjustments work in practice. Market price sensitivity is also distinct. Since there’s no maturity date pulling the price back toward par, perpetual bond prices can swing more sharply with interest rate changes than dated bonds of similar credit quality — a dynamic worth understanding alongside the broader relationship between bond prices and yields. Explore Global Fixed-Income Opportunities Access sovereign and corporate bonds across global markets with PhillipCapital DIFC. Explore Bond & Debentures Trading What Makes Perpetual Bonds Different from Traditional Bonds? The defining difference is the absence of a maturity date, but several related distinctions matter just as much for investors evaluating risk and return. First, perpetual bonds typically rank lower in the capital structure than senior debt, often sitting just above equity. This subordination means investors absorb more risk in a default scenario, which is part of why coupons run higher. Second, many perpetual bonds carry deferrable coupon features — issuers, particularly banks issuing these as regulatory capital instruments, can sometimes legally skip a coupon payment under specific conditions without triggering default. This is a meaningful structural risk that doesn’t exist with most conventional bonds. Third, the call structure shifts control to the issuer. With callable bonds more broadly, the issuer decides when to redeem, and our guide on callable and putable bonds explains this dynamic in more depth — perpetual bonds simply extend that issuer-side optionality indefinitely if the call is never exercised. Investors should also note that perpetuals are often hybrid instruments for accounting and regulatory purposes, sometimes treated partly as equity on an issuer’s balance sheet even though they trade and behave like debt for the investor. Who Typically Issues Perpetual Bonds? Perpetual bonds are most commonly issued by banks and large financial institutions seeking to strengthen their regulatory capital base, since these instruments often qualify as Additional Tier 1 (AT1) or similar capital under banking regulations. Governments have also issued perpetual debt historically, most famously the UK’s War Loan bonds, though sovereign perpetuals are now rare. Outside banking, well-capitalized corporations occasionally issue perpetual bonds — sometimes called “hybrid bonds” in this context — to raise capital without diluting equity or adding debt that affects standard leverage ratios, since rating agencies frequently treat a portion of perpetual debt as equity-like. This makes them a useful financing tool for capital-intensive sectors such as utilities, infrastructure, and real estate. Investors considering exposure to these issuer categories often benefit from reviewing how government bonds and treasury securities differ in credit profile from privately issued perpetual instruments before allocating capital. Build a Diversified Fixed-Income Portfolio Get tailored guidance on structuring bond exposure within a broader wealth strategy. Speak to Our Wealth Management Team What Are the Key Risks of Investing in Perpetual Bonds? Perpetual bonds carry several risks that investors must weigh carefully against their higher headline yields. Interest rate risk is amplified because there’s no maturity date anchoring the price — if rates rise and the issuer doesn’t call the bond, an investor can be locked into a below-market coupon indefinitely, with the bond’s price falling accordingly. Credit and subordination risk is also elevated, since perpetuals typically

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Weekly Global Market News– June–Week 4

Weekly Global Market News – June – Week 4 Weekly Market Outlook: Leadership jitters in London, US growth update in focus, and AI-chip hopeful Cerebras reports Below is a concise, investor-focused rundown of what matters for portfolios across equities, rates, FX, and commodities as we move into the back half of June. Top themes to watch UK politics back in the spotlight Westminster is bracing for a potential leadership contest. Markets typically price political risk first via sterling and the gilt curve. A credible, market-friendly fiscal stance tends to support GBP and flatten gilt curves; uncertainty risks the opposite. Keep an eye on: Communications from would‑be leaders on fiscal rules, public investment, and regulatory priorities. Any sign of shifts on housing, planning or financial-services reform that could sway domestically focused UK equities and banks. The 10-year mark since the Brexit vote will reignite debate about competitiveness and growth. Watch business surveys and inward investment headlines for sentiment signals. United States: growth, banks and the consumer GDP third estimate (Thu): Markets will parse the details for consumption resilience, inventories, and revised inflation components. Any evidence that geopolitical tensions (including the Iran conflict) are dampening net exports or sentiment will be noted. Fed stress tests (Wed): Strong capital positions could open the door for higher buybacks/dividends at the largest banks, though individual outcomes may vary. Also watch management commentary for credit quality, CRE exposure and deposit dynamics. Consumer pulse: University of Michigan sentiment (Fri) offers a late‑June read on inflation expectations—key for the Fed path. Global PMIs (Tue): Flash readings across the US, euro area, UK, Japan and India will give a timely read on manufacturing vs services. A widening US‑EU growth gap would typically support the dollar; a synchronized softening would bolster duration. Rates watch ECB speakers and publications (multiple days) after the recent rate move will be sifted for forward guidance on the pace of any further easing. Bank of Japan member remarks (Thu) and the prior “summary of opinions” (Wed) may hint at the BoJ’s tolerance for higher yields and any tweaks to balance-sheet operations—implications for JPY and global bond term premia. Australia CPI (Wed) and jobs (Thu) will steer RBA expectations and AUD volatility. Company diary: AI, logistics, retail and fintech in the frame Cerebras Systems (Tue, Q1): First update since its May IPO. Focus points: Order backlog, data‑center pipeline and visibility for AI systems revenue. Gross margin trajectory as shipments scale, and commentary on supply-chain capacity. Partnerships with cloud providers, sovereign AI projects and enterprise PoCs converting to deployments. Read‑through: Positive demand signals could buoy AI infrastructure names and high‑bandwidth memory suppliers; disappointment may remind investors of long sales cycles in AI hardware. Micron Technology (Wed, Q3): Watch HBM ramp, DRAM/NAND pricing, capex, and supply discipline across the memory complex. A confident outlook tends to lift the wider AI hardware trade. FedEx (Tue, Q4/FY): Parcel volumes, domestic pricing, cost takeout and international freight mix are the swing factors. A more constructive margin guide would support US transport and e‑commerce logistics. Darden Restaurants (Thu, Q4): Like‑for‑likes, traffic vs ticket, and promotional intensity offer a clean read on middle‑income dining demand. H&M (Thu, HY): Inventory, markdowns and FX effects on gross margin remain the key debate in European apparel. Wise (Thu, FY): Active customer growth, cross‑border volumes, take rate, and the trajectory of interest income on customer balances. Liontrust (Wed, FY): Net outflows, retail sentiment and guidance for the UK franchise. Any stabilization in redemptions would be supportive for UK asset‑managers. Other notable reporters: KB Home, Korn Ferry, Jefferies Financial, Paychex, BlackBerry, Moonpig, Volex, Winnebago. Macro calendar: what’s when Monday China: policy rate decision. Canada: May CPI. EU: flash consumer confidence. UK: ONS Blue Book (structural revisions of national accounts). ECB President Lagarde appears at the European Parliament. Tuesday Global: S&P Global flash PMIs (US, euro area, UK, Japan, India). UK: CBI Industrial Trends survey. US: State employment/unemployment data. Central banks: BoC Governor Macklem (Paris); BoE MPC external member Alan Taylor speaks. Wednesday US: Federal Reserve annual bank stress test results. Germany: ifo Business Climate. Japan: summary of opinions from last meeting; services PPI (May). Australia: monthly CPI (May). BoE chief economist Huw Pill speaks. Thursday US: Q1 GDP (third estimate). ECB: General Council meeting; Economic Report. Australia: labour force report. UK: ONS housing statistics; BRC Consumer Sentiment Monitor. Fed speakers: Goolsbee (Chicago), Williams (NY). Friday US: University of Michigan consumer sentiment (final, Jun). EU: ECB Consumer Expectations Survey. UK: Financial Policy Committee meeting. India: markets closed (Muharram). Policy and politics UK “Great British Summer Savings” begins Thursday: a temporary VAT reduction on selected family activities (children’s meals, cinema/theatre, attractions) is aimed at freeing up discretionary spend into school holidays. Near‑term read‑through: incremental tailwind for leisure, hospitality and travel; modest upside risk to services inflation if volumes surprise. Europe: Moldova–EU talks progress underscores ongoing enlargement dynamics; watch EU cohesion headlines for regional risk sentiment. Asset-class implications (baseline, data-dependent) Rates If PMIs soften and GDP revisions lean disinflationary, duration should find support; long-end outperformance likely in US Treasuries. A hawkish surprise from Australia CPI could steepen AUD curves. FX DXY: resilient US data + cautious ECB rhetoric would keep the dollar underpinned. GBP: political noise is a headwind, but clearer fiscal guidance or stronger PMIs could stabilize GBP crosses. JPY: any BoJ hints at higher neutral rates or adjusted JGB operations could catalyze a JPY rebound; otherwise carry remains in favor. Equities AI supply chain remains sensitive to Cerebras/Micron signals. Transports react to FedEx margins; consumer discretionary moves with Darden/H&M prints and UK VAT holiday chatter. European financials in focus around ECB surveys and US stress‑test read‑across for capital return narratives. Credit Bank stress tests supportive for US large‑cap financial credit spreads if capital buffers look ample. Keep an eye on CRE commentary. Commodities Energy: geopolitical risk premia remain directionally supportive; inventory data and OPEC+ discipline matter. Metals: copper sensitive to China policy tone at the supply‑chain expo and Summer Davos; a firmer global PMI print would help cyclicals.

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Daily Market Updates – June 19

19 June 2026 – Daily Market Updates Market Brief: Dollar Strength Reasserts Itself as Policy Tone Tightens Overview A firmer US policy stance has reset expectations across global markets. The dollar extended its advance, global equities paused after a strong run, and front‑end rates edged higher as investors reprice the path of monetary policy. With major centers observing holidays, liquidity is thinner than usual, amplifying intraday swings. Top takeaways Stronger dollar, weaker risk appetite: A more restrictive tone from US policymakers lifted the greenback broadly and pressured carry trades and parts of emerging markets. Yields grind higher at the short end: Markets are leaning toward tighter-for-longer, pushing up front-end rates and real yields, a headwind for gold and longer-duration growth assets. Equities cool after a hot streak: Tech leadership remains intact, but breadth is uneven and volumes are lighter. Europe is flat, Japan modestly firmer, and US futures point to a softer open. Commodities mixed: Crude is steady in the mid‑$70s, with supply discipline offsetting growth concerns. Precious metals soften on a stronger dollar; base metals trade mixed. Political and policy headlines add noise: Select bond markets saw pressure amid domestic political developments, while cross‑border technology and trade tensions remain a watchpoint. Equities United States: After a strong year-to-date climb led by AI beneficiaries and quality growth, equities are consolidating. Participation remains narrow, and lighter holiday volumes can exaggerate moves. Valuations in leadership groups are full, increasing sensitivity to earnings guidance and macro surprises. Europe: Benchmarks are little changed, with defensive sectors and select industrials holding up better than cyclicals. UK yields moving higher has weighed on rate‑sensitive pockets. Asia: Japan outperformed modestly on continued earnings upgrades linked to digital infrastructure demand. Other regional markets were mixed, with exporters benefiting from currency trends. Institutional-Grade Global Equity Trading Trade global equities across US, European, and Asian markets with secure execution and dedicated local support in the DIFC. Explore Global Equities Currencies US dollar: Broadly stronger as markets reprice the policy path toward tighter-for-longer. Higher US real yields and attractive short‑dated carry are drawing capital. Euro and pound: Softer versus the dollar amid rate differentials and localized political risk. Focus remains on upcoming activity data and inflation prints. Yen: Under pressure near multi‑decade weak levels. Verbal guidance from officials is a risk to one‑way positioning, but rate differentials remain the dominant driver. Emerging markets FX: Mixed to weaker. Higher US yields challenge local‑currency carry, especially where external balances are stretched. Rates and credit Sovereigns: Front-end Treasury yields edged up as markets push back on the timing of potential easing. Curves are somewhat flatter. Select European bond markets underperformed on domestic headlines and global rate repricing. Credit: Spreads remain contained, supported by solid corporate fundamentals and healthy primary market access. Higher all‑in yields continue to attract demand, but issuance windows remain tactical. Commodities Oil: Range‑bound around the mid‑$70s as supply management and inventory dynamics offset demand uncertainties. Volatility remains contained. Gold: Eases as the dollar strengthens and real yields firm. Medium‑term support still tied to diversification flows and central‑bank buying. Industrial metals: Mixed performance, with China growth signals and inventory trends the key swing factors. Diversify Across Global Asset Classes Navigate market shifts with our comprehensive suite of multi-asset solutions, spanning global equities, fixed income, forex, and commodities. View Trading Products Emerging markets Local rates and FX face renewed headwinds from a stronger dollar and higher US real yields. Hard‑currency credit is more resilient given carry and supportive technicals, but country selection is critical. Watch for policy responses where currencies have moved quickly. What’s on the radar Global PMIs and regional inflation updates that will refine the growth/inflation mix into quarter‑end. Central bank speakers and minutes for color on reaction functions and tolerance for currency strength. US labor trends and housing indicators for signs of cooling or re‑acceleration. Energy market updates, inventories, and any guidance from producers on supply strategy. Corporate guidance: Capex plans tied to AI, cloud, and infrastructure remain key for equity leadership durability. Portfolio considerations Quality bias: Strong balance sheets and consistent cash flows tend to fare better when real yields rise. Duration discipline: Reassess rate sensitivity across equity and bond allocations; consider staggered maturities in fixed income. FX risk management: Stronger dollar phases can pressure unhedged international exposures and EM assets. Diversification: Maintain balance across growth/defensive sectors and across credit qualities; avoid concentration in a single macro narrative. Liquidity: Thinner holiday trading can widen bid‑ask spreads; use limit orders and be patient on entries/exits. Data snapshot Equities: US futures tilt modestly lower; Europe flat; Japan slightly higher. FX: Dollar firm across majors; yen weakest among G10. Rates: Front‑end yields up; curves a touch flatter. Commodities: WTI around the mid‑$70s; gold softer; base metals mixed. Disclaimer: Trading foreign exchange and/or contracts for difference on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors as you could sustain losses in excess of deposits. The products are intended for retail, professional and eligible counterparty clients. Before deciding to trade any products offered by PhillipCapital (DIFC) Private Limited you should carefully consider your objectives, financial situation, needs and level of experience. You should be aware of all the risks associated with trading on margin. The content of the Website must not be construed as personal advice. For retail, professional and eligible counterparty clients. Before deciding to trade any products offered by PhillipCapital (DIFC) Private Limited you should carefully consider your objectives, financial situation, needs and level of experience. You should be aware of all the risks associated with trading on margin. Rolling Spot Contracts and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 78% of our retail client accounts lose money while trading with us. You should consider whether you understand how Rolling Spot Contracts and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Daily Market Updates – June 19 June 19, 2026 19 June 2026 – Daily Market

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Inflation-Linked Bonds

Inflation-Linked Bonds Introduction Inflation is the silent tax that erodes the value of every fixed coupon payment a bond investor receives. While a standard government bond locks in a fixed return, that return can lose real value if prices rise faster than expected. This is precisely the problem that inflation-linked bonds were built to solve. Instruments like U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) and UK “linkers” adjust their principal value in line with inflation, giving investors a way to preserve purchasing power rather than just nominal returns. For investors building a diversified fixed-income allocation, understanding how these instruments work is essential to managing real (inflation-adjusted) returns over the long term. Table of Contents What Are Inflation-Linked Bonds and Why Do They Exist? How Do TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities) Actually Work? What Are “Linkers” and How Do They Differ Across Markets? How Is the Coupon and Principal Calculated on an Inflation-Linked Bond? What Is the Breakeven Inflation Rate and Why Does It Matter? What Are the Risks of Investing in Inflation-Linked Bonds? How Do Inflation-Linked Bonds Fit Into a Diversified Portfolio? Conclusion: Key Takeaways What Are Inflation-Linked Bonds and Why Do They Exist? Inflation-linked bonds are debt securities issued by governments (and occasionally corporations) whose principal value—and therefore coupon payments—rise and fall with a recognized measure of inflation, typically a Consumer Price Index (CPI). Unlike a conventional bond, where the face value stays fixed at, say, $1,000 until maturity, an inflation-linked bond’s face value is adjusted periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living. These instruments exist because conventional fixed-rate bonds carry a hidden vulnerability: purchasing power risk. If you buy a 10-year bond paying a 4% fixed coupon, and inflation averages 5% annually over that period, your real return is actually negative even though you are receiving regular interest. Inflation-linked bonds were designed specifically to neutralize this risk, making them a core building block for investors who prioritize capital preservation. For a foundational refresher on how standard fixed income instruments work before adding inflation protection to the mix, our guide on bond basics is a useful starting point. How Do TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities) Actually Work? TIPS are inflation-linked bonds issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, available in 5, 10, and 30-year maturities. Their defining mechanism is principal indexation: the bond’s face value is adjusted twice a year based on changes in the non-seasonally adjusted CPI for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Here is how it plays out in practice. Suppose an investor buys a TIPS bond with a face value of $1,000 and a fixed real coupon rate of 1.5%. If inflation over the following six months pushes the CPI index up by 2%, the bond’s principal is adjusted upward to $1,020. The investor’s next coupon payment is then calculated as 1.5% of this new, higher principal—not the original $1,000—meaning the cash interest payment itself increases. At maturity, the U.S. Treasury guarantees repayment of either the inflation-adjusted principal or the original par value, whichever is higher, which protects investors against deflation as well. This structure means TIPS deliver two layers of protection: a rising principal base and a coupon that grows proportionally with it. Investors looking to access U.S. Treasury and other global government securities through a regulated brokerage can explore the Global Bond Market offering for execution and custody support. Access Global Government Bonds with PhillipCapital DIFC Trade sovereign and inflation-protected debt instruments through a DFSA-regulated platform. Explore Bonds & Debentures What Are “Linkers” and How Do They Differ Across Markets? “Linkers” is the common market term for inflation-linked government bonds issued outside the United States, most notably by the UK government (issued by the Debt Management Office) and similarly structured securities issued by Germany, France, and other Eurozone sovereigns. While the underlying concept mirrors TIPS—principal and coupon payments rise with inflation—the mechanics differ in subtle but important ways. UK linkers, for instance, historically used the Retail Price Index (RPI) as their inflation benchmark, though newer issuances have transitioned toward the Consumer Price Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) following UK government reforms. Some linkers also apply an indexation lag of three months rather than the typical lag used in TIPS calculations, which changes how quickly the bond reflects current inflation data. European linkers, issued under the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) framework, allow investors exposure to Eurozone-wide inflation trends rather than a single country’s CPI. These structural differences matter significantly for institutional investors managing multi-currency portfolios, since the choice of index, lag period, and currency denomination all affect how effectively the bond hedges a specific inflation exposure. Investors managing exposure across these jurisdictions often benefit from professional guidance, available through our Investment Advisory & Portfolio Management service. How Is the Coupon and Principal Calculated on an Inflation-Linked Bond? Understanding the calculation mechanics helps investors see exactly how inflation protection translates into actual cash flow. The process generally follows three steps: Step 1: Determine the Index Ratio. This is the reference CPI value on the calculation date divided by the reference CPI value at issuance. For example, if a bond was issued when the CPI index was 250, and the current CPI index reads 262.5, the Index Ratio is 262.5 ÷ 250 = 1.05. Step 2: Adjust the Principal. Multiply the original face value by the Index Ratio. A $1,000 bond with an Index Ratio of 1.05 now has an inflation-adjusted principal of $1,050. Step 3: Calculate the Coupon Payment. Multiply the fixed real coupon rate by the newly adjusted principal, not the original face value. If the real coupon rate is 1%, the semi-annual or annual payment is based on $1,050, not $1,000. This compounding effect means that over a long holding period in a sustained inflationary environment, both the principal and the income stream can grow meaningfully larger than their nominal starting point. Investors wanting to model these calculations against their own portfolio assumptions may find it useful to first review how bond pricing and valuation principles apply more broadly to fixed

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Daily Market Updates – June 18

18 June 2026 – Daily Market Updates Daily Market Briefing: A firmer Fed tone, softer oil, and mixed global risk appetite Overview Markets are recalibrating after the new Federal Reserve chair underscored a no-compromise stance on inflation. Short-dated US yields jumped as traders pulled forward the probability of another policy move, while equity sentiment has stabilized alongside a sharp pullback in crude. European stocks are modestly lower, Asia closed mixed with China underperforming, and the US dollar is firmer against most peers. Top themes today Fed signals resolve: In his first press conference as chair, Kevin Warsh emphasized that sustained price pressures won’t be tolerated. Front-end Treasuries sold off, with two‑year yields leaping by the most in over a year to a touch above 4.1%. Longer maturities rose more moderately, leaving the curve a bit flatter. Energy relief as tensions ease: Signs of de-escalation in the Middle East and early movements through key shipping lanes have knocked oil lower, with US benchmarks sliding into the mid‑$70s. US retail fuel prices are edging down, offering a potential tailwind to headline inflation in coming prints. Equities steady to higher in the US: Futures are pointing up, helped by the combination of lower oil and resilient tech leadership. Europe is softer ahead of a Bank of England decision widely expected to keep rates on hold. Norway and Switzerland left policy unchanged earlier, keeping a cautious tone on inflation. China’s tech slump contrasts with AI leaders elsewhere: Mainland- and Hong Kong‑listed internet and consumer names continue to lag peers in Taiwan and South Korea that are more leveraged to AI hardware demand. Softer domestic consumption and intense competition are weighing on sentiment. FX and rates: The dollar index is a bit stronger; the yen remains under pressure near multi‑decade lows, keeping intervention risk on the radar. Global sovereign curves are biased higher in yield at the front end after the Fed’s stance. What the Fed message means for bonds and risk assets Rates: Markets are pricing an increased chance of a rate hike in the near term if inflation data fail to ease. Two‑year yields have adjusted swiftly; 10s and 30s could grind higher if term premia rise with policy uncertainty, though a flatter curve remains a risk if growth headwinds reappear. Credit: High‑grade spreads are largely steady, supported by solid balance sheets. Lower‑quality credit is more sensitive to funding costs—watch for dispersion as refinancing windows tighten. Equities: Rate‑sensitive pockets (small caps, real estate, long‑duration growth ex‑profit) may remain choppy. Earnings resilience and cash generation continue to support mega‑cap tech. Falling oil relieves input‑cost pressure for transports and consumers but weighs on energy producers. Commodities: Crude’s decline eases inflation anxiety and could temper the most hawkish policy outcomes if it persists. Industrial metals remain tied to China growth signals and US investment trends. Global snapshot (indicative, subject to change) US: Two‑year yields marginally above 4.2%; S&P 500 futures firmer by roughly 1%. Europe: Region‑wide equities modestly lower; core yields little changed ahead of the BoE. Asia: Hong Kong underperformed; Japan mixed; Taiwan and Korea steady with semiconductor strength. Commodities: WTI in the mid‑$70s; Brent softer; gold little changed. FX: Dollar broadly higher; yen weak; euro and sterling range‑bound pre‑BoE. Energy and geopolitics: what to watch Shipping normalization through critical straits would help rebuild crude supply chains and ease risk premia embedded in oil. Follow inventories, refinery utilization, and product crack spreads for confirmation that the energy shock is fading. Central banks United Kingdom: The BoE is expected to hold, keeping options open while it assesses services inflation and wage dynamics. Switzerland and Norway: Both paused, reiterating vigilance on domestic price trends and, in Switzerland’s case, currency dynamics. China and North Asia divergence China: Internet and consumer platforms are investing in AI, but near‑term monetization remains uncertain amid subdued household demand and elevated competition. North Asia ex‑China: Hardware‑centric markets continue to benefit from AI infrastructure spending, lifting earnings revisions and supporting valuations. Explore Investment Products Access global equities, derivatives, and wealth management solutions tailored to your strategy. Explore Investment Products Scenarios to monitor for US long bonds (10s/30s) Sticky inflation, firm growth: Bear‑steepening risk as markets price a higher terminal rate and some term premium rebuild; long yields can drift higher. Cooling inflation, slower growth: Bull‑flattening risk; front‑end rallies more than the long end as hike odds fade. Oil sustains below recent peaks: Eases headline CPI path, reducing the need for aggressive tightening; could cap the upside in long yields. Positioning considerations for diversified investors Duration: Neutral to modestly short duration until inflation momentum cools decisively. Consider barbell exposures to manage curve uncertainty. Equities: Emphasize quality balance sheets, cash flow, and pricing power. Stay selective in cyclicals; energy under pressure while crude retrenches. Credit: Favor investment grade over high yield given financing costs and dispersion. Maintain liquidity buffers. Alternatives: For inflation hedging, consider a balanced mix rather than relying solely on energy beta. The day ahead Central bank: Bank of England rate decision and minutes. US data: High‑frequency indicators on labor and housing; watch business surveys for price‑paid components. Earnings: Large‑cap consulting and major retailers report—color on enterprise IT spend and US consumer health will be in focus. Key takeaways The Fed’s new leadership has reinforced an inflation‑first framework, pushing front‑end yields higher. Softer oil is a welcome offset for risk assets and inflation expectations. China’s tech remains an outlier to the global AI rally, keeping regional dispersion elevated. Stay nimble on duration and focus on quality across equities and credit while policy and growth paths recalibrate. Institutional-Grade Execution Advanced connectivity, multi-asset clearing, and dedicated support for funds and family offices. Discover Institutional Services Disclaimer: Trading foreign exchange and/or contracts for difference on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors as you could sustain losses in excess of deposits. The products are intended for retail, professional and eligible counterparty clients. Before deciding to trade any products offered by PhillipCapital (DIFC) Private Limited you should carefully consider

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