US stocks were mixed but tech continued to be the driver. US bonds did less well, as yields moved higher across the curve. Global stocks were generally weaker, as oil inched higher due to ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East with the Strait of Hormuz again the focal point.

Happy 250th birthday to America, and Happy Independence Day to my American colleagues. The summary today has a table for 1H2026 performance across indices and asset classes, as well as an update for the week.

Stocks and bonds diverged last week, as volatility kicked into high gear especially around semi-conductor stocks. Yields came in across the curve as long term inflation expectations subsided. Gold and Bitcoin lost ground, and the US Dollar continued to grind higher.

Markets ripped off the back of a 2 page MoU between the US and Iran that reopened the Strait of Hormuz. The FOMC meeting had its first session under new chair Kevin Warsh, and he sounded even more hawkish than Mr Powell. SpaceX rocketed ahead 42% in its first (almost) full week of life. That's insane, but go ahead – load up! Friday was a holiday in the US.

Markets bounced around a lot last week, but focus was mostly on the SpaceX IPO, the largest IPO ever which successfully priced on Thursday evening. The war between the US and Iran continues, oil and gold were lower, and bonds improved.

"....That being said, let’s motor on to what really matters in the coming days – May CPI in the U.S. (released yesterday), upcoming central bank meetings, the SpaceX IPO which is on the launch pad (no pun intended), and U.S. social security."

Tech shares came under pressure this week, with the sell-off gaining steam on Friday following a much stronger-than-expected US payrolls report. Yields moved higher across the curve, oil was higher, and Bitcoin faltered. Much of this was driven by higher inflation expectations and a lower likelihood that the Fed will cut rates in the foreseeable future.

Most global bond and stock indices rallied last week, with several global (including U.S.) stock indices closing at record highs. PCE data for April confirmed elevated inflation in the U.S., and the fact that consumers are getting poorer. This is a real contrast with the ever-higher improvement in most global asset prices.

It was a holiday shortened, rather lacklustre week in markets. Good that 2022 is over. FY returns were poor across equities and bonds.