UBS On-Air: Market Moves

US President Trump unilaterally extended the Gulf war ceasefire, hoping to persuade the Iranian government to talk. The US blockade remains in place, but as it appears Iranian oil is getting through, the economic effect of this is blunted. Investor attention is on Iran’s comments and decisions.

Top of the Morning: Asia’s strategic edge - Diversification, resilience, and opportunity in a shifting world In this episode, Emerging Markets Strategist Americas, Xingchen Yu, explores why Asia is central to global portfolios, highlighting its leadership in technology and AI supply chains as well as its resilience in the face of geopolitical shocks. We discuss how investors can find both opportunity and stability across the region and asset classes, and share key takeaways from the latest IMF meetings, including Asia’s policy outlook and the rising importance of structural reforms. Host: Bryan Contreras

US President Trump has suggested a de facto extension of the Gulf ceasefire (to Wednesday evening, US time) but no further extension. Markets are looking to Iran’s reaction to giver credibility to the idea of negotiations. Were the US to accept some version of former US President Obama’s deal with Iran, markets (already inclined to an optimistic interpretation) would probably react positively.

Financial markets ended last week on a high note on the hope that further ceasefire negotiations would bring a lasting end to the US-Iran war. Those hopes were at least temporarily dashed on Sunday, but investors do have the continuation of Q1 earnings season to distract them from the conflict. Jason Draho, Head of Asset Allocation Americas, joins to discuss this all, along with considerations for portfolio positioning. Host: Dan Cassidy

Markets are trading in a world where there is plenty of spin, statements, and speculation, but very little information of substance. US President Trump’s statements on the Gulf war on Friday triggered a wave of optimism in markets, happily anticipated by some oil traders. Statements from Iran and events over the weekend have reversed some of that optimism.