The Intelligence Layer Beyond Your Own Book

Financial markets have been forced to adjust rapidly and with heightened volatility - will trade negotiations bring meaningful stability, or are they simply a pause in an escalating trade war?

With recent events including geopolitical instability and inflation concerns, risk appetite is at the forefront of our minds. What should institutional investors be doing to balance risk and opportunity in the coming months?

Last week’s (Wednesday 16th April) CPI (Consumer Price Index) revealed a decline in inflation to 2.6%, down from 2.8% in February, landing below the BoE’s forecast of 2.7%. Core CPI, which excludes energy and food, eased slightly to 3.4%, down from 3.5% the previous month.

When we refer to “speed” in the context of institutional trading, it isn't just about shaving milliseconds off execution — it's about enabling clients to act decisively, capture opportunity and manage risk effectively.

From inflation and tariffs to execution and liquidity — how the new rate outlook is reshaping markets.

On 2nd April 2025 (dubbed “Liberation Day”), President Donald Trump announced a new wave of reciprocal tariffs in an attempt to protect the US from, what he views to be, unfair trade practices by foreign nations.

Improved US-Iran talks lifted risk sentiment, sending oil lower and Treasury futures higher, while Asian technology stocks continued to gain. Attention remains on geopolitical developments and the upcoming Trump-Xi summit, with trade policy and critical mineral exports expected to dominate discussions.

Global equities extended their gains as AI optimism and strong semiconductor demand supported risk sentiment. Oil rebounded on continued Middle East supply concerns, while markets remain divided over the prospect of another Fed rate hike in October.

Stocks advanced as encouraging US-China talks and falling oil prices lifted market sentiment ahead of Thursday’s Trump-Xi summit. Investors are watching for concrete progress on trade or an extension of the existing truce.