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.

Softer US core PCE reduced expectations of an October Fed rate hike, while upbeat technology forecasts lifted equity futures. The yen weakened after the Bank of Japan’s September meeting minutes disappointed investors hoping for a more hawkish outlook.

Stocks rose and bonds steadied ahead of today’s core PCE report, which could shift expectations for an October Fed rate hike. Meanwhile, oil fell as Middle Eastern supply flows recovered, while stronger-than-expected UK growth supported the pound.

Brent crude remained elevated as optimism over a near-term reopening of the Strait of Hormuz faded, while equity futures fell to one-week lows. Treasury yields rose as markets increased bets on further Fed rate hikes, with attention now turning to this week’s US employment data.