Your Weekly Market Wrap-Up

25th May - 29th May 2026

Global Highlights

U.S. Markets

U.S. markets hit record highs last week, supported by easing U.S.-Iran tensions and a ninth straight weekly gain in the S&P 500. Bonds also rebounded, although inflation remained elevated in the PCE index. Strategists remain sceptical that the Fed will raise rates, but they believe rate cuts are off the table for now.

European Markets

European stocks advanced on signs of progress in a U.S.-Iran agreement that could lead to the resumption of oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. At the ECB’s late-April monetary policy meeting, some members appeared open to raising rates, and a June rate hike now looks likely.

Asian Markets

Japanese equities surged to record highs during the week, while Tokyo’s core consumer price index rose 1.3% year over year in May, down from 1.5% in April and below the consensus forecast. Chinese equities were mixed, although industrial profits in China jumped 24.7% year over year in April, accelerating from 15.8% growth in March.

Weekly Spotlights

April PCE data show that inflation remains elevated, while Fed officials have struck a more hawkish tone. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index rose 0.4% month over month in April, easing from a 0.7% increase in March. On a year-over-year basis, the PCE index increased 3.8%, up from 3.5% in March and marking its highest level since May 2023.

Market Performance

Last updated: Weekly close

Weekly market performance by asset
Asset Name	Weekly Closing Level	Weekly % Return
S&P 500	7,580.06	1.43%
DJIA (Dow Jones)	51,032.46	0.90%
Nasdaq Composite	26,972.62	2.39%
Nikkei 225	66,329.50	4.72%
FTSE 100	10,409.28	-0.54%
Shanghai Composite	4,068.57	-1.08%
Sensex (BSE)	74,775.74	-0.85%
ADX Index (UAE)	9,701.92	0.45%
Gold	4,593.00	0.80%
Brent Oil (USD/bbl)	91.12	-9.07%

Outlook

The rise in yields is approaching levels that could begin to weigh on equity performance. Higher yields have already pressured near‑term returns, with U.S. investment‑grade bonds down for the year, but they also offer attractive income opportunities for disciplined investors. In this environment, staying diversified across asset classes and regions is more important than trying to time the market.

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Disclaimer

This commentary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. For detailed insights, contact our investment team.