Financial Market Preview - Thursday 9-Apr

US equity futures are modestly lower. Asian markets are mostly lower and European equities are also weaker. Risk appetite is softer as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to weigh on sentiment despite the recent US-Iran ceasefire. Ongoing military activity and conflicting details around the agreement are raising doubts about its durability, with developments including Israeli strikes in Lebanon and renewed threats around the Strait of Hormuz. Markets are also navigating shifting central bank expectations, with reduced pricing for US rate cuts and expectations for tightening in Europe, while elevated oil prices and constrained shipping activity are seen as potential headwinds to a full recovery in risk assets.

Companies mentioned: Nebius Group, Anthropic