US markets rallied on the back of a US-China trade truce and lower-than-expected inflation data, easing recession concerns and boosting equities. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 indices rose, driven by gains in tech stocks, such as Nvidia and AMD, following a major semiconductor deal with a Saudi Arabian AI firm. In Asia, Hong Kong's market gained ground following strong earnings from JD.com, whereas Japan's Nikkei 225 experienced a slight decline after a 13-day uptrend. Looking ahead, European shares are poised to open flat, building on the previous day's positive session, which was fuelled by improved sentiment in Germany and a record high for the DAX. Mathieu Racheter, Head of Equity Strategy, observes that Q1 earnings have exceeded expectations, but companies are issuing cautious guidance due to reduced visibility on the economic outlook.

00:00 Introduction: Bernadette Anderko, Investment Writing

00:27 Markets wrap-up: Mike Rauber, Investment Writing

06:47 Earnings/Equity Market update: Mathieu Racheter, Head of Equity Strategy

11:08 Closing remarks: Bernadette Anderko, Investment Writing

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After the US and China both slashed their reciprocal tariff rates, US markets responded with jubilation yesterday, sparking an impressive rally with the S&P 500 building on its recent run as investors priced out the chance of a downturn. Also on today’s podcast, we are joined by David Meier, Senior Economist, who shares his insights on the impact of recent trade talks, and Carsten Menke, Head of Next Generation Research, who provides an update on the outlook for digital assets following the recent recovery in crypto markets.

00:00 Introduction: Helen Freer, Investment Writing

00:38 Markets wrap-up: Jonti Warris, Investment Writing

06:13 Trade talks progress: Dave Meier, Senior Economist

12:41 Digital assets update: Carsten Menke, Head of Next Generation Research

16:44 Closing remarks: Helen Freer, Investment Writing

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The United States and China have taken a step towards resolving their trade dispute, with both sides describing their initial talks in Switzerland this weekend as constructive. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned substantial progress, lifting equity markets in Asia and boosting investor sentiment. Meanwhile, safe havens like gold are feeling the pressure. Our guest, Mensur Pocinci, Head of Technical Analysis, joins us to discuss where he sees the most upside as good news on the trade landscape keeps on rolling in, at least for now. Tune in to find out how these developments are moving markets.

00:00 Introduction by Helen Freer (Investment Writing)

00:28 Markets wrap-up by Roman Canziani (Head of Investment Writing)

07:02 Technical Analysis update by Mensur Pocinci (Head of Technical Analysis)

09:50 Closing remarks by Helen Freer (Investment Writing)

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