Global markets are being shaped by a fast-moving geopolitical backdrop, with rising tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz adding to volatility across rates, credit and equities. In this episode of Outerblue Convictions, host Swaha Pattanaik speaks with Monica Defend, Head of the Amundi Investment Institute, about how the team is interpreting the latest moves in macro and bond market volatility, and what this means for portfolio allocation.
“The AI rally is not just a US story. Opportunities are strengthening across regions, especially in Asia. The mantra for generating long-term returns is diversification across different segments in the global technology sector.”
Over the past month, stock and bond markets have been driven by diverging forces. Bond yields have risen at the short end due to inflation pressures and more hawkish central banks, while long-end yields have climbed on higher term premiums amid Middle East uncertainty and ongoing high fiscal deficits.