Markets are watching the Middle East closely, and the uncertainty matters. From energy prices to global growth and inflation, the implications are far-reaching.

It’s been an event-filled start to the year. Headlines have been loud, politics messy, and geopolitical risks have once again taken centre stage.

2025 has been both rewarding and eventful for investors. Resilient global growth, strong corporate fundamentals, and enthusiasm for artificial intelligence have helped drive equity markets higher.

Global equities have been on a remarkable run this year — and September kept the momentum going. In NZD terms, returns have been especially strong.

Markets remain resilient — but what risks lie ahead?   Global equity markets have performed well this year, navigating a steady stream of headlines and policy uncertainty.

As we reach the halfway point of the year, it’s fair to say 2025 has been extraordinary by any standard.

With trade-related concerns easing for the time being, market and investor attention has turned elsewhere.

Terms like volatile or unpredictable don’t really do justice to what has been experienced in financial markets over the past month or so.

Heightened uncertainty surrounding U. S. policy, coupled with Trump’s unpredictable tumultuous approach to tariffs, has clearly influenced investor and consumer confidence this year.