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Nvidia Earnings Take Spotlight as Markets Brace for AI, Geopolitical and Policy Signals

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Nvidia is set to release its quarterly earnings next week, a highly anticipated event as investors assess the strength of artificial intelligence-driven growth and its impact on global markets. The chipmaker, currently the world’s most valuable company, has seen its shares surge since the rise of AI technologies, but momentum has slowed in 2026 amid concerns about returns on massive AI investments. Investors will also monitor results from major software firms like Salesforce and Intuit, as AI disruptions reshape the broader technology sector.

Beyond corporate earnings, geopolitical tensions continue to influence market sentiment, particularly as the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches. Ongoing conflict, uncertainty over ceasefire efforts, and rising tensions involving Iran have contributed to volatility in oil prices, defence stocks, and gold. Global investors are increasingly concerned about overlapping geopolitical risks, including conflicts in multiple regions and their potential economic consequences.

At the same time, key economic data and political developments are expected to shape central bank policies and investor outlooks worldwide. Inflation data in Australia and Tokyo will be closely watched for clues on future interest rate hikes, while leadership uncertainty in the European Central Bank and political pressure on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer could influence bond markets and currencies. Together, corporate earnings, economic indicators, and political events are set to play a decisive role in shaping global financial markets in the coming weeks.

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Global Tech Stocks Slide as AI Disruption Fears Clash With Massive Spending Plans

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Global software, data and technology stocks fell again on Friday as investors remained uneasy about the disruptive impact of powerful new AI models and the enormous sums Big Tech plans to spend rolling them out. Markets were rattled this week after the launch of a new plug-in from Anthropic’s Claude, amplifying concerns that AI could undermine traditional software and data businesses just as hyperscalers signal capital expenditure of more than $600 billion this year.

Shares of major tech firms and data providers came under renewed pressure. Amazon slid 8% in pre-market trading after revealing hefty investment plans, while European firms such as RELX, Sage, Experian, Capgemini and Wolters Kluwer all posted sharp declines. London Stock Exchange Group also extended losses and was on track for a second consecutive week of steep falls, as the selloff in AI-exposed stocks weighed on broader markets.

The downturn has spilled across global equities, with world shares headed for their worst week since November and the S&P 500 down around 2% for the week. U.S. software and data services companies have lost about $1 trillion in market value since late January, while Indian IT stocks were hit particularly hard, shedding nearly 7% this week. Analysts say investors are increasingly wary of an emerging AI bubble, as strong business performance at tech giants fails to offset fears over ballooning capital investment.

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Aircraft Lessors Hold Firm as Geopolitical and Supply Risks Rise

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Global aircraft leasing companies say they remain resilient despite rising geopolitical tensions and market volatility, citing supply shortages and decades of crisis experience as stabilising factors. Speaking at an industry gathering in Dublin, leasing executives said the sector’s ability to move aircraft across borders and preserve tariff-free trade has helped shield it from recent global shocks.

A large backlog of jet orders at Boeing and Airbus has handed lessors significant control over new aircraft deliveries well into the next decade, supporting lease rates, resale values and profits. Executives said manufacturing issues and limited supply have placed “guardrails” around the industry cycle, keeping demand firm even as global markets remain unsettled.

While risks have increased following past crises including COVID-19 and Russia’s seizure of leased aircraft, industry leaders said long investment horizons help absorb shocks. At the same time, consolidation is accelerating, with a widening gap between lessors with large order books and smaller rivals. Executives said barriers to entry are rising, and attention is now focused on the potential sale of Macquarie AirFinance, which could reshape the competitive landscape.

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Gold Heads for Best Year Since 1979 as Crises and Central Bank Buying Fuel Rally

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Gold is on track for its strongest annual performance since 1979, with futures in New York surging nearly 71% in 2025. Prices have climbed from around $2,640 an ounce at the start of the year to above $4,500, driven by global uncertainty ranging from trade distortions and geopolitical conflicts to inflation risks and currency volatility. Analysts say investors are flocking to gold as a safe haven, echoing conditions last seen during the late-1970s energy crisis under former US president Jimmy Carter.

Expectations of US Federal Reserve rate cuts and a weaker dollar have further boosted gold’s appeal, as lower bond yields make non-yielding assets more attractive. Gold’s gains have far outpaced equities, with the S&P 500 up about 18% this year. Major banks such as JPMorgan Chase expect prices to continue rising, forecasting gold could cross $5,000 an ounce in 2026 if current trends persist.

A key driver behind gold’s rally has been aggressive buying by central banks, led by China, as countries seek to reduce dependence on the US dollar and Treasury assets. Central banks have added more than 1,000 tonnes of gold annually over the past three years, well above historical averages. The surge has also lifted other precious metals, with silver, platinum and palladium posting sharp gains, reinforcing gold’s role as a hedge in an increasingly uncertain global financial landscape.

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Threat to Ships in Ukraine Conflict Causes Soaring Wheat Prices

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Wheat prices on the global markets have experienced a sharp rise following Russia’s declaration that it would consider ships heading to Ukrainian ports as potential military targets. This decision came after Moscow withdrew from a UN agreement that guaranteed safe passage for grain shipments through the Black Sea. In recent nights, Russia has launched attacks on Ukraine’s grain facilities in cities like Odesa. The White House has accused Russia of planning to attack civilian ships and then falsely blaming Ukraine for it. As a result of these developments, European stock exchange wheat prices surged by 8.2% to €253.75 per tonne, with corn prices also rising by 5.4%. US wheat futures recorded their highest daily increase since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, jumping 8.5%. President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to return to the international grain agreement if certain demands, including the lifting of sanctions on Russian grain and fertiliser sales, are met.

Amid these escalating tensions, Russian air strikes continued in Black Sea coastal cities for three consecutive nights, leading to civilian casualties. The attacks have targeted grain export infrastructure and raised concerns about the safety of shipping routes for essential food supplies. Ukraine’s options for exporting grain by rail are limited, with rail capacity smaller than shipping volumes, and some EU countries in Eastern Europe blocking Ukrainian grain to protect their own farmers.

Analysts have warned that Russia’s threatened escalation could disrupt waterborne grain shipments from the Black Sea, impacting both Russian and Ukrainian exports. Some Ukrainian officials have called on the UK, US, France, and Turkey to provide military convoys and air defenses to protect grain ships heading to Odesa.

The situation has raised concerns about potential impacts on global food security and inflation, particularly in developing countries, leading to social instability, food shortages, and increased migration. Critics accuse Russia of using food supplies as a political tool in its conflict with Ukraine.

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