Bloomberg Emerging-market stocks and equities capped their longest streak of weekly losses in almost a year as the war in the Middle East roils markets, sending oil surging and fueling growing bets the US may raise interest rates this year. A gauge tracking currencies in the developing world fell 0.2% Friday and is at its lowest level of 2026, while an index of emerging-market stocks fell as much as 1% on Friday. Assets hit fresh lows for the day late afternoon as oil prices spiked past $112 a barrel aft ...

Core Viewpoint - The surge in fuel prices due to the ongoing war with Iran has raised the possibility of an interest-rate hike by the Federal Reserve, a scenario that seemed unlikely just weeks ago [1] Group 1 - Fuel prices have significantly increased since the onset of the conflict with Iran [1] - The potential for an interest-rate hike by the Federal Reserve is now being considered as a response to rising fuel costs [1]

Core Viewpoint - The discussion centers on the euro-area economy, inflation, and monetary policy, particularly in light of European Central Bank (ECB) Executive Board member Isabel Schnabel's comfort with investor expectations for an interest rate increase by the ECB [1] Group 1: Euro-Area Economy - The euro-area economy is under scrutiny as inflation remains a key concern for policymakers [1] - Investor sentiment is leaning towards the anticipation of a rate hike, indicating confidence in the ECB's monetary policy direction [1] Group 2: Inflation - Inflation trends in the euro area are influencing the ECB's decision-making process regarding interest rates [1] - The ECB's approach to managing inflation is critical for maintaining economic stability in the region [1] Group 3: Monetary Policy - The ECB is expected to adjust its monetary policy in response to current economic indicators, with a potential interest rate increase on the horizon [1] - The comments from Isabel Schnabel reflect a broader consensus within the ECB regarding the need for proactive measures to address inflation [1]

Group 1 - U.S. Treasury yields are rising due to comments from Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda regarding a potential interest-rate hike at the next meeting, impacting global bond markets [1] - Investors are closely monitoring upcoming U.S. economic data that may affect expectations for U.S. interest-rate cuts [2] - There is anticipation surrounding a possible announcement from President Trump regarding his selection for the Federal Reserve Chair [2]

Core Viewpoint - Real gross domestic product (GDP) shrank by 0.4% on a quarter-over-quarter basis, complicating the timeline for the central bank's next interest-rate hike [1] Economic Indicators - The contraction in real GDP indicates a potential slowdown in economic activity, which may influence monetary policy decisions [1]