Equity markets are edging higher again today, a sign of gradually improving confidence following a relatively drama-free weekend.
As we saw on Friday, though, anxiety remains high, and things quickly spiral in those circumstances so investors are likely to remain vigilant. The dust is still settling but every passing day rebuilds confidence and allows investors to feel a little bit more relaxed.
Policymakers are continuing to do their bit as well, and this morning we’ve heard from some at the BoE, while ECB President Christine Lagarde is due to speak later.
BoE relaxed despite inflation spike and bank worries
Inflationary pressures are still intense in the UK, but the central bank is refusing to get carried away with the data. Rather than talk up the need for further rate hikes, Governor Bailey has remained open-minded on future moves, insisting that the bank will hike if the data warrants such a response.
Time will tell whether that approach is appropriate, considering inflation last month leaped to 10.4%, while data from BRC this morning showed shop prices have risen by 8.9%, a large contributor to which came from food which jumped by 15%.
The BoE continues to believe, alongside others, that inflation will fall sharply over the course of the year, which explains the caution on interest rates. But until that starts to filter through into the data and we see those rapid declines unfold, investors and the public, in general, may be a little nervous. It wouldn’t be the first time their forecasts have been too optimistic.
Bitcoin’s remarkable resilience
Bitcoin is displaying such unbelievable resilience to what is happening around it, even in the crypto industry, that you have to wonder just how sustainable that can be. While Bitcoin did fall a few percent in response to reports that the CFTC is suing Binance, the industry’s biggest exchange, the drop doesn’t feel particularly significant.
Especially in light of the gains we’ve seen in recent weeks and this year as a whole. Of course, that isn’t to say it’s suddenly going to plunge but it will no doubt be interesting to see how it performs over the coming weeks, especially if further turbulence is coming for the industry.