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Against a shifting macro backdrop, markets are responding to easing geopolitical tensions following a US-Iran peace deal, with oil prices falling sharply and Asian equities rallying. Within China, however, a stark divergence persists: Hong Kong’s “old tech” sector has lagged, while mainland “new tech,” particularly AI infrastructure, continues to attract strong inflows and outperform. In this episode, Richard Tang speaks with Hong Hao, Managing Partner and CIO of Lotus Asset Management, about China’s uneven market outlook. They discuss the prospects for a rebound in Hong Kong internet stocks, the sustainability of the AI rally and signs of froth, alongside liquidity risks from IPO activity and the outlook for gold amid shifting oil and interest rate dynamics. This episode was originally recorded on 16 June 2026.(00:30) - The old and new tech divide in China (01:45) - Will Hong Kong internet stocks see a rebound? (03:25) - Why is there a lack of stimulus this time? (07:05) - A “K-shaped” economy (07:40) - A strong run in A-share tech — is the AI rally getting frothy? (15:48) - The liquidity impact of the IPO glut (20:27) - Where might gold be headed?

Global markets have been driven this week by a US–Iran deal, a more hawkish Fed under Kevin Warsh, and a Bank of Japan rate hike to multi-decade highs. Markets are now pricing in further US policy tightening, with record Treasury futures volumes signalling strong expectations for rate rises. Equities were mixed yesterday, with early weakness offset by gains in semiconductor stocks. Central banks remain in focus, as the Bank of England held rates and the Swiss National Bank maintained ultra-loose policy amid low inflation. Oil fell below USD 80 on improved supply. Tim Gagie, Head of FX Advisory Geneva, highlights USD strength and gold weakness as the Fed sharpens its inflation focus. He also discusses the prospects for the major low-yielding currencies, the CHF and JPY.(00:00) - Introduction: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content (00:24) - Markets wrap-up: Mike Rauber, Product & Investment Content (07:09) - FX & metals update: Tim Gagie, Head of FX/PM PB Geneva (11:44) - Closing remarks: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content Would you like to support this show? Please leave us a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

European equities extended their upward momentum, while US markets faced selling pressure after the first FOMC meeting under Chair Kevin Warsh delivered a surprisingly hawkish tone, pushing Treasury yields higher. Yet, sentiment later shifted again as news of a signed memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran lifted Asian markets and drove US equity futures firmly into positive territory. In today’s episode, Norbert Rücker, Head of Economics and Next Generation Research, explores how easing geopolitical tensions could reshape the outlook for global energy markets.(00:00) - Introduction: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content (00:28) - Markets wrap-up: Roman Canziani, Head of Product & Investment Content (05:48) - Energy market update: Norbert Rücker, Head of Economics & Next Generation Research (10:47) - Closing remarks: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content Would you like to support this show? Please leave us a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

SpaceX moves beyond rockets with its acquisition of AI firm Anysphere, igniting investor excitement and propelling the company to become the world’s fifth-most valuable after its blockbuster IPO. As technology and geopolitics continue to reshape markets, attention now turns to today’s FOMC decision and Kevin Warsh’s first press conference as Fed Chair. Dario Messi, Head of Fixed Income Research, outlines what to expect from the Fed, while Mathieu Racheter, Head of Equity Strategy Research, discusses the impact of mega-IPOs and a potential US–Iran deal on equity markets, as well as how investors should position portfolios for the second half of 2026.(00:00) - Introduction: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content (00:34) - Markets wrap-up: Jan Bopp, Product & Investment Content (06:05) - Bond market update: Dario Messi, Head of Fixed Income Research (09:51) - Equity market update: Mathieu Racheter, Head of Equity Strategy Research (14:19) - Closing remarks: Helen Freer, Product & Investment Content Would you like to support this show? Please leave us a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Markets rallied strongly yesterday as easing geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran lifted risk sentiment, with European equities reaching fresh record highs and US indices surging across the board. Optimism was driven by a framework agreement pointing towards a gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, although uncertainty remains around the timeline and terms. Oil prices fell sharply, while gold moved higher amid softer rate expectations and a weaker dollar. Overnight, central banks remained in focus, with the Bank of Japan delivering its first rate hike since 1995, while weak macro data out of China reinforced concerns about slowing domestic demand. Today, we were joined by Enrico Chinello from Next Generation Research, who unpacked the intensifying price war among leading AI model providers.(00:00) - Introduction: Bernadette Anderko, Product & Investment Content (00:38) - Markets wrap-up: Lucija Caculovic, Product & Investment Content (07:34) - Token pricing war: Enrico Chinello, Next Generation Research (12:08) - Closing remarks: Bernadette Anderko, Product & Investment Content Would you like to support this show? Please leave us a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Yesterday, the US and Iran agreed to the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The deal is set to be signed on Friday and still allows for a 60-day window to negotiate issues around Iran’s nuclear program. Evidently some details are still to be ironed out, but equity and bond markets have reacted positively, with Asia trading higher this morning and futures pointing to a higher opening globally today. Added to this, the price of oil has already dropped more than 4% and gold has climbed 3%. Mensur Pocinci, Head of Technical Analysis, provides his thoughts on where these assets might trade from here, as well as sharing his view on semiconductor stocks. (00:00) - Introduction: Jan Bopp, Product & Investment Content (01:09) - Markets wrap-up: Bernadette Anderko, Product & Investment Content (07:18) - Technical Analysis update: Mensur Pocinci, Head of Technical Analysis (09:22) - Closing remarks: Jan Bopp, Product & Investment Content Would you like to support this show? Please leave us a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

As global markets adjust to a world where capital is no longer abundant, investors face new challenges and opportunities. How should they adapt their portfolios, and what are the most compelling prospects for the second half of 2026? Christian Gattiker, Head of Research at Julius Baer, and Mark Matthews, Head of Research Asia, join Bernadette Anderko to discuss Julius Baer’s mid-year market outlook. The conversation dissects the shift from a savings glut to a savings grab, and focuses on why selectivity and capital discipline are paramount. Mark and Christian explain the outlook for equities and fixed income, investigating not just sectors but also regions of interest, together with the case for investment grade and emerging market debt, and the ongoing impact of AI and clean energy themes. They also review the prospects for commodities, gold, and currencies as investors position themselves for the remainder of the year.(00:00) - Introduction and agenda (00:55) - From a ‘savings glut’ to a ‘savings grab’ (02:16) - Be selective amidst capital expenditure opportunities (03:03) - Bond yields, duration, and global opportunities (05:33) - Credit quality and emerging market debt (06:49) - US vs. non-US markets (08:07) - European equity dynamics (08:59) - AI, Asia, and regional drivers (10:14) - Cloud computing, AI, clean energy (11:24) - Commodities: Super shock vs. super cycle (12:53) - Gold outlook (14:04) - US dollar, yen, and commodity currencies (15:08) - Key takeaways, closing remarks and legal information Would you like to support this show? Please leave us a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

President Trump halted strikes on Iran yesterday and announced that a peace deal will be signed imminently. Markets reacted accordingly, with oil prices falling and equities rallying. Chip stocks contributed to the rally in both the US and Asia overnight. Even US Treasuries held on to their gains, as markets lowered their bets on a Fed rate hike in October from 51% to 36%. SpaceX raised USD 75 billion, pricing itsshares at USD 135 – its debut will be a big focus later today. Tim Gagie, Head of FX Sales in Geneva, joined today’s podcast for his weekly take on all things currency and precious metals, so tune in to hear his views on the US dollar, the euro and the Swiss franc, as well as his perspective on the sharp fall in the gold price.(00:00) - Introduction: Lucija Caculovic, Product & Investment Content (00:28) - Markets wrap-up: Bernadette Anderko, Product & Investment Content (06:07) - FX & metals update: Tim Gagie, Head of FX/PM PB Geneva (10:40) - Closing remarks: Lucija Caculovic, Product & Investment Content Would you like to support this show? Please leave us a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

While European markets proved more resilient, US equities declined amid renewed escalation in the Middle East and fresh inflation data highlighting mounting pressure on US household budgets, driven in part by higher energy costs. In today’s episode, Carsten Menke, Head of Next Generation Research, shares his outlook on gold and silver in this environment. We also hear from Dario Messi, Head of Fixed Income Research, who previews the European Central Bank’s upcoming rate decision and discusses the implications for investors.(00:00) - Introduction: Bernadette Anderko, Product & Investment Content (00:41) - Markets wrap-up: Roman Canziani, Head of Product & Investment Content (06:16) - Update on gold: Carsten Menke. Head of Next Generation Research, Product & Investment Content (09:42) - ECB expectations & investment impact: Dario Messi, Head of Fixed Income Research (12:56) - Closing remarks: Bernadette Anderko, Product & Investment Content Would you like to support this show? Please leave us a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Markets saw a cautious session yesterday, as investors remained on edge amid ongoing Middle East uncertainty, with both European and US equities ending broadly lower. Overnight, tensions escalated sharply, with US strikes on Iran followed by retaliatory actions across the Gulf, placing further strain on an already fragile ceasefire. Despite these developments, oil prices remained relatively contained. Macro data painted a mixed but broadly stable picture, with solid US housing demand, a sharply narrowing trade deficit, and modest growth signals from Europe. In Asia, rising producer prices in China and Japan highlighted ongoing cost pressures, keeping central banks in focus. Today, we were joined by Mathieu Racheter, Head of Equity Strategy Research, who discussed the revival of the IPO market and what investors should watch for in the months ahead.(00:00) - Introduction: Jan Bopp, Product & Investment Content (00:38) - Markets wrap-up: Lucija Caculovic, Product & Investment Content (07:02) - The great IPO comeback: Mathieu Racheter, Head of Equity Strategy Research (14:15) - Closing remarks: Jan Bopp, Product & Investment Content Would you like to support this show? Please leave us a review and star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.