Despite US consumer confidence falling to a record low, the S&P 500 extended gains last week, driven by semiconductors, as AI enthusiasm remains strong and crowded. Global equities also advanced, led by Europe and Japan. Kevin Warsh was sworn in as Fed Chair, while Governor Waller emphasised inflation risks. Middle East tensions remain volatile, with shifting ceasefire prospects, US military action, and moves in oil, gold, and bonds. This week, focus turns to US PCE inflation, growth data, and key geopolitical meetings in Asia. Damian Ng, Next Generation Research, talks about why the recent outbreak of the Ebola virus demonstrates the need to invest in health system innovation, as well as covering key investment trends in healthcare.

• (00:00) - Introduction: Bernadette Anderko, Product & Investment Content
• (00:38) - Markets wrap-up: Mike Rauber, Product & Investment Content
• (05:48) - Why Ebola demonstrates the need to invest in health system innovation: Damien Ng, Next Generation Research
• (12:05) - 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.

The petrodollar system has long been a cornerstone of global finance, underpinning the US dollar’s dominance for decades. But as energy markets shift, and talk of de-dollarisation grows louder, is this system now fading? And what could that mean for the future global order?

In this episode of The View Beyond, Jan Bopp is joined by Julius Baer’s currency strategist, David Meier, and Norbert Rücker, Head of Macro and Next Generation Research, to explore the origins and evolution of the petrodollar system, the impact of the US shale oil revolution, and the practical realities of de-dollarisation. The discussion covers the shifting correlation between oil prices and the US dollar, the significance of Saudi Arabia’s move to accept multiple currencies, and why the US dollar’s dominance remains largely unchallenged despite headlines. The episode also examines the scale of non-dollar oil trade, the role of sanctions, and the structural factors underpinning reserve currency status.

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (00:53) - What is the petrodollar system and why has it mattered?
• (02:44) - Geopolitics and the petrodollar narrative
• (03:40) - Has the petrodollar system ended or evolved?
• (04:33) - The US shale oil revolution
• (05:02) - Oil prices and the US dollar
• (08:00) - Saudi Arabia and the rise of multi-currency oil trade
• (09:02) - Sanctions and non-dollar oil markets
• (09:59) - De-dollarisation or diversification - what’s really happening?
• (11:52) - Why less oil in dollars doesn’t weaken the dollar
• (13:46) - What could truly challenge the US dollar’s dominance?
• (15:33) - Closing remarks and legal disclaimer

Markets remained choppy as weak PMI data across Europe and the UK signalled slowing growth, while US data painted a mixed but still resilient picture. Oil prices were volatile amid shifting headlines around Iran, underlining ongoing geopolitical sensitivity. Equities in both Europe and the US ended modestly higher despite intraday swings, with pockets of strength in sectors like satellites and quantum computing following fresh investment momentum. Overnight, softer inflation in Japan supported Asian markets, while US yields edged lower and the dollar held firm. Today, we were joined by Bence Boldvai from our FX & Precious Metals team, who shared insights on key themes this week, including USD/JPY dynamics and his take on metals.

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.