kontekbrothers/iStock via Getty Images Performance factors International equity markets navigated a complex and often volatile environment in the first quarter of 2026, shaped by shifting macroeconomic conditions and heightened geopolitical tensions. Rising energy prices – driven in large part by conflict in the Middle East – added renewed pressure to global inflation and complicated the policy st...
kontekbrothers/iStock via Getty Images Performance factors International equity markets navigated a complex and often volatile environment in the first quarter of 2026, shaped by shifting macroeconomic conditions and heightened geopolitical tensions. Rising energy prices – driven in large part by conflict in the Middle East – added renewed pressure to global inflation and complicated the policy stance of major central banks. Monetary authorities in the U.S. and Europe maintained a cautious tone as they weighed persistent price pressures against signs of slowing economic momentum. Across regions, economic performance remained uneven. Europe continued to struggle with weak industrial activity and elevated energy costs, while Asia presented a more mixed picture. Japan benefited from steady domestic demand and ongoing corporate reforms, whereas China faced headwinds from a fragile property sector and subdued consumer sentiment. Emerging markets more broadly were sensitive to commodity swings and global capital flow dynamics, particularly as geopolitical risks intensified. Equity leadership shifted notably during the quarter. Higher commodity prices supported energy-related industries, while technology and consumer oriented sectors lost some of the momentum they had carried into the new year. Market sentiment was further unsettled by rising geopolitical uncertainty, which influenced currency movements and contributed to volatility across both equities and fixed income. The Fund outperformed its benchmark index for the quarter, and it slightly underperformed the index for the trailing year. Within the international large cap segment of the Fund, outperformance in the quarter was driven by stock selection in Health Care, Industrials, and Consumer Staples sectors. From a factor perspective, that segment saw positive returns from exposure to momentum factors, with additional contribution from quality and value factors. The international small cap segment of the fund underper...
Qualcomm's strategic partnership with OpenAI to develop an AI-native chip signals a fundamental challenge to the established order of the smartphone market.
Qualcomm's strategic partnership with OpenAI to develop an AI-native chip signals a fundamental challenge to the established order of the smartphone market.
Education secretary says children will face restrictions and government will consider range of views on their form UK politics live – latest updates Children in the UK will face restrictions on their use of social media but the government remains open-minded about what form the limits will take, Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, has said. Phillipson told broadcasters on Tuesday she had ...
Education secretary says children will face restrictions and government will consider range of views on their form UK politics live – latest updates Children in the UK will face restrictions on their use of social media but the government remains open-minded about what form the limits will take, Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, has said. Phillipson told broadcasters on Tuesday she had concerns about the content that under-16s were exposed to online and the length of time they spent staring at screens. Continue reading...
Pentagon Investigates Mystery Fire At UK Base Used For Bombing Iran The US Air Force has reportedly opened an investigation into a fire that broke out over the weekend at RAF Fairford in the UK. Crucially, it is a key US-allied base hosting a US bomber unit carrying out strikes on Iran as part of Trump's Operation Epic Fury . The fire started early Sunday inside an "old or disused building" at the...
Pentagon Investigates Mystery Fire At UK Base Used For Bombing Iran The US Air Force has reportedly opened an investigation into a fire that broke out over the weekend at RAF Fairford in the UK. Crucially, it is a key US-allied base hosting a US bomber unit carrying out strikes on Iran as part of Trump's Operation Epic Fury . The fire started early Sunday inside an "old or disused building" at the airbase, a UK defense ministry spokesperson has said. The Pentagon is investigating alongside local partners: "An investigation has been initiated and is ongoing. More information will be released as it becomes available," a statement said. source: The Telegraph No injuries have been reported and officials said the blaze was quickly continued, with no further threat posed to the base and surrounding community. But it was clearly very large at one point, video evidence shows. The US was permitted starting in March to use the base for Iran-related operations. The Telegraph describes further of the fire : Several crews were deployed to the incident at RAF Fairford in the early hours of Sunday morning. Footage taken overnight appears to show smoke billowing from what is claimed to be the base’s commissary, a shop that provides food and equipment. Other pictures from the scene show that the building’s roof collapsed as firefighters brought the blaze under control. Authorities are suspicious there may have been some kind of act of sabotage at the base, given widespread local opposition to its us by American forces to bomb Iran. There's also been chatter of Irani-linked 'terror cells' in Europe. According to more from The Telegraph : While some welcomed the arrival, there had been protests against the decision, with around 200 people gathered at the base on Saturday. Protesters held signs that read “No war on Iran”, “US out of British bases” and “Stop Trump’s deadly wars”. The use of RAF Fairford halves the time US bombers need to spend in the air. Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to ...
Suspect charged with trying to assassinate President Trump, Trump hosts King Charles at critical point in U.S.-Britain relations, ceasefire in south Lebanon fraying.
Suspect charged with trying to assassinate President Trump, Trump hosts King Charles at critical point in U.S.-Britain relations, ceasefire in south Lebanon fraying.