If you ask a fixed income investor to describe the credit cycle, most will readily cite its four familiar phases: Repair, Recovery, Expansion and Downturn. Knowing the terminology is straightforward. The more relevant question is: why does it matter for portfolio outcomes?

Investors will look forward to the outcome of the ongoing peace negotiations.

As the war in Iran has entered its fourth week, investor attention will remain firmly on the Strait of Hormuz and its implications for global energy flows.

Global macro conditions remained broadly constructive in February, although the backdrop was increasingly shaped by policy uncertainty and a more uneven regional growth mix.

Market dynamics continue to be dominated by geopolitical developments and the evolution of the conflict in the Middle East, primarily via its impact on oil prices.

Financial markets have entered a phase where geopolitics, commodities and monetary policy are interacting more directly than at any point in recent years.

European equities have fallen significantly since our last Equity Committee held on 10 February.

As the war in the Middle East enters its third week, investor attention will remain firmly on the Strait of Hormuz and its implications for global energy flows.