Middle East uncertainties loom, growth and inflation risks persist

A ceasefire… of sorts. While Donald Trump extended his self-imposed ceasefire deadline in the Middle East, attacks continue at full speed and traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely limited. Iran’s “gift” to Trump? Allowing 10 oil tankers to pass this week — compared to ~100 in normal times. Markets are clinging to the hope that the extension keeps immediate escalation off the table, offering fragile relief into the weekend. Oil flows remain constrained, geopolitical tensions persist, and global inflation risks are rising. Investors are left watching carefully: this isn’t peace, and risks persist! Listen to find out more! Ipek Ozkardeskaya has begun her financial career in 2010 in the structured products desk of the Swiss Banque Cantonale Vaudoise. She worked at HSBC Private Bank in Geneva in relation to high and ultra-high net worth clients. In 2012, she started as FX Strategist at Swissquote Bank. She worked as a Senior Market Analyst in London Capital Group in London and in Shanghai. She returned to Swissquote Bank as Senior Analyst in 2020, and launched her own website ipekScope.com in 2025.