Mind the Yields

The S&P 500 hit a fresh record high as softer US jobs and inflation data pushed Fed rate hike expectations lower and gave investors another reason to celebrate. Yet inflation remains elevated, July’s improvement was partly driven by falling oil prices, and renewed Middle East tensions could quickly revive energy-driven price pressures. Meanwhile, the bond market is sending a less reassuring signal. Long-term US borrowing costs remain high (and rising) as investors grapple with rising debt, geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global capital flows. Higher Japanese yields add another layer of risk. Still, strong corporate earnings, booming AI investment and robust energy profits are keeping Wall Street in a good mood. The question is whether softer data can keep the rally alive—or whether inflation, oil and bonds will eventually spoil the party. 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.