US dollar, humanoid robots and the VIX

Winds are shifting across global markets. The US dollar is losing ground even as Treasury yields and crude oil prices rise – a striking break from traditional market relationships that suggests growing concern around US fiscal policy, debt dynamics and confidence in dollar-denominated assets. At the same time, rising oil prices and borrowing costs are threatening to overshadow an otherwise strong earnings season and could put increasing pressure on equity valuations. With the VIX still surprisingly low despite significant moves beneath the surface, the risk of a broader market correction is building. And next week, Nvidia closes the earnings dance. Can strong results still reverse the changing market winds? I talk about all these issues today, but take the opportunity to talk about the much exciting robot industry, in the context of Unitree’s IPO earlier this week, and what ways to gain exposure to this futuristic space. 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.