The Nomura Global Bond Fund underperformed its benchmark during the first quarter of 2026 amid geopolitical tensions and energy market swings.
Institutional shares of the fund trailed the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index, hedged to USD, after fees, according to the quarterly commentary released on May 11, 2026. Markets declined in an orderly fashion following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, with no signs of panic selling.
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Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, involving the US, Israel, and Iran, have triggered a slide in Asian shares and a surge in oil prices. Investors are turning to the US dollar for safety amid fears of prolonged energy cost increases and inflation. While emerging markets face short-term losses, experts see long-term resilience.
The Putnam Core Bond Fund Y share class returned 1.07% in the fourth quarter of 2025, slightly trailing its benchmark, the Bloomberg US Aggregate Index, which gained 1.10%. Gains in mortgage credit sectors helped offset broader market uncertainties. The commentary highlights stable economic indicators supporting bond markets.
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The John Hancock Global Shareholder Yield Fund achieved a positive return in the fourth quarter of 2025, surpassing its benchmark, the MSCI World Index. Stock selections in the information technology and financials sectors drove the fund's strong performance. The fund aims to provide a high level of income alongside some capital appreciation.
Tokyo stocks plunged on March 9, 2026, as surging oil prices fueled by escalating Middle East tensions rattled investors. The Nikkei 225 average fell 5.2% to close at 52,728.72, after dipping as much as 7.6% intraday. Fears of inflation and economic slowdown intensified amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
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Following the early March escalation in the US-Israel-Iran conflict, South Africa's financial markets continue to reel, with 10-year bond yields hitting 9.5% and the JSE All Share Index down 20% this month. US President Donald Trump's announcement of productive talks with Iran on 23 March 2026, postponing strikes, provided brief relief, but oil shocks persist, heightening stagflation risks for emerging markets like South Africa.
Argentina's country risk index, measured by JP Morgan, closed at 549 basis points on Thursday, April 23, 2026, up 14 units. Local markets fell in line with Wall Street volatility and US-Iran geopolitical tensions. Sovereign bonds dropped an average of 0.7%.
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European stocks closed the week lower on Friday, with the STOXX 600 index hitting a two-week low. Investors cited concerns over growth and inflation from the ongoing Middle East conflict disrupting energy supplies. While technology shares gained, healthcare and financial sectors declined.