Insights

Weekly Market Commentary – 7th August 2026

7 August 2026

This week markets were calmed by the prospect of a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The price of oil fell and UK gilt yields dropped slightly as the prospect of higher inflation faded. Hopes of a deal added to equity market positivity following some strong tech earnings updates, although there are still some concerns about the scale of AI investment. However, America has been excluded from the talks between Iran and Oman. This may help secure a short-term agreement but the US is further from its goals than ever and has shown its willingness to return to hostilities.