February in review
Financial markets were broadly positive in February. US Treasury yields declined and global equities posted gains on resilient economic data. However, technology stocks had a weaker month, selling off amid concerns about potential disruption from AI. Commodities were again strong: precious metals continued to rally, while oil prices rose, partly on fears of escalating conflict in the Middle East. US-Israeli strikes on Iran took place on the final day of the month after most financial markets had closed. Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court struck down some of the tariffs imposed last year, although new levies were soon introduced via an alternative legal route.