Westbourne's Whelan on 2026 Market Outlook and Global Stimulus

Chinese stocks have demonstrated resilience despite the financial troubles faced by Vanke, once the largest property developer in the country, indicating a shift in market dynamics where technology has emerged as the primary driver of stock performance.

Silver prices have surged to a new record high, driven by persistent supply tightness and increasing expectations for an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in the United States this month. This rise reflects a significant demand for silver amid concerns over future supply constraints.

Russia is preparing for its inaugural sale of yuan-denominated sovereign bonds, marking a significant step in bolstering China's ambitions to elevate the global status of its currency. This move is expected to enhance financial ties between Russia and China, reflecting a growing reliance on the yuan in international trade.

Fixed-maturity funds, popular among individual investors, have amassed $260 billion, significantly influencing the credit market by acquiring substantial amounts of corporate debt. This influx is reducing borrowing costs for large companies while simultaneously obscuring the risks associated with repayment.

Italy’s Borromeo family has announced the listing of a company that manages real estate sites, including a group of islands on Lake Maggiore, with the intention of transforming the area into a competitive tourism and business hub to rival Lake Como.

The US options market is facing heightened concerns over 'concentration risk' as it approaches a sixth consecutive year of record trading volume. Prominent industry figures are expressing unease about the market's dependence on a limited number of banks that facilitate trade guarantees for major market makers.

Global bond investors are increasingly viewing select emerging markets as safer investment options compared to the United States, marking a significant shift in market dynamics. This trend is expected to influence the performance of bonds in these regions positively, as investors seek stability amid global uncertainties.

Switzerland has voted against a proposed 50% inheritance tax on wealthy residents, a decision influenced by concerns that such a tax could drive affluent entrepreneurs to relocate. The rejection reflects the country's ongoing balancing act between taxation and maintaining its appeal to high-net-worth individuals.