Global equities fell -1.3% in EUR terms amid the developing conflict in the Middle East. The market priced in higher inflation expectations as the price of oil surged 37.9% in EUR terms, its largest weekly gain in futures trading since 1983. 

A quiet week in terms of economic releases was dominated by corporate and geopolitical news. Read about what has been happening across the global markets and the impact on investments. 

Markets were swayed by a number of key economic reports in the US last week. According to a US non-farm payrolls release on Wednesday, 130,000 new jobs were added in January, outpacing projections for a 70,000 rise, while the unemployment rate fell from 4.4% to 4.3%.

Global equities advanced in January, led by emerging markets, which outperformed developed peers as a weaker dollar provided support. Read the full report on global investment markets and key fund performance.

With a round up of the global markets, Zurich's monthly investment news gives a comprehensive guide to whats been happening across the markets and key fund performances.

October’s investment markets were shaped by political uncertainty and cautious central bank policies. Get the full insight in this month’s market news.

In our annual Investment Outlook, we review 2025, and as we enter 2026, look at opportunities across the global markets for investors. 

The Zurich Investment Outlook is produced twice yearly by the team at Zurich Investments, based in Dublin, Ireland. This publication provides an in-depth insight into our current thinking and positioning, and expands on the reasons behind our economic views to our clients and customers.

As we enter 2025, we look to maintain perspective and to balance the risks across respective asset classes.