Blue tin with coins

Our view on
Economics & Markets

Macroeconomics and movements in financial markets impact many aspects of our lives. Having a well-informed view of what could transpire can help mitigate the risks we face and uncover profitable opportunities.

Our most recent publications

July 28, 2025

Weekly Macro & Markets View, Week 31

  • The US and EU agree on a trade deal, with a 15% US import tariff rate across most products
    While a decrease in uncertainty is welcome, the reality is that the EU now faces persistently worse trade conditions with minimum US concessions.
  • The US and Japan strike a trade deal slashing US tariffs on Japanese autos from 25% to 15%
    Despite the good news and the subsequent relief rally in Japanese stocks, tariffs remain higher than pre- trade war norms and for Japan’s automakers, it is a case of ‘less bad, but not truly better’.
  • The US economy remains resilient in the face of rising tariffs and elevated policy uncertainty
    Services activity has picked up markedly in July while manufacturing dipped back into contraction.
Explore publications
July 09, 2025

Mid-year Outlook 2025: Living in a Land of Confusion

A profound first half of the year has seen many of the accepted norms of the prevailing world order shaken as the new US administration follows through on election pledges to ‘Make America Great Again’. In some cases, friends have become foes, spats with neighbours have flared up, and tariffs have dominated the narrative. Geopolitics have vied for top billing, as wars have raged, while debt sustainability has become a broader concern. Financial markets have been volatile, with equity bear markets encountered before recoveries pushed many stock markets to record highs. US exceptionalism, so heavily embraced at the end of last year, is being questioned with the mighty dollar falling sharply. As we piece together a new jigsaw puzzle for the remainder of the year, what is clear is that we are all now living in a land of confusion.


Explore publications

July 01, 2025

Monthly Investment Insights

Key developments

  • US equities hit new highs, supported by positive developments in trade and geopolitics
  • Economic data hold up as the impact of tariffs on inflation has been limited so far, leading to increased expectations of Fed rate cuts
  • Government bond yields fall, helped by receding inflation concerns and a softening growth outlook; Eurozone peripheral spreads reach new tights
  • Corporate bond spreads tighten, reapproaching historical lows, most notably in US Investment Grade

 

Explore publications

Explore our publications

city at night

Weekly Macro & Markets View

Designed to give clear interpretation of the previous week’s macroeconomic and financial market developments. This publication represents how Zurich sees the financial landscape evolving on a week-by-week basis.

graph with numbers

Monthly Investment Insights

Structured to give a succinct view of the investment outlook and economic prospects for the coming months. Focus is on key developments from an investment perspective, with a tactical view presented on the major asset classes of equities, credit and government bonds.

coins in jars

Inflation Focus

A quarterly publication, conveying the most likely outlook for inflation over the subsequent 12-24 months. Global and regional views are provided, detailing the driving forces behind the outlook. Point forecasts are offered for the major coverage areas, with short-term moves and pressures also identified.

silhouette of virtual human

Topical Thoughts

Investigative research on specific issues that affect the business environment, with expert thoughts and opinions provided on an ad hoc basis.

White telescope stands on sea coast

Economic and Market Outlook

With a 12 months focus, this publication is designed as a reference document for multiple user groups. It is segmented by region and provides in-depth coverage of both economic and financial market fundamentals, as well as the underlying trends that are observed.

infographics overlay and world map

Mid-Year Outlook

An update on the Economic & Market Outlook is provided, gauging developments and projecting how the months ahead are likely to unfold.

Videos and Podcasts

To compliment some publications, a series of short videos and, in the case of Topical Thoughts and the Economic and Market Outlook, more detailed podcasts are available.

Explore all videos and podcasts
blue tin with coins
Our newsletter

Get regular insights

To keep abreast of global developments, please subscribe here:

Subscribe to our newsletter