17:34 - 31.08.2026

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August 31, Fineko/abc.az. Escalating military strikes in the Middle East and rising energy costs have reignited global inflation concerns, fueling expectations of upcoming central bank interest rate increases.

Key Market Highlights:

• Bond Markets Under Pressure: Eurozone and Japanese borrowing costs hit multi-year highs. Japan’s 2-year yield touched a 31-year high, while long-term Eurozone yields reached 15-year peaks.

• Central Bank Rate Expectations: Following hawkish comments by Fed Chair Kevin Warsh at Jackson Hole, markets raised the probability of a September Fed rate hike to nearly 60%. The European Central Bank (ECB) is also widely expected to raise rates during its September 9–10 meeting.

• Currencies & Commodities: The Japanese yen neared the 160 per dollar mark, though U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted the movement was contained. Meanwhile, gold held steady near $4,451 per ounce, capping off a 10% gain in August.