The first quarter of 2026 marked a shift in market dynamics as geopolitics moved to the centre of the macro picture. In this episode of Converge, host Alex Lawrence speaks with Kevin Ford about how the US‑Iran conflict, higher oil prices, and tightening financial conditions shaped market performance through Q1, alongside growing unease around large‑scale AI investment and private credit.
They discuss uneven equity performance across regions, divergences within big tech, currency moves driven by energy exposure, and what markets may face if tensions persist into Q2—particularly the point at which inflation risks begin to weigh on growth.
Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.