30/09/2026
Markets in a Minute
Markets respond to continued U.S.-Iran tension
From Strait of Hormuz tensions to eurozone expansion highs – our Investment Partner, Brewin Dolphin’s Janet Mui, head of market analysis, unpacks three stand-out market moves this week.
Key highlights
Energy prices: Brent crude oil softened below $105 per barrel on hopes of a phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. saw expansion…: The U.S. flash composite purchasing managers’ index reached 58.4, the quickest pace of expansion since 2015.
…and so did Europe: The eurozone composite hit a 41-month high of 53.1, with France and Germany both in expansion for the first time since November 2025.