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Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Beat the street: Goldman Sachs profit beat; hotter-than-expected US retail sales; Middle East tensions

Goldman Sachs’ profit beats thanks to investment banking strength. Stronger-than-expected US retail sales in March could boost US GDP. Investors continue to eye escalating tensions in the Middle East. Bitcoin halving countdown.

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(AI Video Summary)

Impacts of Middle Eastern tension on trading

In today's edition of "Beat the street", Angeline Ong highlights calm investor sentiments despite Iran-Israel tensions, with focus on Goldman Sachs' 28% profit surge in Q1, driven by underwriting and deal-making. Oil prices slightly dropped, reflecting decreased risk premium post Iran's attack. US March retail sales exceeded expectations at 0.7%, driven by increased consumer spending excluding autos and gas.

US banks' increasing credit losses

The video also touches on potential concerns over increasing credit losses among US banks and the implications of high-interest rates and inflation on the economy. Key insights emphasise the anticipation of another strong earnings quarter for US companies, inflation concerns, and the impact on market sectors and commodities like cocoa and crude oil. The session closed with a cautious outlook toward market reactions to geopolitical events and economic data.

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

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