Mark King

Global stock markets have managed to consolidate their recent gains this week, with optimism about a return to economic normality over the course of 2021 still the main focus.

Concerns about rising Covid-19 infection rates around the world have prompted sharp falls on global stock markets this week, erasing some of the gains made earlier this month.

The prospects of a global economic boom in 2021 have driven stock markets to new highs this week as investors focus on a potential post-Covid recovery that is even stronger than previously expected.

Pessimism about the economic recovery from Covid-19 has held stock markets back during another week of lacklustre performance.

Stock markets have managed to hang on to their recent gains this week despite ongoing concerns that interest rates could start to rise later this year.

The government will continue to do “whatever it takes” to help the UK economy recover from the Covid-19 pandemic – but the additional spending needed means increases in personal and business taxation over the next five years.

Global stock markets have largely bounced back from the losses sustained late last week (ending 26 February), but investors remain concerned about the possibility of higher levels of inflation and rising interest rates in the months ahead.

Global stock markets have endured another volatile week: while there are encouraging signs regarding the end of the pandemic with the vaccine roll-out continuing across Europe and North America, investors are growing more and more concerned about rising inflation.

Global stock markets have extended their February gains this week, although most indices have struggled to maintain the stellar performance seen at the start of the month.