Iran War: Trump Posts 'No More Mr. Nice Guy' Caption | The Pulse 4/29

Summary

The episode covers the ongoing Iran blockade and its impact on oil prices, with Brent crude rising above $113. UBS reports strong earnings, while the CEO warns investors against over-optimism on the Middle East. An equity strategist argues for U.S. exceptionalism, highlighting utilities as beneficiaries of AI spending, and recommends avoiding European equities. The show also previews Fed and ECB decisions and tech earnings.

• Oil prices surge as the U.S. maintains a naval blockade of Iran, with Brent crude pushing higher.
• UBS beats earnings estimates and signals a buyback completion by Q2.
• Sergio Ermotti warns that investors may be overconfident about the Iran conflict's resolution.
• Wolf von Rotberg argues U.S. equities can grind higher on strong fundamentals and reasonable valuations.
• He highlights U.S. utilities as a beneficiary of AI-related data center demand.
• He advises avoiding European equities due to weak PMI and potential ECB tightening.
• The Fed is expected to hold rates while attention is on Chair Powell's term and the Kevin Warsh nomination.
• The ECB is seen holding rates but may hike in June as stagflation risks rise.