IG outlook video compilation
As 2025 gives way to 2026, IG’s experts take a look at key themes and lessons from the last 12 months, and what the future might have in store.
2025 was a tumultuous year for markets. From ‘US exceptionalism’, to tariff madness, war between Iran and Israel and the surge in precious metals, there was plenty going on to keep investors busy.
IG’s experts have compiled a list of outlooks for 2026, looking at the key drivers for major markets, as well as a look back at 2025 and a big picture overview of what might happen in 2026.
Oil:
Can oil prices reverse course after a year of declines that seemed immune to geopolitical developments?
Sterling:
Is there a path to $1.40 for GBP/USD, even as the UK continues to see rate cuts?
Gold & silver:
2025 saw the rallies in precious metals hit a higher gear, with no sign of a cooling of enthusiasm so far:
APAC:
While the Hang Seng's rally slowed towards the end of 2025, a new PM in Japan provided more fuel for the Nikkei 225's rally:
Bitcoin:
The Bitcoin rally came unstuck in the last months of 2025, though a short-term recovery in January has raised hopes that the selloff has ended:
US markets:
US stocks went from wild optimism to pessimism in the first four months of the year thanks to Trump’s tariffs, but came storming back as the AI boom took hold:
Biggest lessons of 2025:
2025 taught investors plenty of lessons, including the need for diversification and the ability to react quickly:
The Art of Investing podcast:
Our ‘Art of Investing’ podcast looks at key themes for 2026, including inflation, the dollar and AI:
The next decade outlook:
IG’s Axel Rudolph takes the long view, tackling the key questions for the next decade:
Macro outlook 2026:
Chris Beauchamp, Axel Rudolph and Rich McDonald take a look back at 2025 and discuss how the key themes of that year might continue in 2026, and what might be different:
Important to know
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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