Last week was a turbulent one for the global financial markets. The 5 percent sell-off on the S&P 500 over Wednesday and Thursday led many investors to question whether the move was just a correction or an end to the longest bull market in history.

Slowing global economic growth, trade wars, and geopolitical tensions may all be blamed for the pullback, but it’s rising U.S. interest rates what really seem to be the trigger behind the sell-off.

Despite U.S. 10-year Treasury bond yields retreating 10 basis points from a seven-year high, the trend remains in an upward trajectory and the bonds are currently 30 percent higher from where they started at the beginning of the year.

For investors to confidently buy the dips, they require two criteria to be met. One, which is the most important, is corporate profits must remain robust and beat the 20 percent earnings growth projected for the third quarter while painting a rosy outlook for the quarters to come. Two, the U.S. and China need to cut a deal on trade. If those two criteria are not met, then stocks might have already peaked for 2018.

Asian equities failed to follow Wall Street’s rebound on Friday, suggesting that investors remained nervous.

Another risk emerged this week after Saudi Arabia officially threatened to use the country’s economic power to retaliate to any measures taken against the kingdom following the disappearance of a Saudi journalist at their consultate in Istanbul. Brent crude surged 1.85 percent early Monday as some market participants began to price in the risk of supply disruptions if tensions escalated. However, given that the magnitude of the move was limited, this suggests that investors aren’t too worried yet.

In currency markets, Sterling seems to be the biggest loser in early Monday trade given the lack of progress over Brexit negotiations this weekend. The UK’s Brexit Secretary, Dominic Raab, returned from Brussels empty handed after meeting with the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier. This seems to have sent talks back to square one ahead of the European Union summit later this week. Expect Sterling to remain under pressure until Brexit uncertainties get resolved.

Disclaimer: This written/visual material is comprised of personal opinions and ideas. The content should not be construed as containing any type of investment advice and/or a solicitation for any transactions. It does not imply an obligation to purchase investment services, nor does it guarantee or predict future performance. FXTM, its affiliates, agents, directors, officers or employees do not guarantee the accuracy, validity, timeliness or completeness of any information or data made available and assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment based on the same.

Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.                                                                       

FXTM Brand: ForexTime Limited is regulated by the CySEC (licence no. 185/12) and licensed by the SA FSCA with FSP number 46614. Forextime UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the FCA (licence no. 777911). FT Global Limited is regulated by IFSC (license no. IFSC/60/345/TS and IFSC/60/345/APM).

Any opinions expressed here are the author’s own.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Read our full disclaimer policy here.