π Schroders: Quarterly Markets Review β Q2 2026
Schroders' Q2 2026 review reports the MSCI World Index rose 13.8% and the S&P 500 gained 15.2% (its strongest quarter since 2020), driven by AI capex optimism and easing Middle East tensions after a US-Iran ceasefire framework, while commodities fell 11.4% as oil and gold retreated.
Why it matters: Gains were heavily concentrated in AI- and semiconductor-linked markets such as Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, underscoring a narrow leadership pattern that leaves portfolios exposed if AI-driven sentiment reverses.
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