Markets rarely move in tidy, single‑issue ways. They move because geopolitics, policy and plain human panic collide — and that collision is where opportunity and risk both live. The conversation between Zak Mir and Clem Chambes, CEO of aNewFN.com, boiled down to a few big themes: the resurgence of defence and precious metals, a surprising lift for UK shares, the geopolitical plumbing behind Bitcoin, the problem of noisy market commentary, and why real‑time data matters more than ever.
Why defence stocks and gold are back on the radar
There’s a simple logic here: conflict increases government defence spending, which in turn boosts companies that supply the military and strategic parts of the economy. When politicians openly complain that allies are not pulling their weight, markets do not ignore it — defence names rally. At the same time, precious metals tend to benefit.
That phrase captures why bullion and related miners spike when tensions rise. Gold is the classic hedge against uncertainty; silver tends to rally during FOMO because it’s cheaper and more retail‑friendly. Palladium and platinum, with more constrained supply dynamics, can double independently of gold when industrial and supply shocks hit.
Two investment angles that often overlap
- Defense suppliers: companies providing components, materials and technology for militaries.
- Strategic tech and chips: onshoring of semiconductor production has re‑rated a number of names — think Intel and specialist suppliers.
IQE is an example where AI optics and defence demand can both be drivers. The market moves quickly when narratives change; having the right data at the right time matters.
The FTSE 100 and the curious case of UK equities
The FTSE’s recent bounce has puzzled some — why rally now, under a Labour government that many would call unsteady? The short answer: currency moves. A falling dollar can lift foreign‑listed equities, and the FTSE benefits from that macro flow even if domestic politics are messy.
Other structural points matter too. UK governance and political incentives differ from the US. American politicians and institutions are more personally exposed to equity markets, so there is often stronger political will to protect markets. In the UK, that link has been weaker, which has historically muted political support for a vibrant stock market.
House prices vs stock markets
There’s also a tug‑of‑war between the housing market and equities. When housing cools, some capital can rotate into shares. That rotation, combined with a weaker dollar and global flows, helps explain why UK stocks can revive even when domestic headlines look bleak.
Bitcoin, Iran and the geopolitics of mining
Bitcoin is more than a speculative asset; it’s become part of the geopolitical toolbox for some states. Iran is estimated to account for a substantial share of global hashpower. When power outages hit Iran, global hash rates drop — a clear indicator that state or quasi‑state mining is happening there.
That pithy line reflects how crypto can be used for moving value quickly across borders. But geopolitics cuts both ways. If a regime collapses and mined coins are expropriated and sold, that could exert downward pressure on price. Conversely, sanctions and economic chaos can increase local demand for crypto. The net effect depends on the specific shock and the actors involved.
Too much information, too little signal
There’s an explosion of market commentary — much of it paid for. Shilling and sponsored hype create noise that obscures real signals. For everyday investors, the problem is not a lack of ideas; it’s separating useful raw material from marketing dressed up as research.
Good markets need robust, transparent information and decent plumbing. When people rely on bedroom influencers or paid pitches, poor capital allocation follows. That’s why reliable, timely data and sober analysis are valuable.
aNewFN: why real‑time data matters
Real‑time access to price action changes outcomes. The old model — delayed feeds and fragmented screens — handicaps active decision making. That’s what aNewFN aims to fix: consolidated, immediate data, including free level 1 and level 2 quotes and real‑time precious metals pricing.
- Level 2 tick‑by‑tick data: lets you see orders and auctions build in real time.
- Consolidated market view: all prices on one page, rather than chasing multiple sites.
- Real‑time precious metals: platinum, palladium, gold and silver streaming live.
For traders in speculative positions or anyone who wants to act quickly on news, those seconds matter. A stock that gaps can be the difference between a nice quick profit and watching opportunity walk away.
Central banks, policy and the dollar
Monetary policy is the background music of markets. A weakening dollar generally inflates asset prices globally. Political pressure on central banks — whether expressed or implied — can change the trajectory of rates and currency values.
There’s a debate about central bank independence. In practice, central banks have been crucial in stabilising crises. That said, political incentives will always shape policy choices. When policymakers want more inflation or lower rates, markets hear that loud and clear — and adjust.
Practical takeaways
- Watch geopolitics for thematic trades: defence, strategic tech and precious metals often move together when tensions rise.
- Use real‑time data: level 2 and tick data let you see auctions and order flow — seconds matter on big moves.
- Beware shills: separate paid promotion from genuine research. Look for transparent sources and evidence‑based analysis.
- Consider currency context: a falling dollar can lift equity markets even when domestic fundamentals look weak.
- Mind the crypto plumbing: mining locations and state actors can influence BTC supply dynamics in ways that matter materially.
This is not investment advice. These are observations on market mechanics, geopolitics and the information flows that shape opportunity. Do your own research and use reliable, timely data when making decisions.
If you want to follow market action more closely, look for platforms that deliver consolidated, real‑time feeds and transparent level 2 data. When markets move quickly, intelligence wins.
