Divergence macroéconomique : ruptures de rendements et risques énergétiques

Sovereign Yields and Inflationary Pressures

Global bond markets are entering uncharted territory as US Treasury yields experience a significant breakout. The 10-year yield has reached 5.22%, marking its highest level since June 2007, while the 30-year yield has climbed to 5.501%, the highest since 2004. The 2-year yield has also risen to 4.94%, with the 10-year yield approaching technical resistance levels between 5.25% and 5.30%.

This upward momentum in yields is being fueled by a combination of hawkish Federal Reserve sentiment, stronger-than-expected US economic data, rising international oil prices, and geopolitical tensions involving the US, Iran, and Ukraine. These factors are creating a "tug of war" for equities, particularly in Asia, where the momentum of the AI boom must compete against rising yields and oil prices.

Inflationary risks are also resurfacing in specific regions, complicating the global outlook. In Greece, annual inflation accelerated to 3.7% in August, up from a nine-month low of 2.7% in July, compared to a 3.2% rate in the Eurozone. In the US, surging fuel prices are driving inflation higher, leading the administration to seek voluntary diesel export restrictions from refiners to avoid a mandatory ban. Meanwhile, in Sudan, a continuous currency collapse and rising prices for food and basic goods are driving a crisis in purchasing power.

Monetary Tightening and Consumer Stability

The Eurozone is facing a reversal in monetary policy as the European Central Bank (ECB) has restarted its tightening cycle. After a three-year hiatus, the ECB implemented a 25 basis point rate hike in June 2026, followed by another increase on September 10, 2026, after a pause in July.

This shift is creating immediate pressure on households with variable-rate mortgages. While economic indicators for manufacturing and climate showed resilience through August, the return of "energy inflation"—driven by rising fuel and natural gas costs—poses a central risk to the Greek economy.

In the US, economic momentum appears to be cooling. Real GDP growth decelerated to an annual rate of 1.5% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 2.1% in the first quarter [14]. Furthermore, in July 2026, personal income rose by $115.1 billion (0.4%) while personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased by $36.3 billion (0.2%) [13]. This deceleration in GDP combined with modest monthly PCE growth suggests a cooling of economic activity, which may support a lower inflation trajectory as consumer spending loses momentum.

Tech Momentum and Structural Energy Shifts

Despite macroeconomic headwinds, the technology sector is finding support in AI-driven growth. Following a 25bp Fed rate hike to a target range of 3.75%–4.00%, market uncertainty regarding further tightening has diminished. The Nasdaq 100 has recently reached new historical highs, driven by the commercialization of AI and heavyweight stocks rather than pure liquidity.

While high long-term US Treasury yields continue to exert valuation pressure on high-growth stocks reliant on distant cash flows, the sensitivity of "hard tech" AI to interest rates appears to be dulling. However, the sector remains fragile due to unresolved geopolitical friction, specifically US-China disagreements regarding trade and AI.

In parallel, a structural shift toward renewable energy infrastructure is gaining momentum. Vietnam and Canada elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership on September 24-25, 2026, establishing eight pillars of cooperation, including energy. In India, there is a long-term structural growth opportunity in the expansion of renewable power and solar energy. In China, solar energy is already cheaper than coal due to advancements in battery storage technology. This transition is being driven by the electrification of the economy through AI, data centers, and mobility.

Residential Investment and Geopolitical Fragility

The outlook for residential investment is leaning lower due to rising financing costs and fiscal tightening. In Finland, interest rates have risen significantly, with the 12-month Euribor moving from 0.5% to 3.3% and the 3-month Euribor moving from 0.2% to 2.6%. Additionally, Belgrade is approaching its fifth heating price increase since 2020.

These higher borrowing costs and increased utility expenses create a challenging environment for both occupants and property investors. In many regions, the inability to perform reliable yield calculations based on previous low-interest environments has left investor sentiment fragile.

Global stability remains sideways as geopolitical tensions persist. Reports indicate a "nervous" interaction between Trump and Xi with minimal progress made. Simultaneously, 80 nations led by Bahrain have made an "urgent call" for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. While the US and Iran are reportedly discussing a "phased deal" to reopen the strait and end the US blockade, the situation remains delicate. Furthermore, intelligence services have warned of an intensification of "hybrid attacks" in Europe linked to the conflict in Ukraine.

What to watch

• The impact of the September 10, 2026, ECB rate hike on consumer spending and mortgage delinquency rates.
• Whether 10-year US Treasury yields can break through the 5.25%-5.30% resistance level.
• The effectiveness of voluntary diesel export restrictions in the US.
• The progression of the "phased deal" between the US and Iran regarding the Hormuz blockade.
• The implementation of the Vietnam-Canada Action Plan to realize new bilateral energy goals.
• The expiration of temporary real estate tax exemptions for factories in Egypt at the end of the current year.