Bond Selloff Drives Risk Aversion, US-Iran Peace Prospects Dim | The Opening Trade 8/18/2026

Stocks fell as long-dated bond yields pushed further into multidecade highs and oil prices extended their climb, draining traders’ appetite for risky assets. Equity markets are struggling under the weight of rising global borrowing costs as bond investors demand higher premiums to finance spendthrift governments and shield against persistently high inflation. Little prospect of an imminent breakthrough in the US-Iran war has also reinforced expectations that central banks will need to tighten monetary policy. The Opening Trade has everything you need to know as markets open across Europe. With analysis you won't find anywhere else, we break down the biggest stories of the day and speak to top guests who have skin in the game. Hosted by Guy Johnson and Tom Mackenzie. (Source: Bloomberg)