Global Matters Weekly – 1 March 2021

Are you sitting comfortably?

by Richard Parfect

As I write this there is a good news story of a B777 executing a successful diversion and emergency landing following the dramatic loss of one of its two engines. Somewhat unnervingly for passengers the remnants of the burning engine were clear to see. More seriously there was fuselage damage too, however the pilots’ frequent rehearsed emergency procedures and risk controls prevented a catastrophic outcome. Passenger unease is understandably common on aircraft, particularly if the aircraft enters clear air turbulence. Whilst even significant buffeting is normally well within design limits of the aircraft, passengers can become alarmed that something catastrophic will befall them. However, the best thing passengers can do is sit back, try and relax and trust in the professionalism of the pilots and engineers; the turbulence will pass.


Market Snapshot

  • Global equities fell -2.8% last week
  • 10-year US Treasury yields rose 14.4bps on Thursday in their biggest daily move since March 2020, before falling -11.5bps on Friday. The substantial moves were driven by real rates increasing, rather than higher inflation expectations
  • Brent crude rose 5.1% last week to $66.1 a barrel
  • Gold fell -2.8% to $1734.0 per ounce.