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Global equities diverge amid currency volatility

Global equities diverge amid currency volatility

03/28/2025
Robert Ruan
Global equities diverge amid currency volatility

In 2025, global capital markets have navigated a landscape shaped by a confluence of policy shifts, geopolitical flashpoints, and a weakening dollar. Investors now reconcile the promise of equity gains with the realities of cross-border currency swings, seeking stability amid rapid change.

The MSCI All Country World Index climbed nearly 8% quarter-to-date, yet performance varied widely. Over the same period, the U.S. Dollar Index fell 9.27% year-to-date, underscoring a significant loss of confidence. Regions with cohesive policy responses outperformed those grappling with fragmentation, inflation pressures, and geopolitical tensions, highlighting the intricate ties between currency moves and equity returns.

Causes of 2025 Market Turbulence

A resurgence of the U.S.-China trade conflict has played a central role. Following the "Liberation Day" tariff shock in April, U.S. duties on Chinese imports soared to 125%, to which China responded with 84% retaliatory levies. Markets reacted violently: the S&P 500 plunged 12% within a single week, and U.S. 10-year Treasury yields spiked by 50 basis points between April 4 and 11.

Beyond tariffs, renewed conflict in the Middle East and persistent policy uncertainty further stoked volatility. All three major U.S. asset categories—stocks, bonds, and the dollar—declined simultaneously, marking an unusual historic occurrence that underscores the depth of investor unease.

The VIX index remained elevated at an average of 27.5, well above its 30-year mean of around 20, reflecting sustained market jitters despite the absence of outright panic. These elevated fear gauges have amplified swings in both equity and currency markets, as traders price in shifting risk appetites.

Meanwhile, de-dollarization discussions intensify globally as major economies explore alternative reserve arrangements. Speculation of a medium-term 10–20% USD decline relative to its peers has unsettled investors, signaling potential shifts in reserve currency status and prompting central banks to reassess foreign exchange exposures.

Regional Performance and Currency Moves

Currency markets have diverged alongside equities, with the euro, yen, British pound, and Canadian dollar each charting distinct trajectories. These moves reflect domestic policy stances, safe-haven flows, and targeted stimulus programs.

The contrast in equities performance is stark:

  • United States: The S&P 500 endured a 12% drop after tariff escalations but rebounded to deliver an 11.6% total return in Q2, driven by the “Magnificent 7” tech stocks, which outperformed broader indices by 14 percentage points.
  • Europe: A €500 billion German infrastructure stimulus and a stronger euro provided support, yet lingering structural headwinds kept returns below U.S. levels.
  • Japan: A strengthening yen and domestic reflation measures fueled equity gains, as corporate buybacks and governance reforms boosted investor confidence.
  • Emerging Markets: High local rates and adverse currency shifts maintained elevated volatility, with emerging benchmarks trailing developed peers despite attractive valuations.

What’s Different in 2025

The year stands out for its fractured FX and equity correlations. Historical patterns broke down as tariff shocks and geopolitical risks overshadowed traditional currency-equity linkages. Investors found that a weaker dollar no longer guaranteed a boost to non-U.S. equities as in previous cycles.

Central bank policy divergence amplified complexity. While the Federal Reserve maintained a cautious pause, the European Central Bank adopted a more hawkish stance, and the Bank of Japan pursued gradual easing—creating pronounced interest rate differentials that complicated cross-border allocations.

Against this backdrop, the traditional equations between currency movements and capital flows have frayed, prompting a reevaluation of risk models and hedging assumptions.

Investment Strategies and Hedging

In this unpredictable environment, currency hedging is now essential for preserving gains. Portfolio managers are deploying advanced techniques to navigate these multi-dimensional risks and capture upside opportunities.

  • Adopt dynamic FX overlays that adjust hedge ratios based on real-time volatility and macroeconomic indicators.
  • Rotate into sectors demonstrating resilience, such as global growth stocks, which returned 17.7% in Q2.
  • Diversify across regions, favoring markets backed by fiscal stimulus and structural reforms.
  • Incorporate tail-risk hedges, including options and volatility products, to defend against sudden market stress.

Outlook for H2 2025

Analysts broadly anticipate continued USD weakness through the end of 2025. A softer dollar traditionally provides tailwinds for global equities, and non-U.S. markets often outperform during downcycles. J.P. Morgan forecasts EUR/USD at 1.29 and USD/JPY at 114 over the longer term, aligning with consensus for sustained euro and yen strength.

Nonetheless, unresolved trade tensions, persistent inflationary pressures, and potential policy missteps pose risks. Another escalation in tariffs or unexpected central bank pivots could push the VIX above its current average of 27.5, reigniting volatility across asset classes and testing hedging frameworks.

For investors, success in H2 2025 hinges on flexibility and vigilance. By combining multi-layered hedging, sectoral allocation, and correlation analysis, portfolios can harness the benefits of currency-driven equity divergence while mitigating downside risks.

As the second half unfolds, the interplay between currency movements and equity performance will dictate market narratives. Those who transform volatility into a strategic advantage will master the art of investing in an increasingly interconnected yet fragmented financial world.

Robert Ruan

About the Author: Robert Ruan

Robert Ruan