Valuable investing: balance of financial and social returns

For the time being, there seems to be no end in sight for the war in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz is still closed and oil prices are still high. Nevertheless, last month was actually quite good for stocks.

Despite doubts about AI and concerns about possible escalation in the Middle East, February 2026 was another good month for equity investors. 

January saw stellar performances on stock markets in Asia and emerging markets. US equities lagged behind, and the dollar fell in value. European capital market interest rates also fell slightly.