Markets Under Pressure: Yields, Tension, and the Dollar Surge

Headline markets and a paralyzed FX tape

This week’s FX Weekly podcast unpacks a market that looks stable on the surface but lacks real conviction underneath. George Vessey is joined by Steven Dooley and Antonio Ruggiero to explore how unresolved geopolitics, sticky inflation, and shifting central bank dynamics are shaping FX. The team dives into softer yet still inflationary US data, the Fed’s constrained outlook, and the RBNZ’s hawkish pivot. They also assess why currencies like GBP are drifting without a clear catalyst. The discussion concludes with what could finally break the current range - from Middle East developments to key US data - and what it means for the dollar and broader FX markets. Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

Markets Under Pressure: Yields, Tension, and the Dollar Surge

George Vessey and Antonio Ruggiero join from London with host Steven Dooley. In this episode, the team unpacks a volatile moment for global markets, with rising bond yields, persistent geopolitical tension, and a stronger US dollar shaping the macro narrative. They explore what’s driving the latest market moves, how shifting rate expectations are impacting currencies, and why the dollar continues to assert its dominance. The conversation also touches on what this means for businesses navigating cross-border risk, and the key signals to watch in the weeks ahead.   Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

How to build onchain rails banks actually want to run, with Tesser

In this episode, Alex Lawrence, Alanna Frost and Akash Patel sit down with Geetha Panchapakesan, Founder and CEO of Tesser and Dana Weinstein, Head of Product and Operations at Tesser to unpack why cross-border payments are still so broken, how stablecoins can make money movement faster and more predictable, and why banks and PSPs don’t need to become crypto startups to get on chain. They also explore the hidden costs of pre-funding, the pressure on financial institutions to modernize, and what it takes to build compliant infrastructure for the future of payments. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

Market update: Q1 2026 market review - Volatile geopolitics, AI, and market uncertainty

In this Market Update, host Alex Lawrence sits down with Kevin Ford to break down a volatile Q1 2026 shaped by geopolitical shocks, uneven market performance, and rising uncertainty around inflation and growth. They discuss how the US‑Iran conflict, higher oil prices, and tightening financial conditions are affecting markets—alongside pressure from large‑scale AI spending and growing concerns in private credit. Looking ahead, the conversation explores what could come next if tensions persist into Q2, including the potential impact on inflation, central bank policy, currencies, and risk appetite. Topics covered include:• Geopolitics as the dominant driver of markets• Equity performance across regions and major tech names• AI investment, private credit stress, and investor concern• Oil prices, inflation risks, and central bank positioning• What markets may be pricing in as Q2 begins Follow Converge for regular market updates and insights into the forces shaping global finance. Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.

Building Trust in Global Digital Infrastructure with The Hashgraph Group | Hedera

This week, we sat down with Stefan Deiss [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefandeiss/], CEO of The Hashgraph Group, to discuss the transformative potential of Hedera Hashgraph in cross-border payments, digital identity, ESG markets, and enterprise solutions. Stefan reveals how trust, transparency, and innovative projects are shaping the future of digital infrastructure, with highlights of impactful financial services projects built for the Hedera Hashgraph ecosystem, one of the most promising public blockchains for enterprise use cases. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hashgraph and DLT 02:58 The Role of Hashgraph in Cross-Border Payments 06:08 Hashgraph Group's Mission and Enterprise Solutions 09:09 Venture Fund and Investment Thesis 11:59 Web3 Development and Hackathons in Africa 14:50 Innovative Projects for Financial Inclusion 18:06 Partnerships with Consultancy Firms 20:58 Regulatory Compliance and Product Launches 24:08 Conversations from Davos and Industry Insights Disclaimer: Converge is Convera’s podcast that discusses a range of financial services topics. We want to remind our listeners that the information shared on this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please note that the opinions expressed on Converge are solely the opinions of the host and the guests, not Convera’s.