Markets have remained under pressure of late, with rising global bond yields and the conflict in the Middle East creating uncertainty for investors. However, we've seen a few positives as well, with local inflation figures coming in softer than expected and Chinese economic indicators beating expectations. Looking to the week ahead, there are a number of annual meetings to keep an eye on here in New Zealand, while the earnings season ramped up overseas with results due from the likes of 3M, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Alphabet (Google) and Amazon.