Asia-Pacific ends sharply lower
Asian markets closed Friday on a broadly negative note, driven by heavy selling in technology shares and renewed caution around monetary policy. Major indices across the region posted notable declines as investors reassessed valuations after several weeks of strong gains. Sentiment weakened further as regional currencies softened against the dollar, reflecting increased risk aversion and foreign-fund outflows. Markets in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and mainland China all ended the session in the red, setting the tone for a difficult global trading day.
Africa sees cautious trading and external-pressure effects
African markets experienced a mixed but predominantly subdued close, shaped largely by global risk sentiment. With limited domestic catalysts, traders focused on currency pressures, commodity shifts and broader emerging-market flows. Weakness in key export commodities added to the challenge, and several exchanges across the continent recorded declines as foreign investors trimmed exposure to riskier assets.
Arab markets absorb global turbulence
Across the Gulf and wider Arab region, trading conditions reflected the downturn in global equities. Energy-linked markets faced additional pressure as oil prices softened, weighing on petrochemical and financial shares. While intraday movements varied across the region, the prevailing trend pointed towards defensive positioning, with investors awaiting clearer signals on both energy markets and global monetary policy expectations.
Europe and London lose ground amid policy concerns
European markets extended the global risk-off mood, closing lower on Friday following a week dominated by doubts over central-bank policy and the resilience of the regional economy. Technology, manufacturing and consumer-exposed sectors led the decline as investors moved out of cyclical assets. In London, the FTSE indices ended modestly lower, pressured by weaker domestic data and lingering questions over fiscal tightening. Overall, Europe concluded the week with a cautious tone and reduced risk appetite.
United States rebounds late but ends week weaker
U.S. markets delivered a late-session recovery on Friday, supported by growing expectations that the Federal Reserve may consider easing policy sooner than previously anticipated. Major indices finished the day in positive territory after a volatile week. However, on a weekly basis, U.S. equities still recorded losses, reflecting ongoing uncertainty over economic momentum, corporate earnings, and the sustainability of this year’s tech-driven gains. The late rally demonstrated underlying resilience, but investors remain divided on the near-term direction.
A fragile global outlook heading into next week
The close of trading on Friday underscored a global market environment characterised by declining risk appetite, elevated policy uncertainty and heightened sensitivity to macroeconomic signals. While the United States managed a late recovery, the broader picture across Asia, Africa, the Arab region and Europe pointed to caution rather than confidence.
Next week’s performance will hinge on data releases, central-bank communication and commodity movements. For now, global markets enter the new week on uneven footing, with volatility set to remain a defining feature.
Newshub Editorial in Global markets – 22 November 2025
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