Global equity markets posted strong gains over the past week, lifted by a pause in tariff measures between the United States and China and reinforced by steady economic signals. The positive sentiment spread across financial hubs in Asia, Europe and North America, with technology and industrial sectors leading the advance.
United States: Technology leads Wall Street rebound
U.S. equities surged, with the S&P 500 rising 5.3 percent to end the week at 5,958.38, while the Nasdaq jumped 7.2 percent to a record 19,211.10. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 3.4 percent, closing at 42,654.74. A temporary suspension of tariffs between Washington and Beijing boosted investor confidence, while signs of cooling inflation revived expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut later this year.
Europe: Steady gains amid calm inflation outlook
European markets tracked the upbeat global tone, with the pan-European STOXX 600 index up 0.6 percent on the week. Germany’s DAX climbed 0.7 percent, supported by resilient industrial performance. Inflation in the eurozone remained stable, with April data showing a 2.2 percent annual rise, alleviating pressure on the European Central Bank to act swiftly on rates.
Asia: Diverging fortunes across the region
Asian markets delivered mixed results. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index posted a strong rally, benefiting from renewed interest in Chinese tech shares. Japan’s Nikkei 225 held steady, buoyed by automotive and chipmaking sectors. In contrast, India’s Sensex fell 200 points as traders booked profits in IT and financial stocks, dragging the Nifty index below the 25,100 mark.
Middle East: Dubai rises for sixth week
In the Gulf, Dubai’s main stock index gained for the sixth consecutive week, rising 0.42 percent. Regional optimism was bolstered by investment pledges following President Trump’s high-profile visit to the UAE and Qatar. However, falling oil prices weighed on energy-linked equities, with Brent crude dipping on oversupply concerns and softening demand forecasts.
Outlook: Volatility remains despite rally
Despite the week’s positive performance, analysts remain cautious. The durability of the rally hinges on continued trade diplomacy and signals from central banks. With geopolitical risks and inflation data still in focus, markets are expected to stay sensitive to incoming news, especially as earnings season approaches and global economic growth remains uneven.
newshub-finance
Recent Comments