Global markets ended Thursday, 17 July, broadly higher as investors responded positively to strong U.S. economic data, upbeat corporate earnings, and stabilising central bank signals. Despite mixed movements in Asia, equities in Europe and the U.S. showed renewed strength amid growing confidence in the global recovery.
Wall Street climbs on retail gains and tech optimism
U.S. markets closed at fresh highs, with the S&P 500 rising by 0.54%, the Dow Jones gaining 0.52%, and the Nasdaq leading with a 0.75% increase. Markets were buoyed by stronger-than-expected retail sales in June, a drop in jobless claims, and robust industrial output. Major tech names led the advance, boosted by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which reported record quarterly profits driven by demand for AI-related chips.
European equities gain on strong earnings reports
European stocks also recorded notable gains. The STOXX 600 index rose 0.96%, led by strong corporate updates from industrial players such as ABB. Germany’s DAX climbed around 1.5%, France’s CAC 40 added 1.3%, and the Amsterdam AEX increased 1.4%. The UK’s FTSE 100 advanced more modestly by 0.5%, reflecting investor caution around Bank of England policy and political risk.
Asia mixed as investors weigh global trends
Markets across Asia showed uneven performance. China’s Shanghai Composite edged up by 0.2%, while Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.2% amid cautious sentiment. Indian indices retreated significantly—the Sensex dropped 375 points and the Nifty slipped below the 25,120 mark—dragged down by IT and financials and uncertainty over Federal Reserve leadership. However, positive momentum returned in early Friday trading across Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taipei, aided by Wall Street’s lead and TSMC’s outlook.
Currencies, commodities and external pressures
Oil prices firmed following reports of drone attacks affecting energy production in northern Iraq, stoking fresh concerns over supply. The U.S. dollar strengthened against major currencies as investors priced in a more resilient American economy and delayed expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut. Meanwhile, gold edged lower, reflecting the dollar’s strength and improving risk sentiment in equities.
Outlook shaped by Fed signals and geopolitical shifts
Market momentum is expected to hinge on further U.S. macroeconomic updates and key corporate earnings due in the coming days. Traders are also closely monitoring ongoing global developments, including speculation over Jerome Powell’s future as Fed Chair and trade negotiations between Washington and New Delhi. While short-term volatility remains a risk, recent data has reassured investors of underlying economic resilience in key markets.
REFH – Newshub, 18 July 2025
Recent Comments