Global markets ended the week in a fragmented pattern, shaped by diverging central-bank expectations, fluctuating commodity prices and renewed geopolitical unease. Across major financial hubs, investors balanced optimism over easing inflation in advanced economies with caution surrounding currency volatility, political risks and uneven economic data.
Asia: resilience tempered by currency pressure
Asian markets closed with modest gains overall, supported by stronger-than-expected technology earnings in South Korea and Taiwan, while Japan’s Nikkei struggled under fresh pressure on the yen. Chinese equities made a brief recovery mid-week before retreating on renewed concerns over industrial output and weak consumer sentiment. India’s markets remained comparatively steady, buoyed by financials and energy stocks despite foreign outflows driven by a stronger dollar environment.
Europe and the UK: cautious optimism but soft economic signals
European indices finished the week higher, though sentiment remained restrained. Softer inflation readings in Germany and France fuelled expectations of gradual rate cuts next year, but manufacturing data across the eurozone continued to signal contraction. London’s FTSE ended marginally up, supported by gains in mining and defence, though sterling’s swings against the dollar during the week added uncertainty for multinational exporters. Overall, investors remained encouraged by inflation’s downward trend but wary of Europe’s stubbornly weak industrial momentum.
Middle East & Africa: energy markets stabilise, equities mixed
Markets in the Gulf were stable as crude prices hovered in a narrow range, supported by disciplined supply management and signs of improving global demand. Saudi Arabia and the UAE saw modest index gains, while Qatar’s market slipped as natural-gas prices softened. In Africa, South Africa’s rand strengthened late in the week on expectations of monetary easing, though equity markets remained broadly flat as load-shedding risks resurfaced. North African exchanges experienced lighter trading volumes amid ongoing political uncertainty in the region.
United States: tech strength offsets rate-cut recalibration
US markets ended the week mixed but broadly positive. Large-cap technology stocks continued to drive momentum, while cyclical sectors remained subdued following updated Federal Reserve guidance suggesting rate cuts may come later than previously priced in. Treasury yields fluctuated within a tight band, and the dollar closed the week stronger against most major currencies. Investors continued to digest corporate earnings revisions and shifting expectations for the first quarter of next year.
Latin America: currencies stable, equities uneven
Latin American markets produced an uneven close, with Brazil posting mild equity gains while Mexico saw profit-taking in industrials and materials. Regional currencies held relatively stable, supported by declining inflation across several economies. However, political developments in parts of the region weighed on foreign-investment sentiment, contributing to cautious trading through the second half of the week.
A week that ends with caution rather than conviction
Despite clear progress on inflation in advanced markets and stabilising commodity prices, global investors ended the week with more questions than answers. Diverging central-bank outlooks, unstable currency movements and ongoing geopolitical tensions kept risk appetite muted. Yet the resilience seen across several sectors—especially technology, energy and parts of emerging markets—suggests that investors remain positioned for selective optimism rather than broad retreat.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 29 November 2025
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