Global shares ended Friday, 25 September, mostly higher as a fall in oil prices offered relief from inflation concerns. Wall Street and European markets gained, while the picture across Asia and Latin America was mixed.
Wall Street closes higher
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite each gained 0.5%. All three indices finished higher for the week. The Dow ended a three-week losing streak, supported on Friday by a decline in oil prices and US Treasury yields.
Technology shares helped lift the S&P 500. Microsoft gained nearly 4%, although Meta fell after a strong rise the previous day. The different moves showed that investors remained selective even as the broader US market advanced.
Brent crude fell about 2% on Friday as investors considered reports of discussions between the United States and Iran concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The lower oil price eased some immediate pressure on inflation expectations. US Treasury yields also declined during the session, but remained higher over the week, keeping borrowing costs in focus.
Europe gains, while Asian markets diverge
The pan-European STOXX 600 closed 0.4% higher and gained 0.5% over the week, ending three consecutive weeks of losses. Lower oil prices helped sentiment, though uncertainty over the Middle East continued to weigh on the outlook for energy costs.
In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.3%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell about 1%. The split meant the region did not share in a single, broad rally. Brazil’s Ibovespa also edged lower, with losses among energy shares holding back the index.
Friday’s trading left major US and European benchmarks in a stronger position than at the start of the week. Investors will continue to watch oil prices and bond yields closely: both can quickly change expectations for inflation, interest rates and company earnings.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 26 September 2026
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