Foreign direct investment (FDI) disbursed in Vietnam rose 12.1% year-on-year to USD 21.07 billion in the first nine months of 2026, marking the highest level of realized FDI for the first nine months of a year in the past five years.

FDI Into Vietnam Rises 12.1% in Jan-Sept

Vietnam's trade surplus narrowed to USD 1.27 billion in September 2026, down from USD 2.97 billion in the same month a year earlier. It was the first trade surplus since November 2025, as both exports and imports surged. Exports surged 39.1% from a year earlier to USD 59.48 billion, while imports jumped 48.5% to USD 58.21 billion.

Vietnam Posts Trade Surplus for 1st Time in 10 Months

International arrivals to Vietnam grew 16.1% year-on-year to 1.77 million in September 2026, easing from an 18.4% surge in the previous month.

Vietnam Tourist Arrivals Stay Robust

Retail sales in Vietnam rose by 14.1% year-on-year in September 2026, slowing slightly from a 14.9% gain in the prior month and pointing to the mildest pace since May.

Vietnam Retail Sales Rise the Least in 4 Months

Vietnam’s industrial output increased 16.7%  year-on-year in September 2026,  accelerating from a downwardly revised 13.5% gain in the previous month and marking the fastest growth since January.

Vietnam Industrial Output Growth at 8-Month High

Vietnam’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 5.08% in September 2026, up from 4.89% in August, marking the highest rate since May. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.62% in September, following a 0.47% rise in August.

Vietnam Inflation Rate Hits 4-Month High

Vietnam’s economy advanced 9.95% yoy in Q3 2026, accelerating from an upwardly revised 8.81% in the previous period and marking the fastest growth since Q3 2022. All sectors posted solid gains: industry and construction surged 12.50%, contributing 51.57% of total value added. Services rose 9.54%, accounting for 43.29%, while agriculture grew 4.21%, with a 5.14% share. On the expenditure side, final consumption rose 8.96%, while fixed investment surged 21.39%. On the trade front, exports of goods and services climbed 23.27%, while imports rose 28.75%. For the first three quarters, GDP grew 9.01%. Vietnam is targeting economic growth of more than 10% this year, supported by stronger infrastructure spending. Last year, the economy grew 8.02%, the highest growth rate in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam Q3 GDP Growth Strongest Since 2022

The Ibovespa jumped 2.6% to close at 192,114 in a highly volatile session ahead of Sunday’s first round of elections. The index posted strong gains early in the session amid a favorable external backdrop, then erased them on political risks before regaining momentum. The proximity of the election keeps demand for hedging elevated. When markets reopen on Monday, the election result, the composition of Congress and signals on fiscal policy are likely to carry greater weight in the pricing of Brazilian assets. Meanwhile, oil prices fell after the G7 agreed to release strategic reserves to ease mounting fuel costs, reducing concerns over energy-driven inflation. Softer-than-expected US payrolls also supported credit-sensitive stocks as expectations of a Fed rate hike this month declined. Financials gained, with Bradesco up 3.2%. Utilities advanced, Axia rose 2.8%. Petrobras added 2.8%, while WEG gained 3.8% and Rede D’Or rose 3.6%. The Ibovespa added 4.7% on the week.

Ibovespa Jumps Ahead of Election

The Dow Jones Index went up by 250 points or 0.49 percent on Friday to close at 51177 points. The rise was led by Cisco Systems (3.14%), Caterpillar (2.30%) and UnitedHealth (1.77%). On the downside, the weakerst performers were Nike (-3.61%), IBM (-1.36%) and Amgen (-1.10%).

The Dow Jones Index Closes 0.49% Higher

The S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 1% to close at 35,503 as the oil rally stalled, easing concerns over energy-driven inflation and pushing Canadian bond yields lower. Softer-than-expected US payrolls also supported rate-sensitive stocks as expectations of a Fed rate hike this month declined. Financials gained, with CIBC up 1.1% and Great-West Lifeco rising 2%. Technology stocks advanced as well, tracking strength in the Wall Street AI trade, with Shopify up 1.7% and Celestica jumping 3.9%. Miners gained despite lower gold prices, as reduced expectations of a Fed rate hike following the weaker US jobs data supported the outlook for the metal. Agnico Eagle rose 2.1%, while WPM added 2.6%. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Carney said Canada will fast-track approval of a proposed crude oil export pipeline to the West Coast, a key part of his efforts to diversify the economy away from the US.

TSX Advances as Oil Rally Stalls

US stock indices closed higher on Friday after a weaker-than-expected jobs report prompted investors to pare bets on further Fed tightening. The S&P 500 rose 0.7%, the Dow added 250 points, and the Nasdaq gained 1% to close at a record 30,808. Nonfarm payrolls increased by just 29,000 last month, well below expectations for a 90,000 gain. Employment figures for the previous two months were also revised lower. Fed rate expectations eased following the data. Meanwhile, oil prices declined, helping support the bond market, providing an additional boost to equities. Credit-sensitive stocks gained, AI companies, which are facing record levels of debt issuance, closed mostly higher. Nvidia rose 1.3%, Broadcom gained 3.3%, and AMD added 2.9%. Among hyperscalers, Alphabet rose 1.6%, Amazon gained 1.3%, and Oracle added 3.1%. Tesla jumped 4.6% after reporting better-than-expected third-quarter sales. On the week, the S&P 500 rose 0.2%, the Nasdaq gained 1.3% and the Dow added shed 319 points.

Wall Street Gains on Soft Jobs Report

Brent crude traded around $102 a barrel on Friday amid reports of additional US military deployments to the Middle East and China’s decision on Thursday to halt fuel exports this month. The US is reportedly sending a third aircraft carrier strike group to the region, along with an amphibious force carrying 2,000 Marines, raising concerns over a potential escalation in the months-long conflict. The deployment comes as US President Donald Trump has signaled an intention to resume strikes on Iran after the November midterm elections. Meanwhile, China’s major refiners have suspended most refined fuel exports for October. However, a strong rebound in oil flows from the Persian Gulf has largely offset upward price pressures. Middle Eastern crude exports have recovered close to prewar levels, although uncertainty over US-Iran negotiations continues to cloud the outlook. The G7 have agreed to release as much as 100 million barrels of diesel and crude stocks over the next four months.

Brent Volatile Amid Middle East Tensions

Crude oil trimmed losses to trade near $92 a barrel on Friday after reaching a one-month low of $88.06 earlier in the session, as G7 nations announced plans to release crude and diesel reserves to ease surging fuel prices. The G7 will deploy 100 million barrels of reserves over the next four months. G7 leaders also agreed to “refrain from export restrictions on energy and energy products between G7 countries” and called on producers to avoid measures that could exacerbate market tensions, according to their joint statement. Meanwhile, crude oil exports from the Persian Gulf are at or near prewar levels, although volumes remain volatile. On the other hand, the US is reportedly sending a third aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East, raising concerns over a potential escalation in the months-long conflict and renewed supply risks.

Oil Eases as G7 Plans Reserve Release

Paraguay’s annual inflation rate edged higher to 1.7% in September 2026 from 1.5% in August, remaining well below the central bank’s 3.5% target. The largest price increases were recorded in fuels (18.9%) and food consumed outside the household (10.2%). Overall food prices declined 1.0%, driven by lower prices for fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, services prices rose 0.5%, while income inflation stood at 3.8%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased 0.1%, following a flat reading in August.

Paraguay Inflation Rises in September

European natural gas prices staged a sharp afternoon recovery on Friday, reversing earlier losses to trade nearly 3% higher at around €75.80 per megawatt-hour. Prices had opened near €72/MWh before turning upward, as renewed concerns over supply security prompted traders to increase positions ahead of the weekend. Market attention remained focused on potential disruptions to energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and continuing uncertainty over deliveries from Qatar. QatarEnergy’s extended force majeure on certain European LNG supplies, covering shipments into late in the fourth quarter, added to concerns about the availability of imported gas. The market is also facing the challenge of replenishing inventories before winter, with European storage facilities around 71% full, significantly below the five-year seasonal average of 87%.

European Natural Gas Prices Rise

The FTSE MIB rose 0.5% to 50,483 on Friday, as losses on financials and defense were offset by gains in chips and utilities stocks. STMicroelectronics (6.7%), Technoprobe (6%) and Prysmian (4%) led gains, tracking gains on the sector following weaker-than-expected UD jobs report that lowered odds of a Fed rate hike this month and reignited investors’ appetite for riskier stocks. Luxury stocks also traded higher, with Brunello Cucinelli advancing 1.5%. Utilities also gainned, led by Enel (1.5%). Eni rose 0.7% after extending its 20% discount on diesel and gasoline until the end of October. On the downside, financials underperformed as elevated energy prices pushed Eurozone inflation to its highest level in three years, supporting bets of a ECB hike by year-end, while the BTP to safe-haven Bund spread rose by 115bps. Unipol led losses at 1.1%. Defense stocks underperformed as Italy is set to cut its defense spending. Fincantieri and Leonardo fell 2% and 0.9%, respectively.

FTSE MIB Inches Higher

The FTSE MIB Index went up by 245 points or 0.49 percent on Friday to close at 50483 points. The rise was led by STMicroelectronics (6.36%), Technoprobe (5.14%) and Prysmian (4.08%). On the downside, the weakerst performers were Fincantieri (-1.98%), Amplifon (-1.95%) and Unipol Gruppo (-1.74%).

The FTSE MIB Index Closes 0.49% Higher

The DAX Index rose 292 points or 1.17 percent on Friday to close at 25231 points. Leading the gains are Infineon (8.41%), Qiagen NV (4.90%) and Hochtief (2.42%).

The DAX Index Closes 1.17% Higher

The CAC 40 Index gained 49 points or 0.62 percent on Friday to close at 7884 points. Gains were led by STMicroelectronics (6.29%), Legrand (3.29%) and Schneider Electric (3.21%). Biggest losers were Sanofi (-3.28%), Kering (-3.24%) and Capgemini (-2.85%).

The CAC 40 Index Closes 0.62% Higher

Frankfurt’s DAX 40 closed about 1.1% firmer at 25,222 on Friday, halting a two-day losing streak and outperforming its European peers. Strength in the technology sector provided the main boost, while lower oil prices and stabilizing bond yields added to the positive sentiment. Investors pushed aside recent concerns about interest rates and inflation, following the announcement that G7 and partner countries plan to release up to 100 million barrels of crude oil and diesel from strategic reserves. Weaker-than-expected US employment data also tempered expectations of further Federal Reserve rate increases. Meanwhile, Eurozone inflation hit a three-year high of 3.8% in September, above the 3.6% expected, but the recent bond selloff could make the ECB wary of further rate hikes. For the week, the index lost about 0.7%.

DAX Finishes on Solid Footing

The FTSE 100 Index went up by 24 points or 0.23 percent on Friday to close at 10452 points. The rise was led by Halma (4.10%), Antofagasta (3.04%) and Anglo American (2.97%). On the downside, the weakerst performers were IG Group Holdings (-21.19%), Babcock International (-2.21%) and Standard Chartered (-2.12%).

The FTSE 100 Index Closes 0.23% Higher

The FTSE 100 rose on Friday, recovering after four consecutive sessions of losses as financial markets showed signs of stabilising following a volatile week. Despite the rebound, the UK benchmark recorded a weekly decline of around 2%. In the FTSE 250, JD Wetherspoon shares climbed more than 8% following the pub operator’s latest update. Although full-year profit fell by more than analysts had expected, revenue came in slightly ahead of forecasts. IG Group, meanwhile, was the FTSE 100’s weakest performer, plunging more than 20% after warning that annual revenue growth would reach only the mid-single-digit range.

FTSE 100 Rises on Friday

The CAC 40 rose 0.8% to close at 7,897 on Friday as the oil rally stalled, easing concerns over energy-driven inflation and pushing bond yields lower. Softer-than-expected US payrolls also supported rate-sensitive stocks amid reduced expectations of a Fed rate hike this month. The US economy added 29,000 jobs in September, well below forecasts for 90,000 and down sharply from 133,000 in August. Financials were mostly higher, with BNP Paribas up 0.6%. Industrial stocks also gained, with Airbus and Safran adding 2% and 0.9%, respectively. STMicroelectronics jumped 6.5% and Schneider Electric rose 3.5%, tracking gains among US chipmakers. In contrast, pharmaceutical stocks posted losses, with Sanofi down 3.1% and EssilorLuxottica shedding 1.2%. Meanwhile, Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management sold its holdings of French government bonds, citing concerns over the country’s fiscal trajectory. The French government recently unveiled plans to sharply reduce the budget deficit.

CAC 40 Rises as Oil Rally Stalls

European equities recovered on Friday after hitting a 3-1/2-month low, as falling government bond yields and cheaper oil helped restore some investor confidence. The STOXX 50 gained more than 1%, while the broader STOXX 600 advanced over 0.5%, although both benchmarks recorded a weekly loss. Global sentiment improved following weaker-than-expected US employment data, which reduced expectations of further Federal Reserve rate increases. Oil prices also retreated after the G7 and partner countries announced plans to release up to 100 million barrels of crude and diesel reserves. Technology stocks led the rebound, with the sector rising more than 2.5%. ASML Holding climbed over 3%. Basic Resources rose around 2%, while industrial goods, telecommunications and construction stocks recorded gains. Utilities and chemicals also moved higher, whereas healthcare, banking and retail shares lagged.

European Stocks Rebound from 3-1/2-Month Low

The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note resumed its rise to 5.52% on Friday after falling as much as 8bps earlier in the session, as the weaker-than-expected jobs report offered only temporary relief to the bond market. Nonfarm payrolls increased by just 29K last month, well below expectations for a 90K gain, while employment figures for the previous two months were also revised lower. Fed rate expectations eased following the data, with markets no longer pricing in a rate hike this month, although traders still see a high likelihood of an increase at the Fed’s December meeting. Meanwhile, a decline in oil prices provided some relief on the inflation front, although the conflict in the Middle East remains unresolved. The benchmark 10-year yield climbed above 5.34% earlier this week, its highest level since 2002, amid expectations of further Fed tightening, the lack of a resolution to the Middle East conflict, concerns over the US fiscal and debt outlook, and resilient economic data.

Treasury Yields Resume Their Rise

Next week, the focus will remain on the US-Iran standoff and any efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring an end to the conflict in the Middle East. The bond market will also remain in the spotlight following the recent surge in government bond yields. In the US, the FOMC minutes, ISM Services PMI, and preliminary University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment data will be closely watched for further clues on the economic outlook and the Fed’s policy path. Elsewhere, key releases will include German factory orders and trade data, Eurozone PPI, Japan’s consumer confidence and machine tool orders, Australia’s consumer confidence, and Canada’s employment and trade figures. Inflation data from Mexico and Brazil will also be closely monitored. In addition, the Reserve Bank of India will announce its monetary policy decision. The OPEC meeting and developments surrounding Brazil’s presidential election will also remain key events for global markets.

Week Ahead - Oct 12th

The Trading Economics Crack Spread index, which tracks the spread between crude oil and refined products from the average US refinery, eased from its record high to $63 per barrel in October 2026, as the release of additional emergency reserves is expected to help ease refined-product prices. The Group of Seven nations are set to release emergency oil and diesel reserves, seemingly ending the threat from President Trump to ban diesel exports, which had been considered as surging fuel prices in the US and around the world squeeze businesses, farmers and households. Still, it remains nearly 170% higher than mid-February levels, before the US escalated threats of strikes. The conflict led to naval blockades on the Persian Gulf chokepoint, cutting off oil-product exports and supporting extraordinary profits for US refiners that are operating at full capacity.

Crack Spreads Ease From Record Highs

The Canadian dollar weakened slightly to around 1.42 per US dollar in September, its lowest level in about 12 weeks, as stalled domestic growth and US dollar strength kept the loonie under pressure. Advance estimates showed real GDP increased 0.2% in August, with gains in mining and quarrying and retail trade partly offset by a decline in oil and gas extraction. GDP was essentially unchanged in July, ending a three-month run of growth. The result was in line with expectations but highlighted a weaker start to the third quarter. Soft GDP reinforced expectations for the Bank of Canada to hold rates. The US ban on various Canadian goods imports also took effect. Meanwhile, the US dollar climbed against a basket of major currencies as markets increased bets on further Federal Reserve rate increases. Expectations for a widening US-Canada interest-rate differential are reinforcing the greenback’s advantage over the loonie.

Canadian Dollar Nears 12-Week Low

US gasoline futures fell below $3.30 a gallon, retreating further from its highest level in a week, following reports that Group of Seven nations will release emergency oil and diesel reserves. President Macron stated that G7 nations agreed to release 100 million barrels of emergency reserves over the next four months to contain elevated energy prices. President Trump had threatened a diesel export ban otherwise, despite acknowledging its impact on gasoline prices, which have eased from recent peaks following the end of the summer driving season. Nevertheless, global fuel markets remain tight as EIA data showed that US gasoline inventories fell by 1.7 million barrels in the week ended September 25th, while refinery utilization falling to 92.5%. Russia extended restrictions on most diesel exports through October, although it is considering a partial lift in case of overproduction as the domestic fuel market is reportedly balanced. China also extended its ban on some oil-product exports.

Gasoline Retreats Further

The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, was up for a second session on Friday, rising about 0.3% to 3,148 points, buoyed by the bigger-size segment. The capesize index, which typically transports 150,000-ton cargoes, including iron ore and coal, also increased for the second session, advancing 0.6% to 5,042 points. On the other hand, the panamax index, which usually carries 60,000 to 70,000 tons of coal or grain, fell by 0.3% to 2,372 points; and the supramax index decreased by 0.3% to 1,789 points. For the week, the benchmark index logged a 8.1% decline.

Baltic Dry Index Up for 2nd Day

US heating oil prices extended losses below $4.40 per gallon on Friday, the lowest in one month, after G7 agreed to consider releasing up to 100 million barrels of emergency oil and diesel reserves to ease fuel costs. The coordinated release is expected to take place over four months, French President Emmanuel Macron said. Macron indicated that the initiative aims to bring down prices following pressure from the Trump administration to address tightening fuel markets. Supply has been constrained by disruptions in the Persian Gulf, Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and Moscow’s extension of its diesel-export restrictions through October. In the US, EIA data showed distillate inventories at their lowest seasonal level on record.

Heating Oil Falls to 1-Month Low

New car registrations in the UK rose 12.1% from the previous year to 350,518 units in September of 2026, its highest level since March although slowing from a 13.7% rise in the earlier month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). It was a tenth consecutive period of growth, extending the market's recovery toward pre-pandemic levels. Battery electric vehicles rose by 36.3% to a record of 99,199 units to reach 28.3% of market share, as buyers respond to greater model choice, manufacturer incentives and government grants. Plug-in hybrid vehicle registrations also climbed 55.7% to 59,563 units. These were enough to offset the 2.5% decline in petrol vehicles to 141,287 and a 4.2% drop in hybrid electric vehicles to 45,838.

UK New Car Registrations Extend Growth to 10th Month

Brent crude fell below $99 a barrel on Friday, after the Group of Seven agreed to consider releasing up to 100 million barrels of emergency oil and diesel reserves to ease fuel costs. The coordinated release, overseen by the International Energy Agency, is expected to take place over four months, French President Emmanuel Macron said. Macron indicated that the initiative aims to bring down prices following pressure from the Trump administration to address tightening fuel markets. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern crude exports have recovered close to pre-war levels, although uncertainty surrounding US-Iran negotiations continues to cloud the outlook. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key concern, with reported tanker attacks underscoring persistent shipping risks and the US strengthening air defences around energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Brent Falls Below $99

The S&P/TSX Composite Index rose nearly 1% to hover around 35,500 as the oil rally stalled, easing concerns over energy-driven inflation and pushing Canadian bond yields lower. In addition, softer-than-expected US payrolls also supported rate-sensitive stocks amid reduced expectations of a Fed rate hike this month. Financial stocks gained, with Scotiabank up nearly 1%. Tech stocks also advanced, tracking strength in the Wall Street AI trade, with Shopify up nearly 2%. Gold prices edged higher, supporting miners, with Agnico Eagle and WPM both rising more than 2%. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Carney said Canada will fast-track approval of a proposed crude oil export pipeline to the West Coast, a key part of his efforts to diversify the economy away from the US.

TSX Gains as Oil Rally Stalls

Crude oil fell around 5% to $88.50 a barrel on Friday, reaching a one-month low after the Group of Seven agreed to consider releasing up to 100 million barrels of emergency oil and diesel reserves to ease fuel costs. The coordinated release, overseen by the International Energy Agency, is expected to take place over four months, French President Emmanuel Macron said. Macron indicated that the initiative aims to bring down prices following pressure from the Trump administration to address tightening fuel markets. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern crude exports have recovered close to pre-war levels, although uncertainty surrounding US-Iran negotiations continues to cloud the outlook. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key concern, with reported tanker attacks underscoring persistent shipping risks and the US strengthening air defences around energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Crude Oil Slides to 1-Month Low

Singapore's Manufacturing PMI edged up to 51.7 in September 2026 from 51.5 in August, marking 14 consecutive months of expansion and the highest reading since October 2018, supported by still strong AI-related demand. The Electronics PMI, which accounts for more than one-third of manufacturing output, rose to 52.9 from 52.6, a 16th straight month of growth and the strongest since January 2018, as the sector supported stronger orders, factory output and employment. Order backlogs continued to build while finished goods inventories declined for an 11th consecutive month, reflecting supply-side disruptions and higher import costs rather than weaker demand. Meanwhile, supplier deliveries lengthened for a ninth straight month and rising input costs intensified operational pressures, particularly for chemicals and petrochemicals.

Singapore Manufacturing Growth Picks Up in September

Pakistan recorded a trade deficit of PKR 988.4 billion in September 2026, widening from PKR 945.1 billion a year earlier and from PKR 916.1 billion in the previous month. The September gap is equivalent to USD 3.56 billion. On a year-on-year basis, exports rose 15.8% to PKR 815.1 billion, outpaced in absolute terms by imports, which climbed 9.4% to PKR 1,803.5 billion. Over the July–September 2026 period, the first quarter of the 2026-27 fiscal year, shipments increased 8.8% to PKR 2,338.9 billion while purchases advanced 11.2% to PKR 5,343.1 billion, widening the cumulative trade deficit by 13.2% to PKR 3,004.2 billion (USD 10.79 billion).

Pakistan Trade Deficit Widens in September

New orders for US manufactured goods edged up by 0.1% month over month in August 2026, following a downwardly revised 0.8% increase in July and matching market forecasts. Non-durable goods orders rose by 0.3%, slowing a from a 0.7% increase previously. Meanwhile, durable goods orders fell by 0.1%, reversing a 0.9% advance in the prior month. Excluding transportation, factory orders rose 0.3%, while excluding defense they increased 0.1%.

US Factory Orders Barely Grow in August

The Ibovespa rose more than 0.5% to hover around 188,500 on Friday, posting broad-based gains amid a favorable external backdrop. Oil prices fell as European governments considered releasing strategic reserves to ease mounting fuel costs, reducing concerns over energy-driven inflation. Softer-than-expected US payrolls also supported credit-sensitive stocks, reducing expectations of a Fed rate hike this month. Major banks rose, with Itaú and Bradesco gaining about 1.5%, while Banco do Brasil rose more than 2%. Utilities also advanced, with Axia up more than 2%. Friday marks the last trading session before the first round of Brazil’s presidential election on Sunday. A poll released Thursday showed President Lula and  Senator Flávio at a technical tie in a potential second-round matchup.  Also on Thursday, Bolsonaro withdrew from a debate hours before it was scheduled to begin. The broadcaster subsequently canceled the event, which would already have gone ahead without Lula.

Brazilian Stocks Higher on Friday

Orange Juice decreased to 139.85 USd/Lbs, the lowest since September 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Orange Juice lost 9.81%, and in the last 12 months, it decreased 39.74%.

Orange Juice Hits 4-week Low

Lumber futures fell to $527 per thousand board feet, reaching their lowest level in two years, as rising borrowing costs weighed on housing demand. Growing concerns over inflationary pressures and government debt have strengthened expectations of higher-for-longer interest rates and fueled a broader sell-off in the bond market, pushing sovereign yields to their highest levels in over two decades. As a result, mortgage rates climbed to 7.3%, their highest level in three years, further straining an already weak housing market. Although lacking any particular economic significance, economists refer to the 7% threshold as a psychological ceiling. Providing an offsetting pressure, Ottawa had announced counter-tariffs of 25% on US lumber and 50% on plywood following US tariffs on several lumber-related goods. US forestry groups have long accused Canada of distorting the market, as Canadian forestland is largely publicly owned, allowing its lumber to be sold at lower prices.

Lumber Drops to Lowest Level in Two Years

The S&P 500 rose 0.9%, the Nasdaq went up 1.4% and the Dow Jones rose more than 300 points on Friday, after a weaker-than-expected jobs report prompted investors to pare bets on further Fed tightening. Nonfarm payrolls increased by just 29K last month, well below expectations for a 90K gain, while employment figures for the previous two months were also revised lower. Fed rate expectations eased following the data, with markets now pricing in less than one additional rate hike for the remainder of 2026. Meanwhile, a decline in oil prices helped to support the bond market, providing an additional boost to equities. Consumer discretionary ad tech outperformed while energy traded lower. Nvidia (2.1%), Apple (0.7%), Microsoft (1.1%), Amazon (1.8%), Broadcom (2%), Meta (0.6%) and Tesla (3.9%) were higher. On the week however, the S&P 500 is down 1.2%, putting it on course for its worst weekly performance since August, while the Dow has fallen 1.8% and the Nasdaq is down 0.8%.

US Stocks Higher After Jobs Report

The Dow Jones Index is up by 361 points or 0.71 percent on Friday. Top gainers are Caterpillar (3.02%), Nvidia (2.39%) and Amazon (1.80%). Biggest losses came from Nike (-6.09%), IBM (-1.16%) and Chevron (-0.50%).

The Dow Jones Index Opens 0.71% Higher

France’s 10-year OAT yield briefly climbed above 5%, its highest level since July 2002, as concerns over the country’s fiscal outlook and political uncertainty intensified. Global government bonds have faced renewed pressure amid elevated energy prices, rising inflation and shifting interest-rate expectations, while French debt has been hit particularly hard by concerns over the government’s ability to rein in spending ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Paris presented its 2027 budget bill on Thursday, proposing unpopular spending cuts aimed at reducing the budget deficit to 5% of GDP next year. The plan has already come under scrutiny from the country’s fiscal watchdog, which warned that its economic assumptions were “optimistic.” Meanwhile, the spread between French and German 10-year yields widened above 150 bps, the highest since late 2011. Agence France Trésor also announced plans to borrow a record €340 billion next year to finance the deficit and refinance maturing debt.

French 10-Year Bond Yield Briefly Tops 5%

US100 increased to an all-time high of 30873.00 Index Points. Over the past 4 weeks, US 100 Tech Index gained 3.46%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 23.06%.

The US 100 Tech Index Hit All-time High

TSX futures edged higher on Friday as the oil rally stalled, easing concerns over energy-driven inflation and pushing Canadian bond yields lower. Softer-than-expected US payrolls also supported rate-sensitive stocks, amid reduced expectations of a Fed rate hike this month. The US economy added 29,000 jobs in September, well below forecasts of 90,000 and down sharply from 133,000 in August. Elsewhere, gold prices were little changed but remained on track for a second straight weekly decline, keeping pressure on miners. Prime Minister Carney said Canada will fast-track approval of a proposed crude oil export pipeline to the West Coast, a key part of his efforts to diversify the economy away from the US.

TSX Futures Edge Higher

Sterling extended gains above $1.32, recovering from its weakest level in three months as weaker-than-expected US employment data weighed on the dollar. The US economy added just 29,000 jobs in September, well below expectations of 90,000, strengthening expectations that the Federal Reserve may leave rates unchanged in October, while a December move is seen as more likely. Meanwhile, markets are pricing around 30 basis points of Bank of England tightening by year-end and roughly 90 bps by the end of 2027. Several policymakers, including Governor Andrew Bailey, have signaled greater openness to higher rates as rising energy costs increase the risk of inflation remaining above target. Elsewhere, sterling received support from comments by Prime Minister Andy Burnham favoring closer UK-EU ties ahead of a summit expected around November 20, including the possibility of revisiting EU membership after the next general election.

Sterling Rebounds as Weak US Jobs Data Weighs on Dollar

The euro edged up to $1.126 after briefly falling to its lowest level in more than a year, as weaker-than-expected US employment data weighed on the dollar. The US economy added just 29,000 jobs in September, well below expectations of 90,000, raising expectations that the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates unchanged at its upcoming meeting. Meanwhile, stronger-than-expected Eurozone inflation showed annual inflation accelerating to 3.8%, its highest level since September 2023 and well above the ECB’s 2% target, largely due to higher fuel prices. Despite renewed inflationary pressures, the euro remains under pressure as markets expect the ECB to tighten policy more gradually. ECB Executive Board member Isabel Schnabel said the coming months would be important for assessing the impact of the energy shock and determining the appropriate level of interest rates, signaling a cautious approach. The Eurozone’s weak growth outlook could also constrain further tightening.

Euro Rebounds as Weak US Jobs Data Weighs on Dollar

Crude Oil decreased to 88.54 USD/Bbl, the lowest since September 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Crude Oil lost 2.52%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 46.19%.

Crude Oil Hits 4-week Low

Silver rose above $61 an ounce on Friday after weaker-than-expected US employment data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates unchanged at its upcoming meeting. The US economy added just 29,000 jobs in September, well below the 90,000 expected, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.2% and annual wage growth eased to 3.0%, its weakest level since May 2021. The softer labor-market data further reduced expectations of an October rate hike, with money markets pricing in less than a 15% chance of an increase this month, while the probability of a December hike remains above 70%. Expectations had already weakened following comments from Fed officials Philip Jefferson and John Williams, who called for more time to assess whether further rate increases are needed to contain inflatio

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