The Ibovespa edged 0.1% higher to close at 134,739 on Friday, as investors absorbed fresh inflation figures, evolving global trade developments and a batch of underwhelming earnings. Industrial champion WEG and meat producers JBS and BRF led the advance, rising between 2.1% and 4.4%, while mining behemoth Vale slid 2.4% after reporting a 17% year-on-year drop in first-quarter profits. April’s IPCA-15 mid-month gauge rose 5.49% year-on-year—in line with expectations but still elevated—and reinforced bets that Copom will press on with further rate hikes and maintain tight financing conditions. Simultaneously, tentative signs of U.S.–China tariff rollbacks failed to dispel broader uncertainty, keeping many investors sidelined. Despite Friday’s modest gains, the Ibovespa finished the week up 3.9%.

Ibovespa Edges Higher on Friday

The S&P/TSX Composite Index fell 0.3% to close at 24,711 mark on Friday, as heavyweight mining names on the resource-heavy exchange came under pressure amid lingering uncertainty over U.S.–China tariff talks. Bullion-linked stocks led the retreat: Agnico Eagle dipped 0.8% after gold prices pulled back sharply despite the miner nearly doubling first-quarter profits on robust output and lower costs, while Wheaton Precious, Barrick Gold and Franco-Nevada slid between 0.6% and 1.8%. Tech shares proved more resilient—Shopify jumped 2.2%, cushioning the broader downturn. Economically, retail sales fell 0.4% in February, underscoring how higher borrowing costs are straining domestic demand. Traders also wrestled with mixed trade-war cues—reports that China might suspend its 125% tariffs on certain U.S. goods were quickly denied by Beijing even as President Trump asserted talks were ongoing—leaving investors cautious. Despite Friday’s pullback, the TSX posted a 2.1% weekly gain.

TSX Edges Lower as Mining Stocks Drop

US equities closed higher on Friday, marking a fourth straight session of gains, with the S&P 500 up 0.7% and the Nasdaq rising 1.1%, boosted by Alphabet’s strong quarterly results, while the Dow added 20 points. President Trump added to the uncertainty by suggesting tariffs as high as 50% could be a "total victory" a year from now, while Beijing disputed claims of ongoing negotiations—offsetting optimism after China exempted some US goods from steep tariffs. On the corporate front, Alphabet shares rose 1.5% after the company beat earnings estimates, announced its first-ever dividend, and unveiled a $70 billion stock buyback plan, while Tesla soared 9.8%, after DoT unveiled new self-driving car rules. Intel fell 7% on weak guidance and T-Mobile sank 11% on soft subscriber growth. Next week, Amazon, Apple, and Meta—fellow members of the “Magnificent Seven”—are set to report earnings. Wall Street posted solid weekly gains, with the S&P 500 up 4%, the Nasdaq rising 6%, the Dow adding 2%.

US Equities Rise as Alphabet, Tesla Boost Markets

US Stocks three-day rally lost steam on Friday, with the S&P 500 edging up 0.3% and the Nasdaq rising 0.7%, bolstered by Alphabet’s strong quarterly results, while the Dow slipped more than 50 points. President Donald Trump added to the uncertainty by suggesting tariffs as high as 50% could be a "total victory" a year from now, while Beijing disputed claims of ongoing negotiations—offsetting optimism after China exempted some US goods from steep tariffs. On the corporate front, Alphabet shares rose 2% after the company beat earnings estimates, announced its first-ever dividend, and unveiled a $70 billion stock buyback plan, while Intel sank 7% on weak guidance and T-Mobile dropped 8% on soft subscriber growth. Long-term inflation expectations also jumped to the highest level since 1991, adding pressure to an already jittery market. Wall Street’s major indexes were on track for solid weekly gains, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are up 3.8% and 5.4%, respectively. The Dow has climbed 2%.

Alphabet Lifts Nasdaq and S&P 500

The FTSE MIB climbed 1.5% to 37,348 on Friday, notching a fresh three-week high as investors seized on tentative signs of a U.S.–China tariff truce. Reports that China might suspend its 125% duties on select American imports surfaced, although Beijing denied any negotiations were underway. Nonetheless, President Trump’s assurance that talks are “progressing well” fueled optimism. Banking and industrial names led the advance: UniCredit rose 1.7%, Intesa Sanpaolo 2.4%, Assicurazioni Generali 1.3%, Mediobanca surged 6.6% and Prysmian gained 3.3%. Energy heavyweight Eni added 0.5% after reporting an 11% year-on-year drop in Q1 adjusted net income, attributed to softer oil prices and lower output. For the week, the index surged 4.4%.

FTSE MIB Hits 3-Week High

Frankfurt’s DAX gained ground to close about 0.8% higher at 22,242.5 on Friday, its fourth straight session of gains, buoyed by solid corporate results across Europe and renewed hopes for a thaw in U.S.-China trade tensions. Reports that China may remove its 125% tariff on certain U.S. imports, along with President Trump’s more conciliatory tone toward Beijing, have eased concerns over a potentially damaging global trade war. On the corporate front, Aero Engines (+4.6%) led the gains, followed by Brenntag (+4.5%) and Heidelberg Materials (+3.8%), while tech, pharma, and auto stocks also performed well. For the week, the index added about 4.9%.

DAX Rises for 4th Day, Books Weekly Gain

In Frankfurt,  the DAX Index went up by 178 points or 0.81 percent on Friday. Top gainers were MTU Aero Engines AG (4.53%), Brenntag (4.49%) and HeidelbergCement (3.69%). Biggest losses came from Deutsche Telekom (-4.79%), Zalando (-3.47%) and Puma (-1.76%).

The DAX Index Closes 0.81% Higher

European stocks extended their rally into a fourth session on Friday, with the STOXX 50 rising 0.8% and the STOXX 600 adding 0.3%. Traders found some relief from signs of a potential U.S.-China tariff truce, despite denials from China and overtures from the U.S. Reports indicated that China was considering suspending its 125% tariff on certain U.S. imports, while President Trump reiterated that trade talks were progressing well. Both indices recorded a second straight week of gains, up 4.4% and 2.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, the earnings season remained in focus, with shares of Safran climbing 4.2% after the company reported a stronger-than-expected rise in first-quarter revenue and expressed confidence in meeting full-year targets, excluding any potential tariff impact

European Stocks Gain for 4th Day

The UK's FTSE 100 closed marginally up at 8,413 on Friday, its tenth straight session of advances and booking a nearly 1.7% weekly gain. The index was lifted by stronger-than-expected UK retail sales and cautious optimism over easing U.S.-China trade tensions. On the data front, UK retail volumes unexpectedly rose by 0.4% in March, following a revised 0.7% gain in February, against analysts' forecasts of a 0.4% decline. On the business front, the aerospace and defense sector emerged as the top performer, with Melrose Industries surging 3.8%. Companies with heavy exposure to the US also performing well, including building materials group CRH, gambling outfit Entain and pest control giant Rentokil Initial.
Conversely, Unilever and Marks & Spencer were the biggest laggards, each down 2.2%. Precious metals miners Fresnillo, Endeavour and Hochschild fell as gold prices continued to retreat from recent record highs.

UK Stocks Advance for 10th Day, Book Weekly Gain

The CAC 40 rose 0.5% to close at 7,536 on Friday, extending its gains for a fourth consecutive session as positive corporate results and renewed optimism over US–China trade relations bolstered sentiment. Safran jumped 4.3% to a four-week high after posting stronger-than-anticipated Q1 revenues and reaffirming its full-year targets, while Accor shares rallied 6.2% to a near-one-month peak on better-than-expected Q1 revenues. Meanwhile, although Beijing has denied holding tariff negotiations with Washington, President Donald Trump said talks with China are ongoing. Adding to the upbeat tone, reports suggested that China may exempt select American imports from its 125% tariffs, raising hopes of a thaw in trade tensions. For the week, the index gained 3%.

CAC 40 Advances for 4th Straight Session

The S&P/TSX Composite Index hovered below the flatline at the 24,700 mark on Friday, halting a three-day winning streak as pressure from mining giants offset support from the tech, financial and energy sectors. Bullion-linked equities led the decline. Agnico Eagle fell almost 1% as gold prices sharply retreated, despite nearly doubling its first-quarter profit on the back of robust production and lower operating costs. Wheaton Precious, Barrick Gold and Franco-Nevada likewise dropped between 1.3% and 1.9%. On the flip side, Shopify, Brookfield and Suncor added between 0.7% and 1.9%, helping to cushion losses on the Toronto exchange. Meanwhile, traders parsed conflicting trade-war signals with reports that China might suspend its 125% tariff on certain U.S. imports were swiftly rebutted by official denials, even as President Trump said his administration remained in discussions with Beijing. The Toronto exchange was set for a weekly advance of around 2%.

TSX Halts 3-Day Win Streak

In New York,  the Dow Jones Index is losing 220 points. Losses were led by UnitedHealth (-2.45%), Verizon (-2.40%) and Nike (-2.05%). Offsetting the fall, top gainers were Boeing (1.43%), Nvidia (0.56%) and McDonalds (0.44%).

The Dow Jones Index Opens 0.55% Lower

The Ibovespa hovered below the flatline at the 134,580 level on Friday, as investors digested disappointing earnings, the latest inflation data and evolving global trade dynamics. Mining heavyweight Vale slid over 2% after reporting a 17% year-on-year decline in first-quarter profits. Meanwhile, April’s annual mid-month inflation gauge rose to 5.49% in line with consensus but still elevated—and reinforced expectations that Copom will press on with further rate hikes and maintain tight financing conditions. Global uncertainty compounded domestic strains, as Washington and Beijing’s flirtation with tariff rollbacks failed to inspire confidence and kept investors on the sidelines. Although industrial champion WEG and food producers JBS and BRF gained between 1.8% and 3.2%, these pockets of strength were overshadowed by disappointing corporate results, persistent core inflation and trade-war jitters. Still the Ibovespa was poised for a weekly gain of over 3.5%.

Ibovespa Struggles for Direction

The three major averages in the US swung between small gains and losses on Friday, after gaining in the previous three sessions, as traders weigh confusing signals on trade developments and a fresh batch of corporate earnings. There were reports that China was considering suspending its 125% tariff on certain US imports, but Chinese authorities stated that no tariff negotiations were underway. Meanwhile, President Trump said his administration was in discussions with Beijing. Communication services was by far the top performer while energy, materials and health booked the biggest losses. On the corporate front, Intel shares tumbled more than 7% after issuing a weaker-than-expected outlook. T-Mobile also fell over 8% after reporting lower-than-anticipated postpaid phone subscriber growth. On the upside, Alphabet gained around 3% after delivering earnings that beat estimates. Considering the full week, the S&P 500 is up 3.8%, the Nasdaq gained 5.4% and the Dow added 2% so far.

US Stocks Waver but Remain on Track for Weekly Gain

US stock futures turned lower on Friday, with contracts on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 down 0.3%, while Dow Jones futures slipped nearly 180 points, halting a three-day winning streak. The decline came amid mixed and confusing signals on trade developments and as investors weighed a fresh batch of corporate earnings. There were reports that China was considering suspending its 125% tariff on certain US imports, but Chinese authorities stated that no tariff negotiations were underway. Meanwhile, President Trump said his administration was in discussions with Beijing. On the corporate front, Intel shares tumbled more than 7% in premarket trading after issuing a weaker-than-expected outlook. T-Mobile also fell over 5% after reporting lower-than-anticipated postpaid phone subscriber growth. On the upside, Alphabet gained around 4% after delivering earnings that beat estimates. Considering the full week, the S&P 500 is up 3.8%, the Nasdaq gained 5.4% and the Dow added 2% so far.

US Futures Point to Lower Open

India's BSE Sensex closed about 0.7% down at 79,212.5 on Friday, extending yesterday's losses, amid broad-based sectoral losses.  Investor sentiment continued to be dampened by the continued uncertainty over India-Pakistan relations after recent terror attacks in Kashmir, despite positive global signals fueled by optimism over easing U.S.-China trade tensions. Still, the index notched its second straight weekly gain, rising about 0.8%.

Indian Stocks Fall for 2nd Day, Still Post Weekly Gain

In Mumbai,  the SENSEX Index decreased 589 points or 0.74 percent on Friday. Losses were driven by Eternal Limited (-3.78%), Axis Bank (-3.60%) and Bajaj Finserv (-3.50%). Biggest rises came from Tata Consultancy (0.82%), Tech Mahindra (0.54%) and Infosys (0.48%).

The SENSEX Index Closes 0.74% Lower

The Hang Seng rose 71 points or 0.3% to close at 21,981 on Friday, recovering from the previous session’s declines following a strong rally on Wall Street Thursday. Sentiment also improved after PBoC Governor Pan Gongsheng reaffirmed the central bank’s commitment to an “appropriately loose” monetary policy to support China's economy. Reports that Beijing may exempt some U.S. goods from its 125% tariffs also lifted the mood, as China weighs the economic toll of the trade war. For the week, the index added 2.7%, its second straight weekly gain, fueled by optimism over Beijing’s move to reduce the negative list for foreign investment from 117 to 106 sectors. Gains were broad-based, with tech, consumer, and property stocks leading the rises on hopes for more stimulus ahead of the Politburo meeting. Baidu surged 2.3% after launching its Ernie 4.5 Turbo AI model. Other standout performers included Smoore Intl. (5.8%), Lenovo Group (3.4%), J&T Global Express (3.5%), and Swire Pacific (2.3%).

Hang Seng Rises 2.7% This Week

The UK's FTSE 100 traded slightly higher around 8,420 on Friday, on track for the tenth consecutive session of advances, with investor focus split between hopes for reduced U.S.-China trade friction and the latest batch of earnings reports. Rumors that China may suspend its 125% retaliatory tariffs on select U.S. imports raised hopes of a potential deal, following earlier U.S. signals that tariffs could be significantly reduced. On the corporate front, WPP reported a slowdown in business for the first quarter of 2025, although results came in line with expectations and full-year guidance was reiterated.

UK Stocks Cautiously Higher

The CAC 40 rose 0.5% to 7,539 on Friday, extending its gains for a fourth consecutive session, fueled by optimism over US-China trade relations and strong corporate earnings. US President Donald Trump stated that trade negotiations with China are ongoing, contradicting earlier claims from Beijing that no talks were taking place. Adding to the positive sentiment, reports emerged suggesting that China is considering exemptions for select American imports from its steep 125% tariffs, raising hopes of a potential thaw in trade tensions between the two economic giants. On the earnings front, Safran surged 5.2% to a four-week high after posting stronger-than-anticipated Q1 revenues and reaffirming its full-year targets. Accor followed with a 4.5% jump in its shares, reaching a near one-month high after reporting Q1 revenues that exceeded expectations. For the week, the index is on track for significant weekly gains.

French Stocks on 4-Day Winning Streak

Frankfurt's DAX edged higher on Friday, trading above the 22,100 level, marking the fourth consecutive session of increases and on track for a weekly gain of nearly 4.5%. Market sentiment was driven by hopes of tariff relief following reports that China was considering suspending its 125% tariff on certain US imports, thus alleviating fears of a harmful global trade war. Meanwhile, attention remained on the earnings season.

DAX Advances for 4th Day

The FTSE MIB rose to around 37,077 in early trading on Friday, hitting a fresh three-week high and moving in line with most regional peers, lifted by renewed hopes of easing US-China trade tensions. Reports indicated that China is considering halting tariffs on certain US imports and has urged businesses to identify products eligible for exemption from its 125% tariffs. This followed President Trump’s confirmation that trade talks with China are ongoing. On the corporate front, Eni climbed more than 2% despite reporting an 11% annual decline in Q1 adjusted net income attributable to shareholders, amid weaker oil prices and lower oil and gas output. Other key stocks also posted strong gains, including UniCredit (+1%), STMicroelectronics (+5.3%), Mediobanca (+2.3%), and Prysmian (+1.4%). For the week, the index is on track for an advance of around 3%.

Italian Stocks Rise to 3-Week High

The STOXX 50 rose 0.7% and the STOXX 600 gained 0.4% on Friday, marking a fourth consecutive session of gains. Both indexes were on track to end the week up approximately 3.7% and 2.4%, respectively. Investor sentiment was buoyed by easing trade tensions and a more conciliatory tone from the White House. On Thursday, President Trump stated that his administration was in discussions with China, while Bloomberg reported today that Beijing is considering suspending its 125% tariff on certain US imports, citing sources familiar with the matter. Travel and auto stocks were among the top performers. Meanwhile, earnings season continues, with shares of Safran climbing 3.6% after the company reported a stronger-than-expected rise in first-quarter revenue and expressed confidence in meeting full-year targets, excluding any potential tariff impact.

European Stocks Extend Gains

In Paris,  the CAC 40 Index is up by 42 points or 0.57 percent on Friday. Top gainers are Accor (4.62%), Safran (4.26%) and Saint-Gobain (3.15%). Biggest losses came from Thales (-2.57%), Orange (-1.38%) and Cap Gemini (-1.09%).

The CAC 40 Index Opens 0.57% Higher

The Shanghai Composite shed 0.07% to close at 3,295 while the Shenzhen Component rose 0.39% to 9,917 in mixed trade on Friday, although both benchmarks ended the week with gains as hopes for a potential thaw in US-China trade tensions lifted investor sentiment. Those moves followed comments from US President Donald Trump who insisted that trade negotiations with China are ongoing, contradicting Beijing’s assertion that no talks are currently taking place. China is also reportedly considering waiving its 125% tariff on certain US goods, raising hopes of further de-escalation in the trade war. Additionally, People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng said that the central bank will maintain an “appropriately loose” monetary policy to support, warning against the global repercussions of tariffs. Top gainers included Talkweb Information and Satellite Chemical, both up 10%, and Eoptolink Technology, which gained 5.3%.

China Stocks End Week Higher on Tariff Relief

SAALL increased to an all-time high of 90878.00 Index Points. Over the past 4 weeks, South Africa Stock Market Index (Composite) gained 0.89%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 20.38%.

Stocks in South Africa Hit All-time High

In Tokyo,  the Nikkei 225 Index gained 676 points or 1.93 percent on Friday. Gains were led by Fujikura (8.58%), Sky Perfect JSAT (7.01%) and JTEKT (6.83%).

The Nikkei 225 Index Closes 1.93% Higher

India's equities plunged 879 points, or 1.1%, to 78,931 in early deals on Friday, extending losses from the previous session, with declines across nearly all sectors. Traders awaited Q4 earnings results from heavyweight companies reporting after market hours today, including L&T Tech, Axis Bank, and Tech Mahindra. Other major firms, such as Maruti Suzuki, Tata Technologies, and Reliance Industries, are also set to announce their results. Escalating geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan following a terror attack in Pahalgam continued to weigh on market sentiment. Still, the BSE Sensex is on track for its second consecutive weekly gain, up around 0.5% so far, buoyed by optimism over potential progress in US-China negotiations. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 slumped 1.2% to fall below 24,000, with notable losses from Axis Bank (-4.6%), Adani Ports (-3.6%), Bajaj Finserv (-2.9%), State Bank of India (-2.9%), and Power Grid (-2.7%).

India Stocks Fall, But Head for 2nd Weekly Gains

European equity markets were poised for a higher open on Friday, buoyed by signs of easing global trade tensions that lifted investor sentiment. US President Donald Trump stated that negotiations with China are ongoing, while talks with Japan and South Korea also appeared to be progressing. Reports that Beijing may reduce its 125% tariff on select US goods added to the optimism. Investors will also be watching fresh economic data, including UK retail sales and French business confidence figures, for further market cues. On the corporate front, earnings reports are expected from AON, LyondellBasell Industries, and Bankinter, among others. In premarket trade, Euro Stoxx 50 futures rose 0.6%, while Stoxx 600 futures were up 0.4%.

European Stocks Set to Open Higher on Trade Hopes

Shares in Hong Kong jumped 205 points or 0.9% to 22,113 in Friday morning trade, rebounding from the prior session’s losses. The rally followed gains on Wall Street overnight amid bets that the US Fed could cut rates sooner than anticipated to avoid a potential recession. Adding to positive sentiment, PBoC Governor Pan Gongsheng reiterated at the G20 meeting in Washington that China will maintain a moderately loose monetary policy to support its economy. For the week, the Hang Seng is on track for a gain of over 3%, potentially marking its second straight weekly rise, boosted by reports that China has started issuing special bonds to buffer against growing trade tensions. Beijing also moved to cut a negative list for foreign investment from 117 to 106 sectors, signaling efforts to further open up its market. Gains were broad-based, led by property, consumer, and tech. Top movers included Lenovo Group (3.5%), KE Hlds. (4.1%), China Resources Land (2.4%), and China Overseas Land (2.1%).

Hong Kong Stocks Set to Log Robust Weekly Gains

The Shanghai Composite rose 0.1% to around 3,300 while the Shenzhen Component gained 0.2% to 9,898 on Friday, recouping losses from the previous session as hopes for a potential thaw in US-China trade tensions lifted investor sentiment. The gains followed comments from US President Donald Trump late Thursday, insisting that trade negotiations with China are ongoing, contradicting Beijing’s assertion that no talks are currently taking place. A White House official also confirmed that lower-level in-person meetings and a phone call between US and Chinese representatives had occurred this week. Investor optimism was reflected in strong performances from several major stocks, including Satellite Chemical (+8.3%), Merit Interactive (+9.9%), and Tianbao Infrastructure (+9.6%). For the week, the Shanghai and Shenzhen indexes are up approximately 0.7% and 1.4%, respectively.

China Stocks Edge Higher on Trade Optimism

The benchmark KOSPI climbed 1.1% to around 2,549 points on Friday, hitting its highest level in one month and on track to post its second consecutive weekly gain. The index followed Wall Street’s tech-driven rally as easing US tariff rhetoric boosted investor confidence, with hopes rising for a near-term reduction in China tariffs. Adding to the momentum, South Korea and the US agreed to pursue a July tariff-relief package, with talks focused on autos, shipbuilding, energy, and currency policy before reciprocal tariffs resume. Among index heavyweights, chip giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix increased 1.1% and 2.9%, respectively. In the shipbuilding sector, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries jumped over 7% to a record high, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering gained 5%, nearing a 13-year peak, while Hanwha Ocean, which operates a shipyard in Philadelphia, advanced more than 6%, reaching its highest level since early March. Gains extended to financials, battery, and automakers.

South Korean Shares Hit One-Month High

The Nikkei 225 surged 1.6% to above 35,600, while the broader Topix Index gained 1.3% to 2,626 on Friday, with Japanese shares rising for the third straight session following a tech-led rally on Wall Street overnight. Investors also continued to monitor trade developments after President Trump claimed tariff talks with China were ongoing, despite Beijing’s denial of any current negotiations. Meanwhile, fresh data showed Tokyo’s core inflation jumped to a two-year high of 3.4% in April, complicating the Bank of Japan’s efforts to navigate rising prices alongside mounting pressure from U.S. tariffs. Technology stocks led the advance, with notable gains from Disco (2.4%), Tokyo Electron (3.8%), and Advantest (3.7%). Index heavyweights such as Nintendo (2.2%), Nidec (12%), and Fujitsu (5.6%) also posted strong performances. Both the Nikkei and Topix are on pace to close the week higher, up 2.5% and 2.7%, respectively.

Japanese Shares Track Wall Street Higher

US stock futures climbed on Friday as robust quarterly earnings from Alphabet ignited a rally in tech shares. In extended trading, Alphabet surged 5% after reporting better-than-expected earnings and revenue for the first quarter, with its search and advertising businesses still posting solid growth despite growing AI competition. The upbeat results lifted other mega-cap tech names as well, including Nvidia (1.1%), Tesla (1.4%), Meta (4%), and Amazon (1.8%). In Thursday’s regular session, the major US indices posted strong gains for a third consecutive day: the Dow advanced 1.23%, the S&P 500 rose 2.03%, and the Nasdaq Composite jumped 2.74%. Investor sentiment was supported by hopes of a potential Federal Reserve rate cut, after Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack indicated that a move could come as early as June if economic data warrants it. Meanwhile, markets continued to digest mixed signals from the Trump administration regarding tariffs and trade negotiations with China.

US Futures Rise on Upbeat Tech Earnings

The NZX 50 rose 61 points, or 0.5%, to 12,018 in Friday morning trade, extending gains for a second straight session following a rally on Wall Street. The advance came amid growing bets that the US Fed could cut interest rates sooner than expected to stave off a potential recession. However, the index is on track for a weekly loss of around 0.8%, reversing gains from the prior week. Concerns over the global economic outlook have weighed down sentiment after the IMF trimmed its 2025 growth forecasts for both the U.S. and the global economy, citing tariffs as a major drag.

NZX 50 Rises Further but Heads for Weekly Decline

In New York,  the Dow Jones Index went up by 487 points or 1.23 percent on Thursday. Top gainers were Salesforce (5.43%), Caterpillar (3.60%) and Nvidia (3.55%).

The Dow Jones Index Closes 1.23% Higher

The Ibovespa rose around 1.8% to above the 134,580 level on Thursday, to record four straight days of gains to hit a seven-month high—as a stronger Wall Street close and easing U.S.–China trade fears bolstered global risk appetite. Fresh indications from White House officials that President Trump remains open to negotiating a deal with Beijing, rather than waging a sustained tariff war, underpinned commodities and financials. Mining leader Vale jumped 1.5% ahead of its Q1 earnings, while WEG, Banco Santander Brasil, Eletrobras, Sabesp and Itaúsa each climbed between 2.1% and 4.8%.

Ibovespa Hits 7-Month High

The S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 1% to close at 24,728 on Thursday, its third consecutive session of gains—as investors assessed the Canadian corporate outlook amid looming U.S. trade restrictions and drew confidence from a strong Wall Street performance. President Trump’s assurance that Chinese tariffs would not remain at their 145% peak, tempered by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s reminder that formal talks have yet to begin and Beijing’s insistence on full tariff rollbacks before dialogue, fostered a cautiously positive risk tone. On the domestic front, Cargojet led the advance with a 15.3% surge after reporting robust quarterly results, while technology leaders Shopify, Constellation Software, Celestica and Open Text each added between 2.5% and 4.3%, underscoring investors’ appetite for growth-oriented sectors.

TSX Advances for 3rd Consecutive Session

US stocks rallied on Thursday, poised for a third straight day of gains, led by megacap tech as investors weighed mixed signals mixed signals from the Trump administration on tariffs and trade negotiations with China. The S&P 500 rose 1.8%, the Nasdaq 100 jumped 2.4%, and the Dow added 300 points. Also, optimism grew on expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut, after Cleveland Fed President Hammack signaled a potential move in June if economic data justifies it. However, conflicting messages on trade policy kept markets cautious—President Trump suggested easing tariffs while Chinese officials denied any ongoing negotiations and demanded the removal of all unilateral tariffs. Nvidia, Meta, Amazon, Tesla, and Microsoft shares each traded 2% higher. Meanwhile, investors braced for upcoming earnings from Alphabet and Intel, looking for signs of how the trade war might affect major corporations. IBM slumped 7% after missing results, while P&G dropped by 4% after lowering its guidance.

US Stocks Set for Third Straight Gain as Tech Leads

Frankfurt's DAX reversed early losses to close about 0.5% up at 22,069 on Thursday, marking the third session of advances, in line with its European and US peers. Investors continued to monitor Sino-US trade developments while also assessing fresh corporate results. Adidas gained 2.5% after delivering better-than-expected sales and profit for the first quarter. Infineon Technologies, Siemens AG and Siemens Energy were among the top performers. Meanwhile, the German government cut its 2025 growth forecast, now projecting stagnation instead of a 0.3% expansion, citing ongoing global uncertainty driven by trade tensions.

DAX Rebounds and Sees Slight Gain

European stocks erased early losses and closed higher on Thursday to record three straight days of gains, benefitting from a positive session in Wall Street as investors continued to assess the European corporate outlook amid potential trade restrictions by the US. The Eurozone's STOXX 5o added 0.3% to close at 5,115 and the pan-European STOXX advanced 0.5% to close at 519. Rhetoric from White House officials continued to suggest that President Trump is more open to striking a trade deal with China and avoiding a full-blown trade war with China, adding some traction for risk-on assets across the globe. Selected stocks in the chip sector advanced sharply, with ASML and Infineon jumping 2% and 8%, respectively. Chemicals and energy producers also gained, with Eni and Air Liquide both adding more than 2%. In turn, Adidas gained 2.5% after the company said profits were stronger than expected in Q1.

European Stocks Gain for 3rd Session

In Milan,  the FTSE MIB Index went up by 351 points or 0.96 percent on Thursday. Top gainers were STMicroelectronics (5.57%), Saipem (4.17%) and Prysmian (3.40%). Biggest losses came from Finecobank (-0.95%), Moncler (-0.94%) and UniCredit (-0.63%).

The FTSE MIB Index Closes 0.96% Higher

The UK's FTSE 100 pared early losses to close marginally higher at 8,407 on Thursday, as traders weighed lingering trade uncertainty and mixed corporate earnings. Sentiment remained cautious amid the Trump administration’s inconsistent tariff signals. On the corporate front, Weir Group (+4.5%) and wealth manager St James's Place (+2.2%) were among the top performers following upbeat trading updates. Miners Anglo American and Fresnillo, US-focused Ashtead, and chemicals group Croda International also posted strong gains. In contrast, banking heavyweights NatWest and Barclays came under pressure, falling 1.6% and 1.4%, respectively.Legal & General and Hiscox also declined after going ex-dividend, while Bunzl retreated as investors continued to assess potential tariff impacts on the distribution sector.

UK Stocks End on Cautious Note

The CAC 40 rebounded from early losses to close 0.3% higher at 7,503 on Thursday, marking a third consecutive session of gains as investors digested a flurry of corporate earnings while contending with persistent U.S.–China trade uncertainty. Luxury heavyweights LVMH, Hermès, and L'Oréal led the rally with gains between 1.2% and 1.7%, joined by standout performances from STMicroelectronics (+5.3%), Renault (+4.4%), Bureau Veritas (+3.8%), Stellantis (+2.3%), and Air Liquide (+2.2%). However, the broader earnings picture was mixed. Dassault Systèmes sank 5.1% to a two-week low after posting weaker-than-expected Q1 revenue growth, while Thales fell 3.8% on a sharper-than-forecast decline in quarterly orders. BNP Paribas also retreated 2.2%, despite strong investment banking revenue, as its Q1 net profit met expectations for a decline. Adding to the cautious mood, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that a swift resolution to the U.S.–China trade dispute remains unlikely.

CAC 40 Rises for 3rd Straight Session

The Ibovespa rose around 0.5% to above the 132,600 level on Thursday, extending its winning streak to a fourth session as investors rotated into commodity-linked names after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent conceded that U.S.–China trade talks remain at an impasse and Beijing reiterated that only tariff rollbacks can reopen negotiations. Leading the charge, mining heavyweight Vale jumped over 1% ahead of its Q1 earnings release, while WEG, Banco Santander Brasil, Eletrobras, Companhia Sanea, and Itaúsa each gained between 0.9% and 1.3%.

Ibovespa Advances for 4th Session

WIG increased to an all-time high of 99709.00 Index Points. Over the past 4 weeks, Warsaw Stock Exchange WIG Total Return Index gained 0.17%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 19.3%.

Stocks in Poland Hit All-time High

The S&P/TSX Composite Index rose about 0.2% to above the 24,500 mark on Thursday, as investors aimed for a third straight session of gains while digesting the outlook for U.S. trade flows and the administration’s evolving tariff stance. Equities found support after President Trump signaled that tariffs on Chinese imports would not linger at the 145% level indefinitely, although Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned that formal negotiations have yet to commence—and Beijing has insisted it will hold off on talks until U.S. levies are rolled back, tempering hopes for an imminent breakthrough. On the corporate front, Cargojet led the advance with an 8% surge following robust quarterly results, while the technology and energy sectors outperformed as shares of Shopify, Constellation Software, Suncor, Imperial Oil, Cenovus and Celestica each rose between 0.7% and 4.4%.

TSX Poised for a 3-Day Win Streak

IGPA increased to an all-time high of 39713.00 Index Points. Over the past 4 weeks, Santiago Stock Exchange IGPA Index gained 3.67%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 22.77%.

Stocks in Chile Hit All-time High

US stocks hovered close to the flatline on Thursday after a volatile week, as markets continued to assess the outlook for US trade flows and how it may impact corporate returns. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 slightly higher, while the Dow was 150 points lower. Equities were supported this week by President Trump's remarks that tariffs against China would not remain at the 145% level in the longer term. Still, Treasury Secretary Bessent noted that talks with China have not yet started, and Beijing claimed it will not dialogue before tariffs by the US are lowered, raising skepticism on a resolution. IBM slumped 7% after missing results, while P&G dropped by 4% after lowering its guidance and Merck lost 1.5% after trimming its outlook on the impact of tariffs. In turn, Alphabet was higher ahead of its report after the close. The latest hard data was mixed, as core sections of factory shipments missed the consensus in March, but outstanding jobless claims tested their lowest this year.

US Stocks Waver After Volatile Week

Futures attached to the open of US equity markets reflected a muted open on Thursday, holding most of the gains from the week as markets continued to assess the outlook of US trade flows and how they may impact growth this year. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures were flat, while the Dow was set to open 100 points lower. Equities were supported this week by President Trump's remarks that tariffs against China would not remain at the 145% level in the longer term. Still, Treasury Secretary Bessent noted that talks have not yet started, and Beijing denied talks before tariffs by the US are lowered, raising skepticism on a resolution. IBM futures slumped 7% after missing results, while P&G dropped by 1% after lowering its guidance and Merck was 1% higher despite trimming its outlook on the impact of tariffs. Still, hard data continue to reflect as strong US economy. Durable goods orders soared in March, and outstanding jobless claims tested their lowest this year.

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