Major stock markets across the world showed a mixed performance on Thursday, with Asian indices opening cautiously higher while overnight gains on Wall Street and in Europe signaled continued optimism in global markets.
Asia Opens Mostly Higher
Asian markets began the day with modest movements, reflecting a cautious but steady investor sentiment across the region.
- Shanghai Composite Index edged up 3.02 points, or 0.08%, to open at 3,867.20.
- Shenzhen Component Index slipped slightly by 3.92 points, or 0.03%, to 12,903.91.
- Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong opened at 25,945.54, rising 0.07%.
- Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 started the session up 0.20% at 8,624.00.
- Japan’s Nikkei 225 posted a stronger start, surging 309.72 points, or 0.62%, to 49,868.79.
- Singapore’s Straits Times Index opened 0.28% higher at 4,514.14.
- South Korea’s KOSPI gained 0.72% to open at 3,989.45.
Regional sentiment remains supported by easing inflation trends and continued expectations of policy stability among major central banks.
Wall Street Extends Gains
U.S. equities closed higher on Wednesday, powered by optimism over corporate earnings and expectations of continued economic resilience.
- S&P 500 rose 0.69% to finish at 6,812.61.
- Dow Jones Industrial Average added 314.67 points, or 0.67%, closing at 47,427.12.
- Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.82% to settle at 23,214.69.
Broad-based buying across tech and blue-chip stocks lifted the indices, continuing the positive momentum seen earlier in the week.
European Markets Also Advance
Major European indices closed firmly in positive territory, buoyed by encouraging economic data and sustained investor confidence.
- Germany’s DAX rose 1.11% to close at 23,726.22.
- London’s FTSE 100 ended 0.85% higher at 9,691.58.
- France’s CAC 40 gained 0.88%, closing at 8,096.43.
Analysts noted that improving business sentiment and stabilizing commodity prices contributed to the upbeat trading session.
