Shares were mixed globally on Thursday following a rebound on Wall Street, spurred by a report showing lower-than-expected increases in U.S. consumer prices last month. However, investors remain cautious as they watch for the next developments in ongoing trade wars. Germany’s DAX slipped 0.2% to 22,637.98, while France’s CAC 40 rose 0.4% to 7,992.91.
Britain’s FTSE 100 also gained 0.4%, closing at 8,574.35. In the U.S., futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average showed slight declines, losing 0.2% and 0.1% respectively. Asian markets experienced broad declines, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dropping 0.6% to 23,462.65 and the Shanghai Composite index falling 0.4% to 3,358.73.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed 0.1% lower at 37,790.03 after an initial rise. South Korea’s Kospi edged down 0.1% to 2,573.64, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 decreased by 0.5% to 7,749.10.
Stocks mixed as investors weigh trade
Taiwan’s Taiex and India’s Sensex also saw losses, with the former shedding 1.4% and the latter dipping 0.1%. Conversely, Bangkok’s SET index rose 0.1%. On Wednesday, the S&P 500 gained 0.5%, a day after hitting its all-time high.
The Dow industrials fell 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.2%. Stocks in the technology sector particularly saw gains, recovering from previous losses. Super Micro Computer rose 4%, and server-maker GE Vernova also made notable advances.
Traders remain focused on the implications of U.S. inflation data and are eagerly awaiting updates on wholesale prices set to be released. This cautious optimism is tempered by the uncertainties of trade negotiations and the global economic impact of the trade wars. As markets continue to react to geopolitical developments, investors are closely monitoring both corporate performance and macroeconomic indicators to navigate the uncertain landscape.
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