The stock market presented a mixed picture on Thursday, with world shares showing varied results as Wall Street steadied after recent economic data eased some concerns. U.S. futures edged slightly lower, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average contracts down by small margins. In Europe, Germany’s DAX dipped 0.2%, while the CAC 40 in Paris remained nearly unchanged.
Britain’s FTSE 100, however, surged 0.6%. Asian markets mostly declined, with caution resurfacing over potential trade friction once President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index dropped 0.9% after the country reported strong wage growth for November, which could influence the central bank’s decision to raise interest rates.
The dollar also slipped against the Japanese yen. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index edged 0.2% lower, and the Shanghai Composite index lost 0.6%. China reported a 0.1% rise in the consumer price index for December year-over-year, while producer prices dropped 2.3%, indicating sluggish demand in the world’s second-largest economy.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 gave up 0.2%, while South Korea’s Kospi edged up less than 0.1% despite gains in technology and automotive sectors.
Wall Street steadies amid mixed global trends
Taiwan’s Taiex fell 1.4%, and India’s Sensex was down 0.7%.
The SET in Bangkok slipped 1.8%. Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management commented on the unpredictable trading landscape shaped by Trump’s presidency, noting that initial enthusiasm for tax cuts is now overshadowed by concerns over proposed tariffs and geopolitical aspirations. On Wednesday, Wall Street remained steady after a turbulent day that stirred worries about inflation and interest rates staying higher than anticipated.
The S&P 500 rose 0.2%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite dipped slightly by 0.1%. The Russell 2000 index fell 0.5%. The bond market moved within a narrow range, with the yield on the two-year Treasury dropping to 4.27% from 4.29% and the yield on the 10-year Treasury easing to 4.67% from 4.69%.
Recent economic reports added hope for potential cuts to short-term interest rates, which could boost stock prices. A report on Wednesday showed that U.S. private sector hiring in December slowed more than expected. The comprehensive Labor Department jobs report, due Friday, is anticipated to show moderate strength without deterring the Fed from rate cuts.
