Global stock markets showed mixed performance on Monday as investors remained focused on economic data and U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy moves, both of which could influence decisions by central banks.
In Europe, France’s CAC 40 saw a slight decline of nearly 0.1%, dropping to 8,171.59, while Germany’s DAX gained 0.4%, reaching 22,560.00. Britain’s FTSE 100 edged up by 0.1%, settling at 8,742.97.
U.S. markets were closed for a holiday.
In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 experienced an initial rise after the Cabinet Office reported a better-than-expected annual economic growth rate of 2.8% for October-December, driven by strong exports and moderate consumption. However, the index quickly retreated before recovering to close nearly unchanged, up less than 0.1% at 39,174.25.
On a quarterly basis, Japan’s economy grew by 0.7%, marking its third consecutive quarter of growth. The country also recorded its fourth straight year of expansion, with a modest 0.1% growth last year in seasonally adjusted real GDP, which measures the total value of a nation’s goods and services.
In other regional markets, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped by 0.2%, settling at 8,537.10. South Korea’s Kospi rose by 0.8%, reaching 2,610.42. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index reversed its earlier gains, falling slightly by less than 0.1% to 22,616.23, while the Shanghai Composite increased by 0.3%, finishing at 3,355.83.
Global markets are closely monitoring the potential impact of tariffs recently announced by President Trump, though analysts believe he may ultimately avoid sparking a severe global trade conflict.
For instance, his latest tariff announcement won’t take full effect for several weeks, allowing time for negotiations between Washington and other countries.
Both the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan aim to maintain inflation at 2%.
In energy markets, U.S. crude oil rose by 28 cents to $71.02 per barrel, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, gained 34 cents, reaching $75.08 per barrel.
In currency markets, the U.S. dollar weakened to 151.90 yen from 152.25 yen, and the euro dropped to $1.0472 from $1.0495.