Frankfurt's DAX dipped 0.7% to trade below the 22,000 mark on Thursday, following yesterday's solid gains, in line with most of its regional peers. Investors turned cautious amid mixed signals from the US administration and lingering Sino-US trade tensions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that any tariff relief would hinge on Beijing’s cooperation, not unilateral action. Meanwhile, traders kept an eye on a fresh batch of corporate earnings.

DAX on Negative Note

The CAC 40 fell 0.8% to 7,422 on Thursday, erasing gains from the previous session, as investors weighed a new wave of earnings reports while also grappling with lingering trade uncertainty. Dassault Systèmes led losses, plunging nearly 9% to a two-week low after reporting a weaker-than-expected Q1 2025 revenue growth. Kering followed with a 5.8% slump after the luxury group posted a sharper-than-expected drop in Q1 sales. Moreover, Thales shares sank 4.7% following a steeper-than-anticipated decline in Q1 orders. In addition, BNP Paribas dropped 3.1% after reporting a fall in Q1 net profit, despite strong operating performance and higher revenue from its investment banking division. Meanwhile, market sentiment was further dampened after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a quick resolution to trade tensions with China is unlikely, emphasizing that US President Donald Trump has made no offer to lift tariffs unilaterally.

French Stocks Fall on Weak Earnings, Trade Jitters

The FTSE MIB rose to around 36,654 in early Thursday trading, hitting a nearly three-week high and outperforming most regional peers. A fresh batch of corporate earnings influenced sentiment. Saipem reported a 31% rise in Q1 core earnings, boosted by offshore engineering and construction, lifting its shares nearly 2%. Eni’s stock also gained about 2% after it posted a smaller-than-expected 11% year-on-year drop in Q1 adjusted net profit. On the downside, Moncler (-1.9%), Stellantis (-1%), and Iveco Group (-2.1%) were among the top laggards. Meanwhile, investors continued to monitor trade developments after the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent voiced doubts over a quick resolution to the US-China trade standoff, stressing President Trump has not proposed lifting tariffs without reciprocal action.

Italian Shares Extend Gains

The STOXX 50 slipped 0.4% and the STOXX 600 fell 0.3% on Thursday, ending two days of gains, as lingering trade uncertainty and mixed signals weighed on sentiment. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cast doubt on a swift resolution to the trade standoff with China, noting that President Trump has not offered to remove tariffs unilaterally. Meanwhile, China’s Commerce Ministry urged the US to show sincerity if it wants to resume talks. Earlier this week, markets had found some relief on hopes of de-escalation. On the corporate front, investors digested a fresh batch of earnings. Shares of Kering dropped over 4% after the luxury group reported weaker-than-expected Q1 sales and flagged ongoing headwinds. BNP Paribas also fell 2.7% after reporting a predictable decline in first-quarter net profit.

European Markets Lower Amid Lingering Trade Concerns

Chinese stocks were mixed on Thursday, with the Shanghai Composite edging up just 0.03% to 3,297 while the Shenzhen Component slipped 0.58% to 9,687, as trade-related uncertainty continued to weigh on sentiment. While investor optimism briefly lifted after U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a softer stance on China and Beijing expressed conditional openness to renewed trade talks, the rally quickly lost steam. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent poured cold water on hopes for a swift breakthrough, clarifying that no unilateral tariff cuts have been proposed and that formal negotiations have not yet begun. The cautious mood was reflected in losses among major stocks, including BYD Company (-1.8%), Lakala Payment (-11.9%), Eoptolink Technology (-1.1%), CNPC Capital (-5.2%), and Luxshare Precision (-2.4%).

China Stocks Struggle as Trade Worries Linger

The Nikkei 225 Index rose 0.49% to close at 35,039 while the broader Topix Index gained 0.32% to 2,593 on Thursday, with Japanese shares rising for the second straight session and tracking Wall Street higher. The rally followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who signaled a softer stance on Chinese tariffs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that the U.S. and China have a chance to reach a “big deal” on trade. Meanwhile, the U.S. reportedly informed Japan’s trade delegation that Tokyo would not receive special treatment under Washington’s current tariff regime, despite Japan’s calls for a policy review. On the monetary policy front, the Bank of Japan is widely expected to hold its benchmark rate steady at 0.5% in its meeting next week. Tech and consumer stocks led the gains, with notable advances from Tokyo Electron (+3.7%), Advantest (+3.2%), SoftBank Group (+3.2%), Nintendo (+5.6%), and Toyota Motor (+2.9%).

Japanese Shares Gain on Global Trade Optimism

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index rose 0.5% to close at 12,018 on Thursday, marking its second straight session of gains. The index tracked back-to-back rallies on Wall Street, amid hopes for some cooling in the U.S.-China trade war, while President Donald Trump pledge not to remove Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. Locally, sentiment was further boosted by positive economic data. The ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Survey showed consumer confidence rose to a four-month high in April (98.3 vs 93.2 in March), shoring up the upward trend that was starting to look wobbly. Utility stocks were among the top performers, with gains led by Meridian Energy (2.5%), Mercury NZ (1.8%), and Manawa Energy (5.1%). Transport and logistics shares also advanced, including Mainfreight (3.5%), Port of Tauranga (1.8%), and Freightways (0.3%).

New Zealand Stocks Gain for 2nd Session

European equity markets were set for a muted open on Thursday, with futures on the Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 hovering near the flatline, as momentum from the recent rally stalled. Investors remain cautious as hopes for a U.S.-China trade breakthrough were tempered by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who clarified that President Trump has not proposed any unilateral tariff reductions and that formal negotiations have yet to begin. In Europe, focus turns to fresh economic data, including Eurozone new car registrations and French consumer confidence. Meanwhile, the earnings season continues, with results expected from major firms such as BNP Paribas, Dassault Systèmes, Eni, Sanofi, and Unilever.

European Markets Poised for Quiet Open

Equity markets in India dropped 187 points, or 0.2%, to 79,950 during Thursday’s morning session, halting a seven-session winning streak. The decline was weighed down by losses in the realty, financial services, and auto sectors, as traders engaged in profit-taking after the Sensex closed above the 80,000 mark for the first time since December. A rally on Wall Street overnight—driven by hopes of easing trade tensions between the US and China, along with dovish commentary from the minutes of the RBI’s April meeting, where it cut rates by 35 basis points—helped cap the losses. 
Market participants remained cautious ahead of key Q4 earnings reports, including results from Tech Mahindra, Axis Bank, L&T Tech, and SBI Life Insurance, due later today. The Nifty 50 also fell 0.2% to below 24,300, with notable declines in Mahindra & Mahindra (-1.0%), Bharti Airtel (-1.0%), ICICI Bank (-0.8%), and HCL Tech (-0.5%).

India Stocks Snap 7-Sessions of Gains

Hong Kong stocks fell 128 points or 0.6% to 21,940 in early Thursday trade, snapping gains in the previous three sessions as investors took profits after the Hang Seng touched a three-week high. US futures also dipped slightly after Wall Street overnight logged strong advances for the second straight day, supported by softer rhetoric from the White House on China tariffs and assurances that President Trump won’t seek to remove Fed Chair Powell. Losses were seen across property, consumer, and tech sectors, while financials traded flat as investors awaited the April Politburo meeting for policy clarity amid ongoing US-China tensions. However, declines were limited by steady inflation data, with Hong Kong’s annual rate holding at 1.4% in March. In other news, Trump is considering reducing tariffs on auto parts ahead of a May 3 deadline, according to the Financial Times. Early losers included Meituan (-3.7%), Horizon Robotics (-7.7%), Sinopharm Group (-2.7%), and Kuaishou Tech (-2.1%).

Equities in Hong Kong End 3-Session of Winning Streak

Chinese equities posted modest gains on Thursday, with the Shanghai Composite rising 0.2% to above 3,300 and the Shenzhen Component adding 0.1% to 9,947, as investors cautiously welcomed signs of potential progress in U.S.-China trade relations. Market sentiment improved after U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to soften his stance on China, while Beijing signaled openness to renewed trade talks—on the condition that Washington refrains from further threats. However, optimism was tempered by comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who clarified that Trump has not proposed any unilateral tariff cuts and that formal negotiations have yet to begin. Leading gains were heavyweight stocks such as Hyunion Holding (+10%), Hongbaoli Group (+4.5%), Qingdao Kingking (+3.1%), Ningbo Shuanglin (+2.8%), and Zhejiang Wanfeng (+3.2%).

China Stocks Edge Higher on Trade Deal Hopes

The benchmark KOSPI fell 0.2% to around 2,521 points on Thursday, reversing a strong 1.6% gain to a near one-month high in the previous session, after advance estimates showed an unexpected contraction in Q1 GDP. The economy shrank 0.2% quarter-on-quarter in Q1 2025, defying expectations of a 0.1% expansion, while annual GDP fell 0.1%, weaker than forecasts of a 0.2% growth. This comes amid heightened domestic political uncertainty and the impact of US tariffs. Meanwhile, South Korea and the US were set to hold their first “2+2” trade dialogue in Washington, raising hopes for potential tariff relief. In corporate news, SK Hynix’s Q1 profit more than doubled to 7.4 trillion won, driven by strong AI chip sales, while quarterly revenue rose 42% to 17.6 trillion won. Despite this, the chip giant dropped 0.7%, while its rival Samsung Electronics fell 0.4%. Conversely, shipbuilders and defense stocks advanced after US Treasury Secretary Bessent urged allies to strengthen defense commitments.

KOSPI Slips as Q1 GDP Shrinks

The S&P/ASX 200 Index rose 0.5% to surpass 7,950 on Thursday, extending gains from the previous session, as mining stocks surged on the back of stronger metals prices. Australian equities also tracked Wall Street higher after U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a more conciliatory tone on China tariffs and eased his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reinforced optimism by suggesting that the U.S. and China could strike a “big deal” on trade. Adding to the positive sentiment, China expressed willingness to resume trade talks—provided Washington halts its threats. The mining sector led the market higher, with notable gains from BHP Group (+0.9%), Fortescue Metals (+1.6%), Northern Star Resources (+0.7%), Evolution Mining (+0.5%), and Paladin Energy (+4.3%).

Australian Shares Climb on Mining Boost

The Nikkei 225 Index jumped 0.8% to above 35,100 while the broader Topix Index gained 0.7% to 2,602 on Thursday, with Japanese shares rising for the second straight session and tracking Wall Street higher. The rally followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who signaled a softer stance on China tariffs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that the U.S. and China have a chance to reach a “big deal” on trade. Investors also eyed progress in ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and Japan. On the monetary policy front, the Bank of Japan is widely expected to hold its benchmark rate steady at 0.5% in its meeting next week. Tech and consumer stocks led the gains, with notable advances from Tokyo Electron (+3.3%), Advantest (+3.2%), SoftBank Group (+2.4%), Nintendo (+3.9%), and Toyota Motor (+2.2%).

US stock futures were little changed on Thursday after the major averages posted a two-day rally, underpinned by easing US-China trade tensions and receding concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence. In Wednesday’s regular session, the Dow climbed 1.07%, the S&P 500 advanced 1.67%, and the Nasdaq Composite surged 2.5%. Markets gained ground after President Trump suggested that tariffs on Chinese goods may not remain at the elevated 145% level. He also reassured investors that he has no plans to remove Fed Chair Powell, helping to calm fears over central bank autonomy. However, the major indexes pulled back from session highs as Treasury Secretary Bessent clarified that Trump had not proposed a unilateral tariff cut and that trade talks with China had yet to begin. On the corporate front, IBM shares plunged nearly 7% in extended trading after the company reaffirmed its full-year guidance, disappointing investors hoping for an upgrade.

US Futures Hold Steady After Two-Day Rally

New Zealand stocks rose 56 pointsvor 0.5% to 12,107 during Thursday’s morning session,  marking a second straight day of gains. The advance followed back-to-back rallies on Wall Street after U.S. President Donald Trump signaled progress in trade talks with Beijing and reaffirmed his support for Fed Chair Powell. In China, a key trading partner, the upcoming Politburo meeting—possibly scheduled for later this week—is drawing investor attention amid ongoing domestic and external challenges. Markets are hoping for clearer signals on policy direction from Beijing. Locally, sentiment was supported by the ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Index, which rose to a four-month high of 98.3 in April, reflecting expectations that inflation will remain under control. Gains were led by producer manufacturing, utilities, and consumer services. Among top performers were Vector Ltd. (2.8%), Skellerup Holdings (2.3%), Hallenstein Glassons Holdings (1.9%), and AFT Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (1.5%).

New Zealand Shares Extend Gains

In New York,  the Dow Jones Index rose 420 points or 1.07 percent on Wednesday. Leading the gains are Boeing (5.70%), Amazon (4.43%) and Nvidia (3.80%).

The Dow Jones Index Closes 1.07% Higher

The Ibovespa rose 1.3% to close at 132,216 on Wednesday, its highest level in nearly a month—after US President Donald Trump’s assurances that he would retain Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and his hint at a substantial rollback in China tariffs alleviated key external policy risks. JBS spearheaded the rally, jumping 6.5% as SEC approval for a US dual listing and the board’s call of an Extraordinary General Meeting on May 23 removed the last barrier to deeper capital-market access, structurally lowering its cost of capital and narrowing its valuation gap with global peers. Vale (+1.5%), Eletrobras (+1.3%) and Companhia Sanea (+2.4%) also advanced, while major banks rallied, underscoring how eased monetary-policy concerns abroad and the prospect of lower trade barriers are bolstering Brazil’s export-oriented sectors.

Ibovespa at Near 1-Month Highs

The S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 0.7% to close at 24,473 on Wednesday, building on Tuesday’s gains after President Trump’s assurance that he will retain Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and his signal of a significant rollback in China tariffs bolstered confidence in US monetary-policy independence and trade prospects. Technology stocks led the advance—Shopify surged 6.6%, Celestica jumped 7.1%, and Constellation Software added 2.7%. Financial heavyweights Brookfield (2.6%), Manulife Financial (2.3%), and Sun Life Financial (1.6%) also outperformed. Conversely, heavyweight miners Agnico Eagle, Wheaton Precious Metals and Barrick Gold each tumbled more than 1.9%, tempering the broader upswing.

TSX Extends Positive Momentum

US equities closed higher on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 up 1.7%, the Nasdaq gaining 2.5%, and the Dow climbing  419 points, as easing U.S.-China trade tensions and President Trump’s assurance that he won’t remove Fed Chair Jerome Powell boosted sentiment. Still, all three indexes pulled back from their highs as investors questioned whether a trade resolution is truly in sight. Treasury Secretary Bessent noted Trump hasn’t proposed a unilateral tariff cut and that talks with China haven’t started, tempering early optimism. This statement followed the President’s remarks suggesting that tariffs may not stay at the current 145% level Meanwhile, Trump’s shift in tone regarding Powell helped ease concerns over the central bank’s independence. Tesla shares surged more than 7% after CEO Elon Musk announced he would significantly cut back his involvement with the government to concentrate on leading his companies. Boeing also advanced, supported by improved aircraft deliveries.

Wall Street Rises on Trade Hopes

US stocks eased from session highs on Wednesday as markets reassessed whether the US and China will be able to trade without aggressive tariffs in coming months. The S&P 500 rose 2% and the Nasdaq 100 rose 2.5%, while the Dow was 500 points higher. Treasury Secretary Bessent clarified that President Trump has not offered to take down tariffs on China unilaterally and that talks with China have not started, raising doubts on the likelihood of a resolution on trade. This was after the President had noted that tariffs are unlikely to remain at the current 145% level, stoking a rally across equities, Treasuries, and the dollar. On the corporate front, Tesla gained 6.5% after CEO Elon Musk pledged to "significantly" scale back his government involvement amid criticism that he has neglected Tesla. The company posted disappointing Q1 results, with automotive revenue down 20% from a year earlier. Boeing jumped almost 9% after reporting a smaller-than-expected adjusted loss per share.

US Stocks Ease Off Session Highs

European stocks closed sharply higher on Wednesday, tracking the strong momentum in equity markets across the globe after the US Presidential administration signaled that tariffs on China are likely to be de-escalated in the near future. The Eurozone's STOXX 50 closed 2.8% higher at 5,100 and the pan-European STOXX 600 advanced 1.8% to close at 517. Statements against the duration of 145% tariffs against China were made by both US President Trump and Treasury Secretary Bessent, displaying some confidence that there will be no lasting trade embargo during the administration. The signals stoked risk assets across the globe, supporting European stocks across most sectors. On the corporate front, SAP surged by over 10% after delivering strong results and an optimistic guidance, becoming the largest market cap in the continent amid the less favorable momentum for LVMH and Novo Nordisk. On the data front, flash PMIs showed that private sector activity in the Eurozone stalled.

European Stocks Close Sharply HIgher

In Milan,  the FTSE MIB Index rose 477 points or 1.33 percent on Wednesday. Leading the gains are STMicroelectronics (5.64%), Prysmian (4.97%) and Nexi (4.44%).

The FTSE MIB Index Closes 1.33% Higher

In Frankfurt,  the DAX Index gained 681 points or 3.20 percent on Wednesday. Gains were led by SAP (10.27%), Sartorius (4.85%) and Deutsche Bank (4.36%).

The DAX Index Closes 3.20% Higher

In Paris,  the CAC 40 Index went up by 171 points or 2.34 percent on Wednesday. Top gainers were Eurofins Scientific SE (11.94%), ArcelorMittal (6.62%) and STMicroelectronics (5.97%).

The CAC 40 Index Closes 2.34% Higher

In London,  the FTSE 100 Index rose 70 points or 0.83 percent on Wednesday. Leading the gains are Croda International (8.65%), Antofagasta (6.58%) and Standard Chartered (5.97%). Top losers were Endeavour (-6.11%), Reckitt Benckiser (-5.94%) and Fresnillo (-4.86%).

The FTSE 100 Index Closes 0.83% Higher

In New York,  the Dow Jones Index is gaining 1073 points or 2.74 percent on Wednesday. Leading the gains are Amazon (6.95%), American Express (5.95%) and Goldman Sachs (5.00%).

The Dow Jones Index Opens 2.74% Higher

The S&P/TSX Composite Index rose about 1% to above the 24,500 mark on Wednesday, adding on yesterday’s strong performance as President Trump’s decision not to oust Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and his suggestion of a substantial reduction in China tariffs reinforced confidence in US monetary policy autonomy and trade prospects, propelling North American equities higher. Domestically, the federal election has produced rare bipartisan pledges to expedite energy infrastructure projects aimed at curbing US import dependence, providing support to both upstream producers and midstream operators. Technology shares led the advance—Shopify surged over 10%, Constellation Software rose 2.3%, CGI added 2.1% and Celestica jumped 10.7%. Financial heavyweights RBC (1.3%), Brookfield (5.2%), BMO (1.8%), and Scotiabank (2.8%) also outperformed. However, major mining equities Agnico Eagle, Wheaton Precious, and Barrick Gold lost over 4% each, capping the index’s ascent.

TSX Rises for 2nd Consecutive Session

US stocks surged on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 up 2.6%, the Nasdaq rallying 3.6%, and the Dow Jones gaining over 800 points, building on Tuesday’s strong rebound. Consumer discretionary, tech and communication services were the top performing sectors. Investors found relief after President Trump stated he has no intention of dismissing Fed Chair Jerome Powell, easing concerns about political interference in US monetary policy. Trump also struck a more conciliatory tone on China, saying he plans to be “very nice” in any future trade talks, boosting hopes of de-escalation. Meanwhile, earnings season remained in focus. Tesla shares jumped about 4% after Elon Musk pledged to "significantly" scale back his government involvement amid criticism that he has neglected Tesla. The company posted disappointing Q1 results, with automotive revenue down 20% from a year earlier. Boeing jumped almost 9% after reporting a smaller-than-expected adjusted loss per share.

US Stocks Soar

The Ibovespa rose around 2% to above the 132,000 level on Wednesday, a near one-month high, as investors reacted to US President Donald Trump’s assurance that he will not remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and his signal of a substantial rollback in China tariffs. The advance was driven by Brazil’s largest stocks—Petrobras, Vale, Ambev and JBS—which each gained between 1% and 2.2%, reflecting renewed confidence in easing monetary-policy concerns abroad and the prospect of lower trade barriers supporting export-oriented names.

Ibovespa Near 1-Month Highs

US stock futures surged on Wednesday, with S&P 500 contracts up 2.4%, Nasdaq 100 futures rallying 2.8%, and the Dow Jones gaining over 700 points, building on Tuesday’s strong rebound. Investors found relief after President Trump stated he has no intention of dismissing Fed Chair Jerome Powell, easing concerns about political interference in US monetary policy. Trump also struck a more conciliatory tone on China, saying he plans to be “very nice” in any future trade talks, boosting hopes of de-escalation. Meanwhile, earnings season remained in focus. Tesla shares jumped more than 7% in premarket trading after Elon Musk pledged to "significantly" scale back his government involvement amid criticism that he has neglected Tesla. The company posted disappointing Q1 results, with automotive revenue down 20% from a year earlier. AT&T also rose about 4% before the opening bell after reporting stronger-than-expected growth in new wireless subscribers.

US Stocks Set to Extend Gains

India's BSE Sensex closed about 0.7% up at 80,116.5 on Wednesday, a new high since January and continuing its bullish momentum for the seventh consecutive session. Robust buying in IT stocks powered the rally, offsetting mild profit-taking in banks, amid hopes of easing Sino-US trade tensions. Notably, HCLTech surged 7.7%, becoming the top gainer after the tech firm reported an 8.1% rise in consolidated net profit for the January–March quarter of FY 2024–25 and issued stronger-than-expected revenue guidance for FY 2025–26.

Indian Stocks Extend Bullish Momentum Into 7th Day

In Mumbai,  the SENSEX Index gained 521 points or 0.65 percent on Wednesday. Gains were led by HCL Tech (7.73%), Ltimindtree Ltd (5.01%) and Tech Mahindra (4.76%). Biggest losers were Kotak Mahindra Bank (-2.09%), HDFC Bank (-2.06%) and State Bank of India (-1.08%).

The SENSEX Index Closes 0.65% Higher

The FTSE 100 rose over 1.5% on Wednesday, tracking gains across European and global markets, as traders grew optimistic that US-China trade tensions could ease soon. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said there "will be a de-escalation" in the White House's trade war with China. He also said that while negotiations had not yet begun, a deal was still with Beijing was still possible. At the same time, concerns over the independence of the US monetary policy eased.

UK Stocks Advance

The Hang Seng jumped 510 points or 2.4% to close at a more than 3-week high of 22,073 on Wednesday, rising for a third session. The rally followed a surge in U.S. futures after President Trump said he had no plans to fire Fed Chair Powell and signaled the possibility of lower tariffs on China. Trump also backed off earlier threats to remove Powell, having recently urged the Fed to cut interest rates. Financials, consumer, and tech stocks posted solid rises of 2% to over 3%, as investors looked ahead to the upcoming Politburo meeting for clearer policy direction. Citi noted the session could be held later this week. Tencent climbed 3.0% and NetEase added 1.7% after titles from both companies were among 118 games approved by China’s National Press and Publication Administration in April. Xiaomi surged 6.9% as Q1 shipments in China soared 40% to 13.3 million units. Other top gainers included BYD Electronic (6.1%), KE Holdings (6.0%), Wuxi Biologics (5.3%), and Akeso Inc. (4.6%).

Hang Seng Soars 2.4% at Finish

SASX-10 increased to a 16-year high of 1341.00 Index Points. Over the past 4 weeks, Sarajevo Stock Exchange Index 10 gained 0.81%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 39.67%.

Stocks in Bosnia And Herzegovina Hit 16-year High

The FTSE MIB rose more than 1% to around 36,400 in early trading on Wednesday, aligning with its regional peers, as sentiment across broader markets improved. This follows rising optimism over easing US-China trade tensions, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent anticipating a de-escalation in the trade conflict and calling the tariff standoff unsustainable. Meanwhile, President Trump backed off threats to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell after intensifying criticism of the central bank’s reluctance to cut rates, easing concerns about the Federal Reserve's independence. Among individual stocks, top performers included STMicroelectronics, Moncler, Prysmian, and Stellantis, all surging more than 3%.

Italian Stocks Rise More Than 1%

Frankfurt's DAX surged over 2% on Wednesday, the second session of gains and outperforming its regional peers, fueled by upbeat corporate earnings. SAP jumped nearly 10%, ranking among the top performers, after the company reported a 60% year-on-year increase in operating profit, beating forecasts. Market sentiment was also supported by a softer tone coming out of the US President Donald Trump towards both China and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

SAP Lifts DAX to the Top

The CAC 40 climbed 1.95% to 7,469 on Wednesday, tracking gains across global markets and reaching its highest level in nearly three weeks, as investors welcomed reassuring remarks from the US administration. President Donald Trump stated that he had no intention of removing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, though he added that he would prefer Powell to be “a little more active” in cutting interest rates. Adding to the positive sentiment, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism about easing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, though he noted that negotiations with Beijing are expected to be a “slog.” Meanwhile, investors digested a fresh wave of corporate earnings. Eurofins Scientific led the index, surging 7.5% after reporting a 6.9% increase in Q1 2025 revenue. Other strong performers included Airbus, STMicroelectronics, and Stellantis NV, with each posting gains between 4.2% and 4.3%.

French Stocks Track Global Peers

In London,  the FTSE 100 Index is up by 115 points or 1.38 percent on Wednesday. Top gainers are Croda International (9.69%), BP (5.16%) and Standard Chartered (5.13%).

The FTSE 100 Index Opens 1.38% Higher

In Frankfurt,  the DAX Index is gaining 564 points or 2.65 percent on Wednesday. Leading the gains are SAP (8.34%), Airbus (3.91%) and Infineon (3.77%).

The DAX Index Opens 2.65% Higher

In Paris,  the CAC 40 Index is picking up 157 points or 2.14 percent on Wednesday. Gains are led by Eurofins Scientific SE (7.68%), STMicroelectronics (4.60%) and Stellantis NV (4.57%).

The CAC 40 Index Opens 2.14% Higher

Major European stock markets advanced on Wednesday, with both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 gaining around 1%, building on the previous session’s gain and mirroring a broadly positive global sentiment. Investors took comfort after President Trump stated he has no plans to dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, easing fears over the politicization of US monetary policy. Hopes for a de-escalation in trade tensions between the US and China also lifted sentiment, following remarks from both President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. On the corporate front, shares of SAP jumped nearly 10%, ranking among the top performers, after the company reported a 60% year-on-year increase in operating profit, beating forecasts. In contrast, Volvo shares slipped 1% after the company reported a 7% decline in Q1 2025 net sales, due to uncertainty around global tariffs. On the data front, flash PMI figures from France showed a surprising deepening in the services sector contraction.

European Stocks Up About 1%, SAP Outperforms

In Tokyo,  the Nikkei 225 Index rose 669 points or 1.95 percent on Wednesday. Leading the gains are Konica Minolta (9.48%), Fujifilm (9.10%) and Nippon Sheet Glass (7.84%).

The Nikkei 225 Index Closes 1.95% Higher

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index closed 1% higher at 11,956 on Wednesday, rebounding from a more than 2% decline in the previous session. The index tracked gains on Wall Street, as investor sentiment improved after President Donald Trump said he had no plans to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted at easing U.S.-China trade tensions. Trump later stated that tariffs on China, New Zealand’s top trading partner, would come down substantially if Beijing agrees to a trade deal. Strong performances were seen among index heavyweights, including Fisher & Paykel (2.8%), Auckland Intl Airport (2.7%), Infratil (3.45%), A2 Milk (1.5%), Mainfreight (1.35%), and Spark NZ (2.7%). Also, local shares of Australian banks Westpac and ANZ rose 0.3% and 2.6%, respectively.

New Zealand Stocks Rebound

European equity markets were poised for a strong start on Wednesday, buoyed by signs of easing US-China trade tensions and renewed confidence in the independence of the US Federal Reserve. Futures for the Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 were both up around 1.7% in premarket trade. Investor sentiment improved after US President Donald Trump downplayed the severity of future tariffs on Chinese imports, saying they “won’t be anywhere near as high as 145%.” The comments came shortly after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the ongoing trade standoff with China “unsustainable,” raising hopes of a potential de-escalation. Trump also reassured markets by confirming that he has no intention to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, easing concerns about central bank independence and policy continuity. Looking ahead, investors will be closely watching fresh Eurozone manufacturing and services PMI data for April, alongside key corporate earnings reports from NatWest and Heathrow Airport.

European Markets Set for Strong Open

Shares in India rose by 209 points, or 0.3%, to 79,805 in early deals on Wednesday, continuing their bullish momentum for the seventh consecutive session following an upbeat performance on Wall Street overnight, driven by hopes of easing US-China trade tensions. The Sensex hovered at its highest level since early January, as the RBI's policy to ease Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) norms continued to lift sentiment amid further foreign fund inflows. Additionally, preliminary data showed that India's private sector grew the most in eight months in March, driven by a surge in export orders. However, the IMF's revised forecast for India's GDP growth capped gains, with the agency lowering its economic outlook to 6.2% from 6.5% for FY2025- 26. The tech sector was the main driver of the index, surging 3.3%, boosted primarily by HCL Tech (6.6%) after its March quarter results were mostly in line with expectations. Other top performers included Tech Mahindra (4.3%) and Infosys (3.3%).

Upward Momentum in India Stocks Persist

The Shanghai Composite rose 0.2% to around 3,310 while the Shenzhen Component climbed 0.4% to 9,909 on Wednesday, extending recent gains amid hopes for de-escalation in the US-China trade war. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday called the current tariff standoff “unsustainable,” although he noted that formal talks with Beijing had yet to begin. Adding to the cautious optimism, President Donald Trump remarked that final tariffs on Chinese imports “won’t be anywhere near as high as 145%,” suggesting a less aggressive stance moving forward. Meanwhile, investors remained hopeful that Chinese authorities would introduce further stimulus measures to cushion the economic impact of existing tariffs. Expectations include expanded government spending and increased bond issuance to support growth. Leading the gains were shares of BYD Company (+4.2%), Lakala Payment (+14.2%), CNPC Capital (+2.7%), Luxshare Precision (+3.4%), and Eoptolink Technology (+6.9%).

China Stocks Gain on Trade Deal Hopes

Hong Kong stocks surged 338 points, or 1.6%, to a near 10-week peak of 21,904 in Wednesday morning trade, rising for a third straight session. The rally followed a rebound on Wall Street after U.S. President Trump softened his tone on Fed Chair Powell, despite recently posting, “Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough!” Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expects the U.S. and China to begin de-escalating trade tensions “in the very near future.” On the domestic front, reports suggested China’s “national team” and retail investors stepped in to support mainland equities. Investors are also closely watching the upcoming Politburo meeting for policy signals. Citi said the session likely to be held later this week.
 All sectors increased, led by consumer, tech, and financial stocks. Xiaomi rose 3% after Q1 shipments in China surged 40% to 13.3 million units. Other notable performers included Tencent (3.1%), Smoore Intl. (7.7%), Akeso (7.4%), and Sunny Optical (3.6%).

Hong Kong Shares Rally to 10-Week High

The benchmark KOSPI climbed 1% to around 2,511 points on Wednesday, reversing losses from the previous session and tracking Wall Street’s overnight gains amid hopes of de-escalation in the US-China trade war and easing concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence. The rebound came after Trump hinted that final tariffs on Chinese goods would be well below 145% and confirmed he has no plans to remove Fed Chair Powell, easing investor concerns. Domestically, South Korea’s consumer sentiment rebounded in April to 93.8, as political uncertainty eased after President Yoon’s ousting. On the corporate front, automakers Hyundai Motor and Kia Corp rose 1.6% and 1.5%, respectively, ahead of earnings reports expected to post higher first-quarter sales but narrower operating profits. Other notable gains extended to chips and battery makers, such as SK Hynix (3%) and LG Energy Solutions (3.5%).

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DAX on Negative Note

French Stocks Fall on Weak Earnings, Trade Jitters

Italian Shares Extend Gains

European Markets Lower Amid Lingering Trade Concerns

China Stocks Struggle as Trade Worries Linger

Japanese Shares Gain on Global Trade Optimism

New Zealand Stocks Gain for 2nd Session

European Markets Poised for Quiet Open

India Stocks Snap 7-Sessions of Gains

Equities in Hong Kong End 3-Session of Winning Streak

China Stocks Edge Higher on Trade Deal Hopes

KOSPI Slips as Q1 GDP Shrinks

Australian Shares Climb on Mining Boost

Japanese Shares Gain on Global Trade Optimism

US Futures Hold Steady After Two-Day Rally

New Zealand Shares Extend Gains

The Dow Jones Index Closes 1.07% Higher

Ibovespa at Near 1-Month Highs

TSX Extends Positive Momentum

Wall Street Rises on Trade Hopes

US Stocks Ease Off Session Highs

European Stocks Close Sharply HIgher

The FTSE MIB Index Closes 1.33% Higher

The DAX Index Closes 3.20% Higher

The CAC 40 Index Closes 2.34% Higher

The FTSE 100 Index Closes 0.83% Higher

The Dow Jones Index Opens 2.74% Higher

TSX Rises for 2nd Consecutive Session

US Stocks Soar

Ibovespa Near 1-Month Highs

US Stocks Set to Extend Gains

Indian Stocks Extend Bullish Momentum Into 7th Day

The SENSEX Index Closes 0.65% Higher

UK Stocks Advance

Hang Seng Soars 2.4% at Finish

Stocks in Bosnia And Herzegovina Hit 16-year High

Italian Stocks Rise More Than 1%

SAP Lifts DAX to the Top

French Stocks Track Global Peers

The FTSE 100 Index Opens 1.38% Higher

The DAX Index Opens 2.65% Higher

The CAC 40 Index Opens 2.14% Higher

European Stocks Up About 1%, SAP Outperforms

The Nikkei 225 Index Closes 1.95% Higher

New Zealand Stocks Rebound

European Markets Set for Strong Open

Upward Momentum in India Stocks Persist

China Stocks Gain on Trade Deal Hopes

Hong Kong Shares Rally to 10-Week High

South Korean Stocks Track Wall Street Rebound