Global Stocks Rise as China Moves to Boost Spending

Global Markets Rally Despite Wall Street Slump as China Pledges Economic Support

Global stock markets rebounded on Friday, with shares in Europe and Asia climbing despite Wall Street’s continued decline. Investors reacted positively to China’s latest efforts to boost consumer spending, fueling optimism in the region.

European and Asian Markets Gain

European markets opened higher, with Germany’s DAX rising 0.4% to 22,667.45, France’s CAC 40 climbing 0.7% to 7,996.78, and Britain’s FTSE 100 up 0.4% at 8,577.97.

In Asia, markets saw notable gains. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index surged 2.1% to 23,959.98, while the Shanghai Composite Index jumped 1.8% to 3,419.56. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 added 0.7% to 37,053.10, while South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.3% to 2,566.36. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.5% to 7,789.70, and Bangkok’s SET rose 1.2%. Taiwan’s Taiex remained nearly unchanged.

China Moves to Spur Consumer Spending

The rally in Chinese markets followed a directive from China’s National Financial Regulatory Administration, which instructed state-run banks and financial institutions to take measures to boost consumer finance. The notice urged banks to:

• Encourage the use of credit cards
• Provide more support to borrowers facing financial difficulties
• Improve transparency in lending practices

Economists have long advocated for deeper reforms in China, such as increasing wages and enhancing social welfare programs, to drive sustainable economic growth.

Wall Street Tumbles Amid Trade War Concerns

Despite global market optimism, Wall Street experienced a sharp decline on Thursday. The S&P 500 dropped 1.4%, slipping more than 10% below its previous record, marking its first correction since 2023. The index closed at 5,521.52. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 2%.

The sell-off deepened as former President Donald Trump escalated trade tensions, threatening 200% tariffs on European Champagne and other alcohol unless the EU rolls back tariffs on U.S. whiskey, which were imposed in response to American steel and aluminum duties.

Market analysts noted that uncertainty surrounding tariffs and economic policy has led to a decline in business and consumer confidence. “For now, traders are bracing for another round of policy-induced whiplash,” said Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management.

Adding to concerns, the U.S. government faces a potential partial shutdown if Congress fails to pass its annual appropriations bill, further fueling market volatility.

Economic Data Provides Some Relief

Despite Wall Street’s turbulence, U.S. economic data provided some positive news:

• Wholesale inflation was milder than expected, following an encouraging consumer inflation report earlier in the week.
• Job market stability remained intact, with fewer workers filing for unemployment benefits than economists had forecast.

Commodities and Currency Movements

In commodities trading, oil prices saw gains:

• U.S. benchmark crude rose $0.90 to $67.45 per barrel.
• Brent crude, the international standard, increased $0.85 to $70.73 per barrel.

In currency markets:

• The U.S. dollar strengthened to 148.93 yen, up from 147.82 yen.
• The euro slipped slightly to $1.0851 from $1.0855.

Market Outlook

Despite Wall Street’s struggles, global markets appear resilient, with investor sentiment bolstered by China’s economic measures. U.S. stock futures suggested a potential rebound, with the S&P 500 futures up 0.7% and Dow futures rising 0.5%.

As the market navigates trade uncertainties and government funding concerns, analysts caution that volatility is likely to persist in the coming weeks.

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