World equities ended Friday on a mixed note as investors digested fresh U.S. tariff measures, prospects of new European Union trade actions, and key economic data out of the United States. Asian markets broadly declined, Europe finished higher, Wall Street closed on a firm footing, while trading across Africa and the Middle East was subdued with selective gains.
ASIA/PACIFIC
Asian markets fell, dragged lower by steep losses in South Korea, after the Trump administration unveiled a fresh round of tariff measures. The new duties include 100% levies on imported branded drugs, 25% tariffs on heavy-duty trucks, and 50% tariffs on kitchen cabinets, all set to take effect on October 1. South Korea’s Kospi tumbled 2.45%, with pharmaceutical stocks leading the decline. In China, the Shanghai Composite shed 0.7%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.35%. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 0.87% after data showed Tokyo consumer prices rose less than expected in September, though analysts cautioned that an October rate hike remains on the table. In contrast, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 bucked the regional trend, edging 0.17% higher.
EUROPE
Major European stock markets finished higher as investors weighed fresh trade policy signals from Washington alongside reports of potential EU action on Chinese steel. German newspaper Handelsblatt reported that Brussels is preparing to impose tariffs of up to 50% on Chinese steel imports in the coming weeks. The pan-European Stoxx 600 climbed 0.47%, with most major markets in positive territory. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 rose 0.5%, France’s CAC 40 gained 0.67%, and Germany’s DAX advanced 0.43%. Switzerland’s SMI also settled 0.45% higher. Elsewhere, markets in Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, and Sweden closed firmer, while Denmark and Greece ended weaker.
AMERICAS
U.S. stocks rebounded after three days of losses, supported by data showing core PCE inflation—the Fed’s preferred gauge—rose 2.9% in August, steady from July and in line with expectations. The Dow advanced 0.7%, the S&P 500 gained 0.6%, and the Nasdaq added 0.4%.
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
Trading activity across Africa and the Middle East was limited on Friday, with several markets closed for the weekend, but select indices posted notable moves. In Africa, Johannesburg’s FTSE/JSE All Share Index advanced 0.85%, supported by strength in blue-chip stocks. In the Gulf, United Arab Emirates markets rebounded, with Dubai’s main index gaining 0.7% on strong consumer staple and financial shares. Abu Dhabi’s benchmark broke a three-session losing streak, rising 0.5% as energy and banking stocks led the advance.