World equities closed the week on a mixed note, as investors balanced optimism over potential progress in U.S.-China trade talks with ongoing concerns over the U.S. government shutdown. Asian markets saw divergent performances, Europe mostly advanced with a weekly gain, Wall Street opened higher despite political uncertainty, while African and Middle Eastern exchanges posted selective gains.
ASIA/PACIFIC
Asian stocks ended mixed in cautious trading. U.S.-China relations were in focus after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent predicted a “pretty big breakthrough” in the next round of trade talks with Beijing. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.54%, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 1.85%, even as unemployment rose to 2.6% in August, above expectations. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.46%, supported by technology, healthcare, and consumer stocks. Markets in China and South Korea were closed for holidays.
EUROPE
European stock indices traded mostly higher on Friday, supported by data from the services sector and euro area producer prices. The pan-European Stoxx 600 rose 0.5%. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 gained 0.67%, France’s CAC 40 added 0.31%, while Germany’s DAX edged down 0.18%. Switzerland’s SMI closed up 0.64%. Markets in Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden also closed higher. Russia finished weaker, while Poland ended flat.
AMERICAS
Major Wall Street stock market indexes opened higher on Friday as the federal government remained shut down for the third day. White House reportedly called on more than 400 interest groups, aiming to put pressure on Democrats to end the government shutdown
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
African and Middle Eastern equities delivered mixed results. In Johannesburg, the FTSE/JSE All Share Index advanced 1.56%, while Nigeria’s NGX All Share Index rose 0.42%. In the Gulf, markets ended slightly higher. Abu Dhabi’s benchmark gained 0.1%, extending a three-session rally led by energy stocks. Dubai’s main index edged up 0.02%, supported by a 0.7% rise in toll operator Salik Company and a strong 7.1% surge in school operator Taaleem Holding.