ASIA/PACIFIC
Markets across Asia recovered on Tuesday following the previous session’s sharp sell-off, as investors turned their attention to upcoming tariff announcements by U.S. President Donald Trump, expected Wednesday. China’s Shanghai Composite Index climbed 0.4%, signaling cautious optimism. Japan’s Nikkei 225 finished flat as sentiment remained mixed. South Korea’s Kospi surged 1.62%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.04% after the Reserve Bank of Australia held interest rates steady at 4.1%, a move widely anticipated by markets. The decision comes as the nation prepares for its general elections on May 3.
EUROPE
European equities rallied, supported by cooling inflation and an uptick in factory activity across the eurozone. Annual inflation eased to 2.2% in March, down from 2.3% in February. The eurozone manufacturing PMI climbed to 48.6, the highest in 26 months. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index advanced 1.07%. Germany’s DAX jumped 1.63%, while France’s CAC 40 added 1.10%. In the UK, the FTSE 100 rose 0.56%, reflecting optimism across the region.
AMERICAS
U.S. markets closed mostly higher as anticipation grew over a new round of American tariffs, potentially affecting a broad range of imports. Reports indicated that the White House is considering a 20% levy on most foreign products. The S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 0.4% and 0.9%, respectively, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average ticked down 0.03%. The market’s volatility reflected the uncertainty surrounding these trade measures and their potential economic impact.
AFRICA
In Africa, South African mining shares soared an unprecedented 33% in March, buoyed by a powerful gold rally, according to Bloomberg. The gold surge helped shield South Africa’s benchmark index from broader global market volatility, marking the best monthly performance on record for the country’s miners.
MIDDLE EAST
Most Gulf markets were closed for Eid al-Fitr. Abu Dhabi sovereign fund ADQ secured a 63.26% stake in Aramex, the Dubai-listed logistics giant, through a voluntary conditional cash offer by its subsidiary Q Logistics Holding.Agthia Group, also Abu Dhabi-listed, announced the acquisition of 100% of Riviere, a UAE-based mineral water desalination company.
COMMODITIES
GOLD
Spot gold climbed 0.2% to $3,128.99/oz, after hitting a record $3,148.88 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures gained 0.3% to $3,160.20, as growing tariff concerns drove demand for safe-haven assets.
OIL
Brent crude edged up $0.07 to $74.84/bbl, having briefly surpassed the $75 mark. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose $0.04 to $71.52/bbl, amid ongoing geopolitical tension involving Russia and Iran.
