ASIA/PACIFIC
Asian equities advanced on Friday following news that China is evaluating the possibility of resuming trade talks with the United States, sparking hopes of easing tensions in the ongoing trade war. Trading volumes across the region were subdued, as mainland Chinese markets remained closed for Labour Day. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rallied 1.7%, Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 1%, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.1%, marking a strong finish to the week.
EUROPE
European stock markets closed firmly in positive territory, buoyed by easing concerns over U.S.-China trade tensions and stronger-than-expected U.S. non-farm payroll data. The pan-European Stoxx 600 surged 1.67%. The UK’s FTSE 100 gained 1.17%, while Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 jumped 2.62% and 2.33%, respectively, reflecting broad optimism across the continent.
AMERICAS
Wall Street posted solid gains after China’s Commerce Ministry signaled a willingness to resume trade negotiations with Washington. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.39%, the Nasdaq 100 climbed 1.60%, and the S&P 500 advanced 1.47%, as investor sentiment improved on hopes of reduced geopolitical friction
AFRICA
At a meeting with Tunisian Prime Minister Sara Zaafrani Zenri, European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice President Ioannis Tsakiris reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Tunisia. The EIB expressed readiness to finance key strategic projects aligned with the country’s development vision.
MIDDLE EAST
Saudi Arabia’s IPO pipeline remains strong despite global uncertainty linked to U.S. tariffs and international trade tensions. The kingdom expects around 46 offerings in 2025 across both the Main Market and the Parallel Market, Nomu. In addition, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) reported that net foreign direct investment (FDI) surged to 22.1 billion SAR in Q4 2024, signaling strong investor confidence.
COMMODITIES
GOLD
Spot gold rose 0.5% to $3,255.01 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures gained 1.3%, settling at $3,262.10.
OIL
U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures advanced 95 cents, or 1.6%, to $58.29 a barrel. However, Brent crude futures fell 84 cents, or 1.4%, to close at $61.29 a barrel.
