ASIA/PACIFIC
Asian stocks ended mixed in thin trading on Monday, as several key markets were closed for holidays. Japan, Hong Kong, mainland China, and South Korea remained shut, keeping regional volumes subdued. Investor sentiment was further dampened after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had no plans to speak with his Chinese counterpart this week, signaling continued tension between the two major economies. The Australian market declined following the re-election of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
EUROPE
European equities posted a mixed performance as traders digested a wave of corporate earnings reports and awaited key policy guidance from the Bank of England, expected later this week. The pan-European Stoxx 600 rose 0.16%, reflecting cautious optimism. Germany’s DAX outperformed with a 1.12% gain, while France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.55%.
AMERICAS
U.S. markets opened lower on Monday, with traders on edge ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision expected later this week. Persistent concerns over U.S.-China trade relations added to the subdued tone. Wall Street investors appear to be recalibrating risk exposure amid shifting monetary policy signals and geopolitical uncertainties.
AFRICA
In Egypt, the blue-chip EGX30 index declined 0.4%, weighed down by a 2.7% drop in Egypt Aluminum Company shares, despite the firm reporting higher nine-month profits. Separately, central bank data showed Egypt’s net foreign assets rose by $4.9 billion in March.
MIDDLE EAST
Most Gulf stock markets closed lower, pressured by falling oil prices and investor caution over U.S.-China trade developments. Oil, a key driver of Gulf economies, slid more than 1% after OPEC+ announced plans to accelerate production hikes, raising concerns over a potential supply glut amid an uncertain demand outlook. Market movements were as follows: Saudi Arabia rose 0.1%, Abu Dhabi was down 0.1%, Dubai advanced 1%, Qatar lost 0.4%, Bahrain dropped 0.3%, Oman eased 0.1%, Kuwait added 0.2%.
COMMODITIES
GOLD
Gold prices surged as investors sought safety amid global volatility. Spot gold climbed 2.2% to $3,312.09 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures rose 2.4% to $3,321.30, supported by dollar weakness and safe-haven demand.
OIL
Oil prices slumped as production concerns outweighed demand optimism. U.S. crude dropped $1.55 or 2.66% to $56.74 per barrel, while Brent crude fell $1.45, or 2.37%, to $59.84, following OPEC+’s decision to boost output for a second consecutive month.
