ASIA/PACIFIC
Asia-Pacific markets ended mixed on Friday. Japanese markets declined as the yen strengthened on expectations of a Bank of Japan rate hike. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng surged 3.7%, driven by AI stocks and easing U.S.-China trade war concerns. Australian stocks trimmed earlier gains after reaching record highs.
EUROPE
European markets closed mostly lower as the European Commission warned of firm retaliation against any U.S. tariffs. Corporate earnings also influenced sentiment, with NatWest surpassing profit and revenue expectations. Eurozone GDP grew by 0.1% in Q4. Goldman Sachs raised its 12-month forecast for the STOXX 600 index to 580 from 540, citing potential benefits from a Russia-Ukraine peace deal.
AMERICAS
U.S. stocks were little changed on Friday after a strong week, as investors assessed global trade and inflation updates. The NYSE announced plans to launch a new exchange in Texas, intensifying competition among listing venues.
AFRICA
Tunisia has repaid TND 18.1 billion in external debts since 2019, according to Mohamed Salah Souilem, former Director General of Monetary Policy at the Central Bank of Tunisia. Egypt’s Cabinet approved measures to improve customs procedures, regulate financial zones, and restructure the mining sector.
MIDDLE EAST
Dubai’s main index rose 0.8% to its highest level in over a decade, led by industrial and material sectors’ strong earnings. Abu Dhabi’s index slipped 0.3%, dragged by Adnoc Drilling and Alpha Dhabi Holding. The ESG sukuk market surpassed $50 billion in 2024, driven by GCC bank issuance, according to data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). In crypto news, Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala invests $436M in Bitcoin ETFs.
COMMODITIES
GOLD
Spot gold fell 0.3% to $2,919.69 an ounce but posted a weekly gain of over 2% amid trade war fears. U.S. gold futures dropped 0.2% to $2,938.30.
OIL
Brent crude futures declined 0.27% to $74.82 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 0.66% to $74.35 as potential Ukraine peace deal eases supply worries.
