Global equity markets started the week on a cautious note, with Asian indices trading flat as investors remained watchful of ongoing geopolitical tensions and energy market volatility. The modest uptick in U.S. futures hinted at a tentative recovery after Wall Street closed sharply lower last week amid renewed fears of conflict in the Middle East.
In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei led the gains, rising 325 points to 38,159, while South Korea’s KOSPI advanced 13 points to 2,907. Taiwan’s Taiex Futures edged up 15 points to 21,955. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Futures slipped slightly by 37 points to 23,816.
India’s Gift Nifty was up 51 points at 24,778, indicating a positive start for domestic markets. Overall sentiment in the region remained guarded, with a key focus on developments surrounding the Israel-Iran conflict and their potential impact on global oil prices.
On Wall Street, futures signaled a stable open. The Dow Futures were trading at 42,215, up 17 points or 0.04%, while Nasdaq Futures gained 36 points to 216,667, and the U.S. Small Cap 2000 Futures rose by 8 points to 2,108.
This comes after a sharp decline in the U.S. market last week, where the Dow Jones shed 770 points, or 1.79%, and the Nasdaq dropped 256 points, or 1.30%, as military developments in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment.
European futures were mixed in early trade, with Germany’s DAX Futures down 75 points at 23,425, and the UK’s FTSE Futures marginally lower by 4 points at 8,840.
The coming sessions are expected to be influenced by geopolitical updates and macroeconomic data as markets search for direction amid uncertainty.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. Investors should consult with their financial advisors before making investment decisions.
