Asia Markets Mixed, Europe Up; Dollar Posts First Weekly Gain Since Mid March - Global Markets Today While US Slept

Benzinga
2025.04.25 10:28
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U.S. markets rose on tech strength and trade hopes, with the Nasdaq leading gains. Economic data showed mixed results, including a slip in the Chicago Fed index and a rise in jobless claims. Asia markets were mixed, with Japan's Nikkei 225 gaining while India's Nifty 50 and China's Shanghai Composite fell. European markets were up, with the STOXX 50 rising 0.51%. Commodities saw lower prices, and the U.S. dollar posted its first weekly gain since mid-March amid easing trade tensions.

On Thursday, April 23, U.S. markets extended their winning streak for a third session, lifted by tech strength and hopes of easing U.S.-China trade tensions.

The Nasdaq led gains, fueled by strong earnings from AI-driven firm ServiceNow. However, mixed corporate guidance from companies like Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo reflected ongoing consumer uncertainty.

Economic data showed the Chicago Fed index slipping to -0.03 in March from +0.24, while jobless claims rose by 6,000 to 222,000. Durable goods orders surged 9.2% to $315.7 billion.

Most S&P 500 sectors closed higher, led by tech, consumer discretionary, and communication services. Consumer staples lagged.

The Dow gained 1.23% to 40,093.40, the S&P 500 rose 2.03% to 5,484.77, and the Nasdaq jumped 2.74% to 17,166.04.

Asia Markets Today

  • On Friday, Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 1.95% to close at 35,081.50, led by gains in the Real Estate, Banking, and Textile sectors.
  • Australia markets are closed for the ANZAC Day holiday.
  • India's Nifty 50 was down 60% at 24,082.75, and the Nifty 500 slid 1.31% to 21,890.15.
  • China's Shanghai Composite slid 0.07% to 3,295.06, while Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 rose 0.07% to 3,786.99.
  • Hong Kong's Hang Seng closed 0.32% higher at 21,980.74.

Eurozone at 05:45 AM ET

  • The European STOXX 50 was up 0.51%.
  • Germany's DAX gained 0.52%.
  • France's CAC 40 rose 0.52%.
  • U.K.'s FTSE 100 index traded higher by 0.06%.

Commodities at 05:45 AM ET

  • Crude Oil WTI was trading lower by 0.51% at $62.47/bbl, and Brent was down 0.54% at $66.19/bbl.
  • Oil prices are lower this week on oversupply concerns, U.S.-China trade uncertainty, and a stronger dollar.
  • Natural Gas fell 0.44% to $2.918.
  • Gold was trading lower by 1.19% at $3,308.09, Silver was down 0.41% to $33.370, and Copper slid 1.99% to $4.7598.
  • Gold prices dipped Friday as risk appetite improved on hopes of U.S.-China trade de-escalation and strong tech earnings.

U.S. Futures at 05:45 AM ET

Dow futures were down 0.01%, S&P 500 futures rose 0.35% and Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.35%.

Forex at 05:45 AM ET

  • The U.S. dollar index rose 0.35% to 99.64, the USD/JPY rose 0.53% to 143.41, and the USD/AUD gained 0.47% to 1.5675.
  • The dollar posted its first weekly gain since mid-March, rising 0.6% amid hopes of easing U.S.-China trade tensions after China granted some tariff exemptions.

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