NEW YORK/LONDON (Jan 18): Global equities rose on Friday, driven by strong economic data and upbeat corporate earnings, while US Treasury yields and the dollar rebounded after recent declines.
MSCI’s global equities index gained 0.78%, with Wall Street’s major indices posting solid weekly gains. The Dow Jones climbed 0.78% to 43,487.83, the S&P 500 rose 1% to 5,996.66, and the Nasdaq advanced 1.51% to 19,630.20.
US manufacturing output increased 0.6% in December, while single-family homebuilding hit a 10-month high, signaling economic resilience. Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller’s comments suggesting potential 2025 rate cuts also boosted sentiment.
However, analysts warned of potential post-inauguration volatility as investors await clarity on policy under President-elect Donald Trump.
In commodities, oil dipped but notched a fourth consecutive weekly gain, while gold held steady above $2,700 per ounce on bets of future rate cuts and market uncertainties.
