By Global markets continue to experience volatility as investors analyze economic data and policy shifts in major economies, including the U.S., India, and Japan.
On February 6, U.S. stocks showed mixed performance. The S&P 500 advanced by 0.36%, while the Nasdaq climbed 0.51%. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.28%. Later in the evening, U.S. futures signaled a slight downward movement.
Asian markets had a weak opening on February 7 as investors awaited critical U.S. employment data. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dipped 0.38%, while South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.28%. Australian and Hong Kong stocks also showed declines. Additionally, the Japanese yen strengthened to its highest level since early December. The IMF projects Japan’s economic growth to gain momentum in 2025, with inflation expected to meet the BoJ’s 2% target.
Currency markets saw a 0.06% decline in the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) on February 7, while the Indian rupee ended at 87.57 against the dollar on February 6. Indian stock markets saw slight gains, with the BSE Sensex at 78,066.81 points (+0.011%) and Nifty50 at 23,611.15 points (+0.033%) in early trading.
The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision was highly anticipated, with expectations of a 25-basis-point rate cut—the first in five years. Following the decision, Sensex gained over 200 points, and Nifty50 remained above 23,600.
With ongoing economic developments and earnings season nearing its conclusion, investors are closely monitoring stock-specific movements. The release of U.S. employment data will be crucial in shaping future market trends and interest rate expectations.