Markets ended higher on Friday buoyed by improved global sentiment

Global markets ended the week on a cautiously positive note, with investors balancing improving risk sentiment against lingering concerns around global growth, interest rate trajectories and earnings momentum.

South African equities closed higher, supported by strength in resource stocks and firmer commodity prices. The JSE All Share Index advanced as higher precious metal prices lifted mining counters, while gains in select industrial and financial stocks added to overall momentum. The rand traded relatively stable against the US dollar, offering additional support to local assets. Investor sentiment remained underpinned by expectations that domestic inflation pressures would moderate, keeping the SARB’s policy stance in focus ahead of upcoming economic data.

In the US, equity markets finished modestly higher as investors digested earnings updates and signs of easing macroeconomic uncertainty. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones posted steady gains, while the Nasdaq outperformed slightly on renewed interest in large-cap technology stocks. Market participants appeared more constructive as fears around aggressive monetary tightening and geopolitical disruptions eased, although caution remains ahead of key inflation and labour market data. Bond yields were relatively stable, helping to support equity valuations.

European markets ended the session mostly higher, recovering from earlier weakness. Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 led gains, buoyed by improved risk appetite and stronger-than-expected business activity. The UK’s FTSE 100 traded slightly firmer, supported by gains in energy and mining stocks. Investors continued to assess the outlook for growth in the Eurozone, with attention on inflation trends and the European Central Bank’s policy path.

In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed higher following the Bank of Japan’s decision to maintain its accommodative stance. The move reassured investors that monetary conditions would remain supportive, lifting sentiment in export-oriented and industrial stocks. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index posted modest gains as buying interest returned to select technology and property shares. Improved regional sentiment and stabilising Chinese economic signals helped support the broader market.