Global shares were mixed on Thursday in lackluster trading, with some markets showing gains while others experienced losses. In early trading, France’s CAC 40 rose by 0.6%, Germany’s DAX edged up by 0.2%, and Britain’s FTSE 100 remained relatively unchanged. Meanwhile, U.S. shares were set to drift higher, with Dow futures up nearly 0.3% and S&P 500 futures rising by 0.3%.
In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 reversed earlier losses and finished up by 0.3%, driven by a surge in Nissan Motor Co. stock following reports of a potential agreement on electric vehicles with Honda Motor Co. in Japan. Both companies declined to comment on the speculation. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 slipped by 0.2%, while South Korea’s Kospi added 0.9%. However, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite both experienced losses.
Speculation is growing that the Bank of Japan may consider ending its negative interest rate policy at its upcoming meeting, fueled by significant wage hikes by major Japanese firms. The central bank has set a 2% inflation target and will hold a two-day monetary policy meeting next week.
Oil prices have been on the rise this year, contributing to higher inflation rates and impacting expectations for potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. While the Fed is not expected to cut rates at its upcoming meeting, reductions are anticipated to begin in June to alleviate pressure on the economy and financial system.
In energy trading, benchmark U.S. crude and Brent crude both saw slight increases. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar rose against the Japanese yen, while the euro saw a slight decrease.
Overall, market movements continue to be influenced by global economic trends and central bank policies, with investors closely monitoring developments for potential impacts on their portfolios.
