Global Markets Weekly Update - April 02, 2026
U.S. Market Overview
Major U.S. stock indexes finished the week higher amid signs of de-escalating conflict in the Middle East. The Nasdaq Composite led the gains, marking its best week since November. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones also saw significant increases of 3.36% and 2.96%, respectively.
Equities rallied sharply mid-week following President Trump's comments on reducing military involvement in Iran, although sentiment weakened after a lack of a clear timeline for de-escalation. U.S. Treasuries advanced as yields fell, with the 10-year Treasury yield dropping from 4.44% to 4.31%.
Employment Data
ADP reported a job addition of 62,000 in March, slightly below February's figures but above expectations. Jobless claims decreased to 202,000, while continuing claims rose to 1.841 million. Job openings fell to 6.9 million, indicating a decline in labor demand.
Consumer Confidence and Manufacturing
Consumer confidence improved slightly to 91.8, despite rising costs. Manufacturing activity expanded for the third consecutive month, with the PMI rising to 52.7, although employment in the sector continued to contract.
Market Performance Summary
| Index | Thursday's Close | Week's Change | % Change YTD |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJIA | 46,504.67 | 1,338.03 | -3.24% |
| S&P 500 | 6,582.69 | 213.84 | -3.84% |
| Nasdaq Composite | 21,879.18 | 930.83 | -5.86% |
| S&P MidCap 400 | 3,408.16 | 97.34 | 3.12% |
| Russell 2000 | 2,530.05 | 80.35 | 1.94% |
Europe Market Insights
The pan-European STOXX 600 Index rose 3.92% as optimism grew regarding the Middle East conflict. Germany's DAX, Italy's FTSE MIB, and France's CAC 40 also saw significant gains. However, inflation in the eurozone rose to 2.5%, driven by energy costs.
Japan Market Overview
Japan's stock markets fell, with the Nikkei 225 down 1.7%. Geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices weighed on investor sentiment. The Bank of Japan may consider raising interest rates amid inflation concerns.
China Market Developments
Chinese markets were mixed, with the CSI 300 Index down slightly. PMI data showed improvement, indicating a rebound in manufacturing activity. China and Pakistan proposed a peace plan to address the Middle East conflict.
Other Key Markets
In Colombia, political tensions affected market stability following a central bank interest rate hike. In India, the Reserve Bank took measures to stabilize the rupee, leading to volatility in the markets.
Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice.