Global equity markets delivered a broadly positive week despite mixed economic data and. U.S. equities advanced as investors balanced weaker-than-expected labour market data against expectations for a less aggressive Federal Reserve. European markets gained on softer inflation and resilient economic indicators, while Asian markets were mixed as Japan benefited from improving business sentiment and China remained supported by manufacturing resilience and targeted policy measures. Brent crude edged lower as Middle East supply concerns eased, while gold posted modest gains amid continued demand for defensive assets.
Market Snapshot
Weekly performance across major global indices (week ending 03 Jul 2026):
| Index | Friday’s Closing Price | Weekly Change (%) | Direction |
| DJIA | 52,900.07 | 1.97 | ▲ |
| S&P 500 | 7,483.24 | 1.76 | ▲ |
| NASDAQ Composite | 25,832.67 | 2.12 | ▲ |
| FTSE 100 (UK) | 10,679.03 | 1.63 | ▲ |
| CAC 40 (France) | 8,508.07 | 1.47 | ▲ |
| STOXX Europe 600 | 652.77 | 2.66 | ▲ |
| Nikkei 225 (Japan) | 69,967.05 | 0.87 | ▲ |
| CSI 300 (China) | 4,842.17 | -0.54 | ▼ |
| Hang Seng (Hong Kong) | 23,350.03 | 2.99 | ▲ |
| Brent Crude | 71.8 | -0.26 | ▼ |
| Gold | 4,112.70 | 0.83 | ▲ |
Foreign Exchange
(For the week ending 03 Jul 2026)
| Pair | Friday’s Close | Week’s Change |
| EUR/USD | 1.1423 | 0.54 |
| USD/JPY | 161.449 | -0.22 |
| GBP/USD | 1.3339 | 1.14 |
| USD/CHF | 0.8044 | -0.75 |
| AUD/USD | 0.6916 | 0.22 |
U.S. Equities Overview
U.S. equities ended the shortened trading week higher, with the NASDAQ Composite (+2.12%), Dow Jones Industrial Average (+1.97%), and S&P 500 (+1.76%) all posting gains.
Market sentiment was shaped by signs of a cooling labour market after June nonfarm payrolls came in below expectations and previous months’ employment figures were revised lower. While employment growth moderated, the unemployment rate remained relatively stable, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve may adopt a more measured policy stance.
Economic data presented a mixed picture. Consumer confidence improved only modestly, manufacturing activity continued to expand at a slower pace, and the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield moved higher during the week. Despite softer economic indicators, investors continued to favour large-cap growth stocks, supporting gains across major U.S. indices.
European Markets
European equities advanced over the week, with the STOXX Europe 600 (+2.66%), FTSE 100 (+1.63%), and CAC 40 (+1.47%) all closing higher.
Market sentiment improved as eurozone inflation eased more than expected, reducing pressure on the European Central Bank to tighten monetary policy further. Lower energy prices coincided with improved market sentiment during the week.
Economic data remained broadly constructive. German retail sales exceeded expectations, eurozone unemployment remained stable, and the UK economy recorded positive first-quarter GDP growth, contributing to a generally supportive backdrop for regional equities.
Asian Markets
Japan
Japanese equities finished modestly higher, with the Nikkei 225 rising 0.87%.
Investor sentiment was supported by stronger business confidence following the Bank of Japan’s Tankan survey, which recorded its highest reading since 2018. While bond yields continued to rise amid inflation and fiscal concerns, resilient corporate investment and ongoing demand for semiconductor-related industries helped underpin market performance.
China
Chinese markets were mixed during the week. The CSI 300 declined 0.54%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 2.99%.
Manufacturing activity returned to expansion in June, suggesting continued resilience across parts of the industrial sector. Meanwhile, the People’s Bank of China introduced a new overnight reverse repo facility aimed at improving short-term liquidity management.The measure was introduced to improve short-term liquidity management and did not signal broad monetary easing., although policymakers maintained a cautious approach rather than signalling broad monetary easing.
Commodities
Oil
Brent crude declined 0.26% to USD 71.80 per barrel. Lower oil prices coincided with easing concerns over supply disruptions.
Gold
Gold rose 0.83% to USD 4,112.70, supported by continued demand for defensive assets amid mixed economic data and uncertainty surrounding the global interest rate outlook.
For a look at assets whose performance isn’t tied to this week’s rate and inflation headlines, see our guide to alternative investments.
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