New Delhi, September 22 (HS): Global markets offered mixed signals ahead of Monday’s trade, with US indices closing strong but futures indicating early weakness, while European bourses struggled under sustained selling pressure. Asian markets, meanwhile, diverged as Japan and South Korea rallied, while Hong Kong and Singapore declined.

US Markets: Firm Close, But Futures Soft

The Wall Street rally continued into the previous session, with the S&P 500 rising 0.49% to close at 6,664.36, while the Nasdaq posted a strong 0.72% gain to end at 22,631.48. However, Dow futures pointed lower in early Asian hours, down 0.72% at 46,281.38.

Europe: Persistent Weakness

European markets remained under pressure, with the UK’s FTSE index falling 0.12% to 9,216.67 and France’s CAC inching down 0.01% to 7,853.59. Germany’s DAX retreated 0.15% to 23,639.41.

Asia: Split Performance

Asian indices showed no broad trend, with five of nine major markets advancing and four declining. The GIFT Nifty, a key barometer for Indian markets, slipped 0.52% to 25,301.50. Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite dropped 0.23% to 8,032.82, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.81% to 26,331, and Singapore’s Straits Times dipped marginally by 0.02% to 4,301.72.

On the positive side, South Korea’s KOSPI jumped 0.96% to 3,478.64, Thailand’s SET Composite edged up 0.17% to 1,294.92, and Shanghai Composite rose 0.07% to 3,822.59. Japan’s Nikkei outperformed, soaring 1.43% (642.19 points) to 45,688, and Taiwan surged 1.08% (279.02 points) to 25,857.39.

Emerging Trends

With US futures hinting at a cautious open on Wall Street and European markets yet to find a footing, global investors await fresh catalysts. The mixed Asia session—where South Korea and Japan led gains, but Hong Kong and Indonesia lagged—highlights ongoing regional divergence and uncertainty. Markets remain attuned to central bank signals and macro data for direction as the trading week gains momentum.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar