New Delhi, September 18(HS):

Global equity markets presented mixed signals today, reflecting investor caution after the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points and flagged persistent inflation risks. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 260 points to close at 45,757.90, while the S&P 500 ended 0.1% lower at 6,606.76 and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.33% to 22,333.96. Dow Jones futures remained firm, trading up 146.99 points or 0.32% at 46,165.31 in early hours.

European indices also closed mixed in the previous session. The FTSE 100 rose by 0.14% to 9,208.37, and the DAX climbed 0.13% to 23,359.18, whereas the CAC 40 retreated by 0.40% to settle at 7,786.98. Volatility persisted across regional sectors as traders weighed the Fed’s policy outlook and domestic economic data.

Asian markets echoed the global mood, displaying a blend of gains and losses among major indices. Out of nine monitored indices, five posted advances while four registered declines. The Nikkei 225 led Asian gains, surging over 1.4% or 628 points to 45,419, driven by positive sentiment surrounding the Fed’s rate cut. The Kospi rose 1.17% to 3,453.25, and the Taiwan Weighted Index added 1.02% to reach 25,697.54. Conversely, the SET Composite shed 0.64% to 1,298.29, the Hang Seng dipped 0.15% to 26,867, and the Jakarta Composite slipped 0.03% to 8,023.04.

Meanwhile, India’s Gift Nifty traded in positive territory, gaining 0.34% to 25,499.50, while the Shanghai Composite Index advanced 0.45%, closing at 3,893.95.

Market analysts point to ongoing monetary easing and policy support from central banks as factors contributing to consolidatory trading, while valuations and global growth worries continue to influence investor sentiment. All eyes remain on forthcoming earnings and regulatory decisions to set the tone for the next market phase.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar