Today’s Foreign Market Movement Analysis: Global Stock Index Updates, Forex Trends & Commodity Prices – May 1, 2025"

Global Market Trends – May 1, 2025

Global equity markets showed mixed performance today, balancing U.S. growth concerns against strong tech earnings and easing trade tensions.

Asia-Pacific Markets

Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.1% after the BoJ held rates and trimmed its growth outlook, weakening the yen and benefiting exporters.

South Korea’s exports jumped 3.7% in April, buoying the Kospi despite China’s five-day May Day market holiday.

European Markets

The UK’s FTSE 100 was virtually unchanged (+0.03%), while the FTSE 250 midcap index gained 0.6% on solid earnings reports.

The euro zone outpaced U.S. growth in Q1, supporting continental equities and a stronger euro.

U.S. Futures & Tech Rally

S&P 500 futures rose 1.2%, Nasdaq futures surged 1.8%, and Dow futures climbed 0.8% following better-than-expected results from Microsoft and Meta.

These gains offset worries over a 0.3% U.S. GDP contraction in Q1.

Commodities & Forex Outlook

Gold prices fell nearly 2% to $3,222.66/oz on reduced safe-haven demand, while oil stabilized near $61/barrel amid OPEC supply signals.

The yen slid further after the BoJ’s growth forecast cut, lifting the dollar and impacting regional currency markets.