Global equity markets surged as technology stocks led gains, while gold and copper hit all-time highs, reflecting strong demand and shifting investor sentiment amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
- Nasdaq Composite rose 2.3% on the week, led by tech stocks
- Nvidia Corp. gained 5.1%, AMD and Intel each rose over 4%
- Gold hit $2,489 per ounce, an all-time high
- Copper reached $10,920 per metric ton, its highest since 2022
- U.S. 10-year Treasury yield settled at 4.86%
- German DAX and French CAC 40 both posted gains above 1.9%
Technology equities powered a broad-based rally across major global indices, with the Nasdaq Composite rising 2.3% on the week, boosted by sector-leading performances from semiconductor firms and AI-driven software providers. Nvidia Corp. posted a 5.1% weekly gain, contributing significantly to the tech index’s momentum, while AMD and Intel each advanced over 4% as optimism around next-generation chip demand grew. The rally was underpinned by resilient earnings reports and expectations of sustained capital expenditure in data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Commodity markets showed divergent strength, with gold reaching $2,489 per ounce—an all-time high—driven by safe-haven demand amid geopolitical tensions and persistent inflation concerns. Copper also surged to $10,920 per metric ton, its highest level since 2022, signaling robust industrial activity and growing demand from green energy projects and electric vehicle manufacturing. The metal’s performance reflected tight supply dynamics and rising expectations for near-term infrastructure investment in emerging economies. The dual strength in tech equities and raw materials underscored a market shift toward growth-oriented assets despite elevated interest rates. U.S. Treasury yields dipped slightly, with the 10-year note settling at 4.86%, suggesting investors are pricing in less aggressive rate hikes ahead of the Federal Reserve’s next meeting. European markets followed suit, with Germany’s DAX gaining 1.9% and France’s CAC 40 rising 2.1%, supported by strong tech and luxury goods sectors. Market participants remain cautious, however, with analysts warning that the current rally may be vulnerable to any unexpected economic data or central bank policy shifts. Still, the broad participation across sectors—including financials, healthcare, and industrials—suggests underlying market confidence is strengthening.