To The Moon

Overview

Global equities ended the week on a steadier note as investors regained confidence after a turbulent stretch. US stocks inched higher, supported by renewed optimism beyond the artificial intelligence trade, while Europe and Asia showed mixed but mostly positive momentum amid easing inflation concerns and shifting geopolitical risks.

US Markets: Modest Gains After AI Slowdown

US stocks closed higher with the Dow Jones $DJIA(.DJI)$   adding 68.78 points to 46,316.07 (+0.1%), the S&P 500 $S&P 500(.SPX)$  up 17.51 points to 6,661.21 (+0.3%), and the Nasdaq $NASDAQ(.IXIC)$  rising 0.5%. Wall Street steadied after a week of cooling enthusiasm in AI-linked stocks, with broader sectors picking up the slack.

Europe: Luxury and Healthcare Cushion Weak Banks

European equities were muted but positive, with Germany’s DAX flat, France’s CAC 40 up 0.1%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 gaining 0.2%. Healthcare and luxury sectors provided support, offsetting pressure from banks and energy as investors remained cautious about growth prospects.

Asia: Relief Rally Despite Nikkei Slip

Asian markets tracked Wall Street’s rebound as US inflation figures matched expectations, easing worries over Trump’s tariff rhetoric. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng $HSI(HSI)$  jumped 1.9%, China’s Shanghai Composite climbed 0.9%, though Japan’s Nikkei slipped 0.7% on profit-taking after recent highs.

Outlook and Insights

Markets appear to be stabilizing after a volatile period, with investors shifting from narrow AI-driven bets toward broader fundamentals. Inflation data aligning with forecasts provided relief, while geopolitical and trade uncertainties remain key watchpoints. Going forward, investors may expect selective opportunities in defensive sectors and Asian equities, though volatility is likely to persist.