The week in equities, rates, currencies and commodities across Australia, the US, Europe, China and Japan. This week's leader: FTSE 100 (+2.73% over 7 days).
| Region | Index | Level | Week | YTD | 12-Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ASX 200 | 8806.70 | +1.03% | +1.06% | -2.89% |
| US | S&P 500 | 7744.06 | -0.27% | +13.13% | +16.82% |
| US | Nasdaq Composite | 26713.03 | -1.77% | +14.93% | +18.40% |
| US | Dow Jones | 52177.69 | +1.85% | +8.56% | +13.55% |
| Europe | FTSE 100 | 10840.40 | +2.73% | +9.15% | +14.88% |
| Europe | DAX | 25382.62 | +1.18% | +3.64% | +4.57% |
| Europe | CAC 40 | 7934.70 | +1.68% | -2.64% | -3.10% |
| Europe | Euro Stoxx 50 | 6168.26 | -0.08% | +6.42% | +9.13% |
| China | Shanghai Composite | 3707.61 | -2.78% | -6.58% | -5.33% |
| China | Hang Seng | 24140.60 | -0.29% | -5.81% | -6.75% |
| Japan | Nikkei 225 | 65324.29 | -5.37% | +29.77% | +35.31% |
Top 3 this week
- FTSE 100 (Europe)+2.73%
- Dow Jones (US)+1.85%
- CAC 40 (Europe)+1.68%
Worst 3 this week
- Nikkei 225 (Japan)-5.37%
- Shanghai Composite (China)-2.78%
- Nasdaq Composite (US)-1.77%
Equity markets struck a broadly cautious tone this week. US indices continued to draw support from technology names, while European markets showed a more mixed picture. China remains buoyed by hopes of further policy support, and Japan continues to benefit from a weaker yen. Commentary drawing comparisons — or contrasts — with the 1999 market excesses served as a reminder that risk appetite remains selective, favouring quality over broad-based exuberance.
On the policy front, the Reserve Bank of Australia stayed in focus, with its cash rate decision continuing to anchor expectations around domestic growth and inflation, both freshly illuminated by the latest ABS GDP and CPI releases. The Australian dollar moved in step with these macro signals, while the euro held relatively steady. Oil and gold remained closely watched as barometers of risk sentiment amid still-mixed economic data globally.
For a long-term investor spanning France and Australia, this week reinforces the value of a balanced allocation across both economies. Whether the signal comes from the RBA or from European data, the message is consistent: geographic and sector diversification remains a sound discipline, far more valuable than trying to time short-term moves. Patience and strategic consistency continue to serve investors best in an environment that remains far from settled.
This content is general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. Index levels reflect the latest available close at the time this article was generated; the "Week" change covers the trailing 7 days, and YTD and 12-month changes are calculated from available daily closing prices.