Global equities showed a mixed trend on Thursday, with U.S. tech stocks lifting the Nasdaq and broader gains across European markets, even as the Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded a mild decline.
U.S. Markets: Tech Strength Offsets Dow Weakness
The S&P 500 (^GSPC) inched up 0.11% to 6,857.12, supported by modest buying across large-cap names.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) slipped 0.07%, closing at 47,850.94, as weakness in select industrial and consumer stocks weighed on the benchmark.
The standout performer among major U.S. indices was the NASDAQ Composite (^IXIC), which rose 0.22% to 23,505.14, buoyed by renewed strength in technology and semiconductor shares. The Russell 2000 (^RUT) gained 0.76%, signaling improved risk appetite in the small-cap segment.
Meanwhile, the CBOE Volatility Index (^VIX) fell 1.87% to 15.78, reflecting calmer market sentiment and reduced hedging activity.
Europe Posts Broad Gains
European markets traded firmly higher:
DAX (^GDAXI) surged 0.79% to 23,882.03, leading regional performance as optimism around export data and easing energy prices supported sentiment.
CAC 40 (^FCHI) advanced 0.43% to 8,122.03.
EURO STOXX 50 (^STOXX50E) climbed 0.41% to 5,718.08, boosted by strength in banking, luxury, and industrials.
The FTSE 100 (^FTSE) added 0.19%, closing at 9,710.87, with gains across financials and consumer staples.
UK 100 and NYSE Indices Show Mild Moves
The Cboe UK 100 (^BUK100P) posted a 0.24% increase, reflecting modest momentum across UK blue-chip names.
In the U.S., the NYSE Composite (^NYA) edged up 0.14%, while the NYSE American Composite (^XAX) declined 0.44%, indicating divergence between large-cap and mid-cap activity on the exchange.
Market Outlook
Global sentiment remains cautiously optimistic as investors monitor key economic data releases, central bank commentary, and continued signals of stabilization in inflation. With volatility levels easing and European indices showing resilience, market participants expect a steady but selective risk-on environment heading into year-end.
