Global Markets, March 12: Financial markets showed mixed trends across equities and cryptocurrencies on Wednesday, with sharp gains in select U.S. stocks and digital assets even as major UK indices ended lower.
The benchmark FTSE 100 fell 0.56% to 10,353.77, while the FTSE 250 declined 0.49% to 22,381.34. Broader indices also moved lower, with the FTSE 350 dropping 0.55% and the FTSE All-Share falling 0.56%, reflecting cautious investor sentiment across UK equities.
Despite the broader decline, several blue-chip companies posted gains. Energy giants BP plc and Shell plc rose 2.89% and 2.00% respectively, while Rentokil Initial plc gained 2.48%. Pharmaceutical company Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc and hospitality major InterContinental Hotels Group also recorded modest advances.
U.S. Stocks Show Sharp Movers
In the United States, smaller-cap stocks saw significant volatility. Renewable energy firm Nuvve Holding Corp. emerged as the biggest gainer, surging 113.33%. Biotech company Acurx Pharmaceuticals followed with a 107.93% rise.
Other notable gainers included 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals and XCF Global Inc., which posted strong double-digit gains.
On the downside, lidar technology company Aeva Technologies recorded the sharpest decline, falling 63.13%. Innoviz Technologies and Strata Critical Medical also dropped more than 40%, highlighting heightened volatility in smaller-cap stocks.
Trading activity remained heavy in several securities, with Actelis Networks leading share volume. Among large-cap stocks by dollar value, the most actively traded included the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, along with technology leaders Tesla, NVIDIA and Micron Technology.
Cryptocurrency Market Shows Mixed Momentum
Digital asset markets also displayed divergent trends. Storage-focused cryptocurrency Arweave led crypto gainers, rising 12.51% to $1.82. Berachain climbed 10.72%, while River gained 8.06%.
DeFi token Compound advanced 7.62%, and blockchain project Internet Computer increased 7.33%.
However, several cryptocurrencies posted losses. BUILDon dropped 16.39%, the steepest fall among tracked tokens. Flow declined 12.39%, while Midnight fell 10.67%. Bitcoin SV also slipped 7.97% during the session.
