Global equity markets closed mostly higher on January 2, led by gains in European indices and strong moves in Asian and Indian benchmarks, while US tech stocks and select Latin American markets showed relative weakness.
In the United States, the Dow Jones (US30) rose 0.66%, adding 319 points to close at 48,382, outperforming peers. The S&P 500 (US500) edged up 0.19% to 6,858, maintaining its upward bias despite weekly softness. However, the Nasdaq 100 (US100) slipped 0.17%, reflecting continued pressure on heavyweight technology stocks.
European markets delivered broad-based gains. Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) surged 1.07%, emerging as one of the day’s top performers, while Italy’s FTSE MIB (IT40) jumped 0.96%. Germany’s DAX (DE40) gained 0.20%, and France’s CAC 40 (FR40) advanced 0.56%, supported by banking and industrial stocks. The UK’s FTSE 100 (GB100) also ended higher, up 0.20%.
In Asia-Pacific, Australia’s ASX 200 climbed 0.65%, while India’s Sensex rallied 573 points, or 0.67%, to close at 85,762, extending its positive momentum into the new year. Canada’s TSX rose 0.54%, supported by strength in energy and materials.
Latin American markets showed mixed performance. Brazil’s Bovespa (IBOVESPA) declined 0.36%, while Mexico’s IPC fell 0.30%, amid profit booking after strong year-on-year gains.
From a longer-term perspective, European indices continue to dominate annual performance. Spain’s ES35 is up over 50% year-on-year, while Italy’s IT40 has gained nearly 33%, highlighting Europe’s strong equity rebound. In contrast, US indices remain positive but relatively moderate, with the S&P 500 up 15.4% year-on-year.
