Global equities rise due to U.S.-China trade truce, gold prices drop

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-05-15 22:08:00

Wall Street gained on Friday, with European shares climbing for a fifth straight week on upbeat earnings from a U.S.-China trade truce. Gold prices saw their biggest weekly loss since November, while oil futures had a weekly gain. U.S. consumer sentiment slumped in May, with one-year inflation expectations rising. Yields on U.S. Treasuries fell due to weaker housing starts.

Global equity markets had a positive week due to reduced trade tensions between the U.S. and China, lessening the risk of a global recession. European stocks saw gains as the EU and U.S. intensified talks on a trade agreement. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.4%, with strong corporate results boosting gains. U.S. import prices unexpectedly rose in April.

Asia-Pacific stocks ex-Japan rose over 3% this week, while oil prices were volatile. Brent futures settled up 1.4%. U.S. core retail sales were soft, and producer prices fell unexpectedly in April. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield fell. Walmart announced price increases due to tariffs. The dollar edged higher, while gold prices fell.

Overall, the week saw positive trends in global equity markets, fuelled by earnings and reduced trade tensions. Gold and oil prices fluctuated, while U.S. economic indicators like retail sales and producer prices influenced market expectations. Tariffs continue to impact consumer prices and market sentiment.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: Global equities gain, gold prices set for big weekly loss