Global equities steady as Asian markets open higher; US futures dip amid trade uncertainty
Global equities opened the week on a mixed note, with Asian markets trading with marginal gains, buoyed by last week's tech-led rebound in US markets. However, US stock index futures slipped slightly in early trade, as investors await further clarity on President Donald Trump's trade tariffs and the broader outlook for the US economy.
Sentiment was cautious as the US dollar remained under pressure, reflecting ongoing concerns about renewed trade tensions and their potential to slow global growth in the coming months.
Key global market snapshots: Dow Futures were down 85 points at 42,221 (-0.20%).
Nasdaq Futures slipped 42 points to 21,450 (-0.19%).
US Small Cap 2000 Futures fell 7 points to 2,063 (-0.33%).
In Europe, early signals were positive: DAX Futures rose 77 points to 24,053 (+0.32%).
FTSE Futures were up 15 points at 8,809 (+0.17%).
In Asia, markets opened firm: Hang Seng Futures jumped 275 points to 23,294 (+1.19%).
KOSPI edged up 1.3 points to 2,699 (+0.05%).
Taiex Futures surged 328 points to 21,197 (+1.57%).
Nikkei 225 gained 221 points to 37,692 (+0.59%).
For Indian markets, Gift Nifty was down 10 points at 24,861 (-0.04%) in early adjusted trade, suggesting a flat to cautious start.
US markets closed higher on Friday, led by tech stocks: Dow Jones Industrial Average ended up 35 points at 42,305 (+0.08%).
Nasdaq Composite gained 129 points to 19,242 (+0.67%).
Traders are likely to watch upcoming US macro data, any new signals on tariff policy, and currency trends, all of which could influence short-term risk sentiment.
News desk at BusinessUpturn.com
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