Global Markets show Mixed Performance Amid U.S. Data Anticipation, tariff Concerns
NEW YORK – Global markets presented a mixed picture on September 1, 2025, as investors cautiously awaited key U.S. jobs data and reacted to developments surrounding trade tariffs. The dollar and Bitcoin both declined,while European and some Asian stock markets saw gains. Gold reached a new record high amid safe-haven demand.
The dollar fell to a five-week low against a basket of currencies, reaching 97.553 on the DXY dollar index, influenced by thinner-then-usual liquidity and investor caution ahead of the U.S. employment report. Bitcoin also experienced a downturn, dropping to a two-month low of $107,304 during European trade, according to LSEG data.
Asian markets were split. Mainland China’s stocks rose, bolstered by S&P data indicating a rebound in private manufacturing activity in August to a five-month high.Hong kong’s Hang Seng and Hang Seng Tech indices both climbed 2%, largely driven by an 18% surge in Alibaba stock following the company’s proclamation of a new, more versatile chip. India’s BSE Sensex gained 0.5% as attention shifted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting involving China,India,and Russia. conversely, Japan’s Nikkei closed down 1.2%, weighed by technology and automobile stocks, and South Korea’s Kospi fell 1.4% due to declines in semiconductor shares.
European equities opened higher, with the pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 up 0.3% in morning trading. France’s CAC 40 rose 0.3%, and Germany’s DAX climbed 0.4%. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 added 0.3%,supported by defense stocks after the U.K. secured a deal to supply warships to Norway.
Commodity markets saw gold futures reach a fresh record, rising 0.7% to $3,540.10 a troy ounce, peaking at $3,557.10/oz earlier in the session. MUFG analysts attributed the gains to tariff uncertainty and increased expectations of a potential U.S. interest-rate cut, fueling safe-haven demand amid concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence, President Trump’s tariffs, and the upcoming jobs data.
Oil prices remained relatively stable, with Brent crude up 0.4% to $67.75 a barrel and WTI up 0.5% to $64.32 a barrel, as the market balanced potential supply surpluses against diminishing hopes for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
