Rising Yields Hit European Stocks while Tensions in the Gulf Weigh on Regional Stocks

Global equity markets delivered a mixed performance this week. US stocks reached fresh record highs on continued optimism around AI-driven earnings growth, while French and German markets declined as rising bond yields and concerns over France’s fiscal outlook weighed on sentiment. Asian markets were mixed, with gains in Japan and Hong Kong offset by losses in China.
Meanwhile, Middle Eastern equities fell as escalating geopolitical tensions, attacks on shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, and uncertainty surrounding US-Iran relations overshadowed support from higher oil prices and recovering energy exports. Investors remained cautious amid growing concerns over regional stability and its impact on economic activity.

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