Wall Street ended Friday with a mixed performance as major indices struggled to recover from Thursday’s selloff, which was triggered by disappointing economic data and underwhelming corporate developments. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell sharply by 473 points (1.07%), marking its third consecutive weekly decline. The S&P 500 dropped by 0.99%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 posted the steepest decline of the day, falling by 1.28% as major technology stocks like Apple, Tesla, and Microsoft faced significant selling pressure. Investors remain cautious amidst ongoing concerns about inflationary pressures.

European markets also closed in the negative on Friday, reflecting subdued investor sentiment driven by mixed corporate earnings and persistent trade tensions with the US. The Eurozone’s STOXX 50 slipped by 0.3% to finish at 5 450 points, while the broader STOXX 600 edged down by 0.25%, closing at 550 points. Concerns over potential US tariffs on European goods and increased defence spending commitments among EU member states weighed heavily on market sentiment.

In Asia, markets followed a similar trend, closing mostly lower due to economic developments and global trade uncertainties. Chinese stocks were under pressure after the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) decided to keep its benchmark lending rates unchanged for February. This signalled a more cautious approach to monetary easing despite slowing economic growth. The Shanghai Composite fell by 0.25% closing at 3 340 points as concerns lingered over potential tariff implications from the US and weaker domestic demand forecasts. Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei 225 retreated slightly by 0.15% to finish at 27 800 points as investors processed mixed economic signals and awaited further clarity on US-China trade relations.

In contrast to global trends, South Africa’s FTSE/JSE All Share Index bucked the trend and gained 0.60%, closing higher on Friday as improved investor sentiment lifted local equities. The recovery in global commodity prices provided a much-needed boost to resource-heavy stocks on the JSE, with mining companies leading the charge. Positive developments from G20 discussions held in Johannesburg also supported market confidence, while expectations for upcoming budget announcements in March added to optimism about fiscal policy reform. The rand remained steady against the dollar at R18.36/$.

Commodity markets saw a mixed performance on Friday amid geopolitical uncertainties and fluctuating supply-demand dynamics. Gold prices surged to an all-time high of $2 960 per ounce amidst rising geopolitical tensions and fears of escalating trade conflicts between major economies. Oil prices dipped slightly after reports of rising US crude inventories dampened market sentiment; Brent crude fell by 0.4% to $75.87 per barrel. Copper prices remained stable as demand forecasts from China continued to support market confidence.

Overall, Friday’s trading reflected a cautious yet resilient mood among global investors as they grappled with a complex mix of economic signals, geopolitical risks and corporate earnings reports heading into the weekend.