Global Markets React to Earnings, Ratings, and Policy Shifts

Markets are navigating a complex backdrop of earnings surprises, credit rating revisions, and shifting commodity prices. While technology and retail names offered a boost to equities, concerns around policy signals, labor data, and global growth continue to weigh on sentiment.

Global markets ended the week on a cautious yet dynamic note as earnings updates, credit rating revisions, and policy headlines shaped investor sentiment. Equity markets saw mixed moves, while currencies and commodities reflected a blend of optimism and risk aversion.

Corporate Moves in Focus

Tech and consumer names dominated headlines, with Tesla gaining momentum on fresh analyst upgrades and Alphabet climbing after pushing back against regulatory challenges. Broadcom jumped sharply on strong earnings and AI-driven momentum, while Lululemon lagged amid softer U.S. demand. demand and tariff-related concerns triggered a steep selloff. Meanwhile, Robinhood and AppLovin gained after their inclusion in the S&P 500, boosting investor sentiment around index reshuffles..

Credit Ratings and Global Outlook

Fitch stayed active in the ratings space, updating outlooks for multiple countries and corporates.. Seychelles and Malta received positive updates on the back of stronger policy buffers and fiscal improvements, Poland’s outlook was revised to negative on fiscal concerns, Vornado Realty Trust saw its outlook revised to positive, reflecting improved financial stability. These moves underscored how ratings agencies continue to influence sentiment across both sovereign and corporate bonds.

Commodities and Currencies

In commodities, oil prices slumped as investors weighed OPEC+ supply discussions and U.S. inventory data. Gold, on the other hand, extended its rally to new record highs, supported by weaker labor data and heightened expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. On the currency front, the dollar stayed under pressure, slipping against the yen, Australian dollar, and emerging-market peers. Asian FX remained broadly muted, though investors continue to monitor central bank policy cues closely.

SGFX Summary

The near-term focus remains on U.S. economic data, particularly labor market and inflation numbers, which will shape expectations for the Federal Reserve’s policy path. Analysts also expect continued volatility as corporate earnings trickle in and geopolitical developments unfold. For investors, the coming weeks may provide opportunities in both safe-haven assets like gold and growth-linked equities tied to AI and technology.