Global markets remained steady on Monday, driven by softer-than-expected inflation numbers that fueled speculation about a potential interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve.
The US stock market saw gains, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq advancing due to optimism over the US-China trade reprieve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell, however, as UnitedHealth’s disappointing forecast weighed on its performance.
In Europe, shares were steady, with Germany’s Dax and France’s Cac 40 indices rising slightly. Euro zone yields also steadied, as easing trade tensions reduced concerns about economic growth.
Meanwhile, Dublin’s Euronext Dublin index underperformed, with Ryanair down 80 basis points ahead of its earnings release next week. Banks like AIB and Kerry Group fell, while homebuilders Cairn Homes and Glenveagh Properties rose after reporting a strong day.
Shell led the gains in the FTSE 100, pushing the blue-chip index up 1.2 per cent. Shares in GSK fell, however, as the company announced plans to discontinue its lung cancer therapy development.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 and Europe’s broad FTSEurofirst 300 indices also rose slightly. Overall, markets seemed to be cautiously optimistic about the prospects of a rate cut from the Federal Reserve.
Source: https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/05/13/global-markets-steady-after-softer-than-expected-us-inflation-data