Your Weekly Market Wrap-Up

28th September - 2nd October 2026

Global Highlights

U.S. Markets

U.S. equities advanced, led by technology and communication services, as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq shrugged off rising bond yields. Core PCE inflation moderated to 3.0% year over year. Still, core inflation remains uncomfortably high for policymakers. PMIs hit multi‑year highs and payrolls surprised to the downside, supporting a resilient growth narrative.

European Markets

Oil and interest rates continued to exert a strong influence on European equities. Business activity across the euro area improved and moved more firmly into expansion, but companies reported faster rises in costs and selling prices. German business confidence kept improving, yet households felt more pressure, and UK retail sales and services activity slowed amid higher inflation.

Asian Markets

Japan advanced led by AI and semiconductor stocks as long‑term bond yields climbed and the yen weakened past 158 per dollar. Chinese equities declined on growth worries, high oil prices, and reduced optimism around U.S.–China talks, though both sides agreed to keep their trade truce in place until January 2027.

Weekly Spotlights

Inflation is cooling but not yet under full control. The Fed’s main inflation gauge shows prices rising at about 3% over the past year, but over the last three months that pace slowed to roughly 2%, the first time in over two years. Long‑term U.S. bond yields jumped to multi‑decade highs as growth stayed solid and AI investment surged. The economy remains resilient, with strong consumer spending and corporate profits, while Middle East tensions keep oil prices and inflation expectations volatile.

Market Performance

Asset Name Weekly Closing Level Weekly % Return
S&P 500 7,722.72 -0.27%
DJIA (Dow Jones) 51,176.96 -1.26%
Nasdaq Composite 27,190.86 0.45%
Nikkei 225 68,309.46 2.69%
FTSE 100 10,461.95 -2.18%
Shanghai Composite 3,842.19 -1.19%
Sensex (BSE) 71,909.70 -2.69%
ADX Index (UAE) 9,973.01 -2.23%
Gold 4,172.10 -3.45%
Brent Oil (USD/bbl) 102.72 3.95%

Outlook

The Fed’s revised projections indicate a firmer economic backdrop, with stronger near-term growth expectations . Diversification across regions, sectors, and company sizes remains important. We continue to see opportunities in U.S. large- and mid-cap equities, emerging markets, and international value stocks. Any meaningful market pullback may offer an opportunity to gradually add quality equity exposure. Within fixed income, short- and longer-dated investment-grade bonds remain attractive for income, quality, and diversification.

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Disclaimer

This commentary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. For detailed insights, contact our investment team.