The US stock markets posted solid gains at the end of Thursday’s session. By the end of the day, the Dow Jones Index (US30) rose by 1.18%. The S&P500 Index (US500) gained 1.06%. The Technology Index Nasdaq (US100) closed Thursday in the green at 1.40%. The main catalyst for growth was dovish commentary from Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller, who allowed for a pause in the rate‑hike cycle in September if core inflation continues to slow. The regulator’s statements calmed the bond market, causing a noticeable decline in Treasury yields. Rate‑sensitive shares of major technology companies showed strong performance. Microsoft gained 2.7%, Meta rose 3%, Oracle increased 5.7%, and Palantir surged 7.7%. In the semiconductor segment, divergence was observed: Nvidia and Intel rose by 1.8%, while Broadcom fell by 2.7% amid profit‑taking, despite a strong quarterly report with revenue growth of 221% year‑over‑year.
Canada’s July trade data showed a sharp narrowing of the trade‑balance surplus, confirming growing economic imbalances amid commodity‑market volatility and geopolitical pressure. A decline in export revenues alongside a spike in imports increases pressure on the national currency and creates a challenging backdrop for the Bank of Canada, which is trying to balance inflation risks with slowing economic growth.
In Europe, by the end of Thursday, Germany’s DAX (DE40) rose by 0.63%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed up 0.07%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) gained 1.12%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed in the green at 0.70%.
A strong quarterly report from the Swiss economy showed confident recovery from the winter slowdown, supported by robust external demand for flagship‑industry products and a revival in domestic consumption. Quarterly GDP growth of 1.5% was the strongest in nearly five years (since Q3 2021), significantly exceeding initial analyst consensus expectations of a modest 0.2-0.4%. Year‑over‑year growth reached 2.8%.
Oil prices (WTI) are holding near six‑week highs, trading around $91 per barrel. The market is balancing between Middle East conflict escalation and actual supply volumes. Despite Iran’s statements about overnight strikes on US bases in the region and Israel’s readiness to intensify military action, crude transit through the key corridor continues. According to Reuters, six vessels passed through the strait on Wednesday (versus 11 on Tuesday and a 10‑day average of around 13 vessels).
The US natural‑gas futures in September surpassed $2.95 per MMBtu, holding at nearly two‑month highs amid a combination of domestic demand and global energy shortages. Hot weather across the continental US early in the month sharply increased pressure on power grids due to air‑conditioning demand, boosting gas consumption by electricity generators. European underground gas storage is filled to only 65%, the lowest level for this season in the past 15 years. The situation is worsened by fierce competition from Asian buyers (primarily Japan and South Korea), who are actively securing available LNG volumes ahead of the winter heating season.
In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) fell by 0.17%, China’s FTSE China 50 closed down 0.08%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) declined by 0.39%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) closed Thursday higher by 0.46%.
The Australian dollar (AUD) is showing confident growth, consolidating above the key psychological threshold of $0.72 and reaching its highest level in more than four months. Strong Q2 GDP data convinced investors of the resilience of the national economy. This prompted markets to price in a high probability of renewed tightening by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). The probability of a rate hike this month is estimated at 58%, while the November step is already fully priced in.
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) reaffirmed its commitment to a neutral stance, leaving the key rate at 2.75% following its September meeting. This decision matched market consensus and marked the seventh consecutive pause in the regulator’s monetary‑policy cycle. The central bank highlighted strong national‑economic performance – GDP growth in the first half of 2026 reached 5.7%, supported by stronger‑than‑expected exports and resilient domestic demand. For the full year, the central bank expects economic growth near 5%. Inflation remains under control (headline inflation averaged 1.8%, and core inflation 2.0% over the first seven months of the year).
S&P 500 (US500) 7,747.60 +81.01 (+1.06%)
Dow Jones (US30) 53,685.52 +623.57 (+1.18%)
DAX (DE40) 26,003.32 +163.99 (+0.63%)
FTSE 100 (UK100) 10,831.52 +75.07 (+0.70%)
USD Index 98.98 -0.62 (-0.62%)
News feed for: 2026.09.04
Eurozone Retail Sales (m/m) at 12:00 (GMT+3) – EUR (MED);
US Nonfarm Payrolls (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3) – USD, XAU, US indices (HIGH)
US Unemployment Rate (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3) – USD, XAU, US indices (HIGH)
Canada Unemployment Rate (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3) – CAD (HIGH)
Canada Ivey PMI (m/m) at 17:00 (GMT+3) – CAD (MED)
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