Global stock markets were on course to reclaim record highs on Thursday following the end of the longest U.S. government shutdown in history, while Japan’s yen tumbled to historic lows against the euro and hit a nine-month low versus the dollar.
Europe’s STOXX 600 opened stronger, with France’s CAC 40 gaining nearly 1%, pushing both indexes to all-time peaks. The rise offset a sharp 4% drop in German engineering giant Siemens after disappointing earnings. U.S. stock futures fluctuated slightly but remained positive, with MSCI’s 47-country All World Index heading for a fourth consecutive daily gain just shy of its all-time high from October.
The renewed optimism came after President Donald Trump signed a bill on Wednesday to end the U.S. government shutdown, clearing the way for delayed economic data releases. Analysts expect payroll figures due next week to shed light on the labour market’s strength.
“We’re waiting for the data fog to clear,” said Michael Metcalfe of State Street Global Markets. “Inflation is cooling, so all eyes will be on jobs data as the key driver of risk sentiment.”
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In Asia, Japan’s yen continued to weaken after the new prime minister urged the central bank to go slow on rate hikes. The currency fell to a record low of 179.49 per euro and near 154.92 per dollar, despite the finance minister’s warnings to traders.
Japan’s Nikkei gained 0.4%, while the Topix index hit an all-time high as investors shifted focus from overheated AI stocks to broader sectors. Analysts remain divided over whether the Bank of Japan will tighten rates by year-end.
Gold held firm above $4,200 per ounce, while bond markets were calm, with U.S. 10-year yields at 4.09% and Germany’s at 2.65%.
Brent crude slipped to $62.42 a barrel, its lowest in three weeks, after OPEC revised its 2026 forecast to show a potential surplus in global oil supply. “OPEC’s new report confirms the group now acknowledges a possible supply glut in 2026,” said Suvro Sarkar of DBS Bank.
READ ALSO: Global Stocks Edge Higher Ahead of U.S. Inflation Data, Geopolitical Talks
Meanwhile, the Dow Jones hit a record high overnight, even as the Nasdaq retreated. In London, the FTSE 100 dipped slightly after reaching a record peak, while Europe’s tech sector rebounded, led by ASML and Infineon.
The end of the U.S. shutdown and improving investor confidence signal a potential return to market stability, though currency swings and oil uncertainties could still test the rally’s strength.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
