Global equities surged, driven by US stocks, as strong retail numbers and encouraging jobless claims alleviated recession fears. US Treasury yields and the dollar also climbed. Meanwhile, gold rose on Middle East tensions and expectations of interest rate cuts. Retail giants Walmart (the world’s largest retailer) and Alibaba (China’s largest retailer) saw their shares jump, with Walmart boosting its sales guidance and Alibaba benefiting from broker upgrades despite mixed earnings. According to Mark Matthews, Head of Research Asia, major Asian markets look promising, including Japan (where a weaker yen should boost stocks), India (with its structural growth drivers), and China (too cheap to ignore).

00:00 Introduction by Helen Freer (Investment Writing)

00:34 Markets wrap-up by Mike Rauber (Investment Writing)

07:21 Asia update: Mark Matthews (Head of Research Asia)

15:17 Closing remarks by Helen Freer (Investment Writing)

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