Headline: Global Markets Diverge as AI Momentum Fades and Crypto Surges
Introduction: Markets opened the week with mixed signals as the tech-led rally cooled in the United States while Asian equities rebounded sharply. Policy headlines, travel disruptions, and renewed crypto optimism added to a busy macro backdrop that is shaping risk appetite across equities, fintech, and digital assets.
U.S. stocks lost steam after a strong run, with the Nasdaq sliding roughly 2% as investors questioned the sustainability of AI-driven gains. The S&P 500 hovered near recent highs, but volatility jumped as traders turned to options ahead of earnings updates and fresh guidance from the Federal Reserve. In Washington, progress toward ending the government shutdown supported sentiment, even as sectors such as airlines felt immediate strain from reduced FAA staffing and more than 2,700 flight cancellations that could weigh on travel revenue and payments volumes.
In Asia, risk appetite improved. Tech shares led a strong rally, with South Korea’s Kospi up about 3.5% and chip leaders including SK Hynix advancing around 5.5%. Central-bank signals were in focus: the Bank of Japan flagged a path toward rate normalization while the Reserve Bank of Australia kept a cautious tone. China eased export controls on key metals, helping lift global equities and gold prices. Meanwhile, Europe faced fresh headwinds from U.S. tariffs, with estimates pointing to a modest GDP drag of 0.03% in 2025 and 0.5–0.6% in 2026. In digital assets, crypto prices pushed higher on hopes for a shutdown resolution: bitcoin rose about 4.2% to near $106,000 and ether gained 7.4% to roughly $3,600, even as expectations for an ADA ETF slipped to around 38%. In China’s fintech sector, lending platforms restarted growth plans targeting about 7.6% expansion, though default risks remain elevated given macro softness.
Key Points: – Nasdaq fell about 2% as AI-driven stocks cooled; the S&P 500 stayed near recent highs with volatility rising. – Asia tech rebounded sharply; Korea’s Kospi gained roughly 3.5% and SK Hynix rose around 5.5%. – U.S. shutdown progress supported risk sentiment, but airlines canceled 2,700+ flights amid FAA staffing cuts. – Bitcoin climbed ~4.2% to near $106,000 and ether ~7.4% to ~$3,600; ADA ETF odds slipped to about 38%. – China eased export curbs on key metals, boosting global equities and gold prices. – China’s fintech lenders target about 7.6% growth, but credit risks and potential defaults are a key watchpoint.
