NextFin news, Global financial markets delivered a generally steady performance on Thursday, October 2, 2025, as technology shares and commodities led gains across Asia and Europe, while investors remained cautious amid the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.
In the Asia-Pacific region, markets rose solidly with South Korea's KOSPI hitting a new all-time high, climbing over two percent, driven by optimism in artificial intelligence and semiconductor sectors. Japan's Nikkei 225 closed nearly one percent higher, supported by semiconductor and robotics companies, aided by a weaker yen favoring exporters. Hong Kong's Hang Seng advanced over one and a half percent, buoyed by technology and consumer stocks, while Australia's ASX 200 jumped more than one percent, lifted by banking and mining sectors.
China's mainland exchanges and India's markets were closed for holidays, reducing liquidity but focusing investor attention on the technology sector in other parts of Asia.
European markets opened higher, extending Asia's momentum. The pan-European STOXX 600 index approached record levels, led by chipmakers and industrial technology firms. Germany's DAX rose over one percent, supported by strong export and industrial production data. France's CAC 40 advanced, helped by luxury and consumer goods companies, while London's FTSE 100 showed steadier gains with energy shares benefiting from a rebound in oil prices.
Currency markets saw the U.S. dollar retreat, with the Dollar Index slipping to its lowest level in a week near 97.5. The euro strengthened near the mid-1.17 range, and the Japanese yen gained modestly to around 146 per dollar, as traders adjusted positions amid U.S. political uncertainty.
Commodities rebounded after recent volatility. Gold surged near record highs, trading close to $3,900 per ounce, driven by safe-haven demand amid U.S. fiscal risks and the government shutdown. Brent crude oil climbed above $65 per barrel, supported by expectations of tighter sanctions on Russian energy and OPEC+ production discipline. Industrial metals, including copper, also posted moderate gains, buoyed by demand signals from Asia.
U.S. stock futures indicated a steady to slightly higher start, with S&P 500 futures up 0.2 percent and Nasdaq futures gaining modestly, reflecting continued investor interest in technology shares. However, the shadow of the U.S. government shutdown loomed, with concerns over delayed economic data releases and potential impacts on market confidence.
Key themes influencing investor sentiment included strong momentum in technology sectors, European market resilience supported by stable monetary policy, persistent safe-haven demand for gold, oil market sensitivity to geopolitical developments, and ongoing uncertainty from U.S. political gridlock.
As the U.S. trading day progressed, market participants awaited labor market data and corporate earnings guidance, particularly from technology companies, while monitoring energy market developments for signals on supply and inflation expectations.
Overall, Thursday's trading reflected a global market balancing optimism in technology and commodities with caution over political and fiscal risks, setting a cautiously positive tone as markets enter the final quarter of 2025.
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