TOKYO — World shares traded mixed on Friday after a technology-led rally on Wall Street lifted major U.S. indexes earlier in the week, while investors continued to assess developments in energy markets, central bank policy and geopolitical negotiations, according to market data and analysts.
European markets opened with modest gains and losses after a mixed session in Asia. Germany’s benchmark DAX edged higher, while Britain’s FTSE 100 slipped slightly. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 reached another record high, supported by technology and export-oriented shares, while South Korea’s Kospi and several regional indexes ended lower. U.S. stock futures also pointed lower ahead of the next trading session.
The uneven performance followed a strong advance on Wall Street, where technology companies helped drive gains. Semiconductor-related stocks and other technology shares rose after investors responded positively to corporate announcements and easing concerns about inflation pressures tied to energy prices. Intel, Nvidia and Micron Technology were among the companies that recorded notable gains during the rally, according to market reports.
Market sentiment has also been influenced by developments surrounding negotiations involving the United States and Iran. Investors initially welcomed reports of progress toward an agreement that could help restore oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies. However, uncertainty persisted after discussions on Iran’s nuclear program were delayed, tempering optimism in financial markets.
Oil prices remained volatile. Brent crude traded below levels seen earlier during recent tensions in the Middle East, while U.S. benchmark crude also held relatively steady. Analysts said movements in energy prices continued to influence expectations for inflation and monetary policy.
Central banks remained another focus for investors. The U.S. Federal Reserve this week left interest rates unchanged, while signaling continued attention to inflation trends. In Japan, the Bank of Japan recently raised interest rates to their highest level in decades as policymakers responded to persistent price pressures.
“Markets are balancing improving sentiment in technology shares against ongoing uncertainty over inflation and geopolitical developments,” analysts at several brokerage firms said in research notes cited by financial media. Details of future policy moves remain unclear.
Trading volumes were relatively light because U.S. markets were closed on Thursday for the Juneteenth holiday, reducing activity across global financial centers. Investors continued to monitor economic data releases, corporate earnings and developments in energy markets for further direction.
As of June 20, global markets remained divided between regions benefiting from technology-sector gains and those facing pressure from concerns over growth, inflation and external risks. No major market-moving announcements had been released by authorities at the close of trading in Asia.
