Germany’s DAX Index has updated its all‑time high. OPEC+ countries have agreed to increase production

On Monday, US stock indices closed higher, supported by renewed interest in the technology sector and companies linked to artificial intelligence. By the end of the day, the Dow Jones Index (US30) rose by 0.29%. The S&P 500 Index (US500) gained 0.72%. The Technology‑heavy NASDAQ Index (US100) closed higher by 1.12%. Market leaders were semiconductor manufacturers and major tech companies. The sector was supported by news of expanded partnership between Broadcom and Apple, as well as optimistic statements from Hon Hai Precision Industry regarding demand for AI technologies. Despite the fact that most stocks within the S&P 500 Index declined, the rise of heavyweight tech companies allowed the market to start the week on a positive note. Economic data published that day confirmed that the US services sector remains in expansion territory (PMI at 51.2), although growth has slightly slowed and companies continue hiring amid some easing of price pressure. Investors maintain cautious optimism ahead of Wednesday’s release of the Federal Reserve meeting minutes, which will help clarify the future trajectory of monetary policy as the regulator balances inflation risks and labor‑market dynamics.

European indices closed higher on Monday. By the end of the day, Germany’s DAX (DE40) rose by 0.15% and updated its all‑time high. France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 0.33%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) fell by 0.85%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) finished the trading session lower by 0.26%. Investor optimism was driven by expectations of strong quarterly reports from technology companies and falling oil prices. A significant event of the day was the German cabinet’s approval of the 2027 budget draft. The document proposes a sharp increase in government spending to 555.4 billion euros, with particular emphasis on defense: military expenditures are planned to rise to 109.7 billion euros, one‑third higher than this year’s levels. This decision aims to fulfill NATO commitments and strengthen the country’s sovereignty.

On Monday, WTI crude oil prices traded near 69 dollars per barrel, remaining at their lowest levels since late February. Pressure on prices intensified after OPEC+ countries agreed to increase production by 188,000 barrels per day next month, confirming a course toward gradually expanding supply. The physical market also contributes to lower prices: exports from Saudi Arabia are approaching pre‑war volumes, and the United Arab Emirates have fully restored their maritime shipments.

Platinum prices (XPT) traded near 1,630 dollars per ounce, maintaining a sideways trend around the lowest levels since November 2025. The main pressure on the metal continues to come from the strengthening US dollar, although the decline in prices is limited by signs of cooling in the US labor market, which forces investors to reassess expectations regarding the pace of Federal Reserve rate hikes. Fundamentally, the platinum market remains structurally tight despite current price volatility. Production at South African mines continues to face disruptions due to electricity supply issues, and efforts to expand output in Russia have not yet led to a significant reduction in the structural deficit or an increase in limited above‑ground inventories.

On Monday, Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) fell by 0.01%, China’s FTSE China A50 closed higher by 0.33%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) rose by 1.14%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) closed lower yesterday by 0.15%. On Tuesday, Chinese indices traded in the red. Market sentiment deteriorated noticeably after the World Bank published its economic expectation for China, predicting a slowdown in growth to 4.4% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027. The main reasons for this revision, according to experts, are the prolonged downturn in the real estate sector and subdued consumer demand. Despite the negative dynamics, Beijing and Hong Kong continue implementing initiatives to strengthen the city’s position as a leading offshore center for yuan operations, including the development of bond‑trading instruments and expansion of currency operations.