Global markets extend gains as optimism builds

European stocks edged higher on Tuesday, extending record highs with support from the defence, aerospace and luxury sectors. The Eurozone’s STOXX 50 added 0.20% to 5 691, while the pan-European STOXX 600 gained 0.30%. Luxury brand Hermès advanced 1.50%, bringing its five-session rally to 11% amid expectations of stronger margins.

The South African rand weakened on Tuesday, pressured by a stronger US dollar and declining commodity prices that dampened demand for risk assets. The currency slipped 1.30% to trade at R17.44 to the dollar. Locally, investors assessed data from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) showing that the country’s composite leading business cycle indicator, which tracks trends in vehicle sales, business confidence and money supply, rose 1.60% month-on-month in August. The JSE closed more than 2% lower on the day.

In the US, equities extended their winning streak for a third consecutive session, driven by upbeat corporate earnings. The Dow Jones rose over 300 points, supported by solid results from Coca-Cola and 3M, both up more than 3%. The S&P 500 gained 0.20%, lifted by General Motors and Warner Bros.

Gold prices plunged as much as 6.20% to around $4 100 per ounce their steepest daily decline since 2013 after touching a record high of $4 382 on Monday. The sharp pullback followed profit-taking, a stronger US dollar and easing safe-haven demand amid improved global sentiment and progress toward a US–China trade resolution.

In Asia, markets also advanced on signs of easing trade tensions and political developments. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index climbed 0.70% to 26 028, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.27% to 49 316 and the broader Topix inched up 0.03% to 3 250. Gains in Japan followed Sanae Takaichi’s historic election as the country’s first female prime minister.