Global markets show volatility as U.S. stocks and Singapore STI decline

Global financial markets experienced significant volatility, characterized by mixed performance across major indices. In Asia, the Nikkei 225, Shanghai Composite, Hang Seng, and various Indian indices saw gains. However, the Singapore Straits Times Index (STI) ended a two-day winning streak, dropping 1.16 percent to finish at 5,701.40, driven by losses in financial, trust, and industrial shares.

In the United States, major averages declined. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 1.32 percent, the S&P 500 dropped 0.87 percent, and the NASDAQ decreased by 1 percent. Market weakness in the U.S. was attributed to rising bond yields, with the 30-year yield reaching near two-decade highs amid inflation concerns related to Middle East conflicts.

Energy markets saw upward movement, with crude oil prices rising. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) increased by 0.46 percent to $84.89 per barrel, and Brent crude rose 1.68 percent to $93.156 per barrel. These increases were linked to fading hopes for U.S.-Iran talks regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, precious metals showed mixed results, with gold decreasing slightly and silver increasing by 1.80 percent.