Global Stock Markets Slip Amid Middle East Tensions and Fed Outlook

Indonesia’s stock market fell sharply on Friday, with the Jakarta Composite Index dropping nearly 2% as foreign investors sold roughly Rp1.36 trillion of shares. The Rupiah weakened to about Rp17,935 per US $, and government bond yields rose above 7.3%. Market sentiment was weighed down by rising global oil prices above US$100 per barrel, new US tariff measures and anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision. At the same time, President Xi Jinping gathered top Chinese officials, a meeting watched for clues on China’s economic direction.

In the United States, Wall Street closed mixed. The S&P 500 edged up 0.05% while the Nasdaq fell 0.64% after semiconductor stocks tumbled – Intel fell almost 8% and several chip makers posted double‑digit losses. Apple gained 3.5% on the rally. Investors also reacted to escalating Middle East conflict, with US President Donald Trump signalling a possible large‑scale strike on Iran, which pushed oil futures down from recent highs. Brent crude settled at US$96.78 a barrel and WTI at US$89.31.