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2026-07-31 10:17 UTC → 2026-07-31 13:30 UTC ·
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Global equity markets rally amid sector shifts on AI optimism
Early In late July saw 2026, AI‑driven optimism sparked a strong chip‑driven rally across U.S. fresh surge in equity markets worldwide. Nasdaq‑100 futures rose 1.16 % and global exchanges, while Middle East tensions added volatility. By late July, European indices posted modest gains S&P 500 futures climbed 0.48 % as oil prices fell sharply; travel Microsoft posted a 16 % jump after stronger‑than‑expected Azure growth and leisure stocks such as Lufthansa, IAG Amazon gained over 9 % on solid revenue. European benchmarks followed, with the Dutch AEX opening at a record 1,111.34 points, the Stoxx Europe 600 up 0.9 %, the German DAX up 0.9 % and Ryanair the UK FTSE 100 up 0.5 %. In Asia, South Korea’s Kospi leapt more than 15 % driven by SK Hynix and Samsung, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose around 2%, over 3 %. US macro data showed Q2 growth of 1.5 % year‑on‑year, core PCE up 0.1 % month‑on‑month, and the STOXX 600 nudged higher. initial jobless claims at 197,000, all below expectations. The technology sector remained under pressure, highlighted by an 8% drop in ASML after reports that China had begun producing its own deep‑ultraviolet lithography machines. Investors turned 10‑year Treasury yield slipped to 4.65 %, the upcoming dollar edged to 100.2, Brent crude fell 1.4 % to $85.4, and gold declined 0.5 % to $4,082. The rally unfolded amid ongoing geopolitical tension, including Iranian attacks on US bases, while the Federal Reserve rate decision for guidance. At the month’s end, the Dutch AEX hit a record high, buoyed by maintained a semiconductor surge and upbeat steady‑rate stance. This development extends the earlier July‑2024 rally narrative, where AI‑related earnings from Microsoft and Amazon. ASML reversed to gain alongside fellow chipmaker Besi, while global futures semiconductor strength had already lifted and Asian markets rallied on strong tech results. Despite markets, underscoring the optimism, broader concerns over U.S. inflation and interest‑rate outlook lingered. continuing role of AI‑driven technology stocks in global equity performance.