Uncertainty Grips Global Markets Amid Tech Highs and Policy Ambiguities

Despite fresh record highs in Tokyo and Taipei's tech-driven stock rallies, uncertainty prevails in global markets. Investors adopted a cautious stance, turning into sellers to secure profits amid an uncertain environment influenced by U.S. economic policies and data suspensions due to the government shutdown.

South Korean investors capitalized on a 2.8% surge in the KOSPI index, marking an all-time peak. Meanwhile, European and U.S. futures saw declines, and investors were left to analyze private surveys as critical U.S. data was unavailable. The manufacturing sector depicted a grim outlook, compounded by tariffs intended to stimulate it.

The tech sector remained a focal point, highlighted by Amazon's massive cloud deal with OpenAI and mixed signals regarding Nvidia chip availability. These developments and upcoming statements from key European financial leaders are expected to impact market sentiments in the following days.