Global Markets Driven by Technology and Fed Optimism: Weekly Closing Report

Geopolitical Risks and the Technology Balance Global equity markets navigated a volatile week marked by escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, alongside legal developments regarding trade tariffs.
Despite these geopolitical risks, strategic partnerships in the artificial intelligence sector and optimism surrounding the U.S.
Federal Reserve's monetary policy allowed major indices to close the week in positive territory.
President Donald Trump’s 10-day deadline for a resolution to the Iran issue has prompted investors to maintain a cautious stance heading into the coming week.
Fed Minutes and Economic Data The latest meeting minutes from the Federal Reserve confirmed that while there is some policy divergence among officials, the door remains open for further interest rate cuts if inflation continues to slow.
Market pricing suggests that expectations for the first rate cut have shifted from June to July.
On the growth front, the U.S.
economy grew by 1.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, falling short of expectations.
The overall growth rate for the year was recorded at 2.2%.
Supreme Court’s Critical Tariff Ruling The U.S.
Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling regarding the legal basis for additional customs duties implemented by President Trump.
The court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the president direct authority to impose tariffs.
While this decision raises the possibility of refunding collected taxes, the Trump administration announced it may turn to alternative legal frameworks, such as the Trade Act of 1974, to continue implementing its tariff policies.
Corporate Developments and Commodity Markets In the technology sector, a strategic partnership between Meta and Nvidia served as a primary driver for market risk appetite.
Over the week, Meta shares rose by 2.5%, while Nvidia shares gained 3.83%.
On Wall Street, the S&P 500 index rose by 1.07%, the Nasdaq index increased by 1.13%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.25%.
In the commodities market, geopolitical tensions pushed oil prices higher.
Brent crude rose by 6% to reach $71.20 per barrel, driven by supply concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Looking ahead, markets will focus on U.S.
producer inflation data and Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report.