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Global equity markets delivered a fragmented performance last week, according to investment firm Anchoria Securities Limited.
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While European indices held firm and the UK advanced, US markets experienced a sharp downturn driven by a significant selloff in technology stocks.
Tech Rout Drives Major US Indices Lower
US equity benchmarks closed the week substantially in the red. The Nasdaq plunged -3.93% week-on-week, one of its steepest declines in recent months, as concerns over AI-related expenditure plans and earnings disappointments triggered a broad retreat from tech.
The selloff engulfed software, chipmakers, and mega-cap names, dragging the S&P 500 down -2.03% for the week.
UK and European Markets Find Resilience in Defensive Sectors
In contrast, UK and European markets demonstrated resilience. The FTSE 100 gained +1.08%, supported by its heavy weighting in defensive and commodity-linked stocks like energy and materials, which insulated it from the global tech weakness.
Similarly, Europe saw pockets of strength. Germany’s DE40 rose +0.37%, while France’s FR40 climbed +1.48%, lifted by financials and industrials. The broader Euro Stoxx 50 edged up +0.25%.
Asian Sentiment Remains Fragile as China Declines
Sentiment across Asian markets remained fragile. China’s FTSE China Index declined -0.95% amid persistent concerns over growth momentum and capital flows, highlighting the uneven and cautious investor appetite in the region.
