US equity markets closed higher on Monday, reflecting a complex interplay of geopolitical considerations and economic uncertainty. The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached 46,316 points at the close of trading in New York, marking a 0.2% increase from the previous day’s levels.
The broader S&P 500 climbed to approximately 6,661 points, registering a 0.3% gain, while the Nasdaq 100 stood at roughly 24,611 points, up 0.4% at the same time.
Market participants assessed the potential implications of a proposed peace plan presented by the US President regarding the Gaza conflict, alongside announcements concerning tariffs on films and furniture. Simultaneously, the looming threat of a US government shutdown also weighed on investor sentiment. This potential shutdown introduces risk to the release of crucial labor market data, information the Federal Reserve utilizes to calibrate its future interest rate policy decisions. The President is scheduled to meet with representatives from the Democratic party, whose support is necessary to avert the government shutdown.
The euro strengthened slightly against the dollar, trading at $1.1728, with the dollar fetching €0.8527.
Gold experienced a notable rally, rising to $3,829 per fine ounce – an increase of 1.8%. This equates to €104.96 per gram.
Conversely, the price of crude oil sharply declined. Brent North Sea crude traded at $67.67 per barrel, representing a decrease of $0.246, or 3.5%, compared to the end of the previous trading day.
