World shares are trading lower on Friday after South Korea's Kospi index surged to record levels, as U.S. President Donald Trump wraps up his trip to Beijing. The mixed sentiment reflects ongoing trade negotiations and geopolitical uncertainties.
Market Overview
European and Asian markets mostly declined, with investors cautious after the Kospi's rally. The index briefly surpassed the 8,000-point mark for the first time, driven by strong tech and export stocks. However, profit-taking and concerns over global trade weighed on broader markets.
Trump's Beijing Visit
President Trump's visit to China concluded with a series of trade and investment deals, but no major breakthrough on tariff disputes. Markets are awaiting further clarity on U.S.-China trade relations, which have been a key driver of volatility.
- South Korea's Kospi rose 0.3% to 8,012.34, a new closing high.
- Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.5% as exporters faced headwinds.
- European stocks opened lower, with the Stoxx 600 down 0.4%.
Investor Sentiment
Analysts note that while the Kospi's records reflect optimism in South Korea's economy, global markets remain sensitive to trade policy shifts. The Federal Reserve's monetary policy stance also continues to influence risk appetite.
In currency markets, the U.S. dollar edged higher against major peers, while oil prices stabilized after recent declines. Gold prices slipped as investors moved toward riskier assets.
The coming days are expected to bring further volatility as earnings reports and economic data provide fresh cues. Traders will also monitor developments in the U.S.-China trade talks.
