- Heavy Rainfall in Pakistan: Heavy rains and flooding continued in parts of Pakistan, causing significant damage and economic disruption.
- EU Rejects US Demands on Trade Deal: The European Union and the United States remained deadlocked on trade negotiations, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global trade flows.
- Japan's Manufacturing Activity: Japan's official manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for February rose above 50, indicating expansion for the first time in six months.
- Market Rebound: US stock markets rebounded moderately after the Labor Day holiday, with some key indices experiencing positive gains.
- Earnings Season Continues: Several companies released their quarterly earnings reports, influencing individual stock prices and shaping overall market sentiment.
- Tech Sector Outperforms: The technology sector led the gains in the US market, with some companies reporting strong earnings and positive outlooks.
- Growth Concerns Persist: Global economic growth remained a primary concern, with major institutions like the World Bank revising their growth forecasts downwards for several countries.
- Central Bank Activity: Central banks around the world continued to monitor inflation data and assess the need for adjustments to monetary policy.
- Emerging Market Challenges: Emerging markets continued to face headwinds due to inflation, currency depreciation, and geopolitical uncertainties.News Written by Dr Edward N Maltass of THE EViROCKS.