Global stock markets delivered a mixed performance on Monday, July 14, 2025, as investors weighed macroeconomic signals, earnings expectations, and geopolitical shifts. While U.S. and Asian indices posted modest gains, European markets ended the day largely in the red. Tel Aviv presented a fragmented picture, with the TA-90 edging higher while the TA-35 slipped slightly. As trading opens on Tuesday, July 15, analysts are watching for earnings surprises and central bank commentary that could shape the next market leg.

📈 U.S. Markets Edge Higher as Volatility Plummets

Wall Street kicked off the week on a positive note, led by small-cap and tech-heavy indices:

• Russell 2000 rose +0.67% to close at 2,249.73, signaling growing risk appetite in the small-cap space.
• Nasdaq gained +0.27% to 20,640.33, buoyed by AI and semiconductor stocks.
• Dow Jones Industrial Average added +0.20% to finish at 44,459.65.
• S&P 500 climbed +0.14% to 6,268.56.
• The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) plunged by a staggering -48.81% to 17.20, indicating a sharp drop in near-term market fear.

Currency markets were relatively quiet, with the U.S. Dollar Index slightly lower at 98.02 (-0.06%).

🌍 European Stocks Weaken Ahead of ECB Signals

European equities mostly declined as traders prepared for comments from European Central Bank officials later this week:

• FTSE 100 in the UK outperformed with a +0.64% gain to 8,998.06.
• In contrast, EURO STOXX 50 slipped -0.23% to 5,370.85, while DAX in Germany fell -0.39% to 24,160.64.
• CAC 40 in France lost -0.27%, closing at 7,808.17.
• Currency indices also declined, with the Euro Index down -0.25% and the British Pound Index off -0.55%.

The divergence highlights growing concerns over Europe’s inflation outlook and industrial data due later this week.

🌏 Asia-Pacific Gains Modestly as Markets Stay Resilient

Asian equities started the week with cautious optimism:

• S&P/ASX 200 in Australia rose +0.50% to 8,613.50.
• Hang Seng gained +0.20% to 24,250.90, supported by tech and energy.
• Sensex (India) closed up +0.17% at 82,394.55.
• Nikkei 225 (Japan) remained flat at 39,461.55, while the KOSPI (Korea) dipped -0.11%.

Currency movements showed mild weakness in the Japanese Yen Index (-0.20%) and the Australian Dollar Index (-0.44%).

🇮🇱 Tel Aviv Market Mixed as TA-90 Leads Gains

Back home, תל אביב markets posted a mixed outcome on July 14, with large caps underperforming smaller and mid-sized stocks:

• TA-35 slipped -0.03% to 2,984.60 with a solid turnover of ₪1.69 billion. Advancers outnumbered decliners 19 to 15.
• TA-90 rose +0.24% to 3,295.65, with 44 gainers vs. 43 losers.
• TA-125 was slightly higher at 3,053.77 (+0.08%) with volume topping ₪2.43 billion.
• Sectoral indices saw divergence: TA-90 & Banks dropped -0.39%, while TA Sector-Balance gained +0.24%.
• Bond markets were mixed: the All-Bond Index fell -0.07%, while Short-Term Bond Index edged up +0.02%.

Investor sentiment was cautious, with selective buying in mid-caps and defensive bond plays.

📅 What to Watch on Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Markets will open on Tuesday with eyes on several key developments:

• U.S. Q2 earnings season continues, with major banks and tech firms reporting.
• Economic data, including U.S. retail sales and Chinese GDP (due overnight), could set the tone for global sentiment.
• ECB and Federal Reserve commentary are expected to offer hints about future rate paths.

In Tel Aviv, investors may take cues from global trends and upcoming inflation data expected later this week. With energy prices stabilizing and central banks nearing a potential policy pivot, markets may enter a consolidation phase before the next major move.

Bottom Line:
Global markets showed resilience on July 14, 2025, with gains in the U.S. and Asia offset by softness in Europe. Tel Aviv showed a nuanced picture with support in mid-cap and balanced sectors. As trading resumes on July 15, focus shifts to earnings, economic prints, and rate outlooks that could shape sentiment heading into the second half of the month.