Global equity markets showed diverging trends on Thursday, July 24, 2025, as Wall Street’s tech-heavy Nasdaq edged higher while the Dow Jones and Russell 2000 posted notable losses. European markets delivered modest gains, bolstered by strength in the FTSE 100 and German DAX, while Asia closed largely lower. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv stocks took a sharp turn down, with all major Israeli indices ending the session deep in the red. As investors turn to Friday, July 25, all eyes will be on earnings momentum, central bank cues, and regional economic sentiment.

U.S. Markets: Nasdaq Holds Ground as Dow Falters

Wall Street delivered a mixed session Thursday. The Nasdaq rose 0.18% to close at 21,057.96, maintaining strength in mega-cap tech stocks. The S&P 500 was up a modest 0.07%, ending the day at 6,363.35, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped significantly by 0.70% to 44,693.91.

The Russell 2000, a benchmark for small-cap U.S. stocks, also retreated, falling 1.36% to 2,252.13. Market volatility remained subdued with the VIX inching up just 0.13% to 15.39, suggesting no immediate spike in investor fear.

The U.S. Dollar Index gained 0.17%, settling at 97.54, supported by stable economic indicators and anticipation around next week’s Federal Reserve comments.

Canadian and Latin American Markets: Weakness in Toronto and São Paulo

North of the border, the S&P/TSX Composite Index in Toronto slipped 0.16% to 27,372.26, weighed by softness in energy and financial stocks.

In Brazil, the IBOVESPA experienced a steep drop of 1.15%, ending the session at 133,807.59 as investors reacted to concerns over fiscal policy direction and slower-than-expected economic growth.

European Markets: Gains Continue Led by the FTSE 100

European equities delivered solid performances on Thursday, with broad-based gains across major indices. The FTSE 100 surged 0.85% to 9,138.37, aided by strength in consumer goods and banking stocks. The DAX in Germany added 0.23%, closing at 24,295.93, while the pan-European EURO STOXX 50 rose 0.20%.

The MSCI Europe Index gained 0.50%, reflecting improving sentiment. However, not all markets joined the rally—France’s CAC 40 fell 0.41%, and the Euro Index declined 0.22%, indicating some investor caution tied to regional currency fluctuations. The British Pound Index also weakened by 0.49%.

Asia-Pacific Markets: Losses Across the Board

Asian markets largely fell on Thursday as caution dominated investor sentiment. South Korea’s KOSPI was the regional outlier, climbing 0.33% to 3,201.02, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 lost 0.79%, closing at 41,495.31 amid profit-taking in heavyweight exporters.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped sharply by 1.12%, settling at 25,379.90, reflecting weakness in Chinese tech shares. Mainland China’s Shanghai Composite also fell 0.34%. In India, the SENSEX retreated 0.48% to 81,787.05. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.36%, driven by weakness in commodity sectors.

Currency indices in Asia weakened slightly, with the Japanese Yen Index down 0.34% and the Australian Dollar Index off by 0.13%.

Tel Aviv Markets: Broad-Based Declines on July 24

Israel’s equity markets faced a sharp selloff Thursday, with all major indices closing lower. The TA-35 index dropped 1.16% to 3,035.93, while the broader TA-125 lost 1.19% to end at 3,115.02. The TA-90 and TA-90 + Banks indices also declined by 1.11% and 1.05%, respectively.

Sector-specific indices were similarly weak. The TA Sector-Balance Index fell 1.35%, and the TA-125 Value Index lost 1.23%. Trading volumes were robust, with turnover on TA-35 alone reaching over ₪4.5 billion.

Bond indices were mixed. The Short-Term Bond Index rose 0.01%, while the All-Bond General Index declined slightly by 0.02%. Inflation-linked bond indices saw modest gains.

Market Outlook for Friday, July 25, 2025

As investors look toward Friday’s session, attention will focus on:

• Earnings reports from key U.S. tech and consumer companies
• Eurozone and U.S. macroeconomic data releases
• Currency volatility, especially in light of dollar and euro fluctuations
• Recovery signals from Asian markets after Thursday’s selloff
• Sentiment shifts in Tel Aviv following Thursday’s broad declines

With mixed signals globally and local volatility in Tel Aviv, traders should brace for a cautious but potentially opportunity-rich end to the trading week.