Global equity markets climbed on Thursday, July 17, 2025, with major U.S. and European indices posting solid gains amid renewed investor optimism and lower volatility. Tel Aviv also advanced as local sentiment improved. However, Asian markets showed a more mixed performance, as profit-taking and regional currency moves weighed on investor mood.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how global markets performed on July 17 and what to watch for on Friday, July 18.

U.S. Markets Rise Across the Board

Wall Street ended Thursday with healthy gains across major indices, driven by strong corporate earnings and a dip in Treasury yields. Lower volatility levels also contributed to bullish sentiment.

U.S. Index Performance (July 17, 2025):

• Russell 2000: 2,253.68 (+1.20%)
• S&P/TSX Composite Index (Canada): 27,386.93 (+0.86%)
• Nasdaq: 20,885.65 (+0.75%)
• S&P 500: 6,297.36 (+0.54%)
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 44,484.49 (+0.52%)
• CBOE Volatility Index (VIX): 16.52 (-3.73%)
• U.S. Dollar Index: 98.42 (-0.32%)

Lower inflation expectations and signs that the Federal Reserve may remain on hold through September supported investor confidence.

European Stocks Surge on Strong Economic Data

European equities rallied sharply, buoyed by upbeat economic readings and strong performance in industrial and tech sectors. The DAX and EURO STOXX 50 led the way higher.

Key European Indexes (July 17, 2025):

• DAX (Germany): 24,370.93 (+1.51%)
• EURO STOXX 50: 5,377.15 (+1.49%)
• CAC 40 (France): 7,822.00 (+1.29%)
• FTSE 100 (UK): 8,972.64 (+0.52%)
• MSCI Europe: 2,410.51 (+0.88%)
• Euro Index: 115.96 (-0.39%)
• British Pound Index: 134.17 (Flat)

Investors responded positively to better-than-expected industrial production numbers from the eurozone, even as the euro weakened slightly against major peers.

Asia Closes Mixed as Yen and Aussie Weigh

Asian markets presented a mixed picture as some regional indices logged gains while others retreated due to weaker currency performance and profit-taking.

Asia-Pacific Market Snapshot (July 17, 2025):

• S&P/ASX 200 (Australia): 8,741.60 (+1.19%)
• Hang Seng (Hong Kong): 24,705.69 (+0.84%)
• Shanghai Composite (China): 3,530.31 (+0.38%)
• Nikkei 225 (Japan): 39,778.85 (-0.31%)
• KOSPI (South Korea): 3,182.40 (-0.31%)
• SENSEX (India): 82,259.24 (-0.45%)
• Japanese Yen Index: 67.30 (-0.52%)
• Australian Dollar Index: 64.85 (-0.69%)

Japan’s Nikkei slid as the yen continued to weaken, sparking concern about imported inflation. Meanwhile, Australia’s strong rebound was supported by miners and energy stocks.

Tel Aviv Advances Led by TA-90 and Banks

Israeli stocks posted strong gains on Thursday, especially among mid-cap and bank shares. Trading volumes remained robust, and investor sentiment was positive heading into the weekend.

Tel Aviv Indexes (July 17, 2025):

• TA-35: 3,007.22 (+0.70%)
• TA-90: 3,366.37 (+0.93%)
• TA-125: 3,087.84 (+0.78%)
• TA-Banks & TA-90: 3,500.14 (+0.72%)
• TA-125 Value: 3,588.12 (+0.98%)
• TA Sector-Balance: 3,603.00 (+1.07%)

Bond markets also edged higher, led by the All-Bond Index rising +0.08% with solid participation across the corporate debt space.

Outlook for Friday, July 18, 2025

Investors will turn their attention to the following key drivers for Friday’s session:

What to Watch:

• Earnings reports from major tech and retail names in the U.S.
• Eurozone trade balance and final inflation numbers
• Further moves in global currency markets, especially the dollar and yen
• Oil prices and energy sector reaction
• Continued analysis of central bank commentary

Momentum remains cautiously bullish, but volatility may return with new macro headlines or earnings surprises. Tel Aviv may continue tracking global sentiment, especially with strong performance in mid-cap and bank stocks.

Stay tuned for real-time updates as Friday unfolds.