Global markets demonstrated broad-based strength on March 31, 2026, as equities across major regions rallied. Investors reacted positively to easing interest rate concerns and favorable corporate earnings, while the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange recorded notable gains ahead of Passover I Eve.

United States: Broad-Based Equity Rally and Declining Volatility

U.S. equities surged on March 31, 2026, with the Nasdaq advancing 3.83% to 21,590.63, the Russell 2000 climbing 3.41% to 2,496.37, and the S&P 500 increasing 2.91% to 6,528.52. The Dow 30 added 2.49% to close at 46,341.51, reflecting strong buying in technology, industrials, and financial sectors. In Brazil, the IBOVESPA rose 2.71% to 187,461.84, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite Index gained 2.61% to 32,768.04.

The VIX fell sharply by 17.51% to 25.25, signaling declining volatility. The U.S. Dollar Index edged down 0.14% to 99.82, supporting risk assets. Analysts attributed the rally to positive corporate earnings and expectations of steady U.S. economic growth.

Europe: Steady Gains Despite Holiday-Related Early Closures

European equities posted moderate gains on March 31, 2026. The MSCI Europe index advanced 0.91% to 2,554.12, while the Euro Index rose 0.82% to 115.53. Euronext 100 gained 0.74% to 1,733.94, CAC 40 added 0.57% to 7,816.94, and the DAX P increased 0.52% to 22,680.04. EURO STOXX 50 I climbed 0.50% to 5,569.73, and the FTSE 100 rose 0.48% to 10,176.45.

Norway’s Oslo Stock Exchange closed early at 13:00 for Holy Wednesday, slightly affecting regional trading volumes. Investors responded to stable Eurozone inflation data and moderate economic indicators, although corporate earnings and geopolitical developments continued to influence market sentiment.

Asia-Pacific: Strong Rebound Led by Technology and Industrial Sectors

Asian markets finished March 31, 2026, with significant gains. South Korea’s KOSPI Composite Index surged 7.08% to 5,410.39, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 4.34% to 53,277.31, and India’s S&P BSE SENSEX gained 2.52% to 73,762.43. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng advanced 2.08% to 25,304.78, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 [XJO] climbed 1.84% to 8,637.50, and China’s SSE Composite Index increased 1.36% to 3,944.80.

Currency movements supported equity gains, with the Australian Dollar Index rising 0.77% to 68.98 and the Japanese Yen Index up 0.60% to 62.97. Markets were influenced by regional holidays, including Cyprus’ Stock Exchange for National Day and Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange for Bak Full Moon Poya Day, resulting in lighter trading volumes in some areas.

Tel Aviv: Robust Gains Across Domestic Indices Ahead of Passover I Eve

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange recorded substantial gains on March 31, 2026. The TA-35 index rose 1.90% to 4,099.01 points, TA-90 climbed 1.89% to 3,737.43, and the TA-90 & Banks index added 2.33% to 3,878.85 points. The TA-125 increased 1.90% to 4,016.79, while the TA-125 Value Index advanced 2.22% to 4,050.14. Total equity turnover reached approximately 5.97 billion NIS, with bond turnover at 6.38 billion NIS.

Investor activity was buoyed by advances in banking, technology, and industrial sectors. Trading volumes are expected to decline on April 1, 2026, due to Passover I Eve, though momentum from the previous session may sustain further gains.

Outlook for April 1, 2026: Monitoring Macro, Geopolitics, and Market Liquidity

Looking ahead, market participants will focus on macroeconomic indicators, corporate earnings, and geopolitical developments across regions. In the U.S., attention will remain on economic releases and investor sentiment. European markets may experience lighter trading due to holiday closures, while Asia-Pacific investors will consider liquidity limitations from local market holidays. Tel Aviv is expected to see reduced activity for Passover I Eve, yet analysts anticipate the positive momentum from March 31 may carry forward. Global investors will also track oil prices, currency fluctuations, and volatility indices to assess potential risks and opportunities for April 1, 2026 trading.