Monthly index news

Stocks jumped the most in 1½ years in May after the US and China agreed to pause import tariffs as both nations negotiate a reduction in trade costs. European stocks extended this year’s rally on expectations the region may be spared the worst effects of increased export duties to the US.

A weaker US dollar helped stocks recover in April, but extended this year’s losses for euro-based investors.

Stocks had their worst month since September 2023 in March, as investors fretted about the outlook for US economic growth, inflation and international trade. US stocks paced the retreat.

European stocks extended January’s strong performance last month, as investors continue to favor a region that’s underperformed in recent years. US indices failed to keep their momentum.

Stocks jumped in January as investors’ optimism that earnings will continue to grow overshadowed concerns about global politics and trade issues.

Stocks dropped in December, paring global indices’ double-digit returns in 2024.

The STOXX Global 1800 index posted its best month so far this year in November as investors reacted positively to Donald Trump’s decisive victory for a second term as US president.

Stocks fell for the first month in six in October as earnings disappointments from technology companies and rising bond yields drove investors to take profits from this year’s rally.

Stocks gyrated in August, with benchmarks ending in positive territory for the month, as concern about a US economic slowdown was outweighed by optimism that interest rates will be cut this month. The STOXX World AC index rose 2.6% last month when measured in US dollars and including dividends, taking its 2024 gain to 16.4%. The STOXX Global 1800 index added 2.8% in the month.

Stocks gyrated in August, with benchmarks ending in positive territory for the month, as concern about a US economic slowdown was outweighed by optimism that interest rates will be cut this month. The STOXX World AC index rose 2.6% last month when measured in US dollars and including dividends, taking its 2024 gain to 16.4%. The STOXX Global 1800 index added 2.8% in the month.

Stocks rose in July amid expectations that the Federal Reserve is getting close to its first interest-rate cut since 2020. The STOXX World AC index rose 1.7% last month when measured in US dollars and including dividends, taking its 2024 gain to 13.4%. The STOXX Global 1800 index added 1.9% in the month.

US stocks rose in June as investors weighed the prospects for interest-rate cuts amid slowing inflation. European shares fell as results from the European Parliamentary elections increased political risk.