Global stock markets showed stability and modest gains as Asian indices rose following Wall Street rebound
Global stock markets showed stability and modest gains on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, as Asian indices rose following a Wall Street rebound, while traders eyed upcoming U.S. economic data and Federal Reserve signals. Bitcoin recovered above $90,000 after a sharp slide, easing pressure on risk assets alongside stabilizing global bond yields. European markets prepared for a positive open, reflecting broader optimism despite mixed regional performances.
Asian markets lead recovery
Asian equities steadied with gains in key indices, buoyed by the prior U.S. session’s tech-led uptick and cryptocurrency stabilization. Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 1.13 percent, while the broader MSCI Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan dipped 0.05 percent, signaling restored calm after early-week volatility triggered by Japanese rate hike fears. South Korea’s Kospi advanced 1.04 percent, supported by revised third-quarter GDP data showing 1.8 percent year-on-year growth, surpassing initial estimates.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged up 0.18 percent to around 8,595, despite softer-than-expected GDP expansion of 2.1 percent year-on-year in Q3, below the forecasted 2.2 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and mainland China’s CSI 300 saw modest decreases by 0.51 percent, with traders pausing after a bond selloff abated. Overall, the region tracked Wall Street’s overnight gains, where the Dow rose 0.39 percent, S&P 500 added 0.25 percent, and Nasdaq gained 0.59 percent.
U.S. markets build momentum
U.S. stocks closed higher on Tuesday, paving the way for steady futures early Wednesday, driven by rebounds in Nvidia and other tech names alongside bitcoin’s surge. The S&P 500 settled at 6,829.37, up 0.25 percent, with the Dow at 47,474.46 and Nasdaq at 23,413.67, reflecting year-end rally hopes after November’s profit-taking. Investors positioned for the Fed’s anticipated rate cut next week, viewing December as historically bullish for equities.
Dollar steadied ahead of key data like U.S. September trade figures, November PMI, and ECB President Lagarde’s speech, with analysts forecasting sustained equity support into mid-December. A dovish Fed outlook overshadowed bond market jitters, as 10-year Japanese government bond yields eased post a strong auction.
European outlook positive
European stocks geared up for gains, with Stoxx 600 futures pointing higher amid global stabilization. Broad indices like Europe’s STOXX rose 0.3 percent, aligning with Asian trends and U.S. futures upticks. Markets shrugged off lingering crypto and bond volatility, focusing on U.S. data for directional cues.
U.S. economic indicators in focus
Anticipation of U.S. indicators dominated, with analysts like IG’s Tony Sycamore highlighting equity upside through the FOMC decision. Global indices like MSCI World stabilized post-selloff, underscoring resilience amid policy shifts. Indian markets hovered near lows, with Sensex and Nifty tracking global cues but pressured by a record-low rupee.
Traders navigated a pause in bitcoin’s slide and bond yields’ retreat, fostering steadier footing worldwide. As December’s seasonal tailwinds emerge, focus sharpens on Fed moves and economic releases for sustained momentum.