Global Stock Market Shows Cautious Optimism Amid Uncertainty

The global stock market showed cautious optimism during the late session on Friday. Asian stocks recorded modest gains, with Japan’s Nikkei rising by 1% and Chinese blue-chip stocks increasing by 0.8%. Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures remained relatively stable, as both S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures showed a modest recovery following a volatile week.

While there was apparent optimism on Friday, lingering uncertainties over U.S. tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and key trade partners such as the European Union continued to weigh on the global market outlook. Additionally, uncertainty surrounding Ukraine peace talks deepened after negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine escalated into a heated exchange.

U.S.-Ukraine Talks Break Down

On February 28, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met at the White House’s Oval Office to discuss mineral resource agreements and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. However, the talks quickly turned tense, and the meeting ultimately ended without any agreement.

President Trump, along with Vice President J.D. Vance, urged Ukraine to make concessions in negotiations with Russia in order to accelerate the peace process. Zelensky, however, firmly rejected these suggestions, citing concerns that Russia might not uphold its commitments.

As the discussions progressed, tensions escalated, with Trump and Vance openly criticizing Zelensky, leading to a heated exchange. Ultimately, Zelensky left the White House ahead of schedule, and the meeting concluded without any substantial progress.

Although neither side ruled out further talks, the breakdown of this meeting adds further pressure on the peace negotiations and increases uncertainty surrounding the situation.

US Stock Rebound, But Stay Cautious?

The three major U.S. indices saw a sharp recovery on Friday, recouping some of their recent losses. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq, in particular, had been hit the hardest over the past two weeks.

However, traders should remain cautious as global markets navigate a complex landscape, with uncertainties and major indices approaching key levels that warrant attention.

(S&P 500 Futures, Daily Chart Analysis; Source: Trading View)

From a technical perspective, despite the rebound nearing 5850, the broader trend shows the S&P 500 facing a triple top rejection at the 6165-record high, entering a consolidation phase.

This suggests weakening momentum in U.S. benchmark indices, especially amid mixed market sentiment on U.S. tariffs, peace talks, and uncertainty over monetary policy shifts.

 (Nasdaq 100 Futures, Daily Chart Analysis: Source: Trading View)

Meanwhile, the Nasdaq 100 is showing a similar technical pattern in the near term, with an extended consolidation between 22,320 and 20,700. This may indicate fading market optimism for U.S. stocks. The key resistance near 21,350 is particularly important to watch.

Disclaimer  

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