Global markets fell notably on Friday, August 29, 2025, as investors awaited the release of major inflation figures from the United States and the Eurozone, which are expected to play a crucial role in shaping future monetary policy decisions by central banks.
Europe: Banks Under Pressure, JTC Surges
European stocks opened lower, with London’s FTSE sliding amid additional pressure on U.K. banks after a think tank suggested a potential windfall tax on the sector.
Conversely, JTC shares jumped following news of a possible takeover bid from investment firm Permira, while Apax Global Alpha reported a decline in its net asset value for the first half of 2025.
Asia-Pacific: Mixed Performance
Markets across Asia-Pacific were mixed. Japan’s Nikkei fell due to profit-taking after the release of fresh economic data, while Chinese equities recorded their biggest monthly gain in 11 months, reflecting a partial return of investor confidence in the local market.
United States: Focus on PCE Data
Global attention is now on the upcoming Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation report, the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of price pressures.
These figures will be decisive in determining whether the Federal Reserve proceeds with additional interest rate hikes or opts to maintain its current monetary policy stance in the months ahead.
India: Market Declines, Reliance in Focus
India’s Sensex and Nifty indices fell, weighed down by concerns over U.S. tariffs on Indian goods and a drop of more than 2% in Reliance Industries shares following its Annual General Meeting.
In a significant development, Reliance Jio announced plans for an initial public offering (IPO) in the first half of 2026.
Corporate Highlights
-
Alibaba missed both revenue and earnings expectations for Q2.
-
Ant Group reported a 60% drop in quarterly profits.
-
Nvidia beat earnings forecasts but saw its shares decline nonetheless.
-
P&O Ferries CEO Peter Hebblethwaite announced his resignation.
Other Economic Developments and Smaller Firms
Notable insider activity was reported, with Audioboom’s CEO selling part of his stake, while Ashtead Technology’s chairman increased his holdings.
Meanwhile, shares of T42 IoT Tracking Solutions fell despite the company reporting a return to profitability.
Conclusion
Investors are treading cautiously ahead of the U.S. and Eurozone inflation data, which will help define the trajectory of interest rates and broader monetary policy in the months ahead.
Although certain companies and sectors managed modest gains, overall sentiment remains overshadowed by macroeconomic risks and expectations surrounding central bank actions.
