Global Stocks Swing as Oil Surges, Tech Falters

Global markets were volatile this week as equities swung between gains and losses amid mixed earnings and geopolitical headlines. Asian shares alternated between rallies—supported by hopes of easing U.S.-China tensions and Japan’s Sanae Takaichi rising to prime minister—and falls driven by disappointing guidance from tech megacaps and concerns about possible U.S. software export curbs to China. Oil jumped nearly 3% after the U.S. imposed Ukraine-related sanctions on major Russian producers, lifting energy stocks and stoking inflation worries for energy-importing Asian economies. Technology and momentum names (for example Netflix, Tesla and semiconductors) led declines at times, while banks and industrials helped U.S. blue chips hold ground. Precious metals tumbled from recent highs and bond yields were relatively steady as investors awaited further inflation and economic data, with regional moves uneven across Gulf and Saudi markets.