Global Stocks Mixed Ahead of Fed Decision, US-China Trade Talks

Global stock markets displayed mixed performances as investors awaited the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision, which ultimately held interest rates steady amid ongoing uncertainty from U.S. tariffs and trade policy. Wall Street finished modestly higher, with markets giving a muted response to both the Fed's announcement and the news of upcoming U.S.-China trade talks in Switzerland, where both sides pledged to defend their interests. Asian indices, including those in Hong Kong and Shanghai, rose slightly, buoyed by Beijing's new economic stimulus measures, though analysts noted that the response was restrained due to the lack of significant fiscal expansion. European markets edged lower, while Gulf markets also saw diverging results; Saudi Arabia's index slipped on disappointing corporate earnings, whereas Abu Dhabi and Qatar showed relative resilience, supported by banking sector gains. The U.S.-China trade negotiations and the Fed's policy stance remain key focal points for investors globally, as both could significantly impact economic trajectories and market sentiment. Overall, uncertainty over the outcome of trade discussions and the sufficiency of economic stimulus measures continues to weigh on financial markets.