Global equity markets began 2026 on a firm footing as investors responded to strong appetite for technology shares linked to artificial intelligence and to positive cues from export-oriented economies. The tone was set in New York where the S&P 500 rose 0.4 per cent in early trade, extending a rally that carried the index to a more than 16 per cent gain for 2025.
The Nasdaq composite climbed 1 per cent, led by advances in large technology names, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 60 points or around 0.1 per cent. Buying interest remained concentrated in AI-linked stocks with Nvidia and Alphabet each up more than 2 per cent amid expectations that growing use of artificial intelligence will lift demand for chips, data centres and wider infrastructure.
AI-led rally boosts tech and export-linked markets
Markets across Europe also traded higher. London’s FTSE 100 jumped 1 per cent to an intraday record of 10,033.94, crossing 10,000 for the first time. Germany’s DAX advanced 0.5 per cent to 24,619.41 and France’s CAC 40 rose 0.8 per cent to 8,213.59. The rally in London drew support from gains in precious metals miners, with Fresnillo and Anglo American among the notable performers as gold, silver and copper prices firmed.
Asian markets were mixed to positive. South Korea’s Kospi surged 2.3 per cent, helped by a strong move in Samsung Electronics which climbed about 7.2 per cent, while SK Hynix gained around 4 per cent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rallied 2.8 per cent on broad strength in technology stocks, with Alibaba up roughly 4.3 per cent and Baidu surging after the company announced plans to spin off its AI chip unit.
India’s Sensex added 0.6 per cent as domestic markets benefited from the broader risk-on sentiment and continued optimism about technology-led growth. Several analysts noted that recent strength in exports from Asia had improved the near-term outlook for manufacturing sectors that serve global supply chains.
“Exports from most countries have surged in recent months and the near-term outlook for Asia’s export-oriented manufacturing sectors looks favourable,” said Shivaan Tandon of Capital Economics, according to market reports.
Commodities moved alongside equities. Silver posted one of the bigger moves, rising about 4.8 per cent after volatility earlier in the week, and gold gained around 1.4 per cent. US benchmark crude dipped modestly to about $57.30 per barrel while Brent eased to roughly $60.72.
In currency markets the US dollar strengthened to 156.85 yen as investors adjusted positions, while the euro traded near $1.1733. US Treasury yields were generally steady, reflecting a cautious assessment of the likely pace of central bank moves this year.
The opening session underlined how enthusiasm for artificial intelligence remains a dominant theme for markets as the new year begins. For economies across the BRICS and partner nations that are active in technology exports and commodity production, the combination of stronger demand for tech infrastructure and firmer commodity prices offers a constructive backdrop going into 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- Global equities opened 2026 higher as an AI-led rally drove gains in major tech stocks.
- US benchmarks rose with the S&P 500 up 0.4 per cent and the Nasdaq up 1 per cent on early trade.
- European and Asian markets advanced, with London’s FTSE 100 hitting a record above 10,000 and India’s Sensex adding 0.6 per cent.
- Commodity and currency moves accompanied the rally as silver and gold gained while the dollar strengthened against the yen.
