Global stock markets surged on October 24, 2025, after the White House confirmed President Donald Trump will meet China’s Xi Jinping on October 30 at the APEC summit in South Korea. The news eased fears of a renewed U.S.-China trade war, boosting investor confidence.
After weeks of volatility sparked by Trump’s threat of 100% tariffs on Chinese goods over rare-earth mineral disputes, the planned talks signal a potential thaw.
Optimism Fuels Gains
Wall Street’s major indexes soared, with the Dow up 0.3% at 46,734.61, nearing record highs. Asia followed, with Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 jumping 1.4% to 49,299.65, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rising 0.7% to 25,150.80.
Shanghai gained 0.7%, while Seoul, Singapore, and Jakarta also climbed. Europe opened strong, with London’s FTSE 100 up 0.1% at 9,590.25. “We’re optimistic about a deal,” Trump said, lifting spirits.
Oil Prices Ease
Oil prices dipped slightly after a sharp 8% climb this week. Brent crude fell 0.7% to $65.54 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate dropped 0.7% to $61.39. The spike followed U.S. sanctions on Russia’s top oil firms, Rosneft and Lukoil, which produce over half of Russia’s oil and gas.
Aimed at pressuring Moscow to end its Ukraine invasion, the sanctions raised fears of supply shortages. Analysts warn enforcement will determine the impact.
Trade War Context
Tensions flared two weeks ago when Trump threatened tariffs over China’s mineral controls, prompting retaliatory measures. Markets tanked, but China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao offered hope on October 24, saying both sides could resolve issues.
High-level trade talks in Malaysia further calmed nerves. Investors, wary of a repeat of past trade wars, welcomed the dialogue, pushing tech stocks like Intel higher after strong earnings.
Russia Sanctions Shake Energy
The U.S. sanctions on Russian oil giants, backed by EU measures, aim to choke Moscow’s war funding. However, experts like Ray Attrill from National Australia Bank doubt long-term impact, predicting Russia will reroute exports.
“Brent rose from $61 to $66, but evasion tactics may keep oil flowing,” Attrill said. The sanctions, targeting firms vital to Russia’s economy, highlight the Ukraine war’s global ripple effects.
Eyes on U.S. Data
Investors await delayed U.S. consumer price data, stalled by a government shutdown. The figures, due later on October 24, will shape Federal Reserve rate decisions. Markets expect a rate cut next week, boosting equities.
The dollar/yen rose to 152.94, while the euro/dollar held at $1.1612. Nigeria, with its oil-driven economy, watches closely as global prices and trade talks sway markets.
A Hopeful Horizon
The Trump-Xi summit offers a chance to ease trade frictions, lifting stocks worldwide. While oil prices and Russian sanctions add uncertainty, markets are betting on dialogue.
Can this meeting stabilize U.S.-China ties? As Nigeria and global investors track the outcome, the world hopes for calmer economic waters
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