World Stocks Hit Records as UK Political Crisis Deepens
Global equity markets reached new peaks on Thursday as progress in U.S.-China trade talks and continued artificial intelligence demand offset rising bond yields. Meanwhile, the British pound faced pressure as health minister Wes Streeting resigned, signaling a potential leadership challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Global markets reached record highs on Thursday as investors looked past political instability in the United Kingdom and high-stakes trade talks between the United States and China. The MSCI global stocks index extended its rebound from Iran war lows to 15%, while the pan-European STOXX 600 rose 0.5% and Wall Street futures pointed 0.3% higher. Markets are banking on tariff and AI deals to sustain the rally.
### AI Demand Drives Global Equity Records NVIDIA shares rose nearly 2% after reports indicated the U.S. cleared 10 Chinese firms to purchase its H200 AI chip. This regulatory shift follows a meeting between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping, where Xi noted trade talks were making progress. Franklin Templeton strategist Michael Browne said the focus on technology development will further fuel the AI sector.
