Global Markets Unsettled Amid Precious Metals Turmoil and Corporate Earnings Focus

MSCI's global equities gauge dipped as Wall Street reported gains, while the dollar strengthened and precious metals faced a selloff. Oil prices dropped, and U.S. equities rebounded with hopeful economic data and AI funding news. Precious metals like silver saw significant downturns due to rising futures margins.

Global markets faced volatility on Monday as MSCI's global equities gauge barely moved, impacted by fluctuating Wall Street trends and a strengthening dollar. Investors grappled with a substantial selloff in precious metals, alongside speculations over corporate earnings and major economic data releases within the week.

Crude oil futures plunged over 4% amid hopes for easing tensions between the U.S. and OPEC members. Precious metals, particularly silver, suffered one of their steepest declines since the 1980s, driven by high futures contracts margins and pressures on silver funds in China.

Meanwhile, Wall Street indices experienced gains despite early losses. The Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq closed higher, spurred by optimistic news around artificial intelligence funding and promising U.S. factory activity data. Traders also eyed U.S. Federal Reserve developments closely, anticipating policy impacts under nominee Kevin Warsh.