European stock markets reached a new peak on Friday. This surge was fueled by lower than anticipated U.S. inflation figures. Hopes for reduced trade friction between the U.S. and China also contributed to the positive sentiment. Investors reacted to a series of company earnings reports. The continent-wide STOXX 600 index saw an increase. Major regional indexes also ended higher.

Gold prices saw a dip on Friday, recovering slightly after U.S. inflation data eased. This eased concerns about interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. However, gold is still heading for its first weekly decline in ten weeks. Investors are booking profits after a recent record high. Silver also experienced a decline. Platinum and palladium prices also fell.

Oil prices dipped Friday amid doubts about US sanctions on Russia s top oil firms. Brent and US crude futures saw declines after initial gains. These sanctions aim to pressure Russia over the Ukraine war. Chinese and Indian refiners are expected to reduce Russian oil purchases. OPEC stated readiness to cover any market shortages.

US inflation eased more than anticipated in September, fueling hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Meanwhile, trade talks between the US and Canada hit a snag, though focus shifts to an upcoming Trump-Xi meeting. Oil prices climbed on new US sanctions, impacting currencies like the yen, while UK retail sales saw a boost.

In a conversation for ETMarkets’ Mind Over Money series, Raghav Iyengar, CEO of 360 ONE Asset, explains how stillness, patience, and emotional composure help investors navigate volatility, separate signal from noise, and make disciplined, long-term investment decisions grounded in clarity and conviction.

Gold’s record rally halted after a 3.3% weekly decline as investors booked profits and US inflation data revived hopes of Fed rate cuts. The metal remains volatile amid easing bond yields, US-China trade optimism, and shifting haven demand.

Eyewear retailer Lenskart has secured Rs 90 crore from DMart’s Radhakishan Damani ahead of its Rs 2,150 crore IPO. The company’s profitability, market leadership, strong investor lineup, and timely market debut position it as one of the most anticipated consumer-tech listings of 2025.

A crucial week for the US stock rally unfolds with major tech earnings, a likely Federal Reserve rate cut, and escalating US-China trade tensions. Investors are keenly watching corporate results, particularly from tech giants, and the Fed s forward guidance. A prolonged government shutdown adds to market uncertainty, potentially impacting economic growth and investor sentiment.

After reaching unprecedented heights, silver prices have nosedived 17%, a shift driven by increased availability in London and investors cashing in. Gold, too, shows signs of a subtle retreat. However, experts remain positive about the future of both metals, pointing to ongoing industrial demand and their enduring appeal as safe-haven options for wary investors.

October brought a refreshing wave of optimism as foreign investors rekindled their interest in India’s financial services, funneling impressive amounts of money back into the market after a dry spell of outflows. This shift is primarily spurred by stronger-than-anticipated results from banks and an encouraging outlook for public sector banking.