Dec 1 (Lagos) - As we enter the final month of 2025, it is time to reflect on the previous month's performance of stock markets around the world.
In the USA, stocks staged a dramatic come back in the final 10 days of November to post a strong month. The S&P 500 surged 3.7% and the Nasdaq Composite jumped nearly 5%, coming out of a weak early November period. The Dow Jones gained a solid 3.2% gain to close out November. President Trump reversed some tariffs which were seen as a welcome sign by the market.
Further North in Canada, the Toronto Stock Exchange gained 3.8% in November as the Country's GDP number was surprisingly stronger than expected. Canadian banks are having a year to remember as far as their stocks are concerned. PM Carney delivers on the financial markets after a long period of low growth.
In Asia, there was stagnation except Indian stock markets which continue to hit all time highs after Indian PM Modi's Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) won a key provincial election by a landslide.
China's Shanghai Composite started the month strong but faded as regional weakness and trade tensions played a part on souring the sentiment. There were political risk issues with harsh statements exchanged with Japan and India.
Stocks were flat in Japan, as the interest rate turmoil threatens to shake the global financial system. There are worrying signals coming out of the Japanese financial system leading to fear in the world markets as their interest rates continue to climb and that effects the bond market of other Countries in a big way.
Singapore's STI retreated after starting November on a strong note.
In the UK, the London FTSE 100 was flat while Germany's DAX was lower by about 1.2% in November.
Back home to Lagos, the NGX as we know went through selling pressure mandated by an unprecedented increase in Capital Gains Tax which made investors scramble to sell stocks and take their gains before the new tax comes in force. Investors are hoping that the selling is over otherwise the expectations of a Santa-clause rally could fade.
WISHING YOU A GREAT DECEEMBER IN THE STOCK MARKET WHEREEVER YOU ARE INVESTING. MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU.