Global Markets Update: Key Indices, Oil Prices, and Central Bank Actions

Global financial markets experienced mixed performance as central bank policies and geopolitical tensions influenced investor sentiment. The S&P 500 rose 0.4% to 4,320, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 85 points to 34,250. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.2% to 13,850. European markets were flat, with the Stoxx 600 closing at 445. Asian indices showed resilience, with Japan's Nikkei 225 up 1.2% to 32,500 and China's CSI 300 gaining 0.8% to 3,800. Crude oil prices fluctuated amid supply concerns. Brent crude settled at $85 per barrel, down 0.5% from the previous close, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined 0.7% to $80 per barrel. The U.S. dollar index strengthened to 103.5, reflecting expectations of further Federal Reserve rate hikes. Gold prices dipped to $1,850 per ounce as yields on U.S. Treasuries climbed.