Asia And Europe Markets Gains, Gold Makes New High - Global Markets Today While US Slept

On Monday, March 17, U.S. markets closed in green as investors bought beaten-down shares after weeks of losses. Factory activity in New York dropped sharply, and homebuilder sentiment fell due to rising costs from tariffs.

Investors are now focused on the Federal Reserve’s meeting Wednesday, where interest rates are expected to remain unchanged.

According to economic data, U.S. retail sales rose by 0.2% in February, below the expected 0.6% increase. New York’s manufacturing index dropped to -20.0, its lowest since May 2023, and homebuilder confidence fell to 39 in March from 42 in February.

Most S&P 500 sectors closed higher on Monday, led by real estate, energy, and consumer staples, while consumer discretionary stocks declined.            

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.85% to close at 41,841.63, the ...