Global financial markets remain on edge as economic uncertainty looms, with investors closely monitoring key data releases and central bank decisions in major economies like the U.S., India, and Japan.

On February 6, U.S. stock markets closed mixed, reflecting cautious sentiment. The S&P 500 gained 0.36%, while the Nasdaq advanced by 0.51%. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 0.28%. Futures trading later in the evening signaled a slight downturn in U.S. equities.

In Asia, markets started weak on February 7 as investors awaited crucial U.S. jobs data, which could influence interest rate expectations. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.38%, while South Korea’s Kospi inched up by 0.28%. Stocks in Australia and Hong Kong also saw declines. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen strengthened, reaching its highest level since early December. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that Japan’s economic growth will accelerate in 2025, with inflation expected to align with the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) 2% target by late 2025.

In currency markets, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) dipped 0.06% early on February 7, while the Indian rupee closed at 87.57 to the dollar on the previous day. Indian equity markets saw modest gains, with the BSE Sensex rising to 78,066.81 points (+0.011%) and Nifty50 climbing to 23,611.15 points (+0.033%) at 9:16 AM IST.

Investors were keenly awaiting the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision, anticipating a 25-basis-point rate cut—the first in five years. Following the announcement, Sensex surged over 200 points, and Nifty50 remained above 23,600.

With global markets adjusting to economic developments and corporate earnings season nearing its end, stock-specific movements will likely remain in focus. The outcome of U.S. employment data will play a critical role in shaping future interest rate expectations and market direction.