Global stock markets open mixed Thursday: Stock Exchange and European markets fall, Wall Street undecided amid key data and trade tensions

Global stock markets are showing mixed and cautious performance at the opening bell this Thursday, May 15. The Mexican Stock Exchange and major European markets are down, while Wall Street is trading indecisively, awaiting crucial economic data from the United States and under the shadow of trade uncertainty generated by tariff policies.

The financial day on Thursday, May 15, 2025, began with a generally cautious tone in Western markets, reflecting uncertainty regarding key US economic indicators and persistent tensions in the international trade arena. Investors are assessing the potential impact of monetary policy and tariff decisions on the global economy.

As a prelude to the Western opening, Asian markets offered a mixed picture with a downward trend:

* Nikkei 225 (Tokyo): The Nikkei closed the session with a significant loss, closing at 37,755.51 points, down 372.62 points or -0.98%. This drop was mainly attributed to selling pressure on export-related stocks, particularly in the automotive sector, due to the strengthening of the yen and concerns about US tariffs that could impact their earnings.

* Hang Seng (Hong Kong): It ended the day with a 0.79% decline, standing at 23,453.16 points.

* Shanghai Composite (China): It also registered losses, losing 0.68% to 3,380.82 points, due to uncertainty over a trade agreement between China and the United States and weaker-than-expected new bank lending data.

The main stock exchanges of the old continent began their operations in negative territory:

* FTSE 100 (London): Opened down 46.59 points, or 0.5%, at 8,538.42. Investors in London are awaiting the release of key data on gross domestic product (GDP) and industrial production for the eurozone.

* DAX (Frankfurt): The German index opened the session down 0.54%, trading at 23,399 points. The caution stemmed from the US economic data and concerns about trade policies. Sectors such as the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors (Merck) were under pressure.

* AEX (Amsterdam): It registered falls from the start, with a -0.74% that took it to 922.37 points.

* CAC 40 (Paris): Following the regional trend, the Parisian index also traded lower, down -0.4%.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the day also began with signs of weakness and indecision:

* S&P/BMV IPC (Mexico): The Mexican Stock Exchange opened the day with a 0.59% loss, with its main indicator at 57,304.60 points. This movement interrupts a three-day winning streak. Analysts point to geopolitical complexity, fluctuations in macroeconomic data, and significant corporate activity as factors influencing this performance.

* Wall Street (USA): The main US indices opened slightly lower, reflecting investor expectations.

* The S&P 500 was down 0.2% to 0.3% in early trading.

* The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down between 0.3% and 0.4%.

* The Nasdaq Composite was down between 0.4% and 0.8%.

Traders in New York are analyzing a series of mixed economic reports that offer little clarity on how the U.S. economy is handling the trade war fueled by the Trump administration.

"This year, the markets have seen constant volatility," he said, citing the overall market situation.

Several macroeconomic and political elements are on investors' radar today:

* US Economic Data: The focus is on the release of April retail sales (expected to stagnate after a 1.5% rise in March) and the Producer Price Index (PPI) for the same month (forecast at 2.5% year-over-year, up from 2.7%). A speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is also eagerly awaited. These data are crucial because they can provide clues about the strength of consumption and inflationary pressures, which in turn influence expectations for future Fed interest rate decisions.

* US Trade Policy: Uncertainty generated by tariffs and the trade war remains a significant factor. Comments by Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson, warning of the potential negative impact of tariffs on economic growth and inflation, have weighed on investor sentiment.

* Eurozone data: GDP and industrial production figures, as well as employment data, are expected, which could influence the European Central Bank's monetary policy outlook.

* Commodity Prices: Brent crude oil was trading lower at $64.02 per barrel, compared to $66.01 at the previous close. Gold also fell, reaching $3,132.66 per ounce from $3,184.56 previously.

The interconnectedness of global markets is evident, with the expectation of key economic data from a powerhouse like the United States generating a wave of caution that spreads to other regions. The Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions and the Trump administration's trade policies continue to be the main drivers of market volatility and direction, affecting not only large investors but also ordinary citizens, through their impact on savings, investments, and the cost of living.

Performance of Major Stock Indices (Opening/Tomorrow – May 15, 2025)

| Index | Region/Country | Points (approx.) | % Change (approx.) | Trend |

| Nikkei 225 | Japan (Close) | 37,755.51 | -0.98% | Down |

| Hang Seng | Hong Kong (Closing) | 23,453.16 | -0.79% | Low |

| FTSE 100 | United Kingdom | 8,538.42 | -0.5% | Down |

| DAX | Germany | 23,399 | -0.54% | Down |

| AEX | Netherlands | 922.37 | -0.74% | Down |

| S&P/BMV IPC | Mexico | 57,304.60 | -0.59% | Down |

| S&P 500 | US | N/A | -0.2% to -0.3% | Down |

| Dow Jones | U.S. | N/A | -0.3% to -0.4% | Down |

| Nasdaq Composite | USA | N/A | -0.4% to -0.8% | Low |

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