Global Stock Markets Open the Week on a Positive Note

Stock markets in Asia and Europe kicked off the new week with solid gains, driven in large part by the U.S. government’s decision to introduce tariff exemptions for certain Chinese imports, benefiting key electronics and smartphone suppliers — particularly those linked to Apple.

On Monday morning, European stock exchanges mirrored the upward trend seen earlier in Asia. Germany’s DAX index opened with a 0.5% increase, reaching 20,802 points, while the pan-European EuroStoxx 50 rose even more significantly, gaining nearly 1.8%.

These gains were preceded by a sharp rally in shares of companies tied to smartphone manufacturing. Over the weekend, the U.S. government announced exemptions from high import tariffs on smartphones and other electronic products that are predominantly sourced from China. The move was seen as a relief for global tech supply chains and boosted investor confidence.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 index rose by 1.2% to 33,982 points. Gains were also recorded in China’s mainland CSI 300 index and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index, which climbed by 0.2% and 2.25%, respectively.

The so-called “Apple effect” was visible across multiple markets. Shares of Japan-based Murata Manufacturing, a major iPhone component supplier, surged by as much as 4.5% during the session before settling at a 1.65% gain. Taiwan’s Foxconn, another key Apple partner, saw its stock rise nearly 3%.

However, the upbeat sentiment wasn’t universal. The CSI Semiconductor Index in China dipped by 0.9% at one point. The decline followed a late-night announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that Chinese semiconductor imports would be subject to national security reviews, raising concerns over tighter scrutiny and potential supply chain disruptions.

Oil prices also showed a modest decline in early Monday trading, reflecting broader investor worries about the intensifying U.S.–China trade dispute. Analysts fear the conflict could weigh on global economic growth and dampen demand for fuel.

Brent crude, the international oil benchmark from the North Sea, slipped 0.2% to $64.58 per barrel (159 liters). Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 0.4%, trading at $61.71.

Overall, while tech-related optimism fueled a market rally to start the week, geopolitical tensions and energy market uncertainties continue to cast a shadow on the global economic outlook.