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Investment Daily: Global stocks rose as oil prices dropped

26 May 2026

Key takeaways

  • US stock and bond markets were closed.
  • European stocks and government bonds rose.
  • Asian stocks broadly rose.

Markets

US stock and Treasury markets were closed on Monday for Memorial Day.  

European stock markets advanced on Monday amid lower oil prices and hopes of geopolitical de-escalation. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed 1.9% higher. The German DAX and the French CAC rose 2.0% and 1.8%, respectively. The UK market was closed for a public holiday.

European government bonds rallied. 10-year German bund yields fell 9bp to 2.95% and 10-year French bond yields dropped 10bp to 3.56%.

Asia stock markets rose on Monday amid investor optimism over AI-related demand and easing geopolitical tensions. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 2.9%, while China’s Shanghai Composite gained 1.0%. India’s Sensex rallied 1.4%. Markets in Hong Kong and Korea were closed for public holidays.

Crude oil prices fell sharply on Monday. Brent crude for July settlement closed 7.2% lower at USD96.1 a barrel.

Key Data Releases and Events

Releases yesterday

No major releases. 

Releases due today (26 May 2026)

The US Conference Board Consumer Confidence index is expected to edge down in May, as higher energy prices weigh on consumer sentiment, though the “jobs hard to get” sub-index has stabilised recently.

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