Global stock markets largely stalled on Friday as a recent trade-related rally lost momentum, exacerbated by US President Donald Trumps pessimistic assessment of striking a trade deal with the European Union EU.
Trump stated he saw barely a 50/50 chance, maybe less of an agreement, dampening investor optimism that had fueled market gains earlier in the week.
Trade Doubts and Market PerformanceWall Street indices opened slightly positive but struggled to gain ground as investors also processed a mixed bag of corporate earnings.
Major European indices were all down by mid-afternoon, while Asian markets closed in negative territory.
This weeks earlier positive sentiment, driven by a US-Japan trade deal and hints of a US-EU accord, failed to sustain momentum. XTB research director Kathleen Brooks noted that European stocks were weaker at the end of the week.