Global Markets Mixed as Inflation Data Released

Asia-Pacific stocks were mixed on Friday as traders awaited Tokyo's inflation data and India's fiscal Q2 GDP. Tokyo's inflation came in at 2.7% in October, with core inflation at 2.8%, above the central bank's 2% target. Japan's Nikkei 225 and Topix rose, while South Korea's Kospi fell and Kosdaq gained. The U.S. stock market was closed for Thanksgiving Day, and futures were little changed. Investors are hopeful that November's slide will signal a year-end rally.

The article discusses the performance of US stocks in November, which has been atypical compared to historical trends. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite are all on track to end the month in the red. The article also covers various news stories, including Apple's potential $38 billion fine in India, South Korea's sanctions on Cambodia's Prince Group, and Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement on being ready for 'serious' discussions for peace. Additionally, the article mentions Trump's plans to suspend migration from 'Third World Countries' and cancel federal benefits to 'noncitizens'. A Bank of America strategist predicts a single-digit percentage point rise in the S&P 500 in 2026.

European stocks rose on Friday as investors reacted to a choppy month, with the Stoxx 600 index seeing a positive start to the session. Gains were led by shares in Delivery Hero and Puma, while defense stocks were under scrutiny as US officials attempted to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. The Stoxx 600 index notched its fifth consecutive monthly gain in November, driven by healthcare-related stocks. Investors are now watching for preliminary inflation data from several European countries and US commodities markets.

The stock market is expected to end a seven-month winning streak as stock futures remained little changed on Thursday night. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose by 10 points, while S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq-100 futures traded just above the flatline. The major averages are on pace for a losing month due to a pullback in tech stocks, particularly those related to AI companies. Despite this, some investors are hopeful for a year-end rally as stocks have become more attractive at current valuations. The market was closed on Thursday for Thanksgiving Day and will close early on Friday at 1 p.m. ET.