Global equities extended their gains in the third quarter of 2025, buoyed by resilient growth and supportive policy shifts. Investors who had feared a deeper tariff-related slowdown were reassured as the impact proved less severe than anticipated. The US reached trade deals with various economies, including the EU and Japan, landing on a new tariff rate of 15%, lower than some had feared. Rhetoric towards China was more positive following direct talks, with reports of a deal struck on TikTok. These easing trade tensions, robust earnings updates and renewed enthusiasm for technology leaders all contributed to solid gains.
European and UK equities posted solid gains in Q3. However, political concerns resurfaced in France after President Macron appointed his fifth prime minister in less than two years, raising questions over fiscal stability and growth prospects. Emerging market equities outperformed those of developed markets, supported by decisive stimulus measures in China and broad strength across Asia. Hong Kong and mainland Chinese equities outpaced their Q2 gains by a wide margin, while Thailand, Taiwan and South Korea also posted gains, with major chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix riding the wave of tech enthusiasm.
Stronger domestic demand in several regions, combined with a US dollar that stabilised in Q3 following earlier weakness and the US Federal Reserve’s September rate cut, added to the positive backdrop. By sector, information technology again led the way, extending its outperformance as investors focused on earnings momentum and AI-related themes. Energy lagged once more, with oil prices declining as demand forecasts were pared back and producers, including OPEC+ and non-OPEC suppliers, signalled higher output.
Source: Bloomberg as at 30 September, 2025