New Delhi, 17 December (H.S.):

Global markets presented mixed signals Wednesday, with U.S. indices closing unevenly amid weak jobs data, European benchmarks extending losses, and Asian counterparts predominantly advancing. Dow Jones futures traded firmer at 0.17% higher around 48,196.76, hinting at potential recovery, while Gift Nifty edged up marginally by 0.05 points to 25,928.

U.S. markets faced pressure from disappointing employment figures, with Dow Jones shedding 300 points at close. S&P 500 extended its three-day decline, settling 0.14% lower at 6,806.72, though Nasdaq bucked the trend with a 0.33% gain to 23,134.08.

European sessions remained under selling pressure, as FTSE closed 0.69% down at 9,684.79, CAC 40 slipped 0.23% to 8,106.16, and DAX tumbled 0.64% or 153.04 points to 24,076.87.

Asian markets displayed broad resilience, with eight of nine major indices in positive territory. Nikkei rose 0.14% to 49,450, Kospi surged 0.96% for a third straight session to 4,037.67, and Taiwan Weighted climbed 0.71% or 196.31 points to 27,732.97. Jakarta Composite gained 0.27% to 8,710.15, SET Composite advanced 0.26% to 1,263.95, Hang Seng added 0.21% to 25,288, and Shanghai Composite rose 0.17% to 3,831.43, though Straits Times lagged 0.25% lower at 4,568.06.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar