Commodities saw mixed performance Friday. Iron Ore CNY (-1.67%), Gold (-0.64%), and Platinum (-0.54%) led losses, while Steel Rebar gained 1.56%. Energy markets were split; EU Dutch TTF Natural Gas (-1.98%), Heating Oil (-1.93%), and Germany’s THE (-1%) fell, while WTI Crude (+1.35%), Brent Crude (+1.04%), and Natural Gas (+0.62%) rose.

Asian equities slipped on profit-taking, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 down 0.4% and Topix down 0.6%. In the U.S., the S&P 500 (+0.07%) and Nasdaq (+0.18%) hit record highs, while the Dow dipped 0.7% but remained positive on the week. Strong earnings and easing trade tensions supported sentiment.

Ether jumped 2.82%, leading crypto gains as risk appetite improved across markets.

EUR/USD dropped over 0.20% to 1.1749, as strong U.S. data overshadowed the ECB’s rate hold. The yen weakened after soft Tokyo CPI, and the offshore yuan eased to 7.15 ahead of key U.S.-China trade talks.

Gold hovered near $3,360 after two days of losses. Easing safe-haven demand and solid U.S. labor data pressured prices, though gold remains on track for a 0.6% weekly gain.

Brent crude climbed above $69 for a second straight gain, supported by easing trade tensions, tighter EU diesel supply, and possible new sanctions on Russian energy. Resistance is seen at $70.30, support at $67.50.

The US 100 Tech Index rose 0.25% to 23,293 on Friday. It’s up 3.77% this month and 22.44% over the year. Analysts project continued gains, with a target of 22,447 by quarter-end.

Check out today's daily file for more insights.