Fed Hike, Inflation Concerns Drive Global Markets

Global markets experienced a mixed week, driven by key decisions from the Federal Reserve and inflation concerns across major economies.

The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points to a target range of 3.75%, 4.00%, while leaving the door open for another rate hike later this year.

This move was seen as hawkish, but easing crude oil prices and softer U.S. Treasury yields helped offset its impact on US stock market sentiment.

The S&P 500 (SP500) rose 0.7% and Nasdaq COMP surged 2.6%, while the Dow DJI shed 733 points.

Across the Atlantic, European equities were mixed, with the UK's FTSE 100 ending flat and Germany's DAX slipping 0.9%.