Global Stock Markets Today (Dec. 18, 2025): Wall Street Rebounds on Softer CPI, Europe Closes at Record, Asia Mixed Ahead of BoJ
Global stock markets ended broadly higher on Thursday as investors leaned into a cooler-than-expected U.S. inflation update, digested a pivotal batch of central-bank decisions in Europe, and watched the latest twist in the AI-led tech trade. The day’s mood: relief, but not complacency—because the inflation report came with an asterisk, and the global rate outlook is diverging again.