Market Overview

Before the release of the U.S. jobs report, U.S. markets remained closed. The pan-European stock index rose for the second consecutive day, hitting its highest level in over a week. The Dutch stock index reached an all-time high, with the banking sector up over 1%, and France's three major banks each rising nearly 2%. Japanese and Indian stock markets also continued to hit new highs.

Polls indicated that France's far-right party would not win a majority in the upcoming elections, easing political concerns in France. As a result, Eurozone bond prices fell, the euro reached a daily high and neared a three-week high, while the U.S. dollar index approached a three-week low. The yen rebounded, moving away from its lowest level since 1986.

Cryptocurrencies plummeted, with Bitcoin dropping more than $3,000 intraday, falling below $57,000 to a two-month low.

Oil prices fell by about 1% intraday before reversing to gains, with Brent crude hitting a two-month high. Gold prices dipped slightly intraday. London aluminum dropped 1%, ending near a three-week high, while London copper rose for the fifth consecutive day, reaching a three-week high.