Tech Valuations and Mixed Earnings Drive Global Market Caution

Global markets are experiencing heightened caution as concerns over stretched technology sector valuations combine with mixed corporate earnings results to dampen risk appetite. Major equity indices have pulled back 0.5-1.2% as investors reassess growth expectations amid disappointing guidance from several tech giants. The risk-off sentiment has bolstered safe-haven currencies, with the Japanese yen gaining 0.4% against the dollar to 149.20 and the Swiss franc advancing to 0.8650. The dollar index holds steady near 106.00 as traders balance equity market concerns against expectations for continued Fed hawkishness. Corporate earnings have delivered mixed signals, with approximately 65% of S&P 500 companies beating estimates but forward guidance remaining cautious. This uncertainty is increasing demand for traditional safe havens while pressuring risk-sensitive currencies like the Australian and New Zealand dollars. Traders should monitor upcoming tech earnings releases as key catalysts for broader market sentiment shifts.