World shares were mixed on Thursday, with European stocks gaining in anticipation of a potential cut in borrowing costs by the European Central Bank (ECB). The rate-setting council of the ECB is expected to lower its benchmark rate from 3.5% to 3.25% following a decrease in inflation across the eurozone and weakening economic growth.
European markets responded positively to this expectation, with Germany's DAX gaining 0.8%, the CAC 40 in Paris advancing 1.3%, and Britain's FTSE 100 rising 0.5%.
In Asian trading, Chinese markets experienced a decline as officials in Beijing announced increased financing for housing projects to address a property market downturn resulting from a crackdown on excessive borrowing by developers. China is set to release its economic growth data for the April-September quarter, with economists forecasting annual growth around 4.5%, below the government's target of 5%.
Despite promises of additional measures to boost the economy, Chinese leaders have not yet detailed significant stimulus plans to address long-term issues such as local debt and weak consumer demand. The current measures are seen as a gradual recovery strategy rather than a quick rebound.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index declined after a report showed a 1.7% year-on-year drop in exports in September, widening the country's trade deficit. South Korea's Kospi and India's Sensex experienced slight declines, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.9%.
The SET in Thailand gained 0.7% following a key interest rate cut by the central bank. In the U.S., major indices rebounded, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones setting records after positive earnings reports from companies like Morgan Stanley and United Airlines.
Oil prices rose early Thursday after recent fluctuations, driven by concerns over potential disruptions in Iranian oil exports and worries about weakening demand due to China's economic slowdown.
U.S. benchmark crude oil was up to $70.64 per barrel, while Brent crude climbed to $74.43 per barrel. Currency markets saw the dollar weakening against the Japanese yen and the euro strengthening slightly.
