World stocks rise as bond yields ease before key economic data

Global equity markets opened higher on Friday, with investors encouraged by a pullback in government bond yields and renewed expectations that major central banks may move toward interest-rate cuts later this year.

The modest gains reflected a cautious mood across trading desks, as markets waited for a fresh round of economic data that could shape the outlook for inflation, growth, and the timing of monetary policy shifts.

Lower yields helped support risk assets by easing pressure on valuations, while traders continued to weigh whether recent signals from policymakers point to a slower, more flexible approach after an extended period of tighter policy.

Even with the upbeat start, analysts said the rally remained restrained, with investors still sensitive to incoming data and any surprise that could change the path for rates, borrowing costs, and corporate earnings.