Major equity markets in Asia and Europe opened slightly higher on Friday, tracking a modest recovery in investor confidence as U.S. Treasury yields drifted lower. The move supported risk assets after a recent stretch of caution driven by tighter financial conditions and geopolitical uncertainty.

The gains were limited, however, with traders still weighing the durability of the rally. Lower yields can ease pressure on valuations, but concerns over growth, central bank policy, and global flashpoints continue to keep sentiment fragile.

Market participants said the tone across asset classes improved as some of the recent tension in geopolitical headlines appeared to cool. That helped lift demand for stocks, though the advance remained measured rather than broad-based.

Analysts cautioned that the session reflected cautious optimism rather than a strong shift in market direction. For now, investors appear willing to add risk selectively while waiting for clearer signals from bond markets, economic data, and policy makers.