Global Markets Slide as Nasdaq and Nikkei Lead Losses

Major indices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia see sharp declines, while the Chicago PMI's rise and higher commodity prices offer mixed signals.

The Nasdaq Composite dropped over 300 points, falling 1.87% to close at 16,998.79, leading declines in U.S. markets.
Japan's Nikkei 225 suffered a steep 4.05% drop, with other Asian markets also closing lower, including China's Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index.
European indices, including Germany's DAX 40 and France's CAC 40, fell by 1.5%, reflecting widespread market downturns.
The Chicago PMI rose to 47.6 in March, exceeding market expectations and signaling potential economic resilience despite broader market uncertainty.
Commodity prices climbed, with oil up 1.5% to $70.41 and gold rising 1% to $3,146.50, reflecting ongoing shifts in global demand.