Dow surges nearly 600 pts as US indices rally at close

US indices extended gains amid optimism that President Donald Trump might ease some of his sweeping tariff plans, potentially avoiding an economic slowdown if the trade war escalates.

By the end of Monday's trading session, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.4%, adding 597 points to close at 42,583 points.

The S&P 500 gained 1.75%, or 100 points, finishing at 5,767 points, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 2.25%, adding 404 points to close at 18,188 points.

The Stoxx Europe 600 edged down 0.15% to 548.9 points, though losses were limited by gains in technology, automotive, travel, and leisure sectors.

The UK’s FTSE 100 slipped 0.1% to 8,638 points, while France's CAC 40 declined 0.25% to 8,022 points. Meanwhile, Germany's DAX fell 0.15%, closing at 22,852 points.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 dropped 0.2% to 37,608 points, while the broader Topix index declined 0.45%, settling at 2,790 points.

Brent crude futures for May delivery climbed 1.15%, or 84 cents, to $73 per barrel.

Similarly, WTI (West Texas Intermediate) crude futures for May delivery rose 1.2%, or 83 cents, to settle at $69.11 per barrel.

Meanwhile, gold futures for April delivery edged down 0.2%, or $5.8, to close at $3,015.60 per ounce.