Asia Up, Europe Mixed, While Yen Surges Against Dollar - Global Markets Today While US Slept - SmartETFs Asia Pacific Dividend Builder ETF (ARCA:ADIV)

On Friday, U.S. stock markets closed higher, buoyed by strong tech earnings and mild inflation data, with notable gains following Alphabet's dividend announcement and buyback plan. The S&P 500 sectors, led by communication and technology, saw significant rises, pushing major indexes upward.

Asian markets started the week on a positive note, with Japan, Australia, India, China, and Hong Kong all posting gains. European markets showed mixed results early Monday, while commodities and futures indicated varied movements. The yen experienced a notable surge against the dollar, attributed to potential intervention by Japanese authorities.