Global Markets Split: UK Growth Beats, Bond Yields Spike, and Oil Surges
European stocks opened higher on Friday, led by travel and banking sectors, while Asian markets fell sharply due to Middle East tensions. The UK economy outperformed expectations with 1.6% annual growth, boosting the pound but raising concerns about high borrowing costs. US 10-year Treasury yields approached 5% amid a bond sell-off, and oil prices extended gains past $108 per barrel. Oracle shares jumped 6% after beating earnings estimates, while Chinese chipmaker Enflame soared 206% on its debut.