Global Markets React to Mixed Cues: Asia Mixed, Europe Stumbles, Crude Gains, Gold Holds Above $1,950

US stock markets closed mixed, with strong economic data and robust Q3 earnings suggesting a prolonged tight monetary policy by the Federal Reserve. Asian markets were mixed, with Japan's Nikkei 225 and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 closing higher, while China's Shanghai Composite and Shenzhen CSI 300 declined. China's September data showed faster-than-expected growth and declining unemployment. European markets stumbled, with the STOXX 600 index, Germany's DAX, France's CAC, and the UK's FTSE 100 trading lower. Crude oil prices gained, with WTI and Brent both up, while gold remained above $1,950. US futures were down, and the US Dollar Index declined.