Following what’s happening in global stock markets is like reading the pulse of the global market in real time. We see how capital is moving, which sectors are booming, and where we can find the most liquidity. And honestly, if you invest or want to start investing, understanding this dynamic has become much more important in recent times.

Have you ever stopped to think about what really moves the main global indices? When the S&P 500 rises, the Nasdaq falls, the Nikkei soars, or the FTSE 100 loses strength, each of these moves tells a different story about what investors are thinking. Interest rates, inflation, economic growth, company earnings, geopolitical tensions—everything is reflected in the numbers.

Indices really work like thermometers. The NYSE remains the central reference point, the Nasdaq concentrates the weight of technology, the London Stock Exchange continues as an influential financial hub, Tokyo maintains its role in Asia, and Xangai is huge when it comes to the Chinese market. Each of these global exchanges concentrates liquidity and economic influence in different ways.

In the United States, the S&P 500 is practically the index everyone follows first. It brings together 500 large companies and covers about 80% of the U.S. market capitalization. Then there’s the Nasdaq, which has become synonymous with technology and growth, precisely because it concentrates the biggest names in the sector. And there’s also the Dow Jones, more traditional and symbolic, but much less comprehensive.

In Europe, the FTSE 100 is the UK’s benchmark, bringing significant exposure to energy, mining, and banks. In Asia, the Nikkei 225 remains the main thermometer for Japan since 1950, while the Hang Seng Index serves as an important indicator of Hong Kong and China’s market dynamics. Here in Brazil, the Ibovespa continues to be our main benchmark.

What moves the main global indices today? In reality, it’s a combination of things. Central banks’ monetary policy directly affects financial conditions and the valuation of assets. When interest rates rise or fall, markets recalibrate everything. Inflation is also critical—when it surprises to the upside, the market recalculates its bets and puts pressure on multiples. When it eases, appetite for risk improves.

Economic growth matters a lot as well. We see global growth projections around 3.3%, and the market stays very attentive to any sign of slowdown. Then there are corporate results—ultimately, indices go up or down because the stocks that make them up react to earnings expectations. And often, what matters is not just the number, but the difference between what was reported and what the market expected.

Geopolitics, exchange rates, commodities—everything remains at the center of the analysis. International tensions, supply shocks, and changes in trade routes can alter inflation, growth, and risk perception all at the same time. We saw this recently with the rise in energy prices. The market becomes extremely sensitive to this chain reaction.

For anyone who wants exposure to the main global indices without leaving Brazil, there are several options. International ETFs are probably the simplest— you buy one share and already have a diversified basket. BDRs also work well for this, allowing international exposure without leaving B3 and trading in reais. For those who want a more active approach, CFDs on indices allow you to trade price movements with more flexibility and agility.

Is it worth investing in global stock markets? Yes, especially if you want to diversify your portfolio and reduce dependence on a single country. The main global indices provide access to important structural themes—technology in the U.S., industry and consumption in Asia, energy and banks in Europe. Different economic cycles around the world also help with balancing.

The best strategy depends on your profile. If you’re thinking long term and prefer a more passive approach, ETFs and BDRs make more sense because they offer broad exposure and simplicity. If you prefer something more active and want to take advantage of short- and medium-term fluctuations, then CFDs on indices are an interesting alternative. The important thing is to understand that today you have many more tools to access these markets than you did a few years ago.