Global stock markets were mixed on Friday as investors awaited key central bank policy decisions next week. The U.S. dollar strengthened against the yen as the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is expected to keep its dovish monetary policy. Oil prices rose as supplies tightened and economic stimulus in China supported demand. Gold prices fell as the dollar strengthened.

U.S. Stocks End Mixed as Tech Stocks Stall

The Dow Jones Industrial Average eked out a gain to extend its winning streak to 10 sessions. But the Nasdaq Composite fell and the S&P 500 barely rose, signs that the megacap tech and growth stocks that have driven the two indices respective 34% and 18% advances this year have stalled.

BOJ Leaning Toward Keeping Dovish Monetary Policy

The BOJ is expected to keep its yield curve control program at its next meeting next week, according to a Reuters report. The report said that there was no consensus within the central bank on whether to change policy, and that the decision could still be a close call.

The yield curve control program is a policy that the BOJ has used since 2016 to keep short-term interest rates at zero. The program has been credited with helping to support economic growth in Japan, but it has also been criticized for distorting financial markets.

If the BOJ does decide to keep its yield curve control program, it is likely to weaken the Japanese yen. The yen has already been under pressure in recent weeks as investors have become more concerned about the outlook for the Japanese economy.

Oil Prices Rise on Tightening Supplies

Oil prices rose on Friday as supplies tightened and economic stimulus in China supported demand. U.S. crude rose $1.42 to settle at $77.07 a barrel and Brent settled up $1.43 at $81.07.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Friday that global oil inventories are at their lowest level since 2014. The IEA said that this is due to a combination of factors, including rising demand and declining production.

Economic stimulus in China is also supporting oil prices. China is the world’s largest oil importer, and the government has been taking steps to boost economic growth. This has led to an increase in demand for oil in China.

Gold Prices Fall as Dollar Strengthens

Gold prices fell on Friday as the dollar strengthened. U.S. gold futures settled 0.2% lower at $1,966.60 an ounce.

The dollar has been rising in recent weeks as investors have become more concerned about the global economy. The stronger dollar makes gold more expensive for investors who hold other currencies.

The outlook for global stocks is uncertain, as investors await the outcome of key central bank meetings next week. The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates by 0.50%, and the European Central Bank is expected to end its bond-buying program. These decisions could have a significant impact on global markets.

In addition to the central bank decisions, investors will also be watching the economic data closely next week. The U.S. will release its employment report on Friday, and China will release its GDP growth data on Monday. These data could provide further clues about the health of the global economy.

Overall, the outlook for global stocks is uncertain. Investors will be looking for signs of economic growth and stability next week. If the central banks do not raise interest rates too aggressively, and if the economic data is positive, then stocks could continue to rise. However, if the central banks do raise interest rates too aggressively, or if the economic data is negative, then stocks could fall.