• Global shares increased as optimism over a potential trade deal between the US and Britain emerges.
• The dollar index held onto gains following the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates.
• Traders are also monitoring central bank meetings, particularly the Bank of England's expected rate cut.
• US Treasury yields experienced slight fluctuations amidst ongoing market uncertainty.
• Commodity prices inched up due to improved trade sentiment, with oil and gold seeing gains.

On Thursday, global shares firmed up, buoyed by optimism from U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a major trade deal, reportedly with Britain. The initial reports pushed futures for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq up by 0.5% and 0.7%, respectively, while the euro's exchange with the pound also reflected a similar uplift. This positive sentiment occurred as markets anticipated upcoming trade talks between the U.S. and China, set for Saturday, which could potentially mark a turning point in the ongoing trade war, according to Reuters, The Jakarta Post, and Channel News Asia.

The dollar index managed to maintain its overnight gains following the Federal Reserve's recent decision to keep interest rates in the range of 4.25% to 4.5%. The Fed's cautious stance, highlighting the rising risks of higher inflation and unemployment, has impacted market expectations, leading to a reduction in projected chances for a June rate cut from 30% to just 20%. Market observers now anticipate a 70% chance for a cut in July, indicating a shift in sentiment, according to Reuters, The Jakarta Post, and Channel News Asia.

Additionally, the Bank of England is preparing for its policy meeting where a quarter-point rate cut is largely expected. Analysts suggest this move may be influenced by the broader impacts of global economic uncertainties exacerbated by ongoing trade tensions. Likewise, central banks in Sweden and Norway have indicated that while rates remain stable for now, future cuts could be on the table, hinting at a cautious approach to their monetary policies, as noted by Reuters, The Jakarta Post, and Channel News Asia.

In bond markets, the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasuries edged up slightly to 4.29%, echoing the resilience of the dollar amidst shifting market dynamics. This increase comes as traders assess the implications of the Federal Reserve's recent messaging, which has prompted a reassessment of monetary policy and economic outlook, according to Reuters, The Jakarta Post, and Channel News Asia.

Market enthusiasm extended into commodities, where oil prices saw an upturn thanks to the hopeful trade sentiment influencing price recovery after a recent decline. Both U.S. crude and Brent futures rose by approximately 0.5% amid easing trade concerns and signs of potential economic stabilization globally. Furthermore, gold prices increased slightly to $3,374.5 an ounce, reflecting ongoing investor sentiment in a fluctuating monetary policy landscape, as highlighted by Reuters, The Jakarta Post, and Channel News Asia.