London — World stocks and commodities rose on Friday, with stocks set to post their biggest weekly gain in more than a month as investors seemed to shrug off the uncertainty over tension in the Middle East and the prospect of a global trade war. Global stock markets have had a whipsaw week, largely fueled by US President Donald Trump’s tendency to change his mind over key policy and political issues. The MSCI All-Country World Index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, was up nearly 0.1% on the day. It has gained nearly 2% this week, its best weekly showing since March. European bourses opened positive, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 index on track for its third straight week of gains, its longest winning streak since January. Early European companies’ first-quarter results were largely positive, though misses were badly punished. Earlier in Asia, MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up a slim 0.1%, still up about 2% on the week. Overall, Friday’s perform...
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