U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
Russia Stocks Close Flat as MOEX Hits 1-Month High 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Wall Street surged on Friday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closing at all-time highs as investor sentiment rose on trade deal optimism and growing expectations for interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Despite some volatility after President Trump ended trade talks with Canada over its digital tax on tech firms, all three major U.S. indexes logged weekly gains.
The Nasdaq officially entered a bull market, climbing more than 20% from its April 8 low. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 432.43 points (1.00%) to 43,819.27, the S&P 500 added 32.05 points (0.52%) to 6,173.07, and the Nasdaq gained 105.55 points (0.52%) to close at 20,273.46.
Investors are increasingly betting on a Fed rate cut, with CME’s FedWatch tool showing a 76% probability of a September cut and 19% odds for July. Economic data added fuel to the rally, with May’s PCE report showing unexpected drops in consumer income and spending, while inflation stayed above the Fed’s 2% target. Consumer sentiment also improved, though it remains below post-election highs.
In sector performance, consumer discretionary led the S&P 500, while energy lagged. AI stocks gained momentum as Micron’s strong outlook boosted investor confidence. Nvidia rose 1.8%, approaching a $4 trillion valuation. Nike shares soared 15.2% after better-than-expected guidance.
Market breadth showed advancing NYSE stocks outpacing decliners by 1.29-to-1, with 347 new highs. On Nasdaq, decliners slightly outnumbered gainers. The session saw unusually high trading volume, hitting 22.07 billion shares versus the 20-day average of 18.27 billion.
Overall, investors continue riding bullish momentum driven by AI optimism, monetary policy expectations, and hopes for global trade resolution.
