US Stock Futures Jump on Reports of Preliminary US-Iran Peace Deal Despite Fed’s Hawkish Outlook 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Index Hits New 52-Week Low; Gold Falls and Oil Mixed 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
US Stock Futures Slip After Wall Street Rally Fueled by US-Iran Deal and Chipmaker Surge 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
China’s AI Manufacturing Boom Masks Weak Consumer Economy, Citi Says 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
Trump Says No Hormuz Strait Tolls During 60-Day Iran Ceasefire 
Gold Prices Rebound on U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Optimism Despite Fed Rate Hike Signals 
U.S. stocks closed the week with modest gains on Friday, as investors weighed a wave of delayed economic data and maintained strong expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut at next week’s policy meeting. Despite the data backlog caused by the recent 43-day government shutdown, analysts said the latest reports reinforced the view that the economy remains resilient while inflation is gradually cooling.
Fresh numbers from the Commerce Department showed that consumer spending—responsible for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity—rose 0.3% in September, matching economists’ expectations after a downwardly revised 0.5% increase in August. Meanwhile, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, increased 0.3% for the month and climbed 2.8% year-over-year, both in line with forecasts.
Consumer sentiment strengthened as well. The University of Michigan’s survey showed confidence rising to 53.3 in early December, beating expectations and signaling improved outlooks despite lingering inflation concerns.
Market pricing reflected growing confidence in a Fed rate cut, with CME’s FedWatch Tool showing an 87% probability of a 25-basis-point reduction—up sharply from under 30% two weeks ago after several Fed officials signaled support for easing.
The Dow gained 0.22% to finish at 47,954.99, the S&P 500 added 0.19% to 6,870.40, and the Nasdaq climbed 0.31% to 23,578.13. All three major indexes posted a second week of gains. Small-cap stocks also rallied, with the Russell 2000 extending its strong rebound as investors bet lower rates will aid more leveraged, high-beta companies.
Corporate headlines also drew attention. Warner Bros Discovery surged 6.3% after Netflix agreed to acquire its TV, film, and streaming assets for $72 billion. Netflix shares dipped, while Paramount Skydance fell sharply. Ulta Beauty jumped nearly 13% after boosting its annual outlook.
While the S&P 500 sits just 1% below a record high, analysts say next week’s Fed decision—and any hints about future policy—will steer market momentum heading into year-end.
