Global markets saw gains on Thursday, driven by expectations of more aggressive interest rate cuts. U.S. stocks and bonds continued to rally, while the dollar dropped to its lowest point in five months. European shares rose by 0.2 percent, nearing a 23-month high, and were on track for a 13 percent gain for the year.
On Wall Street, S&P 500 futures were up by 0.1 percent, reaching another record high, and Nasdaq futures increased by 0.2 percent. The S&P 500 has experienced a 14 percent increase in just two months, bringing it close to its all-time closing peak. Its price-to-earnings ratio has also risen by 25 percent this year to 24.0.
Investors are betting on more aggressive interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve as a way to boost the economy and mitigate the impact of the ongoing pandemic. The prospect of lower interest rates has driven the market rally, pushing up stock and bond prices. The market’s optimism is also reflected in the weaker performance of the dollar, which has fallen to its lowest level in five months.
The European Central Bank’s policy meeting is due to take place on Thursday, where investors will be looking for further decision on interest rates and the ongoing economic recovery. The ECB has previously indicated its willingness to provide further support for the economy, which has also contributed to the market’s positive outlook.
In Asia, the MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan gained 1.5 percent, reaching its highest level since early July. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index rose by 1.1 percent, while Japan’s Nikkei added 0.7 percent.
Gold prices also saw a boost, surging to a more than one-week high as investors flocked to the safe-haven asset amid the ongoing uncertainty in the global economy. Oil prices, however, were mixed, with Brent crude futures falling by 0.1 percent to $71.16 a barrel, while U.S. crude futures rose by 0.3 percent to $68.35 a barrel.
Despite the market gains, there are concerns about potential inflationary pressures as the global economy continues to recover. Investors will be closely monitoring central bank decisions and economic indicators in the coming months to assess the real impact of the ongoing pandemic and the recovery efforts.
Overall, the market’s rally is being driven by expectations of further stimulus measures and interest rate cuts, with investors focusing on the potential for continued economic recovery and growth. As central banks and governments continue to provide support, global markets are poised to continue their upward trajectory in the coming months.
