Stock Market Rallies on Cooling Inflation, Boosting Rate Cut Expectations
Equities surged as fresh inflation data reinforced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq climbed, with traders pricing in an 87% probability of a quarter-point reduction. The Core PCE index—the Fed's preferred gauge—rose just 2.8% annually, slightly below forecasts, signaling tempered price pressures.
Market Optimism grew amid a Goldilocks scenario: cooling but stable inflation, gradual labor market softening, and resilient consumer sentiment. This equilibrium allows policymakers room to ease without sparking inflationary rebounds. Investors remain watchful, however, as the Fed weighs employment and spending metrics alongside price trends.