Stocks Rally and Bond Yields Fall on Fed Rate Cut Hopes

Market Overview - The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrials, and Nasdaq 100 all reached new all-time highs, supported by the August CPI report and a rise in weekly jobless claims [2][3] - The 10-year T-note yield fell to a 5-month low of 3.99%, influenced by the weaker labor market data [3][6] Economic Indicators - US weekly initial unemployment claims rose by 27,000 to 263,000, marking a 3.75-year high, contrary to expectations of a decline [3] - August CPI increased to 2.9% year-over-year, aligning with expectations, while CPI excluding food and energy remained at 3.1% [3] Federal Reserve Expectations - Markets are pricing in a 100% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut at the upcoming FOMC meeting on September 16-17, with a 12% chance of a 50 basis point cut [4] - An overall reduction of 73 basis points in the federal funds rate is anticipated by year-end, bringing it down to 3.60% from the current 4.33% [4][6] International Markets - European and Asian stock markets are also experiencing gains, with the Euro Stoxx 50 up 0.47%, Shanghai Composite up 1.65%, and Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 reaching a new all-time high [5] Company Movements - Micron Technology's stock rose over 9% after Citigroup raised its price target to $175 from $150 [11] - Home builders and suppliers saw gains due to lower mortgage rates, with Builders FirstSource up more than 5% [12] - Centene's stock increased over 12% after forecasting full-year adjusted EPS of $1.75, exceeding consensus expectations [12] - Red Cat Holdings surged over 25% following the approval of its Black Widow system for NATO [13] - Avidity Biosciences' stock fell over 19% after announcing a $500 million public offering [15]