Stock Market Newsยท2025-09-29 14:08U.S. Housing Market - The U.S. housing market showed unexpected strength with pending home sales rising 4.0% month-over-month in August, significantly surpassing the estimated 0.0% and reversing the previous month's decline of -0.4% [3][8] - Despite the positive sales momentum, affordability challenges persist as 22% of U.S. mortgages are now above 6%, the highest percentage in 12 years, indicating increased pressure on households [4][8] Equity Markets - U.S. equity markets experienced gains, with the S&P 500 up 0.38% to 6,668.77, the Dow Jones climbing 0.24% to 46,360.43, and the Nasdaq advancing 0.57% to 22,611.86 [5][8] - Deutsche Bank issued a warning about a "bubble risk" in the S&P 500, citing concerns over overheated valuations and investor exuberance [5][8] Oil Market - Oil futures continued to decline, with Brent crude dropping $2 per barrel, attributed to anticipated increases in global supply [7][8] - TotalEnergies announced the establishment of an Asia exploration hub in Kuala Lumpur, projecting that oil projects launching by 2030 would generate around $40 per barrel [7] Corporate Innovations - Microsoft introduced "Agent Mode" capabilities within Microsoft 365 Copilot, allowing AI to create PowerPoint presentations and generate documents from chat commands, enhancing productivity for users [9][8] - Citigroup launched a 24/7 USD clearing service for clients in the UK and US, integrating its Citi Token Services platform for real-time cross-border payments, with plans for future expansion [10][8]