Wall Street Soars to Record Highs as Cooler Inflation Ignites Rate Cut Hopes

Market Performance - U.S. equity markets are experiencing a robust rally, with all three major indexes reaching new record highs by midday on October 24, 2025, driven by a cooler-than-expected September Consumer Price Index (CPI) report [1][4] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) rose over 400 points, or 0.9%, reaching approximately 47,118.38 points, while the S&P 500 (SPX) is trading around 6,738.43 to 6,798 points, and the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) advanced to around 22,941.80 to 25,300 points [2] Economic Indicators - The September 2025 CPI report indicated a year-over-year inflation increase of 3.0%, slightly below the forecast of 3.1%, with core inflation easing to 3.0% from 3.1% in August, reinforcing expectations for imminent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [4][5] - The yield on the 10-year Treasury note slipped slightly to 4.00%, indicating market confidence in the Federal Reserve's path toward rate reductions [3] Corporate Earnings - Intel (INTC) shares surged between 5.3% and 7% after reporting third-quarter profits that exceeded expectations, attributed to the booming AI sector [6] - Alphabet (GOOGL, GOOG) climbed 3% following a multi-billion dollar expansion announcement by Anthropic to increase its usage of Google cloud technologies [6] - Ford (F) shares surged approximately 10% after reporting robust third-quarter results, overshadowing a lowered 2025 outlook due to factory fire costs [12] - Tesla (TSLA) reported third-quarter revenues of $28.09 billion, surpassing expectations despite a 37% drop in profit, leading to a 2.3% gain in its stock [12] - Honeywell International Inc. (HON) gained 6.8% after reporting earnings of $2.82 per share, beating estimates [12] - Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) soared 12.4% after reporting revenues of $3.33 billion, exceeding estimates [12] - Dow Inc. (DOW) rose nearly 13% after its latest earnings beat estimates [12] Market Outlook - The Federal Reserve's next policy meeting is anticipated to result in a rate cut, with a 25 basis point reduction considered almost certain [5][7] - Geopolitical developments, including a meeting between President Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping, may influence market sentiment amidst ongoing trade tensions [8][9]