Stocks gain, gold sags on trade deal optimism

Group 1 - Global stocks experienced a bounce, while safe-haven assets like gold and bonds retreated, driven by signs of cooling trade tensions between China and the U.S. [1][2] - A potential trade deal could pause U.S. tariffs and Chinese rare earths export controls, alleviating investor concerns about a breakdown in the trade truce between the two largest economies [2][4] - European shares rose modestly, with the STOXX 600 up 0.1% near record highs, influenced by a sharp rally in Asian stocks [2][4] Group 2 - U.S. stock futures indicated a strong opening, with Nasdaq futures up 1.4% and S&P 500 futures gaining 0.9% [3] - The Chinese yuan rose to a more than one-month high against the dollar, reflecting market optimism regarding U.S.-China trade momentum [4][5] - The People's Bank of China set the official midpoint rate at 7.0881 per dollar, its strongest since October 15, 2024, suggesting potential for further yuan gains if a deal is reached [5] Group 3 - Safe-haven gold prices fell by 2% to $4,028 an ounce, while U.S. Treasury prices eased, resulting in a benchmark 10-year bond yield increase of 2.7 basis points to 4.024% [6] - Commodities such as soybeans, wheat, and corn rose on the prospects of a trade deal [6] Group 4 - Investor attention this week is focused on central bank meetings in Japan, Canada, Europe, and the United States [7]