Core Insights - US stock market continues to rise, driven by mild inflation data, with all three major indices closing higher [1][3] - Weaker-than-expected CPI data alleviates concerns over interest rate paths, stimulating broad risk appetite [1][4] - Focus shifts to corporate earnings sustainability and future Federal Reserve policies [1] Market Drivers - Inflation slightly eases: US Consumer Price Index year-on-year at 3.0%, below the expected 3.1%, boosting hopes for a pause in Federal Reserve actions [4] - Earnings strength: Several large-cap stocks exceeded expectations, providing further support [5] - Oil stability: WTI crude oil remains above $61, maintaining energy optimism without reigniting inflation concerns [6] Volatility and Returns - S&P 500 Index: up +0.79% to 6,791.68 [7] - Dow Jones Index: up +1.01% to 47,207.12 [7] - Nasdaq 100 Index: up +1.04% to 25,358.15 [7] - Russell 2000 Index: up +1.24% to 2,513.47 [7] - VIX down 5.38%, indicating a decrease in risk aversion [8] - 10-year Treasury yield stable at 4.043%, reflecting a balance between stocks and bonds [9] Commodity Insights - WTI crude oil: $61.50 per barrel, stabilizing after earlier sanctions-driven spikes [10] - Gold: $4,137.80 per ounce, supported by weak inflation data and stable dollar [11] - Precious metals remain a focus as investors weigh real interest rate impacts against safe-haven appeal [12] Global Market Overview - FTSE 100 Index: up +0.7% to 9,645.62 [13] - DAX: up +0.13% to 24,239.89 [13] - CAC 40: moderately up to 8,225.63 [13] - European markets reflect Wall Street's optimism, supported by commodity-linked stocks and alleviated inflation concerns [13] Key Stock Movers - Ford: up +11.92% due to strong electric vehicle sales and optimistic guidance [15] - Western Union: up +10.07% driven by strong remittance volumes [16] - Beyond Meat: down -24.65% due to weak Q3 sales and margin pressures [17] - Nektar: down -5.39% as pipeline updates disappointed investors [18] - Packaging Corporation of America: down -4.07% due to cautious industry outlook [19] Upcoming Market Focus - Futures slightly higher, continuing the rebound post-CPI as investors await upcoming corporate earnings [20] - Oil remains a key driver; stable prices support the stock market, but any new increases could reignite inflation concerns [20] - Gold continues to attract inflows amid geopolitical volatility and policy uncertainty [20] Market Sentiment Snapshot - Risk appetite: constructively cautious, moderately optimistic with defensive hedging [21] - VIX: cooling but above complacency levels [22] - Dollar Index (DXY): slightly softened post-CPI; real rates stable [23] - Gold: holding firm in the $4,130-$4,150 range [24] - WTI crude: consolidating above $61; supply dynamics remain key [25] Other Key Areas - Federal Reserve comments: several officials to speak this week; tone may clarify rate path post-CPI [26] - Earnings continuation: large tech stocks' performance may test market sentiment resilience [26] - Liquidity and volatility: month-end fund flows may cause short-term distortions [26] - Commodities: gold-silver ratio remains a focus for momentum signals [26]