Group 1 - The Federal Reserve's latest Beige Book indicates a further decline in overall consumer spending and signs of weakness in the job market, with AI technology applications suppressing hiring demand and tariff policies increasing costs for U.S. manufacturing and retail sectors [1] - Economic data reflects a slowdown in consumer spending, which is the core engine of the U.S. economy, and an increase in downside risks for the job market, leading to heightened expectations for a rate cut by the Federal Reserve in December [1] - As of Wednesday, the probability of a 25 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve in December exceeds 90%, which has positively impacted tech stocks, including popular chip and AI concept stocks, resulting in gains for the three major U.S. stock indices [1] Group 2 - In Europe, the rising expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut and potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have boosted market risk appetite, leading to widespread gains in retail, banking, and defense stocks [3] - The three major European stock indices all closed higher, with the UK market up 0.85%, France up 0.88%, and Germany up 1.11% [3] Group 3 - The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a significant increase in daily crude oil imports, rising by 1.05 million barrels to a two-month high, indicating a rebound in oil consumption demand ahead of the holiday season [5] - This increase in imports contributed to a rise in international oil prices, with light crude oil futures for January delivery closing at $58.65 per barrel, up 1.21%, and Brent crude oil futures at $63.13 per barrel, up 1.04% [5] Group 4 - Market expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut in December, along with the leading "dovish" candidates for the next Fed chair, have led investors to anticipate continued easing monetary policy next year [7] - As a result, U.S. Treasury yields and the dollar index fell, contributing to a significant increase in international gold prices, which rose back above the $4,200 per ounce mark [7] - The December gold futures price closed at $4,202.3 per ounce, reflecting a 1.50% increase [7]