Market Overview - U.S. stocks are near record levels, with the S&P 500 slightly down by less than 0.1% from its all-time high, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 273 points (0.6%) and the Nasdaq composite rose by 0.4% [1][8] Federal Reserve Expectations - There are rising expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate for the first time this year, which could stimulate the economy and has already led to a drop in mortgage rates [2] - Recent job market reports suggest a balance that could prompt the Fed to act, indicating a slow enough job market to require assistance without signaling a recession [2][3] Inflation Insights - Investors and analysts believe inflation is not on the verge of a surge, with a University of Michigan survey indicating consumer expectations for inflation remain steady at 4.8% for the upcoming year [4] - Long-term inflation expectations have crept higher but remain below levels seen in April when tariffs were announced [5] Company Performance - RH's stock fell by 4.6% after reporting lower-than-expected profit and revenue, and it reduced its revenue forecast due to tariff uncertainty and a weak housing market [6] - Oracle's stock dropped by 5.1%, although it had previously surged due to excitement over AI contracts [6] - Super Micro Computer's stock rose by 2.4% after announcing high-volume shipments of AI-related equipment, while Microsoft climbed by 1.8% following regulatory approval of changes to its Teams platform [7] International Market Movements - In international markets, Japan's Nikkei 225 rose by 0.9% to a record high, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng increased by 1.2% [9] Bond Market Trends - The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.06% from 4.01%, reflecting expectations that the Fed may soon resume cutting rates [9]

Market Performance - U.S. stocks are nearing record levels, with the S&P 500 rising 0.1% from its all-time high, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 188 points (0.4%) and the Nasdaq composite increased by 0.5% [1] - Wall Street is experiencing its best week in five, driven by expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut [1][2] Federal Reserve Expectations - Anticipation of the Federal Reserve cutting its main interest rate for the first time this year is boosting stock prices, with mortgage rates already declining in response [2] - Recent job market reports suggest a balance that could prompt the Fed to act, indicating a slowdown that is not severe enough to trigger a recession while keeping inflation in check [3] Company-Specific Developments - RH's stock fell 4.7% after reporting lower-than-expected profit and revenue, alongside a reduced revenue forecast due to tariff uncertainty and a struggling housing market [7] - Oracle's shares dropped 4.1%, although it had previously surged due to excitement over AI-related contracts [7] - Super Micro Computer's stock rose 2.9% after announcing high-volume shipments of AI-related equipment [8] - Microsoft shares increased by 2% following the acceptance of its proposed changes to the Teams platform by EU regulators, resolving an antitrust investigation [9] Global Market Trends - Japan's Nikkei 225 index rose 0.9% to a record high, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng index increased by 1.2% [10] - European markets experienced slight declines after gains in Asia [9] Bond Market Insights - The yield on the 10-year Treasury note increased to 4.07% from 4.01%, recovering some losses from earlier in the week [11]