Market Overview - U.S. stocks experienced a significant rally, with major indices reaching all-time highs, driven by a softer-than-expected inflation reading that bolstered expectations for a 25 basis point interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve at its upcoming meeting on October 30 [1][4] Inflation Data - The annual headline inflation for September 2025 was reported at 3%, a slight increase from August's 2.9% but below the anticipated 3.1%. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, decreased from 3.1% to 3% year-over-year, indicating a cooler inflation environment [2] Company Performance - Ford Motor Co. emerged as the top-performing large-cap stock, surging 12% following the release of stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings, marking its best session since 2022 [2] - In the small-cap sector, Inhibrx Biosciences Inc. saw a remarkable 102% increase in stock price after announcing positive trial results for its cancer drug ozekibart [3] Sector Performance - Most sectors within the S&P 500 closed positively, with information technology, communication services, and utilities showing the largest gains. Conversely, energy and materials sectors underperformed, closing lower [3] Index Readings - The CNN Money Fear and Greed Index recorded a reading of 33.1, remaining in the "Fear" zone, which indicates a slight increase from the previous reading of 28.6. This index reflects current market sentiment, with higher fear typically exerting downward pressure on stock prices [5]

Market Overview - U.S. stocks experienced a significant rally, with major indices reaching all-time highs, driven by a softer-than-expected inflation reading that bolstered expectations for a 25 basis point interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve at its upcoming meeting on October 30 [1][4] Inflation Data - The annual headline inflation for September 2025 was reported at 3%, a slight increase from August's 2.9% but below the anticipated 3.1%. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, decreased from 3.1% to 3% year-over-year, indicating a cooler inflation environment [2] Company Performance - Ford Motor Co. emerged as the top-performing large-cap stock, surging 12% following the release of stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings, marking its best session since 2022 [2] - In the small-cap sector, Inhibrx Biosciences Inc. saw a remarkable 102% increase in stock price after announcing positive trial results for its cancer drug ozekibart [3] Sector Performance - Most sectors within the S&P 500 closed positively, with information technology, communication services, and utilities showing the largest gains. Conversely, energy and materials sectors underperformed, closing lower [3] Index Readings - The CNN Money Fear and Greed Index recorded a reading of 33.1, remaining in the "Fear" zone, which indicates a slight increase from the previous reading of 28.6. This index reflects current market sentiment, with higher fear typically exerting downward pressure on stock prices [5]