Headline: Risk-On Rally Propels Nasdaq to Best Day Since May as Dovish Fed Signals Lift Sentiment
Stocks surged as investors bet on a near-term resolution to the U.S. government shutdown and digested a notably dovish tone from Federal Reserve officials. Risk appetite broadened across equities, commodities, and crypto, while bond yields inched higher following a well-received Treasury auction. European indices finished firmly in the green, and the U.S. dollar traded mixed against major peers, underscoring a constructive tone in global markets.
The Nasdaq led gains with its strongest performance since late May, rising 2.27%, while the S&P 500 added 1.54% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.81%. Haven assets also caught a bid: gold climbed to its highest level since late October and silver logged its best session since early June. Oil prices settled higher, reflecting improved growth sentiment, and Bitcoin rebounded from last week’s lows. In fixed income, a sizable 3‑year note sale drew robust demand, and yields edged up modestly across the curve as the market priced a steadier outlook for growth and inflation.
Policy commentary helped extend the rally. San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly said policy is “in a good place,” citing contained goods inflation and evidence of cooling demand in the labor market, while St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem noted that economic uncertainty has plateaued and the job market is softening in an orderly way. A separate Fed voice argued for a more forward-looking, dovish stance given easing inflation trends and tighter financial conditions, particularly in housing. On trade, remarks from former President Trump pointed to potential tariff recalibrations, including ongoing discussions with India and a possible move by Switzerland toward a 15% tariff framework—headlines that further supported risk assets. Investors now turn to upcoming data and Fed speeches for clearer signals on the timing and size of any policy easing.
Key Points – Nasdaq jumps 2.27%, its best session since late May; S&P 500 up 1.54%, Dow up 0.81%. – Gold hits the highest level since late October; silver posts its strongest day since early June. – U.S. 3‑year Treasury auction shows strong demand; yields rise modestly across the curve. – Fed officials strike a dovish tone, citing contained inflation and a cooling but resilient labor market. – Trade headlines include potential tariff adjustments with India and Switzerland’s move toward a 15% rate. – European equities close higher; the dollar trades mixed as risk appetite improves.
