Fed Cut Bets Ignite Risk Rally as Tech Leads; Sugar Holds Near Monthly Highs, XLM Jumps
U.S. equities advanced sharply as traders priced in a higher probability of near-term monetary easing, propelling a rebound in risk assets from chips to crypto. The Nasdaq rose 2.4% with AI-levered semis in the vanguard, while sugar prices consolidated near one-month highs and Stellar’s XLM token climbed before late-session profit-taking. Markets now imply a 77% chance of a 25 bp Federal Reserve cut in December.
Fed, Rate Expectations and Risk Appetite
With no fresh nonfarm payrolls or CPI prints due before the upcoming Fed decision, investors leaned into a dovish-rate narrative that lifted risk appetite and eased financial conditions at the margin. The absence of intervening economic prints increases policy uncertainty, but futures pricing suggests traders expect the Fed to err on the side of insurance cuts as growth cools and inflation recedes on a trend basis. Yield dynamics and FX volatility remain sensitive to any Fed communication surprises, with liquidity flows favoring higher-beta sectors for now.
AI Chipmakers Lead Nasdaq’s Surge
Tech led the rally as dip-buying returned to the AI complex. Broadcom (AVGO) and Micron (MU) each gained about 7%, reflecting renewed demand for data center and memory plays tied to AI infrastructure. While the ascent revived debate over froth in AI-linked valuations, the immediate impulse was driven by positioning and momentum, with retail participation adding to the upside. All three major U.S. benchmarks — Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq — opened the week stronger, supported by the rates backdrop and a mild improvement in risk sentiment.
Cyber and Trade Shocks in the Background
Headline risk persisted. A new software supply-chain threat dubbed “Shai-Hulud 2.0” reportedly impacted 500+ npm packages, exposing more than 25,000 repositories and developer secrets on GitHub — a reminder that operational risk can disrupt earnings visibility for software and internet ecosystems. Meanwhile, companies are bracing for a turbulent 2025 trade regime, with more than 600,000 tariff changes anticipated globally. Corporates are increasingly deploying AI tools for real-time duty calculations to avoid compliance shocks likened to “Brexit on steroids,” a development that could reshape margin guidance and inventory strategies.
Sugar Near One-Month Highs as India Policy Shifts Offset Surplus Risks
Sugar prices consolidated near one-month highs as traders weighed India’s shifting ethanol policies against a projected 1.6 million metric ton surplus. Policy uncertainty around diversion of cane to ethanol is supportive in the near term, but surplus expectations temper upside momentum. Market positioning is cautious, with hedgers active and discretionary funds watching for clearer signals from India’s allocations and export posture.
Crypto: XLM Pops, Then Pulls Back on Profit-Taking
Stellar’s XLM rallied 3.53% to $0.2508 before late selling hinted at near-term profit-taking. Technicians flag downside risk toward the $0.2420 area if support at the quarter-dollar handle gives way. Broader crypto beta benefitted from the softer-rate narrative, though intraday ranges remain wider than usual amid reduced liquidity and headline-driven flows. As risk appetite returns, BPayNews notes rising interest in rate-sensitive tech and crypto plays.
Market Highlights – Fed cut probability for December: 77% for a 25 bp move – Nasdaq +2.4%; Dow and S&P 500 also opened the week higher – AVGO and MU up roughly 7% as AI-linked semis rebound – Sugar consolidates near one-month highs; 1.6M MT surplus seen capping gains – XLM +3.53% to $0.2508; sellers active with support eyed near $0.2420 – “Shai-Hulud 2.0” hits 500+ npm packages, exposing 25K+ repositories – 2025 trade landscape seen with 600K+ tariff changes; firms adopt AI for duty mapping
What traders are asking
What is driving the 77% odds of a December Fed cut? Markets are leaning into a pre-emptive easing narrative as growth shows signs of cooling and inflation’s trend moderates. The lack of fresh payrolls or CPI before the meeting increases uncertainty, but traders see the balance of risks pushing the Fed toward a 25 bp insurance cut.
Are AI stocks in a bubble? Valuations are elevated by historical standards, and the debate is unresolved. For now, price action reflects positioning, strong earnings from AI suppliers, and momentum. A hawkish policy surprise or supply-chain setbacks could test these multiples.
How do India’s ethanol policies affect sugar? If more cane is diverted to ethanol, less is available for sugar, supporting prices. However, the projected 1.6M MT surplus suggests supply may still outpace demand, keeping rallies contained unless policy or weather significantly tightens balances.
Should crypto traders chase XLM’s move? XLM’s push above $0.25 met resistance, and profit-taking emerged. Sustaining gains requires holding the quarter-dollar area; a break lower could expose $0.2420. Volatility and thin liquidity argue for disciplined risk management.
