Global Stocks Buoyant as New Year Begins with Investor Optimism Over Fed Rate Cuts
• European stocks rose after the holiday break, tracking gains in Asia and on Wall Street as investors bet on imminent Fed interest rate cuts • The Stoxx Europe 600 index climbed 0.3% in early trading, led by gains in technology and mining stocks • US index futures were flat after the S&P 500 closed Tuesday within 0.5% of its record high from early 2022 • Australia’s benchmark index hit its highest level since April 2022, fueled by mining stocks, while Chinese equities rebounded on data showing quickening industrial profit growth • Japan's Nikkei 225 index gained over 1%, nearing its July peak, after Bank of Japan policymakers indicated no rush to end negative interest rates