Stocks Rise Ahead of Key Inflation Data That Could Sway Fed Rate Policy
• Wall Street nears record highs as investors await Thursday's inflation report, which could influence Fed interest rate policy • S&P 500 up 0.6%, Nasdaq gains 0.8%; Intuitive Surgical jumps over 10% on strong revenue outlook • December consumer inflation expected at 3.2% annually; core inflation minus food and energy may show cooling trend • Falling bond yields and rate cut hopes have boosted stocks, but warmer inflation could upend optimism • SEC to allow bitcoin ETFs, appearing deeply divided on decision after account compromise caused confusion