U.S. stocks reached new heights on Friday as cool inflation data raised investors' optimism that the Federal Reserve can stay on its rate-cutting path, boosting the economy and justifying higher valuations for equities. The Dow Jones Industrial average rose 407 points, or about 0.9%. The S&P 500 also added 0.9%, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.2%. All three major averages reached new all-time intraday highs in the session. The September consumer price index report — which was delayed because of the U.S. government shutdown — rose 0.3% on the month, bringing the annual inflation...
European stocks edged lower Friday afternoon after briefly hitting record intraday highs, as investors digested corporate earnings and economic data amid hopes that US–China trade tensions may ease when Presidents Trump and Xi meet next week. The STOXX 50 fell 0.3% to 5,660, while the STOXX 600 hovered near 574. For the week, the STOXX 50 added 1% and the STOXX 600 gained 1.5%. Among corporate movers, Sanofi rose 2.7% on a Q3 profit beat, Saab surged 7% after raising its full-year organic sales forecast, and NatWest gained 3.3% on higher Q3 profits and an upgraded performance target. Vinci...
European stocks closed slightly higher on Friday amid a mix of corporate earnings reports, while markets assessed the outlook for European growth and interest rates. The STOXX 50 edged up to 5,674, and the STOXX 600 gained 0.2% to close at a record 575. Sanofi rose 3% on better-than-expected third-quarter earnings, and Saab jumped 6% after raising its full-year organic sales forecast. NatWest also jumped 5% on higher third-quarter earnings and an improved performance target. ENI also jumped nearly 2% after releasing its earnings results. Meanwhile, Safran fell 1.4% despite beating analysts'...