Global stocks continued their upward trend for a sixth consecutive day on Monday, with investors anticipating a significant interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Central banks in Japan and the UK are also convening this week, with expectations of status quo on rates. Additionally, a busy data schedule includes U.S. retail sales and industrial production figures. Despite geopolitical concerns, such as an attempted attack on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, the main focus remains on the anticipated larger rate cut by the Federal Reserve to support the economy amid slowing job growth and moderate inflation. The MSCI All-World index is on track for a sixth consecutive gain, rising by 0.1%. The index has surged by 10% over the past six weeks on optimism about a substantial Fed rate reduction. S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures slightly dipped by 0.1%, hinting at a flat opening for the benchmark indices following the S&P 500’s strongest weekly performance this year. In Europe, the STOXX 600 remained stable after a 1% rally last week, despite earlier losses. Economic indicators from China revealed a slowdown in industrial output growth in August, along with weakening retail sales and new home prices. Market activity in Asia was subdued due to public holidays, while traders are now pricing in a 59% chance of a half-point cut by the Fed, up from 30% a week ago. Treasury yields dropped significantly, pushing the two-year note to its lowest level in two years. Meanwhile, the Bank of England is anticipated to maintain its 5.00% rate during its meeting on Thursday, with expectations of a 31% chance of a rate cut. The Japanese yen gained strength against the dollar due to lower Treasury yields, with the dollar sliding to 140.11 yen. The euro increased by 0.4% to $1.112, impacted by potential ECB rate cuts. Gold prices rose to $2,582 an ounce, nearing an all-time peak. Oil prices also climbed as a significant portion of crude oil production in the Gulf of Mexico remained offline. Brent crude rose by 0.4% to $71.91, while U.S. crude increased by 0.5% to $69.02.