Stocks rally to record highs on favourable US CPI report

US equities hit fresh record highs after September’s consumer-price index rose by 0.3% m/m and 3.0% y/y, both slightly below expectations. The weaker inflation print increased odds of a −25-basis-point rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week, boosting prospects for growth-oriented and tech sectors. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 both advanced over 1%, while USD-JPY firmed as markets recalibrated rate-cut timing. Focus now shifts to earnings from major tech firms and trade-policy updates for further guidance.