Global stock rally hits pause as tech earnings and rate decisions loom

Global equity markets took a breather on Tuesday as investors await a fresh round of major tech earnings and key central-bank decisions. The STOXX 600 breached new highs earlier in the week but edged back when caution crept in. Safe-haven assets such as gold also lost ground, slipping back below US$4,000 per ounce. Analysts suggest that unless earnings and policy signals turn sharply positive, the rally is likely to consolidate rather than extend rapidly in the near term.