Global stocks hit record highs ahead of Fed decision

Global equity markets reached new record levels as technology shares rallied and signs of easing U.S.–China trade tensions boosted sentiment. The Federal Reserve meeting this week, expected to deliver a rate cut, further strengthened investor risk appetite. The S&P 500, Nasdaq and other benchmarks closed at fresh highs, underpinned by a slide in U.S. Treasury yields near multi-month lows. Market watchers noted that the lack of economic data due to the U.S. government shutdown added to the uncertainty, yet the optimism around policy and trade carried the rally.