Asia Markets Mixed, Europe Advances, Gold And Dollar Slip Further - Global Markets Today While US Slept

On Thursday, June 26, U.S. markets closed higher as easing geopolitical tensions and supportive economic data boosted hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts this year. Major indexes advanced in a broad rally, edging the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closer to record highs.

Bank stocks led gains after a regulatory proposal, while Fed officials signaled openness to easing. Mixed economic signals, including weak consumer spending and strong orders, fueled speculation about the timing of rate cuts.

According to economic data, the U.S. first-quarter GDP was revised down to -0.5% from -0.2%, driven by a larger trade deficit from weaker exports. However, May factory orders jumped 16.4% to $343.6 billion, the biggest monthly gain since 2014, far exceeding expectations. Weekly jobless claims dropped by 10,000 to 236,000, defying forecasts of no change and signaling ongoing strength in the labor market.

Most S&P 500 sectors rose, led ...