Global Stock Markets Mostly Rise Ahead of Key U.S. Inflation Data

Global stock markets climbed broadly on Friday, as investors positioned themselves ahead of the release of important U.S. inflation data later in the day. In Asia, most markets advanced — though Nikkei 225 in Japan fell as weaker‑than‑expected household‑spending numbers and speculation about a potential rate hike from Bank of Japan dampened sentiment. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the region, indices such as South Korea’s rose on optimism tied to global trends. In Europe, major indexes also posted gains, helped in part by a softer dollar and falling U.S. Treasury yields. U.S. stock futures — including those for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 — edged higher, as traders hoped the upcoming inflation print might support expectations of a rate cut from Federal Reserve. Markets now await the inflation numbers closely, aware that the data could sway interest‑rate expectations and shape investor appetite coming into next week’s policy decisions. #GlobalMarkets #USInflation #StockFutures #CentralBankWatch #SlimScan #GrowthStocks #CANSLIM