Global markets opened the week on firmer ground, buoyed by rising expectations of US Federal Reserve rate cuts in December and improving risk sentiment.
At the same time, cryptocurrencies surged, led by Bitcoin’s climb to $87,000, while political developments took center stage with President Donald Trump preparing to outline a healthcare cost proposal and the US and Ukraine advancing a new peace framework.
Global markets surge
Global equities found renewed strength on Monday, recovering from last week’s volatility that stemmed partly from concerns over stretched technology valuations.
Investors positioned ahead of a data-heavy week featuring US retail sales and producer price figures, as well as the UK’s budget announcement from Finance Minister Rachel Reeves.
MSCI’s broad index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.99%, while South Korea’s Kospi added 0.3%.
Japan’s markets were closed for a public holiday, keeping trading volumes subdued.
Futures tied to major US indices pointed to further gains: Nasdaq futures climbed 0.81%, S&P 500 futures advanced 0.53% and EUROSTOXX 50 futures were up 0.76%.
The positive momentum followed comments from Fed official John Williams, who said interest rates could fall “in the near term,” reinforcing expectations for easing.
Goldman Sachs now expects a December rate cut followed by additional reductions in March and June 2026.
Fed funds futures show a 57% probability of a 25-basis-point cut next month, up sharply from under 30% a week earlier.
In currency markets, the yen weakened to 156.54 per dollar, hovering near a 10-month low as investors watched for potential intervention from Japanese authorities.
The dollar remained firm against the euro and sterling.
Crude oil prices eased slightly, with Brent at $61.29 a barrel and US crude at $58.07.
Spot gold declined 0.5% to $4,045.45 an ounce.
Donald Trump to unveil new healthcare plan
President Donald Trump is preparing to unveil a framework aimed at addressing US healthcare costs, with an announcement expected as early as Monday, reported MSNBC, citing White House officials.
The plan, dubbed the “Healthcare Price Cuts Act,” seeks to eliminate what the administration calls “surprise premium hikes” under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
It would end zero-premium subsidies and introduce minimum payments to verify eligibility and curb alleged “ghost beneficiaries.”
The proposal also includes a deposit program that would direct savings from lower-premium plans into taxpayer-funded Health Savings Accounts.
Trump will present the plan alongside CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz at the White House.
With ACA subsidies set to expire at year-end, risking sharp premium increases for nearly 22 million Americans, both parties face mounting pressure to act.
Recent polling from KFF shows 74% of Americans support extending ACA tax credits.
Crypto markets surge
Cryptocurrencies rallied strongly on Monday, with Bitcoin jumping to $87,000 and total market capitalization touching $3 trillion.
Altcoins such as Canton, Hedera, Story, Bittensor, Kaspa, and Hyperliquid gained over 6%.
Analysts attribute the upswing partly to investors buying the dip after significant recent declines.
Bitcoin’s RSI fell to 27 on Friday, signaling oversold conditions.
A broader stock market rally also helped lift sentiment, reinforcing the close correlation between equities and digital assets.
Futures data from CoinGlass show open interest rising 1.9% to $127 billion, indicating increased leveraged positioning.
Liquidations have dropped, suggesting a stabilization in the market.
Meanwhile, anticipation of new altcoin ETFs, including spot XRP and Dogecoin products from Grayscale, added momentum.
Strong inflows into existing Solana and XRP funds have reinforced expectations of sustained demand.
United States and Ukraine advance peace framework
Geopolitical headlines also shaped broader market sentiment.
The US and Ukraine announced they have developed an “updated and refined peace framework” aimed at ending the war with Russia.
The White House described the discussions as “constructive” and emphasized a shared commitment to pursuing a lasting peace.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the meeting with Ukrainian officials “the most productive and meaningful so far.”
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is fully committed to diplomacy, prioritizing “reliable peace, guaranteed security” and respect for those defending the country.
The developments offered cautious optimism for markets, particularly in commodities, where hopes of improved supply dynamics weighed on oil prices.
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