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Inflation Eases: Stocks Rally on Hope
19 Dec
Summary
- Stocks rose on encouraging inflation report.
- Micron Technology's strong profit report boosted AI stocks.
- Inflation remains above target but nearing Fed's goal.
US stock markets experienced a significant upswing on Thursday, with major indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite posting gains. This positive movement was largely attributed to an encouraging inflation report that indicated a potential softening of price pressures. Such a development could influence the Federal Reserve's monetary policy, possibly paving the way for interest rate cuts in the upcoming year, a move that typically stimulates economic activity and investment.
The rally was further amplified by a strong financial performance from Micron Technology, a key player in the memory and storage sector. The company exceeded analyst expectations for both profit and revenue in its latest quarter, buoyed by its role as an 'AI enabler.' This news provided much-needed support to AI stocks, which had been facing increasing scrutiny regarding their valuations and the true return on investment for customers.
While the latest inflation data, showing a 2.7% rate last month, still sits above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, the downward trend is a welcome sign. Some market analysts suggest that next month's inflation figures will offer a clearer picture, but the current report provides a more optimistic outlook. Companies like Oracle and Broadcom, which had recently seen their stock prices fall amid AI-related concerns, also saw modest gains, signaling a broader market recovery.
