Market Commentary: Monday 15th September

Global stock markets remained near record highs as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s policy decision, with expectations of a 25-basis-point rate cut and speculation about further easing into next year.

Chinese stocks rose 0.4% despite disappointing factory and consumer data. US and European stock futures saw modest gains, while French 10-year bond futures dipped after Fitch Ratings downgraded France to A+ from AA-, reflecting concerns over its rising debt burden.

This week’s central bank decisions—including those from the Bank of Canada, Bank of England, and Bank of Japan—are expected to shape global sentiment, with the Fed’s Wednesday announcement being the focal point. Analysts anticipate a dovish Fed stance could weaken the US dollar and bolster risk assets, though markets remain cautious about whether the Fed will temper expectations for aggressive rate cuts amid signs of slowing US job growth.

• Bitcoin rose 0.5% to $116,442.61

• Ether rose 0.9% to $4,661.65

• Gold was little changed

• Crude rose 0.6% to $63.05

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