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Key events: USA - Initial Jobless Claims USA - Trade Balance (Feb) USA - FOMC Member Mester Speaks On Wednesday, the S&P 500 managed to secure a modest gain, buoyed by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's remarks hinting at potential rate cuts later this year. Powell's comments alleviated concerns among investors who feared a more hawkish stance from the Fed chief in light of the recent robust economic performance.

Key events: USA - Core Retail Sales (MoM) (Feb) USA - Initial Jobless Claims USA - PPI (MoM) (Feb) USA - Retail Sales (MoM) (Feb) On Wednesday, the Dow managed to edge higher for a third consecutive day, bolstered by gains in energy stocks, although a decline in tech stocks tempered overall market gains. Investor focus remained on forthcoming economic data scheduled for Thursday, which could influence the Federal Reserve's outlook before its decision next week.

Key events: USA - Average Hourly Earnings (MoM) (Feb) USA - Nonfarm Payrolls (Feb) USA - Unemployment Rate (Feb) The S&P 500 achieved a new record high on Thursday, driven by gains in the tech sector. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's reaffirmation of potential rate cuts this year fueled investor confidence, reinforcing the belief that global central banks are likely to initiate monetary policy easing measures in June.

Key events: Eurozone - ECB's Elderson Speaks USA - Core Durable Goods Orders (MoM) (Jan) USA - CB Consumer Confidence (Feb) The S&P 500 achieved a fresh record high of 5,088 last week, propelled by Nvidia's impressive quarterly report. Earlier on Friday, the index reached 5,111, establishing a new all-time peak.

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Key events:  Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand - Boxing Day US stocks experienced a mixed close on Friday as investors approached the Christmas holiday weekend. The market showed fluctuations after absorbing inflation data that was milder than anticipated, solidifying expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in the upcoming year.

Key events: Japan - BoJ Interest Rate Decision Japan - BoJ Press Conference Eurozone - CPI (YoY) (Nov) USA - Building Permits (Nov) On Monday, the S&P 500 defied attempts by Federal Reserve officials to temper expectations for imminent rate cuts. The Dow Jones Industrial Average remained flat, the NASDAQ Composite climbed 0.61%, and the S&P 500 index rose by 0.5%.

Key events:  UK - BoE MPC Member Broadbent Speaks Canada - New Housing Price Index (MoM) (Nov) Eurozone - ECB's Schnabel Speaks Eurozone - ECB's Lane Speaks On the closing bell last Friday, Wall Street witnessed a blend of outcomes, and the dollar staged a recovery as market participants took a pause after a week marked by crucial central bank decisions and economic data releases. Treasury yields made a descent to levels not seen in several months.

Key events: Australia - Trade Balance (Oct) China - Exports (YoY) (Nov) China - Imports (YoY) (Nov) China - Trade Balance (USD) (Nov) USA - Initial Jobless Claims Canada - BoC Gov Macklem Speaks On Wednesday, the Dow closed in negative territory, extending its sluggish performance for the week, despite growing indications of a slowdown in the job market that fueled hopes for an eventual Federal Reserve rate cut.

Key events: Eurozone - German GDP (QoQ) (Q3) Eurozone - ECB President Lagarde Speaks Canada - Retail Sales (MoM) (Sep) USA - S&P Global Services PMI (Nov) Post-Thanksgiving, a sense of caution is prevalent in the markets as investors show reluctance to make significant moves, anticipating a day of narrow-range trading. The recently declared four-day truce between Israel and Hamas starting on Friday may contribute to a more positive market sentiment.