European markets are expected to start the new trading week with mixed performance as global investors await a key policy decision from the U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data shows that US inflation rose 2.9% year-over-year in August, in line with economists’ expectations. This increase is higher than July’s 2.7% and nearly one percentage point above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.

The gold market witnessed a sharp rally in the latest session, with Comex futures climbing $16.60 to a record close of $3,680 per ounce. The surge reflects growing investor confidence that the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) could soon ease monetary policy, as inflation shows signs of cooling and geopolitical tensions intensify.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index surged to a fresh all-time high of 44,396.95 points on Thursday (Sept 11), tracking Wall Street’s overnight rally fueled by expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut and encouraging inflation data.

Oracle shares skyrocketed 35.95% on September 10, marking their biggest single-day gain since 1992 and setting a new all-time high. The rally added $244 billion in market value, pushing the company’s capitalization to $922 billion.

Apple has officially introduced its latest lineup of products, including the iPhone 17 series, AirPods Pro 3, and Apple Watch Series 11, all set to hit the market on September 19.

U.S. stocks closed higher on Monday, with the Nasdaq Composite notching a new all-time high as investors brace for a week packed with critical inflation reports that could shape the Federal Reserve’s next policy decision.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) announced that it will raise crude output by 137,000 barrels per day (bpd) starting in October 2025, as the alliance accelerates its strategy to reclaim market share in the face of weakening global demand.

Gold prices rallied strongly on Friday (September 5), edging within cents of the historic $3,600 per ounce level after disappointing U.S. labor data boosted expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this month.

On September 5, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to enforce a bilateral trade agreement with Japan, introducing a 15% baseline tariff on most Japanese imports, including automobiles — a cornerstone of Japan’s export economy.

Despite ongoing tariff pressures and geopolitical uncertainties between the U.S. and China, Alibaba.com continues to expand its presence in the American market, driven by the adoption of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Shares of Japan’s Nidec Corp plunged as much as 22.44% on Thursday (Sept 4), after the company disclosed evidence of accounting irregularities tied to senior management at its Chinese unit. This marks the steepest single-day drop in the electronics components maker’s history.