U.S. Markets Rally on Black Friday as Investors Eye December Rate Cuts

Stock futures rise while Treasury yields drop, reflecting optimism over potential Federal Reserve rate cuts and easing inflation concerns.

U.S. stock futures showed gains on Friday, with major indices like the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 rising in premarket trading during a shortened post-Thanksgiving session.
Treasury yields, including the 10-year note, fell to their lowest levels in weeks, bolstering expectations for a potential 25 basis point Federal Reserve rate cut in December.
The U.S. dollar weakened against major currencies, while the yen surged to a six-week high, driven by stronger-than-expected Tokyo inflation data and speculation of a Bank of Japan rate hike.
Global markets saw mixed performance, with U.S. stocks leading gains for November, while concerns over European economic slowdowns and geopolitical tensions weighed on investor sentiment abroad.
Energy markets reacted to geopolitical developments, with crude oil prices dipping on news of a tentative ceasefire in Lebanon, while gold prices edged higher.