Finance

Following the latest inflation data, investor expectations for a quarter-point interest rate increase at next week's policy meeting surged to roughly 87%. Yields on shorter-term Treasuries rose in tandem, reflecting growing consensus that underlying inflation remains too sticky for policymakers to hold rates steady.

Shares of Dell jumped 12% to reach a record high following a positive analyst report detailing the company's strong positioning for global AI infrastructure expansion. The broader technology sector was also supported by positive quarterly results from Oracle, driving gains in related server and software components.

Spot gold prices remained depressed near their lowest levels in over a month, on track for a third straight weekly decline. The combination of rising U.S. Treasury yields and a robust dollar increased the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding precious metals, overshadowing safe-haven demand stemming from Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions.