Global Markets on Edge as Fed Rate Decision Nears: Asia Optimistic, West Cautious
Investors expect the U.S. Federal Reserve to cut rates by 0.25% at its Sept. 16–17 meeting, with futures pricing in a 95% chance. Wall Street hovered near record highs but turned cautious ahead of the decision. European stocks fell to one-week lows, while Asian markets gained on Fed hopes. The dollar weakened and gold hit record highs as traders bet on easier U.S. policy.