Stocks surged as rate cut expectations grew, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow reaching record highs. Bitcoin approached $100,000, reflecting positive investor sentiment. Meanwhile, Brent crude futures rose 0.2% to $72.42 a barrel, and gold prices steadied at $2,649 an ounce. Asian markets showed mixed results, with Japan's Nikkei climbing 0.6% to a three-week high, while Hong Kong faced selling pressure.