Global markets were mixed as investors awaited decisions on interest rates by the Federal Reserve and other central banks. In Europe, shares were lower with Germany's DAX and Britain's FTSE 100 edging lower, while France's CAC 40 saw marginal gains. The Bank of England is expected to maintain its current rates at a policy meeting on Thursday.
Asian markets also saw varied movements, with Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index declining, while SoftBank Group Corp.'s shares surged after announcing plans to invest $100 billion in U.S. projects. Japan's central bank is likely to keep its benchmark rate unchanged, while Chinese markets experienced further declines.
In South Korea, the Kospi sank as authorities sought to question impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over a martial law decree. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 gained, while Taiwan's Taiex and Bangkok's SET dropped.
On Wall Street, U.S. stock indexes closed mixed, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite rising, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged. Broadcom's strong performance boosted the S&P 500 for a second consecutive day.
The Federal Reserve is set to announce its final interest rate decision for the year on Wednesday, with expectations of a third consecutive rate cut. The Fed's projections for 2025, along with Chair Jerome Powell's press conference, will provide insights into future rate cuts.
Expectations of continued rate cuts have propelled the S&P 500 to multiple all-time highs this year, contributing to one of its best performances in recent years. Despite concerns over inflation, the economy has shown resilience, prompting the Fed to adjust its monetary policy.
In commodities trading, U.S. benchmark crude oil and Brent crude prices dipped slightly. The U.S. dollar weakened against the Japanese yen and the euro.
