Markets are steaming on rate cut hopes, strong tech buzz keeps momentum alive, and crypto is shaking off wild swings, starting to play the “wait and see” game.

U.S. markets are clearly pricing in more aggressive rate cuts than the Fed has suggested, with futures implying rates may drop below 3% by end of 2026. Long-term Treasury yields eased, which helped borrowing costs and boosted sentiment among rate-sensitive sectors. Still, inflation remains sticky, some analysts warn that optimism might be overshooting the data.

Record highs across major indexes were supported by tech and small-cap strength. Beefy moves from Apple (after iPhone 17 traction) and Nvidia (with its big move into Intel) are powering sentiment. Micron, Astera Labs, IonQ, and Oklo rallied hard this month, some are stretched, so profit-taking whispers are floating in the air.

Bitcoin, XRP saw modest gains; others lagged. Market feels quieter, with fewer headline shocks. More institutional players seem focused on infrastructure and balance sheet strength rather than hype. Regulatory clarity (or lack thereof) remains the biggest overhang for speculative names.

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Today was about confidence with a side of caution. Rate cuts are priced in like they’re a done deal; tech is carrying risk appetite; crypto is regrouping. But with inflation data, Fed signaling, and regulatory moves all on deck, the next few days could define whether this optimism holds, or if correction is overdue.