Markets held in bullish stride as the week began: expectations for Fed easing remain strong, jobs data weakness keeps inflation hopes alive, crypto finds its stride, and gold surged past a massive benchmark.

Equities moved up modestly. The S&P 500 gained around 0.2%, hovering just below all-time highs. The Dow ticked up slightly, while the Nasdaq broke out to a new record, its 21st of the year so far. Futures point higher as traders brace for critical inflation readings ahead in the week.

The August jobs data showed sluggish job creation, only about 22,000 positions added, stoking expectations that the Fed will deliver a rate cut next week. Analysts are increasingly shifting toward the view that this could mark the start of a softening cycle.

Digital assets took a breath of fresh air: about 80% of top cryptocurrencies turned green. Bitcoin climbed above $111K, while smaller coins, including AI-linked and meme tokens like Worldcoin and Dogecoin, jumped sharply, signaling renewed market energy.

Gold broke out again, climbing to around $3,614 per ounce. The rally reflects deepening expectations of Fed cuts, a weaker dollar, and rising inflation worries, all converging to turn gold into a high-profile safe-haven play today.

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Today was about anticipation and selective gains. Fed rate-cut confidence lifted markets; labor data softened the narrative; crypto revived; and gold reminded us of its enduring magnetism in uncertain times. With inflation data and central bank guidance looming, patience and precision will be key heading into the second half of the week.