On Thursday, US markets saw notable movements as futures remained flat despite positive activity during the cash market hours. The S&P 500 posted a record close for the third consecutive time this week, while the Nasdaq extended its gains for a fourth straight session. These trends indicate ongoing investor confidence in certain sectors, especially technology, which has seen continued growth throughout the week.

Micron Technology experienced a significant rise, marking a second consecutive day of strong performance, with shares increasing nearly 15% due to strong AI-fueled earnings. This highlights the growing demand for AI-related technologies, which is expected to continue driving growth in the tech sector.

Meanwhile, Caterpillar Inc. rose 3.4%, reaching an all-time high on reports of fresh Chinese stimulus aimed at boosting the country’s economy. This development has been closely watched by global investors, given the importance of China's economic health to the worldwide market.

However, not all companies shared in the week's positive momentum. Shares of Super Micro fell by 12%, following news of a Department of Justice probe into the company's operations. This sharp decline underscores the potential for significant stock volatility in response to legal issues.

In other economic news, US weekly jobless claims hit a four-month low, dropping to 2.18 lakh, lower than the estimated 2.24 lakh, reflecting a stronger-than-expected labor market. This data contributes to the broader narrative of economic recovery, as US GDP growth for the second quarter came in at a solid 3%, aligning closely with initial estimates.

Looking ahead, investors will be watching for the PCE Price Index Data due on Friday, which will provide insights into inflation trends and the Federal Reserve's potential moves. The market's focus on PCE data reflects its importance in shaping interest rate expectations.

Crude oil prices fell for the third consecutive day, with Brent crude trading at $71 per barrel. This decline is attributed to the prospect of higher supply from OPEC+, which has contributed to easing concerns over rising fuel costs.

In contrast, silver hit a 12-year high, continuing to benefit from gold's recent rally. Spot silver was up 1.3%, trading at $32.24 per ounce. This surge is indicative of ongoing investor interest in precious metals as a hedge against inflation.

Asian markets also opened on a positive note, with the Hang Seng index rising by over 2% and Shanghai gaining nearly 1%. These gains come in the wake of China's latest economic stimulus efforts, which have bolstered investor confidence in the region's growth prospects.

Closer to home, the GIFT Nifty index indicated a start in the green for the Indian market, as global cues continued to influence domestic sentiment.

Amid these market movements, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) announced a 50-basis-point cut to its reserve requirement ratio, lowering it to 9.50%. This measure aims to stimulate liquidity in the financial system and support economic growth.

As these market cues continue to evolve, investors are advised to stay updated on the latest trends and economic indicators to make informed decisions. The combination of strong AI-driven tech earnings, Chinese economic stimulus, and global market performance will play a pivotal role in shaping the near-term outlook.

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By staying engaged with the latest market cues, you can make informed decisions and capitalize on emerging trends to enhance your investment portfolio. Keep an eye on the PCE data, crude prices, and Asian market movements, as these factors will continue to influence global markets in the days ahead.