Global markets rise ahead of crucial central-bank decisions

2026, October 26

United States / Japan / European Union

Global stocks and bonds rose on Monday as investors prepared for a busy week of central-bank decisions and major technology-company earnings. The MSCI All-Country World Index gained 0.6%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.96% and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.23%. Markets were also assessing Anthropic's IPO filing and the prospects for further growth in AI-related investment.

The US Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of Japan were all due to announce monetary-policy decisions during the week. Investors were watching for signals on interest rates, inflation and whether earnings from major technology companies would justify the substantial spending on AI infrastructure. Meanwhile, continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia remained a risk to global energy supplies.

Why it matters: Interest-rate decisions and technology earnings can influence borrowing costs, share prices and investment worldwide. Energy-market disruption adds another layer of uncertainty.

Source: Reuters — World stocks rise ahead of a major week for markets