World stock markets mostly rose Friday as investors speculated that the US central bank will cut rates not just this month, but ease monetary policy again throughout next year.

Upcoming key US inflation data could cement such expectations, dealers said, pointing to the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation.

A below-forecast reading would be tipped to ramp up expectations of several rate reductions in 2026, following the near-certainty of a cut next week.

"With the December rate cut apparently in the bag, thoughts are turning to the pace and level of subsequent reductions next year," noted Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor.

Optimism has been underpinned by reports reinforcing the view that the US jobs market is soften

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