The Labor Department released the inflation report for December, which showed prices were up 2.9% from a year ago, in line with economists expectations and up from 2.7% in November.

Inflation probably picked up in late 2024, fueled by robust household spending amid a strong economy. A key gauge of inflation — the consumer price index — is expected to show Wednesday morning that prices rose by 2.

A global equities gauge rallied on Wednesday while U.S. Treasury yields fell after data showed core U.S. inflation rose less than expected in December, raising hopes that the Federal Reserve could ease rates further.

Wednesday closed up +1.83%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +1.65%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up +2.31%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH25) are up +1.80%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH25) are up +2.

U.S. stocks surged on Wednesday, with all three major indexes registering their biggest daily percentage gains in more than two months, as lower-than-expected December core inflation data and solid earnings from major U.

U.S. stocks ripped higher Wednesday following a shot of adrenaline from an encouraging update on U.S. inflation. Strong profit reports from Wells Fargo and other big U.S. banks also helped launch indexes to their best day in two months.

US stocks surged higher Wednesday after an encouraging inflation report and blockbuster profits for some of America’s biggest banks.