May 20, 2024 12:44 PM

Global stocks, metals surge as rate cut expectations firm

Asian shares hit two-year highs while copper and gold struck records on Monday as investors wagered on interest rate cuts around the corner and China stepping up efforts to steady its ailing property sector. Brent crude futures rose to a one-week high of $84.25 a barrel after a helicopter crash killed Iran's president and Saudi Arabian state news flagged a health issue for the king, threatening fresh instability in the Middle East. Gold climbed more than 1% to $2,449.89 and copper futures ...