*Global bits* *U.S*.: S&P 500 hit a record close; Fed minutes awaited; foreign holdings of Treasuries fell. *New Zealand*: Central bank cut rates by 50 bps to 3.75%, signaling more cuts. *Australia*: Wage growth slowed despite low unemployment, supporting inflation decline. *Canada*: Stocks rose as energy and financials gained; inflation inched up to 1.9%. *Emerging Markets*: Investors poured $45B into debt, with $2B into Chinese stocks. *Saudi Arabia*: Stock exchange expects a record year for listings. *Gulf Markets*: Mostly rebounded despite U.S. tariff uncertainties. *Japan*: BOJ signals gradual rate hikes as inflation nears 2% target. *Brazil*: Issued $2.5B in 10-year bonds at a 6.75% yield. *UK*: BOE Governor wants less bond yield volatility amid U.S. trade policy concerns. *Ukraine*: Dollar bonds fell sharply as peace talks raised uncertainty. *Europe*: Stocks hit record highs on earnings, defense spending, and trade hopes. *Germany*: 10-year bond yield rose to 2.51% on government spending expectations. *South Africa*: Rand weakened; unemployment fell to 31.9%; bond yields slightly down. *Oil Markets*: Prices edged higher on U.S. and Russian supply disruptions. *China*: Stock rally on Xi’s meeting with business leaders; lithium export controls tightened. Source: Reuters