Inflation data appear to have cemented the market’s view of a quarter-point rate cut next week, but beyond that they have provided little clarity. Traders now see a 99% chance of a cut on Dec.18, up from 71% a week ago,

The Nasdaq crossed 20,000 points for the first time on Wednesday, as tech stocks rallied after the latest inflation report raised hopes of a rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve later this month. A Labor Department report showed U.