Stocks Drop Amid Fears of Delayed Rate Cuts

**Global Stock Markets Face Pressure as Central Banks Anticipate Higher Interest Rates

The global financial landscape pushed stocks lower following a string of better-than-expected economic readings and a surge in commodities, igniting speculation that central banks might maintain elevated interest rates for an extended period. Recent data on US job openings and factory goods orders have intensified doubts regarding the Federal Reserve's pace of easing policies. This skepticism has led traders to forecast fewer rate cuts in 2024, diverging from the Fed's own projections and pushing 10-year yields to their highest point since November, which has noticeably impacted the equity market.