Podcasts: True crime, in-depth interviews and more USA TODAY podcasts right here Dana Taylor: If you are wondering whether the surge in tech and AI stocks represents real growth or just another stock market bubble,

Wall Street is in an upbeat mood as it gears up for a pivotal week featuring the Federal Reserve’s expected interest rate cut and a barrage of Big Tech earnings, as well as Trump's visit to Asia.

The stock market rally has already defied expectations this year, shrugging off geopolitical strife, economic uncertainty and global trade tensions to reach fresh record highs. Some analysts say the rally might just be getting started.

Stocks spiked to al-time highs to start the week. extending gains from Friday's record-setting rally. Chips and rare earth stocks were among the big movers.

Comfort Systems soared more than 18% in premarket trading, while Ford stock jumped nearly 4%. General Dynamics shares rallied more than 3%, as Intel stock surged nearly 7%. Nextracker stock leapt nearly 14%, while Procter & Gamble shares gained more than 4%.

After closing at more than $31 last Monday, shares of rare earth stock USA Rare Earth ( USAR 9.80%) closed lower on each subsequent day of the week. And the trend doesn't seem likely to reverse its trajectory today with optimism rising over the weekend that the United States and China would reach an agreement regarding China's rare earth exports.

The Nifty 50 and Sensex closed higher on Monday, fueled by optimism from US Federal Reserve rate cut expectations and trade discussions. Reliance Industries and SBI Life Insurance were notable gainers,

Monday, Oct. 13 marks both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day. Here's what to know about whether the stock market will be open or closed.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that he reached a "substantial framework" for trade talks between the U.S. and China ahead of a meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday -- potentially averting hefty tariffs on imported Chinese goods.