"Global Shares Surge, US Markets Divided as Fed Nears Rate Hike"
Global stock markets rose and the dollar rebounded as positive bank earnings and strong retail sales data in the US indicated a resilient economy, reinforcing expectations of an interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve next week. Bank of America reported a 20% surge in second-quarter profit, while Morgan Stanley beat analysts' estimates. Retail sales increased 0.2% last month, with core retail sales rising 0.6%. The dollar index rose, and futures indicated a 97.3% probability of a 25 basis point rate hike. Global stocks gained, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 1.06%. Oil prices also climbed, and gold reached a one-month high.