Markets are optimistic ahead of the U.S. payrolls report, expecting the Fed to cut rates this month and again by year-end. Economists predict a slight increase from last month’s shocker. Fed Chair Powell hinted at a September cut at Jackson Hole, with other officials leaning dovish.

U.S. and European stock futures are up, Asian markets are rising about 1%. Bond markets have stabilized after a volatile start to the week, boosted by soft U.S. jobs data. Japanese and U.S. bond yields have eased, while British, German, and French yields have also fallen.

Gold is near record highs after a seven-day rally. The focus is on the U.S. payrolls report, with German factory data, British retail sales, and euro-area GDP also in the spotlight. Key developments today include U.S. and Canada payrolls, Euro zone GDP, Germany industrial orders, UK retail sales, and Halifax house prices.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Markets bet big on Goldilocks payrolls number