Wall Street saw consolidation as investors awaited key inflation data while geopolitical and corporate developments drove market dynamics. Chipmaker Nvidia faced scrutiny amid a China probe, highlighting the escalating global tech war. In corporate news, Hershey's shares surged on speculation of a potential takeover by Mondelez. Across the Atlantic, European markets closed at a six-week high, buoyed by optimism surrounding anticipated Chinese economic stimulus. This sentiment also supported commodity prices, which firmed on the prospect of improved Chinese growth. Meanwhile, oil prices climbed sharply following news of the ousting of Syria's President Assad. Looking ahead, Aussie shares are expected to lift on Tuesday as markets gear up for the final Reserve Bank of Australia board meeting of 2024.

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