Wall Street ended the week on a high note, marking its fifth consecutive day of gains despite US consumer sentiment sinking to its second-lowest level on record. Inflation expectations among consumers have surged to their highest since the early 1980s, adding to market jitters. Meanwhile, after-hours trading remains in focus as Moody’s downgraded the US credit rating, while commodities faced pressure from a strengthening US dollar. Oil prices managed to secure a second straight week of gains, but gold suffered its worst weekly decline since November. Closer to home, Aussie shares are set to start the week lower on Monday as investors keep a close watch on the Reserve Bank’s upcoming policy decisions.

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