Stocks Rise Most This Year as Euro Gains on Stimulus Bets

Global stocks rallied the most this year, the euro strengthened and commodities jumped on speculation policy makers will take steps to revive the slowing economy. Australia’s currency surged after a report showed the gross domestic product grew at twice the projected rate.

The MSCI All-Country World Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index each added 2.3 percent at 4 p.m. New York time, the biggest gains for both since Dec. 20. The euro strengthened 0.9 percent to $1.2568 and jumped 1.6 percent versus the yen. The Australian dollar rose 1.8 percent against the U.S. currency. Germany’s 10-year bund yield increased 13 basis points and the rate on U.S. Treasury note added eight points as investors pursued riskier assets. The S&P GSCI gauge of commodities gained 1.3 percent as oil rallied.