U.S. stocks climb near record levels as lower oil prices reduce concerns about inflation. According to the reports, Wall Street’s outlook improves Monday after crude oil declines, which can ease expectations that energy costs will keep pushing prices higher. The Associated Press report says the S&P 500 gains 1.5% in early trading and moves to just a small distance from its all-time high. The rally reflects a broader shift in investor sentiment toward the idea that inflation pressures may not worsen as much as previously feared. With energy prices cooling, investors appear more willing to buy equities, helping lift major indexes. Across the coverage, the central factor behind the market move is the same: falling oil prices help calm inflation-related worries. While the articles provide limited additional detail beyond the market gains and the role of oil, they agree that the move is driven by improved expectations around inflation rather than company-specific news.