Global stock markets advanced on Tuesday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 opening up 0.67% at 39,163.53. In the U.S., major indices opened higher as the S&P 500 crossed the 6,000 mark, rising 0.52% or 31.07 points to 6,027.73. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.39% at the open and later extended gains to rise 1% to 43,659.03. The Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.52% to 19,732.76, but the Nasdaq 100 index later erased its opening gains. Small-cap stocks led the market rally, with the Russell 2000 index (IWM) up over 1.3%, and micro-cap stocks (IWC) advancing by 2%. The VIX volatility index fell below 16, indicating reduced market volatility. Traders noted continued outperformance in small and mid-cap stocks amid positive market sentiment and sinking bond yields.