By Pratyush Thakur (Reuters) -Shares of major U.S. homebuilders rose in early trading on Thursday as the Federal Reserve's rate-cut cycle is expected to ease pressure on mortgage rates, driving demand for new homes.

The US Federal Reserve is all but certain to cut interest rates on Wednesday for the first time in more than four years, a significant move likely to ripple through global financial markets.

U.S. bank stocks rose on Thursday after the Federal Reserve's 50 basis point cut in interest rates raised hopes of lower deposit costs and reduced pressure on borrowers. Banks have set aside billions as a cushion against potential defaults among borrowers,

Wall Street stocks dipped Wednesday after the Federal Reserve announced a half a percentage-point interest rate cut and its chair promised a "careful" approach to lowering rates following progress in