Core Viewpoint - Gold prices have experienced a significant decline after a prolonged rally, with a notable selloff attributed to profit-taking by investors rather than macroeconomic or geopolitical factors [2][3]. Price Movement - Gold futures fell by $61.30, or 1.49%, to $4,053.10 per ounce, marking a two-day selloff after reaching an intraday record of $4,398 per ounce [1][2]. - The precious metal lost 5.74% on Tuesday, closing at $4,109.10, representing its worst performance since 2013 [2]. Market Analysis - Analysts from UBS indicated that the recent decline in gold prices is largely technical, driven by slowing price momentum and rising option volatility, leading speculative investors to take profits [3]. - Despite the recent pullback, gold prices remain up over 50% year-to-date and nearly 5% for the month, with underlying fundamentals such as inflation and political instability expected to persist [3][4]. Future Outlook - UBS analysts believe it is premature to adopt a negative outlook on gold, suggesting that the factors driving its price increases are likely to continue [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential influence of former President Trump on the Federal Reserve's policies, particularly regarding interest rates, and highlights Christopher Waller's position as a key figure in this dynamic as he is considered a candidate to replace Jerome Powell as Fed chair [1][2][12]. Group 1: Waller's Position and Influence - Waller is seen as a proponent of central bank independence and has a reputation for making data-driven decisions, which he is not willing to compromise for political gain [3][12]. - Despite pressure from Trump and his allies for aggressive rate cuts, Waller has maintained a cautious approach, advocating for a quarter-point reduction rather than a more drastic half-point cut [5][6]. - Waller has expressed concerns about the Fed's role in political issues and has pushed for cost-cutting measures within the Fed, including a reduction of about 350 staffers in 2023 [18][20]. Group 2: Political Pressure and Fed Independence - Trump's administration is actively seeking to exert more control over the Fed, which could undermine its independence and have negative implications for the US economy and global markets [2][15]. - The potential for a board with a majority of Trump appointees raises concerns about the pressure to remove regional bank presidents, which could further compromise the Fed's autonomy [16][17]. - Waller's commitment to defending the Fed's independence is evident in his public statements emphasizing the importance of keeping politics out of monetary policy decisions [14][20]. Group 3: Economic Outlook and Policy Recommendations - Waller has been vocal about the need for lower interest rates, citing risks in the labor market and the impact of tariffs on inflation, which he believes should not be a persistent concern [9][10]. - His approach to monetary policy reflects a balance between advocating for necessary changes while maintaining the Fed's core mission and credibility as an inflation fighter [8][14]. - Analysts expect Waller to remain true to his economic analysis and not yield to political pressures for rate cuts that lack a clear economic justification [12][13].

Core Insights - STERIS plc is a global leader in infection prevention and sterilization solutions with a market cap of $23.9 billion, providing a diverse range of products and services to healthcare sectors [1] Financial Performance - Analysts expect STERIS to report Q2 earnings of $2.38 per share, reflecting an 11.2% increase from $2.14 per share in the same quarter last year, with the company having consistently met or exceeded Wall Street's estimates in the past four quarters [2] - For fiscal 2026, earnings are projected to be $10.07 per share, a 9.2% increase from $9.22 in fiscal 2025 [3] Stock Performance - STERIS stock has increased by 7.9% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's 15.1% gain but outperforming the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund's 4.1% decline [4] Market Concerns - On September 25, STERIS shares fell by 3% following a national security investigation into medical equipment imports, which could result in new tariffs affecting various medical products, leading to concerns about supply chains and production costs across the healthcare manufacturing sector [5] Analyst Ratings - The consensus opinion on STERIS stock is a "Moderate Buy," with six out of nine analysts recommending a "Strong Buy" and three suggesting a "Hold," indicating a potential upside of 15% based on an average price target of $278.29 [6]

Core Insights - The recent removal of the de minimis exemption by the US has significantly impacted small exporters, leading to increased shipping costs and logistical challenges [7] - Small businesses, like JCV Custom Works, are facing profit reductions of 10% to 15% due to higher shipping fees and additional tariff-related complexities [4][5] - The changes have forced small exporters to adapt quickly, including learning about Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes, which are now critical for determining tariff rates [4] Shipping and Costs - JCV Custom Works increased its shipping charges from $15 to $25, which is still below the actual shipping cost of approximately $36 per item [3] - The company has implemented a minimum order requirement of $50 to manage increased costs associated with shipping and tariffs [4] Business Impact - The stencil e-commerce business contributes 20% to 25% of the owner's monthly income, highlighting its importance despite being a side venture [6] - The overall business environment for small exporters has become more challenging, with potential inventory losses and increased risks due to tariff uncertainties [7]

Market Manipulation & Crypto Exchanges - The crypto market is experiencing significant manipulation, potentially exacerbated by crypto exchanges and political factors like Trump's tariffs [1] - Binance, as a top-tier exchange, faces speculation regarding market cornering and manipulation tactics, despite its large trading volume of $29.4 billion in the last 24 hours and approximately 12 million weekly visits [1] - Market manipulation is evident during weekends and after stock market closures, highlighting crypto's vulnerability due to its 24/7 operation [1] - Liquidations of crypto longs, such as the $250 million liquidation event, are suspected to be influenced by exchanges targeting long positions [1][7] Political & Economic Factors - Trump's tariff announcements on China, set at 155% starting November 1st, are perceived as tools to delay market progress, similar to government shutdowns affecting ETF approvals [2][4] - Insider trading related to tariff announcements suggests market manipulation, with some traders profiting from advance knowledge [1] - The market reacts strongly to announcements regarding potential meetings or cancellations of meetings with Chinese President, demonstrating psychological warfare [13][14] Insider Activity & Profitability - There are claims that Baron Trump has made over $80 million in crypto, raising questions about insider information and trading advantages [11] - Exchanges are suspected of manipulating the market by dumping Bitcoin to liquidate $9 billion in long positions [7]

India and the US are nearing a trade deal that could lower tariffs on Indian exports to 15%–16% from about 50%, the Mint newspaper reported, citing three unidentified people aware of the matter. https://t.co/oPYiKyNUTs ...

Market Overview - The S&P 500 closed essentially unchanged, while the Nasdaq experienced a nominal decline due to weakness in growth and microchip stocks [1][8] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 218.16 points, or 0.47%, to 46,924.74, while the Nasdaq Composite lost 36.88 points, or 0.16%, to 22,953.67 [9] Earnings Season Insights - Third-quarter earnings season is in full swing, with 78 companies in the S&P 500 having reported, of which 87% exceeded Wall Street expectations [5][9] - General Motors raised its forecast and mitigated its anticipated tariff impact, resulting in a 14.9% increase in its shares [1][8] - Coca-Cola shares rose by 4.1% due to strong consumer demand leading to better-than-expected results [4][8] - 3M's shares advanced by 7.7% after it raised its full-year forecast, focusing on higher-margin products and cost controls [4][8] - Netflix shares dropped by 5.8% after missing earnings targets [4][8] Sector Performance - Among the 11 major sectors of the S&P 500, consumer discretionary and industrials were the top gainers, while utilities faced the largest percentage loss [9] - The S&P 1500 Aerospace/Defense index increased by 1.9%, with companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman raising their forecasts due to solid demand for military equipment [8] Corporate Developments - Warner Brothers Discovery's shares surged by 11.0% after announcing it is considering an outright sale, with interest from multiple potential buyers [5][9] - The board of Warner Brothers Discovery rejected an offer from Paramount Skydance [9] Economic Context - The ongoing government shutdown has created uncertainty for investors and policymakers, complicating the Federal Reserve's data-dependent approach [9] - Economists predict two more 25-basis-point reductions to the Fed's key policy rate by year-end, despite divided opinions on the Fed's future path [9] Trade Relations - U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a "fair deal" with Chinese President Xi Jinping, downplaying tensions over Taiwan [6][9] - Markets are closely monitoring Trump's upcoming meeting with Xi at the economic summit in South Korea [7][9]

Core Insights - The article discusses Andrew Ross Sorkin's new book "1929," which explores the events leading to the Great Crash of 1929 and its cultural impact on society [1][2][17] - The narrative highlights how the stock market dominated the culture of the time, with widespread participation from various social classes, including billionaires and everyday citizens [3][4][5] Group 1: Cultural Impact and Participation - The stock market was a central aspect of American culture in 1929, with significant involvement from the elite and the general public [3][4] - The book illustrates that many prominent figures, including Groucho Marx, were heavily affected by the market's downturn, showcasing the widespread nature of the crisis [4][14] - The optimism of the era was fueled by technological advancements, leading to a belief that capitalism could elevate everyone to millionaire status [5][6] Group 2: Key Figures and Their Roles - Charlie Mitchell, a significant figure in the financial landscape, promoted the idea of democratizing finance and was instrumental in the creation of modern credit systems [7][10] - Contrasting views emerged from various financial leaders, with some, like Charles Merrill, advising caution as early as 1928, while others believed the market was stable [9][11] - The book details the actions and decisions of influential figures during the crash, including Carter Glass, who warned against the practices that led to the financial collapse [10][12] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Policy Responses - The article emphasizes that the market's decline was not a singular event but a series of failures and poor policy decisions that followed the crash [13][16] - By the end of 1929, the stock market was only down 17%, indicating that the initial impact was not as severe as commonly perceived [13] - The lack of regulatory frameworks at the time, such as the absence of the SEC, contributed to the chaotic trading environment [15][16]

You go back to the late 70s, early 80s with some of the gas shocks. It took GM over a decade to adjust its product lineup. You look at the events that took place this year between changing the EV incentive and the tariffs.They've adjusted it in 6 months. That's a staggering change from the GM culture of the past. When they first came out and they said the tariff hit would be roughly $4 to5 billion for 9 months this year.You know, everybody stepped back and they said they'd be able to mitigate about 30% of i ...

Risks to the Irish economy from US policy changes including tariffs have lowered since the beginning of 2025, according to Goodbody stockbrokers https://t.co/VHaeEpdioL ...