Core Viewpoint - A significant slowdown in hiring is raising concerns for the US economy, leading to expectations that the Federal Reserve will likely cut its key interest rate two more times this year [1][2]. Economic Outlook - Despite the federal government shutdown affecting the availability of official economic data, the outlook for employment and inflation remains largely unchanged since the Fed's September meeting [1][4]. - The Fed's preferred measure of inflation has risen to 2.9% due to tariffs, but there are no broader inflationary pressures expected to keep prices elevated [5]. Interest Rate Policy - The Federal Reserve is anticipated to reduce its key interest rate twice more this year and once in 2026 [2]. - Lower interest rates could decrease borrowing costs for mortgages, car loans, and business loans, potentially stimulating economic activity [4]. Balance Sheet Management - The Fed may soon halt the reduction of its approximately $6.6 trillion balance sheet, which has involved allowing around $40 billion of Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities to mature each month without replacement [6]. - This shift could impact longer-term Treasury interest rates [6]. Criticism of Past Actions - The Fed's previous purchases of longer-term Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities during the pandemic have faced criticism for exacerbating inequality and failing to provide significant economic benefits [8][12]. - Critics argue that the Fed maintained low interest rates for too long, contributing to inflation spikes that began in late 2021 [9]. - Powell acknowledged that the Fed could have stopped asset purchases sooner, indicating that decisions were made to mitigate downside risks [11].

Deals, delivery and a new menu propped up sales at pizza giant Domino's. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Getty ImagesDomino’s Pizza Inc. has reported stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings, driven by customer demand for promotions and its popular stuffed crust pizza, though the pizza giant noted that sales momentum had slowed early in the fourth quarter.U.S. same-store sales rose 5.2% in the third quarter, exceeding analysts’ consensus expectations of a circa 4.3% gain, the company said Tuesday. Earnin ...

Core Insights - Gold prices have reached a record high of $4,106.48 per ounce, driven by renewed US-China trade tensions and expectations of interest rate cuts [1][2] - Gold has increased by 56% this year, with significant contributions from geopolitical uncertainties and robust central bank buying [2][5] - Analysts predict gold could exceed $5,000 per ounce by the end of 2026, supported by steady central bank purchases and ETF inflows [3][6] Market Dynamics - Traders are anticipating a 97% probability of a 25-basis-point Federal Reserve rate cut in October and a 100% chance for December, which typically benefits gold prices [4][10] - Spot silver also reached a record high of $52.12, influenced by similar factors affecting gold and market tightness [7] Analyst Predictions - Bank of America and Societe Generale expect gold to reach $5,000 by 2026, while Standard Chartered has raised its forecast to an average of $4,488 for next year [6] - Analysts suggest that while the current rally has momentum, a near-term correction could be beneficial for a longer-term uptrend [6]

Group 1: Dollar Index and Trade Relations - The dollar index (DXY00) rose by +0.27% on Monday due to the Trump administration's openness to a trade deal with China, which eased trade tensions [1][4] - The market is pricing in a 98% chance of a -25 basis point rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on October 28-29 [4] Group 2: Federal Reserve and Interest Rates - Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson supports two more quarter-point interest rate cuts this year, citing a lack of conditions for sustained inflation from tariff-induced price increases [3][4] Group 3: Euro and Political Uncertainty - The EUR/USD fell by -0.40% on Monday, pressured by a stronger dollar and political uncertainty in France, despite President Macron's announcement of a new cabinet [5] - The German September wholesale price index rose by +1.2% year-on-year, marking the fastest pace in six months [5] Group 4: Yen and Market Activity - The USD/JPY rose by +0.71% on Monday, with the yen under pressure from a stronger dollar and reduced demand as US equity markets rebounded [6] - Trading activity in the yen was below normal due to Japanese markets being closed for the Health-Sports Day holiday [6]

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is set to deliver a keynote speech on the U.S. economic outlook and monetary policy at the National Association for Business Economics (NABE) annual meeting in Philadelphia on Tuesday. The speech, titled “Economic Outlook and Monetary Policy,” comes at a volatile time for global markets reeling from renewed U.S.–China trade tensions and sharp corrections in digital assets. Powell’s remarks could influence expectations around interest rate cuts and broader monetary poli ...

Core Insights - The value of silver has increased by over 78% this year, reaching a record high, while some economists caution that it may be riskier than gold despite its strong performance [1][6][10] Price Movements - Spot silver rose approximately 3.5% to $52.25 per ounce, while silver futures increased by 6.7% to around $50.45 [1] - Silver prices broke the $50 threshold, surpassing the previous record of $49.95 set in January 1980 [2] Market Dynamics - Global silver inventory in London has declined, leading to a lack of liquidity, which is described as unprecedented by investment professionals [3] - Goldman Sachs analysts predict that silver prices will likely continue to rise due to the government shutdown and anticipated interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve [3][10] Investment Considerations - While silver and gold prices typically move together and are considered safe-haven assets, economists expect more volatility and downside risk for silver compared to gold [4] - Central banks are more likely to invest in gold due to its higher per-ounce value and scarcity [5] Future Projections - Bank of America has raised its price forecasts for gold to $5,000 per ounce and for silver to $65 per ounce by 2026, while also warning of potential near-term risks for silver [7] - The current liquidity squeeze in silver may be temporary, with expectations that higher prices will restore liquidity as the metal flows back from other regions [7] Broader Market Context - Precious metals have gained from economic and policy uncertainty in the U.S., with gold recently surpassing $4,000 [10] - Factors such as a weaker U.S. dollar, hopes for interest rate cuts, and inflation concerns are driving the rally in precious metals [10]

Core Insights - Today's CD rates are significantly higher than the national average, influenced by the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cuts [1][3] - The highest CD rate currently available is 4.4% APY, offered by LendingClub for an 8-month term [2] - National average CD rates are at 1.70% for a 1-year term, marking some of the highest rates seen in nearly two decades due to the Fed's inflation control measures [3] Best CD Rates - As of October 13, 2025, the top CD rate is 4.4% APY from LendingClub [2] - Online banks and credit unions typically provide more competitive rates compared to traditional banks [3] Finding the Best CD Rates - It is advisable to shop around and compare CD rates from various financial institutions [4] - Online banks often offer higher interest rates due to lower overhead costs [4] - Consider minimum deposit requirements and review account terms for flexibility, such as no-penalty CDs [4]

Group 1: AI Stocks and Market Sentiment - Investors are cautious about AI stocks due to concerns over a potential bubble and market correction, particularly following major AI deals by companies like Nvidia and OpenAI [2] - Michael Wolf, co-founder and CEO of Activate, emphasized that the AI industry's deals are driven by real demand rather than "vendor financing," indicating significant investments in infrastructure by various companies [2] Group 2: Meritage Homes Corp (NYSE:MTH) - Meritage Homes Corp is favored by hedge funds, with 43 investors backing it, and is considered a top pick in the homebuilder sector by UBS analyst John Lovallo [4] - Lovallo predicts a positive outlook for the housing industry in 2026, contingent on decreasing interest rates, which could stabilize the market and enhance profitability for builders [5] - ClearBridge Small Cap Strategy highlighted a systematic housing shortage in the U.S. and believes that declining interest rates will benefit homebuilders like Meritage [7] Group 3: Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) - Phillips 66 has 47 hedge fund investors and is seen as having breakout potential, with insider buying and activist hedge fund involvement noted as positive indicators [8] - Analysts believe that Phillips 66 has transformed into a more diversified energy business, reducing its cyclicality and enhancing free cash flow generation [9] Group 4: Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (NASDAQ:CRDO) - Credo Technology has 48 hedge fund investors and is viewed positively for its role in the AI data center market, with significant revenue growth reported [10][11] - The company expects to continue benefiting from AI data center buildouts by major clients like Amazon and Microsoft, projecting revenue growth exceeding 200% in the current quarter [11] Group 5: KB Home (NYSE:KBH) - KB Home is backed by 51 hedge fund investors and reported strong quarterly performance, beating all key performance indicators [12][13] - Analysts believe that stabilization in the housing market, particularly in key regions like Florida and Texas, signals a potential bottom for the sector [13] Group 6: Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ:COST) - Costco has 91 hedge fund investors, but analysts express concerns about its specific challenges despite reporting good same-store sales growth [14][15] - Elevated operating expenses and a deceleration in sales growth are highlighted as issues that may impact Costco's profitability moving forward [15][16] Group 7: Alibaba Group (NYSE:BABA) - Alibaba is supported by 101 hedge fund investors, with analysts predicting the stock could double in the next 18 months due to improving performance in the Chinese tech sector [17][18] - Despite a recent decline, Alibaba's strong full-year results and share buybacks are viewed positively, with the company seen as a cost-effective way to benefit from AI and cloud growth [19]

Falling interest rates, like the recent cuts from the Federal Reserve, are giving Americans a chance to rethink borrowing, saving and investing. According to CNBC, the Fed’s latest cuts could be just the start, with more reductions expected later this month if the current budget standoff in Washington continues. Trending Now: 5 Wealth-Building Habits of the Rich That You Might Want To Adopt Learn More: 5 Cities You Need To Consider If You're Retiring in 2025 GOBankingRates spoke with Kelly Brown, CEO and ...

Core Viewpoint - High short interest in stocks can indicate potential investment opportunities, especially with macroeconomic catalysts like interest rate cuts that may reverse bearish sentiment [1][2]. Group 1: Interest Rate Cuts as a Catalyst - The Federal Reserve has initiated interest rate cuts, which can ease funding, support valuations, and stimulate demand across various sectors [2]. - Lower interest rates are expected to benefit heavily shorted stocks, potentially leading to a short covering rally or a short squeeze [3][4]. Group 2: Company-Specific Insights Etsy Inc. (ETSY) - Current consumer sentiment indicates a decline in discretionary spending, but readings are near cyclical lows, suggesting limited downside [5]. - Rate cuts may alleviate pressure on consumer spending, positioning Etsy to benefit from a rebound due to its low-overhead, asset-light business model [6][8]. - Approximately 20% of Etsy's float is held in short positions, creating a risk for short sellers as the stock approaches its 52-week high [8]. SoundHound AI Inc. (SOUN) - SoundHound focuses on vocal recognition and command prompts, with significant partnerships across various sectors [9][10]. - The company is sensitive to capital costs, and lower interest rates could enhance its valuation and make financing more manageable [11][12]. - Short interest stands at 32.5%, indicating potential for a shift in sentiment if macroeconomic conditions favor tech and AI [12]. NuScale Power Corp. (SMR) - NuScale is involved in building small modular nuclear reactors, a clean energy solution that is gaining traction amid rising electricity demand [14]. - The stock trades at a high price-to-sales multiple of 315.7, attracting short sellers who hold 32.5% of the float [15]. - Rate cuts could make capital-intensive projects like NuScale's more viable, potentially redirecting investor interest back into clean energy [16][17].