Core Insights - The U.S. Federal Reserve's anticipated interest rate cut has led to significant inflows into Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, totaling $619.73 million [1] - Ethereum ETFs have seen a resurgence in interest, with $359.73 million in daily net inflows on September 15, contributing to a total of over $1.09 billion in inflows over five days [2] - Bitcoin ETFs command a total of $151.72 billion in net assets, representing 6.6% of Bitcoin's market cap, while Ethereum ETFs hold $29.72 billion, or 5.46% of Ethereum's market cap [3] Bitcoin ETFs - Bitcoin ETFs recorded $260.02 million in daily net inflows on September 15, marking a total of over $2.6 billion in inflows over five consecutive days [5] - Despite a challenging period in August with $751.12 million in monthly net outflows, Bitcoin ETFs managed to maintain a strong position with $6.02 billion in inflows in July [6] Market Trends - The overall crypto market cap has increased by 0.5% to $4.01 trillion over the past 30 days [7] - Bitcoin's price has risen by $115,405 over the past week, while Ethereum has increased by 3.87% to $4,501 [8]

Core Viewpoint - The dollar index is experiencing a decline due to expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, alongside mixed economic indicators from the US and Europe [1][5][6]. Economic Indicators - US retail sales for August increased by 0.6% month-over-month, surpassing expectations of 0.2% [3]. - Retail sales excluding automobiles rose by 0.7% month-over-month, exceeding the forecast of 0.4% [3]. - The US manufacturing production unexpectedly rose by 0.2% month-over-month, contrary to expectations of a 0.2% decline [3]. - The NAHB housing market index for September remained unchanged at a 2.75-year low of 32, which was below the expected increase to 33 [4]. Federal Reserve Expectations - The market is pricing in a 100% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut at the upcoming FOMC meeting, with an 84% chance of a second 25 basis point cut at the next meeting on October 28-29 [5]. - Overall, the market anticipates a total reduction of 69 basis points in the federal funds rate by year-end, bringing it down to 3.64% from the current 4.33% [5]. Currency Movements - The euro is appreciating against the dollar, up by 0.69% and reaching a 4-year high, driven by dollar weakness and central bank divergence [6]. - The European Central Bank (ECB) is perceived to be nearing the end of its rate-cutting cycle, contrasting with the Fed's expected rate cuts [6]. Eurozone Economic News - Eurozone Q2 labor costs increased from Q1, indicating rising costs in the region [7]. - The German ZEW survey for September showed unexpected improvement in economic growth expectations [7]. - However, Eurozone industrial production for July rose less than anticipated, indicating mixed economic performance [7].

Group 1: Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico Joint Venture - Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico are required to terminate their joint venture by January 1, 2026, due to anticompetitive concerns in the U.S.–Mexico City air travel market [2][3] - The Department of Transportation's final order cites that the joint venture has provided both airlines with an unfair advantage over competitors, which Delta claims will harm U.S. jobs and consumers [3][4] - The partnership, established nearly a decade ago, allowed the airlines to coordinate schedules and pricing strategies under antitrust immunity [3][4] Group 2: Federal Reserve Board Appointment - Stephen Miran has been confirmed as a Federal Reserve governor, filling a seat previously held by Adriana Kugler [5][6] - His confirmation was narrowly approved by a Senate vote of 48-47, raising concerns about potential political interference in the Fed [6][7] - Miran's appointment comes as the Fed is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points during its upcoming policy meeting [5][6] Group 3: Disney and Webtoon Partnership - Disney is partnering with Webtoon Entertainment to create a digital platform for its comics, acquiring a 2% equity stake in Webtoon [9][10] - The new platform will feature over 35,000 Disney comics, including titles from Marvel and Star Wars, and will be available to Disney+ subscribers [10][11] - Webtoon will operate the service, which will include both vertical and traditional comic formats [11][12]

Has there ever been an interest rate cut with such a long, dramatic, scrutinized gestation period? No matter, Wall Street is already thinking, what have you done for me lately? The Federal Reserve reconvenes today for what may just be the most loaded, and consequential, central bank meeting in modern history. A quarter-point slash is now all but certain to be announced tomorrow — and indeed Fed Chairman Jerome Powell has hinted as much since the group’s last meeting in July. But is the seemingly never-end ...

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve's latest decision maintains interest rates but signals a clear dovish stance, with expectations for one rate cut in 2024 and four in 2025 [1] - The acknowledgment of progress in inflation control is a significant development, with the statement indicating that "inflation has eased" [1] - The reduction in the pace of balance sheet reduction from $60 billion to $25 billion per month starting in June is a notable change [1] Group 2 - The immediate market reaction included a 0.8% drop in the dollar index, reaching a one-month low, and a rise in gold prices, stabilizing above $2340 per ounce [1] - The downward trend in real interest rates is established, enhancing the attractiveness of gold as rates decline [2] - The weakening dollar, due to the narrowing policy gap between the Federal Reserve and other major central banks, makes gold cheaper and stimulates global demand [2] Group 3 - The acknowledgment of inflation resilience by the Federal Reserve may lead to increased focus on gold's anti-inflation properties [2] - Technical analysis indicates that gold is at a critical decision point, with initial support at $2320 and strong support at $2280 [2] - Key resistance levels are identified at $2380 and $2430, with current prices fluctuating around $2340 [2] Group 4 - Future factors influencing gold prices include upcoming U.S. inflation data, geopolitical risks, and central bank gold purchasing trends [2] - Investment strategies suggest short-term traders focus on the $2320-$2380 range, while long-term investors should consider buying on dips to $2280-$2300 [2] - Conservative investors are advised to wait for price corrections to the $2250-$2280 range before making purchases [2]

Group 1: U.S.-China Trade Talks - U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are engaged in trade and economic discussions in Madrid, Spain [1] - U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that the U.S.-China trade negotiations are progressing well, which has influenced market expectations [2] - A "framework" deal regarding the divestment of Chinese-owned TikTok was announced, with commercial specifics already settled [3] Group 2: Market Reactions - European stocks showed mixed signals ahead of the market open, with the U.K.'s FTSE and Germany's DAX expected to open slightly higher, while France's CAC 40 and Italy's FTSE MIB are projected to open lower [2] - Japan's Nikkei 225 index surpassed the 45,000 mark for the first time, indicating strong performance in the Asia-Pacific markets [4] Group 3: Economic Indicators - In the U.S., S&P 500 futures remained flat as the Senate confirmed Trump's Federal Reserve pick, Stephen Miran, ahead of a central bank meeting on interest rates [5] - Upcoming European economic data includes U.K. unemployment figures, Italian inflation, EU industrial production data, and German economic sentiment readings [5]

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street is preparing for a highly anticipated FOMC meeting, with expectations of a potential interest rate cut amid mixed economic signals, including slightly elevated inflation and healthy GDP growth [1] Group 1: Interest Rate Expectations - The Federal Reserve's mandate is to achieve maximum employment and stable prices, with a long-term inflation goal of 2%. Recent job growth revisions indicate a weaker economy, supporting calls for lower interest rates [2] - A 25-basis point cut is the most likely outcome, with the CME FedWatch Tool indicating a 96% probability for this cut, while PolyMarket shows a near-certain 90% chance [3] Group 2: Market Volatility - Investors should brace for increased volatility as FOMC meetings typically result in price swings averaging around 1%. Additionally, the upcoming monthly options expiration may exacerbate market fluctuations [5] Group 3: Market Trends and Seasonality - Historically, FOMC days can mark significant turning points in equity markets, with the Nasdaq 100 Index recently experiencing ten consecutive daily gains. There is speculation whether this event will trigger a 'sell the news' reaction [6] - Late September is generally a weak period for stock performance, although Q3 pullbacks can set the stage for a year-end rally [8] Group 4: Historical Context of Rate Cuts - Rate cuts near market highs have historically led to positive outcomes, with the S&P 500 rising in all instances when the Fed cut rates within 1% of its all-time high. The median return one year later was 15% [10][11] - The current market environment may mirror the 1996 scenario, where a rate cut preceded a significant market advance, particularly benefiting AI-related companies [11] Group 5: Market Sentiment - Despite substantial market gains, investor sentiment remains cautious, with more bearish than bullish perspectives, which could signal a contrarian bullish opportunity [12] - Historical data shows that when the S&P 500 rises 30% or more in five months, it tends to continue to perform well in the following months, with an average rally of 18.1% [13]

Group 1: Market Performance - Tesla's stock surged by 3.6% following CEO Elon Musk's $1 billion share purchase [1] - Alphabet's shares increased by 4.5%, allowing the company to join the $3 trillion market cap club [1] - The communication services sector rose by 2.3% and is up 27% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 index's 12% gain [1] Group 2: Economic Indicators - U.S. and global stocks reached new highs, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq, Nikkei, and MSCI All Country hitting record levels [4] - The U.S. labor market is showing signs of deterioration, with the unemployment rate and weekly jobless claims at their highest since 2021 [9] - Average monthly mortgage payments in the U.S. are nearly double pre-pandemic levels, contributing to housing market pressures [10] Group 3: China and Trade Relations - A framework agreement was reached to transition TikTok to U.S.-controlled ownership amid ongoing U.S.-China trade talks [3] - A preliminary investigation by Beijing found that Nvidia violated its anti-monopoly law, impacting the company's market position [2] Group 4: Housing Market Challenges - The U.S. housing market is facing a crisis with a record shortfall of 4.7 million housing units, limiting labor mobility and economic growth [13] - High mortgage rates and soaring rents are exacerbating the housing crisis, leading to concerns about consumer spending and corporate profits [11][12] - Investment in the housing sector could create up to 1.7 million jobs and add nearly $2 trillion in cumulative GDP through 2035 [17]

Core Viewpoint - James Bullard, former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, expressed interest in becoming the central bank chair under favorable conditions, emphasizing the importance of defending the dollar's reserve currency status, maintaining low inflation, and protecting the Fed's independence [1][2]. Group 1: Fed Chair Replacement - The Trump administration is actively interviewing candidates to replace Jerome Powell as Fed Chair, whose term ends next May [2]. - Bullard has had discussions with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding the Fed chair position and other related issues [2]. Group 2: Monetary Policy and Interest Rates - The Federal Reserve has maintained its federal funds rate target range at 4.25% to 4.5% due to inflation pressures exceeding the 2% target, which are expected to rise further due to Trump's trade tariffs [3]. - The Fed is anticipated to cut its interest rate target by a quarter of a percentage point in an upcoming meeting, with expectations of further reductions later [4][5]. - Bullard predicts that the Federal Open Market Committee will cut rates by 25 basis points and signal additional easing measures, with markets pricing in a total of 75 basis points by the end of the year [5].

Nigeria’s naira hit a near seven-month high boosted by stronger oil export earnings and foreign demand for the high yields offered by the local debt market ahead of possible interest rate cut next week https://t.co/Th2zSGNhuY ...