Core Viewpoint - Japan's largest banks, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), plan to increase their holdings of Japanese government bonds (JGBs) as rising interest rates offer higher returns, despite facing unrealized losses on existing bond portfolios [1][4]. Group 1: Bank Strategies and Holdings - MUFG reported unrealized losses of 200 billion yen ($1.3 billion) on its bond portfolio at the end of the year, up from 40 billion yen at the end of March, indicating a significant increase in losses due to rising yields [4]. - SMFG's unrealized losses on JGBs more than doubled to 98 billion yen over nine months to the end of December, reflecting a similar trend in bond valuation losses [5]. - Both banks have historically reduced their JGB holdings over the past decade due to the Bank of Japan's ultra-low interest rate policy, which resulted in low returns [1][4]. Group 2: Market Conditions and Future Outlook - A sharp increase in JGB yields since November, driven by government spending plans, initially impacted bond values, but recent debt auctions have shown resilient demand, with 30-year JGB yields falling 32 basis points since their peak of 3.88% on January 20 [2]. - MUFG's managing director indicated a cautious approach to rebuilding JGB positions, suggesting that long-term interest rates may be peaking [3]. - Analysts believe that substantial purchases of longer-duration bonds may be delayed due to potential further rate hikes by the Bank of Japan and concerns regarding Japan's large debt burden [7].

Market Overview - The markets are focusing on earnings and economic news, with the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index expected to fall by -1.4 points to 55.0 [1] - Bitcoin has plunged more than -12% to a 1.25-year low, down nearly 50% from its October record high, with significant outflows from Bitcoin ETFs totaling about $2 billion in the past month and over $5 billion in the past three months [2] - Stock indexes have extended their sell-off, with the S&P 500 falling to a 1.5-month low and the Nasdaq 100 dropping to a 2.5-month low [4] Economic Indicators - Fed Governor Lisa Cook supports the decision to hold interest rates steady, citing risks tilted toward higher inflation [3] - Challenger's January job cuts rose +117.8% year-over-year to 108,435, marking the largest amount of job cuts for a January since 2009 [3] - Weekly initial unemployment claims rose by +22,000 to an 8-week high of 231,000, exceeding expectations of 212,000 [3] - US December JOLTS job openings unexpectedly fell by -386,000 to a 5.25-year low of 6.542 million, against expectations of an increase to 7.250 million [3] Earnings Reports - Q4 earnings season is underway, with 150 S&P 500 companies scheduled to report earnings this week; 79% of the 275 companies that have reported so far have beaten expectations [6] - S&P earnings growth is expected to climb by +8.4% in Q4, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth [6] - Excluding the Magnificent Seven megacap technology stocks, Q4 earnings are expected to increase by +4.6% [6] Stock Performance - Qualcomm led the decline in technology stocks, falling more than -8% after forecasting weaker-than-expected Q2 revenue [4][13] - The Magnificent Seven technology stocks retreated, with Amazon.com and Microsoft closing down more than -4% [14] - Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks fell sharply, with MARA Holdings down more than -18% and Coinbase Global down more than -13% [15] - Cybersecurity stocks also sold off, with CrowdStrike Holdings down more than -9% [16] Notable Company Movements - Estee Lauder closed down more than -19% after forecasting full-year adjusted EPS below consensus [17] - McKesson Corp closed up more than +16% after reporting better-than-expected Q3 adjusted EPS and raising its full-year adjusted EPS estimate [19] - Corpay closed up more than +11% after reporting Q4 revenue above consensus [20] - Align Technology closed up more than +8% after reporting stronger-than-expected Q4 adjusted EPS [21]

Core Viewpoint - Wealthfront's stock has decreased by 42% since its IPO at $14 per share in December, raising questions about potential investment opportunities as the stock may recover over time [1] Company Performance - The primary revenue source for Wealthfront has been its high-yield cash savings accounts, indicating the company's sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations [1] - A successful recovery in stock price will depend on Wealthfront's ability to diversify its revenue streams beyond cash management, which has been its main profit driver [1]

Core Insights - A 2-year certificate of deposit (CD) offers a competitive return while allowing for liquidity compared to longer-term investments, especially as interest rates may decline in the near future [1] Summary by Category Best 2-Year CDs - Prime Alliance Bank offers a 24-month CD with an annual percentage yield (APY) of 3.8% and a minimum opening deposit of $500 [4] - Marcus by Goldman Sachs provides a 24-month CD with an APY of 3.95%, significantly above the national average, requiring a minimum deposit of $500 [5] - Synchrony Bank's 24-month CD features an APY of 3.5% with no monthly maintenance fees and a minimum deposit of $0 [6][10] - America First Credit Union offers a 24-month CD with an APY of 4.05% and a minimum deposit of $500 [12] - American Express National Bank has a 24-month CD with an APY of 3% and no minimum deposit required [13][17] - Quontic Bank's 24-month CD provides an APY of 3.35% with a minimum deposit of $500 [14][18] - Bank5Connect offers a 24-month CD with an APY of 3.2% and a minimum deposit of $500 [15][19] - Bask Bank has a 24-month CD with an APY of 3.65% and a higher minimum deposit of $1,000 [16][20] - TAB Bank features a 24-month CD with an APY of 3.82% and a minimum deposit of $1,000 [21][27] - Bread Savings offers a 24-month CD with an APY of 3.75% and the highest minimum deposit requirement of $1,500 [22][28] Market Context - The average interest rate for a 2-year CD is currently 1.41%, with several banks and credit unions offering rates significantly above this average, reaching as high as 4% [24] - America First Credit Union currently holds the highest 2-year CD rate at 4.05% APY [25] Evaluation Methodology - The evaluation of the best 2-year CDs involved over 300 data points, focusing on metrics such as APY, minimum opening deposit, and compounding frequency [26][29] - Accounts with higher APYs received more favorable ratings, while those with lower or no minimum deposit requirements ranked better [29]

Core Viewpoint - The discussion centers around the economic performance and affordability issues during Donald Trump's presidency, with a focus on inflation and rising costs for American families [2][4][6]. Economic Performance - Affordability is identified as the primary concern for Americans, with Trump labeling the affordability crisis as a "hoax" and attributing the blame to previous administrations [2][3]. - The cumulative inflation rate during Trump's presidency is reported at 21.5%, indicating significant price increases [4]. Grocery Prices - Despite claims from Trump about grocery prices decreasing, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that grocery prices were actually 2.4% higher at the end of 2025 compared to the end of 2024, with projections for further increases in 2026 [6]. Broader Cost Increases - The economic data from Trump's administration indicates that Americans are facing higher costs not only for groceries but also for utility bills, healthcare, and housing construction [8]. Federal Reserve Nominee - Trump's recent nomination of Kevin Walsh as Fed chair raises concerns about potential political pressure on monetary policy, with Trump joking about suing Walsh if interest rates do not decrease as desired [9][10].

Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey discusses the outlook for the UK economy and inflation as the central bank decided to keep interest rates unchanged on Thursday. He also talks about former ambassador Peter Mandelson's ties with pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein and the prospects for Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve. Bailey speaks in an interview with Bloomberg's Francine Lacqua. ...

Neils ChristensenNeils Christensen has a diploma in journalism from Lethbridge College and has more than a decade of reporting experience working for news organizations throughout Canada. His experiences include covering territorial and federal politics in Nunavut, Canada. He has worked exclusively within the financial sector since 2007, when he started with the Canadian Economic Press. Neils can be contacted at: 1 866 925 4826 ext. 1526 nchristensen at kitco.com @Neils_cShareDisclaimer: The views expressed ...

Economic Indicators - Initial weekly unemployment claims are expected to increase by 3,000 to 212,000 [1] - The University of Michigan Jan consumer sentiment index is expected to fall by 1.4 to 55.0 [1] - US MBA mortgage applications fell by 8.9% in the week ended January 30, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down by 14.4% and the refinancing sub-index down by 4.7% [1] Treasury and Government Funding - Next week's quarterly refunding will total $125 billion in sales of T-notes and T-bonds, with auction sizes expected to remain unchanged for the next several quarters [2] - Market sentiment improved following the end of the partial US government shutdown, with funding for the Department of Homeland Security through February 13 and the rest of the government funded through September 30 [2] Stock Market Performance - Stock indexes are mixed, with the Nasdaq 100 falling to a 2-week low due to investor rotation out of high-flying chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks [4] - The S&P 500 Index is down by 0.11%, while the Dow Jones Industrials Index is up by 0.69% and the Nasdaq 100 Index is down by 1.05% [5] Earnings Reports - Q4 earnings season is in full swing, with 80% of the 195 S&P 500 companies that have reported beating expectations [6] - S&P earnings growth is expected to climb by 8.4% in Q4, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth [6] - Super Micro Computer is up more than 13% after forecasting Q3 net sales well above expectations, while Advanced Micro Devices is down more than 15% after a weak Q1 sales forecast [4][15] Company-Specific Movements - Eli Lilly is up more than 10% after reporting Q4 revenue of $19.29 billion, stronger than the consensus of $18.01 billion [16] - Boston Scientific is down more than 15% after forecasting full-year adjusted EPS below consensus [13][14] - Silicon Laboratories is up more than 49% after agreeing to be acquired by Texas Instruments for $7.5 billion [15]

Welcome to Morning Brief. I'm Julie Hyman. Let's get to the three things you need to know today.First up, US stock futures mixed after a techled sell-off. AI disruption fear sending software stocks in particular plunging on Tuesday. Still, Nvidia CEO Jensen Wong dismissing fears, calling the idea that AI will replace software quote illogical.Now, investors are looking ahead to Google results due out after the close. Plus, AMD sinking despite topping fourth quarter earnings estimates. The chipmaker's first q ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the current state of money market accounts (MMAs) and highlights the importance of finding competitive rates as interest rates decline following recent Federal Reserve rate cuts [1][4]. Group 1: Current MMA Rates - The national average interest rate for money market accounts is 0.56%, while top rates can exceed 4% APY, comparable to high-yield savings accounts [2]. - Quontic Bank currently offers the highest money market account rate at 4.1%, which is over seven times the national average [7]. Group 2: Interest Rate Trends - Money market account rates are influenced by the federal funds rate set by the Federal Reserve; when the Fed lowers its rate, deposit account rates typically decrease [3]. - Following three rate cuts by the Fed, money market rates are expected to continue declining, suggesting that now may be a critical time for savers to secure higher rates [4]. Group 3: Considerations for MMA Investment - Money market accounts are appealing for savers seeking safety, liquidity, and better returns than traditional savings accounts, especially in the current environment of elevated interest rates [5]. - Factors influencing the decision to invest in MMAs include liquidity needs, short-term savings goals, and individual risk tolerance [6].