The Thai baht’s traditional year-end rally will be dimmed as Chinese tourists continue to shun the country and traders bet on interest rate cuts, according to analysts. https://t.co/M3lEV88XuH ...

It's Monday, October 20, 2025, just before market close. Below is your easy to follow summary of how the stock market moved during trading hours, brought to you by International Business Times. Let's dive in.U.S. stocks rallied today, with all three major indexes posting solid gains as investors cheered strong earnings from technology and banking giants. The upbeat session put Wall Street back near record highs, easing recent worries over slowing growth and policy uncertainty.The S&P 500 advanced roughly 1. ...

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Market Performance - The US benchmark S&P 500 rose by 1.13%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 1.04%, and the Nasdaq Composite increased by 1.49%, driven by easing investor fears over regional banks and positive sentiment regarding a potential trade deal with China [1][4][29] - Apple shares surged by 5.35% this year, contributing significantly to the Nasdaq's performance, as strong iPhone sales data indicated a potential shift beyond the typical iPhone refresh cycle [5][6][7] Trade Relations - President Trump expressed optimism about reaching a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their upcoming meeting in South Korea, highlighting a good relationship between the two nations [2][26] - Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs on China, potentially raising the total US tariffs on Chinese goods to 157%, following China's export controls on rare earths essential for chip production [3][11] Company-Specific Developments - Apple has seen a significant rebound in its stock price, hitting a record of $264.22, following an upgrade from Loop Capital based on strong demand for the iPhone 17, which saw sales 14% higher than the iPhone 16 during the initial launch period [6][7][17] - Defence stocks, particularly Babcock International and Rolls Royce, surged as hopes for a peace deal in Ukraine faded, with Babcock rising by 2.3% and Rolls Royce by 1.9% [12][13] Economic Indicators - Oil prices fell by 1% to $60.68 per barrel due to concerns over a global supply glut and lower economic growth [8] - The US Treasury signed a $20 billion lifeline for Argentina's economy, which is expected to provide vital access to US dollars and support President Javier Milei ahead of midterm elections [18][19] Consumer Sentiment and Business Outlook - Consumer sentiment dipped slightly to 47.4 in October, indicating financial stress among households despite rising incomes, as high bills continue to impact disposable income [56][57] - Canadian businesses are facing significant layoffs in the steel and aluminum sectors due to the impact of US tariffs, with a weak outlook for growth in domestic export sales [23][24]

Core Insights - Long-term interest rates have slightly increased as traders show less concern about potential issues in the banking system that could lead the Federal Reserve to cut rates more than anticipated [1][4] - The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury rate rose above 4%, recovering from a previous decline [1][6] - Concerns about the health of banks' loan portfolios have heightened investor caution, particularly following warnings from JPMorgan Chase's CEO [1][2] Interest Rates and Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates later this month and in December, with potential for additional cuts in 2026 if economic conditions weaken [4][5] - The Fed has already reduced short-term interest rates from a post-pandemic high of 5.25% to a range of 4% to 4.25% [5][8] - Investors are not anticipating aggressive rate cuts, with a 99% chance of the Fed maintaining a 25-basis-point cut strategy [8][9] Banking Sector Performance - The KBW Nasdaq Regional Banking Index increased by 1.7% on Friday, recovering from a 6% drop the previous day [10] - Regional bank CEOs reported that their loan portfolios remain healthy, with Truist Financial's CEO emphasizing strong credit quality [10]

Core Viewpoint - Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted at potential interest rate cuts due to labor market weakness, suggesting investors consider adding dividend stocks for stable income [1] Group 1: EOG Resources - EOG Resources is a crude oil and natural gas exploration and production company, recently acquiring Encino Acquisition Partners for $5.6 billion, which is expected to enhance its free cash flow and shareholder returns [3][4] - EOG raised its quarterly dividend by 5% to $1.02 per share, resulting in an annualized dividend of $4.08 per share and a yield of 3.8% [4] - RBC Capital analyst Scott Hanold reiterated a buy rating on EOG, raising the price target from $140 to $145, while TipRanks' AI Analyst has an "outperform" rating with a price target of $133 [4][6] - Hanold updated his earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2025 and 2026 to $10.07 and $9.46, respectively, reflecting higher oil price expectations [5] - Hanold believes EOG will outperform its peers due to its technological edge, strong balance sheet, and capital efficiency [6] Group 2: Coterra Energy - Coterra Energy, focused on exploration and production in the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, and Anadarko Basin, paid a quarterly dividend of 22 cents per share, yielding 3.4% [7] - Analyst Gabriele Sorbara reiterated a buy rating on Coterra but lowered the price target from $35 to $32, while TipRanks' AI Analyst has a "neutral" rating with a price target of $26 [8] - Sorbara expects Q3 oil production to exceed expectations but anticipates EBITDA and free cash flow may lag due to gas pricing issues [10] - Sorbara maintains a buy rating on Coterra, citing attractive valuation and potential for strong capital returns [11] Group 3: AT&T - AT&T declared a quarterly dividend of 27.75 cents per share, with an annualized dividend of $1.11 per share, yielding 4.3% [13] - Citigroup analyst Michael Rollins reiterated a buy rating on AT&T with a price target of $32, expecting strong Q3 performance across strategic products [14][15] - Rollins forecasts 300,000 postpaid phone net additions and 2.5% year-over-year growth in wireless service revenue for Q3 [15] - The analyst also estimates 286,000 fiber net additions and 210,000 net additions for fixed wireless access in Q3 [16] - Rollins believes AT&T's broadband opportunity is an under-appreciated aspect of its financial growth prospects [17]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank's net interest margin (NIM) compressed by about 8 basis points due to front-loading of interest rate cuts on the asset side of the balance sheet [6] - The capital adequacy ratio remained stable at around 19.9% to 20% with a slight change of 10 basis points [31] - The bank's return on assets (ROA) has been operating between 1.8% to 1.95% over the last eight quarters [56] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth has accelerated across segments, with a focus on disciplined pricing and market share gains in deposits [6][8] - The bank's contingent provisions increased by about INR 1,600 crore, enhancing resilience [11][65] - Fee income grew by approximately 9%, indicating consistent growth across various products [41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank's loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) started the year at about 96 and is expected to decrease below 90 as part of the strategic objectives [20] - Retail deposits accounted for about 83% of total deposits, with a slight increase in the proportion of retail deposits during the quarter [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The bank continues to invest in technology and distribution to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [7][49] - The strategy includes maintaining credit standards while participating in growth opportunities in unsecured loans and mortgages [71] - The bank aims to grow faster than the market in FY 2027, with a focus on sustainable growth and capital consumption [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The domestic economy is showing signs of strength, supported by fiscal and monetary measures, which is expected to boost loan growth [5] - Management expressed optimism about the economic cycle and its sustainability beyond the festive period [28] - The bank is focused on maintaining asset quality and managing expenses tightly to create operating leverage [6][8] Other Important Information - The bank is exploring opportunities for cross-border transactions following recent regulatory relaxations [90] - The bank's home loan segment has seen improvements in turnaround times, now at two days for individual loans and three days for self-employed [50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recovery in NPL movement - Management indicated that recoveries were boosted by a one-off upgrade contributing approximately 10 basis points to the NPL ratio [11][14] Question: Guidance on margins - The bank expects exit margins to improve, with stable rates anticipated to positively impact margins over the next few quarters [19] Question: Deposit growth and LDR - The bank's strategic objective is to reduce LDR below 90 while growing in line with the market [20][21] Question: Capital adequacy and growth - Management confirmed that the bank has sufficient capital for three to four years of growth, with a focus on maintaining higher capital levels for unforeseen risks [29][31] Question: Personal loans and risk appetite - The bank maintains strict credit standards and is cautiously optimistic about growth in unsecured loans [71] Question: Home loans and market share - The bank aims to grow its home loan segment without compromising on margins, focusing on long-term customer relationships [74] Question: Gold loans and yields - Yields on gold loans remain attractive, and the bank is cautious about maintaining clarity in terms with clients [76] Question: Credit card growth - The bank has seen a tepid addition to net receivables due to selective participation in spending during festive periods [82] Question: SME loan opportunities - There is a positive outlook for SME loans, with actual credit demand increasing in that segment [89]

Core Points - The Federal Reserve began raising interest rates aggressively in March 2022, reaching a peak of 5.25% to 5.5% by mid-2023, before starting to cut rates in late 2024 due to a stalling job market [1] - Changes in interest rate benchmarks have widespread effects on the economy, influencing businesses, mortgages, prices, and markets, which is crucial for individuals planning for retirement [2] - The Federal Reserve's decisions aim to stabilize inflation and maximize employment, impacting individual investors differently [3] Interest Rate Changes - The Federal Reserve uses data and analysis to determine the best course for the U.S. economy, adjusting benchmark interest rates that affect bank lending [4] - Raising the target interest rate makes borrowing more expensive, which can help control inflation, while cutting rates makes borrowing cheaper to stimulate economic growth [4] Economic Impact - Lower interest rates benefit businesses and consumers by making loans cheaper, encouraging spending and investment, but reduce the attractiveness of saving [5] - As borrowing costs decrease, businesses are more likely to pursue new ventures, and individuals find it easier to take on mortgages or car loans [5] Retirement Accounts - Rate cuts can positively impact stock investments within retirement accounts, as lower borrowing costs for businesses and increased consumer spending typically lead to rising equity prices [7]

Core Viewpoint - Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) has experienced significant stock price increases, reaching an all-time high, driven by a rally in gold prices and positive market sentiment regarding interest rate cuts [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Hecla Mining's stock surged to a peak of $15.44 during trading, ultimately closing at $15.24, reflecting a 7.63% increase for the day [1]. - The company's stock performance is closely tied to the broader market trend, as it rallied alongside other mining companies amid gold prices surpassing $4,300 [2]. Group 2: Project Developments - Hecla Mining received approval from the US Forest Service for its Libby Exploration Project in Montana, which is expected to enhance copper and silver production capabilities [3]. - The project has an inferred resource estimate of 112.2 million tons, indicating significant potential for future production [3]. Group 3: Resource Expansion Potential - The company noted that mineralization remains open for further expansion, particularly to the north and down dip, suggesting opportunities for resource growth [4]. - New interpretations of geological data indicate that the Rock Lake fault may allow for mineralization extension to the west, enhancing the project's potential [4].

Core Insights - The U.S. Treasury recorded a $198 billion surplus in September 2025, the largest for that month on record, contributing to a reduced fiscal 2025 deficit of $1.78 trillion, which is $41 billion (2.2%) less than in 2024 [1][2] Revenue and Fiscal Factors - September's surplus was influenced not only by typical tax payments but also by $30 billion in revenue from tariffs introduced by President Trump, which accounted for nearly half of the forecasted revenue for the entire fiscal year [2] - These tariff revenues helped mitigate record-high interest payments on the national debt, which stands at $38 trillion, with annual interest payments exceeding $1.2 trillion [3] Market Reactions and Federal Reserve Outlook - The unexpected revenue from tariffs indicates a continued commitment to the trade war strategy, potentially leading investors to shift from risk assets to safer alternatives like bonds and gold, similar to market reactions during the April "tariff tantrum" [4] - The Federal Reserve anticipates that any inflation resulting from trade tensions will be temporary and is likely to continue lowering interest rates, currently set at 4.00% to 4.25%, with market expectations of a 50 basis points cut in 2025 [5]