LOW-VOLUME TODAY. IT IS CHRISTMAS, SO POTENTIALLY INDIVIDUALS NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO THEIR SCREEN. JOINING US NOW TO DISCUSS MORE, STEPHANIE ROTH AND MICHAEL BALL.THANK YOU FOR JOINING US IN STUDIO. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO BOTH OF YOU. LET'S GET YOUR REACTION FROM THE CLAIMS NUMBER.STEPHANIE: THE DATA LOOKS SOLID. IT IS TELLING US THE LABOR MARKET IS FAIRLY WELL CONTAINED. LAYOFFS ARE MINIMAL.THERE WAS A BOUNCE BACK IN CONTINUING CLAIMS. IT WAS VOLATILITY AROUND THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY. CONTINUING CLAIMS IS ST ...

Economic Overview - The U.S. economy experienced significant changes in 2025, including the imposition of tariffs, an increase in the unemployment rate, and improved stock market performance from AI companies [1] - As of November 2025, the unemployment rate reached 4.6%, marking the highest level since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2021 [4] Consumer Sentiment - A survey by Allianz revealed that 48% of Americans reported increased financial stress compared to the beginning of 2025 [1][6] - The Consumer Sentiment Survey from the University of Michigan indicated a decline in consumer sentiment, with the headline index at 52.9 in December 2025, down over 28% from the previous year [3] Financial Stress Factors - The primary reasons for financial stress among Americans include rising everyday expenses (54%), low income (46%), high debt (35%), and job insecurity (33%) [3][6] - Despite a slight easing in inflation to 2.7% in November 2025 from 3% in September, it remains above the Federal Reserve's target of 2% [5][6]

It's the feel-good time of year. So, on today's stocks in translation, we are breaking down sentiment. And let's be honest, feelings, they are messy.They're hard to quantify. You can ask 10 people how they feel, you'll get 10 vastly different answers. But the way we use it, sentiment is really just a catch-all term for a whole bunch of moods about the economy or markets.From optimism and bullishness to pessimism and bearishness. And for better or worse, all of them have a number attached which helps us trac ...

Core Insights - U.S. existing home sales saw a modest increase of 0.5% in November, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.13 million units, although this was below economists' expectations of 4.15 million units [10] - The housing market continues to face significant challenges, including a sluggish labor market and high prices, which are limiting consumer confidence and demand [10][6] Sales Performance - Home sales surged by 4.1% in the Northeast and increased by 1.1% in the South, while the Midwest experienced a decline of 2.0%, and sales in the West remained unchanged [10] - Year-over-year, home sales declined by 1.0% in November [3] Mortgage Rates and Economic Conditions - The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped from 7.04% in mid-January to 6.19% by the end of November, but has since stabilized around 6.21% [4][10] - The unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in November, the highest in over four years, and annual wage growth is at its slowest since May 2021, contributing to economic uncertainty [4][10] Inventory and Pricing - The inventory of existing homes fell by 5.9% to 1.430 million units in November, the lowest level since March, although it was up 7.5% from a year ago [7][10] - The median existing home price increased by 1.2% year-over-year to $409,200, while the median days on the market rose to 36 from 32 [8][10] Market Dynamics - All-cash sales accounted for 27% of transactions, up from 25% a year ago, indicating a shift in buyer behavior [9][10] - First-time buyers represented 30% of sales, unchanged from the previous year, with a target of 40% needed for a robust housing market [10]

The dollar index (DXY00) climbed to a 1-week high on Friday and finished up by +0.19%.  The dollar rose on Friday amid yen weakness.  Also, upbeat comments on Friday from New York Fed President John Williams supported the dollar, as he said some of the data we're seeing is "pretty encouraging" and that he sees no sign of a sharp deterioration in the jobs data.  The dollar fell back from its best level after the University of Michigan's US Dec consumer sentiment index was unexpectedly revised lower.  Also, ...

Group 1 - Fresh US economic data indicates easing inflation pressures, but consumers are still under strain, suggesting improving macro conditions with potential near-term volatility for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market [1] - US consumer sentiment increased to 52.9 in December, which is nearly 30% lower than a year ago, while short-term inflation expectations dropped to 4.2% and long-term expectations eased to 3.2% [2][3] - Falling inflation expectations suggest households believe price pressures are easing, supporting the Federal Reserve's goal of cooling inflation without maintaining restrictive policies for too long [3][4] Group 2 - Lower inflation expectations reduce the necessity for high interest rates, leading markets to price in earlier or deeper rate cuts, which is significant for risk assets like crypto [5] - Historically, Bitcoin has responded more to liquidity conditions than to consumer confidence or economic growth, indicating a potential positive outlook for the crypto market as financial conditions loosen [5][6] - Lower interest rates typically reduce returns on cash and bonds, leading to a gradual loosening of financial conditions [6]

Eurozone consumer sentiment unexpectedly weakened in December despite cooling inflation and economic resilience against tariffs https://t.co/fFLzXf9Hk5 ...

All right, first though, let's get some breaking economic data that's just crossing. Rick Santelli has it for us. Rick.>> Yes, David, indeed. These are the December final reads on University of Michigan sentiment and the inflation metrics embedded in this report. So, the midmon read gets tossed. 53.3% was the midmon read on the headline.It now moves lower to 52.9%. That'll be the weakest since it was 51 in November. And I'd like to point out that if you look at the absolute low, it is 50 from June of 22.We' ...

The University of Michigan's monthly survey's headline index rose to 52.9 this month, from 51 in November. ...

All right, that's a quick snapshot of how we get up and running for trade today. Uh let's get to George Sis who joins me this morning. Very good morning to you, George.And we do have some uh data hitting the tape this morning. We've got consumer sentiment. Let's start with that.What are you seeing. >> Well, I think if you consider consumer sentiment, if you go back to 2024, October of 2024, so almost a little bit over a year ago, sentiment's actually drifted lower, but it st seems to stabilized slightly abo ...