Core Viewpoint - California Water Service Group's unit, California Water Service, has received approval for a temporary interim rate revision allowing a 3% rate increase effective January 1, 2026, which is crucial for funding infrastructure upgrades to ensure reliable water delivery [1][2][10]. Group 1: Rate Increase Importance - The 3% rate increase is essential for California Water Service to continue investing in infrastructure, which is necessary for maintaining safe and reliable water services [2][5]. - Utility operations are capital-intensive, requiring regular investments to upgrade and maintain infrastructure to meet rising demand and prevent water wastage [3]. Group 2: Infrastructure Investment Needs - The U.S. water infrastructure is deteriorating, with significant investment needs estimated at $1.25 trillion over the next 20 years to maintain and upgrade systems [4]. - Aging infrastructure necessitates immediate investment to avoid accidents and ensure the delivery of potable water [3][4]. Group 3: Benefits of Rate Revision - The approval of new rates allows for higher revenue generation, which can be allocated towards infrastructure upgrades and improving customer service [5]. - Other water utilities, such as American Water Works Company and American States Water, have also benefited from rate increases, leading to significant revenue growth and enabling further infrastructure investments [6][7]. Group 4: Revenue Projections - Global Water Resources, Inc. anticipates an increase in annual revenues by $1.1 million due to approved water rates, with the increase phased in over three stages [8].

Group 1 - The Japanese yen continues to weaken, surprising analysts who expected a more stable performance [1][2] - The Bank of Japan's cautious stance is noted, with the recent press conference being perceived as the most hawkish it could be [2] - Market reactions to the dollar-yen spike indicate a desire to sell yen, with unexpected price movements observed [3][4] Group 2 - There is skepticism regarding the recent US CPI print, with some economists labeling it as unreliable [5] - Despite a soft inflation report, market yields did not react significantly, and equities showed a rebound, indicating a divergence in trader sentiment [6][7] - The bond market largely ignored the inflation data, suggesting a disconnect between different asset classes [8] Group 3 - The market is described as technically fragile, with a bullish positioning that may face challenges ahead [9] - Expectations for stock markets to reach new record highs in 2026 are noted, driven by structural tailwinds, but risks remain [10] - The performance of digital asset treasury companies is declining, impacting retail sentiment and potentially affecting favored stocks [10][11]

Core Insights - Bitcoin investors are preparing for "Witching Friday" on December 18, which could lead to significant market volatility due to the expiration of approximately $23 billion in options contracts on Deribit, the largest Bitcoin exchange [1]. Group 1: Understanding "Witching Friday" - "Witching Friday," also known as "triple witching," occurs on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December, when stock index futures, stock index options, and stock options expire simultaneously, often resulting in increased market volatility [2]. - The expiration of these contracts typically generates higher trading activity and larger price swings, as it triggers buying or selling of the underlying securities [3]. Group 2: Current Market Conditions - Leading up to "Witching Friday," Bitcoin has been experiencing a decline, trading down nearly 1% to $85,184, influenced by the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut and uncertainty regarding the macroeconomic environment, including potential rate hikes from the Bank of Japan and concerns over U.S. inflation in 2026 [4][5]. - Other cryptocurrencies are also affected, with XRP falling nearly 2% to around $1.82, while Ethereum remains stable at $2,802 [5].

There we go.Bounce back upwards, clear rejection at $90K and the support couldn't hold as everything corrects; Gold, Nasdaq and #Bitcoin.New low made, and therefore, a few important things to look at:- Break back above $88K would be a strong signal and the end of the correction.- With this breakdown, I'm looking at levels at <$83.8K and most likely <$80.5K.Especially this latter scenario makes sense in a week of Unemployment Data, CPI and the Bank of Japan.Given the fact that the Bank of Japan is likely doi ...

RT Ted (@TedPillows)The last 3 times Japan hiked rates, $BTC dumped 20%-30%.BOJ is expected to do a rate hike again on 19th December.Will this time be different? https://t.co/2Glf0U9jQd ...

Interest Rate Policy - Rate cuts are off the table, indicating a shift in monetary policy [1] - The RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia) is preparing markets for a potential rate hike in 2026 [1] Market Impact - The policy shift has implications for mortgages and the housing market [1] - The policy shift has implications for Australia's economic outlook [1]

Ernest HoffmanErnest Hoffman is a Crypto and Market Reporter for Kitco News. He has over 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, broadcaster and producer for media, educational and cultural organizations. Ernest began working in market news in 2007, establishing the broadcast division of CEP News in Montreal, Canada, where he developed the fastest web-based audio news service in the world and produced economic news videos in partnership with MSN and the TMX. He has a Bachelor's degree Specialization in ...

Japan’s two-year government bond auction on Friday saw demand that was weaker than the 12-month average, as rising expectations of a near-term Bank of Japan rate hike sapped investor appetite https://t.co/ujF33LjafP ...

An auction of five-year Japanese government bonds saw the lowest price in line with market expectations even though demand fell slightly as investors mull the Bank of Japan’s rate hike path https://t.co/MFckVbRZlt ...

Japan economic perspective Global Markets Research EQUITY: JAPAN STRATEGY BOJ October 2025 MPM and Japanese equity macro perspective Initial momentum in spring negotiations is key focus now We view October MPM outcome as dovish postponement of rate hike The Bank of Japan (BOJ) decided to leave its policy rate unchanged at its Monetary Policy Meeting (MPM) held over 29–30 October (see our 30 October 2025 report BOJ Watch ). This decision was in line with what both we and the markets had expected. However, we ...