Investors expect a rate cut at the final meeting of the Fed to discuss economic growth, inflation as well as interest rates for next years. Fed Chair Jerome Powell's remarks will be closely watched on Wednesday. In the Asian trading session, the dollar was a tad lower, while gold was little changed. Oil edged up slightly.Asian shares finished mostly lower, while European shares are trading broadly down. As of 7.35 am ET, the Dow futures were down 45.00 points, the S&P 500 futures were declining 8.75 points ...

Core Viewpoint - Bitcoin traded below $96,000 for the first time in over six months, indicating a significant sell-off in risky assets due to diminishing expectations for a December rate cut from the U.S. Federal Reserve [1] Group 1 - Bitcoin's price decline reflects broader market trends affecting risky assets [1] - The sell-off is linked to changing expectations regarding U.S. Federal Reserve monetary policy [1]

Core Insights - Bitcoin and gold have seen significant price increases amid a downturn in the stock market due to the U.S. government's first shutdown in nearly seven years [1][2][3] - Bitcoin rose 3.6% to $117,293, marking its highest price in about two weeks, and has increased over 7% since Sunday [1] - Gold reached a new all-time high above $3,922 per ounce, recently priced at $3,902, up 4.6% in the last week [2] Market Reactions - The traditional financial market experienced declines, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite both falling half a percentage point at market opening [3] - The uncertainty surrounding the duration of the shutdown and its macroeconomic impact remains, as key economic data collection is halted [4] Historical Context - The last government shutdown in December 2018 resulted in a 9% drop in the S&P 500, marking the worst December since 1931 [5] - Historically, Bitcoin has moved in correlation with the stock market, but recent trends suggest a potential decoupling [5][6] Analyst Perspectives - Analysts believe that if Bitcoin can maintain independence from stock market movements, it could significantly increase its value [6][7] - Current market sentiment is bullish, with a 65% probability of Bitcoin reaching $125,000 before falling to $105,000 [7]

Core Insights - Gold prices have reached a new all-time high, surpassing $3,500 an ounce, driven by safe-haven demand amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties [1][10] - The price of gold has increased over 30% in 2025, with a continuous rally for six sessions [2][10] - Key factors contributing to gold's rise include expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, a weaker U.S. dollar, concerns over Fed independence, and ongoing geopolitical risks [4][5][6][7] Gold Market Dynamics - Expectations of Fed Rate Cuts: Market anticipates a 90% probability of a 25-basis-point cut at the upcoming Fed meeting, making gold more attractive as lower rates diminish the appeal of yield-bearing assets [4] - A Weaker Dollar: The U.S. Dollar Index has fallen approximately 10%, making gold cheaper for international buyers and boosting global demand [5] - Concerns Over Fed Independence: Political pressure on the Fed has raised doubts about its independence, enhancing gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset [6] - Lingering Geopolitical and Economic Uncertainty: Ongoing trade tensions and fragile economic growth continue to drive investors towards gold for stability [7] Investment Opportunities - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM): A leading gold producer with strong financials, including a nearly doubled operating cash flow to $1.8 billion in Q2 2025 and a solid project pipeline [8][9] - Idaho Strategic Resources Inc. (IDR): Combines gold production with rare earth elements, ramping up exploration at its Golden Chest Mine while maintaining a low debt profile [12][13] - Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (HMY): South Africa's largest gold producer, with significant cash reserves and a projected 128% year-over-year EPS growth for fiscal 2026 [15][16][17] - Gold Fields Limited (GFI): One of the largest unhedged gold producers, showing impressive financial performance with a 94% year-over-year EPS growth estimate for 2025 [18][19][20]