The Federal Reserve is reportedly set to reduce the staff of its supervision and regulation division by 30%, from 500 to 350, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday (Oct. 30), citing an internal memo.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS con ...

Core Points - The trade pact between the U.S. and South Korea is expected to lead to significant capital outflows from South Korea, impacting the won negatively while benefiting the Kospi index [1][2] - South Korea has committed to invest $350 billion in the U.S., with $200 billion in cash to be paid in installments capped at $20 billion per year, and $150 billion allocated for shipbuilding cooperation [2][3] - The investments will be funded through operating income from South Korea's foreign assets, which has alleviated some uncertainties regarding financing [3] Currency Impact - The Korean won is anticipated to face depreciation due to steady long-term outflows, which may limit short-term gains [4] - The won has been one of the worst-performing currencies in Asia, driven down by local investors' increasing interest in U.S. stocks [5] - Predictions suggest the won could weaken further to 1,450 per dollar over the next six months to a year [5] Investment Behavior - The private sector's reduced conversion of dollar export proceeds to won may pose depreciation risks for the currency in the coming years [6] - The National Pension Service's growing investments in overseas equities and bonds necessitate selling won for dollars, contributing to the currency's weakening [6]

Earnings Reports - Meta reported a 26% revenue growth, reaching $51.2 billion, but aggressive AI spending raised concerns, increasing to $70-72 billion from $66-72 billion [2] - Microsoft achieved $77.7 billion in revenue, an 18% increase, with Azure growth at 40%, but AI spending surged 74% during the quarter, causing investor unease [3] - Alphabet generated $102.3 billion in revenue, a 16% growth, with AI capex rising to $91-93 billion, but confidence remained due to strong cloud performance [4] - Overall, the earnings from these companies indicate aggressive AI investment and sustained earnings power, though investor anxiety about future payoffs persists [5] Trade Agreement - President Trump and President Xi agreed to a trade deal, reducing U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from approximately 57% to 47% [5] - China committed to resuming large-scale purchases of U.S. soybeans and delaying rare-earth export restrictions for one year [5] - This agreement provides a degree of stability for investors, particularly those with exposure to China and U.S. agricultural exports [6][7] Nuclear Sector Developments - The U.S. government plans to invest at least $80 billion in nuclear reactors to meet the energy demands of AI technologies [11] - The announcement led to significant gains in the uranium sector, with companies like Energy Fuels, Uranium Energy, and Cameco seeing stock increases of 9%, 14%, and 23% respectively [12] - China's nuclear ambitions are projected to consume one-third of global uranium supply by 2030, indicating a structural shift in the market [10][14] Private Credit Market Concerns - The private credit market has grown from around $300 billion in 2010 to approximately $3 trillion last year, raising concerns about potential debt issues [21] - Recent bankruptcies in the sector have prompted caution among investors, with JPMorgan's CEO warning of possible underlying problems [23][24] - Investors are advised to review their portfolios for exposure to private credit and assess the extent of lending operations in affected companies [25][26]

Core Insights - Money market accounts (MMAs) are hybrid deposit accounts that combine features of checking and savings accounts, often providing check-writing capabilities and debit cards while earning interest [1][2][4] Group 1: Definition and Features - Money market accounts are deposit accounts offered by banks and credit unions, distinguished from traditional savings accounts by their higher interest rates and additional features [2][17] - These accounts are FDIC insured up to $250,000, providing a safe place to hold funds while earning interest [3][19] - Many money market accounts allow limited check-writing and debit card usage, although some banks impose transaction limits [4][19] Group 2: Misconceptions - A common misconception is that money market accounts are the same as money market funds; they are distinct financial instruments with different risk profiles and insurance coverage [5][6][7] - Money market accounts are not designed to protect against inflation, as their interest rates may not keep pace with inflation rates [9][10] - Holding a large allocation in money market accounts can be inefficient due to changing inflation rates, and diversification is recommended [11][14] Group 3: Investment Strategy - It is suggested that individuals should not rely solely on money market accounts for savings; instead, a diversified investment strategy can yield better returns [13][15][16] - Establishing an emergency fund in money market accounts is advisable, but excess funds should be invested to avoid opportunity costs [12][19] - A strategic approach involves categorizing funds into short-term, mid-term, and long-term buckets to optimize savings and investment [15][16]

Core Insights - The Federal Reserve has implemented its second interest rate cut of the year, prompting homeowners to consider refinancing options [1][12] - Mortgage rates are influenced more by the 10-year Treasury yield than by the federal funds rate, which has recently decreased [3][13] Federal Reserve Actions - The Fed began cutting interest rates in late 2024 after a period of increases aimed at controlling inflation, with two cuts made this year and another anticipated in December [2][12] - The 10-year Treasury yield has approached 4%, leading to a decrease in mortgage rates toward 6% [3] Mortgage Rate Projections - Analysts expect mortgage rates to remain slightly above 6% until the end of the year, with Fannie Mae forecasting rates of 6.3% by the end of 2025 and 5.9% by the end of 2026 [4] - Historical data indicates that the long-term average for mortgage rates is above 7.5%, with rates in the 7% range recorded since 1971 [6] Refinancing Considerations - Traditional guidelines for refinancing suggest a rate drop of 2% was once ideal, which has since shifted to 1%, and some lenders now consider smaller drops of 0.5% or 0.25% as potentially worthwhile [7][15] - Homeowners should evaluate their current interest rate, monthly payment, and credit score, and consider the time to break even on refinancing compared to their planned duration in the home [9][14] Home Equity Options - Approximately 82% of homeowners currently have mortgage rates at 6% or lower, making refinancing less appealing for many [10][15] - Homeowners may opt for a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to leverage their home’s value while maintaining their existing low mortgage rate [11][15]

Jenny Boström Head of Sustainability and IR[email protected]+46 79 006 45 92 Accessibility StatementSkip Navigation STOCKHOLM, Oct. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Loomis AB has resolved to repurchase shares by virtue of the authorization granted by the Annual General Meeting 2025. The repurchase may commence on November 3, 2025, end not later than on January 2, 2026, and comprise an amount up to a maximum of SEK 200 million. Repurchase shall be made on Nasdaq Stockholm, on one or more ...

Core Insights - Bank Indonesia (BI) is advancing its central bank digital currency (CBDC) project, integrating stablecoin mechanics to create a digital rupiah backed by government bonds [1][2] - The digital rupiah will be supported by tokenized government bonds, known as Surat Berharga Negara (SBN), enhancing its stability [2][3] - This initiative is part of Project Garuda, aimed at financial digitalization and innovation in Indonesia [1][4] Group 1 - The digital rupiah will combine the security of a central bank-issued currency with the stability of asset-backed tokens, described as a "national stablecoin" [3] - The model ties the value of the digital rupiah directly to government bonds through tokenization, ensuring stability [3] - The new framework aligns with BI's broader digital finance agenda, focusing on innovation, industrial structure, and financial stability [4] Group 2 - BI will tokenize government bonds to issue digital securities, enhancing market liquidity and reducing transaction costs through blockchain automation [5] - The hybrid CBDC will provide advantages such as greater monetary policy control, improved payment efficiency, and enhanced security [6] - Unlike private stablecoins, the digital rupiah will be a direct liability of the central bank, reinforcing public trust and enabling faster, cheaper payments [7]

Core Insights - Mortgage rates are currently at their lowest in a year at 6.19%, but have remained above 6% for the past three years, causing frustration among potential homebuyers [1] - The Federal Reserve's actions, particularly regarding its balance sheet, significantly influence mortgage rates, even though it does not set them directly [1][5] Group 1: Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve's new target for the benchmark Federal Funds Rate is set between 3.75% and 4.00% effective October 29 [2] - The Fed has implemented its second quarter-point interest rate cut of 2025 to balance its dual mandate of price stability and maximum employment [3] - The Fed's total assets are approximately $6.59 trillion, representing about 22% of U.S. nominal GDP as of October 22 [4] Group 2: Quantitative Tightening and Easing - During Quantitative Tightening (QT), the Fed reduces its balance sheet by selling or allowing bonds to mature, which removes money from the system [7] - Conversely, during Quantitative Easing (QE), the Fed buys bonds and mortgage-backed securities to inject money into the economy, typically lowering long-term rates [7] - The Fed has been a net seller of Treasuries since 2022, which has pressured rates higher and elevated borrowing costs, including mortgages [8]

Core Insights - The third quarter of 2025 saw positive market performance for U.S. institutional investors, with a median return of 4.3% in the Northern Trust Universe, driven by a Federal Reserve interest rate cut, advancements in artificial intelligence, and stabilization in tariff negotiations [1][18]. Performance Overview - The Northern Trust Universe tracks 363 large U.S. institutional investment plans with a combined asset value exceeding $1.4 trillion [2][3]. - Performance varied by plan type: - Northern Trust Corporate (ERISA) universe had a median return of 3.7% - Northern Trust Public Funds universe returned 4.0% - Northern Trust Foundation and Endowment (F&E) universe achieved a median return of 4.3% [4][10]. Equity Market Performance - U.S. equity markets performed strongly, with the S&P 500 gaining 8.1% in the third quarter and up 35% since April [5]. - The Northern Trust US Equity program universe posted a median return of 7.2%, while the Non-US Equity program universe had a median return of 6.1% [5]. Fixed Income Market Insights - Fixed income markets benefited from a 25 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve, which lowered treasury yields and narrowed credit spreads, enhancing bond prices [6]. - The Northern Trust US Fixed Income program universe returned 2.4% during the quarter [6]. Long-term Returns - ERISA plan median returns over one, three, and five years were 5.1%, 9.1%, and 4.1% respectively, with a 55% median allocation to U.S. fixed income [7]. - Public Funds median returns for the same periods were 9.6%, 11.9%, and 8.7%, with a 26% allocation to U.S. equity and 22% to U.S. fixed income [8]. - Foundations & Endowments reported median returns of 10.6%, 12.9%, and 9.8% over one, three, and five years, maintaining over 20% allocation to private equity [9].

Core Insights - Global markets showed positive results for U.S. institutional investors in Q3 2025, with a median return of 4.3% driven by a Federal Reserve interest rate cut, advancements in artificial intelligence, and stabilization of tariff negotiations [1][18]. Performance Overview - The Northern Trust Universe tracks 363 large U.S. institutional investment plans with a combined asset value exceeding $1.4 trillion [2][3]. - Performance varied by plan type: - Northern Trust Corporate (ERISA) universe returned 3.7% - Northern Trust Public Funds universe had a median return of 4.0% - Northern Trust Foundation and Endowment (F&E) universe produced a 4.3% median return [4][10]. Equity Market Performance - U.S. equity markets performed notably, with the S&P 500 gaining 8.1% in Q3 and up 35% since April [5]. - The Northern Trust US Equity program universe posted a 7.2% median return, while the Non-US Equity program universe had a median return of 6.1% [5]. Fixed Income Market Insights - Fixed income markets benefited from a 25 basis point rate cut by the Fed, which lowered treasury yields and narrowed credit spreads, enhancing bond prices [6]. - The Northern Trust US Fixed Income program universe returned 2.4% [6]. Long-term Returns - ERISA plan median returns for one, three, and five years were 5.1%, 9.1%, and 4.1% respectively, with a 55% allocation to U.S. fixed income [7]. - Public Funds universe median returns for the same periods were 9.6%, 11.9%, and 8.7%, with a 26% allocation to U.S. equity and 22% to U.S. fixed income [8]. - Foundations & Endowments universe median returns were 10.6%, 12.9%, and 9.8% for one, three, and five years, with over 20% allocated to private equity [9].