Economic Indicators - The dollar index fell by -0.44% due to weaker-than-expected US economic data, increasing the likelihood of a Fed rate cut at the upcoming FOMC meeting [1] - US September retail sales rose by +0.2% month-over-month, below expectations of +0.4% [2] - The final demand PPI for September increased by +2.7% year-over-year, slightly above expectations of +2.6%, while PPI excluding food and energy rose by +2.6%, below expectations of +2.7% [3] - The Conference Board's US November consumer confidence index dropped by -6.8 to a 7-month low of 88.7, significantly lower than the expected 93.3 [4] Market Reactions - The markets are pricing in an 80% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut by the FOMC at the next meeting on December 9-10 [4] - The euro rose by +0.45% against the dollar, supported by the weaker dollar and positive economic news from the Eurozone [5] - Eurozone new car registrations in October increased by +5.8% year-over-year, marking the fourth consecutive monthly rise [6] - The USD/JPY fell by -0.56% as the yen strengthened amid concerns of potential Japanese government intervention in the forex market [7]

And it's a fresh read on the nation's fiscal health. The aforementioned Steve Leeman with those [music] headlines and could probably also talk about the Fed. Steve.Yeah, Brian. Thanks for that introduction. The Treasury uh reporting that the deficit hits an October record of 284 billion, but with a bunch of asterises.I think that's the plural. Expenses were boosted by a calendar change moving some stuff from uh uh into October from November of about $ 105 billion. So that's also an issue, but they were redu ...

Core Insights - The race for the next Federal Reserve chair is competitive, with Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, and Chris Waller as leading candidates, all of whom have shown a focus on price stability while also responding to President Trump's demands for rate cuts [2][3][5][6] Candidate Profiles - **Kevin Hassett**: Currently the National Economic Council Director, he emphasizes Fed independence and sound monetary policies. He has criticized the Fed's past decisions and supports a significant rate cut in December [7][10][11] - **Kevin Warsh**: A former Fed governor, he has been critical of the Fed's current policies and argues for a reevaluation of inflation forecasts, suggesting that AI will positively impact productivity and reduce inflation [20][21][23] - **Chris Waller**: Currently a Fed governor, he supports rate cuts due to concerns about the job market and believes inflation is close to the Fed's target of 2% [12][13][14] Market Implications - The potential nomination of a candidate inclined towards lower interest rates could lead to a more dovish Federal Reserve, which may influence market expectations and economic conditions [26][27] - The emphasis on loyalty to President Trump as a criterion for the Fed chair raises concerns about the independence of the central bank, which could have significant implications for monetary policy and market reactions [27][28]

Core Viewpoint - Kevin Hassett is emerging as a frontrunner to be the next Chair of the Federal Reserve, aligning closely with President Trump's economic views and interest rate policies [1][74]. Group 1: Candidate Profile - Kevin Hassett is seen as aligned with President Trump's views on the economy and monetary policy, advocating for interest rate cuts [2][3]. - He has criticized the Federal Reserve for its handling of inflation during the pandemic, suggesting a need for operational changes [3][6]. - Hassett's potential appointment could reshape the Federal Reserve's approach to monetary policy, focusing on job creation and reducing interest rates [5][7]. Group 2: Selection Process - The selection process for the next Fed Chair is being led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with interviews ongoing for five candidates [4][10]. - An announcement regarding the new Fed Chair could come by Christmas, with the current Chair, Jerome Powell, remaining in position until May 2026 [11][12]. Group 3: Market Reactions - Following the news of Hassett's frontrunner status, equity markets reacted positively, with the S&P 500 rising by 0.8% and the Russell 2000 gaining over 2% [78]. - The two-year yield, sensitive to Fed policy, dropped to approximately 3.46%, indicating market expectations of potential interest rate cuts [78]. Group 4: Economic Implications - The next Fed Chair could adopt a narrative prioritizing job growth over inflation concerns, depending on economic conditions [7][8]. - If inflation trends towards the Fed's 2% target, there may be opportunities to lower interest rates, but persistent inflation could complicate this [8][9]. - The economic outlook remains uncertain, with potential fiscal stimulus from tax cuts expected to impact growth and inflation dynamics in 2026 [25][26].

Core Viewpoint - Standard Chartered has been appointed as the digital asset custodian for 21Shares, indicating a trend of traditional financial institutions entering the cryptocurrency market by providing regulated custody solutions for digital assets [1][6]. Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership between Standard Chartered and 21Shares highlights the increasing involvement of traditional finance in the crypto sector, with Standard Chartered providing bank-grade custody for 21Shares' cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs) [1]. - Standard Chartered's custody platform is regulated in Luxembourg by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), ensuring a secure and compliant solution for institutional investors in Europe [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - Margaret Harwood-Jones, Global Head of Financing and Securities Services at Standard Chartered, emphasized the bank's commitment to providing top safety and compliance standards for digital asset custody services [3]. - The transition from Zodia Custody to Standard Chartered raises questions about 21Shares' strategy, suggesting a desire to align more closely with traditional finance [4][5]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The appointment of Standard Chartered as custodian reflects a broader trend of traditional banks integrating regulated infrastructure with the crypto market to meet institutional demands for security and compliance [6]. - 21Shares manages approximately $8 billion in assets and focuses on physically backed crypto ETPs, indicating its significant role in the evolving digital asset landscape [5].

I'm a social scientist. I study human behavior. For the last few years, I've been thinking, what kind of talent do we need to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence? And moreover, will that talent be more specialist in nature or more generalist in nature? At school, I was terrible at maths. My parents told me that um can you do better? And I worked hard and moved from not so good to average, which was a big deal, right? [laughter] And then my parents said, "Yes, but can you do even better. " I said, " ...

Core Insights - Synovus has made a donation of $50,000 to Feeding America® to support communities in the Southeast that are experiencing food insecurity [1] Company Actions - The donation aims to assist in addressing food insecurity issues in the Southeast region [1]

Core Viewpoint - President Trump is actively searching for a replacement for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, with a potential announcement expected before Christmas [1][2]. Group 1: Nomination Process - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that Trump could announce his nominee to replace Powell by Christmas, emphasizing that the Fed should take a less prominent role [1][2]. - Powell's term is set to expire in May, but the White House is already pursuing candidates for his replacement [3]. Group 2: Finalists for Fed Chair - The five finalists for the Fed Chair position include Christopher Waller, Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, Michelle Bowman, and Rick Rieder [3][19][25][28]. - Christopher Waller is currently favored by prediction markets to replace Powell, having recently gained an edge over Kevin Hassett [6][8][12]. Group 3: Candidate Profiles - **Christopher Waller**: A Fed Governor with experience, he has been involved in discussions with Bessent and believes he fits the criteria the White House is looking for [6][7]. - **Kevin Hassett**: Former director of the Council of Economic Advisors, he has lost his lead in prediction markets and has faced criticism for his past economic models [12][13]. - **Kevin Warsh**: Former Fed Governor with a background in Wall Street, he has been vocal about the need for a "regime change" at the Fed [20][21]. - **Michelle Bowman**: Appointed by Trump, she has shown dissent against the Fed's rate decisions and has a background in banking [25][26]. - **Rick Rieder**: Chief investment officer at BlackRock, he manages approximately $2.4 trillion in assets and has significant Wall Street experience [28]. Group 4: Candidates No Longer Under Consideration - Several candidates, including David Zervos, Lorie Logan, and James Bullard, have reportedly been removed from consideration for the Fed Chair position [33][34].

Core Insights - Naver Financial is set to launch a stablecoin wallet in Busan to support the city's blockchain economy initiative [1][3][9] - The wallet will allow conversion of fiat currencies into a stablecoin version of the local currency, Dongbaek-jeon, enhancing digital payment options for users [4][5][9] - The project is a collaboration with Hashed and the Busan Digital Asset Exchange, aiming to modernize the payment system for approximately 1.5 million monthly users [3][5][9] Company Developments - Naver has completed the development of the stablecoin wallet, which is currently undergoing final checks before its launch next month [3] - The wallet will be integrated with Naver Pay Wallet, which already supports crypto custody, although full functionality may be limited until regulatory clarity on local-currency stablecoins is achieved [6] - Naver is reportedly pursuing a merger with Dunamu, the operator of Upbit, which could lead to a Nasdaq listing [7] Financial Performance - Naver reported third-quarter revenue of 3.14 trillion Korean won ($2.32 billion) and an operating profit of 570.6 billion won ($422.6 million) [7] - Dunamu also experienced significant growth, with a revenue increase of 35% to 385.9 billion won ($262.9 million) and a net profit surge of 145% to 239 billion won ($162.8 million) [8]

All pensioners in India need to annually submit their Life Certificate (LC) or Jeevan Pramaan Patra to pension disbursing agencies on or before the November 30 deadline in order to keep receiving their pension payments.Pension receiving central and state government employees can submit the document either in person at the relevant authorities or now have the option to submit a Digital LC within the deadline.With the deadline fast approaching and as the government has not announced an extension on the same, ...