By Scott Murdoch Dec 1 (Reuters) - Embattled stock exchange operator Australian Securities Exchange is facing fresh pressure to enact its turnaround plan, after its announcements platform suffered an outage on Monday, forcing about 80 stocks to be ​placed on a trading halt. The platform went down just before 9 a.m. (2200 GMT) and was still not ‌fully operational at the close of trade on Monday about 4 p.m. (0500 GMT). However, an ASX spokesperson said that, as of 6:45 p.m. ‌(0745 GMT), it had "largely r ...

Core Viewpoint - Nasdaq is prioritizing its tokenized-stock proposal, aiming to secure SEC approval for trading on-chain "stock tokens" that represent publicly listed shares under existing market rules [1][3]. Group 1: Proposal Details - The proposal seeks to allow trading of listed equities and exchange-traded products in tokenized form while ensuring the same investor protections and execution standards as traditional securities [3]. - Tokenized shares will carry the same rights as their underlying securities, including voting privileges and dividend rights, and will be fully fungible with traditional forms [5]. Group 2: Market Structure and Evolution - Nasdaq's approach is to maintain the current market structure while introducing blockchain-based settlement options, emphasizing that the existing rules will not be disrupted [4][6]. - The exchange positions itself as an innovator in market infrastructure evolution, comparing tokenization to its previous transition from paper-based to electronic trading [6]. Group 3: Benefits and Timeline - Near-term benefits of tokenization will focus on back-end processing improvements, with tokenized settlement creating immediate process efficiencies [7]. - The exchange plans to ensure seamless integration with existing member firm systems before pursuing faster settlement speeds [7].

Market Performance Summary - U.S. stock markets experienced a strong finish on Black Friday, marking a fifth consecutive day of gains across major indexes, with the S&P 500 rising 0.5% to 6,849.09, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing 0.6% to 47,716.42, and the Nasdaq Composite climbing 0.7% to 23,365.69 [1][2] - For the week, the S&P 500 gained 3.7%, the Dow advanced 3.2%, the Nasdaq surged 4.9%, and the Russell 2000 added 5.5% [3] Monthly Performance Insights - November showed mixed results, with the S&P 500 and Dow extending their winning streaks to seven months, while the Nasdaq Composite experienced its first monthly decline since March, falling 1.5% [3] Market Drivers and Sentiment - Market optimism is driven by expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut, with an 83% probability of a December cut being priced in by traders [4] - Recent economic data, including a decrease in initial jobless claims to a seven-month low of 216,000, supports the case for monetary easing [4] Notable Stock Movements - Intel (INTC) was the top performer in the S&P 500, surging 10.2% due to speculation about becoming a foundry supplier for Apple (AAPL) [6] - Nvidia (NVDA) shares declined by 1.8%, concluding November with a double-digit percentage loss, reflecting concerns about competitive threats and high valuations in the AI sector [6] - Eli Lilly (LLY) slipped 2.6% after reaching a historic $1 trillion market capitalization, driven by its weight-loss drugs [6] - Sandisk (SNDK) gained nearly 4% following its debut in the S&P 500, potentially increasing demand from index-tracking funds [6] Retail Sector Performance - Major retailers like Walmart (WMT), Target (TGT), and Amazon (AMZN) finished up approximately 1% to 2% on Black Friday, while Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) rose 2.9% [7] Upcoming Market Events - Investors are expected to monitor key economic data releases, including Eurozone CPI data and unemployment figures, which will provide insights into the international economy [11] - Earnings announcements from companies like Globus Maritime (GLBS) and Meituan (HKG: 03690) are scheduled, which will offer insights into corporate performance [11]

Core Viewpoint - London Stock Exchange Group plc - Unsponsored ADR has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][4]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for London Stock Exchange Group plc for the fiscal year ending December 2025 is projected at $1.37 per share, remaining unchanged from the previous year [9]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company has increased by 3.4%, reflecting a positive trend in earnings estimates [9]. Zacks Rating System - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in a company's earnings picture, which is crucial for determining stock price movements [2][3]. - The system classifies stocks into five groups, with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), and has shown a strong track record, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks averaging an annual return of +25% since 1988 [8]. - The upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places London Stock Exchange Group plc in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions and potential for market-beating returns [10][11]. Institutional Investor Influence - Changes in earnings estimates significantly impact institutional investors' valuation models, leading to stock price movements as they buy or sell large amounts of shares based on these estimates [5][6].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes that starting with a small amount, such as S$500 a month, can lead to significant passive income through consistent investing and dividend reinvestment [2][8]. Investment Strategy - Regular investing fosters discipline and utilizes dollar-cost averaging, allowing investors to invest a fixed amount at regular intervals [3]. - A portfolio invested with S$500 monthly could grow to approximately S$129,000 over 15 years, reflecting a growth of over 43% from a total contribution of S$90,000 [7][8]. Broker Recommendations - Suggested low-cost brokerages for starting monthly investments include MooMoo with a trading fee of 0.03% and a minimum order size of US$5, and DBS Vickers RSP with a trading fee of 0.18% and a minimum order size of S$100 [11]. Stock Selection - Investors should focus on strong, dividend-paying companies with sustainable cash flows, such as DBS Group Holdings, CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, Singapore Exchange, and Netlink NBN Trust, which offer dividend yields between 4% and 6% [15][17][18]. Diversification Strategy - A diversified portfolio is recommended to balance growth potential and stability, with a sample investment plan suggesting a rotation among different sectors over time [19][22]. - Diversification helps mitigate market volatility while benefiting from dividend income [22]. Dividend Reinvestment Benefits - Reinvesting dividends can significantly enhance portfolio value, with a hypothetical example showing a portfolio could grow to S$100,627 over 30 years with reinvestment, compared to S$43,219 without [24][25]. - The principle of dividend yield-on-cost indicates that as dividends compound, they represent a larger percentage of the initial investment, highlighting the importance of long-term growth over short-term price fluctuations [25]. Cautions in Investing - Investors are advised to avoid chasing high yields from fundamentally weak companies and to maintain diversification to ensure long-term success [26]. - Trading fees, although seemingly low, can accumulate and impact overall returns if trading frequency is high [27].

Core Viewpoint - The German stock-exchange operator has made a nonbinding proposal to acquire a fund-technology company at a price of 8.80 euros per share [1] Company Summary - The acquisition proposal indicates the German stock-exchange operator's strategic interest in expanding its capabilities in the fund-technology sector [1]

Group 1 - The rivalry between traditional stock exchanges and emerging crypto trading exchanges has intensified, particularly with the SEC easing rules for crypto platforms [1][2] - A significant number of traders are increasingly opting for crypto exchanges due to their global access, despite the long-standing operations of stock exchanges [1] - The SEC under Chair Paul Atkins is perceived to be more favorable towards crypto offerings compared to the previous administration, prompting stock exchanges to express their concerns [2][5] Group 2 - Tokenized stocks are digital representations of traditional company stocks, allowing investors to gain exposure without owning real shares [3] - Unlike traditional stocks, tokenized stocks can be traded 24/7 and offer fractional ownership, appealing to a broader range of investors [4] - The SEC is considering a framework for time-limited exemptive relief for crypto exchanges offering tokenized stocks, indicating a shift towards regulatory recognition [5][6] Group 3 - Stock exchanges, including members of the World Federation of Exchanges like Nasdaq, Cboe, and CME Group, have protested against the developments, citing potential harm to investor interests [7][8]

Core Points - The U.S. stock market will be closed on Thanksgiving, November 27, 2025, and will reopen on Black Friday, November 28, 2025, with an early closure at 1 p.m. ET [10][20][21] - Normal trading hours will resume on Monday, December 1, 2025, with both NYSE and Nasdaq operating from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET [2][16] - Key holiday dates for 2025 include early closures on November 28 and December 24, and full closures on November 27 and December 25 [4][21] Trading Environment - Early closures on Black Friday typically result in lighter trading volumes, which can lead to increased price volatility [1][13][15] - The bond market will also close early on Black Friday at 2 p.m. ET, affecting settlements for fixed-income securities [14][20] - Investors are advised to plan trades around these holiday schedules to avoid unexpected price swings and missed opportunities [17][19][20] Market Behavior - The days surrounding Thanksgiving are characterized by calm price action, with fewer economic releases and muted corporate news flow [8][22] - Retail participation tends to drop significantly during this period, leading to a higher share of turnover from algorithmic trading [9][22] - Investors should use the holiday period to review portfolios and evaluate market trends, as trading volumes may remain low even after Black Friday [18][22]

Core Viewpoint - The SEC's potential plan to allow crypto companies to sell "tokenised" stocks may pose risks to investors, according to a letter from a group of stock exchanges [1][3]. Group 1: SEC's Regulatory Approach - Several crypto companies intend to offer crypto tokens linked to listed equities, allowing retail investors to gain stock exposure without direct ownership [2]. - The SEC is considering an "innovation exemption" from securities laws to enable crypto firms to explore new business models [3]. - The WFE expressed concerns that such exemptions could jeopardize market integrity and investor protections [3][4]. Group 2: Industry Reactions - The WFE, which includes major exchanges like Nasdaq and Deutsche Boerse, has previously voiced alarm over platforms offering tokenised stocks [5]. - The letter from the WFE indicates a pushback from traditional finance against certain crypto initiatives, particularly as they begin to compete with established financial services [6]. - The WFE advocates for a level playing field, suggesting that both crypto platforms and traditional finance should adhere to the same regulatory standards [6][7].

Core Points - Trading in Charming Medical Limited (Nasdaq: MCTA) has been halted by Nasdaq for additional information requested from the company [1] - The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) previously suspended trading in MCTA from November 12, 2025, to November 25, 2025 [1] - The last sale price of MCTA's ordinary shares was $29.355 [1] Summary by Sections - **Trading Suspension** - Nasdaq has halted trading in Charming Medical Limited for further information [1] - SEC's trading suspension lasted from 04:00 on November 12, 2025, to 23:59 on November 25, 2025 [1] - **Company Information** - Trading will remain halted until the company fully satisfies Nasdaq's request for additional information [2] - For further news and information, stakeholders are advised to contact the company directly or check under the company's symbol on the Nasdaq website [2]