Core Insights - The September jobs report showed the U.S. economy added 119,000 jobs, exceeding expectations, but rising unemployment raises concerns about economic health [1][2] - Economists warn that the apparent job growth may mask underlying weaknesses in the labor market, indicating a potential slowdown [3][5] Economic Indicators - The unemployment rate increased to approximately 4.5%, the highest level in nearly four years, suggesting labor demand is not keeping pace with workforce growth [2][3] - Job growth in July and August was revised down by a total of 33,000, indicating that the September data may be "stale" [3] Demographic Trends - There has been a notable rise in unemployment among key demographics, including a 1.5 percentage point increase in the Black unemployment rate since May, which could signal a cooling economic cycle [4] Market Reactions - Following the mixed jobs report, major indices experienced a sell-off, with the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) closing down 1.52% and the Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (QQQ) declining by 2.37% [7] - Futures for major indices were trading higher the day after the sell-off, indicating some recovery in market sentiment [8] Long-Term Outlook - Experts emphasize the need for a more disciplined economic approach rather than relying on volatile monthly job spikes, as the labor market shows signs of losing momentum [5][6]

Bitcoin (BTC) is not the only asset taking a beating this quarter. The Japanese yen (JPY) is also down 157.20 per U.S. dollar, a big move for a major fiat currency, prompting FX traders to await intervention from the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to stem the decline. But why are we discussing FX? It's because, historically, yen weakness has been linked to risk-on sentiment — when traders borrow yen at low interest rates in Japan and convert it into other currencies, such as the U.S. dollar, to invest in higher-yie ...

Key TakeawaysSoftBank Group's (9984.T) shares plunged over 10% in Asian markets, reflecting a broader tech and AI sell-off driven by fears of an AI bubble, despite Nvidia Corporation's (NVDA) strong earnings report.Foreign investors are aggressively acquiring Japanese Government Bonds (JGBs) as yields surge, indicating a significant shift in global fixed-income investment strategies.French telecom companies are reportedly exploring a wider bid for assets belonging to billionaire Patrick Drahi, signaling pot ...

Bitcoin extended its slide Friday morning Hong Kong time, dropping below $85,500, CoinDesk data shows, as the market absorbed a fresh wave of selling pressure and another shift in global rate expectations. The decline leaves BTC down more than 7% over the past 24 hours and more than 20% over the past month, outpacing losses across equities, which remain comparatively firm thanks to strong earnings from Nvidia, which fought off fears of an AI bubble. (CoinDesk) In a note published on Telegram, market mak ...

Core Insights - Gen Z perceives cash as outdated, with over 53% stating they use it only as a last resort, and nearly one-third considering cash users as out of touch or "cringe" [1][5] - The use of cash is linked to impulsive spending among Gen Z, contrary to older generations who used cash to maintain discipline [2] - Digital payment methods are seen as a form of self-expression for Gen Z, reflecting their upbringing in a digital-first financial environment [3] Financial Knowledge Gaps - Despite comfort with digital tools, many in Gen Z lack basic financial knowledge, with only 44% aware of their savings account interest rates [4] - A significant portion of Gen Z is uncertain about whether their savings accounts earn interest, indicating a gap in financial literacy [4][5] - Recommendations for Gen Z include checking interest rates on savings accounts and considering high-yield accounts for better financial growth [6]

Core Insights - The "14th Five-Year Plan" emphasizes boosting consumption by focusing on easing access and integrating service consumption, aligning with the objective laws of China's economic development [1] - Service consumption is increasingly becoming a key driver for consumption expansion and economic structure optimization, transitioning the consumption market from goods to services [1] - The growth of service consumption presents significant market opportunities for the financial sector while also raising demands for financial support to the real economy [1] Supply-Side Challenges - Service-oriented enterprises typically operate with light assets, lacking sufficient collateral to meet traditional bank credit standards, leading to difficulties in financing [2] - Traditional credit products primarily cater to large physical goods, with risk control logic and term structures not aligning with the characteristics of service consumption [2] - Existing payment systems do not fully accommodate the nature of service consumption, resulting in complex payment processes and unregulated prepayment fund management [2] Financial Support Strategies - To effectively support the expansion of service consumption, a combination of structural monetary policies and differentiated regulatory tools is necessary to encourage financial institutions to increase credit in service sectors [2] - The People's Bank of China has established a 500 billion yuan quota for service consumption and elderly care re-loan tools to guide commercial banks in enhancing credit allocation to key service areas [2] Innovation in Financial Products - Financial institutions should innovate consumer finance products and service models, developing small, flexible, and scenario-based credit products tailored to specific sectors like education and tourism [3] - There is a need to explore effective financial support models for new consumption types, including digital, green, and health consumption, to empower the development of experience, smart, and customized consumption [3] Payment Environment Optimization - It is essential to optimize the consumption payment environment to reduce transaction costs and enhance efficiency, particularly in high-frequency service scenarios [3] - Promoting the use of digital currency in sectors with high prepayment risks can help manage prepayment funds through smart contract management, mitigating risks of fund misappropriation [3] Policy and Regulatory Support - Implementing differentiated regulatory policies can encourage banks to increase credit in service consumption by providing favorable conditions regarding risk asset weight calculations and non-performing loan tolerances [4] - Establishing a unified credit information platform for service consumption can alleviate financing barriers for service enterprises and ensure convenient financing for those with good credit [4]

Japan’s 10-year yield BX:TMBMKJP-10Y hit 1.77% this week, up seven-tenths of a percentage point from last year. That’s pathetic by U.S. standards, but, for the first time since shoulder pads were fashionable, Japanese investors can make actual money at home. When you can get paid without leaving your house, the overseas shopping spree ends.This week, all three forces converged in the manner of a bad family reunion.Last June, I laid out why this had to end : Japan’s aging population needs those savings for r ...

Core Points - LCNB Corp. declared a cash dividend of $0.22 per common share, with a record date of December 1, 2025, and payment on December 15, 2025 [1] - LCNB Corp. is a financial holding company based in Lebanon, Ohio, operating through its subsidiary, LCNB National Bank, serving various counties in Southwest and South-Central Ohio [2] - The company reported financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, highlighting the strength of its business model and disciplined execution of its long-term strategy [5] - LCNB Corp. announced the resignation of Robert A. Bedinghaus from its Board of Directors for personal reasons, with no disagreements related to the company's operations [6] - The company reinforced its leadership team through several promotions as part of its succession plan to support long-term strategic growth [7]

Group 1 - The report utilizes a sectoral balance framework to evaluate how fiscal and monetary dynamics influence risk asset performance, particularly in the context of cooling inflation and rising unemployment [1] - The Federal Reserve is indicating a policy shift, which may impact trading in real estate, equity, and bond markets [1] - The analysis is based on key economic indicators represented as percentages of GDP, specifically Federal spending, Non-Federal spending, Net Exports, and Credit [1] Group 2 - The report suggests that an increase in the federal deficit leads to a rise in private surplus, which in turn positively affects risk asset markets [1] - The methodology allows for quick analysis of a country's economic situation using just four numbers, facilitating a deeper understanding of fiscal flows and their implications [1]

Core Viewpoint - Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook emphasizes the need for monitoring unexpected losses in private credit and their potential impact on the broader US financial system [1] Group 1 - Lisa Cook spoke at the Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy event at Georgetown University [1]