Latest Finance-Economy News
U.S. unemployment rises to 4.6% after delayed data release
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported U.S. payrolls rose 64,000 in November while the unemployment rate climbed to 4.6%, the highest in over four years, reflecting lingering labor-market softness after government data delays. The weak jobs detail influenced FX and fixed-income markets and helped justify the Federal Reserve’s December 25bp cut earlier this month
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Atlanta Fed’s Bostic warns against early rate cuts in 2026
Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said FOMC credibility on inflation is at stake and cautioned the Committee may not support quick easing, signalling concern about upside inflation risks if fiscal policy loosens. Bostic noted the December 25bp cut was a difficult decision with dissents and emphasized mixed labor-market signals that complicate future policy
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Markets price more Fed easing but officials remain divided
Market-implied rates and several forecasters expect additional easing in 2026 after the Fed’s December 25bp cut, yet Fed speakers including Bostic highlight disagreement among policymakers and the risk that inflation could re-accelerate, leaving path uncertainty for policy. Financial firms project further cuts but timelines vary by model and data updates
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JPMorgan launches tokenized money-market fund on Ethereum
JPMorgan expanded into crypto with a private tokenized money-market fund built on the Ethereum blockchain for qualified investors, reflecting continued bank experimentation with tokenization. The move follows a broader trend of incumbents testing blockchain distribution for traditional products
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PayPal seeks to become a bank to expand financial-services footprint
PayPal filed applications with the Utah Department of Financial Institutions and the FDIC to establish PayPal Bank, aiming to broaden product offerings and gain deposit-taking capabilities. The application underscores big tech’s ongoing push into regulated banking services
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Short‑latency trading dispute highlights speed arms race in futures markets
High-frequency traders are disputing micro-optimizations measured in billionths of a second at a major futures exchange, illustrating fierce competition and governance tensions over fractional speed advantages that can translate to large profits. The feud raises questions about market structure and fairness for other participants
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Global FX and bond moves respond to US data and Fed cut
The U.S. dollar softened after the subdued jobs report while the 10‑year Treasury yield eased to around 4.02%, reflecting the Fed’s December easing and investors’ recalibration of growth/inflation outlooks. Commodity-linked and EM currencies showed mixed performance; the Canadian dollar strengthened while the Indian rupee hit new lows against the dollar
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European banks and regulators watch market strains and resilience
Analysts point to pockets of stress in credit and repo markets despite central-bank easing, and regulators continue reviewing exchange and bank resilience after incidents like ASX operational shortfalls. Ongoing supervisory scrutiny follows previous episodes of market fragility and recent asset‑specific pressures
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SpaceX interviews banks as IPO preparations intensify
SpaceX began interviewing banks for advisory roles ahead of a potential IPO, launching a Wall Street process that could be among the largest listings if pursued, and prompting renewed M&A and capital-markets scrutiny in aerospace and tech. The outreach signals preparatory steps rather than a confirmed timetable
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Global crypto industry seeks capital in Abu Dhabi amid sector shakeout
Major crypto firms have been meeting investors in Abu Dhabi looking for funding, as the industry rebuilds balance sheets and pursues institutional partnerships after regulatory and market setbacks. The push reflects a shift toward seeking deep-pocketed sovereign and family-office investors in the Gulf
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Mortgage market shows resilience but refinancing remains limited
Mortgage Servicing Rights valuations and servicing premiums stayed robust in November even as refinancing cooled; mortgage rates remain elevated in the 6.0–6.5% range, dampening refinance activity despite record home equity levels in many states. Prepayment speeds slowed and the yield curve shape signals investor caution about near-term growth
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Analysts flag key macro events to watch over coming week
Economic calendars highlight upcoming central‑bank decisions and U.S. PCE/GDP releases as pivotal for policy and markets, while holiday-thinned volumes could amplify volatility around data releases later this month. Traders are watching PBOC, RBA minutes, and U.S. PCE as potential market-moving items
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