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US stock market continues to rise, index continues to predict interest rate cut Microsoft declines | Reuters

by Priya Shah – Business Editor December 3, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

US Stocks Advance Amid Rate cut Expectations, Microsoft Dips

US stocks continued their upward trajectory Tuesday, bolstered by growing anticipation of potential interest rate cuts by the federal Reserve. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 both reached new highs, signaling sustained investor optimism⁣ as⁢ the holiday shopping season approaches.

The market’s positive momentum reflects a broader belief that the Federal Reserve may begin easing monetary policy in the coming months,‍ potentially⁤ stimulating economic growth. This expectation is especially impactful for sectors sensitive to interest rates, such as technology and real estate. However, not all stocks participated in the rally; microsoft experienced a decline, contrasting with the overall market trend.

The S&P 500‌ rose to 4,588.96, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed to 14,353.17. Advancing ‌stocks considerably outweighed declining ones on both the New York Stock⁤ Exchange (2.88 ⁣to ⁢1) ⁣and the ⁤Nasdaq⁣ (2.73 to 1). total trading⁣ volume reached 15.44 billion‍ shares, below the recent 20-day ‍average of 18.19 billion.

Microsoft shares ⁤fell despite the broader market ⁤gains. The ‍reason for the decline was not promptly clear.

This is‍ a provisional value based on LSEG data.

December 3, 2025 0 comments

Business

Title: Bitcoin Plunges Below $90,000 Amid Risk-Off Sentiment

by Priya Shah – Business Editor December 1, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Bitcoin tumbled more ⁢than 5%⁣ on Monday, briefly falling below $90,000 as a wave of risk aversion swept through global markets.‍ The ⁣world’s largest ⁣cryptocurrency shed value alongside ⁤other speculative assets, signaling a pullback after ⁤a period of sustained gains.The‍ decline comes amid increased investor caution fueled by geopolitical uncertainty and⁤ concerns ‌about potential interest rate hikes.Bitcoin, frequently enough touted ⁣as a hedge against inflation, has recently traded in tandem with riskier assets like technology stocks, suggesting its⁢ role as a safe‍ haven is being questioned. The dip impacts a broad ⁣range of investors,from ‌institutional funds to retail traders,and raises questions about⁢ the sustainability of its recent rally. Analysts are now watching to see if this marks a short-term correction ⁢or the beginning of a more meaningful downturn.

As of 2:30 PM EST, Bitcoin was trading around $90,300, according to data⁢ from CoinGecko. The cryptocurrency had⁤ reached ⁢a record ⁣high near $72,000 in March, driven by increased ‍adoption and the launch ‌of spot ‌Bitcoin exchange-traded⁢ funds (etfs) in the United States.the recent sell-off mirrors broader market trends, with global ‌stocks ⁤also experiencing losses. investors are reassessing their portfolios⁣ considering rising bond yields ‍and the possibility that central banks may delay cutting interest rates.The volatility ⁤underscores the inherent risks associated with investing in cryptocurrencies, which remain subject to ⁣significant price swings.

December 1, 2025 0 comments

Business

Title: Trump’s Student Loan Cap Plan Sparks Healthcare Industry Outcry

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 30, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Biden Administration Proposal to Narrow Student Loan Eligibility⁣ Sparks Outcry from Nursing and Healthcare Groups

WASHINGTON ‍- A Biden administration‍ plan to redefine “professional⁢ degrees” for federal student loan⁤ purposes is facing⁤ sharp ‌criticism from healthcare organizations, who warn the changes will exacerbate the existing ⁢nursing shortage and increase financial burdens on ‍aspiring medical ⁤professionals. The proposed⁤ rule,set to take effect July 1,2024,would exclude many post-baccalaureate healthcare programs⁢ – including those for nurses,dental hygienists,and medical technicians – from qualifying for the⁢ higher ⁢loan limits previously available to⁢ professional degree students.

The⁤ shift stems from a Trump-era policy reversal that broadened the definition of professional degrees, a change that allowed students in these programs to access higher‍ loan amounts.The biden administration argues the original, narrower definition is more aligned with the intent of the Higher‌ Education Act. However, healthcare advocates say ⁣the move will disproportionately impact⁤ women, who comprise a notable portion of the healthcare workforce, and ultimately hinder efforts to⁣ address critical staffing shortages.

A coalition of health care organizations has urged⁣ the Education Department to reconsider, arguing that post-bachelor’s degrees essential for licensure or ⁣certification should be classified as professional degrees. They point to the high demand for ⁢these roles and the financial⁢ realities faced ⁢by students pursuing them. According to a 2019⁢ U.S. Census bureau report, women constitute approximately three-fourths of full-time, year-round healthcare‍ workers, with even higher representation ‍in positions like dental and medical‍ assisting.

The American Association of ⁢Colleges of Nursing has stated the proposal, if finalized, would be “devastating” to an ‍already strained nursing workforce. Currently, many students⁤ pursuing advanced nursing degrees are grandfathered into current lending limits. The new rule would eliminate⁣ this benefit for future students.

Susan Pratt, a nurse and ⁢president of a union representing nurses in Toledo, Ohio,⁤ expressed frustration, stating, “It’s just a‍ smack in the face.When we where ‍during the pandemic, the nurses showed up, and this is⁢ the thanks we get.” She fears the reduced loan access will discourage‍ individuals from entering and advancing ⁤within the nursing profession.

Healthcare groups contend⁢ that capping ‍federal student loans will force students to rely on ‌more expensive private loans, ‍possibly deterring qualified candidates and ultimately threatening patient care. The Education Department has not yet⁣ responded to requests for comment on the ⁣growing opposition.

November 30, 2025 0 comments

Business

Title: CME Trading Halt Disrupts Global Markets

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 28, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

CME Group Systems Issue Disrupts Trading in FX, Commodities, adn ⁢Stock futures

CHICAGO, Oct 26 (Reuters) ‍- A technical‌ glitch at CME Group ⁢disrupted trading across ‌multiple asset classes, including foreign exchange (FX), commodities, and stock futures,⁣ on Thursday, causing temporary‍ halts and impacting market participants globally. The issue began around 9:30 a.m. CT and lasted for approximately 30 ⁤minutes before being fully resolved, according to a statement from the exchange ⁣operator.

The disruption underscored the critical reliance on stable⁣ technology infrastructure for modern financial markets.CME Group is a central hub for derivatives trading, and even a brief outage can create uncertainty and potential losses⁢ for traders, hedgers, and investors. The incident prompted a flurry of activity as firms⁣ assessed the impact and adjusted‌ thier‍ trading strategies.

CME Group reported the glitch stemmed from an issue with its ‌Globex trading platform. During the outage, trading was temporarily halted ⁤in key contracts such as Euro FX futures, crude oil futures, and E-mini S&P 500 futures. While the exchange ⁣stated that no trades where invalidated, the disruption caused volatility and widened bid-ask spreads ⁤in some markets as trading resumed.

“We are aware of the intermittent connectivity issues some members experienced on globex earlier today,” a CME Group spokesperson said. “These issues have been resolved, and markets are ⁢operating normally. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused.”

The incident is‍ likely to reignite scrutiny of CME Group’s technology infrastructure and disaster recovery protocols. Market participants will be looking for a detailed explanation of the cause of the glitch and assurances that steps are being taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.The exchange’s ability to maintain system reliability is paramount to its role as a central clearinghouse and risk manager for the global derivatives market.

November 28, 2025 0 comments

Business

Trading Day: Bulls in charge ahead of Turkey Day

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 27, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

NEW YORK, Nov 22 (Reuters) – ⁢U.S. stocks surged on Wednesday,‌ propelled by strong ‌earnings reports and growing optimism about a potential Federal Reserve pivot, as investors positioned themselves ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Dow⁢ Jones Industrial Average climbed 330.99 points, or 0.97%, to 34,347.76, the S&P 500 gained 1.03% to 4,559.34,and the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.37% to 14,250.98.‌ All ⁤three major indexes posted their largest daily percentage gains in over a month.

Investor sentiment was boosted‍ by better-than-expected earnings from companies like Best Buy ⁢and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, signaling resilience in consumer spending and corporate performance. Simultaneously,minutes from the Federal ‍Reserve’s latest policy meeting indicated a willingness to consider slowing the pace of interest⁤ rate hikes,fueling speculation that the central bank may be⁢ nearing the end of its tightening cycle. This shift in expectations sent bond yields lower and provided further support for equities.

“The market is interpreting ⁤the Fed minutes as possibly dovish, suggesting a slower pace of rate ⁢hikes,” said⁣ Robert Pavlik, senior portfolio manager at Dakota Wealth Management. “Combined with‍ solid‍ earnings, this is creating a positive feedback loop.”

The energy sector lagged, ⁣falling 0.8%, as ‍oil prices declined amid concerns about global demand. ⁣Though, technology stocks led the gains, with companies like Apple‌ and Microsoft⁤ contributing considerably to the Nasdaq’s advance.

Trading volume is expected to be lighter than usual on Wednesday and Friday due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Investors will be closely watching economic data releases next week, including the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) ⁢price index, for further‌ clues about the Fed’s future policy path.

November 27, 2025 0 comments

Business

Investors pile into UK bonds and sterling after budget

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 26, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Investors are driving a surge in demand for UK bonds and the pound following the British government’s revised budget plans, reversing a recent sell-off and signaling renewed confidence in the UK economy. The yield on the 30-year‍ gilt fell sharply, dropping as much as 46 basis points to 4.54% – the largest daily decline since 2020 – while sterling rose over 1% against ⁢the ‌dollar, reaching $1.223.

The dramatic shift comes after⁢ Chancellor of the‌ Exchequer Jeremy Hunt announced‌ substantial tax increases and spending cuts intended to restore fiscal stability following the turmoil⁢ sparked ⁢by his predecessor’s unfunded tax cut ⁤proposals. This turnaround ‌impacts pension funds, mortgage holders, and⁤ the broader economic outlook ⁣for the UK, potentially averting a crisis and setting the stage for a more enduring economic path, though significant challenges ‍remain.

The market reaction ⁣reflects a relief that the government is taking steps to address concerns about the UK’s debt burden.Hunt’s measures, unveiled Monday, include scrapping almost all of the‍ tax cuts⁢ announced in september’s “mini-budget” and⁤ outlining £55 billion ($63.5 billion) of fiscal tightening. This includes delaying⁤ planned income tax cuts, reducing public spending growth, and freezing corporation tax rates.

“The UK is now on a more‌ credible path,” said Hugh Gimber, a strategist at J.P.Morgan Asset Management. “The scale of the fiscal tightening is significant ‍and should reassure markets that ‌the government is committed to reducing debt.”

The Bank of England’s emergency intervention in ‌the gilt market⁣ last month, designed to prevent a collapse in pension funds reliant on gilt-based investments, had temporarily stemmed ⁣the bleeding. However,⁤ the underlying concerns about fiscal sustainability ⁢persisted until Hunt’s proclamation.

Prior to‍ the revised budget, the pound had fallen‍ to a record low against the dollar, and gilt yields had⁢ soared, increasing borrowing costs for the government and businesses. The volatility prompted the Bank of England to delay the ‍start of its gilt sales program.

while the immediate market response is positive, analysts caution‌ that the UK still faces significant economic headwinds, including high inflation and the risk of recession.The Office for Budget Obligation (OBR) now forecasts that the UK economy is already in recession, ‌and that living standards will fall by‍ 7.1% over the next two years.

November 26, 2025 0 comments

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