New Zealand Dollar drifts lower below 0.5650 as China’s Trade Surplus narrows in October

The NZD/USD pair is attracting some sellers near the 0.5620 level during the Asian trading hours on Friday. The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) has weakened against the US Dollar (USD) following a narrowing of China’s trade surplus in October and a disappointing New Zealand jobs report. Traders are also bracing for the flash U-Mich Consumer Sentiment survey scheduled for later on Friday.

Data released by the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China showed that China’s trade surplus narrowed to $90.07 billion in October, down from $90.45 billion previously. This figure fell short of the forecasted $95.60 billion. Meanwhile, exports rose by just 1.1% year-over-year in October, missing expectations for a 3.0% gain. Imports increased by 1.0% year-over-year, a sharp decline from 7.4% in September and below the market consensus of 3.2%.

The narrowing of China’s trade surplus could weigh on the New Zealand Dollar, often seen as a proxy for China, given that China is one of New Zealand’s major trading partners.

Adding to the NZD’s weakness, New Zealand’s unemployment rate climbed to 5.3% in the third quarter (Q3), marking its highest level since 2016. This weak jobs report has strengthened the case for a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) this month, putting additional selling pressure on the NZD. Most economists now expect a 25 basis points (bps) reduction at the RBNZ’s final meeting of the year, scheduled for November 26.

On the US side, Challenger jobs data indicated a sharp increase in job cuts, suggesting a possible cooling in the US labor market. The report revealed that companies cut over 150,000 jobs in October, marking the biggest reduction for the month in more than 20 years.

Following the release of the Challenger jobs data, traders have ramped up bets on a rate cut in the US, which has weighed on the Greenback against the NZD. Trading in Fed funds futures now implies a 70% probability of a rate reduction at the Federal Reserve’s next meeting, up from 62% a day earlier, according to the CME FedWatch tool.

Overall, the combination of weaker Chinese trade data, a disappointing New Zealand jobs report, and signs of softening in the US labor market is influencing price action in the NZD/USD pair as traders adjust their expectations ahead of key upcoming economic releases.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/new-zealand-dollar-drifts-lower-below-0-5650-as-chinas-trade-surplus-narrows-in-october/

Voya Corporate Leaders Trust Fund B Q3 2025 Commentary

**Nov. 06, 2025 | 11:15 PM ET**
**Voya Corporate Leaders Trust Fund Series B (LEXCX)**
*By Voya Investment Management*

### Market Overview: Q3 2025 Recap

Equity markets rebounded strongly in the third quarter of 2025, recovering from the tariff-driven volatility seen in April. Markets closed well above mid-year levels, reflecting renewed investor confidence.

As we approach the final stretch of the year, investors continue to navigate persistent geopolitical tensions, policy uncertainty, and inflation risks that could influence market dynamics going forward.

### Market Drivers

The rally was primarily fueled by strong performance in technology and artificial intelligence-related stocks. Additionally, a shift toward easing monetary policy helped lift markets higher.

However, certain portfolio decisions impacted returns. Notably, an overweight position in Union Pacific Corp. detracted from performance, as did the decision not to hold shares in Apple Inc. and NVIDIA Corp., two of the quarter’s best-performing stocks.

### Economic and Corporate Outlook

Solid economic data combined with strong corporate earnings have reinforced the attractiveness of U.S. assets. The prospect of easing monetary policies adds further support, helping to offset concerns related to inflation and geopolitical risks.

### A Time-Tested Approach to U.S. Blue-Chips

**Strategy Overview:**
The Voya Corporate Leaders Trust Fund Series B is a passively managed grantor trust. It invests in most of the same 30 blue-chip companies originally acquired in 1935, or in their direct descendants, maintaining a consistent focus on long-term quality and stability.

### About Voya Investment Management

Voya Investment Management helps investors push what’s possible through differentiated solutions across fixed income, equity, and multi-asset platforms, including private markets and alternatives.

For inquiries or communications, please contact Voya Investment Management through their official channels.

**Recommended For You**

[Related articles or links can be inserted here]

*This article was prepared by Voya Investment Management, based on market data and analysis as of November 2025.*
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4839965-voya-corporate-leaders-trust-fund-b-q3-2025-commentary?source=feed_all_articles

No. 3 UF routs North Florida by 40 as Gators bounce back from Arizona loss

GAINESVILLE, Florida — The Florida Gators bounced back from a season-opening loss to Arizona with a vengeance, delivering a dominant defensive performance and a standout game from All-America candidate Alex Condon, who was sorely missed in Monday night’s matchup in Las Vegas.

North Florida never really stood a chance as the Gators rolled to a commanding 104-64 victory on Thursday night, just days after dropping their 93-87 opener. Despite the lopsided score, national championship vibes were palpable at the O’Connell Center.

A packed crowd of 10,065 fans roared with excitement before tip-off as the school unveiled the 2025 championship banner, now proudly hanging in the rafters on the stadium’s east side.

Although the Gators had a clear talent advantage and the energy in the building was electric, North Florida fought hard early on. The teams traded the lead six times in the first five minutes before Florida steadily pulled away and locked down defensively.

The Ospreys struggled offensively, shooting just 31%, while the Gators shot an efficient 49% from the floor. With the win, Florida extended its home opener winning streak to 35 games, a streak dating back to a narrow 76-74 loss to Texas in 1990 during coach Lon Kruger’s first season.

Alex Condon led the charge with 25 points on 8-of-12 shooting and 10 rebounds, marking his 10th career double-double. He also contributed four assists, three blocks, two steals, and committed just one turnover. This impressive performance was a sharp turnaround after his difficult game in Las Vegas, where against Arizona the 6-foot-11, 230-pound Australian and preseason AP first-team All-America managed only 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting, recorded a career-high six turnovers, and was outmuscled by true freshman Koa Peat, who scored 30 points.

Backup center Micah Handlogten also made a strong impact, finishing with 17 points and 13 rebounds for his second consecutive double-double. Thomas Haugh added 12 points and eight rebounds as the Gators dominated the glass with a 64-24 rebounding advantage and outscored North Florida 66-22 in the paint.

Florida’s dominance inside was the key to the victory, but fans wanted to see the Gators go even bigger under the basket. With the game well in hand, the crowd began chanting for 7-foot-9 freshman Olivier Rioux.

Responding to the fans with the score at 102-61 and 2:09 remaining, coach Todd Golden put Rioux into the game, making him the tallest player to ever play in a college basketball game.
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/11/06/florida-gators-mens-basketball-todd-golden-sec-north-florida-todd-golden-alex-condon-thomas-haugh-olivier-rioux/

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (TXRH) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

**Texas Roadhouse Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call Transcript**

*Good evening, and welcome to the Texas Roadhouse Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call. Today’s call is being recorded.*

**Operator Instructions:**
[Operator instructions omitted for brevity.]

I would now like to introduce Michael Bailen, Head of Investor Relations for Texas Roadhouse. Michael, you may begin your conference.

**David Palmer, Evercore ISI Institutional Equities, Research Division:**
Thank you, Julianne, and good evening, everyone.

By now, you should have access to our earnings release for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025. The release can also be found on our website at [texasroadhouse.com](https://www.texasroadhouse.com) in the Investors section.

I would like to remind everyone that part of our discussion today will include forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, and, therefore, undue reliance should not be placed upon them.

We refer all of you to our official filings and disclosures for further information.


https://seekingalpha.com/article/4839831-texas-roadhouse-inc-txrh-q3-2025-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed_all_articles

Cubs Extend Qualifying Offers to Shota Imanaga, Kyle Tucker

The Chicago Cubs made both a no-brainer and a questionable decision Thursday regarding their 2026 roster moves.

Chicago extended a qualifying offer (QO) to both starting pitcher Shota Imanaga and outfielder Kyle Tucker. This year’s qualifying offer is valued at $22.05 million. If both players decline the offer, the Cubs will receive compensatory draft picks in return.

Extending the qualifying offer to Kyle Tucker was an easy decision. It’s an almost guaranteed way for Chicago to secure an extra draft pick. Tucker is expected to command close to $400 million in free agency, making the chances of him accepting the Cubs’ $22.05 million offer roughly 0.0001%.

On the other hand, the qualifying offer to Shota Imanaga was more surprising given the current situation between him and the organization. Just a few days prior, the Cubs declined a $15 million option on Imanaga’s contract, which allowed the left-hander the opportunity to pick up a $15 million option of his own. Unexpectedly, Imanaga declined that option, choosing to become a free agent after only two seasons in Chicago.

It’s a bit shocking that the Cubs would essentially offer Imanaga a $7 million pay raise after his struggles in the second half of the season. Considering his performance, it’s unlikely Imanaga would command more than $22.05 million in free agency, which makes it plausible that he might accept the qualifying offer and spend at least one more season with Chicago.

Declining the option may place Imanaga in a challenging position this winter as he looks to sign his second Major League Baseball contract.

The most likely outcome appears to be Tucker declining his qualifying offer, while Imanaga accepts his, giving the Cubs one extra pick in next year’s MLB draft.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/cubs-extend-qualifying-offers-to-shota-imanaga-kyle-tucker-11007558

11/6: The Daily Report

Lindsey Reiser reports on a significant White House deal aimed at lowering the price of weight loss drugs. This development is expected to make these medications more accessible and affordable for many Americans struggling with weight management.

In addition, Reiser covers the upcoming flight cancellations that are anticipated as a result of the ongoing government shutdown. Travelers are advised to stay informed about their flight status and prepare for potential disruptions in air travel services.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/110625-the-daily-report/

“I can already picture the victory” – Christian Lee looks to erase sting of first fight with Alibeg Rasulov with a resounding win

Two-division MMA world champion Christian Lee carries the confidence of a fighter who knows exactly how his upcoming rematch in Japan will unfold.

With experience and skill on his side, Lee approaches the fight with unwavering self-assurance, ready to demonstrate why he’s at the top of his game. Fans eagerly await what promises to be an intense and thrilling showdown on Japanese soil.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-i-can-already-picture-victory-christian-lee-looks-erase-sting-first-fight-alibeg-rasulov-resounding-win

Zcash Surges 19% as Crypto Market Declines, Boosting Privacy Coin Interest

**Zcash (ZEC) Surges 19% Amid Broader Crypto Market Decline**

Zcash (ZEC) has surged over 19% in the past 24 hours, trading at $526 with a robust $1.68 billion in volume, according to CoinMarketCap data. This impressive gain stands out as the wider cryptocurrency market experiences significant declines. Bitcoin (BTC), for example, briefly fell below the $100,000 mark, dragging many other digital assets downward.

### What Is Causing the Zcash Price Surge?

The recent Zcash rally stems largely from renewed interest in its advanced privacy features during a time of market-wide sell-offs. While most cryptocurrencies have struggled, Zcash’s unique technology—built around zk-SNARKs—has drawn traders looking for anonymity and security amid volatile conditions.

This divergence highlights the growing value of shielded transactions that protect user identities and transaction details, a feature increasingly sought after given rising regulatory scrutiny in the crypto space.

### How Do Zcash Privacy Features Drive Market Performance?

Zcash utilizes zk-SNARKs (zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge), a zero-knowledge proof protocol allowing users to verify transactions without exposing sender, receiver, or transaction amount.

Unlike Bitcoin’s fully transparent ledger, Zcash offers optional shielding which appeals strongly to privacy advocates. According to blockchain analysts at Electric Coin Company, over 10% of Zcash transactions are now shielded, up from previous quarters. This adoption boost correlates closely with the token’s recent price momentum.

As the Zcash developer team lead puts it:
*“Privacy is a fundamental right in digital finance, and zk-SNARKs deliver it efficiently without compromising network security.”*

In essence, zk-SNARKs reduce data exposure while maintaining proof integrity—a tech edge that resonates in today’s uncertain market.

### Technical Indicators Support ZEC’s Bullish Momentum

Zcash’s price has been on an upward trajectory since early October, rallying from roughly $30-$60 to above $500. This sharp move has caught traders’ attention, especially as most major cryptocurrencies struggle to hold ground.

Key technical indicators highlight this strength:
– **50-Day Exponential Moving Average (EMA):** ZEC’s price currently sits well above its 50-day EMA, which is trending upward. This pattern indicates sustained buying pressure and a positive trend.
– **Awesome Oscillator (AO):** The AO has turned solidly positive at 155.58 with increasing green bars, signaling rising bullish momentum.

Together, these tools reflect genuine market support rather than short-term speculative spikes. The Awesome Oscillator, which compares recent to older price bars, shows buyers gaining control when green bars grow, reinforcing the uptrend.

### Rising Popularity and Social Sentiment Fuel ZEC Rally

Beyond charts, social media sentiment has played an influential role in Zcash’s price action. Comments from prominent figures helped boost interest:

– Billionaire investor Naval Ravikant stated, *“Bitcoin is insurance against fiat. Zcash is insurance against Bitcoin.”*
– BitMEX Co-Founder Arthur Hayes chimed in on October 31, *“Let me jinx this. EC to $400 and beyond!”*

Following these remarks, ZEC price surged as much as 36%, despite a prevailing market downtrend. Such endorsements attracted retail traders, amplifying trading volumes and enthusiasm.

### Why Does the Zcash Rally Stand Out?

Zcash’s strong performance contrasts sharply with the broader market decline, highlighting privacy features as a differentiator amid uncertainty. As the crypto community debates transparency versus privacy, Zcash’s optional shielding positions it uniquely.

However, the sustainability of this price surge remains uncertain, especially if overall market conditions persist weak. Investors are closely monitoring developments in the coming days to gauge whether the uptrend will hold.

### Is Zcash a Good Investment During Market Volatility?

Zcash’s privacy advantages make it appealing in volatile markets, and its price holding above key EMAs strengthens its technical case. While the recent 19% rally is promising, investors should remember that past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

On-chain data showing increased adoption and rising daily active addresses—up 15% last month—signal growing use cases, especially in DeFi privacy protocols. Nonetheless, consulting financial advisors is recommended for personalized guidance when considering ZEC as part of a diversified portfolio.

### Key Takeaways

– **Privacy Innovation:** Zcash’s zk-SNARKs enable anonymous transactions, differentiating it from transparent blockchains like Bitcoin.
– **Bullish Technicals:** The 50-day EMA and Awesome Oscillator confirm sustained upward momentum since early October.
– **Sentiment Boost:** Remarks from Naval Ravikant and Arthur Hayes have driven retail interest amid market sell-offs.

### Conclusion

Zcash stands out in the current turbulent crypto landscape by delivering strong privacy features coupled with solid technical momentum. Its recent 19% rally amid a broad market downturn underscores growing investor interest in privacy coins. While challenges remain, Zcash’s unique value proposition may continue to attract attention as traders seek security and anonymity in digital finance.

Stay tuned for further developments as the market evolves.

*For more insights and updates on privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, keep following [Your Site or Blog Name].*
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/crypto/zcash-surges-19-as-crypto-market-declines-boosting-privacy-coin-interest/

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