economy 15 - The Latremie Post

Bank of Japan Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike

**ChainCatcher and RootData to Co-Host ‘Crypto 2025’ Conference in Hong Kong**

On April 8, 2025, ChainCatcher and RootData will jointly host the highly anticipated ‘Crypto 2025’ conference in Hong Kong. This event will feature major blockchain stakeholders such as Stellar and Alibaba Cloud, aiming to bring together key players from across the industry.

Targeting institutional investors, the conference will highlight a potential shift in blockchain preferences—from Ethereum to Solana and Stellar. This evolving landscape is expected to significantly impact market dynamics and spark important discussions around regulatory frameworks and technological advancements.

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**Bank of Japan Eyes Rate Hike Amid Economic Forecast Alignment**

The Bank of Japan is considering raising interest rates as part of a broader economic forecast alignment. Such a move could substantially reshape Japan’s financial environment, influencing borrowing costs, consumer spending, and overall economic activity.

The central bank’s intent is to balance sustainable growth with inflation control, reflecting a strategic focus on stabilizing the economy. Market reactions to this possible rate hike are mixed. While some analysts forecast long-term economic stability if current trends persist, others express concerns about potential negative effects on growth.

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**Institutional Investors Navigate a Critical Phase**

Institutional investors find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. Notably, there is growing liquidity movement away from Ethereum toward competitors like Solana. This significant shift in capital allocation is expected to be a key topic of discussion at the upcoming ‘Crypto 2025’ conference.

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**Historical Low Rates and Potential Policy Shifts**

Did you know? Japan’s interest rates have remained historically low since the late 1990s, primarily to support economic recovery efforts. The current consideration of rate increases signals a potential shift toward more conventional monetary policies after decades of ultra-low rates.

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**Trade Ethereum Futures with Phemex**

As Japan evaluates its monetary policy path, international economic conditions may be influenced, potentially affecting global cryptocurrency markets. Stay ahead by trading Ethereum futures with Phemex, where you can leverage market movements amid these evolving economic policies.

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Stay tuned for more updates on the ‘Crypto 2025’ conference and global economic developments.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/bank-of-japan-signals-possible-interest-rate-hike/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bank-of-japan-signals-possible-interest-rate-hike

KOSPI May Run Out Of Steam On Friday

The South Korea stock market has advanced for three consecutive sessions, gaining nearly 35 points or 1.2% during this period. The KOSPI now stands just above the 2,890-point level, although the rally may face resistance on Friday.

Global forecasts for the Asian markets suggest profit-taking, especially within the technology sectors. While European markets showed gains, U.S. bourses closed lower, and Asian markets are expected to follow the latter trend.

On Thursday, the KOSPI finished modestly higher, supported by gains in financial shares, technology stocks, and industrials. The index climbed 23.36 points, or 0.81%, to close at 2,891.35. Trading volume was robust, with 453 million shares exchanged, valued at 14.4 trillion won. There were 438 gainers compared to 414 decliners.

Among the most active stocks, Shinhan Financial jumped 1.96%, while KB Financial and SK Telecom both rallied 2.15%. Hana Financial rose 0.49%. In the technology sector, Samsung Electronics slipped 0.23%, but Samsung SDI surged 4.42%. LG Electronics gained 0.63%, and SK Hynix advanced 0.84%. Naver declined 0.79%.

In the chemicals and energy sectors, LG Chem soared 2.95%, Lotte Chemical strengthened 1.32%, and S-Oil added 0.60%. Conversely, SK Innovation dropped 1.11%. Metals giant POSCO skyrocketed 6.24%, while KEPCO increased 0.81%. Automotive stocks also showed strength: Hyundai Mobis improved 0.86%, Hyundai Motor climbed 1.46%, and Kia Motors rose 0.25%.

Wall Street’s lead was mostly negative on Thursday as major U.S. averages opened lower. The Dow inched slightly into positive territory, while the S&P 500 and NASDAQ retreated from record highs. The Dow rose by 32.39 points (0.08%) to finish at 39,753.75. However, the NASDAQ plunged 364.04 points (1.95%) to close at 18,283.41, and the S&P 500 fell 49.37 points (0.88%) to end at 5,584.54.

Early optimism regarding interest rate prospects helped Wall Street open strong, but enthusiasm waned as traders appeared to have already priced in a rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September. The subsequent sell-off resulted from investors taking profits after recent market advances, notably in leading tech stocks such as AI favorite Nvidia (NVDA), which led the retreat.

Despite the pullback, the Federal Reserve is still widely expected to lower interest rates in September. This outlook was reinforced by a Labor Department report indicating that prices in the U.S. unexpectedly edged slightly lower in June.

Oil futures settled higher on Thursday, buoyed by hopes for an interest rate cut following the encouraging inflation data. However, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures for August ended down $0.52 at $82.62 per barrel.

*The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Nasdaq, Inc.*
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/kospi-may-run-out-steam-friday

Trump’s new $100K visa fee could worsen state doctor shortages, experts say

In Kentucky, patients often drive up to two hours to see Dr. Manikya Kuriti, one of the few endocrinologists serving the rural communities surrounding Louisville. Her expertise is crucial for residents who otherwise have limited access to specialized medical care.

Dr. Kuriti’s husband, a pulmonologist, also plays a vital role in supporting rural healthcare. He travels from Louisville to small hospitals located an hour south and north in Indiana. There, he assists small medical teams in treating critically ill patients, bringing much-needed expertise to these underserved areas.

Rural communities have long struggled with limited access to specialized medical services, making the contributions of medical professionals like Dr. Kuriti and her husband invaluable to the health and well-being of these populations.
https://ncnewsline.com/2025/10/16/repub/trumps-new-100k-visa-fee-could-worsen-state-doctor-shortages-experts-say/

Bitcoin Treasury Inflows Drop to Lowest Levels Since Mid-June 2023

TLDR Bitcoin treasury inflows fell to just 140 BTC per day, the lowest since June 2023. Institutional demand for Bitcoin slowed significantly after the October 6 price peak. About 25% of public Bitcoin treasury firms trade below their net asset value. Bitcoin’s price stabilization around $110,000 may be impacting institutional buying. Bitcoin treasuries, once seen as a major driver for Bitcoin’s market growth, have sharply reduced their purchases of the cryptocurrency in recent months. The sharp decline in daily inflows of Bitcoin to these firms indicates that the momentum seen earlier this year is waning, with many now questioning the sustainability of the digital asset treasury model. Institutional Demand for Bitcoin Drops Bitcoin digital asset treasuries (DATs) have seen a notable reduction in inflows, reflecting a significant cooling in institutional interest. The seven-day moving average of net daily inflows has dropped to 140 BTC, the lowest since mid-June. This marks a drastic decline from the peak in July, when inflows were as high as 8, 249 BTC, according to data from BitcoinTreasuries. net. In fact, recent daily activity has shown even weaker performance. Out of 15 days in October, 12 days recorded inflows of under 500 BTC, with several days experiencing no inflows at all. This trend suggests that the once-aggressive buying activity from institutional investors has significantly slowed down, possibly due to the current market conditions and uncertainty about Bitcoin’s future price movements. Price Stabilization and Market Consolidation Bitcoin’s price has also cooled after reaching an all-time high of over $126,000 on October 6. Currently, it has stabilized above the $110,000 mark, showing signs of market consolidation. According to market analysts, Bitcoin’s price has been range-bound since June, reflecting a balance between bullish optimism and profit-taking among investors. The stabilization of Bitcoin’s price could be playing a role in the decreased appetite for further acquisitions from firms holding digital asset treasuries. As the market experiences this phase of consolidation, the likelihood of significant price jumps in the short term appears to be decreasing, which may reduce the urgency for institutions to increase their holdings. Challenges Faced by Bitcoin Treasury Firms The business model behind Bitcoin treasuries relies heavily on borrowing fiat to acquire Bitcoin, betting that its price will continue to rise. However, this model faces several challenges, particularly the lack of inherent yield from Bitcoin itself. Unlike stocks or bonds, Bitcoin does not generate any regular income for its holders. Therefore, for companies that have borrowed funds to buy Bitcoin, the value of their holdings needs to appreciate significantly to justify the cost of the debt. For many digital asset treasury firms, this has resulted in a dilemma. They are exposed to potential market downturns and may face difficulties if Bitcoin’s price fails to continue rising. As a result, firms that once issued stock or debt to fund Bitcoin purchases now risk seeing their market valuations drop, especially as Bitcoin prices have shown signs of stabilizing or even declining. As NYDIG points out, the relationship between a firm’s net asset value (NAV) and its stock price is closely tied to Bitcoin’s price. A downtrend in Bitcoin could see firms’ market value fall below the value of the Bitcoin they hold. Market Sentiment and the Future of Digital Asset Treasuries While Bitcoin’s price recovery earlier in the year spurred a wave of institutional interest, the recent slowdown in treasury inflows may signal a shift in market sentiment. Moreover, some publicly traded Bitcoin treasury firms are now facing a situation where they trade below their NAV, meaning the value of their stock is less than the Bitcoin they hold. According to NYDIG, this development is concerning, as the premiums tied to Bitcoin’s price may evaporate in a market downturn. Approximately one in four of these publicly traded DATs now trade below their NAV, further highlighting the potential risks these firms face as Bitcoin’s market outlook remains uncertain. In the face of these challenges, it remains to be seen whether Bitcoin treasuries can continue to grow or if institutional interest in them will decline further. The recent reduction in inflows is a sign that firms may be reevaluating their strategies and waiting for clearer market signals before making further Bitcoin purchases.
https://coincentral.com/bitcoin-treasury-inflows-drop-to-lowest-levels-since-mid-june-2023/

Corn Trading Steady on Thursday Morning

Corn futures are holding steady on Thursday morning, with contracts remaining close to unchanged. On Wednesday, the corn market saw gains of 3 to 4 cents across most contracts. Preliminary open interest slipped by 6,238 contracts on Wednesday, signaling some shorts covering.

The CmdtyView national average cash corn price rose by 3¾ cents to $3.74.

Due to the Monday holiday, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) data release has been postponed to Thursday. Market watchers will be closely monitoring whether ethanol production can continue its recent rebound. Normally, Export Sales data would be released on Friday; however, the ongoing government shutdown has suspended this update. Traders estimate that corn bookings ranged between 0.9 to 2 million metric tons (MMT) for the week ending October 9.

In international news, two separate South Korean importers purchased a combined total of 269,000 metric tons of corn in private tenders on Wednesday. No official origins were listed for these purchases.

Corn Contract Closing Prices:
– December 2025 corn closed at $4.16¾, up 3¾ cents and is currently unchanged.
– Nearby cash corn was $3.74, up 3¾ cents.
– March 2026 corn closed at $4.32¼, up 3 cents and is currently unchanged.
– May 2026 corn closed at $4.41, up 3 cents and is currently up ¼ cent.

Disclaimer: As of the date of publication, Austin Schroeder does not hold positions, either directly or indirectly, in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data are provided solely for informational purposes. For more details, please refer to the [Barchart Disclosure Policy](https://www.barchart.com/disclosure).

Additional news from Barchart:
– Grain Traders React to Unexpected Deterioration in U.S.-China Relations
– Five Things to Watch for a Turnaround
– Will Cotton Ever Rally?
– As China Shuns U.S. Agricultural Products, Make This One Trade Now
– Corn and Soybean Bulls Faced Challenges Last Week: What to Watch Next

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/corn-trading-steady-thursday-morning

CAC Rises After Government Survives No-confidence Votes

French stocks are trading in positive territory on Thursday, lifting the benchmark CAC 40 to an eight-month high. The market sentiment remains firm following the French government’s survival of no-confidence votes.

France’s reappointed Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, successfully survived successive no-confidence votes in the National Assembly today. His narrow victory was secured thanks to sufficient support from moderates, helping to avert a second government collapse in as many weeks. Lecornu’s offer to suspend an unpopular pension reform played a key role in swaying the opposition Socialists, providing his government with a crucial lifeline in the deeply fragmented chamber.

The CAC 40 index was up 55.75 points, or 0.69%, at 8,132.75 a few minutes ago.

In the stock-specific developments, Pernod Ricard is climbing 3.7%. After a challenging first quarter, the French spirits maker expects sales to improve in fiscal year 2026. For the first quarter, Pernod Ricard recorded sales of EUR 2.384 billion, down from EUR 2.783 billion during the same period last year.

Other notable gainers include EssilorLuxottica, up 2.3%, while Michelin, Edenred, Thales, and Renault are up between 1.6% and 1.8%. Legrand, Societe Generale, Schneider Electric, Sanofi, Safran, STMicroElectronics, Publicis Groupe, and Stellantis saw increases ranging from 1% to 1.2%.

On the downside, Kering is declining by about 1.6%. Bouygues, Euronext, and Hermes International are down between 0.4% and 0.8%, while ArcelorMittal is down marginally.

*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Nasdaq, Inc.*
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/cac-rises-after-government-survives-no-confidence-votes

Analysts Expect KIE To Hit $64

At ETF Channel, we analyzed the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe by comparing the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price. From this, we computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself.

For the SPDR S&P Insurance ETF (Symbol: KIE), we found that the implied analyst target price based on its underlying holdings is $63.98 per unit. With KIE trading recently near $58.32 per unit, this suggests that analysts see approximately 9.70% upside for this ETF when looking through to the average analyst targets of its underlying holdings.

Among KIE’s underlying holdings, three stocks stand out with notable upside potential relative to their analyst target prices: The Baldwin Insurance Group Inc (Symbol: BWIN), Globe Life Inc (Symbol: GL), and Allstate Corp (Symbol: ALL).

BWIN has recently traded at around $26.31 per share, while the average analyst target price is significantly higher at $38.00, representing an upside of 44.43%.
GL is trading near $138.10, with analysts setting a target price of $164.85, indicating a potential upside of 19.37%.
ALL has a recent price of $200.42, with an average target price of $233.05, suggesting an upside of 16.28%.

Combined, BWIN, GL, and ALL represent approximately 5.45% of the total SPDR S&P Insurance ETF holdings.

Below is a summary table of the recent prices and average analyst 12-month target prices for these securities:

Name	Symbol	Recent Price	Avg. Analyst 12-Mo. Target	% Upside to Target
SPDR S&P Insurance ETF	KIE	$58.32	$63.98	9.70%
The Baldwin Insurance Group Inc	BWIN	$26.31	$38.00	44.43%
Globe Life Inc	GL	$138.10	$164.85	19.37%
Allstate Corp	ALL	$200.42	$233.05	16.28%

While these upside figures highlight potential growth according to analyst targets, it is important for investors to consider whether these targets are justified. Are analysts being overly optimistic about where these stocks will trade 12 months from now? Alternatively, could the targets be outdated, not reflecting recent company or industry developments?

A high price target relative to a stock’s current trading price can signal optimism regarding future performance. However, it can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets have not been updated to reflect the latest market conditions.

These questions merit further research by investors before making decisions. Evaluating a company’s fundamentals, industry trends, and recent developments can provide clearer insight into whether analyst targets are reasonable or overly bullish.

10 ETFs With Most Upside To Analyst Targets »

Also see:

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Nasdaq, Inc.

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/analysts-expect-kie-hit-64

Arbitrum Records $4.5B Net Inflows Amid Market Recovery, Eyes 200% Target

**Arbitrum Sees Largest 48-Hour Net Inflows of $4.5 Billion Amid Market Volatility**

Arbitrum has experienced a significant surge with net inflows reaching $4.5 billion over the past 48 hours. This explosive growth highlights strong interest from both institutional and retail investors as the ecosystem stabilizes. Analysts are increasingly optimistic, expecting substantial growth in the near future.

Following the recent market meltdown, Arbitrum prices dropped below $0.13 but rebounded rapidly. At the time of writing, Arbitrum is trading at $0.334, which is nearly 20% below its value from one week ago. Despite the sharp decline, the market showed resilience and bounced back quickly.

The daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) currently stands at 36, indicating oversold conditions, which might present a buying opportunity for traders. Meanwhile, the 21-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA 21) is positioned at $0.395, a key level that market participants are closely monitoring for a potential breakout.

**Market Overview and Technical Picture**

Traders are watching Arbitrum carefully as the support level at $0.32 provides short-term assistance against further declines. However, trading volume has dropped by 37% to approximately $285 million per day, signaling caution among investors as they wait for confirmation that the current momentum is sustainable.

**Signs of a Bullish Outlook for Arbitrum**

Several analysts view the current price levels as a mispricing opportunity. Arbitrum remains the most active Layer-2 solution in the blockchain industry, processing millions of transactions daily and boasting high user and developer engagement.

Technical projections are optimistic, with forecasts suggesting that the ARB/BTC trading pair could see a target increase of around 200%. This positive outlook reinforces the belief that Arbitrum is well-positioned for substantial gains as the market recovers.

Investors and traders are advised to keep a close eye on key support and resistance levels as the ecosystem continues to evolve amid ongoing market dynamics.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/arbitrum-records-4-5b-net-inflows-amid-market-recovery-eyes-200-target/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=arbitrum-records-4-5b-net-inflows-amid-market-recovery-eyes-200-target

Australia jobless rate rises to 4.5% in Sept; employment growth misses estimates

**Australia Jobless Rate Rises to 4.5% in September; Employment Growth Misses Estimates**

Australia’s job market showed significant weakness in September 2025. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed to 4.5%, surpassing both the prior month’s revised figure and the expected consensus of 4.3%. This marks the highest jobless rate since November 2021.

The disappointing rise in unemployment highlights growing challenges within the labor sector, as employment growth failed to meet economists’ estimates for the month.

**Related Stocks**

– EWA
– FXA
– FLAU

*Stay tuned for more trending news and detailed market analysis.*
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4504616-australia-jobless-rate-rises-to-45-in-sept-employment-growth-misses-estimates?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

Gold hits new highs as safe-haven buying and Fed outlook fuels momentum

**Gold (XAU/USD) Extends Rally to Fifth Day, Hits New Record Highs Amid Global Uncertainties**

Gold continues its impressive uptrend for the fifth consecutive day, scaling new record highs during the Asian session on Thursday. The persistent rise in gold prices reflects mounting global anxieties among investors, who remain increasingly concerned about economic risks associated with the US government shutdown, heightened US-China trade tensions, and escalating geopolitical conflicts. These factors continue to drive capital flows towards the traditional safe-haven asset—bullion.

Adding to gold’s appeal are dovish expectations for the US Federal Reserve (Fed). Market participants appear to have nearly fully priced in the possibility of two additional rate cuts by the Fed this year, bolstering demand for the non-yielding yellow metal. This outlook weighs on the US Dollar (USD), which has slipped to a more than one-week low, further strengthening the case for gold’s near-term appreciation.

Despite extremely overbought conditions visible on short-term charts, gold bulls remain undeterred. This resilience solidifies a positive near-term outlook for the commodity ahead of upcoming speeches from influential Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) members.

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### Market Movers: Gold Supported by Flight to Safety, Dovish Fed, and Weaker USD

The partial US federal government shutdown has now stretched into its third week, with no resolution in sight. On Wednesday, a Republican-backed stopgap funding bill failed for the ninth time in the Senate, intensifying concerns about the economic fallout from a prolonged shutdown. A Treasury official estimated that the shutdown could cost the US economy $15 billion per week in lost output, revising an earlier statement from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Meanwhile, US-China trade tensions escalated further as both countries imposed reciprocal port fees this week. President Donald Trump also indicated he was considering ending the cooking oil trade with China in retaliation for China’s refusal to purchase American soybeans. Trump described the situation as an all-out trade war between the two nations.

On the other hand, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent proposed a potential pause on import duties for Chinese goods beyond three months if China halts its planned export controls on rare-earth elements—offering a glimmer of hope for easing tensions.

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### Geopolitical Concerns and Fed Dovishness Support Gold

Geopolitically, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Russia about possible consequences should the Ukraine conflict continue unabated. Adding to the tensions, President Trump mentioned the possibility of supplying Ukraine with longer-range Tomahawk cruise missiles.

In a dovish signal on Tuesday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell highlighted an ongoing sluggish labor market, characterized by low hiring and firing activity through September. This reaffirmed market expectations for two 25 basis point rate cuts in the Fed’s October and December meetings.

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### USD Under Pressure as Gold Extends Gains

The US Dollar has continued its downtrend for the third straight day, reaching its lowest level in over a week during Thursday’s Asian session. This decline supports gold’s record-breaking rally and suggests further upside potential for the yellow metal in the near term.

With no major economic releases on the immediate horizon, all eyes will be on speeches from key FOMC members for clues on upcoming rate adjustments. These communications are expected to play a crucial role in shaping USD demand and providing momentum to gold prices.

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### Technical Outlook: Gold Bulls Defy Overbought Signals

The XAU/USD pair has steadily trended higher along an upward-sloping trend line over the past month. Notably, gold’s recent sustained break and hold above the $4,200 psychological level has acted as a fresh catalyst for bullish momentum.

However, an extremely overbought daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) calls for caution before traders consider further long positions. Any corrective pullback could attract buyers near the $4,200 mark, potentially limiting downside pressure toward the $4,180-$4,175 support zone.

If gold breaks convincingly below this level, technical selling may intensify, driving prices toward the intermediate support area around $4,135 en route to the $4,100 level. The next critical support zone lies near $4,060-$4,055. A decisive break below this could signal that the XAU/USD pair has reached a near-term peak.

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**In summary, gold’s uptrend remains robust, supported by an intricate mix of economic uncertainties, dovish Fed expectations, and a weakening US dollar. Traders should monitor key support levels closely while staying attuned to upcoming FOMC remarks, which will likely influence the metals market direction in the short term.**
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/gold-hits-new-highs-as-safe-haven-buying-and-fed-outlook-fuels-momentum/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gold-hits-new-highs-as-safe-haven-buying-and-fed-outlook-fuels-momentum