finance 2 - The Latremie Post

Florida releases nearly $60M to cover missing, frozen voucher funds

Florida Officials Aim to Solve Voucher Program Funding Woes with Nearly $60 Million in Payments

Florida government officials hope that nearly $60 million in payments to families and schools will resolve last year’s financial troubles in the state’s education voucher program. However, lawmakers emphasized Wednesday that fundamental changes are still needed in the way the state and its scholarship funding organizations operate.

“It is my sincere hope that through the work of this subcommittee, together we can explore ways to improve the implementation and administration of our state scholarship programs to ensure that what happened in fiscal year 2024-25 is not repeated going forward,” said Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, chairperson of the House PreK-12 Budget Subcommittee.

Her panel has recently held three hearings to address concerns with the voucher program. Last year, the House rejected Senate efforts to reform the funding model now under scrutiny.

The Problems at Hand

The issues that surfaced last year centered on two main problems:

First, school districts faced a $47 million shortfall in state funding as students who claimed voucher awards attended public schools.

Second, about 22,000 voucher recipients had their accounts frozen after being identified as enrolled in public education.

“The Department [of Education] has come to us, the Legislature, the appropriators, to help resolve those issues because there were no funds left in the [Florida Education Finance Program] for fiscal 2024-25,” Persons-Mulicka told her subcommittee.

Funding Fixes Announced

According to Persons-Mulicka, the solution now appears to be in hand. The Department and scholarship funding organizations—Step Up for Students and AAA—spent months determining which students had their accounts improperly frozen.

On October 29, $16.9 million was released to these organizations for students who were owed money. As of Wednesday, almost all the funds had been distributed to about 3,700 of the initially identified 22,000 children.

“For those families and for those schools that accept scholarship funds,” she said, “I encourage you to all check your scholarship accounts as of today.”

Legislative Action for School Districts

For the affected school districts, the Legislature advanced a $47 million budget amendment on Wednesday.

“This amount will be released to school districts to make them whole for fiscal year 2024-25,” Persons-Mulicka said. She noted that the Department informed districts the money should be received next week.

Continuing Concerns and Next Steps

After announcing the funding fixes, the subcommittee engaged in a lengthy discussion about ongoing challenges. Topics included how students are identified so their vouchers can be properly assigned and issues families have raised about the reimbursement process for voucher-related expenses. These concerns have persisted for several years and have intensified as the program has expanded.

Jeffrey S. Solochek is a reporter covering education for the Tampa Bay Times Education Hub.

You can support the hub through our journalism fund.
©2025 Tampa Bay Times. Visit tampabay.com.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/06/florida-releases-nearly-60m-to-cover-missing-frozen-voucher-funds/

Schwab: Majority of Retail Investors Plan to Up ETF Allocations

**Retail Investors’ Appetite for ETFs Continues to Grow, Says Charles Schwab Report**

Retail investors are showing increasing enthusiasm for exchange-traded funds (ETFs), both among experienced investors and those considering their first ETF investments. This trend is highlighted in the 14th annual “ETFs and Beyond” report from Charles Schwab Asset Management.

**Momentum Building Toward ETF-Only Portfolios**

“It’s a continuation of the momentum we have been seeing,” noted David Botset, Head of Strategy, Innovation and Stewardship at Schwab Asset Management. “Investors continue to indicate they anticipate more of their investment portfolios going into ETFs in the future, such that they are actually thinking about a future where, in some cases, within five years, they may have an ETF-only portfolio.”

**Survey Overview**

The study surveyed 2,000 retail investors, evenly split between those who currently hold ETFs in their portfolios and those who have yet to invest in them. Notably, most respondents with ETF holdings began investing in these products within the past five years (66%), while 32% started before 2019.

The survey results were unveiled at the Schwab Impact conference held this week in Denver.

**Key Findings Among ETF Holders**

– An overwhelming 93% of investors with ETFs consider them a necessary part of their portfolio.
– 82% identified ETFs as their preferred investment vehicle.
– 61% reported increasing their ETF allocations in 2025.
– 75% indicated they were likely to invest in another ETF within the next two years.
– Currently, ETFs represent about 27% of these investors’ portfolios, with expectations to rise to 34% within five years.
– 62% said they would reallocate money from individual stock investments into ETFs.
– 51% planned to pull funds from mutual funds to increase ETF holdings.
– 38% would invest new, previously uninvested money into ETFs.

**Newer Investors Show Greater Enthusiasm**

Investors who adopted ETFs in the past five years are more inclined to significantly increase their ETF allocations compared to those who began investing earlier.

– About half of both newer and experienced investors plan to increase their ETF investments modestly within the next year.
– However, 30% of newer investors aim to significantly boost their ETF holdings, versus only 12% of seasoned investors.
– When it comes to maintaining current investment levels, 15% of newer and 29% of experienced investors preferred to keep their allocations steady.
– Notably, 70% of newer investors are open to the idea of an ETF-only portfolio, compared to 49% of experienced investors.

**Generational Differences in ETF Adoption**

Generation also plays a significant role in ETF investment intentions:

– 32% of millennials plan to significantly increase their ETF holdings in the next year, compared to 20% of Gen X investors and 6% of baby boomers.
– A majority of millennials (66%) would consider allocating their entire portfolio to ETFs.
– Only 42% of Gen X investors and 15% of baby boomers shared this consideration.

**Interest Among Non-ETF Investors**

Among respondents not currently holding ETFs, 48% expressed likelihood to invest in ETFs within the next two years.

—

### Preferred Strategies and Asset Classes

For most ETF investors (53%), portfolios rely mainly on core strategies complemented by some tactical or niche holdings. Another 18% allocate their entire ETF portfolio to core strategies.

**Top Asset Classes for ETF Investment:**

– **U.S. Equities:** 52% plan to invest
– **Bonds/Fixed Income:** 45%
– **Cryptocurrency:** 45%
– **Emerging Markets Equities:** 41%
– **Real Assets:** 40%
– **International Developed Markets:** 29%
– **Alternatives:** 26%

David Botset commented, “The majority of ETF investors are either using ETFs to establish a core investment portfolio, or they are doing a core investment portfolio with a small portion that is a little bit more tactical… ETF investors are seemingly using ETFs more and more in lieu of mutual funds.”

Dividend ETFs are especially popular, with 54% of surveyed investors planning to invest in them. Single-stock ETFs follow at 36%.

**Active vs. Passive Management Preferences**

– Passive ETFs are preferred for U.S. equities, bonds/fixed income, international developed markets, and cryptocurrency.
– For emerging market equities, 39% of investors prefer actively managed ETFs, slightly more than the 35% who favor passive funds.
– Alternatives also see a tilt toward active management, with 35% opting for it compared to 32% choosing passive ETFs.

Top reasons for choosing actively managed ETFs include:

– Potential to outperform index ETFs (63%)
– Access to alternative strategies (51%)
– Potential downside protection (45%)
– Access to specific funds or asset managers (41%)

—

### Factors Influencing ETF Selection

Cost remains the most critical factor when choosing an ETF, cited by 59% of respondents—a notable increase of 200 basis points from 2024’s survey.

Other influential factors include:

– **Reputation of the ETF Provider:** 55%
– **ETF Brand Name:** 40%
– **Investment Stewardship Approach:** 39%

Both investors with and without current ETF holdings demonstrated strong interest in optimizing tax strategies through ETFs, at 60% and 49% respectively.

Additionally, 55% of current ETF investors and 39% of non-investors expressed interest in investing in long-term trends and macro themes via ETFs.

—

### About the Survey

Conducted between July 25 and August 14, 2025, the annual study targeted investors aged 25 to 75 with at least $25,000 in investable assets. Non-ETF investors were required to have at least some familiarity with ETFs.

The survey was carried out by independent research firm Logica Research.

—

*As interest and adoption of ETFs continue to rise, Schwab Asset Management’s latest report underscores the growing role ETFs play in retail investors’ portfolios across generations and experience levels.*
https://www.wealthmanagement.com/etfs/schwab-majority-of-retail-investors-plan-to-up-their-etf-allocations

Galaxy Slashes Bitcoin Price Target for 2025 as BTC Enters ‘Maturity Era’

Galaxy Lowers Bitcoin End-of-Year Price Target from $185,000 to $120,000

Institutional crypto firm Galaxy has revised its end-of-year price target for Bitcoin, lowering it from $185,000 to $120,000. This adjustment comes in the wake of Bitcoin (BTC) falling below the $100,000 mark for the first time in six months.

In a note to its clients on Wednesday, Galaxy attributed this change to recent market developments, including a significant drop in BTC’s price and a $2 billion wave of liquidations that swept through the market on Tuesday. According to the firm, Bitcoin is now entering what it terms the “maturity era,” characterized by reduced volatility and increased stability.

### Bitcoin’s “Maturity Era” and Market Implications

Galaxy explains that during this new phase, market dynamics will be dominated by institutional absorption, passive investment flows, and lower volatility levels. As a result, the firm anticipates that Bitcoin’s gains will be more gradual moving forward, with prices expected to approach—but not exceed—previous all-time highs by the end of the year.

Recently, Bitcoin has been trading around $103,923, marking a 3% increase following Tuesday’s market upheaval. However, this price still represents an approximate 18% decline from its all-time high of $126,080 set just last month, according to data from CoinGecko.

### Shifting Market Dynamics

Galaxy’s analysis highlights several factors working against Bitcoin’s favor in the current market:

– The record $19 billion liquidation cascade on October 10, triggered partially by President Trump’s threats of massive tariffs on China, has shaken investor confidence and reduced market liquidity.

– Alternative assets, such as gold and AI-focused stocks, have started to compete more aggressively with Bitcoin for investors’ attention.

– The growing popularity of stablecoins has also diverted interest away from Bitcoin within the crypto space.

### Policy Developments and Investor Sentiment

On the policy front, expectations for a Bitcoin strategic reserve were high when President Trump took office in January. While an executive order was signed to establish such a reserve, there have been no subsequent Bitcoin purchases, and government communication on the initiative has been minimal, Galaxy noted.

Additionally, retail investor enthusiasm for crypto has waned significantly since 2021. Galaxy describes retail buyers as largely “apathetic” toward Bitcoin, with the previous year’s meme coin surge providing only a temporary boost in attention that has yet to translate into sustained confidence in Bitcoin.

### Future Outlook for Bitcoin Treasury Companies

Galaxy also predicts changes for companies holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets. Whereas stock prices for these firms previously rose in tandem with Bitcoin’s price, the cooling momentum means that generating revenue through other means will become necessary.

### Market Predictions

According to predictors on Myriad—a platform developed by Decrypt’s parent company, Dastan—there is a 64% likelihood that Bitcoin will reach $115,000 before it drops to $85,000.

—

As Bitcoin transitions into this new phase of maturity, investors and market observers will be closely watching how these evolving dynamics shape the outlook for the world’s leading cryptocurrency.
https://decrypt.co/347449/galaxy-slashes-bitcoin-price-target-2025-btc-enters-maturity-era

Dallas Cowboys Make Two Trades at Trade Deadline to Bolster Defense

The Dallas Cowboys recently made significant moves to bolster their roster ahead of the upcoming seasons.

According to reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo, the Cowboys acquired Williams in a trade that involved multiple assets. Dallas sent a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to complete the deal.

An interesting detail in this trade is that New York will receive the higher of the Cowboys’ two first-round picks in 2027. This is possible because Dallas holds both its own and Green Bay’s first-round selections, thanks to the Micah Parsons trade earlier this year.

In a separate transaction, the Cowboys also acquired linebacker Logan Wilson from the Bengals. For Wilson, Dallas traded away a 2026 seventh-round draft pick.

These moves highlight the Cowboys’ commitment to strengthening their defense and positioning themselves for sustained success in the coming years.
https://sanangelolive.com/news/sports/2025-11-05/dallas-cowboys-make-two-trades-trade-deadline-bolster-defense

Government shutdown puts NY HEAP on hold

The federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which helps low-income New Yorkers afford heating and cooling, has been indefinitely delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown.

As a result, approximately 1.5 million households are now at risk of going without heat this winter. This delay raises serious concerns about the well-being of vulnerable populations as colder months approach.

Efforts to resolve the shutdown and resume the program are critical to ensuring that those in need can access essential heating and cooling assistance in time.
https://www.news10.com/capitol/heap-delays-new-york-shutdown/

Coinbase Eyes $2B Stablecoin Deal That Could Change Everything

**Coinbase Eyes $2 Billion Stablecoin Deal That Could Change Everything**

Coinbase is in advanced negotiations to acquire stablecoin infrastructure startup BVNK for approximately $2 billion. The exchange secured exclusive negotiating rights after winning a competitive bidding process for the London-based startup. Due diligence is already underway, and the deal could close by the end of this year or early 2026.

Stablecoins currently generate nearly 20% of Coinbase’s total revenue in the third quarter, highlighting the sector’s growing importance to the company. Coinbase Ventures already backs BVNK alongside Citi Ventures, Haun Ventures, and Visa, indicating strong investor confidence in the startup’s potential.

### Exchange Pursues BVNK Acquisition

According to Bloomberg, Coinbase Global Inc. is in negotiations to purchase BVNK, though the transaction terms remain flexible, and changes could still occur before finalization. Insiders confirm that both companies are moving forward with the acquisition process.

Coinbase secured exclusive negotiating rights after winning a competitive bidding process and has been actively exploring ways to strengthen its stablecoin infrastructure. BVNK’s merchant network and compliance systems are expected to enhance Coinbase’s payment capabilities significantly.

The startup’s backers include Coinbase Ventures, Citi Ventures, Haun Ventures, and Visa, all of whom hold stakes in the London-based company. A Coinbase spokesperson stated that the exchange “actively explores opportunities to advance its mission of expanding economic freedom.”

### Stablecoins Drive Revenue Growth

Stablecoins generated nearly 20% of Coinbase’s total revenue in the third quarter, underscoring their vital role in the company’s business model. Coinbase earns income through its partnership with Circle Internet Group, the issuer of USDC, which allows Coinbase to receive a share of interest generated on reserves.

To promote mainstream adoption, Coinbase has integrated USDC into Shopify’s payments ecosystem. Additionally, the company recently partnered with Citigroup to pilot new initiatives aimed at expanding stablecoin usage further.

—

This potential acquisition underlines Coinbase’s strategic focus on the stablecoin payments sector, which continues to grow rapidly. If completed, the deal could significantly enhance Coinbase’s position in the evolving digital payments landscape.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/coinbase-eyes-2b-stablecoin-deal-that-could-change-everything/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=coinbase-eyes-2b-stablecoin-deal-that-could-change-everything

Grayscale Research Chief Forecasts $5B Inflows for US Solana Spot ETFs

**Solana ETFs Poised for Rapid Growth, Could Rival Bitcoin and Ethereum Products**

*By Zabi*

Zach Pandl, head of research at Grayscale Investments, believes Solana exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could soon rival the success of Bitcoin and Ethereum investment products. He expects that within one to two years, about 5% of all Solana tokens could be held in regulated exchange-traded structures—a share worth over $5 billion at today’s prices.

Pandl made this prediction following the launch of the Grayscale Solana ETF (GSOL) and Bitwise Solana ETF (BSOL) this week. Both products mark a new chapter for the fast-growing market of crypto-based investment vehicles.

—

### Strong Debut for New Solana ETFs

Bitwise’s BSOL began trading on Tuesday, drawing $129 million in inflows within its first two days, according to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas. Grayscale’s GSOL, which launched the next day, recorded $4 million on its first trading day.

Despite being a day behind, analysts described GSOL’s early performance as strong, given the increasingly crowded market. Pandl said Grayscale expects Solana ETFs to become multi-billion-dollar businesses as investor interest broadens.

—

### From Niche to Mainstream: Crypto ETFs Gain Ground

Exchange-traded products (ETPs) allow investors to obtain cryptocurrency exposure through traditional brokerage and retirement accounts. This structure enables participation in the asset class without requiring direct ownership of digital tokens.

According to the Investment Company Institute, U.S.-listed ETFs held over $10 trillion in assets by the end of 2024, accounting for 26% of all managed assets. Crypto ETFs represent only a small fraction of this total, but their growth has been rapid. Bitcoin ETPs currently manage $149 billion, while Ethereum products hold $26 billion, across roughly 20 funds.

—

### Regulation Remains a Concern

Not all financial institutions share Grayscale’s optimism. Earlier this week, Charles Schwab warned that crypto remains lightly regulated, even as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to approve new ETPs.

> “The SEC’s hands-off stance means higher risk for investors,” the firm said, noting that the crypto sector lacks the oversight applied to equities and bonds.

—

### GSOL Evolution: From Trust to ETF

Grayscale’s Solana product, GSOL, originally launched as a private trust in 2021, holding around $100 million in Solana tokens. Its conversion to an ETF this week makes the fund more flexible, allowing it to trade closer to the actual value of its holdings.

The shift eliminates the large premiums and discounts often seen in closed-end crypto trusts. Pandl said the conversion opens access to a broader range of investors while improving liquidity and pricing transparency.

—

### Competition and Diversification Ahead

Solana’s debut comes as Hedera and Litecoin ETFs also enter the market, though their inflows remain modest. More than a dozen additional crypto-based funds are expected to seek approval soon.

Pandl expects investor interest to gradually shift toward diversified crypto ETPs, which provide exposure to multiple tokens simultaneously.

> “Many investors will prefer simpler, diversified options that reduce the complexity of evaluating each token,” he said.

—

### Staking Adds a New Source of Yield

Unlike Bitcoin ETFs, Solana investment products can offer staking rewards, a feature unique to proof-of-stake networks. By locking Solana tokens to help secure the blockchain, investors can earn an estimated annual yield of 5.7%, according to Solana Compass.

Pandl confirmed that GSOL will distribute 77% of staking rewards to its holders, calling it “a game changer for crypto demand.” He described staking as a new income stream that could help investors diversify portfolio returns.

—

### Distinct Roles for Solana and Ethereum

Pandl said Solana and Ethereum will likely develop distinct roles in the digital asset ecosystem, despite both being smart contract platforms. He pointed to growing adoption of stablecoins and tokenized assets as key drivers of institutional interest.

> “They differ in design, and that gives each blockchain its own lane,” Pandl explained. “Investors can benefit from holding both as part of a balanced crypto strategy.”

—

### Disclaimer

This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.

—

### About the Author

**Zabi** is a crypto enthusiast with more than 10 years of experience in managing Google News-approved finance websites. Zabi has a strong background in finance with a thorough understanding of cryptocurrencies and a solid grip on the crypto and financial market industry. Along with his passion for crypto writing, Zabi manages his personal stock and finance-related Google News-approved websites.

—

### Related Market Insights

– **Market Veteran Targets XRP Rally to $4.50**
Experienced market analyst CasiTrades says XRP is heating up after a bullish breakout, with a new target rally to an all-time high of $4.50.

– **Cardano Falling Wedge Breakout Eyes Run to $1.2 Before Uptick to $2.91**
A well-known crypto chartist suggests Cardano could be looking to break into a four-year peak above $2 after a falling wedge breakout.

– **LMAX Group Strategist Sees Bitcoin Ready for a Full Recovery**
LMAX Group strategist Joel Kruger believes Bitcoin and the crypto market are staging a strong comeback after weeks of struggle following the October 10th market drops.

– **Bitwise Says a 5% Capital Rotation from Gold to Bitcoin Could Push BTC to $242,000**
Bitwise recently shared that even a small reallocation from gold to Bitcoin would more than double Bitcoin’s current price.

– **Ethereum Closes in on Bitcoin Annual Performance Following Strong Q3**
Market data shows Ethereum, the king altcoin, has dramatically closed in on Bitcoin’s annual performance after notable Q3 gains.

– **Citibank Predicts Bitcoin to Hit $231K, Ethereum $7.5K in Coming Months**
Global banking giant Citibank has released new 12-month price targets for the world’s two largest cryptocurrencies.

For more updates and detailed analyses, stay tuned to The Crypto Basic.
https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/10/31/grayscale-research-chief-forecasts-5b-inflows-for-us-solana-spot-etfs/

Form of payment native of 9 or 16 announced Crossword Clue

That should be all the information you need to solve the crossword clue: **Form of payment native of 9 or 16 announced**.

Be sure to check more clues and solutions on our [Crossword Answers](#) section for additional help with your puzzles.

The post **Form of payment native of 9 or 16 announced Crossword Clue** appeared first on Try Hard Guides.
https://tryhardguides.com/form-of-payment-native-of-9-or-16-announced-crossword-clue/

Listen to the Facebook (META) Q3 2025 earnings call here

This afternoon, Facebook (META) will report its earnings for the latest financial quarter. Shortly after, the company will hold an earnings call to discuss the results with investors.

If you’re interested in listening to the conversation, you can join Meta’s Q3 2025 earnings call today, October 29, at 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET.

We’ll be streaming the call on our Twitch and X accounts. Additionally, Meta will host the call on their investor relations website.

Stay tuned to catch all the important updates from Meta’s latest financial performance.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146569/listen-to-meta-q3-2025-earnings-call

Exclusive-China buys three US soybean cargoes ahead of Trump-Xi meeting, sources say

**Exclusive: China Buys Three U.S. Soybean Cargoes Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting, Sources Say**

*By Ella Cao and Naveen Thukra | Reuters | October 29, 2025*

China’s state-owned company COFCO purchased three U.S. soybean cargoes this week, according to two trade sources. This marks the country’s first purchases from this year’s U.S. harvest ahead of the upcoming summit between leaders Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.

COFCO bought approximately 180,000 metric tons of soybeans for shipment in December and January through Pacific Northwest port terminals, the sources added.

COFCO did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Benchmark Chicago soybean futures prices jumped this week to their highest levels in 15 months. The rise came as prices rebounded from recent five-year lows on hopes for a U.S.-China trade deal.

*Excerpt from Reuters. Read more at msn.com.*

—

*Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by applicable copyrights.*
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4349389/posts