Bitcoin and Ethereum prices have declined amid macroeconomic uncertainty, with predictions shifting toward bearish outlooks on platforms like Myriad. This week’s top markets focus on BTC and ETH’s next moves, alongside expectations for another Federal Reserve rate cut in 2025, influencing crypto volatility. Bitcoin (BTC) faces potential further drops to $50,000 support levels as bearish [.] Source:.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/bitcoin/bitcoin-and-ethereum-slide-further-predictions-suggest-rising-odds-of-dumps-amid-fed-uncertainty/
Tag: expectations
HSBC Analysts Announce Surprise Forecast for Fed’s December and 2026 Interest Rate Decisions!
The US federal government shutdown canceled the October employment report, a key indicator for interest rate decisions. This has lowered market expectations for a December rate cut to around 30% from 100% a month ago. According to CME FedWatch, the probability of a December rate cut has fallen to 31. 8%, while the probability of leaving rates unchanged is priced in at 68. 2%. According to the FOMC minutes released yesterday, the majority of Fed officials stated at last month’s monetary policy meeting that it would be appropriate to keep the policy rate steady in December. Although the likelihood of a December interest rate cut is diminishing day by day due to the lack of data, HSBC analysts predicted that the Fed will cut interest rates once again at its December meeting. However, HSBC analysts presented a negative outlook for 2026 and stated that additional reductions were not expected in 2026. Analysts also added that the US dollar could bottom out in the first quarter of 2026 or earlier and then recover. The comments come as investors await the release of key U. S. economic data, which has been delayed by the record-length government shutdown. *This is not investment advice.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/hsbc-analysts-announce-surprise-forecast-for-feds-december-and-2026-interest-rate-decisions/
EUR/GBP softens below 0.8850 despite growing expectations of BoE rate cut
The EUR/GBP cross loses momentum to near 0. 8820 during the early European session on Thursday. Nonetheless, the potential downside for the cross might be limited, as weakening UK economic data have increased expectations for a Bank of England (BoE) interest rate cut in December. The German Producer Price Index (PPI) and Eurozone Consumer Confidence reports will be released later on Thursday. Recent weak UK economic data, such as Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation, disappointing GDP and Industrial Production readings, have boosted BoE rate cut bets in the December meeting. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed on Wednesday that the UK headline inflation fell to 3. 6% YoY in October, as expected, from 3. 8% in September. Additionally, uncertainty and pessimism surrounding the UK’s autumn budget could weaken sentiment towards the Pound Sterling against the Euro. The upcoming government budget on November 26 is also expected to influence the BoE’s next move. While the BoE is facing pressure to reduce the interest rates, the European Central Bank (ECB) maintains a more cautious stance, which provides some support to the EUR. According to a majority of economists polled by Reuters, the ECB will hold interest rates at least until the end of 2026. The case for a longer pause has increased since the ECB last reduced the key interest rates in June, with inflation hovering around the 2% target, GDP stable, and the unemployment rate staying at an all-time low.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/eur-gbp-softens-below-0-8850-despite-growing-expectations-of-boe-rate-cut/
Angels GM Perry Minasian: Grayson Rodriguez is ‘a gamble worth taking’
Right-hander Grayson Rodriguez offered too tantalizing of a package for Perry Minasian to turn down, despite the risk. A day after the Angels acquired a pitcher who has been hurt for nearly a season and a half, Minasian said the current reports of his Rodriguez’s and the potential he offers were sufficient to be worth sending the Baltimore Orioles one of their best power hitters, Taylor Ward. “Is there risk? Yes, there’s risk,” the Angels’ general manager said Wednesday. “It’s eyes wide open on the risk. That being said, it’s four years of control. It’s somebody that, when he pitches, can beat anybody on any given night. The weapons he has and the ability to throw strikes, it’s a combination that some of the best in the game have. We’ve got high expectations. He’s somebody we’re really excited to have.” Rodriguez, 26, is a former first-round pick with a 100-mph fastball. He had a 3. 25 ERA over a 31-start stretch from July 2023 to July 2024. He struck out 193 and walked 53 over 182⅔ innings in that span. His walk rate is slightly better than the major-league average. However, he hasn’t thrown a pitch in a regular season game since July 31, 2024. Rodriguez suffered a lat strain that cost him the last two months of the 2024 season, and he missed all of 2025 with a similar strain and then elbow problems. He had surgery to have a bone spur removed in August. “We need him to be healthy,” Minasian said. “We like where he’s at. Obviously, we felt like the medical (report) was in a good enough place to where this was a chance, a gamble worth taking. We expect him to be healthy in spring. He’s throwing bullpens in January. We’ve talked to him. He’s very motivated, very excited. Somebody that can really give us a jolt in the rotation.” Rodriguez is scheduled to talk to the media Wednesday afternoon. For now, any report of his health has to be taken with caution. No team would give up an established starting pitcher with four years of control for a hitter with one year of control under normal circumstances. Mike Elias, the Orioles president of baseball operations, told the Baltimore media recently that Rodriguez was a “wild card.” “There’s nothing going on right now that would hold him back,” Elias said. “He’s not injured right now and he’s preparing for spring training, but the poor guy’s missed a year and two months basically, and we’ve got to be mindful of that, and I think he’s a really nice wild card talent for us, and I’m really optimistic and bullish about it. But the fact that he’s missed so much time recently, we just have to be prudent about that. “We don’t want to plan around him too heavily, but I really like where he’s at.” If Rodriguez is healthy, he would join a rotation that includes right-hander José Soriano and left-handers Yusei Kikuchi and Reid Detmers. Soriano is 27 and Detmers and Rodriguez are 26. The Angels control Detmers and Soriano for the next three years, and Rodriguez for the next four. The Angels still need another starter, and to that end the deal helps by freeing up some money. Ward was set to make around $14 million in arbitration, and Rodriguez will make just over the major-league minimum of $780,000. “The more flexibility, the better,” Minasian said. “That was discussed too. It’s not only acquiring somebody we feel like can impact the rotation, but freeing up some money to maybe get into areas where we wouldn’t have been able to before.” The Angels will need to replace Ward’s production at the plate. Last season, he hit 36 homers and drove in 103 runs with a . 792 OPS. The Angels still have Mike Trout, Jo Adell and Jorge Soler to play the corner outfield spots. Trout and Soler likely can’t handle full-time outfield duty, so the Angels would probably look to have them split time in the outfield and at designated hitter. Adell could also play center, but perhaps now the Angels are more likely to get a true center field and keep Adell in one of the corners. “It’s a long offseason,” Minasian said. “We’ll continue to look.” More to come on this story.
https://www.dailybreeze.com/2025/11/19/angels-gm-perry-minasian-grayson-rodriguez-is-a-gamble-worth-taking/
India Trade Deficit Government registered at $41.68B above expectations ($29.4B) in October
Gold lacks a firm intraday directional bias and seesaws between tepid gains/minor losses, below the $4,100 mark through the first half of the European session on Monday. A slew of influential FOMC members showed little conviction for reducing borrowing costs, prompting traders to scale back their expectations for another interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/india-trade-deficit-government-registered-at-41-68b-above-expectations-29-4b-in-october/
Sony CFO Lin Tao says Destiny 2 has not reached expectations
It’s been a tumultuous period for Destiny 2 maker Bungie since the studio was acquired by Sony. New financial data now reveals that this acquisition has had a notable impact on Sony’s finances.
Sony recorded an impairment loss related to a portion of its Bungie assets. Specifically, the company took a 31.5 billion yen ($204 million USD) loss connected to Destiny 2, as disclosed in Sony’s Q2 2025 earnings report published last night. This significant write-down signals that the popular live service game has not been performing as well as Sony initially anticipated.
Sony’s CFO, Lin Tao, further confirmed these concerns during a subsequent Q&A session, as reported by Eurogamer. He explained that, partially due to changes in the competitive environment, both sales and user engagement for Destiny 2 have fallen short of the expectations set at the time Sony acquired Bungie.
The news underscores the challenges facing Destiny 2 and reflects the broader complexities involved in managing and growing live service games within a highly competitive market.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146780/sony-destiny-2-not-reaching-expectations
Fed Governor Miran Calls for 50 bps Rate Cut in December
Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran has called for a 50 basis point rate cut at the Federal Reserve’s December meeting, stating that a 25 basis point reduction should be the minimum. Speaking in a CNBC interview, Miran emphasized that the central bank needs to act based on future economic projections rather than solely on current data.
Miran has been the sole dissenter on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) this year. He voted against the smaller 25 basis point cuts implemented at both the September and October meetings, advocating for larger reductions. He pointed to signs of weakness in both inflation and employment, urging policymakers to focus on where the economy will be in 12 to 18 months, as monetary policy changes typically take over a year to fully impact the economy. “If you’re making policy for what the data are now, you’re backward looking,” Miran explained.
Market expectations currently favor another rate cut in December. According to CME FedWatch data, there is a 62.6% probability of a 25 basis point reduction at the December 10 FOMC meeting. Meanwhile, there is a 37.4% chance that rates will remain unchanged.
### Split Among Fed Officials
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has made clear that a December rate cut is not guaranteed. Fed officials remain divided on whether to hold rates steady or ease further. Some are concerned about persistent inflation, while others are focused on signs of a softening labor market.
San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly highlighted the need for an open mind ahead of the December meeting. In an essay, Daly pointed to the shifting balance of risks between inflation and labor market conditions. She noted that although inflation has gradually declined, it remains elevated, while the labor market has softened significantly this year. While Daly did not specify her stance on the upcoming decision, her comments suggest she is weighing both sides of the debate.
### Divergent Views on the Pace of Policy Easing
Fed Governor Chris Waller supports further rate cuts but believes that the Fed’s current pace of quarter-point reductions is appropriate. Unlike Miran, Waller does not see the need for larger cuts at this time.
So far this year, the Fed has cut interest rates twice, each by 25 basis points—once in September and again in October. The October reduction, made just two weeks ago, set the stage for December’s meeting to be a critical decision point for the central bank’s monetary policy.
Miran acknowledged that his position could change depending on new economic data. He noted that information released between now and the December meeting could influence his views.
### Looking Ahead to December 10
Market odds for a December rate cut have declined slightly in recent days but still remain above 60%. The FOMC meeting on December 10 will be a decisive moment, as Fed officials review fresh economic data before determining whether to implement a third rate cut this year.
As the Fed weighs the complex balance between controlling inflation and supporting employment, investors and observers will keenly watch for signals on the central bank’s next move.
https://coincentral.com/fed-governor-miran-calls-for-50-bps-rate-cut-in-december/
Starbucks apologizes after Bearista cup launch sparks chaos: ‘Exceeded even our biggest expectations’
**Starbucks Apologizes After Limited-Edition Teddy Bear-Shaped Holiday Cup Sparks Chaos**
*By Cecily | November 7, 2025 | Fox Business*
Starbucks has issued an apology to customers following the release of its limited-edition teddy bear-shaped holiday cup, which sparked chaos across the country.
The Seattle-based coffee giant launched its 2025 holiday menu and merchandise on Thursday, featuring the Glass Starbucks Bearista Cold Cup priced at $29.95. This collectible cup, shaped like a bear and topped with a green beanie lid, quickly went viral online and sold out rapidly, leaving fans scrambling to get their hands on one.
“The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations and, despite shipping more Bearista cups to coffeehouses than almost any other merchandise item this holiday season, the Bearista cup and some other items sold out fast,” a Starbucks spokesperson told FOX Business in an email.
The high demand for the Bearista cup created a frenzy reminiscent of Black Friday shopping, prompting Starbucks to apologize for the limited availability and supply chain challenges.
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### Public Reaction
The response on social media and various forums has been mixed. Some customers expressed disappointment over the scarcity, while others critiqued the hype around the merchandise.
“Starbucks getting the jump on some Black Friday-style stupidity and hype,” commented one user.
Others remain steadfast in their decision to avoid Starbucks altogether. “This just adds to the other zillion reasons we will not get near a ‘Starbutts.’ Life is too short to consume Starbutts,” wrote another.
Many also pointed out the role of social media influencers in fueling the craze. “Don’t forget about the influencers as well,” one user noted.
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### About the Bearista Cup
The Glass Starbucks Bearista Cold Cup is part of Starbucks’ holiday merchandise collection, designed to be a fun and collectible item for fans. Priced at $29.95, the bear-shaped cup with a green beanie lid quickly became a coveted item among Starbucks enthusiasts.
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*For more updates and news, visit foxbusiness.com.*
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*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.*
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**Keywords:** Starbucks, Holiday Cup, Bearista Cup, Holiday Merchandise, Limited Edition, Viral Products, Customer Apology, 2025 Holiday Season
**Topics:** Business/Economy, Society, Pop Culture
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4351520/posts
Affirm (AFRM) Stock: Payment Firm Posts Big Earnings Beat as Volume Jumps 42%
Affirm Reports Strong Fiscal Q1 2026 Earnings, Beating Expectations Across the Board
Buy now, pay later company Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFRM) delivered an impressive fiscal first quarter performance that surpassed Wall Street estimates on multiple fronts. For the quarter ended September 30, Affirm reported earnings of 23 cents per share, a significant turnaround from a 31 cent loss in the same period last year. Analysts had predicted just an 11 cent profit.
Revenue surged 34% year-over-year to $933 million, beating the consensus forecast of $883 million. The company’s gross merchandise volume (GMV) also posted strong growth, climbing 42% to reach $10.8 billion, outperforming the $10.38 billion estimate.
### Debit Card Contributes $1.4 Billion in Volume, Margins Improve
Affirm’s newly launched debit card contributed $1.4 billion to its total transaction volume. Although revenue from this product came in right at expectations, totaling $69.33 million, it represents a promising addition to the company’s offerings.
The company’s adjusted operating margin expanded notably to 28.3%, up from 19% a year earlier, signaling enhanced profitability and more efficient scaling. Affirm continues to shift its revenue mix towards zero-percent interest payment plans. These plans, which generate fees from merchants rather than interest from consumers, typically carry lower margins than interest-bearing products but tend to attract customers with stronger credit profiles and larger purchase amounts.
### New Partnerships Position Affirm for Future Growth
Affirm faces competition from competitors like Klarna, Sezzle, Afterpay (Block), and PayPal but continues to secure significant partnerships with major retailers such as Amazon and Shopify. A new partnership with Apple, launched in September, now offers Affirm’s payment plans for in-store iPhone purchases at Apple retail locations—a move analysts believe could materially boost growth in 2026.
Additionally, Affirm has entered deals with Wayfair and Fanatics, further diversifying its merchant base. While Walmart recently shifted the majority of its buy now, pay later volume to Klarna, Affirm’s new partnerships help offset that loss.
### Fiscal Q2 Guidance and Stock Performance
Looking ahead, Affirm provided fiscal Q2 revenue guidance of approximately $1.045 billion, which aligns closely with analyst expectations.
Following the strong quarterly results, AFRM stock surged over 11% in after-hours trading to $73.32. The stock had dipped during the regular session but was up 7% year-to-date prior to the earnings announcement. Affirm holds an IBD Composite Rating of 81 and an Accumulation/Distribution Rating of B-minus, reflecting positive technical signals.
### Summary
Affirm’s fiscal Q1 performance highlights robust growth in revenue and volume, improved profitability, and promising progress from new product launches and partnerships. The company appears well-positioned to capitalize on expanding market opportunities within the competitive buy now, pay later space.
https://blockonomi.com/affirm-afrm-stock-payment-firm-posts-big-earnings-beat-as-volume-jumps-42/
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/