The Federal Reserve delivered its first rate cut since December, lowering the funds rate to 4.00%–4.25% and indicating scope for additional reductions this year. Markets whipsawed: stocks faded into the close, Treasury yields briefly dipped below 4% on the 10-year before rebounding, and futures pointed higher the next morning as investors reassessed the growth and inflation path.
Source: Seeking Alpha
China reportedly tells local tech firms to halt Nvidia AI chip purchases
Beijing has instructed domestic tech companies to stop buying Nvidia’s AI chips, according to reports, escalating the U.S.–China tech rivalry and pressuring global semiconductor supply chains. The move could accelerate China’s push for homegrown accelerators while adding headline risk for U.S. chip leaders tied to mainland demand.
Source: Seeking Alpha
U.S.–UK announce $42B tech pact spanning AI, quantum and nuclear
Washington and London unveiled a $42 billion cross-border investment framework aimed at accelerating collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear technologies. The pact underscores a renewed industrial-policy push among allies to onshore strategic capabilities and reduce exposure to geopolitical supply shocks.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Elliott takes $2B stake in Workday, igniting shares and focus on execution
Activist investor Elliott revealed a roughly $2 billion position in Workday, praising the HCM/financials software provider’s progress and sharpening attention on AI monetization and margin expansion. The campaign adds a new catalyst after a mixed year for the stock and follows fresh broker debate on valuation and product roadmap.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Rithm to buy Paramount Group for $1.6B, betting on office recovery
Rithm Capital agreed to acquire Manhattan/San Francisco office landlord Paramount Group in a $1.6 billion cash deal, arguing rent rolls and demand will improve alongside a friendlier rate backdrop. The transaction, at a premium to earlier trading levels, will test investor confidence in big-coastal office assets amid still-elevated vacancies.
Source: Crain's New York Business
CME to launch options on Solana and XRP futures
CME Group is expanding its crypto derivatives suite with options tied to Solana and XRP futures, pending approvals, marking its first options beyond Bitcoin and Ether. The move further institutionalizes altcoin exposure and could deepen liquidity and risk management tools for professional investors.
Source: Seeking Alpha
U.S. housing starts and permits fall more than expected in August
Residential construction softened as both housing starts and building permits declined more than economists expected, highlighting sensitivity to financing costs despite the Fed’s pivot. The pullback suggests near-term caution for homebuilders and housing-adjacent sectors until mortgage rates and affordability improve further.
Source: Seeking Alpha
You May Also Be Interested In...
U.S. stock futures jump a day after the Fed’s first 2025 rate cut
PBOC injects CNY 195B in liquidity, keeps key rate unchanged
Roche to acquire 89bio in deal worth up to $3.5 billion
Hong Kong cuts base rate in step with the Fed
UK FCA outlines new crypto regime for 2026