Two years ago, after Hamas killed and kidnapped its way across southern Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seemed finished. "Mr. Security," as he billed himself, would either resign in shame or be driven out by a devastated public.

Yet this week he promoted his candidacy in next year's election by saying he'd saved the nation from oblivion with a slew of military successes against Iran and its proxy militias. Between those and a fractured opposition, it's looking like the country's longest-serving leader may hold onto his post for a while longer.

"He doesn't need to win the next election, just not to lose it," said Nadav Shtrauchler, a political adviser who's worked closely with Netanyahu in the past, referring to the possibility of remaining in power without a majority. "He's still there, astounding observers, whether they're impressed or frustrated."

Netanyahu, who's clocked 17 non-consecutive years at the top, out-polls all other candidates for the job. And while surveys show that his coalition — the most right-wing in Israel's history — won't attract enough votes to form the next government, neither will the opposition.

When the election is held — it's due by next October — the country risks a repeat of the years 2019-2022, when it was dragged through five ballots while a transitional government with limited authority ran the country. Apart from 18 months of that period, Netanyahu held power.

This week, Netanyahu told parliament that what he has accomplished in the two years since Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, especially by bombing Iran's nuclear facilities in June, ensures unprecedented national safety.

If his opponents were in charge, he said, "You Members of Knesset, all citizens of Israel without exception — Jews, Arabs, leftists, rightists, ultra-Orthodox, secularists — would all go up in atomic smoke."

A day earlier, he announced that Israel's battles against Hamas, Lebanon's Hezbollah, the Houthis of Yemen, and their sponsor Iran — alongside the collapse of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime — had so boosted the country's strategic position since 2023 that he's renaming them the "War of Redemption."

What he didn't say, but everyone understood, is that the name applies to his political career as well.

For his critics, who are legion in Israel and abroad, this seems beyond belief. He was in charge on Oct. 7, 2023, the day of Hamas' attack and the worst single-day in the Jewish state's history. Indicted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza, on trial in Tel Aviv for bribery and fraud, Netanyahu, 76, who denies all the accusations, should be at his political end point.

Sever Plocker, a longstanding commentator at the centrist Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, wrote this week what many believe — that unless Netanyahu is replaced the country can't move on. Netanyahu, Plocker wrote, is "one of the most hated statesmen in the world" and "Israel today is more isolated than ever before."

Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza, in which tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, humanitarian aid was and continues to be blocked and much of the strip reduced to rubble, alienated many around the world. That derailed Israel's hopes for the normalization of ties with more Arab and Muslim countries — a major strategic goal at home and in the US.

US President Donald Trump hopes to one day persuade Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to recognize Israel and join the so-called Abraham Accords — one of Trump's flagship achievements in his first term. The kingdom's de-facto ruler has so far held off. Publicly, he has set an independent Palestinian state as a precondition — an idea opposed by Netanyahu and his coalition partners.

The economy and businesses have also taken a hit from mass call ups of Israelis for reserve duty. The country's gross domestic product is still smaller, in shekel and real terms, than it was on the eve of the conflict.

Netanyahu dominates the Likud Party, whose domestic base makes little distinction between fealty to the prime minister and to the party. The opposition, a mix of secular leftists and nationalist hawks, is united only by opposition to him, making it unlikely that an alternative coalition can emerge.

The prime minister's legal troubles have discouraged most politicians from working with him in recent years, driving Netanyahu into the arms of the ultra-nationalists and ultra-Orthodox with whom he now shares power. That pact holds two key threats to the government: a walkout from far-right partners if Hamas isn't quickly disarmed and removed from positions of influence in Gaza, and a law exempting the ultra-Orthodox from military conscription.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir are skeptical that Trump's plan for peace in Gaza — announced with great fanfare earlier this month — can bring down Hamas, designated a terrorist group by the US and many others. They have voiced hopes of resettling Gaza with Israeli Jews and annexing the West Bank — which both Trump, and consequently Netanyahu, reject.

The Trump administration is pushing Netanyahu to be patient about Gaza and not return to war. It wants Israel to focus on rebuilding in parts of the strip even if armed Hamas militants are still operating elsewhere.

The conscription of ultra-Orthodox men, also known as Haredim, still lingers over the government. In July, the United Torah Judaism and Shas parties quit government — though stopped short of collapsing it — and are still boycotting votes on any government-proposed legislation, de facto paralyzing the cabinet and feeding a dynamic that could see it fall apart.

The two parties are unlikely to fully rejoin the government unless a bill exempting most ultra-Orthodox men from military service gets underway. The exemption on religious grounds is unpopular among many voters, including Netanyahu's base, which wants to see Haredi men share the burden of fighting.

Gila Gamliel, a cabinet member in his party, said in a radio interview this week, "I believe that the government can serve out its term."

Few Israeli governments have achieved this, and speculation has been rife that Netanyahu will call early elections to harness the small popularity boost on the back of military gains and the return of hostages from Gaza.

But this week Netanyahu hinted he intends to hold off on elections when he said he wanted to pass the 2026 budget "soon." In the past, Israeli lawmakers have often blocked the passing of budgets as a way to bring down governments.

While Netanyahu got a shot in the arm after the remaining living hostages were released from Gaza, not everyone lays the win at his feet. Trump's son-in-law and confidant, Jared Kushner, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff spoke to families in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square as exchanges took place. They were hailed for their role in securing the deal, but Witkoff was met with jeers when he tried to credit the Israeli prime minister.

Trump gained a great deal of the praise for the ceasefire in Gaza, and he remains a key asset for Netanyahu. Addressing Israeli lawmakers last week, Trump urged President Isaac Herzog to pardon the prime minister.

Strategist Shtrauchler said that wasn't coincidental.

"Trump effectively launched Netanyahu's election campaign," he said. "The prime minister is counting on Trump's presence moving forward. They are fully coordinated."

Source: Bloomberg Europe

Business activity in the euro area unexpectedly reached its highest level since May 2024 as outperformance by Germany helped offset weakness in France.

The Composite Purchasing Managers' Index compiled by S&P Global increased to 52.2 in October from 51.2 in September, further above the 50 threshold separating growth from contraction. Analysts had predicted an almost unchanged reading.

The surprise was driven by services, particularly in Germany, which saw its best month on the composite measure since May 2023. That sector, however, weighed on neighbouring France, whose reading slipped for a 14th straight month as the country is gripped once again by political turmoil.

"While the economic situation in Germany brightened significantly in October, the rate of contraction has accelerated for two months in a row in France," Cyrus de la Rubia, an economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank, said Friday in a statement. "As a result, economic growth in the eurozone, even though accelerating a bit, has been much weaker than it otherwise could have been."

Europe has so far weathered the trade storm unleashed by Donald Trump's tariffs, though growth remains well below the pace seen in the US. Help is on the way from higher defence spending across the region and an infrastructure revamp in Germany. But in the meantime, France's perilous fiscal predicament — and President Emmanuel Macron's repeated struggles to find a solution — are contributing to output that's creeping only slowly higher.

Despite the lacklustre growth, the European Central Bank isn't inclined to shift interest rates lower, following eight cuts in the space of a year. With inflation around its 2% target, borrowing costs are expected to be left unchanged next week.

"The composite PMI survey for the euro area adds to the case for the ECB to keep interest rates unchanged this month. It suggests the economy remains resilient in the face of the rise in US tariffs and some inflationary pressures persist," said Bloomberg Economics.

De la Rubia said price gains in the services sector remain moderate.

"The rate of inflation for sales prices has risen slightly, but remains close to the long-term average," he said. "Cost increases were slightly lower in October, so there is little danger from this side in the short term. The ECB, which pays particular attention to inflation in the service sector, is likely to see this data as confirmation of its stance not to implement further interest-rate cuts."

PMIs are closely watched by markets as they arrive early in the month and are good at revealing trends and turning points in an economy. A measure of breadth of changes in output rather than depth, business surveys can sometimes be difficult to map directly to quarterly GDP.

Data later Friday showed the UK's composite PMI increased more than anticipated, to 51.1. The US' reading is expected to dip to 53.5.

Source: Theedgemarkets

Thinkorswim vs TradingView: Breaking Down the Pros, Cons for Beginners and Pros

When comparing TradingView vs Thinkorswim, both platforms stand out for their unique features tailored to different types of traders. In this article, we’ll dive into the strengths and weaknesses of each, helping you decide which platform is best suited for your trading needs in 2025. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, we've got you covered.

What is Thinkorswim and TradingView

TradingView vs Thinkorswim are two of the most widely used platforms in the trading world. Each offers distinct features designed for different types of traders. Here's a breakdown of what they offer:

• Thinkorswim: A robust trading platform developed by TD Ameritrade, mainly aimed at active traders. It excels in stock and options trading with advanced analysis tools. Offers paper trading for practice and testing strategies. A common question is is thinkorswim free? Yes, it is free to use with a TD Ameritrade account.
• TradingView: A social trading and charting platform known for its ease of use and visually appealing interface. It’s ideal for visual traders, with customizable charts and a community of traders sharing strategies and insights. When comparing TradingView vs Thinkorswim, TradingView is typically preferred for its user-friendly charting interface.

• Thinkorswim offers advanced technical analysis tools, including in-depth charting, options analysis, strategy testing, and risk management features. It is especially favored by traders who need detailed technical insights and prefer to trade options and stocks.
• TradingView stands out for its high-quality charts, easy navigation, and a wide array of asset classes like stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies. For many traders, the TradingView vs Thinkorswim charts comparison favors TradingView for its superior charting and simplicity, particularly for those focused on technical analysis.

Thinkorswim vs TradingView: Pros and Cons for Different Traders

1. Beginners & Visual Learners: → TradingView

• Intuitive interface, making it easier for beginners to navigate the platform.
• Free version offers basic tools that allow for exploration without financial commitment. Is Thinkorswim free? Thinkorswim offers free access with TD Ameritrade, but its advanced tools may require premium access.
• TradingView vs Thinkorswim — TradingView’s charting and social features make it ideal for those starting out in trading.

2. Active Options & Stock Traders: → Thinkorswim

• Advanced options analysis tools like probability analysis and strategy chains.
• Highly customizable charting and robust risk management features.
• Thinkorswim vs TradingView — Thinkorswim excels in providing detailed market analysis and order execution for active traders.

3. Technical Analysis Enthusiasts & Multi-Asset Traders: → TradingView

• Top-notch charting capabilities with high customization options. TradingView vs Thinkorswim charts — TradingView provides a more user-friendly and visually appealing charting experience.
• Support for a wide range of assets including stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies.
• Allows for script writing with Pine Script, perfect for traders who want to create their own indicators and strategies.

4. Serious Learners Needing Realistic Simulations: → Thinkorswim

• Thinkorswim’s paper trading account offers a real-world trading simulation, helping users practice with no financial risk.
• Its depth and accuracy make it a top choice for those who want to transition to live trading.
• If you're looking for Thinkorswim alternatives, consider platforms like MetaTrader for forex traders or Interactive Brokers for global stock markets.

Thinkorswim vs TradingView: Comparing 5 Key Trading Categories

1. Fees and Pricing Plans

• Thinkorswim: Free to use if you open an account with TD Ameritrade, but advanced features may require access to premium tools. A common question is, is thinkorswim free? Yes, it’s free to use, but additional services like real-time market data may have associated costs.
• TradingView: Offers both a free version with limited features and paid plans that unlock more advanced tools. The free version provides access to basic charting and trading features, while premium plans offer more advanced functionalities, such as multiple chart layouts and additional indicators.

2. Data and Market Access

• Thinkorswim: Offers comprehensive access to U.S. stocks, options, and futures, with deep integration for active traders. It's a great choice for traders focusing on the U.S. market.
• TradingView: Provides global coverage of markets including stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies, which makes it a highly flexible platform for traders seeking access to a wide variety of assets. When comparing TradingView vs Thinkorswim, TradingView’s broader global market coverage is a clear advantage for international traders.

3. Charting and Technical Analysis Tools

• Thinkorswim: Known for its powerful charting capabilities and technical analysis tools, especially for options traders. Advanced charting options and a broad range of indicators make it a strong contender. TradingView vs Thinkorswim charts — Thinkorswim’s charting tools are more robust, but they come with a steeper learning curve.
• TradingView: Offers excellent charting tools, particularly for beginners and technical analysts. The platform provides highly customizable charts with a user-friendly interface, allowing for quick access to multiple chart types. Many traders prefer TradingView's charts due to its simplicity and accessibility.

4. User Interface and Customization

• Thinkorswim: Thinkorswim has a complex interface that may require a learning curve for new users, but it offers deep customization options once you become familiar with it. This makes it more suitable for active traders who need access to advanced features.
• TradingView: One of TradingView's key selling points is its simple and intuitive interface, designed to make charting and trading as easy as possible. The platform also offers a high level of customization, particularly with its layout and chart settings.

5. Mobile Trading Experience

• Thinkorswim: Offers a full-featured mobile app, but it can feel less intuitive than TradingView's mobile version. It’s best for experienced traders who need advanced tools on the go.
• TradingView: Known for its excellent mobile app that mirrors the desktop experience. The app is simple to use and highly responsive, making it a great option for traders who value seamless mobile charting and trading.

Which Platform is Better for Traders in 2025?

• If you're focused on advanced technical analysis, access to options trading, and a variety of U.S. markets, Thinkorswim is likely a better fit for you.
• If you prefer intuitive charting with global market access, TradingView is a great option, especially for visual learners and traders looking for a simplified experience. When considering TradingView vs Thinkorswim, it’s clear that TradingView is more suitable for those prioritizing ease of use and broad market exposure.

How to Use TradingView and Thinkorswim

TradingView vs Thinkorswim are two of the most widely used platforms in the trading world. Each offers distinct features designed for different types of traders. Here's a breakdown of what they offer:

• Thinkorswim: A robust trading platform developed by TD Ameritrade, mainly aimed at active traders. It excels in stock and options trading with advanced analysis tools. Offers paper trading for practice and testing strategies.
• TradingView: A social trading and charting platform known for its ease of use and visually appealing interface. It’s ideal for visual traders, with customizable charts and a community of traders sharing strategies and insights.

• Thinkorswim offers advanced technical analysis tools, including in-depth charting, options analysis, strategy testing, and risk management features.
• TradingView stands out for its high-quality charts, easy navigation, and a wide array of asset classes like stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies. It also allows social trading through its ideas stream, where traders can share insights.

• If you're an advanced trader focused on detailed analysis and a variety of market options, Thinkorswim is likely a better fit for you.
• If you prefer intuitive charting and interacting with a large community of traders, TradingView is an excellent choice, especially for visual learners and social traders.

FAQs about Thinkorswim vs TradingView

1. Do professionals use TradingView?

Yes, many professional traders use TradingView for its intuitive charting tools, easy customization, and the ability to share trading ideas with a global community. While Thinkorswim vs TradingView shows that Thinkorswim offers more advanced tools for detailed technical analysis, TradingView still remains a favorite for its ease of use and visual appeal.

2. Is ThinkorSwim good for beginners?

While Thinkorswim offers a wide range of powerful tools, it is not the easiest platform for beginners due to its steep learning curve. If you're just starting out, you might find TradingView a better choice due to its user-friendly interface and simplicity. However, if you're serious about learning and trading options or stocks, Thinkorswim provides everything you need as you grow your skills.

3. Is Thinkorswim the best platform?

Thinkorswim is highly regarded for its depth in options trading, technical analysis, and paper trading. However, whether it’s the "best" depends on your needs. For more basic charting and social trading, TradingView might be a better fit. In comparison to other platforms, Thinkorswim alternatives like Interactive Brokers or MetaTrader might be better suited for those who prefer lower commissions or more specialized trading features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when comparing TradingView vs Thinkorswim, each platform offers unique features tailored to different types of traders. While TradingView excels in its ease of use and charting capabilities, Thinkorswim is better suited for advanced traders seeking in-depth analysis and powerful tools. Choose the platform that aligns with your trading style and goals.

Earnings Season Drives European Market Optimism

Financial and Industrial Performers Provide Momentum

Defense Sector Consolidation and Strategic Partnerships

Economic Indicators Awaited as Markets Weigh Inflation Outlook

Source: CNBC

Key points:

Indonesia's central bank paused its aggressive rate-cutting campaign this week, to focus instead on getting banks to lower loan costs. However, companies say banks aren't the problem - it's government policy.Businesses are shying away from investing despite government efforts to stimulate Southeast Asia's largest economy, citing policy uncertainties one year into President Prabowo Subianto's term. Consumers are also cautious about spending due to job insecurity.Bank Indonesia (BI) unexpectedly maintained its policy rate at 4.75% on Wednesday, confounding market expectations for a fourth straight cut. It says it will prioritise improving policy transmission, underscoring a tepid response to stimulus measures and slow credit uptake in the $1.4 trillion economy.

While BI has lowered its benchmark rate by 150 basis points since September last year, lending rates have only decreased by 15 basis points, a disparity Governor Perry Warjiyo attributed to depositors demanding higher savings returns.Warjiyo acknowledged that credit demand had been dampened by businesses' cautious stance and reliance on internal funding.Shinta Kamdani, chairwoman of the Indonesia Employers Association, said the investment climate is the key factor deterring businesses, rather than borrowing costs and banks' strict lending requirements.

"Sluggish economic growth is largely caused by uncertainty and unpredictability in the investment climate, both domestically and internationally, forcing businesses and investors to adopt a wait-and-see approach or refrain from expanding their operations," said Kamdani, who is also chief executive of conglomerate Sintesa Group.

RANGE OF CONCERNS

Interviews conducted by Reuters with a dozen business leaders across sectors such as retail, mining, agriculture and property showed concerns over Prabowo's policies, including increased state control in industries and reduced communication with the business community as well as ineffective programmes.Many of the business people declined to be named fearing repercussions for speaking publicly."Many mining businesses are afraid of investing further, which can be seen by a lack of mineral exploration in Indonesia, due to investment uncertainties," a mining executive said.

Prabowo, who promised to continue the business-friendly policies of his predecessor Joko Widodo, marked his first year in office on October 20. Since he came to power, his government has taken a stricter stance on industries such as palm oil and tin, sparking fears of asset seizures and shorter-duration mining quotas.

PUBLIC SPENDING FOR GROWTH

Prabowo aims to boost economic growth to 8% from around 5% through programmes such as free school meals and food security. However, these initiatives have led to fiscal cuts for provincial governments.An automotive executive said cuts could lead authorities to make up lost revenue from other areas, such as increased auto tax, which, in turn, would hit car sales."We expect a shift from traditional fiscal orthodoxy, implying a bigger role for public spending in supporting growth and expecting to crowd in private sector players," DBS economist Radhika Rao said.

"Domestic firms are likely to seek demand visibility before making fresh capex commitments," she said.Loan growth, which hit a three-year low in July, remains subdued at 7.7% in September, below BI's target range of 8-11% in 2025.

AWAITING STIMULUS RESPONSE

The government has launched several stimulus measures, including a $2.8 billion package for the fourth quarter and $12 billion transferred from the central bank to state banks, aimed at boosting purchasing power following deadly protests in August over lawmakers' enhanced benefits and widespread job losses.Still, banks have 2,374.8 trillion rupiah ($143.3 billion) in undisbursed loans as of September, more than a fifth of their approved pipeline, according to BI.

Starting December 1, BI plans to incentivise banks to lower lending rates by reducing reserve requirements.Mira Arifin, Indonesia country executive at Bank of America, said banks were competing to collect funds by giving higher rates prior to BI's easing cycle and that likely caused their funding costs to be locked in for a longer term.Businesses, meanwhile, are waiting for clearer signs of economic recovery, including lower bank rates, before taking on loans, said Victor Matindas, head of research at Bank Central Asia, Indonesia's largest private lender.

"NEVER MIND EXPANSION"

Consumer confidence fell to its lowest since 2022 last month. But while not all economic data has been negative, a retail firm executive said doubts over the numbers have made it difficult to make investment decisions.

On the ground, businesses are feeling the pinch.

Adhikara Joshua, 32, owner of a coffee shop Kopi Kila on the outskirts of Jakarta, has shelved plans to open a second branch, citing a 20% drop in sales this year and rising coffee bean prices. "Never mind expansion for now," he said.Similarly, Edwina Ananda, 31, who runs online clothing shop Smitten by Pattern, cited a one-third drop in sales amid weak purchasing power and a shift in consumer preferences toward offline shopping.While considering opening a physical store with a bank loan, Ananda remains cautious. "Our current focus is to pay up our existing loan because paying interest is quite a significant expense amid this market uncertainty."

Source: TradingView

The UK private sector grew faster than expected in October as a yearlong manufacturing slump came to an end, according to a closely watched survey that suggests the economy is starting to shake off the impact of Labour's tax rises.S&P Global's composite purchasing managers' index increased to 51.1, up from 50.1 the month before, flash estimates published Friday show. The reading was stronger than the 50.5 forecast by economists and remained above the 50 threshold indicating expansion.

Firms said input price pressures eased to the lowest level since November, while new orders improved. This helped cool down job losses to levels last seen in May when businesses started adjusting to the government's increase in employment costs. The improvement was most pronounced among manufacturers, which returned to growth for the first time since October last year."October's flash UK PMI survey brings hope that September was a low point for the economy from which business conditions are starting to improve," said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence. "Business confidence has also brightened slightly, job losses have moderated, and inflationary pressures are coming back to levels consistent with the Bank of England's 2% target."

The report will provide some relief for Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, whose tax hikes have been blamed for stoking inflation and dampening growth. It shows the economy moving past the worst ahead of Labour's upcoming budget on Nov. 26.However, speculation that Reeves will raise taxes and cut spending again to stabilize public finances is acting as a drag on growth. Services firms only reported a modest uptick in activity, citing weak consumer sentiment and clients postponing decisions, S&P's survey showed.

Williamson said that "the overall pace of growth signalled by the PMI remains consistent with only sluggish GDP growth of around 0.1%."Manufacturing provided a more optimistic picture. Factory output grew at the fastest pace in over a year, thanks to improving domestic demand and restocking efforts.The sector is still reeling from the cyberattack at Jaguar Land Rover. S&P said that "survey respondents in the automotive supply chain again commented on challenging business conditions following the JLR cyberattack, despite a boost from the phased restart of manufacturing operations in October."

Exports continued to deteriorate as US tariffs weighed on demand for UK goods and customers in Europe and Asia cut back on spending.Firms are becoming more optimistic about the year ahead. Business expectations improved to second-highest level since October 2024. Service providers cited new product launches, while manufacturers said they're planning to tap new export markets.

Source: Bloomberg Europe