ADP Reports Stabilizing Layoffs, Modest Jobs Growth

Energy – The diesel rally persists

ICE Brent settled a little more than 1% higher yesterday, with the market moving closer to the $65/bbl level. Market participants appear more concerned about supply risks than the odds of a surplus going forward.

These concerns are clearly reflected in the middle distillate market, where the ICE gasoil crack continued to rally. It's now above US$38/bbl, up from around $23/bbl in mid-October. Meanwhile, the prompt ICE gasoil timspread surged to a backwardation of more than $43/t. Worries over Russian diesel supply amid sanctions and Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries are driving the market's strength.

The strength in the middle distillate market should prompt refiners to maximise yields on middle-of-the-barrel products. Meanwhile, broader strength in refinery margins should support refinery runs. The strength in refinery margins certainly makes a more bearish view of the crude oil market less likely.

ICE Futures Europe said that the delivery of diesel under the ICE gasoil contract, which is produced from Russian oil in third countries, will be banned from January. This move by the exchange aligns with the EU ban on refined products derived from Russian oil, which also comes into effect in January.

Numbers overnight from the American Petroleum Institute show that US crude oil inventories increased by 4.4m barrels over the last week. Refined products also saw stock builds, with gasoline and distillate stocks increasing by 1.5m barrels and 600k barrels, respectively. Overall, the report was relatively bearish. However, the market will be more focused on the release of the widely followed US Energy Information Administration (EIA) inventory numbers later today.

Metals – Freeport targets 2026 restart at Grasberg

Freeport said it plans to restore copper production at its Grasberg operations in Indonesia drove a rally in copper prices. A September mudslide led the miner to declare force majeure. It restarted production from two parts of the copper mine in late October (the Deep Mill Level Zone and Big Gossan) and plans to ramp up at the Grasberg Block Cave underground mine in the second quarter of 2026. Freeport expects Grasberg to produce about one billion pounds of copper and nearly one million ounces of gold in 2026. That's roughly 10% lower than what the company estimated in September following the incident.

The partial restart at Grasberg will help to ease supply challenges for smelters facing feedstock shortages. Grasberg is the world's second-largest copper mine, contributing around 4% of global production.

Copper supply has been hit by a wave of disruptions this year. The disruption at Grasberg has added to the already high number of supply problems this year, including flooding at the Kamoa-Kakula mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in May and an accident at the El Teniente mine in Chile in July.

Data from China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that refined copper output rose 8.9% year on year to 1.204mt in October, primarily driven by stronger ore purchases. In other metals, zinc output rose 15.7% YoY to record highs of 665kt, as smelters benefited from higher fees and improved ore supply, whereas lead production decreased 2.4% YoY to 645kt for the period.

Agriculture– China buys more US soybeans

The USDA announced further export sales of US soybeans to China for the 2025/26 marketing year. China has bought a further 792k tonnes of US soybeans, according to the USDA, which takes total purchases since October to a little over 1m tonnes. However, the pace will need to pick up if China is to buy 12m tonnes of soybeans before the end of the year. The number was mentioned by the US following talks between President Trump and President Xi. However, US soybeans are more expensive than the Brazilian supply. With estimates for yet another record harvest from Brazil next season, competition from Brazil will likely remain fierce.

Source: ING

Understanding what is xrp doesn’t have to be complicated. XRP is a digital asset built for fast, low-cost cross-border transactions—designed to solve the slow and expensive system banks rely on today. This guide explains XRP in plain English, covering how it works, what it’s used for, and key points beginners should know in 2025.

XRP in 30 Seconds (What You Need to Know First)

For readers who want a fast answer, XRP is a digital asset designed for quick, low-cost international transfers. Instead of relying on slow banking rails, XRP settles transactions in seconds and works on a decentralized ledger. The table below highlights key facts for anyone asking what is xrp or xrp what is it in 2025.

What Exactly Is XRP? (Detailed Explanation)

XRP as Digital Currency

XRP is a digital currency that runs on the XRP Ledger, a decentralized settlement network created to move value globally in seconds. Unlike traditional systems or bank wires, the ledger processes thousands of transactions without relying on mining. Many beginners searching what is xrp crypto or what is ripple xrp are simply trying to understand why this asset exists and how it works in practice.

XRP vs. Ripple vs. XRP Ledger

Many new users confuse XRP with Ripple, the private company that develops payment solutions, and the XRP Ledger, the underlying open-source network. A simple way to understand the difference is: Ripple builds payment software, the XRP Ledger processes transactions, and XRP is the asset moved across that ledger. This clarification helps readers who ask what is xrp coin or what is xrp used for.

Why Was XRP Created?

XRP was created to solve a real financial problem: slow and expensive cross-border payments. Instead of money passing through multiple banks, XRP allows value to move almost instantly. People who look up what is xrp stock or the future of xrp often want to understand its real purpose before considering its long-term potential.

The SWIFT Problem and XRP's Solution

Traditional SWIFT transfers rely on correspondent banks, locked liquidity, and manual reconciliation. This system can take several days and cost significant fees. XRP acts as a bridge asset, letting institutions source liquidity on demand and remove the need for prefunded accounts. This is one of the strongest answers to what is xrp used for and why it matters.

XRP vs. Bitcoin: What's the Difference?

Bitcoin functions as a store of value, while XRP focuses on efficient payments. Bitcoin settles in minutes and depends on mining, whereas the XRP Ledger confirms transactions in seconds using a unique consensus model. For readers comparing digital assets and asking what is xrp crypto or how it differs from bitcoin, the key point is that each serves a different role in the market.

How Does XRP Work?

The Transaction Process (Step-by-Step)

XRP was designed to move value across borders within seconds. Instead of relying on multiple correspondent banks, the XRP Ledger processes transactions in a simple, streamlined flow. This helps beginners who search xrp what is it or what is ripple xrp understand how the asset functions in practice.

• Step 1: A user sends value using XRP or a currency converted into XRP.
• Step 2: The transaction is broadcast to the XRP Ledger.
• Step 3: Validators review and confirm the transaction within 3–5 seconds.
• Step 4: The recipient receives the funds almost instantly with minimal fees.

This simple structure is why XRP is often mentioned when people ask what is xrp used for or why it performs differently from traditional payment rails.

The Consensus Mechanism (Without the Jargon)

The XRP Ledger does not rely on mining or staking. Instead, it uses a consensus model where independent validators agree on transaction order and legitimacy. This design keeps the network fast and energy efficient. For readers comparing what is xrp crypto to Bitcoin or other networks, this mechanism is a major difference.

• No miners or expensive hardware
• Validators vote on transaction validity
• Ledgers close every few seconds
• Extremely low energy consumption

The result is a network optimized for payments, which helps explain what is the future of xrp in industries needing speed and reliability.

How to Use XRP

For Individual Users

Everyday users can use XRP in several practical ways. It offers faster transfers than traditional banking and lower fees than many digital assets. These points often come up when people search what is xrp coin or what is xrp crypto.

• Send money across borders in seconds
• Move funds between exchanges quickly
• Use XRP for payments where merchants accept digital assets
• Trade or hold XRP as part of a diversified crypto portfolio

While XRP is not designed as a daily spending currency, it remains useful for fast value transfer and remittances.

For Banks and Financial Institutions

Banks primarily use XRP as a bridge asset to source liquidity on demand. This removes the need for prefunded Nostro accounts and helps reduce cross-border settlement time. Understanding this institutional usage is important for readers exploring what is ripple xrp or what is xrp used for in global finance.

• Bridge currency for cross-border settlement
• Liquidity on demand through Ripple's On-Demand Liquidity (ODL)
• Lower operational costs compared to traditional SWIFT systems
• Instant settlement with transparent tracking

Real-World Examples of XRP Adoption

Several companies and financial platforms use or test XRP and the XRP Ledger for payments. These examples help clarify what is xrp in real economic activity, beyond trading or speculation.

These cases demonstrate how XRP moves from theory to real-world usage, a key point for readers assessing what is xrp or what is the future of xrp.

Is XRP Safe? Should You Invest in XRP?

The SEC Lawsuit and Regulatory Status

The regulatory history of XRP plays a major role in evaluating its safety. In 2020, the U.S. SEC argued that Ripple sold XRP as an unregistered security. The case caused uncertainty, especially for beginners searching what is xrp crypto or trying to understand how regulation affects digital assets.

• Retail sales were ruled not to be securities
• Institutional sales were labeled securities offerings
• XRP resumed trading on major U.S. exchanges after the ruling
• Further regulatory updates may still influence price and adoption

By 2025, the market views XRP as operating with clearer classification than in previous years, though full regulatory certainty is still developing. This context is important for anyone asking what is xrp used for or what is the future of xrp in the U.S. market.

Pros and Cons of XRP

Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of XRP helps investors make informed decisions. These factors matter whether someone is exploring what is xrp stock, what is ripple xrp, or how XRP compares to other digital currencies.

Factors to Consider Before Investing

Before buying XRP, investors should evaluate several practical factors, including utility, long-term demand, and adoption trends. These details help people searching xrp what is it or what is xrp coin understand the asset’s strengths and limitations.

• Liquidity across exchanges and remittance corridors
• Role of XRP in Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity ecosystem
• Historical price patterns and overall crypto market cycles
• Ripple’s scheduled releases from escrow and supply dynamics
• Competition from stablecoins and faster payment networks

What XRP Is NOT Designed For: Another key consideration is understanding what XRP is not meant to do. It is not designed to replace Bitcoin as a store of value, not a stablecoin, and not built as a universal currency for everyday consumer spending. It also is not a token for decentralized app ecosystems. Misunderstanding its intended purpose can lead to unrealistic expectations about what is the future of xrp or its potential market role.

Key Risks to Keep in Mind

Like any digital asset, XRP carries risks that investors should consider seriously. These concerns are relevant to users exploring what is xrp or how XRP fits within the broader crypto market.

• Future regulatory shifts that may impact liquidity or exchange access
• Market volatility driven by overall crypto sentiment
• Potential delays in institutional adoption or global payment integration
• Dependence on Ripple’s strategy and escrow management
• Competition from blockchain and non-blockchain payment networks

Understanding these risks helps investors make informed decisions rather than relying on overly optimistic assumptions about what is the future of xrp.

FAQs about What Is XRP

1. Where and How to Buy XRP

Users can buy XRP on major exchanges that support the asset. The basic process includes creating an account, completing verification, depositing funds, and purchasing XRP. Some platforms allow bank transfers, while others support card payments or stablecoin pairs.

• Open an account on a supported exchange
• Complete required identity verification
• Deposit funds in fiat or crypto
• Search for the XRP trading pair
• Place a buy order and store XRP securely

2. What Exactly Does XRP Do in the Real World?

XRP is used as a bridge asset for fast international transfers, enabling institutions to source liquidity on demand. Payment companies use it to settle remittances, reduce costs, and improve transparency. For everyday users, XRP supports quick asset transfers between exchanges and low-cost cross-border transactions.

• Faster international remittance settlement
• Lower operational and FX costs
• Liquidity bridging for banks and payment firms
• Quick transfers between digital asset platforms

3. Does XRP Still Have a Future?

XRP’s long-term outlook depends on adoption, regulatory clarity, and its role in global payments. Many investors researching what is the future of xrp want to understand whether institutions will continue integrating XRP for settlement and liquidity bridging. As payment corridors expand and more financial firms explore blockchain-based solutions, XRP may remain relevant in specific payment use cases.

Conclusion

Understanding what is xrp helps new users see why the asset was created and how it fits into modern payment systems. XRP offers fast settlement, low fees, and real-world adoption in remittances and institutional liquidity. While risks remain, informed users can evaluate XRP’s potential based on utility, regulation, and long-term market trends.

US President Donald Trump gave Saudi Arabia's crown prince a lavish reception in Washington, offering a defense agreement that includes cutting-edge warplanes and absolving him of the murder of an American journalist.

Less clear was what Trump got in return.

The US leader greeted Mohammed bin Salman with a dozen flag-carrying soldiers on horseback, a Marine Corps band playing from the White House balcony and a flyover by the F-35 fighter jets that the Saudis have long coveted. The presidency later said Trump and the crown prince signed a defense cooperation pact, though details were scarce, and agreed to formalize negotiations on help with a civil nuclear program.

The pomp matched that which greeted Trump on his visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this year. In exchange, Trump got a vague promise for the Saudis to invest as much as $1 trillion in the US — up from a previous pledge of $600 billion. That adds to trillions of dollars in similar pledges that Trump has received in trade deals with other partners, and which experts say may never materialize.

It was a victory for the crown prince, who has sought to repair and deepen ties with the US while using closer relations with China as leverage. Trump repeatedly praised MBS, as Saudi Arabia's 40-year-old de facto leader is known, calling him a "very good friend of mine" and saying he'd done incredible things "in terms of human rights and everything else."

"I do think it's lopsided," said Frederic Wehrey, a former Air Force officer who is a senior fellow in the Middle East program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "The US is surrendering enormous leverage here by giving up so much, so quickly."

In addition to the sale of F-35 fighter jets, the US agreed to green-light the first deliveries of advanced artificial intelligence chips to a Saudi Arabian firm, according to people familiar with the deal. That came despite US national security concerns about economic ties between Saudi Arabia and China.

Just as important, Trump offered Prince Mohammed's image a much-needed rehabilitation in the seven years since the killing of commentator Jamal Khashoggi. A US intelligence report concluded that MBS authorized the killing of the Saudi insider turned Washington Post columnist, who was dismembered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul by a team that included officers of the prince's protective detail.

"He knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that," Trump said, criticizing a journalist who asked about it as "insubordinate."

Live Q&A: What the MBS-Trump Talks Mean For Oil, Tech and Gaza

The Khashoggi assassination — as well as civilian casualties as a result of Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen — hung over US-Saudi relations for years, including in the second half of Trump's first term. Former President Joe Biden called MBS a "pariah," though he later softened his tone and started negotiations on a sweeping defense pact.

To be sure, the lush pageantry of the Oval Office meeting obscured the scarcity of hard details and timeline on some of the agreements. While a fact sheet was released laying out the broad framework of deals, there was no signing ceremony, and negotiations beforehand had been fraught.

While a potential sale of marquee warplanes and oil-fueled investment pledges helped bolster the impression of a much closer US-Saudi relationship, Trump was unable to get Saudi Arabia to normalize ties with Israel by signing onto the Abraham Accords he's championed since his first term. And Saudi Arabia did not — at least, as of yet — obtain a mutual defense pact similar to that of fellow Gulf state Qatar.

"The fact he was able to come to Washington and to be received at the White House was a win for him," said Abdullah Alaoudh, a Washington-based Saudi human rights advocate. "But the trip so far has failed on a strategic level."

As with many of the initial announcements on deals that Trump reaches with partners, it wasn't immediately clear how fast Saudi Arabia will be able to reap the benefits of US promises. The pledge to sell F-35s will kickstart a long negotiating process that likely won't see planes delivered for several years — if ever. National security officials in Washington are wary about the technology being shared elsewhere, particularly with Beijing.

While the announcements on Tuesday allowed both leaders to claim wins, the biggest deal between the two sides — the complex security and diplomatic agreement that requires the cooperation of the US, Saudi Arabia and Israel — may still take years.

The Saudis envision a deal that would see the US offer Senate-ratified security guarantees to the kingdom, in return for Riyadh normalizing diplomatic ties with Israel.

Given the devastation caused by Israel's war in Gaza, Saudi Arabia says normalization is also conditional on concrete steps toward Palestinian statehood.

"The big thing the Saudis want is a mutual defense treaty and that's only going to be available if there's a whole packaged deal involving normalization," said Michael Ratney, who was the US ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the Biden administration and is now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Khashoggi's murder was "a horrific incident," he said. "But even the Biden administration sort of figured that as horrible as it was, it can't be a reason not to pursue things where we have fundamental national security interests."

Source: Bloomberg Europe

Bank Indonesia's balancing act between stability and growth has lately led to more surprises than signals for markets, keeping investors on edge ahead of Wednesday's interest rate decision.

The central bank has spurned market expectations at half of its 10 policy meetings so far this year, including its decision last month to maintain the key rate. In January and September, BI defied nearly all analyst forecasts by cutting rates.

Bank of America Corp. zeroed in on the unpredictability in a Nov. 7 note reviewing several years of rate decisions. The central bank surprised three times in 2018, and at most twice in other years, it said.

"When global economic policy uncertainty is high, less predictable central bank decisions could potentially weigh further on investor sentiment," said Euben Paracuelles, a Nomura Holdings Inc. economist who uses his own daily gauge of external risks such as the US dollar index, US Treasury yields and market volatility to assess BI's likely response.

Analysts largely expect BI to pause yet again on Wednesday to avoid further eroding support for the rupiah, the worst-performing currency in Asia this year. A Bloomberg survey shows 28 of 33 economists seeing the benchmark BI-Rate staying at 4.75%, while the rest predict a 25-basis-point cut.

Once focused narrowly on maintaining rupiah and price stability, BI's mandate was formally expanded in late 2022 to also include supporting sustainable growth. Balancing these responsibilities has become tougher in the face of global economic turbulence and the need to align closely with President Prabowo Subianto's growth agenda.

"BI has had to pivot quickly between supporting growth and defending rupiah stability, resulting in reactive rather than pre-signaled moves, complicating market alignment with forward guidance," said Krystal Tan, an economist at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

The rupiah has dropped 3.8% against the dollar this year, while neighboring Malaysia and Thailand have seen their currencies gain by at least 5%.

BI, like other central banks including the Federal Reserve, is under pressure to support government efforts to accelerate economic growth.

In the region, the Bank of Thailand and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas have delivered surprises in 40% of their rate meetings this year as monetary authorities loosen policy to differing degrees, according to Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. economist Lavanya Venkateswaran.

BI will likely cut by a quarter-point on Wednesday, she said, adding that its focus on growth has been "prudent" given well-managed inflation.

"The path for lower rates was well signaled, but the timing of the cuts has been a close call given the volatility in currency moves," said Venkateswaran. BI, which holds policy meetings every month, also has more wiggle room in terms of timing, she said.

Some investors remain wary of the possibility BI couls its policy stance again in the near term, BofA Securities analysts Kai Wei Ang and Rahul Bajoria wrote in their report. Even so, softer domestic demand and a slowdown in third-quarter growth mean BI is still expected to keep an easing bias.

Governor Perry Warjiyo on Nov. 12 slightly raised BI's forecast for 2025 growth to above the midpoint of 4.7% to 5.5%, up from 4.6% to 5.4%. But he also reiterated that more rate cuts should be expected through 2026, though the timing and scale of easing will hinge on currency stability and inflation risks.

Even if BI thinks the economy needs a boost, it may not be through a rate cut. When he held rates in October, Warjiyo announced measures aimed at getting banks to pass on lower borrowing costs to their customers.

Nomura expects BI to stand pat on Wednesday, citing the central bank's increased vigilance over still-elevated external risks. The rupiah weakened by 0.7% against the dollar this month as foreign capital flight intensified, erasing all of this year's inflows into government bonds.

The central bank also needs to keep an eye on inflation. Volatile food prices rose 6.6% in October compared to the year before, helping drive the headline inflation rate to its highest level in 18 months.

Source: Bloomberg Europe

One week ago we said that "hundreds of billions" of dollars are about to be loaned out to nuclear projects by the US government. Well, the first billion is about to be wired.

The Wall Street Journal reports Constellation Energy has secured a $1 billion federal loan from the Energy Department's Loan Programs Office (LPO) to restart the Unit 1 reactor at the Three Mile Island reactor plant in Pennsylvania, recently renamed the Crane Clean Energy Center. Constellation has said it would pay about $1.6 billion to restart the plant in 2027.

CEG stock shot up 5% after hours on the news.

The plant's Unit 2 reactor infamously suffered a partial meltdown in the 1970s, but Unit 1 continued to operate without issue for decades until it was shut down in 2019. The reactor was shuttered due to its inability to compete economically with cheap natural gas, as the company notes "before it was prematurely shuttered due to poor economics, this plant was among the safest and most reliable nuclear plants on the grid".

Constellation announced the intention to restart Unit 1 after Microsoft signed a $16 billion, 20-year offtake agreement in an effort to secure a carbon-free source of reliable energy for their data centers.

Energy Wright said Three Mile Island will add around 800 megawatts of power generation to the grid. Wright added that "constellation's restart of a nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania will provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy to Americans across the Mid-Atlantic region. It will also help ensure America has the energy it needs to grow its domestic manufacturing base and win the AI race."

WSJ notes "the deal calls for Constellation to revive the plant's undamaged reactor, which was too costly to run and closed in 2019. The power generated will be sold to Microsoft under a 20-year deal. The tech industry has a nearly insatiable demand for 24-hour-a-day power for AI data centers."

The 835 MW reactor produces enough power for approximately 800,000 homes and will provide reliable and affordable baseload power to the PJM Interconnection region. Along with clean energy, the project will strengthen grid reliability and create over 600 jobs.

Thomas Hochman, Director of Energy & Infrastructure Policy with the Foundation for American Innovation, notes multiple important points with the latest closed LPO deal, in particular that it's "it's really the first LPO loan to tackle the issue of AI-driven load growth".

He notes that it's a novel construct between a technology firm and an energy developer and represents the tech sector's continued move into the infrastructure space. He also importantly point salad, but this is "not a behind-the-meter deal. The electrons from Three Mile Island will flow directly into PJM, benefitting ratepayers and adding extra reserve margin to the grid."

As for today's loan, it's just the first of many in a space we expect to see a flood of capital...

... as the US scrambles to catch up to China's massive nuclear head start.

Source: Zero Hedge

Cryptocurrency markets experienced a significant shift today as the Bitcoin price fell below the crucial $92,000 threshold. According to Bitcoin World market monitoring, BTC is currently trading at $91,982.99 on the Binance USDT market, marking a notable decline that has caught the attention of investors worldwide.

What Does This Bitcoin Price Movement Mean?

The recent Bitcoin price drop represents a substantial market correction that could signal changing investor sentiment. When the Bitcoin price experiences such movements, it often reflects broader market trends and investor confidence levels. This particular decline below $92,000 suggests that traders are reacting to various market factors that we'll explore in detail.

Market analysts are closely watching this Bitcoin price development because it represents a key psychological barrier for investors. The $92,000 level had previously served as an important support zone, and breaking below it indicates potential further volatility ahead.

Key Factors Influencing Today's Bitcoin Price Drop

Several elements contribute to the current Bitcoin price situation. Understanding these factors helps investors make informed decisions about their cryptocurrency portfolios.

The Bitcoin price often serves as a barometer for the entire cryptocurrency market. Therefore, when we see significant movements in Bitcoin valuation, other digital assets typically follow similar patterns.

How Should Investors Respond to Bitcoin Price Volatility?

Experienced cryptocurrency traders understand that Bitcoin price fluctuations are normal market behavior. However, sudden drops like today's movement require careful consideration and strategic thinking.

For long-term investors, this Bitcoin price correction might present buying opportunities. Meanwhile, short-term traders need to reassess their positions and risk management strategies. The key is to avoid emotional decisions and instead rely on solid market analysis.

Remember that the Bitcoin price has historically recovered from similar corrections. Market cycles are inherent to cryptocurrency investing, and understanding these patterns can help navigate volatile periods.

What's Next for Bitcoin Price Trends?

Looking ahead, market watchers will monitor whether the Bitcoin price stabilizes or continues its downward trajectory. Several indicators suggest potential support levels that could halt further declines.

The current Bitcoin price situation underscores the importance of staying informed and maintaining a balanced perspective on market movements.

Source: CryptoSlate