Micron To Stop Selling Memory To Consumers As demand Soars For AI Chips

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Forex

Summary:

Memory chipmaker Micron Technology said on Dec 3 it will exit its consumer business, as it doubles down on advanced memory chips used in artificial intelligence data centres amid a global supply shortage of the essential semiconductors.

Micron's move to dissolve its consumer business comes against a backdrop of worldwide strain in memory supply chains, with tight availability of semiconductors ranging from Nand flash chips used in smartphones to advanced high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, employed in AI data centres.

It will halt the sale of the "Crucial" unit's consumer-branded products at retailers, e-tailers and distributors worldwide, but will continue product shipments through the consumer channel until February 2026, Micron said.

This consumer memory unit is not an important driver of Micron's business, said Summit Insights analyst Kinngai Chan.

Micron has long been shifting focus to its HBM business, which has emerged as the most competitive area between the world's three largest memory suppliers: Micron and South Korea's S.K. Hynix and Samsung.

"The AI-driven growth in the data centre has led to a surge in demand for memory and storage," said Sumit Sadana, chief business officer at Micron.

"Micron has made the difficult decision to exit the Crucial consumer business in order to improve supply and support for our larger, strategic customers in faster-growing segments."

HBM – a type of dynamic random access memory – involves stacking chips vertically to reduce power consumption, helping process large volumes of data, making it invaluable in AI development. These chips are pricier than consumer memory and generally fetch lucrative margins.

In the August quarter, Micron's HBM revenue grew to nearly US$2 billion (S$2.6 billion), implying an annualised run rate of nearly US$8 billion, chief executive officer Sanjay Mehrotra said in September.

In 2026, Micron is due to begin production of HBM chips at its new US$7 billion (S$8.9 billion) plant in Woodlands, to meet the rising demand from AI applications.

Singapore is also Micron's main production base of leading-edge Nand flash memory chips used in solid-state drives, USB drives and mobile phones.

Source: Straitstimes

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Gerik

Economic

Enhanced H-1B Scrutiny Reflects Free Speech Agenda

In a sharp escalation of its immigration and free speech policies, the Trump administration has ordered U.S. consulates worldwide to apply rigorous new screening standards to H-1B visa applicants. A confidential cable sent to all U.S. missions on December 2 outlined detailed instructions for identifying individuals who may have participated in online content moderation, fact-checking, or compliance roles deemed by the administration as "censorship of protected expression."

This directive reflects a clear causal link between the administration’s ideological stance on free speech particularly in defense of conservative voices online and its use of immigration policy as an enforcement tool. While previous H-1B reviews have focused on qualifications and fraud prevention, the new emphasis on political expression marks a deeper politicization of visa procedures.

Employment Histories and Online Profiles Under New Scrutiny

The memo instructs consular officers to examine applicants’ resumes and LinkedIn profiles including those of accompanying family members to assess whether they have worked in sectors such as misinformation management, online safety, or social media compliance. The cable suggests that involvement in these areas could constitute grounds for ineligibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Importantly, this expanded vetting now applies not only to first-time H-1B applicants but also to repeat renewals, increasing the exposure of tech workers from abroad particularly those from India and China who dominate H-1B intake to rejection or revocation.

By framing content moderation as a disqualifying activity, the policy introduces a causal pathway in which prior employment in corporate or government roles related to online discourse could lead directly to immigration exclusion.

Tech Sector Implications and Political Undercurrents

The H-1B visa is a cornerstone of U.S. tech workforce strategy, with firms like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon relying on these visas to recruit global talent. Many of these companies also publicly supported Trump in the last election, creating a paradox in which his administration’s new policy may hinder the very firms that have aligned with his broader economic platform.

Analysts have expressed concern that the policy could be interpreted as punitive toward roles commonly associated with fact-checking or misinformation control particularly if those activities intersected with controversial U.S. political narratives such as vaccine hesitancy or election integrity. The broader correlation between political affiliation and immigration risk is likely to stoke further tension between the tech industry and federal agencies.

Broader Immigration and Speech Crackdown

This move follows a series of Trump-era actions linking immigration and online speech. In May, Senator Marco Rubio proposed visa bans for individuals accused of censoring American voices online. The administration has also imposed social media screenings on student visa applicants and raised fees for H-1B visas in September, reinforcing a trend of tightening immigration access through ideological and financial channels.

The administration’s rhetoric has focused on alleged suppression of right-wing political expression, with officials criticizing European authorities for similar actions. Trump’s alignment with this narrative domestically and abroad underscores a consistent foreign policy theme: the defense of what it deems unrestricted political speech, now enforced through immigration levers.

A Politicized Visa Landscape Emerges

The Trump administration’s enhanced vetting for H-1B applicants marks a convergence of immigration control and political ideology. By linking visa eligibility to past roles in online moderation or misinformation efforts, the administration is reshaping immigration policy to reflect broader cultural and political battles over free expression.

While the long-term legal and diplomatic ramifications remain uncertain, the immediate effect is clear: a more restrictive, politically sensitive visa environment that could deter skilled workers and unsettle global tech hiring pipelines. As the administration prepares to name a successor to Fed Chair Jerome Powell and implement more permanent tariff measures, these shifts signal an evolving and increasingly confrontational posture on multiple international fronts.

Source: Reuters

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Gerik

Economic

Forex

Dollar Slumps as Markets Cement Rate-Cut Outlook

The U.S. dollar continued its decline on Thursday following softer-than-expected economic data that has solidified market belief in an imminent Federal Reserve rate cut. According to CME FedWatch, investors are now pricing in an 89% probability that the Fed will lower rates by 25 basis points at its December 9–10 meeting. Alongside this, expectations for nearly 90 basis points of easing in 2026 have also gained traction.

This sharp repricing has pushed the dollar index down to 98.919, hovering near a five-week low and down almost 9% year-to-date. The rapid loss in dollar strength reflects not just domestic economic softness but also rising global confidence, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia.

The cause-effect relationship is direct: weak U.S. labor data evident in ADP’s November report showing a loss of 32,000 private sector jobs has led to elevated rate-cut speculation, which in turn has put downward pressure on the dollar across the board. The euro, yen, sterling, and several Asia-Pacific currencies have all responded positively to the shift.

Fed Leadership Speculation Adds to Uncertainty

Investor nerves were further rattled by speculation that Kevin Hassett, current White House economic adviser, could replace Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve Chair when Powell’s term ends in May. Hassett is seen as favoring more aggressive monetary easing, aligning with President Trump’s longstanding preference for lower rates.

Reports suggest bond investors have already voiced concern to the U.S. Treasury that Hassett’s appointment might lead to politicized rate cuts. This adds a layer of institutional uncertainty to an already volatile monetary policy landscape. While such a leadership change is not guaranteed, the expectation alone is contributing to dollar softness and heightened foreign exchange volatility.

Macquarie’s Thierry Wizman noted that the combination of stronger foreign economic data, particularly in the euro zone, and the possibility of a dovish Fed shift under Hassett’s leadership has accelerated the dollar’s slide.

Euro Strengthens on Robust Eurozone Activity

The euro climbed to $1.1674 in Asian trading after breaching a seven-week high on the back of strong eurozone business activity. November marked the fastest pace of expansion in over two and a half years, supporting the euro’s upward momentum.

The euro has now gained more than 12% in 2025, on track for its best annual performance since 2017. This rally reflects both domestic economic improvement in Europe and a weaker dollar backdrop caused by earlier tariff uncertainties and current rate-cut expectations. Importantly, the European Central Bank is not expected to follow the Fed’s easing trajectory, with only a 25% chance of any rate cut in 2026 being priced in.

The differing monetary policy outlooks between the Fed and ECB form a clear causal mechanism behind the widening euro-dollar divergence.

Asian Currencies Hold Firm Amid Domestic Developments

The Japanese yen stabilized at 155.18 per dollar. Although the yen had been under pressure recently, some of that stress has eased following comments by BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda that signaled possible rate hikes. Markets now anticipate a policy shift from the Bank of Japan in two weeks. Additionally, concerns about unilateral intervention by Japanese authorities appear to be fading.

Elsewhere, the Australian dollar traded at $0.66075 and the New Zealand dollar at $0.5774 both near monthly highs. These gains are not only a byproduct of broad dollar weakness but also reflect relative stability in domestic fundamentals and investor appetite for higher-yielding assets as U.S. yields look increasingly capped.

Sterling also firmed, reaching $1.33425 its strongest since late October. Its performance underscores how currencies with moderate economic outlooks are benefitting from the relative decline of U.S. monetary dominance.

A Tectonic Shift in Currency Sentiment

As weak U.S. data collides with mounting political and leadership uncertainty at the Federal Reserve, global markets are rapidly adjusting to a world where the dollar may no longer be the dominant safe haven. The euro, yen, and commodity-linked currencies are all experiencing upward momentum, fueled by diverging policy paths and improved macroeconomic conditions abroad.

While analysts like Thomas Mathews of Capital Economics caution that the U.S. economy remains strong enough to limit the extent of the dollar's decline, the current shift in sentiment suggests that global capital may continue rebalancing in favor of non-dollar assets especially if the Fed’s next leadership team signals a longer or deeper easing cycle in 2026.

Source: Reuters

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Winkelmann

Cryptocurrency

Forex

Key Points:

· Institutional demand remains solid, with XRP-spot ETFs extending a 12-day inflow streak and signaling deeper market participation.

· Social sentiment indicators and the BTC Fear & Greed Index align with the bullish trend, reinforcing upside momentum for XRP.

· Fed rate-cut expectations rise, strengthening the case for an XRP move toward $2.35 and potentially $3.

XRP hit key resistance at $2.2 on Wednesday, December 3, as spot ETF net inflows approached $1 billion. US economic indicators eased stagflation risks while boosting bets on a December Fed rate cut, setting up a perfect storm for risk assets such as XRP.

The ADP reported a 32k drop in employment in November after a 47k rise in October, supporting a more dovish Fed rate path. Meanwhile, the all-important ISM Services PMI unexpectedly rose from 52.4 in October to 52.6 in November.

Services sector activity is key to the US economy, given that it accounts for around 80% of GDP. Crucially, the Prices Index dropped from 70 to 65.4, suggesting a softer inflation outlook, abating stagflation jitters.

XRPUSD – Hourly Chart – 041225

Easing fears of US stagflation, rising bets on a December Fed rate cut, and robust demand for XRP-spot ETFs support a more bullish short- to medium-term outlook.

Below, I will explore the key drivers behind the breakout, the medium-term (4-8 week) outlook, and the key technical levels traders should watch.

XRP-Spot ETFs Extend Inflow Streak with More Launches Imminent

On Tuesday, December 2, XRP-spot ETFs reported $67.74 million in net inflows, down from $89.65 million the previous session. Nevertheless, the XRP-spot ETF market extended its inflow streak to 12 consecutive sessions, underscoring robust institutional demand.

Grayscale XRP ETF (GXRP) led the way on December 2, with net inflows of $21.17 million. Meanwhile, Canary XRP ETF (XRPC) led the inflow table since launch, with net inflows of $355.21 million, benefiting from a first-to-market advantage. There is a delay in the release of spot ETF flow data, with numbers for Wednesday, December 3, expected later today.

Crucially, the resilient demand for spot ETFs tilts the supply-demand balance in XRP's favor, supporting a bullish short- to medium-term price outlook.

SoSoValue – XRP Price and ETF Flow Trends

For context, Bitcoin (BTC) soared 169% to an October 6, 2025, all-time high of $125,761, driven by net inflows of $63.7 billion into BTC-spot ETFs from launch through October 6. Since October 7, 2025, ETF issuers reported net outflows of $3.5 billion, leaving BTC down 26% from its all-time high. BTC-spot ETF market flow trends underscored the significance of institutional demand on price action.

Social Media Data Sends Bullish Signals

Spot ETF inflows and social media indicators align with the bullish short- to medium-term price outlook.

Market Intelligence platform Santiment gave insights into current investor sentiment on crypto across social media platforms overnight, stating:

"According to social media data across X, Reddit, Telegram, 4Chan, BitcoinTalk, & Farcaster, the enormous swings from greed to fear have perfectly told the story for Bitcoin's price."

Santiment shared a chart showing BTC price trends on positive and negative sentiment ratios on social media, explaining that:

"Red circles indicate days where there are abnormally higher BULLISH comments compared to BEARISH comments, about $BTC (Greed Zone). Green circles indicate days where there are abnormally higher BEARISH comments compared to BULLISH comments, about $BTC (Fear Zone)."

Social media sentiment has proven a leading BTC price indicator, crucial for the broader market, given performance correlations with Bitcoin. Santiment described the inverse relationship between sentiment ratios and BTC price action, stating:

"Since we know markets move the opposite direction of the crowd's predictions, the days where comments dip into the Fear Zone have perfectly predicted upcoming bounces. And alternatively, the days where comments dip into the Greed Zone have perfectly predicted upcoming dips. This latest rise has made retail greedy once again, but it may calm down quickly if the rally comes to a quick halt."

Santiment – Retail Sentiment on Social Media and BTC Price Trends

The Bitcoin Fear & Greed Index currently sits in the Fear Zone at 26, down from 28 the previous day, supporting further price gains.

BTC Fear & Greed Index – 041225

Bullish Medium-Term Outlook Intact

XRP consolidated its December 2 rally on December 3, reinforcing the bullish medium-term price outlook. Several key price catalysts are likely to boost demand for XRP, including:

· Broader investor access to spot ETFs.

· The progress of the Market Structure Bill on Capitol Hill.

· Expectations of a multiple Fed rate cuts.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the chances of a December Fed rate cut rose from 88.0% on December 2 to 89.0% on December 3. Meanwhile, the probability of a March 2026 Fed rate cut stands at 52.9%, up from 45.6% on December 2.

In my opinion, these price catalysts support a near-term (1-4 weeks) move to $2.35 and a medium-term (4-8 weeks) climb to $3.

Downside Risks to Bullish Outlook

Despite the positive outlook, several potential events could derail a Santa Rally. These include:

· Market disruption from Bank of Japan and Fed monetary policy decisions and forward guidance.

· If MSCI delists digital asset treasury companies (DATs), it would likely reduce blue-chip companies' demand for XRP as a treasury reserve asset.

· The Market Structure Bill hits a US Senate roadblock.

· OCC rejects Bitcoin's application for a US-chartered banking license.

· XRP-spot ETF outflows.

These events could push XRP below $2 and expose the November low of $1.82 before a sustained move toward $3.

In summary, the short-term outlook is cautiously bullish, while the medium- to longer-term outlook is constructive.

Financial Analysis

Technical Outlook: EMAs Signal Caution

XRP gained 2.03% on Wednesday, December 3, following the previous day's 6.04% rally, closing at $2.1973. The token underperformed the broader market, which advanced 2.92%.

Despite Wednesday's gains, XRP continued to trade below the 50-day and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), reaffirming a bearish bias. However, fundamentals have shifted from the technical trend, supporting a bullish outlook.

Key technical levels to watch include:

· Support levels: $2.2, $2, $1.9112, and $1.8239

· 50-day EMA resistance: $2.3191.

· 200-day EMA resistance: $2.4971.

· Resistance levels: $2.35, $2.5, $2.62, $2.8, $3.0, and $3.66.

Holding above the $2.2 support level would open the door to testing the 50-day EMA. A sustained move through the 50-day EMA would bring the $2.35 resistance level into play. Crucially, a breakout from the 50-day EMA would signal a near-term bullish trend reversal, supporting a move to $2.35.

XRPUSD – Daily Chart – 041225

Fundamental Indicators: Corporate Signals, Policy Decisions

Near-term price drivers include:

· XRP-spot ETF daily flows.

· Blue-chip companies' positions on XRP as a treasury reserve asset.

· Regulatory milestones: Ripple's application for a US-chartered bank license, the progress of the Market Structure Bill on Capitol Hill.

· MSCI's decision on DAT listings.

· The Fed and the BoJ's rate paths.

Bullish Scenario: What Happens if $2.2 Holds?

Positive market sentiment and a hold above $2.2 would support a move to the upper trendline. Breaking resistance at the upper trendline would align with the medium-term $3 price target.

However, a move below $1.8239 would invalidate the medium-term bullish structure.

XRPUSD – Daily Chart – 041225 – Bullish

Outlook: $2.2 Support Key for Bullish Medium-Term Path

XRP will come under increased scrutiny on Thursday, December 4. Robust inflows into XRP-spot ETFs and rising bets on multiple Fed rate cuts would support the current recovery toward $2.35.

However, traders should closely monitor the progress of the Market Structure Bill, US economic indicators, the BoJ, and the Fed, which will also influence risk sentiment.

Source: FX Empire

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Samantha Luan

Political

Economic

France's Macron Meets Xi For Ukraine, Trade Talks_1

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron walk during an official welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing as part of a three-day visit to China, Dec. 4. Reuters-Yonhap

French President Emmanuel Macron met Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, where he is expected to push the Chinese leader to help secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, and discuss trade relations.

Macron and his wife Brigitte were given a grand welcome by Xi and his partner Peng Liyuan to the Great Hall of the People, where the ceremony was moved indoors due to cold weather.

Macron blew kisses to children who held flowers and welcomed the president, while a band played the national anthems of both countries.

The French president, who is visiting China for the fourth time since taking office in 2017, is also expected to meet with Premier Li Qiang before travelling to Chengdu, where two giant pandas loaned to France were recently returned.

Macron has sought to pressure Xi to help secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, as the war with Russia drags into a fourth winter.

"We are counting on China, like us a permanent member of the Security Council... to lean on Russia, so that Russia and, in particular, Vladimir Putin can finally agree to a ceasefire," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said this week.

China regularly calls for peace talks and respect for the territorial integrity of all countries, but has never condemned Russia for its 2022 invasion.

Western governments accuse Beijing of providing Russia with crucial economic support for its war effort, notably by supplying it with military components for its defence industry.

The French presidency said Macron will tell Xi that China must "refrain from providing any means, by any means, to Russia to continue the war".

His three-day visit to Beijing follows a trip to Paris by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, who urged Europe to stand by Kyiv as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes a plan to end the war.

"We share the view that the war must be brought to a fair end," Zelensky wrote on social media after Monday's talks with Macron, which also included phone calls with other European leaders.

France's Macron Meets Xi For Ukraine, Trade Talks_2

Chinese President Xi Jinping's wife Peng Liyuan, left, welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron's wife Brigitte Macron during an official welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing as part of a three-day visit to China, Dec. 4. Reuters-Yonhap

Trade talks

Macron is also due to discuss trade with his Chinese hosts, with the European Union facing a massive trade deficit of $357 billion with the Asian powerhouse.

"It is necessary for China to consume more and export less... and for Europeans to save less and produce more," an adviser to Macron said.

Macron has previously called for the European Union to reduce its dependence on China and for a "European preference" in the tech sector.

Last month, he told a European summit of tech leaders and ministers from across the continent that the bloc does not want to be a "vassal" to U.S. and Chinese tech companies.

The French president will stay in China until Friday, with a final stop in Chengdu in the southwestern province of Sichuan.

Last week, two giant pandas loaned to France by China were flown to their ancestral home to retire at an animal sanctuary in the city.

The Chinese embassy promised new bears would soon be dispatched to make up for the popular pair leaving.

The Chengdu visit is "quite exceptional in Chinese protocol", the French presidency said, adding it was "appreciated as such" by Macron.

During his last trip to China, the French president was given a rock star welcome at a university in the southern city of Guangzhou, with students chanting his name and scrambling for selfies and high-fives.

Source: Koreatimes

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Justin

Stocks

Forex

Indian shares look set for another soft start this morning, even as most Asian markets track Wall Street's gains on hopes the Fed might cut rates next week. Back home, the big focus is on tomorrow's RBI policy decision — and on what the Governor has to say about the rupee after it slipped past the key 90-per-dollar level on Wednesday.

Tata Consultancy Services will also be in the spotlight after reports that OpenAI is in advanced talks with the company to help build out AI infrastructure, a headline that could stir up some excitement in tech stocks. IndiGo stock is likely to be in the spotlight, following news of flight cancellations as the carrier grapples with a pilot shortage and tech issues. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin begins his state visit to India today, keeping geopolitics on investors' radar.

Finding rupee's floor

Tariff uncertainty continues to add pressure to the rupee, but analysts say further downside may be limited. According to Yes Securities, the currency now looks undervalued on a REER basis, which could reassure overseas investors sensitive to currency swings. The brokerage adds that overseas inflows into local shares often pick up when the rupee's depreciation exceeds the long-term average — and this year's 5.1% drop versus the dollar is already steeper than the 25-year annual average of 3%. Meanwhile, billionaire Uday Kotak said on X that with foreigners selling local shares and domestic investors buying, only time will tell which side is right.

Foreigners ownership hopes fade for state lenders

It's not just the rupee — bank ownership rules are in focus again. State-owned lenders have been standout performers this year on strong loan demand and better asset quality. Their latest rally followed reports of a possible rethink on ownership limits, but the government denied any such plan on Tuesday, sending the Nifty PSU Bank index down 3% and pushing some lenders among Asia's worst performers. Even so, sentiment remains firm, as shown by strong demand for the government's share sale in Bank of Maharashtra.

Auto rebound has wheels: InCred

The auto sector is also back in the spotlight as investors look for signs of a demand recovery. November sales eased after the festive surge, pulling the Nifty auto index down more than 1% on Wednesday — its sharpest drop in nearly two months.

Still, InCred Equities says the medium-term outlook is improving, helped by policy support such as income-tax cuts, lower interest rates and pay commission salary revisions, all of which could fuel a two-to-three-year demand upcycle. Forward price-to-earnings valuations are only slightly above their 10-year average, and InCred's preferred picks are Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj Auto.

The rupee hit 90 per dollar for the first time on Wednesday, and its slide from 80 to 90 happened at a quicker annualized pace than the previous milestone moves, according to DSP Mutual Fund.

When the currency first reached 80 in July 2022, and 70 in August 2018, the annualized depreciation rates were 3.5% and 3%, respectively, according to the asset manager. This year's 5% drop has made the rupee Asia's weakest performer, and Nomura says the 2025 decline reflects the RBI's effort to slow the drawdown of its reserves.

Source: Bloomberg Europe

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Gerik

Economic

Weak Jobs Data Fuels Market Euphoria

Once again, bad economic data has delivered good news for investors. On Wednesday, U.S. markets posted their second straight day of gains, driven by hopes that the Federal Reserve could soon pivot to monetary easing. The catalyst was a weaker-than-expected jobs report from payroll processor ADP, which revealed a net loss of 32,000 private-sector positions in November well below the anticipated gain of 40,000 and a steep decline from October’s 47,000 increase.

This surprise contraction reinforced investor expectations of a rate cut at the Fed’s December 9–10 meeting. With the CME FedWatch tool now showing an 89% probability of easing, equity traders appeared to embrace the data as a golden ticket, driving broad-based gains in major U.S. indexes. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led the rally, climbing 0.86%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also posted moderate gains. The Europe Stoxx 600 closed up 0.1%, mirroring the upbeat tone.

The relationship between labor market weakness and rate expectations has become increasingly causal in recent months. Investors interpret softer employment data as a signal that the Fed will need to loosen monetary policy, which reduces borrowing costs and supports asset valuations. Yet this mechanism while beneficial to financial markets in the short term masks potential vulnerabilities in the broader economy.

Short-Term Sugar Rush, Long-Term Headwinds

This market rally, though welcomed by investors, is built on fragile footing. Prolonged weakness in the labor market could undermine consumer spending and corporate earnings, posing a threat to the very companies whose stocks are rising today. Analysts warn that what initially appears to be a policy-induced boon may ultimately reveal structural economic deterioration.

The metaphorical “sugar rush” of rate-cut anticipation may provide temporary energy, but its long-term sustainability remains uncertain. If job losses persist or broaden, the Fed’s easing may arrive too late to prevent a slowdown from deepening into recessionary territory. This dissonance between investor optimism and economic fundamentals presents a latent risk that markets have yet to fully price in.

Other Key Developments: Trade, Tech, and Talent

Beyond jobs and rates, several headlines shaped market sentiment Wednesday. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang disclosed that he met with President Trump to discuss potential AI chip export restrictions, amid Congressional proposals to further curb technology sales to China. The outcome of this dialogue could significantly influence the outlook for semiconductor firms and U.S.-China tech relations.

On the trade front, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent affirmed the administration’s commitment to its tariff agenda, stating that levies will be implemented “permanently,” regardless of the outcome of a pending Supreme Court case. This stance suggests ongoing friction in global trade policy, which could complicate inflation management and cross-border investment decisions.

Meanwhile, Apple faced a high-profile executive exit as Alan Dye, the head of user interface design and the force behind the new “Liquid Glass” aesthetic in iOS, departed for Meta. The move highlights competitive pressures in Silicon Valley’s talent wars and comes at a time when Apple is under scrutiny for lagging behind rivals in generative AI integration. Although CEO Tim Cook emphasized the company’s continued focus on design, the leadership transition may raise concerns about creative continuity.

Cash in Focus Amid Uncertainty

Dan Niles of Niles Investment Management advised a conservative stance amid volatility, calling cash “the best investment idea right now.” While he remains cautiously optimistic about select sectors, his view reflects broader hesitation among fund managers, who see policy shifts and geopolitical friction as double-edged swords. In this environment, liquidity and capital preservation have regained priority.

While investors have seized on weak jobs data as a reason to celebrate, the underlying picture remains complex. The expectation of imminent rate cuts has energized equity markets, but the causes behind those expectations labor market weakness and slowing momentum are symptoms of a fragile recovery. Unless broader economic conditions stabilize, this rally may prove short-lived, making vigilance as important as optimism in the weeks ahead.

Source: CNBC

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Micron To Stop Selling Memory To Consumers As demand Soars For AI Chips

Source: Straitstimes

Trump Administration Imposes Stricter H-1B Visa Vetting, Targets Free Speech “Censorship” Concerns

Enhanced H-1B Scrutiny Reflects Free Speech Agenda

Employment Histories and Online Profiles Under New Scrutiny

Tech Sector Implications and Political Undercurrents

Broader Immigration and Speech Crackdown

A Politicized Visa Landscape Emerges

Source: Reuters

Dollar Slips as Rate-Cut Bets Mount, Euro Hits Seven-Week High on Global Confidence Shift

Dollar Slumps as Markets Cement Rate-Cut Outlook

Fed Leadership Speculation Adds to Uncertainty

Euro Strengthens on Robust Eurozone Activity

Asian Currencies Hold Firm Amid Domestic Developments

A Tectonic Shift in Currency Sentiment

Source: Reuters

XRP News Today: ETF Momentum And Fed Signals Lift Outlook

Key Points:

XRPUSD – Hourly Chart – 041225

XRP-Spot ETFs Extend Inflow Streak with More Launches Imminent

SoSoValue – XRP Price and ETF Flow Trends

Social Media Data Sends Bullish Signals

Santiment – Retail Sentiment on Social Media and BTC Price Trends

BTC Fear & Greed Index – 041225

Bullish Medium-Term Outlook Intact

Downside Risks to Bullish Outlook

Financial Analysis

XRPUSD – Daily Chart – 041225

Fundamental Indicators: Corporate Signals, Policy Decisions

Bullish Scenario: What Happens if $2.2 Holds?

XRPUSD – Daily Chart – 041225 – Bullish

Outlook: $2.2 Support Key for Bullish Medium-Term Path

Source: FX Empire

France's Macron Meets Xi For Ukraine, Trade Talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron walk during an official welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing as part of a three-day visit to China, Dec. 4. Reuters-Yonhap

Chinese President Xi Jinping's wife Peng Liyuan, left, welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron's wife Brigitte Macron during an official welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing as part of a three-day visit to China, Dec. 4. Reuters-Yonhap

Trade talks

Source: Koreatimes

Tariff Uncertainty Continues To Add Pressure To India's Rupee

Finding rupee's floor

Foreigners ownership hopes fade for state lenders

Auto rebound has wheels: InCred

Source: Bloomberg Europe

Bad Jobs Data, Good Market Mood: Investors Bet on Fed Rate Cuts as Economic Clouds Loom

Weak Jobs Data Fuels Market Euphoria

Short-Term Sugar Rush, Long-Term Headwinds

Other Key Developments: Trade, Tech, and Talent

Cash in Focus Amid Uncertainty

Source: CNBC

Risk Disclosure