Silver decisively outpaced gold as easing oil prices supported markets, while a firm dollar and Treasury yields near 5.0% contained bullion. Upcoming U.S. economic reports could determine whether gold escapes the middle of the $4,300 range.
USA Rare Earth has attracted billions in government and private capital, but unresolved questions about Round Top’s ore quality, delayed commercial production and Cantor Fitzgerald’s involvement continue to shadow Washington’s ambitious critical minerals bet.
The average 30 year fixed mortgage rate reached 7.12% as higher oil prices, rising Treasury yields and the Federal Reserve’s latest rate increase intensified pressure on homebuyers and drove more applicants toward adjustable rate loans.
Netflix shares are sinking as YouTube expands its television audience, courts leading creators, and challenges episodic streaming. Weak sales, cautious guidance, and only 2% viewing growth during the first half have added to Wall Street’s concerns.
The SEC and CFTC are using existing authority to build crypto rules after the Clarity Act stalled, while industry leaders, federal lawmakers, and state officials clash over regulatory certainty and control of digital asset markets.
IonQ, Maplebear and Worthington drew attention among major premarket movers, but the available material provided no prices, trading direction, percentage changes or catalysts behind the activity. Readers were also warned that market data may be delayed at least 15 minutes.
McDonald’s will spend up to $8.5 billion supporting franchisee upgrades while targeting higher operating margins, stronger restaurant efficiency and global sales growth through its NEXT strategy and the new Make It Golden employee training program.
Trump and Xi may explore AI safety frameworks and an emergency communication channel, but disputes over advanced chips, distillation, verification, and technological leadership leave little prospect that either country will agree to slow development.
Gold remained above $4,330 as falling oil prices eased inflation pressure, but a firmer dollar and hawkish Fed signals capped gains. Conditional Hormuz diplomacy pushed crude lower while unresolved shipping risks preserved defensive demand for bullion.
The Nasdaq reached another intraday record as artificial intelligence shares advanced, but Iran tensions, elevated oil prices, rising Treasury yields and weak market breadth kept broader investor enthusiasm firmly in check.
Leading AI executives are expected before the U.N. Security Council as warnings over advanced models collide with Trump’s growth focused stance and a string of disclosures involving autonomous hacking, cyber incidents and other concerning behavior.
Xi Jinping’s state visit is approaching, but Beijing has not named the Chinese executives accompanying him. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is expected at Thursday’s dinner, while representatives from several prominent Chinese companies reportedly remain under consideration.
Binance is taking a $100 million stake in Circle while promoting USDC to its global users, giving the stablecoin issuer a major distribution channel as it challenges Tether’s commanding international position.
McDonald’s faces skeptical investors after U.S. traffic declined, same store sales rose just 0.8%, and shares fell 18%. Management is expected to detail plans covering value, menu improvements, beverages, restaurant renovations and tighter spending.
Bitcoin held near $86,000 as ETF demand, forced buying, and a technical breakout strengthened analysts' conviction that crypto winter has ended, although the market remains about 30% below its October record valuation.
Susan Collins backed the Federal Reserve’s unanimous quarter percentage point rate increase, warning that inflation could remain notably above 2% as updated projections pointed to another increase this year and possible further tightening in 2027.