Headline: Markets Whipsaw as Fed Cut Odds Slide; Tech Recovers, Bitcoin Sinks
A volatile session saw traders recalibrate expectations for a December Federal Reserve rate cut, sending markets on a round trip before closing flat. Risk appetite improved late in the day on a tech-led rebound, while commodities diverged and cryptocurrencies extended losses.
Interest-rate expectations continued to drift lower, with futures pricing the odds of a December Fed cut at roughly 40%, down from 66% earlier in the week. Policymakers offered a mixed tone: some officials argued for patience while others signaled the case for easing has strengthened. The delayed September non-farm payrolls report is now slated for November 20, keeping labor-market visibility in focus. In corporate and macro headlines, Berkshire Hathaway trimmed its Apple stake and added Alphabet, Walmart shares slipped following a CEO departure announcement, Canada’s September manufacturing sales rose 3.3% versus 2.8% expected, and Michael Saylor flagged fresh bitcoin purchases ahead.
Equities endured a sharp early selloff, with the Nasdaq down as much as 1.5% before aggressive dip-buying helped erase losses. Nvidia, Micron and Microsoft outperformed, while Netflix and PayPal lagged. The S&P 500 finished little changed, U.S. 10‑year Treasury yields rose to 4.15%, and the U.S. dollar was choppy. USD/JPY slumped then recovered to near its strongest level since January, the euro failed to clear 1.1655 and eased to 1.1620, and sterling swung on tax headlines to end modestly lower. The New Zealand dollar led G10 gains while the Swiss franc underperformed; commodity currencies notched small advances.
In commodities, crude oil firmed with WTI settling near $59.97, while gold fell $91 to $4,079. Despite the pullback, gold remained higher on the week. Digital assets were under pressure: bitcoin slid nearly 4% to about $94,906, touching its lowest level since May after briefly rebounding with broader risk sentiment. Traders will watch weekend flows closely as rate expectations and liquidity drive short-term moves across crypto and FX.
Key Points: – Market-implied odds of a December Fed rate cut fell to about 40% from 66% earlier in the week. – September U.S. non-farm payrolls report is scheduled for release on November 20. – Berkshire Hathaway reduced its Apple position and added Alphabet; Walmart shares declined on a CEO exit. – Nasdaq erased a 1.5% intraday drop; S&P 500 finished flat as 10-year yields rose to 4.15%. – USD/JPY rebounded to near year-to-date highs; NZD outperformed while CHF lagged. – WTI crude firmed near $59.97; gold fell to $4,079; bitcoin dropped roughly 4% to about $94,906, its lowest since May.
