In the late hours in the US, Alphabet Inc. reported solid sales. Meta Platforms Inc. sees total expenses to significantly rise in 2026. Microsoft Corp.'s expansion in its Azure unit failed to inspire traders. For more on the latest earnings, we turn to Daniel Newman, CEO of the Futurum Group.

Plus - Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's blunt warning that investors need to rein in expectations for a December interest-rate cut underscored a growing tug-of-war among US policymakers who are opposed in their outlooks for jobs and inflation. While Powell made it clear that the primary concern for some is a cooling job market, others inside the Fed are warning persistent inflation will limit room for more easing. And a freeze on the release of official economic data during the ongoing government shutdown is only hardening the divide.Powell's comments came after the Federal Open Market Committee voted 10-2 to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by a quarter percentage point, to 3.75%-4%. It was the second straight rate cut, but for the first time in six years, there were dissents in both directions — with one official advocating a larger reduction and another preferring to stay on hold. For more, we turn to Sean Clark, Chief Investment Officer at Clark Capital.

**Disclaimer, at the time of this recording, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have not met yet. They are set to meet later on Thursday in South Korea (local time).

 

 

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