Author: Pritam Barman

Bank quantitative investment strategies are back in the spotlight as investors hunt for protection that reacts in minutes, not months. With the VIX drifting below its 12‑month average after October’s turbulence, markets look calm on the surface. Underneath, risk is split between an AI‑driven melt‑up into year‑end and a pullback fueled by stretched valuations and narrow leadership. In this regime, gap risk—a sudden jump up or down sparked by headlines or a single high‑profile post—has become the primary headache. Dealers say the most effective defense now is dynamic, fast‑switching hedges rather than static protection that bleeds away in quiet markets.…

Fed December rate cut odds are rising after Bank of America told clients the central bank could move again even if the government shutdown prevents fresh jobs and inflation data from arriving in time. With only September’s CPI published during the stoppage—and a raft of labor indicators stuck in limbo—policymakers may head into the final meeting of the year with limited visibility. BofA economists Aditya Bhave and Matthew Yep mapped out scenarios that keep a December move in play. A slim majority of officials, likely including Chair Jerome Powell, already viewed downside labor-market risks as significant enough to justify at…

Australia home prices accelerated at the quickest pace in more than two years in October, intensifying pressure on the Reserve Bank of Australia as it tries to contain inflation while a resurgent property market gains momentum. A fresh record for national values and a sharp lift in several capitals underline how demand has outstripped scarce listings—pushing affordability further out of reach for many first-time buyers. Property consultancy Cotality (formerly CoreLogic) said the national Home Value Index rose 1.1% in October, the strongest monthly advance since June 2023. Perth led gains with a 1.9% jump, followed by Brisbane at 1.8% and…

US government shutdown impacts are moving from headlines to households as the stalemate reaches one month with no clear path to resolution. Food aid is delayed for millions, child care programs are halting services, health insurance premiums are jumping, and travel disruptions are spreading—while lawmakers remain at an impasse and a record-breaking shutdown looms. Two federal judges ruled that the administration’s refusal to release funds for November food aid was likely unlawful. But timing remains uncertain, and that means benefits for many families may still be late. Meanwhile, the economic toll has reached at least $18 billion in the first…

How to make passive income with ai is the question many non-technical creators are asking right now. The answer is not a “set it and forget it” hack. It’s a smarter way to apply effort once, then let AI multiply your output and scale what works. Think of AI as leverage. Traditional passive income—rentals, dividends, royalties—relies on assets. In the AI era, your assets are digital products, automated media systems, and streamlined services. The goal is stable, AdSense-safe cash flow built on quality, compliance, and brand. How to make passive income with ai: the new leverage “Passive” does not mean…

If your car broke down tomorrow, could you cover it without swiping a high-interest card? Learning how to build an emergency fund is the simplest, smartest way to protect your money and your peace of mind. Done right, it’s a separate, dedicated cash reserve you only touch for true emergencies—not a down payment, not a vacation, not “fun money.” An emergency fund shields you from two kinds of surprises: frequent “spending shocks” like a medical bill or car repair, and rarer “income shocks” like a job loss. Understanding that difference—and applying a phased, automated plan—is the heart of how to…

Berkshire Hathaway earnings jumped 34% in the third quarter, powered by a sharp rebound in insurance underwriting, even as Warren Buffett kept dealmaking subdued and buybacks on pause. The cash pile swelled to a fresh record at $381.7 billion, underscoring the conglomerate’s flexibility—and Buffett’s restraint—in a higher-uncertainty market. Operating earnings reached $13.5 billion, according to company filings released Saturday. Insurance underwriting profit more than tripled during a quarter marked by unusually low disaster activity, offsetting weakness in some other lines. Net investment income slipped 13% to $3.2 billion amid lower short-term interest rates. Key numbers at a glance: “There isn’t…

AI economy now sits at the center of U.S. markets. Nvidia’s leap to a $5 trillion valuation this week—the first company to ever cross that threshold—underscored how fast artificial intelligence has become the dominant force in corporate America. Together with Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Broadcom and Meta, Nvidia is part of a group that now accounts for nearly a third of total U.S. stock market value. By itself, Nvidia represents roughly 7% of the combined market capitalization of 3,265 publicly traded U.S. companies tracked by marketcap.com. Add the other six AI-heavy giants and the total climbs to 32% of the…

AI spending set the tone for markets this week. A Federal Reserve rate cut and a dense earnings calendar were overshadowed by how decisively investors rewarded companies that paired AI spending with visible revenue growth—and how quickly they punished those that did not. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 advanced and hovered near record territory as results from America’s largest tech firms reinforced the durability of the AI trade. Investors focused less on promises and more on payoffs. AI spending remains central to strategy across the megacaps, but discipline is rising as traders look for proof that capital outlays are…

Berkshire Hathaway earnings rose sharply in the third quarter as Warren Buffett’s conglomerate amassed a record $381.7 billion in cash and equivalents, reflecting strong insurance results during a quiet catastrophe season and disciplined capital deployment. Filings released Saturday show operating earnings of $13.5 billion, up 34% year over year. The company’s insurance operations were the standout, offsetting a drop in net investment income tied to lower short‑term interest rates and a softer result at Geico. Berkshire Hathaway earnings: key numbers and takeaways Together, these figures frame Berkshire Hathaway earnings as a product of underwriting strength, cautious investing and sustained liquidity.…