To ensure this doesn’t happen in the future, please enable JavaScript and cookies in your browser.
Is this happening to you frequently? Please report it on our [feedback forum](#).
If you have an ad-blocker enabled, you may be blocked from proceeding. Please disable your ad-blocker and refresh the page.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4508476-copper-nears-record-high-on-us-china-trade-optimism?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news
The U.S. government is reportedly in talks to take equity stakes in leading quantum computing companies, including IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum, as part of a broader national security initiative. This move aims to strengthen America’s position in frontier technologies amid increasing global competition.
### Market Reaction and Stock Volatility
Following the news, shares of all three companies experienced significant gains. IonQ stock, in particular, has seen extreme volatility in recent weeks. The company’s shares surged to around $82 in mid-October after J.P. Morgan Chase announced a $10 billion investment program targeting 27 strategically important industries, including quantum computing. However, the stock then dropped nearly 30% within days as investors locked in profits amid broader market concerns about banking sector stresses and rising gold prices, which pushed traders away from high-risk tech stocks.
By late October, IonQ shares had slid back toward the mid-$50 range before the reports of potential government investment reignited investor interest.
### Government Denial and Industry Outlook
A U.S. Department of Commerce official has denied that such equity talks are underway. Nonetheless, the media reports have reignited enthusiasm around the quantum computing sector. Top investor George Budwell, ranked among the top 1% of stock professionals by TipRanks, remains bullish on IonQ, calling it “the quantum play to bet on” should government backing materialize. Budwell emphasizes that government support typically favors companies closest to deployment readiness, a position he believes IonQ holds.
### IonQ’s Technical Advantages
IonQ recently achieved a record-breaking algorithmic qubit score of #AQ 64 ahead of schedule, a key metric measuring the complexity of problems a quantum computer can reliably solve. The company reports approximately 99.99% 2-qubit gate fidelity, meaning operations execute correctly 9,999 times out of 10,000.
This high fidelity is achieved using IonQ’s trapped-ion technology, which operates without requiring extreme cryogenic conditions, setting it apart from competitors employing other quantum computing approaches. The superior accuracy allows IonQ’s systems to chain together more operations before errors accumulate, enhancing overall computational power.
### Cloud Accessibility and Commercial Progress
IonQ’s quantum hardware is accessible through major cloud platforms including Amazon Web Services Braket, Microsoft Azure Quantum, and Google Cloud Marketplace. This widespread cloud availability enables enterprises to experiment with quantum workloads without the need for in-house infrastructure development.
Financially, IonQ has demonstrated strong growth. The company reported $20.7 million in revenue in its most recent quarter, marking an 82% increase year-over-year and surpassing company guidance.
Additionally, IonQ has partnered with the Electric Power Board (EPB) of Chattanooga on a $22 million quantum hub initiative. EPB will host one of IonQ’s systems and collaborate on grid optimization projects. IonQ is also opening a new local office in Chattanooga to support training and customer engagement.
### Institutional Confidence and Analyst Ratings
Amazon recently disclosed a $36.7 million stake in IonQ, signaling growing institutional confidence in the company’s technology and business model. George Budwell highlights IonQ’s competitive edge, noting its best-in-class cloud availability and established enterprise pathways among pure-play quantum companies. He asserts, “If the government takes a stake or procurements follow, customers and talent would gravitate toward the perceived winner.”
Wall Street analysts maintain a Strong Buy consensus rating on IonQ stock. Currently, six analysts recommend buying the stock, two suggest holding, and none recommend selling.
### Risks and Future Outlook
Despite the optimism, Budwell cautions that the development of scaled, fault-tolerant quantum solutions remains years away. The technology still faces significant challenges before achieving commercial-scale deployment.
Furthermore, while government investment discussions have sparked excitement, there is no guarantee that such support materializes.
In summary, IonQ presents a compelling opportunity in the quantum computing sector, supported by strong technical achievements, strategic partnerships, and increasing institutional backing. However, investors should remain mindful of the inherent risks and the nascent stage of the technology.
https://coincentral.com/why-ionq-could-be-the-best-quantum-computing-stock-to-buy/
In 2025 alone, state-sponsored groups like the Lazarus Group have stolen more than $2 billion in cryptocurrency, using artificial intelligence (AI) to supercharge every stage of their operations. AI now scans thousands of smart contracts within minutes, identifies exploitable code, and automates multi-chain attacks that were once limited to elite cyber teams.
The record-breaking $1.5 billion Bybit hack in February 2025 marked a turning point. Investigators from Elliptic and TRM Labs revealed that North Korean hackers employed AI-driven reconnaissance tools and deepfake recruiter profiles to infiltrate internal systems.
Once inside, AI algorithms detected weaknesses, executed exploits, and routed stolen funds through Tron-based mixers and over-the-counter brokers—masking their trail with near-machine precision.
Cybersecurity experts note that AI now handles the entire attack lifecycle, from writing malicious code to generating phishing lures and managing laundering paths. As one analyst from Mysten Labs put it, “Large language models have made cybercrime scalable; even small teams can now operate like industrial-scale hackers.”
While quantum computing remains a long-term risk, no existing system can yet break Bitcoin’s ECDSA encryption. Experts estimate it will take a decade or more before quantum decryption becomes realistic.
The immediate challenge, they say, is defending against adaptive AI models that evolve faster than traditional security protocols.
Exchanges and DeFi projects are now urged to run continuous, AI-aware security audits that scan for vulnerabilities as quickly as attackers do. Firms like Elliptic, Chainalysis, and Mandiant are integrating AI-based monitoring tools to track suspicious fund flows and detect AI-generated phishing campaigns.
Some blockchain projects, including Mysten Labs and Algorand, are already preparing for quantum threats by developing quantum-resistant cryptography—ensuring long-term resilience while addressing today’s AI risks.
As North Korea’s hackers weaponize AI, the global crypto industry faces a new reality: machine-driven crime that learns, adapts, and scales at lightning speed. Defending against it will require the same technology that made it possible—AI fighting AI.
https://coinpedia.org/news/north-koreas-ai-hackers-redefine-crypto-crime-in-2025/
**Asian Shares Rally as U.S. Futures Jump; Japan’s Nikkei 225 Tops 50,000 for the First Time**
*BANGKOK (AP)* — Asian shares surged and U.S. futures climbed on Monday, buoyed by strong performances from Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225, which surpassed the 50,000 mark for the first time in history. Positive developments in trade relations between the U.S., China, and other major trading partners contributed to the upbeat market sentiment.
U.S. President Donald Trump visited Malaysia for a summit with Southeast Asian nations, where he reached preliminary trade agreements with Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Meanwhile, a trade deal between the United States and China appeared closer to fruition. Officials from both of the world’s largest economies announced on Sunday that they had reached an initial consensus, setting the stage for Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to work toward finalizing the deal during a high-stakes meeting later in the week.
“This isn’t just photo-op diplomacy. Behind the showmanship, Washington and Beijing’s top trade lieutenants have quietly mapped out a framework that might, just might, keep the world’s two largest economies from tearing up the field again,” said Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management in a commentary.
Following Malaysia, Trump was scheduled to visit Japan before concluding his Asian tour in South Korea, where he is expected to meet Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
A report released Monday by the APEC secretariat forecast that annual growth in the Pacific region will slow to 3% this year from 3.6% last year, partly due to trade restrictions and higher tariffs.
### Japan’s Market Rally
In Japan, newly installed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi enjoys high levels of public support for her market-friendly policies. The Nikkei 225 index climbed 2.1% to 50,329.08, hitting record intraday highs. Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, favors raising defense spending, boosting stocks of major defense contractors such as Kawasaki Heavy Industries, which rose 8.7%. Other defense-related companies also gained, with IHI Corp. up 2.6% and Hitachi increasing 2.7%.
Trump has frequently criticized Japan for restricting access to its auto market, citing it as one justification for imposing tariffs of 25%—later reduced to 15%—on Japan, one of America’s most vital Asian allies. In response, the Japanese government has proposed purchasing a fleet of Ford F-150 trucks for inspecting roads and infrastructure, signaling openness to U.S. products.
### Gains Across Asia-Pacific Markets
South Korea saw shares surge as well, with the Kospi rising 2% to a record 4,018.73. Investors are optimistic about a possible trade agreement with the United States. Chinese markets also posted solid gains: Hong Kong’s Hang Seng increased by 1% to 26,427.34, and the Shanghai Composite rose 1% to 3,991.35.
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 picked up 0.3% to 9,047.40, while Taiwan’s Taiex gained 2.1%, and India’s Sensex was up 0.5%.
### U.S. Stocks Hit Records
On Friday, U.S. stocks reached record highs after inflation data proved less severe than anticipated. The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to 6,791.69, surpassing its previous all-time high set earlier this month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied 1% to 47,207.12, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.1% to a record 23,204.87.
The encouraging inflation figures suggest less financial strain for lower- and middle-income households grappling with high price increases. More importantly for Wall Street, the data may clear the way for the Federal Reserve to continue cutting interest rates to support a slowing job market.
The Fed cut its main interest rate last month for the first time this year but has so far been cautious about additional cuts due to concerns that lower rates might exacerbate inflation.
Most large U.S. companies reported stronger-than-expected profits last quarter, further raising hopes for steady economic growth.
### Commodities and Currency Movements
Early Monday trading saw U.S. benchmark crude oil rise 15 cents to $61.65 per barrel, while Brent crude, the international standard, increased 12 cents to $65.32 per barrel. The U.S. dollar strengthened against the Japanese yen to 153.15 from 152.85 yen. Conversely, the euro slipped to $1.1622 from $1.1636.
https://wtop.com/world/2025/10/asian-shares-gain-japans-nikkei-tops-50000-level-as-trump-seeks-trade-deals/
President Trump is scheduled to arrive soon in Japan, where new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is banking on building a friendly personal relationship with the U.S. leader to ease trade tensions. The meeting is an early diplomatic test for Takaichi, the first woman to lead Japan. She took office only last week and has a tenuous coalition backing her.
Mr. Trump spent Sunday in Malaysia, where he participated in a regional summit of Southeast Asian nations and reached preliminary trade agreements with Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. While en route to Japan, he returned to the press cabin on Air Force One along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Mr. Trump said he would talk about the “great friendship” between the U.S. and Japan during his visit. “I hear phenomenal things” about Takaichi, he said, noting her closeness with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with whom Mr. Trump had a good relationship during his first term. “It’s going to be very good,” he added. “That really helps Japan and the United States.”
Mr. Trump also expressed optimism about reaching a trade agreement with China. Officials from the world’s two largest economies said Sunday that they had reached an initial consensus for Mr. Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to try to finalize during a high-stakes meeting later in the week.
“I have a lot of respect for President Xi,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Air Force One. “I think we’re going to come away with a deal,” he said. He added that he might sign a final deal on TikTok on Thursday. Treasury Secretary Bessent said on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that a TikTok deal announced last month is set to be finalized on Thursday during the Trump-Xi meeting.
After Japan, Trump’s Asian tour will conclude in South Korea, where he is expected to meet with Xi on the sidelines of the Pacific Rim summit, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
On other matters, Mr. Trump rejected the possibility of running for vice president as a way to get back to the presidency, saying, “I’d be allowed to do it” but wouldn’t because “it’s too cute.” Steve Bannon, a Trump ally, has repeatedly said the president could serve a third term despite a constitutional prohibition. Mr. Trump himself has flirted with the idea but said on Air Force One, “I haven’t really thought about it.”
He praised Rubio and Vance as potential future Republican candidates. “I’m not sure if anybody would run against those two. I think if they ever formed a group, it would be unstoppable,” Mr. Trump said.
Mr. Trump also said he would be willing to extend his trip if there was a chance to talk to reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Since South Korea is the president’s last stop before returning to the U.S., “it’s pretty easy to do,” he noted.
Mr. Trump’s overtures to reconnect with Kim have gone unanswered. “If he wants to meet, I’ll be in South Korea,” Trump said.
There are many security issues in the region, including access to the South China Sea and the future of Taiwan. However, Mr. Trump’s focus has undoubtedly been on trade and his desire to realign the international economy under his vision of “America first.” For the most part, that means tariffs, or at least the threat of them.
Mr. Trump has frequently used taxes on imports from allies and adversaries alike in an effort to boost domestic manufacturing or seek more favorable terms. However, his unilateral power to enact tariffs remains contested. The president is awaiting a Supreme Court decision in a case that could solidify or limit his authority.
The president is flying to Tokyo from Kuala Lumpur, where he attended the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He participated in a ceremonial signing of an expanded ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, which fought earlier this year. Trump helped pressure both countries to stop their conflict by threatening to withhold trade agreements.
The ASEAN summit wasn’t a guaranteed part of any president’s itinerary but served as an opportunity for Mr. Trump to reengage with a critical region for the first time since returning to office.
While on his way to Japan, Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social that Argentine President Javier Milei was “doing a wonderful job” as his party beat expectations in midterm elections. “Our confidence in him was justified by the People of Argentina,” Mr. Trump wrote.
Trump ally Milei essentially received a vote of confidence to pursue his policies aimed at breaking long-standing inflation and economic problems in Argentina. A libertarian seeking to unlock free-market forces, Milei has endeared himself to Mr. Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement with an appearance this year at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in the U.S.
The Trump administration provided a $20 billion credit swap line to bolster Milei ahead of the election and was looking to provide an additional $20 billion to support the value of Argentina’s peso.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-says-he-expects-to-reach-trade-deal-with-china-as-his-asia-trip-continues/
**XRP News Update: Price Reclaims $2.50 Amid Rising Open Interest – Caution Advised**
XRP news is buzzing as the price recently reclaimed the $2.50 level, accompanied by a significant jump in open interest. While this momentum is undoubtedly exciting, it comes with important warnings for investors navigating fast rallies.
In a swift price surge, selling at your desired level can become challenging. Order books tend to thin out, large buyers often move off-exchange, and market orders may slip through at unfavorable prices. As this wave gains strength, some investors are also turning their attention to Remittix — a steady, real-world payments platform worth researching as you plan your next moves.
Institutional players frequently trade off-exchange through OTC desks, ETFs, or DATs. This means less XRP supply sits on public order books when retail traders try to exit positions, creating narrower exit opportunities and potentially painful slippage. Diana, an experienced market observer, shared this same caution: when everyone rushes to sell simultaneously, the exit path narrows drastically. You might aim to sell at $10 but end up filling orders significantly lower.
### What Does ‘Ready’ Look Like in Plain Terms?
– **Know your target prices before the market heats up.**
– **Use limit orders for at least part of your exit strategy** to avoid chasing fills during volatile spikes.
– **Keep your XRP in secure custody** to avoid delays caused by exchange withdrawal checks when speed is essential.
These straightforward steps might not be flashy, but they can be the difference between executing a calm exit and succumbing to panic selling. If XRP pushes through resistance levels and positive news continues to build, you’ll be glad you prepared ahead of time.
—
### XRP Price Levels to Watch After Reclaiming $2.50
Open interest surged to approximately 1.6 billion XRP within a day, representing about $4.07 billion in notional value. The price currently trades near $2.54 following the reclaim of $2.50.
Key levels to watch:
– **Resistance Band:** $2.56 to $2.70
A daily close above this zone with solid volume could trigger a push toward $3.00.
– **Support Levels:**
If buyers fail to hold above resistance, the price may drop back toward $2.30, with a deeper retest near $2.00 if sellers intensify.
Focus on daily closes, trading volume, and how spot prices lead any move. This technical framework underpins the current caution shared by experts like Claver and Diana, serving as a filter to interpret fresh XRP news headlines effectively.
—
### Spotlight on Remittix: A Real-World Payments Solution with Traction
While XRP headlines dominate, some long-only investment desks are carefully selecting projects that address clear, real-world problems. One such project is **Remittix**.
Remittix recently launched its wallet beta, enabling users to send cryptocurrency that arrives as local cash in bank accounts across more than 30 countries. Transfers leverage real-time foreign exchange rates, low fees, and fast clearing – a valuable service for freelancers, global earners, and small businesses requiring timely payments.
Funding for Remittix is robust, with over $27.7 million raised through the sale of more than 681 million tokens at approximately $0.1166 each. The team’s focus remains on steady delivery, comprehensive security reviews, and expanding access — prioritizing substance over hype.
As major cryptocurrencies stabilize and market breadth improves, practical platforms like Remittix tend to convert growing interest into active users.
—
### Closing Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line: XRP news is strong, price action is improving, and open interest is rising. This combination can set the stage for a significant move, but remember: exits become difficult once the crowd arrives.
**Plan your approach now:**
– Set clear price targets.
– Move your XRP to secure custody.
– Use limit orders to safeguard your exits.
Watch the $2.56 to $2.70 range for confirmation of strength, with $3.00 as the next upside test. On the downside, keep $2.30 and $2.00 in focus as key support markers.
Finally, as the XRP story evolves, monitor builders like Remittix who are delivering real-world payment solutions. A calm plan and a shortlist of genuine projects will serve you far better than rushing during the next big market move.
—
**Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix:**
[Visit Remittix Website]
[Follow Remittix on Social Media]
*Stay tuned for more updates and trade smart.*
https://coinpedia.org/press-release/xrp-news-why-you-might-not-be-able-to-sell-xrp-easily-during-the-next-big-move/
**8:30 AM Durable Goods Orders Report**
Durable goods orders refer to new orders placed with domestic manufacturers for factory hard goods.
In September, total durable goods orders showed a modest rise of 0.1 percent month-over-month, indicating flat growth overall.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4508470-mondays-economic-calendar?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news
The Trump administration has announced that federal food assistance programs will stop on November 1 if the government shutdown continues.
This development raises concerns about the impact on millions of Americans who rely on these programs for their daily meals.
Elise Preston reports on the implications and potential consequences of this suspension.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/food-assistance-to-be-halted-as-government-shutdown-drags-on/
“So-called American companies say they have no choice but to use the H-1B program because they ‘can’t find Americans for these jobs,’” says InvestAzoria CEO James Fishback.
“Here’s the ugly truth,” he writes, “they’re not even looking for Americans. They refuse to interview them. They hide job postings in obscure newspapers to ‘check the box,’ and when no one ‘applies,’ they import another foreign worker—denying yet another qualified American a job, a wage, and the dignity and purpose that come with both. It’s disgraceful. It’s time to finally and fully dismantle the H-1B scam.”
A community note correctly points out that the postings are required by law and are legal, but this does not change the main point. American companies prioritize H-1B visa holders and abuse the program. They aren’t genuinely seeking American candidates.
Currently, several companies are suing against the $100,000 fee per applicant that President Trump imposed. The former president has vowed to fight these legal challenges.
### The Program Is an Exercise in Abuse
The H-1B visa program is often criticized for being exploited by employers to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labor, particularly in the IT sector. This practice leads to wage suppression and raises national security concerns.
Originally, the program was designed to fill jobs that are specialized and hard to fill with American workers. However, widespread abuses have undermined the job market for Americans and fueled concerns about its integrity.
Ongoing investigations and regulatory changes aim to address these issues and ensure the program serves its intended purpose without harming U.S. workers.
### Legal Challenges to the $100,000 Fee
The Trump administration is preparing to defend its controversial new H-1B visa policy in federal court, following a wave of lawsuits challenging the $100,000 fee imposed on new visa applicants. The administration argues that this fee hike is necessary to protect American jobs and restore integrity to the skilled worker program.
However, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce contends that the new $100,000 fee is unlawful because it overrides requirements set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Specifically, the litigation asserts that visa fees must be based on the government’s actual costs in processing visas—a benchmark that the six-figure fee drastically exceeds.
In addition to the Chamber’s filing, a broad coalition of unions, employers, educators, and religious groups has filed separate lawsuits in federal courts across Washington, D.C., and California. These groups claim the fee is “arbitrary and capricious” and argue it will ultimately harm critical U.S. industries relying on high-skilled foreign talent.
### Impact on the Tech Sector
The tech sector, including companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, heavily utilizes the H-1B program to fill specialized roles. These legal battles reflect deep divisions over how to balance the needs of American workers with the demand for skilled foreign labor.
Despite these challenges, critics argue that many corporate interests represented by groups like the Chamber of Commerce have little regard for protecting American workers. Instead, their agendas often prioritize access to cheaper foreign labor.
—
As debates continue, the future of the H-1B program remains uncertain. Policymakers must carefully weigh the interests of American workers, employers, and national security to craft a fair and effective skilled worker visa system.
https://www.independentsentinel.com/h-1b-visas-have-become-a-boon-for-so-called-american-companies/
New listings climbed 3% year over year in September, reversing the 3% decline seen a month earlier. On a monthly basis, listings dipped 2%, but this still outperformed the historical average of a 9% drop heading into the fall season.
Total inventory slipped just 1% from August to September but remains 14% higher than levels from the same time last year. This shift highlights a changing balance of power in the housing market.
Currently, 15 of the nation’s 50 largest metropolitan areas are classified as buyer’s markets, up significantly from just six last year. Zillow’s heat index identifies the top buyer-friendly metros as:
– Miami, Florida
– New Orleans, Louisiana
– Austin, Texas
– Jacksonville, Florida
– Indianapolis, Indiana
In contrast, seller-leaning markets continue to be hot due to limited housing supply and restrictive land-use laws. Zillow’s top seller-friendly markets include:
– Buffalo, New York
– Hartford, Connecticut
– San Jose, California
– San Francisco, California
– New York, New York
Recent nationwide data from Freddie Mac reinforces Zillow’s message of market resilience. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has dropped to about 6.19%, its lowest level projected for 2025. Meanwhile, existing-home sales rose to a seven-month high in September as affordability began to improve.
Although 15% of pending sales were canceled amid buyer hesitation, Redfin’s data shows that sellers are adjusting their expectations by making price cuts and accepting slower deals.
Together, these trends suggest the housing market is thawing rather than overheating. Zillow’s economists expect this “unseasonably active” fall to continue through the holiday season, fueled by easing borrowing costs and pent-up demand.
For buyers who have been waiting for an opportunity, this may be the first real opening in nearly three years.
*For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing.*
https://fortune.com/2025/10/26/housing-market-fall-surprise-buyers-back-zillow-predicts-momentum/
