BTC Hits $97K, Momentum continues

CRYPTO
BTC Hits $97K, Momentum continues

Bitcoin has surged past $97,000, continuing its remarkable rally fueled by optimism over a pro-crypto U.S. government and favorable Federal Reserve policies. Early Thursday, BTC traded above $97,500, less than 3% away from the symbolic $100,000 mark, which would push its market capitalization above $2 trillion. This rally, dubbed the “Trump trade,” reflects renewed risk appetite among traders following Donald Trump’s election win.

Bitcoin has gained nearly 30% in just two weeks, bolstered by swift adoption of BlackRock’s IBIT options, a physically settled spot Bitcoin ETF. IBIT options launched with record-breaking activity, trading 73,000 contracts in the first hour with a bullish 4.4:1 call-to-put ratio. Market analysts see this as a sign of growing institutional confidence, with IBIT already among the top 20 most active non-index options.

The Trump administration’s pro-crypto stance, including considerations for a blockchain-savvy SEC chair, has further energized the market. Industry players suggest this new regulatory environment could attract diverse investor groups and mitigate Bitcoin’s volatility.

Traditional finance analysts have issued ambitious price targets of up to $200,000 for Bitcoin in the coming months, as the market anticipates broader adoption and integration into mainstream financial systems.
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TECH
Nvidia Smashes Expectations, Revenue Soars

Nvidia exceeded expectations in its third-quarter earnings, reporting $35.1 billion in revenue—a 94% year-over-year increase and a 17% rise from the previous quarter. Profits soared 109% to $19.3 billion, while gross margins of 74.6% slightly dipped from 75.1% in the prior quarter but still surpassed forecasts. GAAP earnings per share surged 111% to $0.78.

The company’s data center division, driven by AI demand, contributed $30.8 billion in revenue, outpacing estimates of $28 billion. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasized strong demand for its Blackwell chips, noting higher-than-expected production levels despite earlier concerns about delays and overheating issues in certain configurations.

Despite a 1% drop in stock price ahead of the earnings call and a 2% decline in after-hours trading, Nvidia remains a market favorite, with shares up 200% this year. Investors continue to debate whether the company can sustain its rapid growth. CFO Collette Kress acknowledged gross margins might dip slightly during Blackwell’s rollout but expects improvement over time. Nvidia’s stellar results reinforce its dominance in the booming AI sector.
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REAL ESTATE
Real Estate Braces for Trump Era

The real estate industry is preparing for potential changes under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, with optimism from top executives like Doug Bauer, CEO of Tri Pointe Homes. Bauer anticipates a strong spring selling season, citing robust demand for housing but acknowledging ongoing supply issues. He believes a pro-business environment under Trump could spur growth through lower corporate taxes, deregulation, and increased financial flexibility.

Bauer expects reduced regulatory oversight to encourage banks to invest more in land development and small-to-medium builders. He also noted the possibility of industry consolidation through mergers and acquisitions. However, concerns persist about tariffs and potential labor shortages if Trump follows through on mass deportation promises. Bauer downplayed these risks, stating that larger builders like Tri Pointe have navigated similar challenges successfully in the past.

Meanwhile, mortgage companies like UWM Holdings and Rocket Companies are positioning for a refinance boom. Rocket CEO Varun Krishna highlighted growth opportunities among diverse demographics and unveiled plans to enhance the company’s digital presence with its $14 million Rocket.com acquisition.

While some uncertainties remain, particularly around tariffs and immigration, the real estate sector sees Trump’s policies as a potential catalyst for increased activity and profitability in 2025 and beyond.
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Word of the day
Snivel

To snivel is to speak or act in a whining, sniffling, tearful, or weakly emotional manner. The word snivel may also be used to mean "to run at the nose," "to snuffle," or "to cry or whine with snuffling."

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