Markets Surge, Cyber Threats Rise, and Global Corruption Unfolds | The Integrity Ledger

The U.S. labor market showed a robust rebound in September, boosting growth optimism and complicating expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut in December. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is reportedly weighing a delay on semiconductor tariffs, signaling a notable policy shift. Additional developments include a $1 billion credit facility approved for Constellation Energy and Saudi Arabia's commitment to purchase hundreds of U.S.-made tanks.

Stronger employment data may reduce near-term monetary easing, affecting borrowing costs and market sentiment. The potential tariff delay could ease supply chain pressures for U.S. chip manufacturers and technology firms, influencing sector dynamics. Energy and defense contracts highlight continued geopolitical and economic ties shaping U.S. market opportunities.

Benzinga

Wall Street prepares for a holiday-shortened week with critical US economic reports including September retail sales, Producer Price Index inflation, and October pending home sales. Major companies like Alibaba, Dell Technologies, and HP are set to release third-quarter earnings, while recent market gains reflect growing bets on a December Federal Reserve rate cut.

The upcoming economic data will be pivotal for assessing the Federal Reserve’s policy direction and could influence market sentiment ahead of year-end. Investors and analysts will closely monitor retail and inflation figures to gauge recession risks and the timing of potential interest rate adjustments.

Mint

BHP Group has made a renewed takeover approach for Anglo American, months after Anglo agreed to merge with Teck Resources in a major copper-focused deal. Anglo American’s market value stands at $41.8 billion, while BHP’s is $132.18 billion. The potential BHP-Anglo combination would create the world’s largest copper producer with annual output near 1.9 million metric tons.

A BHP-Anglo merger would significantly reshape the global copper market, boosting supply critical for green energy transition. Investors should monitor ongoing talks and regulatory scrutiny, given the scale of consolidation in the mining sector.

The Globe And Mail

Recent on-chain data reveals that excessive long positions—approximately 71,000 BTC across 19 exchanges—have contributed to Bitcoin’s sharp price decline. Following failed supports at $100,000 and $90,000, liquidation cascades pushed prices lower, with $84,000 now seen as the tentative bottom. Technical analyst Ali Martinez highlights the importance of Bitcoin’s 2-year moving average near $81,250, warning that breaking below it could signal a prolonged bearish cycle.

The current imbalance between long and short positions increases market fragility, making further sharp declines possible if long liquidations continue. Investors and traders should monitor long positioning and the 2-year moving average closely, as shifts could dictate Bitcoin’s near-term recovery or sustained downturn.

Bitcoin Ethereum News

PCWorld's 2025 review highlights the best monitor arms for single and dual displays, balancing ergonomics, build quality, and price. The Ergotron LX Pro leads as the best overall arm at $209, while the MSI MAG MT201 offers a budget-friendly option starting near $60. Premium designs from Herman Miller and Humanscale cater to upscale setups, and heavy-duty models like the Ergotron HX support large, heavy monitors up to 49 inches.

Choosing the right monitor arm improves desk ergonomics, frees workspace, and enhances comfort, with durable models offering long-term value. Professionals should match arm capacity to monitor size and weight, ensuring compatibility and minimizing desk damage. Budget options provide functional flexibility, but premium arms deliver smoother adjustments and aesthetic appeal, guiding informed purchasing decisions for home offices and remote work setups.

PC World

Global IT spending has surged from $1.7 trillion in 2005 to $5.6 trillion in 2025, yet large-scale software project success rates have not improved significantly over two decades. High-profile failures such as Canada’s $310 million Phoenix payroll system and the UK Post Office’s Horizon system highlight persistent management, technical, and organizational shortcomings. The article argues AI tools offer limited near-term solutions due to the complexity and political challenges inherent in IT projects.

The continuing prevalence of costly software failures signals the urgent need for stronger project governance, realistic goal-setting, and accountability in IT management. Organizations should temper expectations of AI as a quick fix and instead focus on disciplined leadership, ethical practices, and comprehensive risk management to reduce operational and financial fallout from software errors.

IEEE Spectrum - Robotics

Security researchers at ThreatFabric have identified the Sturnus trojan, a new Android malware capable of bypassing end-to-end encryption on messaging apps such as Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp. The malware reads decrypted messages directly from the device screen using Accessibility Service logging, capturing conversations in real time without intercepting network traffic.

Sturnus highlights the risks of device compromise despite strong encryption protocols, underscoring the importance of securing endpoints. Users should avoid installing apps from untrusted sources, keep Google Play Protect enabled, and restrict accessibility permissions to maintain message privacy.

Forbes

A cyberattack on SitusAMC, a major mortgage services vendor, has prompted JPMorgan Chase, Citi, and Morgan Stanley to assess potential client data breaches. The November 12 incident exposed sensitive residential mortgage loan information, including Social Security numbers. The FBI is investigating but reports no operational impact on banking services.

The breach highlights vulnerabilities in critical third-party service providers managing sensitive financial data. Banks must enhance scrutiny of vendor cybersecurity and compliance controls to mitigate risks. This incident may lead to tighter regulatory oversight on data protection within mortgage and loan servicing ecosystems.

Times Now News

California Attorney General Rob Bonta confirmed he was a witness in a federal bribery investigation linked to former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and the Duong family. He spent nearly $500,000 on legal fees for private attorneys while cooperating with investigators, clarifying he was initially considered a potential victim but later became a witness.

Legal costs highlight the complexity and scale of federal corruption probes involving California politicians. Bonta's cooperation and role as a witness may influence the broader investigation outcomes and political dynamics ahead of upcoming elections.

KCRA

Eliyahu Weinstein, a New Jersey resident and former Ponzi schemer pardoned by President Trump in 2021, faces a 37-year sentence for orchestrating a new $35 million scam. The scheme targeted 150 investors by selling COVID-19 supplies and first-aid kits for Ukraine through his company, Optimus Investments Inc., and is described by prosecutors as "brazen and sophisticated." Weinstein was ordered to pay approximately $44 million in restitution to victims.

Weinstein's recidivism highlights risks surrounding clemency decisions and underscores the need for enhanced regulatory oversight of investment schemes, especially in crisis contexts like the COVID-19 pandemic. Investors should exercise increased caution with unverified ventures to avoid falling victim to complex frauds.

Benzinga

Ukraine's Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov announced that a peace plan being negotiated with the US and European representatives in Geneva is nearing finalization, incorporating many Ukrainian priorities. The US proposal, opposed by some EU leaders, includes recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea and Donbass in exchange for security guarantees and a demilitarized zone. This plan reflects significant concessions and ongoing diplomatic tensions.

TACC

More than 1,000 Tunisians protested in downtown Tunis against President Kais Saied’s escalating authoritarian rule, demanding the release of all jailed political prisoners. Activists cited Saied's interference in the judiciary, police targeting of opponents, and repression under broad anti-terrorism laws. The protests reflect widespread discontent amid political and economic turmoil in Tunisia since Saied consolidated power in 2021.

The Star

Court documents reveal that Jersey, a Channel Islands tax haven, granted residency and moved $7 billion of Roman Abramovich's assets to the island with tacit UK government approval before Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Jersey authorities froze these assets in 2022 amid a money laundering probe focusing on Abramovich's oil business wealth sourcing. Ongoing legal battles highlight the complex UK-Jersey relationship and attempts to investigate oligarch-linked corruption.

The Guardian

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks suggesting possible military intervention over Taiwan, calling it a red line violation. Wang emphasized that Japan's stance could provoke conflict and stressed China's right to self-defense to protect its sovereignty. Takaichi's comments have escalated tensions between China and Japan over Taiwan.

The Economic Times

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