Tag Archive for: Economic News

U.S. Government Resumes Operations: When Will Key Economic Reports Be Released?

When the U.S. government reopens after a recent shutdown, Wall Street and policy makers watch the schedule of new economic reports. The reports on jobs, inflation, and other main measures change how the Federal Reserve and investors read the market. Uncertainties and delays still affect the plan for these numbers.

Impact of the Shutdown on Economic Data

During the shutdown, key agencies in the Department of Labor and the Department of Commerce did not collect or share data as they normally do. This gap forced markets and the Fed to work with less clear numbers. Experts turned to other sources to learn the state of the economy.

Bank of America economist Shruti Mishra said:

"Without on-time official numbers, both the markets and the Fed had to use other data to check the outlook. Now that the shutdown is over, all eyes will fall on the new reports."

Current Status of Data Releases

By Friday morning, the Labor and Commerce teams had not yet set new dates for their reports. They said they will update the schedule soon. Many expect the September jobs report to appear next week, though this plan is not set in stone.

The shutdown’s effects remain. For example:

  • October nonfarm payrolls report: It will probably come in early December and may not include the unemployment rate. This report needs household surveys that are hard to do after the fact.

  • October Consumer Price Index report: It might not be ready because the BLS depends on in-person surveys, which were not possible during the shutdown.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that some data might be missing. The BLS asked for patience and said, "it may take time to check the situation and set new dates." The BEA also said it is working with other teams to update the schedule and will share new dates when they can.

Political Pressure Mounts for Data Transparency

Some Democratic lawmakers are growing impatient. They ask for a clear plan and direct action from the administration. Senators Elizabeth Warren (MA), Bernie Sanders (VT), Maria Cantwell (WA), and Gary Peters (MI) wrote a letter that said a shutdown should not stop data collection or release.

Key points in their letter include:

  • The government might be holding back the data.
  • Delaying or canceling these reports harms businesses, policy makers, consumers, workers, Congress, and the Fed.
  • They ask that as many reports as possible come before the Federal Reserve’s next meeting and that normal releases resume as soon as possible.

The White House has not answered the letter publicly.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect and Watch For

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said that job and price data must be checked for accuracy before it is shared. She hopes that a new schedule for the reports will come soon. She stressed that the White House wants accurate numbers for November.

Citigroup economist Andrew Hollenhorst is hopeful that the Fed will get the reports for September, October, and November by the December policy meeting. In September, the Fed had hinted at a rate cut in December. However, recent views from officials now cast doubt on the need to lower rates further.

Beyond jobs and prices, the BLS and the Labor Department also track data on:

  • Import and export prices
  • Job listings
  • Producer prices
  • Productivity
  • Weekly jobless claims

The Commerce Department gathers data on:

  • Personal income and spending (including the Fed’s preferred price index)
  • GDP
  • Retail sales, trade balance, and durable goods shipments as recorded by the Census Bureau

This data helps check overall economic health and guides monetary policy.

Conclusion

The government shutdown broke not only the plan but also the full flow of upcoming economic reports, leaving investors and policy makers with open questions. As officials promise to update the schedule soon, worries about missing or delayed data add pressure before the Federal Reserve’s December meeting. Lawmakers and market watchers will keep a close eye on the efforts to restore a steady flow of economic numbers.


Image description: People wait in line at a job fair in Sacramento, California, on November 13, 2025. (Credit: David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images)


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ECN Capital Corp. to Be Taken Private in $1.9 Billion Deal Led by Warburg Pincus

By Barbara Shecter, Financial Post – November 13, 2025

ECN Capital Corp. is a well-known financing firm that started nearly ten years ago. It now faces a change. An investor group led by Warburg Pincus LLC will buy it with cash. The deal pays $3.10 for each common share. This price is 13% above the last closing price. The business is now valued at about $1.9 billion.

Transaction Overview and Timeline

The deal needs a few approvals. Regulators and courts must give the go-ahead. The buyout should close by mid-2026. ECN Capital’s Board of Directors supports this plan. They see few conditions. They call the terms fair for the firm and its shareholders.

Strategic Rationale Behind the Sale

Steve Hudson runs ECN Capital. He also holds seven percent of the company. He said that now is the right time to sell the remaining finance parts of the firm. These parts have grown strong. They can gain from the vast funds that large banks or big private equity teams like Warburg Pincus have.

He explained, "When a business grows this much, it helps to join a bank, an insurance firm, or a solid private equity group. They give more financial strength than a smaller company like ours."

Historical Context and Growth Strategy

Steve Hudson recalls his past at Newcourt Credit Group in the 1990s. That company had trouble funding long-term loans with short-term bills. The model did not work well. At ECN Capital, he chose a different plan.

Under his lead, ECN Capital made a smart move. In 2021, it sold its service finance unit to Truist Bank for US$2 billion. This was a sharp rise from the US$309 million price in 2017. Hudson noted that Truist has a strong capital base and a knack for financing, including selling loans to investors. This move helped the business grow beyond ECN’s own reach.

Remaining Operations and Shareholder Returns

After selling two big parts—the service finance unit and another unit to Stone Point Capital LLC—the firm now works on two areas. It focuses on financing manufactured homes, as well as recreational vehicles and marine craft. Its assets total about US$7.6 billion.

Since 2016, ECN Capital has generated more than 200% return for its shareholders. The management sees the new deal as a chance to give shareholders cash and return more funds.

Market and Industry Implications

This sale shows a trend. Mid-sized financing companies now join bigger groups. They seek the stronger funds and rapid growth that come with large financial teams. Warburg Pincus’s action shows they trust the growth of ECN Capital’s key areas.

About ECN Capital and Warburg Pincus

ECN Capital Corp. earns respect as a focused financing firm. It works mainly in niche areas like manufactured housing and recreational vehicle finance. The company has grown a lot since it split from Element Fleet Management Corp.

Warburg Pincus is a global private equity firm. It invests in growing sectors and companies. The firm brings strong resources and capital to help expand businesses.


For further updates and detailed analysis on this transaction and its impacts on the financial services sector, stay tuned to Financial Post.

Contact: Barbara Shecter at bshecter@nationalpost.com

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Trump Tariffs Contributing to Rising U.S. Beef Prices Amid Supply Chain Challenges

November 13, 2025 — Beef prices in the United States climb to new highs. Tariffs put in place during President Trump’s term push these prices up. Tariffs hit key markets and farming costs. This change adds to supply limits and pushes costs for both makers and buyers.

Tariffs Impact Beef Imports and Supply Chain

The trade rules put in place during the trade war add high tariffs on beef from top suppliers like Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay. Brazil stands as the world’s second-biggest producer and the top exporter. With a 76.4% total tariff rate on Brazilian beef, exports to the U.S. fall greatly in July and August.
Brazil now sends most of its beef to China. U.S. imports from Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay also shrink because of these steep tariffs.
Dan Anthony, president of economic research firm Trade Partnership Worldwide, said, “When you add a 50% tariff on a major supplier like Brazil, importers may still buy and pass cost along, or they may stop buying. In both cases, you see the price rise, especially when new tariffs hit other key suppliers.”

Domestic Beef Supply Under Pressure

Beef prices rise when the U.S. cattle herd is near its smallest size in 75 years. Drought cuts down available grasslands and reduces cattle feed. Feed costs also rise after tariffs boost the price of imported fertilizers needed for corn and soybeans. Tariffs on steel and aluminum push up the cost of farm equipment like tractors and grain bins.
James Clement III, a sixth-generation Texas rancher, calls this one of the toughest cattle cycles in history. He points out that replacement heifers—the key to regrowing the herd—are at a 20-year low. He says rebuilding the herd needs time, grass, and rain. Cattle production takes longer and costs more when compared with other farming practices.

Political and Market Reactions

President Trump has blamed meat packers and cattlemen for the rising beef prices. At the same time, his team keeps raising tariffs that push prices up further. A deal to allow Argentine beef into the country made ranchers worry. Groups such as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association say that Argentine beef could hurt U.S. rural producers without cutting prices much.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture sees the same strain from the shrinking cattle herd and starts new plans to bring more people into cattle farming. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that uncooked beef prices have jumped by 12% to 18% over the past year as of September 2025.
Economist Peter Boockvar of OnePoint BFG Wealth Partners notes, “It is easy to place tariffs on foreign goods to protect local makers, but the consumer ends up bearing the cost. Then, people turn to cheaper meats, and local makers do not gain much.”

Additional Challenges: The Threat of New World Screwworm

US cattle ranchers also face a threat from the New World Screwworm. This parasitic fly was wiped out in the U.S. in 1966 but now appears again in Mexican cattle. The USDA led its largest trade trip to Mexico to work on ways to stop the fly. The pest could harm animal health and affect beef exports. It adds another hard link in the long chain that already strains beef supply.

Outlook for Ranchers and Consumers

Some ranchers, like James Clement, stick to their plans and invest in their work. They still see cattle as a long-term choice. The beef industry must balance changes such as drought, high input costs, tariffs, political doubt, and the risk of pests.
In sum, tariffs meant to shield local makers restrict foreign beef and push up costs. The overall impact makes beef prices stay high while demand holds firm.


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Data sourced in part from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Panjiva trade analysis.

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Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic to Step Down When Term Ends in February 2026

Published: November 12, 2025 | Updated: An Hour Ago

Raphael Bostic, who leads the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, will leave his role when his term ends on February 28, 2026. He has worked in this job since June 2017. He became the first Black and openly gay regional Fed president.

A Key Change Ahead for the Federal Reserve

Bostic’s exit happens as the Fed faces a busy time in national money policy. His term stops when all regional presidents’ five-year terms end, usually in years that end in 1 or 6. This time comes as the Fed’s main rate-setting group, the FOMC, meets for major decisions.

The renewal or replacement of leaders like Bostic now will face more careful review because the current board shows unusual political activity. This year brings extra issues in a process that is normally simple.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell will also see a change as his term ends in May 2026, even though he stays a governor until 2028. This signals a time of deep change in the Fed’s top leadership.

Bostic’s Years in Office: Successes and Trials

Over nearly eight years at Atlanta, Bostic worked for a growing and fair economy. He said he wanted to make an economy work better for all. He looked ahead to new ways to use his ideas when he left the Fed.

Bostic was known as a calm voice on money matters. In 2025, he spoke with care about not cutting rates too soon when inflation stayed high and jobs fell a bit. Note that he is not a FOMC voter this year; the Atlanta Fed regains its vote in 2027. Fed Chair Jerome Powell praised him, saying, “His view helped the FOMC grasp the changes in our economy. His steady tone showed the best in public service. It was based on careful study, strong experience, and clear goals.”

Until a new leader is named, Cheryl Venable, the first vice president and chief operating officer, will work as the acting president.

Issues That Marked Bostic’s Term

Bostic’s time at the Fed had its share of hard moments. In October 2022, the Fed looked into trading done for him during blackout times before policy meetings. An internal review found 154 trades made during these times. The review did not find proof of insider trading or a conflict in his work.

Some also questioned if he followed rules for reporting finances and the size of Treasury holdings in his investments. Bostic said the trades came from third parties who acted on his behalf and he wished the mistakes had not happened.

This review was one part of a larger check on personal investments by Fed workers. It led to tighter checks and new rules on what securities could be held. The result was a system that works with more clear rules and strong ethics.


Summary of Key Points:

  • Raphael Bostic will leave his role as Atlanta Fed President in February 2026 when his five-year term ends.
  • He is the first Black and openly gay regional Fed president, having served since 2017.
  • His departure comes at a busy time for the Fed, including a change in Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s role.
  • During his term, Bostic worked for a fair economy and a careful approach to money policy.
  • His time saw issues with trading activities and financial report rules.
  • Cheryl Venable will act as Atlanta Fed President until a new leader is named.

As the Fed moves through this change in leadership, market watchers and policy experts will keep a close eye on money policy and plans for the economy in the coming years.


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Economic Data Releases Paused by Government Shutdown: When to Expect Key Reports

The U.S. government shutdown delays key economic data. It holds back payroll numbers, job figures, and inflation measures. Congress works to end the shutdown. All eyes now turn to when data will resume and what the figures may show about the economy.

Government Shutdown Impact on Economic Data

Federal agencies compile and release economic statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Commerce now work in a limited way. Their usual reports on payrolls, price levels, retail sales, income, and other economic markers for September and October now delay.

Goldman Sachs economists Elsie Peng and Ronnie Walker noted a backlog in a recent note:
“The shutdown of the federal government has delayed nearly all federal economic data releases for September and October. Though the shutdown nears its end, the agencies need time to address the backlog of releases.”

Timeline for Data Release Resumption

The government is set to reopen soon. The Senate passed a stop-gap spending bill and now awaits the President’s signature. When the government reopens, agencies will work to publish the delayed data.

  • Early next week: The Bureau of Labor Statistics will share an updated schedule for delayed reports.
  • October Jobs Report: This report may appear soon, possibly on Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week.
  • November reports: Payroll and inflation data might face another week’s delay.

Key Upcoming Economic Reports Delayed by Shutdown

The delayed reports include:

  • Nonfarm Payrolls – a measure of job trends.
  • Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) – tests of price changes.
  • Personal Spending and Income – views of consumer activity.
  • Retail Sales and Durable Goods Orders – signs of product demand.
  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – a check of quarterly growth.
  • Employment Cost Index and JOLTS – views of labor market details.

What the Data Might Show

Analysts believe the released figures will show a slowing job market and high inflation. Goldman Sachs expects the October payroll report to mark a loss of around 50,000 jobs. Other figures also point to a cooling market.

Inflation stays above the 2% target, yet officials see slow moderation. At a news meeting on October 29, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said:
“Labor market conditions are cooling slowly, and inflation stays quite high.”

He added that private-sector data from the shutdown does not change the overall view since September.

Broader Economic Growth Outlook

The Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow tracker shows third-quarter growth near 4%. Goldman Sachs raised its fourth-quarter growth forecast to 1.3%. This view puts the economy at about a 2% annual gain in 2025. ### Final Thoughts

Short-term delays in data raise problems for policymakers, investors, and analysts. Still, the main trends in jobs, inflation, and growth hold steady. When agencies resume work, clearer details about the economy will come forth to help in making sound decisions.


As of November 11, 2025, readers can expect a gradual return of key economic data in the days following the government’s reopening, with reports expected to confirm the trends seen during the data freeze.

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Why Canadians Shouldn’t Envy American 50-Year Mortgages

We see discussions in the U.S. about mortgages that last 50 years. People mention long terms and low monthly payments. Experts warn that long terms come with high costs.

The American Proposal: 50-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages

U.S. President Donald Trump raised the idea of 50-year fixed-rate mortgages. He links long terms with lower monthly payments. He hopes that stretching payments over 50 years will ease home buying. This plan stands apart from Canada’s way of doing things. Canadian borrowers choose short-term rates. They often pick five-year commitments even when the total payment schedule runs for 25 to 30 years. In Canada, borrowers do not lock rates for decades. They face many rate renewals as market conditions change.

The Canadian Experience: Shorter Terms, Recurring Renewal Shock

Today, 1.8 million Canadian homeowners get close to a mortgage renewal. Many see higher rates than they had in 2021. Economists note that higher rates limit extra spending. They add that strict lending standards help avoid mass mortgage failure.
Many Canadians choose five-year fixed terms. They feel that short terms offer safe, stable choices in risky rate times. Some pick 10-year terms, yet these do not win favor because longer terms get higher rates.

The Costs of Long-Term Stability

Locking a rate for many years seems safe. But long terms also bring high fees. Janet Gao, from Georgetown University, explains that low fixed rates often cost large fees at the start. She adds that 30- and 50-year mortgages in the U.S. have higher rates than Canadian five-year fixed ones.
Borrowers risk steep penalties if they break a long-term mortgage early. Divorce or sudden changes may force a borrower to pay hard fees on the remaining years. Shawn Stillman, CPA and mortgage broker, says that Canadian banks prefer shorter terms. He links this to Canadian banks using five-year bonds. The banks also must manage higher risk in long terms.

Not a "Free Lunch"

Longer terms bring relief in monthly payments. Yet they do not trim the total cost of borrowing. Gao tells us, "It’s not a free lunch." U.S. banks build ways to handle long-term risks. Borrowers may miss the fact that total interest over 50 years is much higher. Upfront fees add to a long mortgage’s overall cost.

Conclusion

The idea of a 50-year mortgage may seem like a fix for housing costs in the U.S. However, Canadians must study the risks and costs before wishing for the same product. Extended rate security also means higher rates, more fees, and costly penalties.
For now, Canadian short and frequent mortgage terms offer flexibility even with some uncertainty. Homeowners and buyers must check their money matters carefully. They should not assume that a longer mortgage makes housing easier or cheaper.


This article is based on insights from Garry Marr’s report in the Financial Post. It shows key differences between Canadian and U.S. mortgage views and explains why Canadians might not gain from longer mortgage terms.

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‘Ghost Job’ Postings Add Another Layer of Uncertainty to Stalled U.S. Jobs Picture

Published November 11, 2025 – Updated 57 minutes ago

By Jeff Cox | @JeffCoxCNBCcom

At first glance, the employment numbers show many jobs for everyone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) counts high job openings over many years. Those counts are near or above the number of people without jobs. A closer look finds a hidden problem: many postings show jobs that never fill.

What Are Ghost Jobs?

“Ghost jobs” are postings that look real yet stay open for a long time. This pattern tires job seekers and twists the official numbers. Since early 2024, data show postings exceed actual hires by more than 2.2 million each month. This gap means many listings are not filled.

Jasmine Escalera, a career expert from MyPerfectResume and author of a report on “the ghost job economy,” explains:

“The U.S. labor market looks strong on paper. Millions of openings show a chance for work, yet many are not real jobs. The ghost job issue fills hope, wastes time, and confuses the data that guide policy decisions.”


The Official Numbers vs. Reality

  • Job postings hit over 12 million in March 2022. They outnumbered workers available by more than 2-to-1.
  • In August 2025—the last month with data because of the government shutdown—there were 7.2 million openings. Actual hires numbered 5.1 million. The gap narrowed but is still large.
  • The ratio of openings to workers went from about 1.8-to-1 at the top to roughly 1.4-to-1 now. This shrink shows fewer ghost jobs but does not remove them.

Remember the two ideas in these numbers:

  • Listings show a snapshot, the stock of positions open right now.
  • Hires show the flow, the count of workers added each month.

When jobs stay posted for many months, employers keep them to build a list for later. Still, this does not explain all the ghost jobs.


Contributing Factors

Several trends keep ghost jobs alive:

  • U.S. rules limit foreign workers, which means fewer candidates for tough positions.
  • A report from the National Federation of Independent Business finds that 88% of applicants for small business jobs lack needed skills. This gap slows filling roles.
  • The market now slows down. Hiring pace is low and fewer people move between jobs; the quits rate has dropped more than 30% since March 2022, when many left their jobs.
  • Government disputes and a shutdown have made it hard to collect clear data.

Real-World Impact and Response

Ghost jobs affect many people:

  • Job seekers waste time and energy chasing roles that do not lead to work.
  • Employers may hurt their image when many posts go unfilled, warning off future candidates.
  • Policymakers and economists struggle with skewed data when they plan for the economy. The Federal Reserve studies BLS data closely to judge job market tightness and rising prices.

A petition on Change.org against ghost job listings has earned nearly 50,000 signatures.

Escalera states:

“Until job posts match real hiring, many will keep chasing work that is not there, and trust in how the market works will fall.”


Looking Ahead

As the U.S. job market changes, stopping ghost jobs becomes key for clear data and trust. New steps might focus on making job posts accurate, improving skills for workers, and fixing how data is gathered.

For now, the ghost job problem stays a hidden weight on the labor market, adding another twist to workers’ chances and policy plans.


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Reported by Jeff Cox for CNBC. Data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and national labor reports.

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How the Toronto Blue Jays’ World Series Run Could Boost Rogers Communications’ Valuation

By Garry Marr, Financial Post — November 7, 2025

The Blue Jays played hard in 2025. They almost won the World Series. They reached Game 7 but lost to the Dodgers. The team’s brave playoff run helps Rogers Communications. This help goes far beyond the baseball field. Rogers is Canada’s biggest telecom company.

More Than Just a Baseball Story: The Business Stakes

Rogers owns key sports assets. It holds a 75% share in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (MLSE). MLSE runs the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), the Toronto Raptors (NBA), and Toronto FC (MLS). Rogers also owns the Toronto Blue Jays entirely. These teams boost Rogers’ brand and revenues.

Rogers plans to spin off its sports teams into a separate company. The Blue Jays’ deep playoff run can raise the new company’s value. The run refreshed the team’s fan base in Toronto and across Canada. Ticket sales, merchandise, and viewership all grew, and these factors help raise the valuation.

Valuing Rogers’ Sports Empire

Rogers’ CEO Tony Staffieri estimates the sports assets are worth over $15 billion. Independent reviews back this number. A National Bank report values the MLSE teams at about US$10.2 billion. In that review, the Raptors are worth US$5.22 billion, the Maple Leafs US$4.25 billion, and Toronto FC US$730 million. The Blue Jays stand at roughly US$2.39 billion. In addition, the Blue Jays’ value increased by 5% in the last year before the playoffs.

Potential for a Public Offering and Acquisition

Rogers wants to buy the remaining 25% of MLSE. This stake is owned by Larry Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Group. The company hopes to finish this deal in the next 18 months. Rogers may then offer its sports assets to the public. Investors and fans may find these teams very attractive. The Blue Jays’ playoff run shows strong competition and boosts fan interest.

Revenue Gains from Playoff Success

The Blue Jays’ playoff games drove real revenue. Stadium seats filled up, and ticket sales soared. The team shares postseason gate receipts with its players. For Wild Card games, players get 50% of the receipts. In the Division Series, League Championship Series, and World Series, the players get 60% for the early games. Deep playoff games, like Game 7, add valuable money to the club. In 2024, players received about US$129.1 million from these revenues. Merchandise, sponsorships, and ads also helped Rogers earn more.

What If the Blue Jays Had Won?

A championship win would have created even more revenue. Still, the near win boosts Rogers’ outlook. The close series generates excitement. This energy keeps fans loyal. In sports business, fan loyalty is very valuable.

Looking Ahead

The Blue Jays’ run was not just a sports story. Their effort on the field creates financial ripples off the field. Rogers plans to strengthen its ownership and may offer its sports teams to the public. This playoff run adds value that could last for years. The Blue Jays have helped shape the future of one of Canada’s top sports and media companies.


Toronto Blue Jays’ Ernie Clement celebrates with George Springer after scoring on a double by Andrés Giménez during the sixth inning of Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Nov. 1, 2025, Toronto.

Photo by AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

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Stocks Support Wealthy Consumers’ Outlook Amid Economic Concerns, But Labor Market Weakness Could Shift Sentiment

November 11, 2025 — Stocks hit record highs. Investors and economists weigh stock-driven hope against a weak U.S. economy. Data shows that stock gains build a positive view for some. A softer labor market may soon shift that view.

Consumer Sentiment Diverges Sharply by Wealth

The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index fell over 6% in November. The measure sank near past lows and dropped about 30% from last year. Consumers fret over a government shutdown hurting everyday life.

High-wealth investors feel better. Their outlook climbed by 11%. A rising stock market pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite to new marks.

A K-Shaped Economic Recovery?

Some economists call this a K-shaped path. Well-off groups thrive while others work hard and face losses. Consumers with rich assets enjoy rising stocks and home prices. They keep spending and help company profits.

Joe Brusuelas at RSM notes rich buyers stay strong. Data shows stress among those lower on the income ladder. They hold few stocks and do not get gains from modern technology firms. This gap brings very different economic lives.

“Higher equity values hide the change happening in the market. This change does not help those who work in older fields,” he said.

Housing Wealth Adds Cushion

Home prices keep on rising. Low mortgage rates from the pandemic boost the wealth of higher-income households. Jeffrey Roach from LPL Financial says these gains add a safety net for spending—even if the stock surge slows.

The Key Role of the Labor Market

Even with good market news, the labor market holds the key. Labor data is paused due to the shutdown but will return soon. Its report may change market views fast.

Luke Tilley at M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust warns:

“If you start getting negative job prints, the jig is up.”

Small businesses now show shrinking payrolls. If jobs drop further, the optimism built by stock gains among the wealthy may vanish and harm the wider economy.

Market and Economic Outlook

  • The S&P 500 has risen more than 16% in 2025 (before dividends), while the Nasdaq is up nearly 22%, driven by interest in AI technology.
  • Investor views follow prospects shaped by policy and expected business benefits.
  • Lower immigration rates may ease re-entry into the workforce, helping incomes if demand holds.
  • A significant slowdown in jobs could trigger a market drop and a shift in economic sentiment.

Conclusion

Today, the U.S. economy stands on the spending power of top earners. Their strength in stocks and housing may hide the job struggles felt by most. The future depends on new labor data and the pace of job growth.

Investors, policymakers, and economists watch the labor market closely—a downturn there might end the stock-driven optimism and change the economy’s path.


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University of California’s Investment Arm Seeks 10% Stake in Big Ten College Sports Conference

By Barbara Shecter | Published November 10, 2025

The University of California owns a pension fund. UC Investments now aims to buy a 10 percent stake in the Big Ten Conference. The fund moves to join one of the top and rich college sports groups in the United States.

Jagdeep Singh Bachher leads UC Investments. He works as chief investment officer and vice-president of investments. At a Toronto conference on Monday, he shared the plan. He manages a portfolio worth about US$180 billion. He said the offer was made recently. He hopes the deal will close by November 21. “We just made an offer to buy 10 percent of the Big Ten, which is the big sports conference in the U.S.,” Bachher stated. He also holds the role of chancellor at the University of Waterloo. He spoke at a conference put on by the Canadian university.

The Big Ten Conference hosts well-known sports events. It runs events like the Rose Bowl with pride. It wins money from long TV contracts, including a deal with Fox Sports. These tight links help the conference earn large revenues. They make it a strong place for investment.

Earlier reports on Yahoo Sports from October 10 noted talks to put about US$2.4 billion into the 18 schools of the Big Ten. Investors want to form Big Ten Enterprises. This group will run the conference’s commercial work. Other major funds like Apollo Global Management and Blackstone showed interest too.

Frontofficesports.com explained that the plan would spin the Big Ten’s assets into a private fund. That fund would be known as Big Ten Enterprises. UC Investments would then own 10 percent of the new company. The agreement asks all Big Ten schools to sign a grant of rights. This deal would bind the schools to the conference until 2046. Still, some university board members worry. They open debates about the plan.

Bachher explains that his bid is not just venture capital. He speaks of buying what he calls “cultural capital.” He sees sports as a key link. Sports bring together technology, media, and youth today.

“I think the future for our young generation is the one thing that glues people to technology and content: sports,” Bachher said. He mentioned the recent buzz when the Toronto Blue Jays ran to the World Series. They lost in seven games to the Los Angeles Dodgers, yet the effort was memorable.

Bachher added that the chance stretches beyond old-school sports. It covers eSports, media, entertainment, and tech too. “That creates a whole unique set of opportunities… There’s an incredible opportunity set there. So that’s where I’ve been just immersed, in that whole area. It’s been a lot of fun,” he said.

He spoke in a joint session with Orlando Bravo, founder and managing partner of Thoma Bravo. Bravo’s firm works with software investments. For the past 100 days, Bachher focused hard on sports deals. This focus shows a clear shift in the fund’s strategy.

Bachher did not share more on the bid at the Toronto event. Still, the move connects big institutional funds with college sports. The deal, if it goes through, may bring more private money to collegiate athletics and change its financial world.

Contact: Barbara Shecter at bshecter@nationalpost.com


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