U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls Surpassed Expectations at 64K
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revised August and September nonfarm payrolls downward by a total of 33,000. The August figure was revised from -4,000 to -26,000, while the September employment increase was revised down from 119,000 to 108,000. The revisions point to a weaker-than-expected picture in the labor market.
U.S. Unemployment Rate Rises to 4.6% in November
The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in November, reaching its highest level since September 2021. The data exceeded market expectations. Signs of cooling in the labor market are becoming apparent. The rise in unemployment may strengthen the Fed’s interest rate cut discussions. This data is particularly critical in terms of the 2026 outlook.
Markets Expect Fed to Keep Rates Unchanged in January
According to CME FedWatch data, the probability of the Fed keeping interest rates unchanged in January is priced at 75.6%. At the same time, the probability of a 25 basis point rate cut stands at 24.4%. The probability of a total 25 basis point cut by March is calculated at 42.4%. The market expects a cautious Fed stance in the short term. Uncertainty about the interest rate path continues.
Dollar Index Falls Below 98
The Dollar Index (DXY) fell below 98 for the first time since October 6. This weakening of the DXY supported precious metals. The price of gold rose by about $5 in the short term. Gold reached $4,306 per ounce. The theme of dollar weakness is prominent in the markets.
US Treasury Secretary Bessent: Inflation May Fall Significantly in 2026
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the Fed chair must be open-minded. Bessent said he expects inflation to decline significantly in the first half of 2026. He predicted macroeconomic recovery with $100-150 billion in tax refunds in the first quarter. Pointing to the high price level, he said real wage increases would offset this problem. Predictions regarding the Fed chair selection are expected to become clear in early January.
BofA: Kevin Hassett Emerges as Frontrunner for Fed Chair
According to Bank of America’s December fund manager survey, 69% of investors expect Kevin Hassett to be the next Fed Chair. Support for Fed member Waller and former Fed member Kevin Warsh in the survey remained at only 4%. The survey was conducted before Trump’s statements on his Fed preferences. Current Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s term ends in May. Expectations regarding Fed leadership are beginning to crystallize.
ABTC’s Bitcoin Return Reaches 96.5%
American Bitcoin has increased its Bitcoin holdings to 5,098 BTC since it began trading on Nasdaq on September 3. The company has achieved a 96.5% Bitcoin return during this period. Each share is currently represented by 533 satoshis. This rate indicates a significant increase compared to the beginning of September. Interest in institutional Bitcoin investments remains strong.
Starknet Team Transfers 15.75 Million STRK
An address reportedly associated with the Starknet team transferred 15.75 million STRK to two new addresses. The total value of the transfer was calculated to be approximately $1.5 million. These wallets are known to have been used for incremental exchange transfers in the past. The fund outflows were observed to have occurred from an address believed to be associated with Galaxy Digital. The activity heightened concerns about potential selling pressure.
Visa Supports USDC Payments via Solana
Visa has begun supporting US financial institutions in settling payments with USDC on the Solana network. Cross River Bank and Lead Bank were the first institutions to use this system. The move aims to popularize the on-chain payment infrastructure on the corporate side. Visa also announced that it will provide support when Circle’s Arc blockchain goes live. This development is seen as an important milestone for the Solana ecosystem.
Ethereum and Layer 2 Networks Generate 90% of Crypto Borrowing Revenue
David, Corporate President of the Ethereum Foundation, revealed that approximately 90% of crypto borrowing revenue comes from Ethereum and Layer 2 networks. The data is based on the Blockworks platform. This highlights Ethereum’s dominant role in the DeFi ecosystem. The revenue share of Layer 2 solutions is steadily increasing. Lending activities continue to be the main source of income in the crypto market.
Trump Family’s WLFI Project to Use USD1 on Canton Network
Canton Network announced that the Trump family’s crypto project, World Liberty Financial, will use its USD1 stablecoin. The goal is for USD1 to be adopted in the institutional on-chain finance sector. The stablecoin will be used in derivative transactions, corporate loans, and collateral structures. Additionally, instant international payments and on-chain asset issuance are planned. This move could increase stablecoin usage in regulated markets.
SharpLink’s Total ETH Staking Reward Reaches 9,241
Ethereum treasury company SharpLink earned 465 ETH in staking rewards last week. This brings the total staking reward to 9,241 ETH. The company launched its staking strategy on June 2, 2025. 100% of its current ETH holdings are staked at the corporate level. SharpLink stands out with its regular staking income.
