US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have reached a one-year trade agreement that includes the postponement of Chinese export controls on rare earths and a reduction in US tariffs on fentanyl-related products. The deal, announced after a summit in South Korea, aims to stabilize trade relations and includes discussions on semiconductors.

Global bond markets have rebounded in October, with UK, German and Japanese yields experiencing significant drops amid easing concerns about inflation and government borrowing. UK gilts have led the rally, with 10- and 30-year yields falling about 30 basis points. However, analysts remain cautious because high debt levels and potential political instability in France and the UK could pose risks.

Bipartisan negotiations to end the 29-day government shutdown are showing signs of renewed momentum, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicating he expects to engage with Senate Democrats soon. While formal leadership-level talks between Thune and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have not occurred, informal discussions among rank-and-file members are intensifying as critical deadlines approach, including the looming cutoff of federal food aid.

Binance reportedly supported World Liberty Financial, a Trump family cryptocurrency company, before President Donald Trump pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao. Binance engineers helped develop World Liberty's USD1 stablecoin, and Binance facilitated a $2 billion investment from an Emirati firm using USD1, boosting the stablecoin's market cap, sources say. World Liberty Financial has denied any discussions about a pardon.

Seven US senators, led by Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., have expressed "serious concerns" in a letter to regulators regarding the Trump administration's efforts to allow private equity and cryptocurrency investments in retirement plans. The senators argue the move could pose significant risks to retirement savers.

Treasury yields surged after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said a December rate cut was not to be counted on despite a reduction in the benchmark rate to 3.75% to 4%. Powell's comments led traders to revise expectations for future rate cuts, causing a significant sell-off in the bond market. The Fed also announced the end of its balance sheet reduction program, further influencing market dynamics.

Box-spread loans, once a tool for hedge funds, are gaining popularity among wealthy investors as a cost-effective alternative to traditional bank credit. SyntheticFi co-founder Tony Yang used the strategy to fund a home purchase at a 1.6% interest rate, and the fintech now helps others do the same. However, the strategy carries risks, as a market downturn could lead to margin calls and forced liquidation of portfolios.

Bowhead whales are renowned for their extraordinary lifespan, living for more than 200 years - longer than any other mammal. Scientists attribute part of this longevity to the whales' remarkable ability to repair DNA damage, particularly doub