The Federal Reserve's upcoming policy decision is expected to influence how investors position for 2026, with rate expectations likely to shape equity sentiment ahead of year-end. Markets are also monitoring the potential nomination of National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett as the next Fed chair, with President Donald Trump set to conduct final candidate interviews.

A surge in lending across corporate-bond, syndicated-loan, and private-credit markets is enabling a wave of large, highly leveraged deals, including Paramount's hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery and the earlier buyout of Electronic Arts. The simultaneous strength of all three financing channels is giving acquirers more options than ever, delivering big payouts to shareholders while increasing risks for bond investors as credit markets may be showing signs of overheating.

President Donald Trump plans to conduct final interviews this week with candidates for Federal Reserve chair, including former governor Kevin Warsh and National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett, after abruptly canceling sessions last week. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has narrowed the field to five contenders, signaling the job isn't locked up as Trump weighs a successor to Chair Jerome Powell, who is expected to deliver another rate cut Wednesday.

Global bond yields have hit their highest levels since 2009 as traders scale back expectations for further easing, with markets now pricing virtually no additional cuts from the European Central Bank and renewed tightening in Japan and Australia. Long-dated US Treasury yields also climbed ahead of the Federal Reserve's expected cut today, reflecting concerns over inflation persistence, fiscal deficits, and uncertainty surrounding the next Fed chair.

Senate Banking Committee Republicans have proposed more than 30 changes to a cryptocurrency market structure bill in a compromise offer to Democrats, aiming for a markup before the holiday recess. The three-page document outlines 38 specific concessions -- including consumer protection standards, bankruptcy language and risk management requirements -- while preserving 32 provisions, such as self-custody and developer protections.

New York City's congestion pricing, implemented in January, has resulted in a 22% reduction in particulate pollution and an 11% decrease in traffic within the affected areas, a study by Cornell University has found. The study's lead author, Timothy Fraser, notes the improvement in air quality extends beyond Manhattan to the "entire metro area."

New York City plans to build its first Blue Belt in Prospect Park to manage stormwater and improve natural spaces as part of a $68 million project, which includes new ponds, rain gardens and a revamped drainage system. The project aims to mitigate flooding exacerbated by climate change, and construction is set to begin in 2029 and finish by 2032.

Giving a successful presentation is less about perfection and more about preparation, vulnerability and authenticity, writes leadership development consultant Amber Johnson, who shares insights from her TEDx experience. Johnson emphasizes the importance of meticulous preparation, writing for a specific audience, being memorable through storytelling and humor, and being open to feedback. "The next time you have an opportunity to share ideas that matter to you -- whether it's a boardroom presentation, a communit