Crypto Lifts Markets; Fed Stays Calm

Crypto Powers Today's Rally

Bitcoin is driving Friday's biggest winners. MARA Holdings surged as Bitcoin prices rose sharply. Robinhood also climbed alongside the crypto rally. The CFTC released a new crypto regulatory proposal today. That news lifted sentiment across digital-asset names. Crypto-linked stocks are among the day's top performers.

Fed Signals Economy Is Sound

Fed's Schmid spoke today. His message was clear: the US economy is "strong and growing." He added that the Fed is "in a fairly normalized place." That language suggests no urgency to cut rates further. Markets absorbed the comments calmly.

Pharma Gets a European Boost

Merck advanced European regulatory approval for Keytruda in bladder cancer today. The combination therapy approval is a meaningful step for one of Merck's highest-revenue drugs. This is a fresh catalyst for the stock heading into the weekend.

Earnings and Analyst Moves

Progressive Corporation reports earnings today. The $125 billion insurer is the week's biggest confirmed US earnings event. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs downgraded Fluence Energy to Neutral and cut its target to $9. AutoNation slid after giving a softer Q3 outlook. Margin concerns are weighing on the auto dealer. Truist raised its target on DexCom to $102 and kept its Buy rating.

Europe: Turkey and Japan in Focus

The Yen weakened after the Bank of Japan raised rates to their highest level since 1995. Authorities warned of possible further currency intervention. In Turkey, authorities moved to liquidate funds at the centre of a reported Ponzi-style scheme. Local banks must sell assets held by 300,000 investors. European defense stocks rallied after Ukraine ratified a €105 billion EU loan deal.