**Crypto**

Ripple is significantly enhancing the XRP Ledger by introducing Ethereum-compatible smart contracts through a new sidechain. This development promises to bring more versatility and integration to Ripple’s blockchain ecosystem. Meanwhile, financial giant JPMorgan highlights the need for fresh catalysts to boost retail engagement with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Contrary to fears of a market downturn, a top crypto analyst dismisses the likelihood of a major Bitcoin crash in the near term, citing stabilizing factors. However, Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs originating from Asia have shown lackluster performance, attributed to ongoing volatility and regulatory uncertainties in the U.S., which has deterred investors.

Interestingly, memecoins such as Popcat and Brett have outperformed popular tokens like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu in 24-hour gains, aligning with a broader market uptick. Concerns are also emerging around Trump’s forthcoming crypto project, which some speculate could introduce potential conflicts of interest within the DeFi and stablecoin sectors. In a rebound from recent declines, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin have all bounced back. Analysts are observing a peak in bearish sentiment that might indicate a market bottom.

**US Politics**

The political clash between Trump and Harris is influencing early holiday sales, as retailers like Costco and Home Depot roll out Christmas and Halloween merchandise ahead of schedule. Amazon has also announced special October deals amidst economic uncertainties. Veteran pollster insights reveal that Trump is closing the gap in recent polls against Harris, warning that policies opposed by 60% of the electorate could spell trouble for any candidate.

**US Markets**

In Monday’s pre-market session, stocks such as Methanex and Merck saw declines. However, Wall Street is poised for a tech-driven rebound with Apple’s upcoming Glowtime event taking center stage. The S&P 500 recorded its most significant weekly decline since March 2023, influenced by slumps in major tech stocks like Nvidia and Google. This shift has moved the Fear & Greed Index into the ‘Fear’ zone.

**World Politics**

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to strengthen ties with North Korea in a recent message to Kim Jong Un, despite underlying diplomatic tensions. In a show of global unity, the U.S. and China joined 90 other nations at a South Korean summit focused on the responsible use of AI in military applications. With Biden stepping out of the election race, Kim Jong Un may need to adjust North Korea’s strategy amidst the evolving political landscape, potentially with his sister speaking out on these changes.

**US Economy**

An economist from the Obama era has raised alarms about spiraling prices as Trump proposes mass deportations of illegal immigrants, suggesting that while food shortages might not occur, significant disruptions could ensue. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen remains optimistic, predicting a ‘soft landing’ for the U.S. economy despite concerns over job growth and minimal layoffs.

**World Economy**

Asian markets exhibited mixed results while European markets advanced. The global market was also influenced by rising crude oil prices due to hurricane risks and a strengthening U.S. dollar during overnight trading.

**Tech**

Roblox aims to reach 1 billion users by partnering with tech giants like Apple, Alphabet, and Shopify to drive growth. Anticipation builds around Apple’s iPhone 16 launch, with JPMorgan suggesting that a staggered pricing approach might offset rising chip and memory costs. In other tech news, Reliance Global has adjusted its payment structure for the Spetner deal, expecting revenue to double. Economist Peter Schiff warns against irrational exuberance towards tech stocks and cryptocurrencies, citing Intel’s decline as a cautionary tale.

Oracle is preparing for its Q1 earnings release amidst recent forecast adjustments from top Wall Street analysts. In the volatile housing market, Zillow, Redfin, and Chase valuations can differ by over 20%, potentially misleading buyers. Palantir’s stock surged in Monday’s pre-market session due to its inclusion in the S&P 500, marking a significant validation for its enterprise growth trajectory.

Apple is reportedly considering further expansion of its production in India and may discontinue several EarPods models. The iPhone 16 launch was somewhat overshadowed by Huawei’s new tri-fold phone receiving over a million orders in just seven hours.

**Electric Vehicle**

Stellantis faces an investigation into potential fire hazards involving over 781K vehicles, including Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models. Elon Musk targets 2026 for Starship’s first uncrewed Mars mission, aiming for a successful landing. Amid intense competition in China, Musk refutes reports of Tesla’s operational issues, asserting that Giga Shanghai is operating at full capacity. Panasonic is set to mass-produce high-capacity EV batteries at its Wakayama plant.

Musk also dismissed rumors about xAI negotiating revenue share deals with Tesla and announced plans to expand Tesla’s Supercharger network, seeking input from EV enthusiasts on future locations.

**Consumer**

Economic pressures have led Big Lots to file for bankruptcy and agree to sell assets to Nexus Capital. Meanwhile, Circle K owner Couche-Tard is pursuing talks with 7-11 operator Seven & I after a $38.5 billion bid was rejected.

**Communication**

Shares of Trump’s media company rose nearly 8% in Monday’s pre-market trading amidst unspecified developments. Elon Musk expressed disbelief over YouTube’s global restriction on fitness videos for teens, questioning the rationale behind it. Disney faces accusations of bad faith negotiations by DirecTV in an FCC complaint filed ahead of an upcoming Trump-Harris debate.

**Industrial**

Norfolk Southern has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct by CEO Alan Shaw. Boeing shares rose nearly 3% pre-market following a tentative agreement with its workers’ union to avoid a strike on September 13.

**Healthcare**

Summit Therapeutics announced that its lung cancer candidate has surpassed Merck’s multi-billion dollar drug Keytruda in reducing disease risk or death by half, driving its shares up by around 18%.

**Financial**

A real estate analyst warns that the average American cannot afford starter homes priced just $20K above their budget.

**General**

A report highlights an Alabama native who fought against Chinese trade practices at least two decades before Trump or Biden imposed restrictions on China.

**Space**

SpaceX is set to launch the all-civilian Polaris Dawn mission on September 10 after multiple delays.

**Energy**

Methanex has announced plans to purchase OCI’s international methanol business for $2.05 billion.

*Market news and data provided by Benzinga APIs*