🎃 HALLOWEEN MARKET BRIEFING - October 31, 2025

Spooky divergence! Stocks fall while Bitcoin SURGES above $110K. Brighthouse Financial EXPLODES +20% on massive deal news, and Trump drops tariff bombshell. Plus: Is Apple too expensive despite strong iPhone sales?

📊 TODAY'S MARKET SNAPSHOT:

• S&P 500: 6,840.75 (-0.55%) 📉
• Dow Jones: 47,505.57 (-0.32%) 📉
• NASDAQ: 23,749.1 (-0.8%) 📉
• Bitcoin: $110,100 (+1.67%) 🚀✅
• Ethereum: $3,856 (+1.4%) 🚀✅

🔥 BREAKING HEADLINES:✅ BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL SURGES +20%: Aquarian nears $4 BILLION deal✅ BITCOIN DEFIES STOCKS: Rallies to $110K while equities fall (crypto momentum returns!)✅ ETHEREUM UP 1.4%: Digital assets finding refuge amid market uncertainty✅ APPLE VALUATION DEBATE: iPhone sales strong BUT stock "too expensive" vs Qualcomm, Alphabet✅ TRUMP TARIFF SHOCK: "Would love to see" 10% China tariff scrapped (fentanyl tariff focus)✅ FRESNILLO ACQUIRES Probe Gold: $560M deal signals precious metals confidence✅ LABOR MARKET RESILIENCE: Jobless claims stay low despite Amazon, UPS cuts✅ MEG ENERGY DEAL DELAYED: Cenovus meeting postponed another week

💥 THE BIG STORY: STOCKS vs CRYPTO DIVERGENCE

What's Happening:For the first time in days, we're seeing a clear divergence: traditional equities are pulling back (S&P -0.55%, NASDAQ -0.8%) while cryptocurrencies are SURGING (Bitcoin +1.67%, Ethereum +1.4%). This is NOT random—it's a potential flight to alternative assets.

Why This Matters:

• Investors seeking diversification beyond traditional equities
• Digital assets becoming legitimate portfolio hedge
• "Old guard of finance vs emerging digital revolution" tug-of-war
• Risk appetite shifting toward more aggressive growth opportunities
• Could signal sustained crypto momentum if pattern continues

Investment Question:Is this the beginning of a new crypto rally independent of stock market performance? Or temporary dislocation that will reverse?

📈 BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL: +20% MONSTER MOVE

The Deal:Aquarian nearing $4 BILLION transaction involving Brighthouse Financial—sending the insurance-related stock up a massive 20% in single session.

Why It Exploded:

• $4B deal size captures institutional attention
• Insurance sector positioning for growth despite market caution
• Corporate news can override broader market sentiment
• Demonstrates explosive growth stories still exist amid overall caution

Lesson:Even in risk-off environments, sector-specific catalysts can create massive opportunities. This is why diversification and staying informed matters—you might miss 20% single-day gains if you're not watching.

🍎 THE APPLE DILEMMA: STRONG SALES, HIGH PRICE

The Debate:Multiple analysts asking: "Should you buy Apple after earnings?" Answer is complicated:

BULLISH CASE:

• iPhone trends remain strong (upgrade cycle intact)
• Brand strength unmatched in consumer tech
• Ecosystem lock-in creates recurring revenue
• Services growth providing diversification

BEARISH CASE:

• Stock appears "expensive" vs alternatives
• Qualcomm offers better value in hardware
• Alphabet provides cheaper smartphone exposure
• Market saturation limiting growth potential
• Premium valuation may not guarantee future returns

The Question:Is Apple's premium pricing justified by brand/ecosystem, or is market overvaluing the familiar at expense of emerging opportunities?

💬 TRUMP'S TARIFF BOMBSHELL

What He Said:On Air Force One, Trump stated he "would love to see" the extra 10% tariff on China scrapped—specifically the "fentanyl tariff." Also noted "no strikes to worry about" regarding Venezuela.

Why This Matters:

• High-profile political figures can send ripples across global markets
• Trade policy uncertainty affects investor sentiment
• Could signal shift in US-China economic relations
• Energy prices and global supply chains affected by tariff changes
• Markets react to political rhetoric, even from former officials