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August 23, 2025

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S&P 500 Breaking Out Again: What This Means for Your Portfolio

The S&P 500 ($SPX) just logged its fifth straight trading box breakout, which means that, of the five trading ranges the index has experienced since the April lows, all have been resolved to the upside.

How much longer can this last? That’s been the biggest question since the massive April 9 rally. Instead of assuming the market is due to roll over, it’s been more productive to track price action and watch for potential changes along the way. So far, drawdowns have been minimal, and breakouts keep occurring. Nothing in the price action hints at a lasting change — yet.

While some are calling this rally “historic,” we have a recent precedent. Recall that from late 2023 through early 2024, the index had a strong start and gave way to a consistent, steady trend.

From late October 2023 through March 2024, the S&P 500 logged seven consecutive trading box breakouts. That streak finally paused with a pullback from late March to early April, which, as we now know, was only a temporary hiccup. Once the bid returned, the S&P 500 went right back to carving new boxes and climbing higher.

New 52-Week Highs Finally Picking Up

If there’s been one gripe about this rally, it’s that the number of new highs within the index has lagged. As we’ve discussed before, among all the internal breadth indicators available, new highs almost always lag — that’s normal. What we really want to see is whether the number of new highs begins to exceed prior peaks as the market continues to rise, which it has, as shown by the blue line in the chart below.

As of Wednesday’s close, 100 S&P 500 stocks were either at new 52-week highs or within 3% of them. That’s a strong base. We expect this number to continue rising as the market climbs, especially if positive earnings reactions persist across sectors.

Even when we get that first day with 100+ S&P 500 stocks making new 52-week highs, though, it might not be the best time to initiate new longs.

The above chart shows that much needs to align for that many stocks to peak in unison, which has historically led to at least a short-term consolidation, if not deeper pullbacks — as highlighted in yellow. Every time is different, of course, but this is something to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.

Trend Check: GoNoGo Still “Go”

The GoNoGo Trend remains in bullish mode, with the recent countertrend signals having yet to trigger a greater pullback.

Active Bullish Patterns

We still have two live bullish upside targets of 6,555 and 6,745, which could be with us for a while going forward. For the S&P 500 to get there, it will need to form new, smaller versions of the trading boxes.

Failed Bearish Patterns

In the chart below, you can view a rising wedge pattern on the recent price action, the third since April. The prior two wedges broke down briefly and did not lead to a major downturn. The largest pullbacks in each case occurred after the S&P 500 dipped below the lower trendline of the pattern.

The deepest drawdown so far is 3.5%, which is not exactly a game-changer. Without downside follow-through, a classic bearish pattern simply can’t be formed, let alone be broken down from.

We’ll continue to monitor these formations as they develop because, at some point, that will change.

Gold Price Rises as Powell Boosts Rate Cut Expectations in Jackson Hole Speech

Citing a shifting economic situation in the US, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated that the central bank is ready to adjust interest rates during his speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium.

Powell indicated that the Fed’s dual mandate goal is essentially in balance, saying the labor market remains close to maximum employment and that inflation has eased from post-pandemic highs, although it remain elevated.

However, the Fed head also noted that “the balance of risks appears to be shifting,” with significant uncertainty in the economy as a result of higher tariffs, tighter immigration and a slowdown in the pace of growth in the labor market.

“Over the longer run, changes in tax, spending, and regulatory policies may also have important implications for economic growth and productivity,” Powell added in his Friday (August 22) address.

The biggest challenge for the Fed is maintaining its dual mandate of ensuring too much slack doesn’t enter the labor market, which Powell said could happen quickly, while also attempting to ease inflation to the target 2 percent.

“A material slowing in employment growth may not be a signal that the economy is entering a downturn, but a symptom of structural shifts in the economy. For this reason, Powell and others in the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) have pointed to the unemployment rate as a more useful indicator of the health of the labor market,” she said.

Although tariffs are likely to take some months to work their way through the economy, with Powell suggesting there is still high uncertainty, he also indicated that “the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance.”

His remarks are in line with analysts’ expectations of a 25 basis point cut to the benchmark rate in September.

In 2024, the Fed made three cuts: a 50 basis point cut in September, followed by two 25 basis point cuts in October and November. So far, it has not made reductions in 2025; however, it faced dissent from two committee members at its July meeting, the first time more than one member has voted against the committee since December 1993.

The gold price jumped following Powell’s remarks on Friday, gaining nearly 1 percent in morning trading, reaching US$3,370 per ounce by 1:00 p.m. EDT. Silver rose more than 2 percent to hit US$38.94 per ounce.

Equity markets were also in positive territory during morning trading.

The S&P 500 (INDEXSP:INX) climbed 1.49 percent to 6,465 points, and the Nasdaq 100 (INDEXNASDAQ:NDX) rose 1.48 percent to 23,485 points. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) surged 2 percent to trade in record territory at 45,687 points.

Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Crypto Market Update: World Liberty Gets Coinbase Approval with Stablecoin Listing

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (August 22) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ethereum and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$116,546, a 3.9 percent increase in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$112,019, and its highest was US$117,310.

Bitcoin price performance, August 22, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

The crypto market rallied after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium offered clues that the Fed may be preparing to lower interest rates in September.

Bitcoin jumped from US$112,000 to US$116,000 in just over an hour. The current situation with inflation and the labor market, Powell said, “may warrant adjusting” the Fed’s monetary policy stance.

Powell cited a “curious balance” in the labor market, with reduced worker supply and demand increasing employment risks, while also noting that tariffs’ visible impact on consumer prices is likely to be short-lived.

However, he signaled that the central bank remains cautious of potential lasting inflation, emphasizing the need to balance its dual mandates when goals conflict.

The Fed also revised its monetary policy, stating that low unemployment alone will not trigger rate hikes. They removed language suggesting tolerance for inflation above 2 percent to offset past undershoots and no longer described low interest rates as a “defining feature” of the economy, offering greater flexibility in a volatile post-pandemic economy.

According to the CME Group Fedwatch tool, the probability of an interest rate cut at the September 17 FOMC meeting has surged to over 83 percent, up from 75 percent just yesterday.

Likewise, Ether (ETH) gained over 10 percent following Powell’s remarks, rising above the week-long US$4,600 resistance and forming a bull flag pattern, with analysts projecting potential highs around US$6,000.

ETH was priced at US$4,843.61, up by 14.5 percent over the past 24 hours, and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest valuation was US$4,254.24.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$199.01, up by 10.5 percent over 24 hours to its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest was US$178.52.
  • XRP was trading for US$3.09, up by 7.9 percent in the past 24 hours, and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest was US$282.
  • Sui (SUI) was trading at US$3.74, up by 9.5 percent over the past 24 hours, following market trends by reaching its highest valuation as the markets wrapped. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$3.33.
  • Cardano (ADA) was also trading at its highest valuation on Friday at US$0.9334, up by 9.5 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest valuation for the day was US$0.8332.

Today’s crypto news to know

Coinbase approves Trump-backed stablecoin

Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) has listed USD1, a stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial, the crypto project linked to US President Donald Trump and his sons. The exchange announced the move on Thursday (August 21), while Eric Trump reposted the news on X and hinted that additional updates on the project are coming soon.

With the addition, Coinbase now offers US users a wide range of stablecoins, including USDT, USDC, PYUSD, DAI and others. World Liberty launched USD1 earlier this year as part of its push into decentralized finance, positioning the token for use in a forthcoming platform built on Ethereum with Aave technology.

The platform is not yet live, but the company has said it will eventually support lending and borrowing services.

The listing comes as the US stablecoin sector gains momentum following the passage of the GENIUS Act, which set national standards for stablecoin issuance and trading.

Still, World Liberty’s political connections remain controversial, especially after reports linked USD1 to a multibillion-dollar investment in Binance from an Abu Dhabi sovereign fund.

House moves to prohibit Fed from issuing CBDC

The US House of Representatives has added a provision to a defense policy bill for the 2026 fiscal year that would ban the Fed from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC). On Thursday, the House Rules Committee released a revised version of HR 3838, the House’s rendition of a bill enacting the National Defense Authorization Act.

It incorporates extensive wording that prohibits the Fed from researching or developing digital currency.

In July, the House narrowly passed the Republican-backed Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, which aims to prevent the Fed from issuing a digital currency, with a vote of 219 to 210. Its fate in the Senate remains uncertain.

The National Defense Authorization Act and its associated appropriations bills are considered essential national security legislation. They detail the military’s funding and budget allocation. Adding this provision from the anti-CBDC bill is a strategic maneuver by supporters of the CBDC ban to increase the likelihood of it passing into law.

CFTC seeks public input on spot crypto trading regulations

Caroline D. Pham, acting chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), is calling for public input from crypto market participants on how the agency can better regulate spot crypto trading.

“The public feedback will assist the CFTC in carefully considering relevant issues for leveraged, margined or financed retail trading on a CFTC-registered exchange as we implement the President’s directive,” Pham said on Thursday.

Comments may be submitted via the commission’s website until October 20.

This marks the second leg of the CFTC’s “crypto sprint,” an initiative to fast track the implementation of a new regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and other digital assets in the US. Last month, the agency announced that it would explore enabling the trading of spot crypto asset contracts on CFTC-registered futures exchanges.

Ripple, SBI to bring RLUSD to Japan

Ripple and SBI Holdings (TSE:8473) unveiled plans on Thursday to bring Ripple USD (RLUSD) to Japan.

Their aim is to launch the stablecoin in early 2026. The rollout will be handled by SBI VCTrade, a licensed digital payments provider, under Japan’s new regulatory framework for stablecoins.

RLUSD, first introduced in December 2024, is backed by dollar deposits, short-term US treasuries and cash equivalents, with monthly attestations from an independent firm. Ripple says this design ensures regulatory clarity and sets the coin apart as an institutional-grade product. SBI executives described the partnership as a milestone for Japan’s financial system, stressing that the stablecoin will enhance trust and convenience for users.

Ripple officials framed RLUSD as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized networks, particularly just days after Japan approved its first yen-based stablecoin.

ECB explores public blockchains for digital euro

The European Central Bank (ECB) is reportedly exploring major public blockchain networks, including Ethereum and Solana, in connection with its digital euro design.

Sources familiar with the matter told the Financial Times that EU officials are accelerating plans for a digital euro after the passage of the GENIUS Act deepened concerns regarding the competitive viability of a European digital currency.

Sources familiar with the matter told the news outlet that while a private blockchain was widely expected for the digital euro, a public option is now being considered more seriously.

Meanwhile, the ECB informed the Financial Times that it is exploring both centralized and decentralized technologies, including distributed ledger technologies, in the lead up to a final decision.

Austrac directs Binance to appoint external auditor

Binance is facing renewed scrutiny in Australia after the country’s financial watchdog directed it to appoint an external auditor. AUSTRAC said the exchange has failed to meet standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing controls, citing gaps in oversight and risk management. The agency also pointed to Binance’s high staff turnover and limited senior management presence in Australia as red flags.

AUSTRAC Chief Brendan Thomas warned that global crypto exchanges must adapt to local compliance requirements, regardless of their size. The action adds to a growing list of regulatory challenges for Binance worldwide, including a record US$4.3 billion fine in the US last year for failing to block illicit users.

The company’s founder, Changpeng Zhao, is serving a four month prison sentence related to those violations. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, Binance is still battling tax evasion and illegal foreign exchange allegations, with a court trial pushed back to October.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Cracker Barrel shares plummet after pushback on new logo, brand refresh

Shares of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store plummeted roughly 10% on Thursday after the restaurant unveiled its new logo earlier this week as part of a larger brand refresh.

The new logo removes the image of a man leaning against a barrel that was prominently featured in the original, leaving behind just the words Cracker Barrel against a yellow background. The phrase “old country store” has also been removed.

The company said the colors in the logo were inspired by the chain’s scrambled eggs and biscuits.

Cracker Barrel’s new logo.Cracker Barrel

The change is part of a “strategic transformation” to revitalize the brand that started back in May 2024. Under that mission, Cracker Barrel’s brand refresh includes updates to visual elements, restaurant spaces and food and retail offerings.

Cracker Barrel said in March that the refresh will still maintain the brand’s “rich history of country hospitality” and “authentic charm that has made the brand a beloved destination for generations of families.”

“We believe in the goodness of country hospitality, a spirit that has always defined us. Our story hasn’t changed. Our values haven’t changed,” Chief Marketing Officer Sarah Moore said in a media release.

However, many social media users have criticized the new logo, especially those in conservative circles. The president’s son, Donald Trump Jr., amplified a post on Wednesday suggesting that the logo change was led by CEO Julie Felss Masino to erase the American tradition aspect of the branding and make it more general, as a way of leaning into diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Conservative activist Robby Starbuck added his commentary on Thursday, writing in a post on X, “Good morning @CrackerBarrel! You’re about to learn that wokeness really doesn’t pay.”

The company has a relatively small market cap of about $1.2 billion compared with other restaurant chains.

Customers have also complained on social media about the interior redesign of many Cracker Barrel restaurants, saying that the new decor favors a more sterile and modern style over its tried-and-true country feel.

On the restaurant’s latest earnings call in June, Masino said Cracker Barrel had completed 20 remodels and 20 refreshes. She said the company will be sharing more information about the remodeling initiative in September.

“Employees had given us great feedback about working in those newly remodeled and refreshed stores and guests continue to tell us that they’re lighter, brighter, more welcoming and they’re enjoying them,” Masino said on the call.

Cracker Barrel is not the only stock to see large swings based on political social media posts.

Earlier this month, shares of American Eagle soared after Trump posted that an ad featuring Sydney Sweeney, which faced significant social media pushback from the left, was “the ‘HOTTEST’ ad out there.”

Back in 2023, Anheuser-Busch InBev faced heavy criticism from conservatives after a collaboration between Bud Light and social influencer Dylan Mulvaney, who is transgender.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS