Key Takeaway: Moody's downgraded Southern Water to junk status , citing financial and operational underperformance, compounding the broader issues facing the UK water sector. Southern Water Ltd’s credit rating was downgraded to junk by Moody’s , with a warning of potential further cuts due to its weak performance history and financial challenges. This downgrade impacts the company’s ability to raise the £4 billion in new debt and £650 million in equity required for its capital plans. The UK water industry is facing heightened scrutiny due to concerns over chronic leaks, sewage spills, and high-interest rates. Southern Water, which supplies over two million people in England, could face severe penalties from the regulator Ofwat , which may limit funds for essential upgrades. Following the downgrade, Southern Water’s 2026 bonds dropped 2.7 pence to around 85 pence on the pound. Despite the rating cut, Southern Water assured customers that services would continue unaffected, hig
Bitcoin has soared past $90,000 for the first time following an election-fueled rally that began on Nov 5, when President-elect Donald Trump claimed victory. The original cryptocurrency reached a new peak of $91,085, driven by expectations of crypto-friendly policies under Trump’s administration, including plans for a strategic Bitcoin stockpile and a regulatory environment favorable to digital assets.
Trump’s shift from crypto skeptic to supporter has sparked renewed investor confidence across the digital asset market, pushing the entire crypto market's value to an all-time high. However, some analysts caution that while further gains are possible, much of the optimism may already be priced in.
Dogecoin, the meme-inspired token, has been another standout performer, rallying by 80% in recent days. This rise was fueled in part by Trump’s announcement of a new Department of Government Efficiency, co-led by Elon Musk, which many viewed as a nod to Dogecoin’s community.
In traditional markets, attention now turns to upcoming US inflation data, which will influence views on the Federal Reserve’s policy direction amid higher treasury yields and a rising dollar. As Trump’s policy plans are expected to add inflationary pressures, investors are pricing in higher interest rates, a potential challenge for riskier assets like crypto.
With inflows into US Bitcoin ETFs exceeding $1 billion, bullish sentiment remains high, particularly as options markets indicate bets on Bitcoin reaching $100,000. Experts like Noelle Acheson highlight that while the market may see pauses, crypto’s tailwinds remain robust.
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