The US IPO market, expected to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2025, faces challenges from rising Treasury yields. Yields on 30-year Treasurys recently surpassed 5%, potentially affecting valuations of high-growth companies and leading some to delay IPOs. "Rates are one of the key potential headwinds" for the IPO market, said Robert Stowe, head of Americas equity capital markets at Barclays Plc. "If there's an impact on the equity market then there will be an impact on the IPO market."

House Speaker Mike Johnson has confirmed discussions on linking California wildfire relief to raising the debt ceiling, sparking bipartisan debate. While some see the approach as a practical solution, Democrats have criticized the move as leveraging disaster victims for unrelated policy goals.

Options traders are anticipating significant volatility during the upcoming earnings season, with expectations that S&P 500 stocks will experience an average move of 4.7% in either direction following their earnings reports. This would mark the largest earnings-day movements on record, as reported by Bank of America strategists.

The S&P 500 briefly fell below its pre-election level amid concerns about inflation and interest rates, closing slightly above the mark. Investors are worried that the Federal Reserve might reduce rate cuts due to persistent inflation, exacerbated by strong jobs data. "This is a case of high expectations crashing into reality," says Michael O'Rourke, chief market strategist at JonesTrading. "The honeymoon may be over."

MMSB Murmurs: Has the so-called Trump Bump really been this short lived? Markets may bounce back after the inauguration once policies become clear, but for now it appears they're on a steady retreat. - Nic 

Robinhood Securities and Robinhood Financial have agreed to pay $45 million in penalties to settle Securities and Exchange Commission allegations, including failure to report suspicious activity and preserve electronic communications. Robinhood did not admit or deny the allegations, noting that most issues have been addressed.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission reportedly is considering a review of Crypto.com's futures contracts that allow betting on major football games, including the Super Bowl. The review, which could last 90 days, aims to determine if the contracts violate gaming laws. Crypto.com followed legal procedures for the contracts, but the CFTC did not have an opportunity to review them before they went live, sources say.

MMSB Murmurs Crypto.com's venture into Super Bowl betting brings cryptocurrency deeper into mainstream culture, but also into sharper regulatory focus.

The CFTC's review will test the legal boundaries of crypto-enabled wagering, highlighting the challenges of balancing innovation with regulatory compliance, especially as the pro-crypto Trump administration prepares to take office. -- Matt

Binance.US interim CEO Norman Reed has criticized the Securities and Exchange Commission for branding the firm a "cauldron of fraud," which he said caused reputational damage and disrupted banking ties. Despite significant setbacks, Reed said in an intevriew that he anticipates restoring USD services and a resurgence under a new US administration.

Mars is currently at its closest approach to Earth for the next two years, with the two planets separated by 59.7 million miles. The planet will experience a close conjunction with the moon, enhancing its visibility, and be directly opposite from the sun in the sky.