Finance & Markets News Today — October 31, 2026

Investors are grappling with concerns about the health of major companies and the broader economy. Meta's outlook was revised downward by S&P due to worries about its cash flow and capital expenditures, while Intel's stock plummeted, wiping $12 billion off the government's stake in the company. These developments have significant implications for investors, particularly those with exposure to these companies through their 401(k) plans, and echo Warren Buffett's warnings about the risks of private equity investments.

The challenges facing American workers also continue to mount, as take-home pay fails to keep pace with inflation, leaving many households "stretched thinner and thinner." Against this backdrop, it's little wonder that investors are seeking safe havens, only to find that even the cryptocurrency space is not immune to risk, as evidenced by the record-breaking $6.3 billion Binance hack. As the economic landscape continues to shift, investors would do well to stay informed and exercise caution in their investment decisions.

Today's signal:
• Meta outlook revised downward by S&P on cash flow and capex concerns (cnbc.com)
• Criminal investigation of Alaska Senate race is 'ongoing,' U.S. Attorney says (cnbc.com)
• American workers are finding their take-home pay isn’t keeping up with inflation, with their wallets ‘stretched thinner and thinner’ (marketwatch.com)
• Intel stock heads for worst day in more than 50 years, wiping $12 billion off government's stake (cnbc.com)
• Private equity in your 401(k)? Heed Warren Buffett’s warning. (marketwatch.com)
• $6.3 billion Binance hack is largest crypto theft on record (cnbc.com)