Business & Finance Update - November 28, 2025

Business & Finance Update - November 28, 2025

Market Overview

US Markets (November 27, 2025 Close):

Notable Sector Performance:

Key Insights and Analysis

1. AI Infrastructure Investment Boom: A New Capex Cycle

Topic: Tech Giants Dramatically Increase Capital Expenditures for AI Infrastructure

Analysis: Major tech companies (Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta) collectively announced over $250 billion in capital expenditures for 2026, primarily focused on AI compute infrastructure. This represents a 35% increase from 2025 levels. The spending focuses on:

Microsoft alone plans $80B capex, with CEO stating “AI infrastructure is the most important investment we can make.” Amazon Web Services announced 15 new data center regions optimized for AI workloads.

Implications for Tech Professionals:

Actionable Takeaway: If you’re holding tech stocks, this capex cycle validates long-term AI positioning. For professionals, specializing in AI infrastructure/MLOps is a strong career bet. For companies, lock in cloud compute contracts now before pricing increases accelerate.

2. Treasury Yields Stabilize: Window for Refinancing and Major Purchases

Topic: 10-Year Treasury Yields Holding Steady at 4.25% After Volatile Year

Analysis: After peaking at 5.1% in May 2025 and creating market turbulence, 10-year Treasury yields have stabilized around 4.25% for the past six weeks. The Federal Reserve’s indication that it’s likely done raising rates (terminal rate at 5.5%) has reduced uncertainty. Inflation has moderated to 2.8% YoY, approaching the Fed’s 2% target.

Mortgage rates have followed yields down, with 30-year fixed mortgages now averaging 6.8%, down from 7.5% earlier in the year. Corporate borrowing costs have similarly eased.

Implications for Tech Professionals:

Actionable Takeaway: Review your mortgage rate—if above 7%, model refinancing savings. For investors, 4-5% yields on high-quality bonds provide real returns above inflation for the first time in years. Consider 60/40 portfolio rebalancing.

Topic: Salary Data Shows Widening Gap Between AI Specialists and General Engineers

Analysis: New compensation data from Levels.fyi and Blind shows increasing divergence in tech compensation:

AI/ML Specialist Roles (L5/Senior level at FAANG):

General Software Engineering Roles:

The data shows AI specialists commanding 30-40% premiums over generalist engineers at equivalent levels, with the gap widening. Companies are offering equity packages 50% higher for AI roles to compete for limited talent.

Implications for Tech Professionals:

Actionable Takeaway: If you’re a senior engineer not working in AI, seriously evaluate upskilling strategy—this compensation gap likely to persist 3-5 years. Current engineers in ML roles should negotiate aggressively, especially during performance reviews. Job switchers in AI can expect 30-50% total comp increases.

Additional Market Notes

Cryptocurrency:

Commodities:

International Markets:

Week Ahead

Key Events to Watch:

Investment Considerations:

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