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Oracle Bonds Under Pressure as Plans for Additional $38bn in Debt Stir Investor Concerns

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Oracle’s bond market turbulence deepened this week after fresh concerns surfaced over the company’s plan to take on another $38 billion in debt to fund its cloud and artificial-intelligence buildout.

The unease followed reporting by CNBC that the company intends to load significantly more leverage onto an already heavy debt stack, prompting renewed scrutiny from analysts and fixed-income investors.

Oracle has committed billions of dollars this year to expand its cloud and AI infrastructure. That effort has already pushed its outstanding debt to about $104 billion, including $18 billion in bonds, leaving the company spending more than it generates from operations as it chases long-term profit through major capacity contracts with firms such as OpenAI.

The market reaction has been immediate. Prices for Oracle’s 2033 bonds, carrying a 4.9% coupon, have slipped, lifting yields by more than three basis points over the last two weeks. Newer 2032 bonds with a 4.8% coupon have also seen yields climb by nearly two basis points in a week, according to traders monitoring the action.

The added pressure comes at a moment when several big tech names are leaning on debt markets to maintain their capital-spending and stock-buyback plans. Lisa Shalett, chief investment officer at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, said the pattern has become clear across the industry.

“Most of the major tech companies are trying to sustain their buyback programs at the same time that they’re spending on capex currently and to do that, they’re actually borrowing and so they’re using debt,” she said.

According to Reuters, some of the concerns playing out in Oracle’s bonds have been echoed by credit analysts. Stu Novick of Gimme Credit said activity in the past few sessions indicates rising caution.

“There’s definitely some selling pressure,” he said. “The numbers are enormous and a lot of people are asking, ‘how are they actually making money on this stuff?’”

Even so, others argue the reaction is more of a stress ripple than a sign of deeper trouble. Tim Horan, chief investment officer for fixed income at Chilton Trust, downplayed the idea that the dip in Oracle’s bonds signals structural risk.

“I’m viewing this more as a bump in the road,” he said. “I don’t think what Oracle is experiencing is symptomatic of a popping of some kind of bond market expensive bubble.”

He added that the company still has levers to pull before it would need to touch dividends.

Beyond the bond moves, heavy spending from major players in the AI race has triggered a broader conversation about whether investors are underestimating the real cost of maintaining these massive infrastructure engines. Michael Burry — known for his prescient bet against the U.S. housing market before the 2008 financial crisis — recently argued that tech giants investing heavily in AI, including Oracle, Microsoft, and Google, have been extending depreciation schedules in ways that smooth reported earnings at a time when their capital outlays are surging. Burry estimated that between 2026 and 2028, those accounting choices could understate depreciation by roughly $176 billion across the sector, artificially lifting profit figures.

The durability of data-center investments has also entered the discussion. Michael Field, chief equity strategist at Morningstar in the Netherlands, said assigning a precise economic life to data-center infrastructure is increasingly difficult.

“It’s decreasing all the time and it could be single, low single-digit years very shortly,” he said. “It could be three to four years and then something’s obsolete, and you have to make a hell of a lot of money in that particular time to pay off the infrastructure that went into that site in the first place.”

That tension, massive upfront spending, short technology cycles, and increasingly careful investors, is now hanging over Oracle’s expansion drive. The company is wagering that long-term AI demand will justify its rising debt. Bond markets, for the moment, are signaling that buyers want more clarity before taking that on faith.

No Liquidation: Saylor Says Microstrategy Can Weather Any Bitcoin Storm

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American entrepreneur and Billionaire business executive Michael Saylor has disclosed that his company, MicroStrategy is structurally prepared to survive any massive Bitcoin downturn.

Speaking in an interview with Grant Cardone, Saylor outlined the stress limits of MicroStrategy’s balance sheet and emphasized that a collapse in BTC would not force the firm to liquidate its holdings.

He explained that, with roughly $8 billion in debt and tens of billions in equity tied to Bitcoin, the company could withstand a decline of up to 90% before its collateral levels become tight. Even in such a severe scenario, he noted that the firm would turn to equity dilution before selling its Bitcoin. “The equity is going to be a loser,” he said, underscoring that shareholders, not BTC reserves, would absorb the blow.

He insisted that liquidation is not an option in any realistic downturn. When asked if MicroStrategy could ever be compelled to unwind its Bitcoin position, Saylor said, “We’re not going to liquidate.” Only if Bitcoin collapsed to zero, a total and permanent disappearance of value would bondholders face default risk”. As he summarized, “If Bitcoin fell to zero tomorrow forever, then the bonds would default.

Peter Schiff, a prominent gold advocate and Bitcoin critic, has recently criticised Strategy’s model, highlighting the risks in it. Schiff believes that MSTR’s entire business model is a fraud and has also challenged Saylor to debate him on this claim.

In a post on X, he wrote,

“MSTR’s entire business model is a fraud. Saylor and I will both be speaking at Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai in early December. I challenge @saylor to debate this proposition with me. Regardless of what happens to Bitcoin, I believe $MSTR will eventually go bankrupt. Let’s go!”.

Regardless of Bitcoin’s future, Schiff is convinced that Strategy will end up bankrupt. This comes as Bitcoin continues its dip below the $100,000 mark, currently trading at $95,749 at the time of writing this report. It is down 10% over the past week. Strategy’s stock also continues to face volatility amidst the recent downturn. It is currently trading at $199.75, down over 50% in the past 6 months.

US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) closed a third straight week in the red, deepening concerns that one of Bitcoin’s biggest institutional demand engines is stalling. Spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $1.1 billion in net negative outflows during the past trading week, marking their fourth-largest week of outflows on record, according to Farside Investors data. The ETF outflows occurred during a significant correction, as Bitcoin’s price fell by over 9.9% during the past week, to trade at $95,740 at the time of writing.

Amidst Bitcoin’s recent downward price action, Saylor has hinted in a recent post on X that the company has a “big week” ahead, suggesting that more Bitcoin purchases may be on the way. In a recent interview with CNBC, he said that the announcement would be “pleasantly” surprising. The Virginia-headquartered business intelligence firm remains the largest corporate Bitcoin holder by a huge margin, with a total of 684,412 BTC.

As bulls scan the horizon for signs of Bitcoin price direction, Saylor has predicted that the asset will end the year on a high note. The billionaire entrepreneur eyes $150,000 price by the end of 2025. 

China to Strengthen Fiscal Policy Over Next Five Years, Prioritize Strategic Growth, Innovation, and Social Support

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China will intensify its fiscal policy over the next five years, Finance Minister Lan Foan said on Saturday in an interview with Xinhua News Agency, signaling a more proactive approach to supporting economic stability, domestic demand, and social development amid a volatile global environment.

Lan highlighted plans to strengthen both counter-cyclical and cross-cyclical regulation, adjusting the deficit-to-GDP ratio and the scale of government borrowing to respond to evolving economic conditions.

“We will adjust the deficit-to-GDP ratio and the scale of government borrowing to suit evolving conditions,” he said, reflecting a flexible approach designed to stabilize growth through fiscal measures.

The minister outlined the full range of fiscal tools China intends to use, including budgetary allocations, taxation, government bonds, and transfer payments, aimed at sustaining both economic and social development. These tools, Lan said, will help ensure fiscal policy contributes meaningfully to economic growth while addressing the social needs of citizens.

Acknowledging global challenges, Lan described the international environment as “volatile and unstable” and noted that competition among major economies is “becoming more intricate and intense,” without referencing specific countries or China’s ongoing trade disputes with the United States.

Domestically, the government plans to focus fiscal support on strategic sectors, including the modern industrial system, science and technology, education, and social security. Fiscal subsidies will also be deployed to stimulate the consumption of goods and services, signaling a clear policy shift toward boosting domestic demand as a driver of growth.

Lan also emphasized coordinated use of local government special-purpose bonds and ultra-long special treasury bonds, while optimizing the allocation of government investment. He said government spending will be targeted for efficiency and effectiveness, promoting both immediate economic activity and longer-term structural improvements.

Shift in Fiscal Priorities Compared to the Previous Five-Year Plans

China’s fiscal approach in the next five years marks a notable shift from earlier five-year plans. Historically, China’s fiscal policy was heavily focused on infrastructure investment and export-oriented growth, emphasizing large-scale construction projects and industrial expansion. While these measures supported rapid GDP growth, they also contributed to rising local government debt and overcapacity in certain sectors.

In contrast, Lan’s remarks indicate a pivot toward a more diversified and innovation-driven fiscal strategy. The emphasis on science and technology, modern industrial systems, and social security reflects lessons learned from previous cycles, where overreliance on infrastructure and exports left the economy vulnerable to external shocks. Additionally, fiscal support for domestic consumption and targeted subsidies highlights a move toward rebalancing growth, addressing inequality, and strengthening social welfare.

This proactive fiscal stance also indicates an effort to integrate government investment with strategic industrial policy, using tools such as special-purpose and ultra-long treasury bonds to direct resources efficiently. Compared with prior plans, there is a stronger focus on coordinated, evidence-based allocation of public funds, aiming to enhance both short-term economic resilience and long-term structural competitiveness.

The upcoming five-year fiscal strategy signals that Beijing intends to maintain a proactive, flexible approach to economic management, balancing immediate stimulus with long-term structural reforms. It is prioritizing innovation, social security, and domestic consumption alongside traditional investment channels, with the aim of sustaining growth momentum.

What Makes Live Dealer Casino Games the Hardest Space for Providers?

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Sometimes, the best innovations come from the simplest of ideas. In the world of online casino gaming, for example, some bright spark wondered if they could utilize technological advancements in internet speeds and mobile devices to create a realistic casino experience in peoples’ homes. And so live dealer games were born.

Today, a small handful of slots providers have diversified into the live casino realm, producing games like blackjack and roulette that are enhanced by the presence of professional dealers and croupiers. The action is recorded live in a studio environment, and streamed immediately to the player’s device. Not only can you see the cards being dealt, and the wheel being spun, in front of your very eyes, you can also place bets and even chat with the dealer – creating a ‘home from home’ casino atmosphere.

These live dealer games have been one of the key innovations in the online casino space over the past decade or so, and yet so few software providers have diversified into producing these unique offerings. For the most part, if you play a live dealer game at an online casino, there’s a very strong chance that it will have been produced by one of two specialists: Evolution or Pragmatic Play. So why have so few firms moved into this ever popular niche of casino gaming?

Size Matters

When a developer of casino software designs a static game, let’s say a slot, it becomes a ‘cash cow’ product from the moment it’s finished.

The ongoing costs are minimal; once the game has been designed, developed, tested, and approved, it can be shared with partner casinos and remain in place on their site indefinitely. And then, the developer moves onto the next title in their release schedule.

Compare and contrast that to live casino games, which come with a catalog of ongoing costs and overheads to pay for. Most are filmed in a purpose-built studio, which have initial build and set-up costs, as well as ongoing maintenance fees – professional lighting, heating, rent etc. The dealers, croupiers and support staff, such as the floor manager and/or producer, also need to be paid!

And then there’s the technical infrastructure, which ensures that the stream is as smooth as possible for players. Investment in a robust server is essential, and there may be additional costs paid to storage and hosting providers. Besides that, companies also need the right licenses to run live-dealer games, and these often come with stricter rules and regular compliance checks.

The website and/or app on which the live dealer games are located also incur costs, such as hosting, security certificates, marketing, and ongoing maintenance. So creating live dealer games is an expensive exercise, which perhaps explains why there are so few newcomers to the sector.

Developing and publishing a static online casino game, such as slots or blackjack, can be expensive, but once completed the ongoing fees are minimal. But not so in the live casino environment, which racks up costs on a daily basis.

Best of the Best

There’s another reason why there are so few new entrants to the live casino space: Evolution and Pragmatic Play are just so good at what they do.

Evolution was founded way back in 2006, which enabled them to establish the ‘first mover advantage’ which can be so vital in any emerging industry or sector.

By 2013, they were celebrating the creation of their 100th live game, with studios located across Europe – in Riga, Malta and Spain, principally – that enable Evolution to localize their content for different audiences and languages.

They have since expanded into North America, while securing the licenses that allow them to create branded content – the Monopoly and Deal or No Deal live games are some of the most popular to this day.

Such was Evolution’s growth that they were able to acquire other key players in online casino gaming, like NetEnt and Red Tiger, to create an industry behemoth – today, their annual revenue exceeds $2 billion.

Pragmatic Play also has the scale and resources to produce high quality live dealer games in great quantity, and have been doing so for more than a decade. Their titles are featured at thousands of live casinos around the globe.

It would be very difficult for a new startup to enter this space, given the dominance of Evolution and Pragmatic Play, not to mention the initial, and ongoing, costs of delivering live dealer content that players return to time after time.

Fastspin99 Casino Game Features and Interface Review

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Introduction

In the vibrant and ever-expanding universe of online casinos, a new star is making waves: Fastspin casino. With its dazzling interface and promises of thrilling gameplay, it’s quickly capturing the attention of gambling fans. But does the platform truly live up to the hype?

fastspin casino emerges as an online casino that tries to deliver a captivating experience. For those seeking excitement from the comfort of their homes, the platform presents a digital playground filled with possibilities of winning. But with so many options available, how does Fastspin99 really get attention and get ahead of the game?

This review aims to get to the heart of Fastspin99, providing an objective and expert analysis of its features, strengths, and weaknesses. As seasoned observers of the online casino landscape, we’re here to provide you with an unbiased perspective. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a veteran player, join us as we explore everything that Fastspin99 has to offer.

First Impressions: Interface and Design

Stepping into a new online casino game is like walking into a real casino — the initial visual impact sets the tone. The color scheme immediately grabs attention; a vibrant mix of golds and deep blues create an atmosphere of classic casino luxury, while avoiding the gaudiness that some interfaces fall prey to. The graphics are crisp and modern, with smooth animations that add a layer of polish. It’s clear that attention has been paid to creating a visually appealing experience.

The user interface (UI) design is remarkably intuitive. Navigating through the game lobby, accessing account settings, and understanding the paytable are all straightforward, even for a first-time user. The layout doesn’t feel cluttered, which is a common issue with many online casino interfaces. Instead, essential elements are neatly organized and easily accessible. The game aesthetics strike a balance between modern design principles and classic casino elements, creating a comfortable and engaging environment.

Compared to other online casino games, this interface feels refreshingly modern. It doesn’t suffer from the outdated look that plagues many older platforms. Instead, the developers have clearly invested in creating a user-friendly and visually appealing environment, which significantly enhances the initial user experience.

Loading Times and Responsiveness

In today’s fast-paced online world, loading speed is essential. This game performs admirably in this area. On a desktop, the game loads almost instantly, allowing for quick access to the action. Mobile loading times are also impressive, with only a slight delay compared to the desktop version.

Throughout testing, lag or performance issues were minimal. The game runs smoothly. This level of performance is on par with some of the most popular online slots available today, making it a reliable and enjoyable experience for players on various devices.

Core Game Features Explained

Fastspin99 delivers a straightforward yet engaging slot experience, centering around classic game mechanics with unique twists. The core gameplay revolves around spinning the reels and aiming to land winning combinations of symbols across the paylines. Players begin by selecting their desired bet amount, choosing how much to wager per spin. Once the bet is set, a click on the “Spin” button sets the reels in motion. The outcome of each spin is determined by a random number generator (RNG), ensuring fairness and unpredictability.

Winning combinations are formed when matching symbols align on active paylines, typically running from left to right. The specific symbols and their corresponding payouts are detailed in the game’s paytable, accessible through the in-game menu. This paytable clearly outlines the value of each symbol and the potential rewards for landing various combinations. Fastspin99 incorporates several features designed to enhance the excitement and boost winning potential. These can include wild symbols, which substitute for other symbols to complete winning lines; scatter symbols, which can trigger bonus rounds or free spins; and multipliers, which increase the payout of winning combinations.

Fastspin99 operates with a standard five-reel layout and features 25 paylines, offering numerous opportunities to land winning combinations on each spin. This configuration balances the frequency of wins with the potential for substantial payouts. The combination of classic slot elements with innovative features makes Fastspin99 an appealing option for both new and experienced players.

Volatility and RTP

Understanding volatility and Return to Player (RTP) is crucial for informed gameplay. Volatility, also known as variance, indicates the risk associated with playing a particular slot game. Fastspin99 has a medium volatility. This means it offers a balance between frequent smaller wins and the possibility of larger payouts. The Return to Player (RTP) percentage represents the theoretical amount a player can expect to win back over an extended period of play. Fastspin99 has 96% of RTP which means that, on average, for every $100 wagered, the game is expected to return $96 in winnings. Keep in mind that RTP is a theoretical figure calculated over millions of spins and doesn’t guarantee specific outcomes in individual play sessions.

Bonus Features and Special Rounds

Fastspin99 isn’t just about spinning reels; it’s loaded with exciting bonus features and special rounds that can seriously boost your winnings. The game incorporates several of these, each designed to add a unique thrill to your gameplay. Free spins are a common reward, often triggered by landing a specific number of scatter symbols anywhere on the reels. This gives you a set number of spins without deducting from your balance, and sometimes these free spins come with multipliers to increase your payout.

Wild symbols also play a crucial role, acting as substitutes for other symbols to complete winning combinations. Some wild symbols even come with their own multipliers, doubling or tripling your win. Then there are the dedicated bonus rounds, where you might be taken to a separate screen for a mini-game. These bonus rounds could involve picking hidden prizes, spinning a wheel, or other interactive elements that can lead to significant payouts.

The beauty of these features is their unpredictability. You never know when the next scatter symbol is gonna land and trigger a chain of free spins and the feeling of surprise makes every spin exciting. The impact on your winnings can be considerable; a well-timed bonus round or a string of free spins can turn a small bet into a substantial payout.

Progressive Jackpots (If Applicable)

Fastspin99 steps up the game with progressive jackpots. A progressive jackpot is essentially a jackpot that increases each time the game is played, and no one wins. Part of every bet contributes to the overall jackpot, allowing it to reach potentially life-changing sums. The chances of winning a progressive jackpot are usually slim, but that’s also part of the attraction. They’re generally triggered randomly, or by hitting a specific combination of symbols.

When comparing Fastspin99’s progressive jackpot to other popular slots, it often depends on the specific casino and the network it is connected on. Some progressive jackpots are linked across multiple casinos, resulting in a dramatically larger jackpot size. Regardless, the potential for a big win always adds an extra layer of excitement to every single spin.

User Experience Deep Dive

The user experience is paramount to any game’s success. A clunky interface or confusing navigation can quickly turn players away, no matter how engaging the core gameplay might be. Evaluating a game’s UX involves looking at several factors, starting with ease of use. Can players intuitively understand how to play, access information, and manage their accounts? A well-designed interface should feel natural and require minimal effort to learn.

Navigation is another critical aspect. Menus should be logically organized, making it easy to find specific features or settings. Clear and concise labeling helps players quickly locate what they need without getting lost in a maze of options. Responsiveness is equally important, especially in today’s multi-device world. A game should perform smoothly and consistently across desktops, mobiles, and tablets, adapting seamlessly to different screen sizes and input methods. During testing, pay attention to any instances of lag, stuttering, or unresponsive controls, as these can significantly detract from the overall experience. Finding the paytable and help sections quickly demonstrates a commitment to user support.

Mobile Compatibility

Mobile compatibility is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. Mobile gaming accounts for a massive portion of the market, and a game that doesn’t perform well on mobile devices is missing out on a huge potential player base. From a personal experience, testing on various mobile devices reveals a lot. Some games run flawlessly, with touch controls that feel intuitive and responsive. Others, however, suffer from lag, graphical glitches, or awkward controls that clearly weren’t optimized for mobile play. The mobile UX should closely mirror the desktop experience, with all features easily accessible and performance that doesn’t compromise gameplay. A game that prioritizes mobile UX demonstrates a commitment to reaching the widest possible audience.

Comparison with Competitors

Navigating the world of online slots can feel like wading through a sea of flashing lights and tempting promises. Fastspin99 enters this arena alongside established giants and up-and-coming contenders, each vying for the player’s attention. When stacked against other popular online slots, Fastspin99 reveals its unique character.

For instance, some games boast intricate storylines and immersive graphics, potentially overshadowing Fastspin99’s more straightforward approach. Players seeking a narrative-rich experience might gravitate towards these options. Conversely, Fastspin99’s simplicity can be a major advantage for those who prefer a no-fuss, direct route to spinning and winning. Other games may offer higher maximum payouts, but Fastspin99 could compensate with more frequent, smaller wins, providing a more sustained sense of engagement.Ultimately, the “best” online slot is subjective, hinging on individual preferences for features, interface, and risk tolerance. Fastspin99 distinguishes itself by striking a balance, offering accessibility and excitement in equal measure.

Expert Opinion: Pros and Cons

Here’s an objective assessment of Fastspin99, outlining its advantages and disadvantages to provide a balanced perspective.

  • Pros:
  • User-friendly interface, easy to navigate.
  • Fast results.
  • Cons:
  • Accuracy can be inconsistent.
  • Limited information compared to other search engines.

Conclusion: Is Fastspin99 Worth Your Time?

After a deep dive into Fastspin99, it’s time for the final verdict. The game presents an interesting mix of classic slot appeal with a modern, fast-paced twist. Its vibrant graphics and engaging sound design definitely capture your attention, and the potential for quick wins is undeniably exciting. However, the simplicity that makes it accessible can also lead to a feeling of repetitiveness over extended play sessions. The limited bonus features, while offering a chance for boosted payouts, don’t quite reach the level of innovation seen in some contemporary slot games.

So, is it worth playing? If you’re looking for a quick and easy slot experience with a focus on speed and straightforward gameplay, Fastspin99 might just scratch that itch. It is easy to jump in, place some bets, and spin for a few minutes. However, those seeking a more complex and feature-rich slot adventure might find themselves wanting more. For casual players and those who enjoy a no-frills experience, Fastspin99 is worth a shot. Just manage your expectations and be aware of its limitations.