Inside the ICE House

Eric Criscuolo, Market Strategist at the NYSE, recaps a week marked by consolidation ahead of next week’s Fed decision. After a strong post-Thanksgiving rally, the S&P 500 held above key moving averages, trading in a tight range near record highs as volatility compressed. Small caps outperformed late in the week, driven by thematic baskets tied to AI and robotics, even as rising global yields pressured equities. Crypto saw sharp swings, with Bitcoin reversing early losses to test resistance near its 20-day average. Markets close steady with attention turning to the Fed’s rate cut outlook, economic projections, and major earnings on deck.

Phil Rosen of Opening Bell Daily joins Inside the ICE House to break down rising expectations for a December rate cut and what it signals about a divided Fed. He explains why a cut in a strong market could boost already bullish momentum into 2026. Phil also puts Bitcoin’s recent dip in context, noting its long-term story and institutional support remain intact. He highlights December’s seasonal strength as another tailwind for investors.

McGraw Hill is building on its legacy as a trusted education partner while driving a bold digital transformation. Chief Digital Information Officer David Cortese goes Inside the ICE House to share how technology is reshaping the company’s approach to learning. He discusses innovations that personalize education, strategies to empower teachers, and tools that help students succeed in a rapidly changing world.

NYSE Texas is driving economic growth through innovation, market access, and strategic partnerships. President Bryan Daniel joins Inside the ICE House to discuss how Texas’s pro-business foundation and collaborative leadership are creating new opportunities for companies to raise capital and scale. He highlights how entrepreneurship and a supportive regulatory environment are positioning Texas as a rising force in the global marketplace.

In November, Inside the ICE House aired seven new episodes, both traditional and our Markets in Focus series in partnership with Opening Bell Daily. Episode 494: Chemours CFO Shane Hostetter on Driving Growth Through Strategy & Innovation Episode 495: Bausch + Lomb CEO Brent Saunders on Comeback, R&D Innovation, and the Evolution of Eye Care November Markets in Focus: Labor Market Slowdown, AI Boom vs Dot Com Bubble, Market Opportunities Episode 496: CRH CEO Jim Mintern on Building the Future of the Building Materials Industry Episode 497: Athene CEO Grant Kvalheim on Addressing America's Growing Retirement Crisis Episode 498: Realty Income CEO Sumit Roy on Monthly Dividends, European Expansion, and the Future of Net Lease Episode 499: GeoPark CEO Felipe Bayon on Leading a New Era and Building Long-term Success

Bob Pisani, former CNBC Senior Markets Correspondent, joins Bilal Little to share insights from his decades covering Wall Street and global markets. He reflects on witnessing the evolution of ETFs and how they reshaped investing for institutions and individuals alike. Pisani discusses his personal approach to building a portfolio and the principles that guide his long-term strategy. He highlights lessons learned from market cycles and the importance of staying disciplined amid volatility.

GeoPark is charting a bold course for growth and energy leadership across Latin America. CEO Felipe Bayón goes Inside the ICE House to share how his first months at the helm are shaping the company’s strategic vision and operational priorities. He discusses GeoPark’s expansion into Argentina, its commitment to sustainable development, and the disciplined approach driving exploration and production success.

Sumit Roy, CEO of Realty Income Corporation, discusses the company's growth and international expansion into new asset types like gaming and data centers. He emphasizes the importance of reliable monthly dividends, highlighting over 600 months of consistent payouts. Sumit shares insights on adapting to e-commerce trends and the integration of technology, including AI, to enhance operational efficiency. He also addresses the strategic move into European markets, stressing the importance of local partnerships as Realty Income seeks to redefine net-leasing on a global scale.

This week, a fading AI narrative raises questions as the S&P 500 dips below its 50-day average. Nvidia's strong earnings initially boosted markets, only for gains to vanish under renewed selling pressure. With crypto weakness, particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum, sending risk-off signals, investors turn to defensive sectors like consumer staples and healthcare. Labor data suggests lower yields and reignited rate-cut hopes, while the dollar strengthens unexpectedly. All eyes are on the upcoming holiday trading schedule and economic updates.

Athene is redefining retirement security through innovation, scale, and long-term vision. CEO Grant Kvalheim joins Inside the ICE House to discuss how the company’s five-year growth plan is expanding its market leadership and helping millions of Americans build more confident retirements. He shares how Athene’s partnership with Apollo Global Management, commitment to digital transformation, and culture of ownership are driving efficiency, innovation, and lasting impact across the retirement services industry.