Unusual Whales

**BNPL Coming to Rent Payments** Klarna-style buy now, pay later (BNPL) services may soon be available for Americans paying rent on homes and apartments, according to CNBC reporting. **Key Points:** - BNPL payment options could extend beyond retail purchases to monthly rent - Would allow renters to split payments into installments - Follows growing adoption of BNPL services across consumer spending categories The expansion would mark a significant shift in how Americans manage housing costs, potentially offering more payment flexibility but also raising questions about debt accumulation for essential expenses.

**The New York Times reports that the FBI is using federal resources to investigate Trump's political adversaries.** - This follows a September 2025 lawsuit by three former senior FBI officials who claim they were fired for insufficient political loyalty to Trump - The officials allege their terminations were part of a retribution campaign - The development raises concerns about the politicization of federal law enforcement agencies [Read the original lawsuit details](https://time.com/7316133/trump-fbi-lawsuit-firing-retribution/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=100925)

**Major banks are hitting capacity limits** in their precious metals trading operations, according to Bloomberg reporting. The constraint stems from **finite balance sheet capacity** rather than market demand issues. This development could have implications for: - Liquidity in precious metals markets - Trading spreads and execution costs - Alternative asset allocation strategies The news comes as financial institutions continue managing regulatory capital requirements and risk exposure across multiple asset classes. This follows earlier 2024 analysis suggesting limited near-term upside for bitcoin due to similar institutional headwinds.

**European dominance in US markets reaches new milestone** European investors now control approximately **50% of all foreign holdings** in US stocks, according to Bloomberg data. This represents a significant concentration of international investment in American equities. **Key context:** - This follows a long-term trend of increasing European exposure to US markets - In 2009, only 15% of European fund equity holdings were in US stocks - By September 2025, that figure had grown to over 40%, per Goldman Sachs data - The shift reflects a **nearly tripling** of European allocation to US equities over 16 years This concentration raises questions about portfolio diversification and potential vulnerability to US market volatility for European investors.

The Justice Department is under fire for its handling of Jeffrey Epstein investigation files, according to CNN reporting. **Key Issues:** - DOJ allegedly revealed victim information inappropriately - Concerns raised about concealing potential enablers' identities - Comes after Deputy AG Todd Blanche announced no new charges would be filed in the Epstein case **Background Context:** The DOJ previously notified Trump in May 2025 that his name appeared in the Epstein files, adding political dimensions to the investigation. The controversy highlights ongoing questions about transparency and accountability in one of the most high-profile criminal cases in recent history, with critics questioning whether all relevant parties have been properly investigated.

The White House removed a social media post featuring poll data claiming 62% of Americans reported improving personal finances. The deletion followed immediate criticism after observers noted conflicting data from an RMG poll. **Key Points:** - White House graphic cited 62% positive financial outlook - Post quickly deleted amid public backlash - RMG poll showed only 32% reporting better finances, 30% worse - Discrepancy raises questions about data accuracy and messaging The incident highlights ongoing tensions around economic messaging and data interpretation. Previous polling has shown significant public concern about wealth inequality and political influence, with 71% of Americans believing the very wealthy hold too much sway over the White House. The conflicting data points underscore the complexity of measuring economic sentiment and the risks of selective data presentation in political communications.

Norwegian authorities have opened an investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland following revelations in the Epstein files, according to Reuters. **Key Details:** - Investigation targets ex-PM Jagland in connection with Epstein documents - Follows pattern of scrutiny on political figures linked to Epstein case - Comes months after Trump directed DOJ to investigate Bill Clinton's Epstein ties in November 2025 The probe represents another development in the ongoing examination of individuals connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

**Trump backs MAGA-aligned prosecutor in Georgia special election** Former President Trump has endorsed an "America First" prosecutor to fill the congressional seat vacated by Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia's special election. The endorsement comes as the race heats up for Greene's former district seat. Trump's backing of the prosecutor signals continued influence in Republican primary contests. **Background context:** - A new prosecutor recently took over Trump's long-stalled Georgia election interference case - The case had been delayed for an extended period before the transition The special election will determine who represents the district in Congress. [Read more](https://unusualwhales.com/news/trump-endorses-america-first-prosecutor-in-georgia-special-election)

**Eddie Bauer is shutting down all North American retail locations** following a bankruptcy filing. The outdoor apparel retailer's parent company, Authentic Brands Group, has partnered with Outdoor 5, LLC (Oved) as of January 8, 2026. This marks another significant retail closure in the traditional retail space, as the company restructures its operations. The bankruptcy filing comes as the brand seeks to reorganize its business model amid changing consumer shopping habits. **Key Points:** - All North American Eddie Bauer stores will close - Parent company Authentic Brands Group formed partnership with Outdoor 5, LLC - Company filed for bankruptcy in August 2023 [Read full details](https://unusualwhales.com/news/eddie-bauer-to-close-all-north-american-stores-amid-bankruptcy-filing)

The **Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)** has initiated an investigation into Nike for alleged workplace discrimination against white employees. **Key Details:** - The EEOC has demanded company records dating back to 2018 - The investigation focuses on potential violations of workplace discrimination laws - This marks a significant regulatory action against one of the world's largest sportswear companies The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. [Read more details](https://unusualwhales.com/news/eeoc-investigates-nike-for-alleged-discrimination-against-white-employees)