Episode Overview
Podcast: Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast
Host: Scott Becker
Episode: 5 Stories We Are Following Today 11-21-25
Date: November 21, 2025
In this concise episode, Scott Becker highlights five key stories impacting the financial world, from dramatic market movements to notable updates on unemployment and cryptocurrencies. The episode offers rapid analysis, providing listeners with a snapshot of trends and warning signs in the economy as of late November 2025.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Strong Nvidia Earnings Amidst Market Downturn
- Despite reporting robust earnings, Nvidia could not prevent a broader market sell-off.
- Market performance yesterday:
- Nasdaq: Down 2.2%
- S&P 500: Down 1.6%
- Quote:
"Despite great earnings from Nvidia, the markets tanked yesterday. The Nasdaq finished down 2.2%. The S&P 500 dropped 1.6%."
— Scott Becker [00:12]
2. The ‘Magnificent Seven’ Stock Update
- Becker reviews performance of the so-called "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks year-to-date:
- Google (Alphabet): Up 52% — clear leader.
- Nvidia: Up 35%
- Microsoft: Up 13%
- Apple: Up 6.5%
- Meta (Facebook): Up 1%
- Amazon: Down 1%
- Tesla: Down 2%
- Emphasis on receding gains for some top performers.
- Quote:
"Several of the Magnificent Seven stocks have largely given up much their gains year to date. ... Google is up 52% year to date. It's the winner so far."
— Scott Becker [00:24]
3. Market’s Worst November Since 2008 Looms
- Becker draws a parallel to the 2008 financial crisis, noting an "ominous sign" as the market heads toward its weakest November in years.
- 2008 serves as a cautionary reference point for listeners.
- Quote:
"An ominous sign. The markets are on track for the worst November since 2008. 2008, of course, was the Great Recession, so that's always scary."
— Scott Becker [00:48]
4. Unemployment Rises
- The U.S. unemployment rate has increased to 4.4%.
- This uptick is presented without deeper commentary, but its inclusion suggests concern over economic trends.
- Quote:
"Unemployment ticked up to 4.4%."
— Scott Becker [01:04]
5. Bitcoin Experiences a Major Decline
- Bitcoin's value has dropped 26% in the month, hovering around $82,000.
- Becker underscores its significance as the worst month since the crypto crash in 2022.
- The information is credited to Bloomberg.
- Quote:
"Bitcoin is down 26% this month and is right around 82,000. It's heading for its worst month since the crypto collapse of 2022, Bloomberg reports."
— Scott Becker [01:10]
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
-
Market Contradictions:
"Despite great earnings from Nvidia, the markets tanked yesterday." — Scott Becker [00:12] -
Cautionary Market Comparison:
"The markets are on track for the worst November since 2008. 2008, of course, was the Great Recession, so that's always scary." — Scott Becker [00:48] -
Crypto Volatility Context:
"Bitcoin is down 26% this month... heading for its worst month since the crypto collapse of 2022." — Scott Becker [01:10]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Nvidia and Market Update: [00:12]
- Magnificent Seven Stock Performance: [00:24]
- November Market Warning: [00:48]
- Unemployment Rate Rises: [01:04]
- Bitcoin’s Sharp Decline: [01:10]
Summary
In less than two minutes, Scott Becker delivers a punchy and relevant update on financial markets, major tech stocks, economic indicators, and crypto trends. Despite Nvidia’s robust earnings, markets slid, while the Magnificent Seven stocks showed divergent performance. Becker points to historically significant signals, such as a possible worst November since the 2008 crash, rising unemployment, and a major tumble in Bitcoin, setting the tone for cautious optimism amid ongoing volatility.
Listeners leave with a compact, authoritative wrap-up of five hot financial stories shaping market sentiment heading into the end of 2025.
