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Markets

Standard Chartered Raises Ethereum Price Target to $7,500 by Year End

Bank cites strong institutional demand and network growth as key drivers

Bitcoin and Altcoins Rally on Hopes of Federal Reserve Rate Cuts

Market optimism drives a broad surge in cryptocurrency prices

Ethereum Pushes Toward Record High as Price Surges Eight Percent

Renewed momentum fuels optimism among traders and long-term investors

Global Crypto Market Value Climbs Above $4.06 Trillion

Altcoins gain momentum as Bitcoin’s market dominance plateaus

Bitcoin Approaches Record Levels as Market Sentiment Improves

Declining volatility index signals growing investor confidence

Ethereum Breaks the $4000 Mark as Crypto Market Reaches Record High

A milestone moment that reflects growing investor confidence

Binance Proves Overcollateralization in Major Coins Following FTX Fallout

The world’s largest crypto exchange reinforces confidence by demonstrating asset backing amid industry uncertainty

Parataxis Aims to Raise $640 Million Through SPAC Merger and Build Bitcoin Treasury Powerhouse

A bold move to merge and establish a publicly traded company focused on Bitcoin-backed treasury management

Hong Kong’s New Stablecoin Regulations Stir Industry Concerns

Privacy and usability questions arise as client identity rules tighten around stablecoin transactions

Washington's Crypto Pivot: What the New U.S. Political Shift Means for the Digital Asset Industry

With regulatory tensions easing and federal policy turning more favorable, the crypto world is bracing for a new chapter of mainstream integration

U.S. Faces Elevated Recession Risk as Shifts in Monetary Policy and Immigration Tighten Growth Outlook

Harvard economist Carmen Reinhart warns that economic uncertainty, rising interest rates, and declining globalization could push the U.S. closer to a downturn

White House Under Fire as Trump Justifies Firing BLS Chief Over Jobs Data Revisions

Amid sharply downgraded job growth numbers, the Trump administration cites "hard evidence" to defend its decision—but critics warn of politicized data and long-term damage to public trust.

Job Market Turmoil Deepens as Trump Fires Labor Chief After Major Data Revision

A surprise downward revision to U.S. jobs numbers rattles markets and leads to the sudden dismissal of the nation’s top labor statistician—raising fears about political interference in economic data.

China’s Manufacturing Slump Deepens in July as PMI Misses Expectations for Fourth Consecutive Month

Ongoing U.S. trade tensions, extreme weather, and weak domestic demand continue to weigh down China’s industrial sector, as policymakers hold off on major stimulus.

Trump EPA Moves to Repeal Landmark Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announces plans to roll back critical climate regulations, calling it the largest deregulatory action in U.S. history.

Singapore Holds Monetary Policy Steady as Growth Outlook Dims in Second Half

Despite a strong first-half GDP performance, Singapore braces for slower growth and rising trade uncertainties, keeping its policy stance unchanged amid volatile global conditions.

Australia’s Inflation Falls to 3-Year Low, Strengthening Rate Cut Hopes

Q2 inflation slows to 2.1%—just above the Reserve Bank of Australia’s lower target band—amid weaker consumer demand, flat growth, and rising joblessness.

European Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Amid Trade Uncertainty and Tariff Pressures

With ongoing EU-U.S. trade negotiations creating volatility, the ECB pauses rate cuts, balancing inflation targets and growth risks in a fragile economic landscape.

Trump and Powell Clash Over Fed Renovation Costs During Rare Visit, But Trump Steps Back from Firing Threats

Amid growing tensions over interest rates and Federal Reserve spending, Trump visits Fed headquarters, critiques $3.1 billion renovation, yet signals he won’t remove Powell before term ends.

South Korea Sidesteps Recession With 0.6% GDP Growth in Q2, Driven by Exports and Government Spending

Strong export rebound and increased domestic consumption help South Korea beat expectations, though economists warn the momentum may not hold amid global trade uncertainties.

Trump Set to Visit Federal Reserve in Unprecedented Challenge to Central Bank Independence

Thursday’s visit marks the first presidential trip to the Fed in nearly 20 years, escalating Trump’s public confrontation with Chair Jerome Powell over interest rate policy.

Affluent Chinese Mirror Pandemic-Era Pessimism Amid Sluggish Economy and Youth Job Woes

A growing number of wealthy Chinese express deep concerns over long-term financial stability, but appetite for international travel remains surprisingly strong

Singapore Dollar Shows Growing Safe-Haven Potential — But It's Not a Swiss Franc or Yen Just Yet

With strong economic fundamentals, fiscal discipline, and currency stability, the Singapore dollar is emerging as a regional safe haven. Yet limitations in market depth and policy flexibility stand in the way of global status.

U.S. to Impose $250 ‘Visa Integrity Fee’ on Foreign Visitors Under New Immigration Law

The new mandatory fee—part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—adds to rising visa costs and may be refundable under strict conditions, but implementation details remain uncertain.

China Holds Lending Rates Steady Amid Slowing Momentum and Policy Uncertainty

Despite early signs of economic softening, the People's Bank of China keeps its key lending rates unchanged as analysts warn of weakening demand and potential stimulus in the months ahead.

China’s Premier Pushes for Price Discipline in EV Sector Amid Rising Deflation Concerns

Li Qiang calls for stricter oversight in electric vehicle pricing as Beijing navigates fragile economic recovery and persistent profit pressure.

Strong Data Pushes U.S. Markets Higher — But Is Trouble Lurking Beneath the Surface?

Retail sales, job growth, and earnings give Wall Street a boost, even as looming tariffs and energy policy shifts raise questions about what’s next.

Could Trump Fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell? Analysts Warn It Would Trigger Market Chaos

Legal uncertainty, political backlash, and investor panic could follow if Trump tries to oust Powell—potentially shaking the very foundation of central bank independence.

U.S. Producer Prices Hold Steady in June — But Key Inflation Drivers Are Missing From the Data

Flat wholesale prices may seem like a sign of stability, but they don’t reflect rising import costs fueled by tariffs, leaving a major gap in understanding real inflation pressures.

June’s Producer Prices Stall — But Don’t Be Misled by the Numbers

The flat Producer Price Index may look calm, but it excludes one critical economic force: imports.

U.S. Risks Straining Ties With Australia by Pushing for Taiwan Conflict Commitment

Evan Feigenbaum warns Washington may be pressuring its ally too hard, as Canberra resists pre-committing military support in a potential U.S.-China confrontation over Taiwan.

Central Banks Turn to Domestic Gold Mines as Prices Soar

To cut costs and boost reserves, nations are increasingly buying gold directly from local miners — reshaping global gold sourcing strategies.

U.S. Inflation Stays on Track — And That’s the Problem

June inflation figures aligned with forecasts, but stubborn price pressures and muted market response signal deeper concerns for the economy and investors.

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August 6, 2025

Markets

China’s Economic Momentum Cools as Trade Tensions and Property Slump Drag Growth

Second-quarter GDP growth slows to 5.2% as Beijing battles headwinds from U.S. tariffs and a deepening property crisis, raising doubts over the full-year growth target.

China's Q2 GDP Beats Expectations at 5.2%, Reducing Urgency for New Stimulus

Stronger-than-expected growth offers breathing room for policymakers, but weak consumer demand and real estate drag remain major concerns.

Global Week Ahead: Earnings Uncertainty Amid Trade Tensions and G20 Spotlight on South Africa

As U.S. banks kick off earnings season, trade disputes cloud forecasts while the G20 gathers in Durban under a shadow of diplomatic strain and tariff challenges.

Singapore Sidesteps Recession With 1.4% Q2 Growth, But Global Trade Uncertainty Looms

Boosted by strong manufacturing and a construction rebound, Singapore’s economy avoids back-to-back contractions — yet warning signs persist amid volatile global trade conditions.

Federal Reserve Proposes Redefining What Qualifies as a 'Well-Managed' Bank

New rule could allow banks with a single deficiency to still qualify for critical privileges—drawing sharp criticism from former regulators.

Fed Officials Signal Rate Cuts Ahead, But Sharp Divisions Remain Over Timing and Scale

Minutes from the June FOMC meeting reveal a cautious outlook with growing disagreement on when — and how much — to cut interest rates as inflation, tariffs, and labor trends pull policy in different directions.

Bank of Korea Holds Rates at 2.5% Amid Soaring Seoul Housing Prices and Debt Worries

As real estate prices surge over 19% in Seoul and household debt hits new highs, the central bank pauses rate cuts to evaluate the impact of recent lending curbs.

China’s Producer Prices See Sharpest Drop Since 2023 as Deflationary Pressures Deepen

Persistent price wars, weakening demand, and policy hesitation are fueling a prolonged deflation spiral in the world’s second-largest economy.

U.S. Dollar Faces Mounting Pressure After Worst First-Half Performance in Over Five Decades

The greenback fell 10.7% through June, its steepest slide since 1973, as policy volatility, ballooning deficits, and global diversification away from U.S. assets stir long-term concerns.

Japan’s Central Bank Faces Inflation Squeeze as Wages Lag and Tariff Threats Loom

With real wages falling for five straight months and U.S. tariffs threatening exports, the Bank of Japan must navigate a difficult balance between tightening policy and supporting growth.

Private Credit’s Explosive $1.7 Trillion Growth Sparks Fears of Hidden Financial Risk

Once a niche market, the booming private credit sector is drawing concern from regulators and economists who warn of potential systemic threats beneath the surface

One Year In: Labour's Rocky Road to Reform Faces Political and Economic Crosswinds

After a historic landslide victory, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is facing stalled momentum, sliding poll numbers, and growing pressure from economic realities and political challengers.

Conflicting Job Reports Signal a Deepening Divide in the U.S. Labor Market

A sharp gap between official government data and private payroll figures reveals two contrasting labor realities in the American workforce.

Bush, Obama, and Bono Slam Trump’s Decision to Shut Down USAID: “A Colossal Mistake”

As the U.S. Agency for International Development is absorbed into the State Department, former presidents and global leaders blast the move as a humanitarian and strategic disaster.

Rep. Jayapal Stands by Claim That ICE Operates Like a ‘Terrorist Force,’ Demands Apology From White House

After calling federal immigration enforcement "lawless" and "terrifying," Rep. Pramila Jayapal doubles down and accuses the Biden administration of violating civil rights—sparking fierce backlash from the White House.

Americans Urged to Stay Vigilant This July 4th as Lone Wolf Terror Threats Loom

Federal officials warn that heightened tensions in the Middle East could increase the risk of domestic attacks, with Independence Day celebrations drawing large crowds across the U.S.

House Moves Forward on Trump’s $3.3 Trillion Agenda Bill After Conservative Pushback Collapses

Despite days of internal dissent, Republican leaders unify just in time to advance the former president’s sweeping tax and spending package toward a final vote.

UK Markets Shaken as Finance Minister’s Emotional Outburst Sparks Crisis of Confidence

Chancellor Rachel Reeves' tears in Parliament trigger fears of economic instability, sending bond yields soaring and the pound tumbling amid speculation of policy collapse and internal Labour unrest.

Trump’s $5 Trillion Megabill Clears Key Hurdle After GOP Infighting Nearly Derails Agenda

Despite internal divisions, Republicans narrowly push forward Trump’s flagship economic and spending bill ahead of the self-imposed July 4 deadline — but backlash over welfare cuts looms large.

Murkowski Secures Alaska Carveout, Casts Deciding Vote for Trump’s Controversial Spending Bill

Alaska senator backs GOP megabill after winning key exemptions for her state, triggering backlash from both sides of the aisle.

UK Faces Wealth Drain as Millionaires Flee Harsh Tax Reforms

Labour’s crackdown on offshore trusts and non-dom tax status triggers record exodus of high-net-worth individuals, raising concerns about long-term economic fallout.

Trump's Health Bill Would Slash Medicaid, Strip Millions of Coverage, and Devastate Rural Hospitals

CBO projects over 11 million to lose insurance as $1.1 trillion in healthcare cuts loom under Trump’s sweeping proposal.

Trump-Backed Spending Bill Could Slam Renewable Energy with $7 Billion in New Taxes, Industry Warns

New provisions would end crucial solar and wind tax credits after 2027, potentially costing 2 million jobs and halting $450 billion in clean energy projects.

Elon Musk Slams Trump-Backed Tax Bill as ‘Debt Slavery,’ Pledges to Oust GOP Supporters

Calling the legislation a record-setting burden on taxpayers, Musk warns Republican lawmakers who vote for the $5 trillion package will face primary challenges backed by his influence and funding.

China’s Factory Sector Rebounds in June, Private Survey Signals Early Signs of Recovery

Caixin PMI unexpectedly rises above 50 as production surges, but weak hiring and shrinking exports highlight ongoing risks amid U.S. trade tensions.

Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Gains Bank Support Despite Deficit Fears

While some financial institutions praise the bill’s tax incentives and short-term economic boost, economists warn it could add $3 trillion to the U.S. deficit over the next decade.

ECB Ends Rate Hike Cycle After Inflation Drops Sharply, but Caution Remains

Eurozone inflation falls from 10% to under 2%, prompting the European Central Bank to halt further rate increases — yet officials remain vigilant as global uncertainties cloud recovery prospects.

Venice Set to Gain Over $1.1 Billion from Bezos-Sanchez Wedding

Amazon founder’s extravagant celebration draws global spotlight—and controversy—to Italy’s floating city

Trump Warns Zohran Mamdani to 'Fall in Line' or Risk Losing Federal Funds as NYC Mayoral Bid Gains Momentum

Former president threatens financial repercussions if newly rising Democratic candidate pursues progressive policies

China’s Industrial Profits See Sharpest Drop in 7 Months, Signaling Deepening Deflation Pressures

Despite stronger retail growth and a 5.2% GDP pace, May's 9.1% plunge in industrial profits reveals persistent headwinds from weak demand, falling prices, and sector-wide price wars

Trump’s Tariffs Meant to Boost the Dollar — So Why Is It at a Three-Year Low?

Despite promises of stronger U.S. economic dominance, erratic trade policy and investor uncertainty drive the greenback to its weakest point since 2022

US Economy Contracts Sharply in Q1 as Consumer Spending Slows

Revised data reveals steeper 0.5% GDP decline, with weak consumption and tariff-induced trade imbalances dragging growth at the start of the year

Tianjin Talks Signal a Shift: Global South Eyes New Economic Era

At the World Economic Forum’s “Summer Davos,” leaders and executives reflect on a reshaped global economy—less dependent on the West and increasingly centered on South-South cooperation

China Pushes AIIB to Deepen Belt and Road Ties Amid Shifting Global Alliances

As Western financial leadership faces uncertainty, Premier Li Qiang calls on the China-led development bank to align more closely with Beijing’s global infrastructure ambitions

Why Greece Is One of NATO’s Top Defense Spenders—Despite Not Being a Military Superpower

Driven by deep-rooted tensions with Turkey and regional instability, Greece continues to allocate over 3% of its GDP to defense—outpacing most NATO allies, even amid doubts about its actual military power.

Japan’s Inflation Breaches Target for 3+ Years—Why the BOJ Still Holds the Line

Despite persistent price pressures and global rate hikes, Japan’s central bank stays cautious—blaming rice prices, import costs and weak growth outlooks for its inaction.

Oil Prices Slide 5% as Trump Signals China Can Continue Importing Iranian Crude

Trump's announcement, paired with signs of a tentative Iran-Israel ceasefire, cools market fears and sends crude futures tumbling after weeks of geopolitical tension.

Powell Defends Fed's Stance on Inflation as Trump Escalates Criticism Amid Tariff Uncertainty

The Federal Reserve holds steady on interest rates, weighing inflation risks tied to tariffs while facing mounting political pressure from former President Trump.

U.S. Dollar Rallies After Iran Strike, but Analysts Warn Surge May Be Temporary

While geopolitical tensions fuel short-term gains for the greenback, long-term structural concerns around fiscal deficits, trade wars and global dollar demand may soon drag it lower.

Japan’s Rice Prices Soar Over 100% in May as Core Inflation Hits Highest Level Since Early 2023

Surging rice costs fuel Japan’s persistent inflation, challenging the Bank of Japan’s monetary policy as consumer prices remain elevated for the 38th consecutive month.

China Holds Lending Rates Steady as U.S. Trade Truce Eases Economic Pressures

The People’s Bank of China maintains its key loan prime rates following last month’s rate cut, while policymakers signal cautious optimism amid improving trade relations with Washington.

Fed’s Waller Signals Possible Interest Rate Cut as Soon as July Amid Labor Market Concerns

Despite caution from most policymakers, Fed Governor Christopher Waller suggests the central bank should consider lowering rates next month to preempt potential job market weakness.

China’s Consumption Engine Shows Signs of Life as 618 Shopping Festival Sees Double-Digit Growth

Despite lingering economic headwinds, China’s massive mid-year shopping festival posts robust sales growth, fueled by subsidies, AI-powered marketing, and demand from lower-tier cities.

Los Angeles Lakers Majority Stake Sold in Landmark $10 Billion Deal

Business titan Mark Walter takes control of the iconic NBA franchise as the Buss family retains a minority stake, marking the most valuable team sale in league history.

World on Edge as Iran-Israel Conflict Threatens Global Stability

Growing military escalations raise fears of wider war, nuclear risks, and deepening global economic uncertainty as world leaders struggle to de-escalate.

Switzerland Moves to Zero Interest Rates as Deflation Pressures Mount

Swiss National Bank’s latest rate cut sparks debate over possible return to negative rates amid persistent currency strength and global uncertainty.

Global Investment Plunges to Financial Crisis Levels, UN Warns in Stark Economic Outlook

UNCTAD’s World Investment Report reveals steep declines in foreign direct investment, mergers and sustainable development financing as trade tensions and policy risks escalate.

Bank of England Holds Interest Rates Steady as Global Risks Cloud Path Toward Possible Summer Cut

With inflation still above target and global uncertainties mounting, the Bank of England signals caution but leaves the door open for a rate cut later this year.

Oil Industry Leaders Warn of Global Energy Risks as Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates

Top oil CEOs express growing concern over potential supply disruptions and market instability as Middle East tensions intensify.

U.S. Retail Sales Drop 0.9% in May, Signaling Consumer Spending Slowdown Amid Economic Uncertainty

Despite rising consumer sentiment, declining auto, gas, and building materials sales drive a larger-than-expected decline in retail spending.

China’s May Retail Sales Surge 6.4%, Fastest Growth Since December 2023, Boosted by Government Subsidies and E-Commerce Boom

Retail sales outpace expectations as industrial output growth slows and property market struggles persist; policymakers weigh next steps to sustain recovery amid global trade tensions.

UK Tax Hikes Are Looking Inevitable — Despite Promises They Were a One-Off

With weak growth, rising debt costs, and shrinking fiscal headroom, economists warn Chancellor Rachel Reeves may have no choice but to raise taxes again.

Bulgaria Poised to Join the Eurozone, But Public Doubts Cast a Shadow

As Bulgaria prepares to become the 21st member of the eurozone, concerns over inflation, sovereignty, and political unrest reveal a nation divided over the transition to the euro currency.

Where the Budget Cuts Could Hit: Inside the UK’s Crucial 2025 Spending Review

With billions at stake, the UK government’s upcoming Spending Review will reshape public services, investments, and economic priorities amid tight fiscal rules and political pressures.

National Guard Deployed in Los Angeles as Trump Responds to Escalating Immigration Protests

President Trump’s federal order mobilizes 2,000 troops amid mounting tensions, drawing sharp rebuke from California officials.

China's Consumer Prices Dip for 4th Straight Month as Deflation Fears Intensify

Weak domestic demand, aggressive auto price wars, and falling factory-gate prices spark concern over economic recovery despite government stimulus

Why the U.S. Job Market Feels Broken Right Now, Especially for New Graduates

Despite low unemployment, hiring has hit a decade-long low—experts explain what’s really going on, and how job seekers can navigate the slowdown.

If Journalists Stay Silent, Democracy Fails”: Scott Pelley Urges Courage as CBS Resists Political Pressure

Amid threats, lawsuits, and corporate negotiations, veteran correspondent Scott Pelley warns that upholding press freedom—and speaking truth to power—is the only way to protect American democracy.

Bill Gates Pledges $200 Billion to Transform Africa’s Future

The tech billionaire plans to spend the majority of his wealth over the next 20 years on health care, education, and poverty alleviation across African nations.

U.S. Job Market’s Hidden Struggles: Stability on the Surface, but Warning Signs Beneath

Despite steady job numbers, economists warn that shrinking growth, sector imbalances, and federal policy changes could spell trouble for American workers—especially the next generation.

May Jobs Report Expected to Confirm Hiring Slowdown as Economic Uncertainty Rises

Economists predict only 125,000 new jobs in May, down sharply from April—investors eye labor market signals for Fed’s next move.

India’s Central Bank Surprises Markets With Bold 50-Basis Point Rate Cut Amid Cooling Inflation

The Reserve Bank of India cuts rates to 5.5% — its steepest reduction in over a year — citing easing inflation and the need to support a slower-than-expected growth trajectory.

Europeans Say Their Countries Are in Crisis — And Britons Are Calling for a Rule-Breaking Leader to Fix It

A sweeping Ipsos survey reveals rising public disillusionment across Europe's largest economies — with the UK leading a growing appetite for unconventional leadership amid economic dissatisfaction.

Sadiq Khan Declares ‘London Is Back’ as a Global Hub, Offers U.S. Businesses a Stable Alternative Amid Trump-Era Uncertainty

With political turbulence rising in the U.S., London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan is courting American companies, investors, and students — positioning the British capital as a beacon of openness, diversity, and economic opportunity.

Junia Wells

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August 6, 2025