Reading Time : 2minutesAmazon and Walmart are exploring the launch of stablecoins to cut transaction fees and gain more control over payments. Legislative changes could enable this shift, but the plans are still early. If implemented, it could reshape the way people pay both in-store and online, with ripple effects across banking and fintech.
Reading Time : 2minutes Shopify is adding USDC payments using Coinbase’s Base network. Merchants can now accept low-fee, instant crypto payments with no FX risk. With smart contract support and a 1% cashback incentive, this shift marks a major step toward mainstream stablecoin adoption in global e-commerce.
Reading Time : 2minutes Switzerland is set to join a global network for automatic crypto asset data exchange by 2027, enhancing tax transparency and regulatory cooperation. This move aligns with OECD standards and includes most EU and G20 countries, excluding some major powers. Swiss crypto firms will face new compliance rules, marking a key step in global crypto regulation.
Reading Time : 2minutes Switzerland has proposed strict capital rules targeting UBS, including $26B in extra capital and full foreign subsidiary coverage. UBS calls it extreme, but markets stayed calm.
Reading Time : 2minutes The SEC has ruled that meme coins like $TRUMP do not meet the criteria of securities under the Howey test. Their value is driven by speculation and community hype, not managerial efforts, placing them outside SEC jurisdiction. This leaves investors without typical protections and raises questions about future regulatory oversight in the evolving crypto space.
Reading Time : 2minutesRio Tinto and Codelco have partnered to develop Chile’s high-grade Salar de Maricunga lithium project. With a $900 million phased investment and advanced Direct Lithium Extraction technology, the joint venture aims to deliver lithium by 2030, boosting Chile’s global lithium supply while promoting sustainable resource development.
Reading Time : 2minutes Moody’s downgraded the US credit rating from AAA to Aa1 due to rising debt and interest burdens. It’s a historic shift with global impact, sparking market jitters and political pushback.
Reading Time : 2minutesSaudi Arabia partners with NVIDIA to create a global AI hub, advancing AI factories, digital twins, and smart city solutions, supporting Vision 2030 goals.
Reading Time : 2minutes India is set to be the fastest-growing major economy in 2025 with 6.6% growth, driven by consumption, exports, and strong monsoons.
Reading Time : 2minutes Coinbase is being investigated by the SEC over claims it exaggerated user numbers. At the same time, the company faces backlash from a major data breach.
Reading Time : 2minutes Trump signed an executive order to create a U.S. Bitcoin reserve, pushing to make the country the global crypto leader. The move sparks heated debate, with supporters hailing innovation and critics warning of volatility and state-backed speculation.
Reading Time : 2minutes A temporary reduction in US-China tariffs has been agreed upon, easing economic tensions. But both sides remain cautious, aware that the deeper political rift hasn’t healed. Xi Jinping warns against bullying, while Washington keeps its guard up.
Reading Time : 2minutes Delta Air Lines and Korean Air invest $550 million to acquire a combined 25% stake in WestJet, reinforcing strategic partnerships and expanding connectivity across North America and Asia. This move strengthens WestJet’s position amid travel challenges and highlights growing collaboration in global aviation, promising enhanced routes, loyalty integration, and improved passenger experiences.
Reading Time : 2minutes Cybersecurity M&A is booming in early 2025, led by 46 U.S. deals and Google’s $32B buy of Wiz. Most acquisitions target small, innovative firms.
Reading Time : 2minutes Bill Gates has announced plans to give away nearly his entire $200 billion fortune by 2045 and shut down the Gates Foundation. This shift marks a major moment in modern philanthropy, emphasizing urgency and impact over legacy.