American Congressman Ro Khanna has decided that cryptocurrency is dubious. Therefore, he proposed that presidents, for instance, Donald Trump, their families, their close relatives, and all members of Congress should be banned from trading cryptocurrencies and stocks. "You cannot mix power and financial games into one frisbee," he explained vividly his initiative.

Khanna has roasted Trump for his association with World Liberty Financial and the recent pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, a figure with a questionable track record. According to Ro Khanna, the crypto magnate avoided a prison sentence thanks to backing from Binance.

Citing Khanna, Trump’s policy on the crypto industry resembles “glaring corruption”. It looks like a cryptocurrency carnival where some dance on accounts while others cry over losses.

Interestingly, despite all the accusations, Trump’s son insists that his father “runs the country, not a business.” Meanwhile, the debate on cryptocurrency among US legislators is heating up. They are discussing a new bipartisan bill that could either rewrite the rules of the game or bring about new headaches for all involved.

In Washington, a tribute has been paid to Changpeng Zhao, the richest crypto magnate and the founder of Binance, in the form of a foam-block gold-painted monument. The design is fulfilled in the spirit of modern crypto art: short-lived, flashy, and meaningful. The life-sized statue features Zhao with his hand raised, displaying four fingers, representing his four principles of life: learn, follow the rules, focus on the product, and do not wage war against fake news.

The monument, funded by an anonymous group of sponsors for $50,000, is intended either as a gift for Zhao or to be auctioned to support his educational project, Giggle Academy. This adds an ironic twist, given that just recently the crypto king received a pardon from Donald Trump, erasing four months in prison for financial misconduct.

As the monument is polished and prepared for its unveiling at the Capitol, a memecoin under the ticker CZSTATUE is not lagging behind — its market capitalization is already approaching half a million dollars.

Apple has finally reached the peak of hype, becoming the third company in history to achieve a staggering market value exceeding four trillion dollars. Just a few years ago, the company was merely considered a “fruitful startup,” but now it stands as a high-tech behemoth with a capitalization that could buy a couple of entire countries.

When Apple’s stock peaked at $269.87 per share, investors felt like they were on an amusement park roller coaster. There was a slight increase in the market value, followed by a correction down to $3.9 trillion. After all, four trillion is nearly a sacred milestone, albeit tempered by reality.

An unexpected boost came from the iPhone 17, which, experts note, sold 14% better than the iPhone 16 during its first ten days in the US and China. Clearly, fans of the iconic brand are willing to pay, even though Siri has not transformed into a super AI just yet.

However, analysts remind us that Apple is currently lagging a bit in the race for artificial intelligence. Yet, with financial metrics hitting their peaks, such a shortfall can be neglected.

Moody’s has opted for a measured approach to Japan’s prospects, leaving its credit rating at a solid ‘A1’ with a stable outlook. Despite the nation’s debt exceeding 200% of its GDP, analysts believe that Japan’s economy is holding strong thanks to reflationary measures and prudent fiscal policies.

Moody’s also asserts that Japan will slowly but steadily work toward reducing its colossal public debt, although this effort may be clumsy and inefficient. In the coming years, the budget deficit is expected to remain below 3% of GDP — quite moderate domestic spending by any standard.

New Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, inspired by Margaret Thatcher, has promised to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP ahead of schedule — implying that Japanese tanks and missiles will be ready for political battles with a style reminiscent of the "Iron Lady."

Germany's economy appears to be staging a phoenix-like recovery, as indicated by the Ifo Business Climate Index, which nudged up from 87.7 in September to 88.4 in October. It is almost akin to winning the lottery if the goal is merely to avoid falling further.

This uptick in sentiment is primarily fueled by optimism for the future, even as current indicators show a slight decline, reflecting a sense of fatigue among economists after a protracted crisis. However, the composite PMI index has provided a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the German economy may be moving past its most challenging phase and preparing for new achievements.

Although experts caution that the recovery will be gradual, it is noteworthy that forecasts and reality are starting to align. This means that business owners in Germany can relax a bit and start envisioning a brighter future.

The United Kingdom and the European Union are once again embroiled in a cheese conflict, a somewhat amusing development amidst the ongoing political tensions that have persisted since 2016. In April 2025, British authorities implemented a ban on the import of dairy products and meat from EU countries for personal consumption, aiming to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, which is particularly harmful to cattle, sheep, and pigs.

So, if you are planning to travel from the EU to the UK, forget about bringing your favorite cheese, chorizo, or jamón sandwiches, even if they are neatly packaged and purchased duty-free. At the border, customs officials may demand these delicacies be surrendered for destruction, and inattentive travelers could face fines of up to £5,000.

Despite growing dissatisfaction in the EU, the British government insists that food safety and the protection of domestic farmers take precedence over culinary habits. This discontent is particularly evident in neighboring France, where the ban has had a negative impact on dairy sales.

Apparently, the US national debt has decided to run its own marathon. It is projected to reach a staggering figure of over 143.4% of GDP in just a few years. The forecast from the International Monetary Fund states that by 2030, the US will outstrip even countries like Italy and Greece, which are notorious for their long-standing debt-to-GDP ratios.

Over the next six years, the US is expected to add approximately 20 percentage points to its debt load, making its creditworthiness arguably one of the most fragile in the world. Meanwhile, heavily indebted EU countries like Italy and Greece can “boast” about their old debts of 135% and 152%, respectively. Analysts warn that the US debt will surpass them in the not-too-distant future.  

Besides, analysts estimate that the annual US budget deficit will remain above 7% of GDP — a precursor to a future crisis. For now, it seems the country is preparing to become a record-holder in debt burden. Interestingly, despite all these grim forecasts, the US dollar appears to play its own games.

But the most amusing part is that US authorities already have plans to convert their bonds and alter the terms of their century-long debts to lower interest rates. Indeed, who does not love debt that lasts for centuries?

Elon Musk is stepping into the role of chief negotiator at Tesla, demanding an astonishing compensation package of nearly a trillion dollars in exchange for his continued presence at the company. If his demands are not met, his departure could play out dramatically, echoing the narrative of a poorly scripted drama, with significant implications for Tesla's stability.

Robin Denholm, chair of Tesla’s board, has already voiced her concerns, stating that without Musk, Tesla risks becoming just another car manufacturer and losing its legendary status built on lofty ambitions and a futuristic vision. She has thus urged shareholders to resoundingly approve this trillion-dollar deal.

According to the proposed plan, Musk would forgo a traditional salary and bonuses. Instead, he would gradually receive stock as Tesla achieves ambitious goals, such as reaching a market capitalization of $8.5 trillion and producing millions of vehicles, among other futuristic goals.

Consulting firms have expressed skepticism and advised shareholders to vote against the proposal, labeling it as an “astronomical amount” and a “dangerous precedent.” Musk, however, counters by branding these critics as “corporate terrorists.” For him, control over his Optimus robot army holds more weight than mere financial compensation.

The vote is scheduled for November 5, and the world will tune in for the latest installment of the drama titled “Musk and his Tesla: the trillion-dollar finale.”

Global investors have once again demonstrated that it is sometimes easier to buy gold than to place faith in stability. In the week ending October 22, inflows into gold ETFs reached an unprecedented $8.7 billion, setting a new historical record. This amount is nearly double that of the previous week. Remarkably, a total of $39 billion has flowed into these funds since the start of autumn.

The reasoning behind this surge is simple. Central banks around the world continue to cut interest rates, which effectively eliminates the last argument against gold — its lack of yield.

According to Bank of America, regulators have implemented rate cuts 313 times over the past 12 months, at a pace not seen since 2010. The Bank of Canada slashed its rate by 175 basis points, the European Central Bank by 150, and the Bank of England by 100. After an 11-month pause, even the Federal Reserve has resumed cuts, bringing the rate down to 4.25%.

In this environment, gold is doing what it does best — gaining value. Since the beginning of the year, the precious metal has skyrocketed by more than 50%, outpacing all traditional investment vehicles. Last Friday, the spot price reached $4,112 per ounce, slightly below Monday’s record of $4,379. However, the market responded calmly to this correction. After such a prolonged rally, even gold needs to catch its breath.

Analysts suggest that the metal still has room for more upside. If the Federal Reserve continues to lower rates and geopolitical tensions remain high, gold could reach $5,000 per ounce next year.

It seems the world is revisiting an age-old rule: when everything around is falling, gold does not soar—it simply stands still while others tumble faster.

The global market experiences déjà vu: AI replaces dot-coms and Nvidia becomes the new Cisco. Curiously, investors strive to stay trendy without creating a bubble.  

Amid record highs in US stock market indices and Nvidia’s market capitalization surpassing $4 trillion, more and more market participants borrow hedge fund strategies of the late 90s. It looks like riding the wave but leaving the beach before the storm hits.

During the internet boom, hedge funds did not challenge the bubble but smartly followed it. As a result, they managed to outperform the market by 4.5% each quarter. Today, the logic remains the same. “We’re doing what worked from 1998 to 2000,” Francesco Sandrini from Amundi says. He highlights the first signs of “irrational exuberance” — excitement in options trading for AI company stocks. Instead of attempting to time a market collapse, he is searching for the “second wave”—less appreciated companies in software, robotics, and Asian technologies.

Market veteran Simon Edelsten from Goshawk Asset Management, who personally witnessed the dot-com era, shares a blunt perspective: “Companies are spending trillions fighting for a market that doesn’t exist yet.” He suggests that the next phase of the “AI frenzy” could spill over into related industries—from IT consulting to Japanese robotics. His conclusion is simple: “When someone discovers gold, find the store that sells shovels.”

Some are taking this literally. Fidelity International is betting on uranium, anticipating that the growth of AI data centres will lead to increased energy consumption. Meanwhile, Carmignac is redirecting profits from the Magnificent Seven into more niche companies, such as Taiwanese firm Gudeng Precision, which supplies equipment to chipmakers.

However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm. Analysts warn that no technological revolution has ever occurred without extreme things. Pictet Asset Management identifies the “bricks of the bubble”: although growth is evident among AI companies, it is rarely consistent. Senior strategist Arun Sai reminds us that even when the fundamentals for Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet are strong, that does not make the stock market invulnerable.

Some prefer to observe all of this from a distance. Portfolio manager Oliver Blackburn from Janus Henderson is hedging American tech positions with European and healthcare assets, stating frankly, “We are living in 1999. The bubble just hasn’t burst yet.”

Global central banks are making a rare yet significant statement: for the first time in nearly thirty years, they are holding more gold than US Treasury bonds.

According to Bloomberg and the World Gold Council, regulators purchased over 1,000 tons of gold bars in 2024, marking the third consecutive year of such acquisitions. This is no longer a trend but rather a new financial habit. China, predictably, is a trend-setter: the People's Bank of China has been ramping up its reserves for eleven months straight, transforming gold into a strategic asset rather than just a safe haven.

Torsten Slok, chief economist at Apollo Global Management, notes that China has become the primary driver of the gold rally: central banks are buying, investors are following suit, and household demand adds further stability. As a result, gold is becoming more expensive not because of fear, but because everyone wants to get in on the action. Meanwhile, over 5,000 tons are stored in the vaults of the Bank of England.

The interest in the precious metal is confirmed by funds: assets in gold ETFs reached a three-year high in October. No wonder such robust demand propels a rally in the spot market. On October 10, gold surpassed the landmark $4,000 per troy ounce for the first time, later reaching $4,300. A sharp correction followed afterwards: the price dropped 6% in one day, marking the sharpest decline in a decade. Every asset sometimes needs a breather.

Nevertheless, the yellow metal has skyrocketed by about 50% since the beginning of the year. Morgan Stanley Research has already upgraded its forecast for 2026 to $4,400 per ounce.

It seems that central banks have simply concluded that in a world where inflation, geopolitics, and government shutdowns have become a new reality, the age-old metal is more reliable than any pledge.

China seems to be learning a lesson from other countries, and it is doing so with remarkable diligence. China’s economy is facing a triple whammy: debt, deflation, and demographic decline are putting a heavy strain on its performance. According to Yardeni Research, the country remains reliant on exports.

The domestic real estate market has been in a free fall for 26 months in a row — it has been trapped in dire straits. New housing prices are plummeting, households have lost confidence, and retail sales are growing by a mere 3% per year — at a snail’s pace.

The People's Bank of China is desperately trying to save the situation by lowering reserve requirements and interest rates. Nevertheless, lending is weakening rapidly. The total volume of bank loans has reached a staggering $38 trillion, and the average Chinese citizen resembles a debtor who can no longer breathe under the burden of obligations.

Government bonds yield less than 2%. Amid the doom and gloom in the stock market, investors are seeking shelter in certain sectors: commodity stocks surged by 77% and healthcare stocks by 67%. Still, the broader market looks stagnant like stale water.

The government’s attempts to stimulate domestic consumption have faltered. An ageing population, soft demand, and an export-focused model that now seems outdated paint a picture of how the world's second-largest economy is struggling to reboot. 

The US national debt has surpassed an astonishing $38 trillion, setting a new world record right amid a government shutdown. According to the AP, this marks the fastest accumulation of a trillion dollars since the start of the pandemic. The debt was $37 trillion in August, and by October, the United States had reached that remarkable milestone.

The math is simple. The US is accruing debt at an astonishing rate of $69,713.82 per second. This means that while you are reading this sentence, the country is adding several million dollars to its debt. Over the course of a year, that equates to roughly a trillion dollars spread out over 365 days, excluding weekends, but with accelerated growth.

Kent Smetters at the Penn-Wharton Budget Model cautions that the rising debt poses a risk of exacerbating inflation, undermining the purchasing power of American households. In practical terms, this means that you will probably pay more for your morning coffee tomorrow because the deficit is growing faster than the population.

However, the Trump administration claims that its fiscal policies are curbing spending and reducing the deficit. According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the deficit between April and September was $468 billion, the lowest figure reported since 2019. Nevertheless, the total debt continues to climb as if it were a surefire investment of historic proportions.

For context, the debt was $34 trillion in January 2024. It increased to $35 trillion by July and to $36 trillion by November. If this pace persists, the debt is projected to reach $40 trillion by 2026.

Donald Trump is sparing no expense as he seeks to leave a lasting architectural legacy at the White House. A new ballroom, being constructed in place of the East Wing, has already been dubbed “Donald Trump's ballroom” by officials. This name seems set to stick, much like a gold emblem on a luxury vehicle.

The project was originally budgeted at approximately $300 million, but sponsors have raised $350 million. What will happen to the extra $50 million remains a mystery—one that may persist as long as the questions surrounding the White House itself.

Spanning over 8,000 square feet, the new venue is designed to accommodate 650 guests. It is intended to serve as the perfect backdrop for hosting heads of state and other political elites. The original East Wing, built in 1902 and subject to numerous renovations over the years, was completely demolished. History has been sacrificed at the altar of progress and self-expression.

While Trump adopts a posture of modesty when questioned about the naming of the venue, his officials have made their intentions clear. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2029, coinciding with the end of Trump's presidency and serving as his personal gift to himself as he leaves the Oval Office.

Donald Trump has once again reached for his tariff weapon — this time targeting Canada, which he believes has employed "fake advertising" featuring a quote from Ronald Reagan's 1987 remarks. In a $75 million ad, the former president states that tariffs are ineffective in the long run — a sentiment that evidently struck a nerve with Trump, prompting him to impose an additional 10% tariff on top of existing rates.

"In light of their serious distortion of facts and hostile actions, I am raising the tariff for Canada by 10%," Trump proclaimed on Truth Social, as if he were doling out penalties for poor public relations.

Canada launched a campaign in Ontario featuring Reagan discussing the harms of protectionism — something Trump took as a personal affront. The president demanded the advertisement's removal, labeling its display as "fraud," even though the quote is wholly genuine and sourced from archives.

Once again, North American neighbors find themselves engaged in a game of tariff ping-pong, with each stroke accompanied by loud social media declarations and threats of new tariffs. Canada remains silent for now, but it seems to be preparing for a counterattack.

Germany appears poised to embrace a bold fiscal expansion in 2026, casting aside any notions of modesty. Instead of relying on tax cuts or investments, the country’s government plans to drive growth primarily through a significant increase in spending. Analysts at Barclays estimate that the budget deficit will rise to 4.1% of GDP, while public debt climbs to 65.8%.

Economists at Barclays, led by Silvia Ardanuy, assert that this expansion will be substantial. The government projects an impact of 1.6 percentage points on GDP, while Barclays estimates a somewhat more conservative impact of 1.2 percentage points. Either way, the momentum promises to be considerable.

Following a brief interlude focused on “budget discipline” in 2024, Germany is ready to reopen the fiscal spigot. The fiscal policy will ease by 0.5 percentage points in 2025, with a significant softening anticipated for 2026.

A considerable portion of the spending increase will be allocated to social benefits, which are set to rise to 26.5% of GDP. In contrast, government investment will see only a modest uptick of 0.15 percentage points. In other words, while spending will increase, its effectiveness may be called into question.

Barclays notes that such a spending structure “is not particularly growth-friendly,” since social benefits typically yield lower returns compared to investments. In short, Germany has chosen comfort over development to address its economic woes.

Total expenditures are expected to continue their upward trajectory by 2026, contributing an additional 1.3 percentage points to GDP. These increases are expected to be spread evenly across various categories, including social spending, current costs, capital transfers, and defense. The latter is set to receive an extra €18 billion, raising its share to 2% of GDP.

At the same time, income tax rates are likely to see a slight reduction, largely due to benefits for retirees.

A noteworthy component of this fiscal strategy is a special investment fund of €500 billion, designed to run until 2037. Although the fund is intended to finance “future projects,” analysts are skeptical, suggesting that some of the funds may simply cover existing budgetary gaps.

In theory, this fiscal expansion could add approximately 0.6 to 0.8 percentage points to GDP. In practice, however, outcomes are contingent on external factors such as tariffs, geopolitical dynamics, or another winter without gas supplies.

As analysts rightly caution, there is no guarantee that the German economy will grow by that much. One thing is certain, though: the government will spend every last cent.

China's economy is once again treading a familiar path — from hope to anxiety. A new report from Yardeni Research paints a picture where debt, deflation, and demographic decline converge into a single, persistent trend: economic growth is slowing, confidence is waning, and the phrase "stimulating demand" is growing increasingly unconvincing.

China remains reliant on exports. Efforts to awaken domestic consumption seem polite yet futile. Analysts point out that the country continues to "depend on external demand," and the surplus in production spills over into accusations of dumping in global markets. This has heightened tensions with the US, but it seems to come as no surprise to anyone anymore.

The real estate market remains a weak spot. New housing prices have fallen for the 26th consecutive month — down 2.2% year-on-year. A sector that was once a symbol of Chinese success is now dragging down consumer confidence and investor sentiment.

Retail sales are growing at a modest 3%, the lowest figure in a year. Even adjusted for deflation, it amounts to only 3.8%, which is still below industrial production growth. This is a pure paradox: the country is producing more but buying less.

The People's Bank of China is trying to revitalize the economy through classic measures — cutting interest rates and reserve requirements. However, the credit impulse is weakening: the growth of bank loans has dropped to 6.6%, nearly half of what it was three years ago. Total debt has reached $38 trillion — a figure that would likely cause even Beijing officials to take a deep breath.

Bond yields are below 2%, sending a clear message: faith in recovery is still fragile. The stock market is characterized by volatility and muted optimism. Major stock indices are treading water, although the FTSE China has skyrocketed by 34.7% since the beginning of the year, proving that even stagnation can be selective.

Investors are searching for bright spots: commodity companies have gained 77%, the healthcare sector has risen by 67%, and the consumer goods sector has increased by nearly 50%. These sectors are performing better than the economy as a whole — and perhaps this is its main problem.

Yardeni Research summarizes without excessive diplomacy: an aging population, debt, and weak credit growth make the bet on domestic consumption nearly a utopia. Beijing sought to replace its export model with domestic demand, but it currently appears that the authorities simply replaced one dependency with another — on stimulus and hope.

The Japanese Nikkei 225 index has surged beyond 50,000 points for the first time in history, fueled by a wave of optimism. Although the newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is still settling into her office, the market has already determined that it is time for a bullish outlook, especially amid expectations of a dovish shift from the Federal Reserve.

On Monday, the Nikkei rose by 2.1% to reach 50,342 points, while the broader TOPIX index gained 1.7%, hitting a new high. The Nikkei climbed by nearly 12% in October alone, suggesting that the Japanese market is poised to end the year on a strong note.

Takaichi, who took office just a week ago, is preparing a fiscal stimulus package that could surpass last year’s 13.9 trillion yen (approximately $92 billion). The funding is intended to combat inflation, support technological sectors, and bolster national security. In Tokyo, these measures are dubbed “support initiatives,” while on Wall Street, they are simply seen as stimulative actions showing positive traction.

Meanwhile, data from the US showed a slowdown in inflation, with consumer prices rising less than expected in September. The market interpreted this as a sign that the Federal Reserve might lower interest rates at its meeting on October 28–29.

When the world’s two largest economies signal easing policies simultaneously, investors tend to put their differences aside and start buying.

The Bank of Japan is scheduled to meet on Thursday and is widely expected to keep its policy rate at 0.5%. The official line cites a desire for “greater clarity” regarding US tariffs, while the unwritten sentiment appears to be a wait-and-see approach until trends stabilize across the Pacific.

The Nikkei's record high seems justified, as it reflects a market that aligns with the expectations of its authorities. If Takaichi can indeed display the political vigor that Tokyo anticipates, the 50,000 mark could become a new starting point rather than a ceiling.

Analysts at Wells Fargo have dubbed the US economy “K-shaped,” likening it to a dual tango of growth and decline where some sectors are thriving while others are stuck in place, unable to find their rhythm. According to Ohsung Kwon and his team, the spectacular launch of ChatGPT at the end of 2022 acted as a powerful catalyst. Major firms investing heavily in artificial intelligence ramped up production by 5.5%, transforming into beacons of success.

However, the situation is far more troubling on the flip side. Small-cap companies, which are often the backbone of job creation, have seen a staggering 12.3% decline in real income per worker. This stark reality underscores the so-called “dark side” of the K-shaped economy.

Industries that rely on advanced AI technologies are outpacing traditional cyclical sectors. While traditional sectors may simplify life, they contribute far less to economic momentum. Meanwhile, gold is experiencing a notable resurgence, climbing higher on waves of stimulus. US Treasury bonds, on the other hand, remain stagnant.

In summary, this K-shaped economy seems to favor those who have already achieved success, while others are left waiting for interest rates to drop to at least 3% to rejoin the dance. Against this backdrop, investors are advised to stick with the “winners,” at least until rates alter the game and the economy finds a way to move in unison.

Japan's new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is wasting no time battling inflation. She is preparing an economic stimulus package that promises to exceed last year’s 13.9 trillion yen (approximately $92 billion). Aiming to cushion households from rising prices, the government plans a financial intervention that is both assertive and considerate.

This package primarily aims to combat inflation, invest in strategic sectors, and strengthen national security. Takaichi appears to be taking a pragmatic approach, viewing aggressive fiscal policy not merely as rhetoric but as a means of providing tangible economic support.

While the exact amount is still under discussion, local officials are eagerly anticipating the upcoming meetings and their theatrics. An announcement is expected next month so that stakeholders can brainstorm ways to effectively allocate these funds.

The new prime minister's central message is clear: maintain the momentum of the economic recovery while safeguarding consumers from the threat of looming inflation.

In a surprising turn of events, Donald Trump, who is commonly prone to unleashing a trade war, proclaimed, "There will be no tariffs against China". The US president has decided not to punish China because major Chinese state companies suspended purchases of crude oil from Russia. In other words, Donald Trump wants to be nice... well, at least for now. 

The White House has seemingly adopted a "why not" approach, recognising that oil is a delicate matter in the global economy. Trump is poised to avoid souring relations, despite having threatened just days earlier to raise tariffs to incredible levels. 

Previously, Trump hinted that if China re-evaluates its "rare earth rates" and resumes purchases of American soybeans, tariffs would be reduced as a gesture of goodwill. "They have to give us something," the president emphasized, as if a crystal ball told him that oil from Russia was the very card for a truce in the trade war. 

In summary, Trump opted to play the kindness card with oil, leaving markets to speculate how long such altruism might last in the economy dominated by high tariffs and grand trade battles. 

Eurozone banks have found themselves unexpectedly counting calories — in dollars. The European Central Bank’s chief economist, Philip Lane, has sounded the alarm: if dollar funding suddenly tightens, credit to the real economy could shrink fast.

The secret lies in the balance sheets — or rather, off them. Banks have built up a hefty pile of off-balance-sheet commitments denominated in dollars, a kind of “currency diet” with the tangible risk of sudden starvation. Add to that unstable funding sources, and you get a potent recipe for financial stress.

Philip Lane explained that sudden shifts in dollar liquidity can make banks feel as if they are on a financial seesaw — one where keeping balance becomes nearly impossible. As a result, lending to households and businesses could thin out sharply, which looks like grocery prices suddenly doubling overnight.

To sum up, Europe is standing at the threshold of a currency famine in its banking sector. If the US dollar becomes scarce, the economy could face a shock and might soon start saving on daily basics.

The US Department of Justice has just astonished the crypto world by executing the largest seizure in its history: approximately 127,271 Bitcoins, valued at nearly $15 billion, are now tightly secured under government control. This record-breaking operation, which resembles a spy thriller, is linked to the dramatic case of Cambodian businessman Chen Zhi, who, according to investigators, built a cyber-empire fueled by forced labour camps and large-scale cryptocurrency fraud.

Chen Zhi and his Prince Holding Group — wrapped in a façade of real estate and financial services — allegedly operated hundreds of fake call centers. Victims were pushed into “pig butchering” scams: they were lured into trust-based relationships and then “slaughtered” financially through fake crypto investment schemes. The prosecution claims these operations took place in prison-like conditions surrounded by barbed wire, where people were coerced into running scams. Chen personally approved of violent tactics that stopped just short of lethal, all in the name of “business done the hard way.”

The stolen Bitcoins were laundered with extreme precision. Scattered across hundreds of wallets and re-consolidated, they were designed to vanish from view. The ill-gotten gains were spent on private jets, luxury yachts, and even a Pablo Picasso painting. Now, the entire cryptocurrency stash is eligible for forfeiture, while Chen himself is on the run, facing up to 40 years behind bars.

Ironically, in March 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a national Bitcoin reserve comprised of seized crypto assets. With this latest haul, the total reserve value has surged to an eye-popping $37 billion. This amount is hard to surpass, even by a crypto wizard like Satoshi Nakamoto.  

Gold may be timeless, but for the Trump family, the digital future is far more lucrative. Over the past year, Donald Trump's inner circle has quietly built a crypto empire generating more than $1 billion in revenue. In an interview with the Financial Times, Eric Trump, the US president’s son, confirmed the figures and suggested that the actual earnings could be even higher. While Donald Trump’s net worth is currently estimated at $7.1 billion, cryptocurrency may well be his digital gold reserve.

At the center of the family’s growing crypto portfolio is World Liberty Financial, a company that has launched USD1, a stablecoin, and WLFI, a native token positioned as a cornerstone of the expanding ecosystem. In a particularly eye-catching deal, the sale of WLFI reportedly brought in $550 million, with buyers including crypto heavyweight Justin Sun and UAE-based Aqua Foundation. Clearly, the appetite for celebrity in the crypto market, especially those branded with the Trump name, remains strong.

Besides, Trump-branded NFTs, once dismissed as a novelty, continue to draw both collectors and critics. The TRUMP memecoin, which is often seen as more of a punchline than a protocol, has also generated hype and attracted attention from the altcoin community.

Therefore, those who thought the Trump business empire was limited to real estate, golf courses, and politics should broaden their view to include blockchain technology and meme coins.

Elon Musk has once again demonstrated his ability to move markets, not just on Wall Street but in the world of meme cryptocurrencies.

After posting an AI-generated video featuring a business-suited Shiba Inu named Floki, humorously portrayed as the CEO of social platform X, traders rushed into the Floki Inu token. The coin surged nearly 30%, while trading volumes exploded by more than 500%, underscoring the potent blend of meme culture, Musk’s influence, and speculative fervor.

Musk’s caption, “Floki is back on the job as X CEO,” was enough to send crypto Twitter into overdrive. The post amassed 3.8 million views within hours, offering yet another reminder that few figures command crypto investor sentiment like the Tesla and SpaceX CEO.

According to analysts at CoinGecko, the rally is a textbook example of the “Musk effect”—sharp, speculative, and typically short-lived. Despite the spike, Floki Inu remains below key moving averages, with long-term sellers largely in control. However, in the meme-coin universe, fundamentals take a back seat to headlines, and for many retail traders, such volatility is part of the appeal.

Meanwhile, Musk recently declared Bitcoin the crypto asset of the decade. This comment pleased long-term holders, but it did little to diminish his enduring influence over the meme coin landscape.