Articles

Russia Plans Return to US Dollar Settlement as Strategic Cooperation Talks Emerge

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TLDR: Russia and US combined oil production could reach 22.6 million barrels daily, reshaping global markets   Moscow controls 44% of enriched uranium and 43% of palladium, critical for US industrial supply chains   Russia-China trade hit $245B in 2024, spurring Moscow to diversify away from yuan-heavy dependence   Russian reserves climbed to record $833B with over $400B in gold, providing negotiation leverage   Russia is reportedly planning to shift back toward US dollar settlement systems while exploring cooperation with the United States across multiple strategic sectors. The discussions encompass fossil fuels, natural gas, offshore oil drilling, and critical raw materials. This development marks a potential reversal of Moscow’s decade-long effort to reduce dollar exposure. The move could reshape global commodity markets and currency dynamics while altering geopolitical alliances between major powers. Energy Cooperation Could Reshape Global Markets A...

LTC & DOGE Holders Jump Ship to BlockDAG as Its Live Mainnet Beats Ethereum with 5,000 TPS!

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The Litecoin price has taken a beating this week, with holders facing significant losses and key support near $50 under the spotlight. A dip below this level could push LTC down to $45, while resistance near $56.4 limits any immediate rebound. Dogecoin is showing a similar bearish trend, with the latest Dogecoin price prediction pointing to further weakness as it trades below $0.13. Traders are watching the charts closely, trying to gauge whether these popular meme and altcoins can find their footing amid broader market pressure. But in the middle of all these declines, BlockDAG  (BDAG) is moving in a sharp upward pattern! Its Mainnet is now live, handling 5,000 transactions per second, far beyond what Ethereum can deliver. Plus, current buyers are eyeing 200× upside ahead of exchange listings on February 16. This mix of speed, technology, and ROI potential is attracting serious attention from traders seeking top crypto coins, especially as big names like LTC and DOGE shift into def...

Cathie Wood Loads Up on Robinhood (HOOD) Stock During 9% Crash

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TLDR Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest bought $33.8 million in Robinhood shares after the stock dropped 9% on Q4 earnings miss Robinhood now represents ARK’s largest crypto holding at $248 million, a 4.1% portfolio weighting CEO Vlad Tenev predicts prediction markets will enter a “supercycle” with trillions in annual volume potential The company launched Robinhood Chain testnet, a Layer 2 blockchain for tokenized assets Bitcoin ETFs saw $276 million in outflows Wednesday as crypto trading volumes declined Cathie Wood made a bold move Wednesday, buying the dip on Robinhood shares while most investors headed for the exits. ARK Invest purchased $33.8 million worth of stock as shares plunged nearly 9% following a disappointing Q4 earnings report. Robinhood Markets, Inc., HOOD The buying spree wasn’t limited to Robinhood. ARK also added $16 million in other crypto-related stocks including Bullish and Circle as the broader digital asset market sold off. Robinhood missed revenue estima...

Paxos Labs Launches Privacy-Preserving USAD Stablecoin on Aleo Network

TLDR: USAD offers privacy-preserving transactions while maintaining regulatory oversight capabilities Paxos leverages its established infrastructure to issue compliant stablecoins on Aleo’s platform Circle previously partnered with Aleo for USDCx, showing competitive interest in privacy solutions Aleo raised $200 million at $1.45 billion valuation from SoftBank, a16z, and Coinbase Ventures   Privacy-preserving USAD stablecoin has launched on the Aleo Layer 1 mainnet through a partnership between Paxos Labs and Aleo Network. The collaboration introduces digital dollars to a zero-knowledge powered environment. The stablecoin offers privacy and programmability features for enterprise users. Aleo previously partnered with rival issuer Circle to pilot USDCx. The launch reflects growing institutional demand for privacy-focused blockchain solutions. Partnership Details and Technical Framework Paxos Labs will issue USAD using its established infrastructure to meet regulatory...

Hong Kong and UAE Compete for Dominance in Digital Asset Regulation

TLDR Hong Kong remains committed to digital assets with a transparent and predictable regulatory framework. The UAE is rapidly advancing in the digital asset space with clear regulations and a dedicated regulatory body. Hong Kong has granted licenses to 11 virtual asset trading platforms under its licensing regime. Hong Kong plans to issue licenses for stablecoins and digital asset custodians in the coming months. Johnny Ng suggests Hong Kong could benefit from appointing a dedicated position to oversee crypto regulations. Hong Kong continues to engage with global partners, including South Korea, to stay competitive in the digital asset market. Hong Kong has long been a global financial hub, known for its robust commitment to blockchain and cryptocurrency development. Despite this, it now faces increased competition from the UAE , which has been making aggressive moves in the virtual asset space. The rivalry has intensified as both regions strive to lead in digital asset regul...

McDonald’s (MCD) Stock Gains Momentum, Analysts Raise Price Targets

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TLDR McDonald’s stock has risen by 5% over the past year and 7.5% year-to-date. UBS has reaffirmed a Buy rating for McDonald’s with a $350 price target. The company shows strong same-store sales growth and momentum in international markets. Guggenheim raised McDonald’s stock target price to $325 and maintained a Neutral rating. Jim Cramer commented on McDonald’s performance, calling it a return to traditional investing. McDonald’s stock is expected to gain market share and outperform its competitors in 2026. McDonald’s Corporation ( NYSE: MCD ) has shown strong stock performance recently, gaining 5% over the past year and 7.5% year-to-date. Ahead of its earnings report, investment bank UBS reiterated its Buy rating on the stock, with a $350 price target. UBS highlighted the company’s strong same-store sales growth and momentum in international markets as key drivers of its positive outlook. McDonald’s Corporation, MCD UBS Reaffirms Buy Rating for McDonald’s Stock UBS ha...

Deel to Offer Stablecoin Salary Payouts via MoonPay in UK, EU

TLDR Deel has partnered with MoonPay to offer stablecoin salary payouts to employees in the UK and EU. The integration allows workers to receive part or all of their salary in stablecoins through non-custodial crypto wallets. MoonPay will manage stablecoin conversion and settlement, while Deel handles payroll and compliance operations. Deel processes $22 billion in payroll annually, serving over 150 million workers globally. JP Richardson, CEO of Exodus, stated that paychecks will drive broader crypto adoption. Global payroll platform Deel has partnered with MoonPay to introduce stablecoin salary payouts, starting in the UK and EU next month. This new feature will enable workers to receive wages directly in stablecoins, through non-custodial crypto wallets. Deel, which processes $22 billion in payroll annually, will integrate MoonPay’s conversion and on-chain delivery services into its existing payroll infrastructure. The partnership comes as Deel continues to expand its cry...