The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at a range of 4.25%-4.5%, but signaled a likelihood of two rate cuts by the end of 2025. This dovish stance boosted U.S. equities, with the S&P 500 topping 6,000 and Treasury yields retreating as investors anticipate a more accommodative monetary policy amid signs of slower growth and persistent inflation.
Source: Crain’s New York
Senate Passes Landmark Stablecoin Bill, Eyes Mainstream Crypto Adoption
The U.S. Senate approved the GENIUS Act, creating the first federal regulatory framework for stablecoins—digital dollars tied to Treasury assets. This move is expected to accelerate institutional adoption, enable fintech and banks to issue stablecoins, and marks a pivotal step for the broader digital asset industry seeking regulatory clarity in U.S. financial markets.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Waymo Seeks Robotaxi Permit in NYC, Rattling Uber and Lyft
Alphabet's Waymo has applied for a permit to test autonomous robotaxis in Manhattan, highlighting ambitions to enter one of the world's largest ride-hailing markets. Although fully commercial launches are on hold due to regulatory hurdles, the announcement sent Uber shares down nearly 3% and Lyft over 3.8%, underscoring growing competition in mobility and autonomous tech.
Source: Crain’s New York
Commodities Surge First Half 2025, Gold Approaches $4,000
Commodities prices have rallied in the first half of the year, with Saxo Bank now forecasting gold could hit $4,000/oz on escalating geopolitical tensions and central bank actions. Oil is also edging higher as traders monitor Middle East developments and U.S. crude inventories witness their largest drawdown in a year, stoking supply concerns.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Banking Regulators Set Tougher Capital Rules, U.S. Banks Respond
U.S. bank regulators are finalizing reforms that could lower the supplementary leverage ratio for the country's biggest banks to address concerns over market liquidity in Treasuries. Banks will be required to maintain enough critical clearing accounts in the EU after Brexit, and face annual stress tests to prove operational resilience amid tougher European rules.
Source: Crain’s New York / Finance Magnates
Crypto Sector Hit by Iran Exchange Hack & Market Volatility
Iran’s largest crypto exchange, Nobitex, has been hit by an $82 million hack amid escalating Israel-Iran tensions. The hack, with apparent geopolitical motivation, comes as crypto and digital asset markets face sharp volatility, with Bitcoin and major altcoins falling as investors react to regional instability and regulatory uncertainty—even as U.S. lawmakers pass new stablecoin oversight.
Source: Finance Magnates
Nvidia Leads AI Investment Boom, Joins $650M in Nuclear Startup TerraPower
Nvidia continues its powerhouse capital deployment, joining a $650 million funding round in TerraPower, a Bill Gates-backed next-generation nuclear energy startup. Nvidia remains at the forefront of the AI investment and infrastructure surge, which continues to drive rebounds in tech-heavy indices even amidst broader global market volatility.
Source: Seeking Alpha
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