The U.S. Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.25%-4.5%, resisting political and market pressure for an immediate rate cut. Chairman Jerome Powell’s caution on tariffs and persistent inflation weighed on traders, sending U.S. Treasury yields higher as bondholders trimmed positions amid uncertainty over the Fed’s next moves. The decision, alongside President Trump’s latest criticism of Powell, signals a more hawkish stance even as global monetary policy divergence grows.
Source: FinanceFeeds
Robinhood Crypto Revenue Slides 36%, But User Growth Lifts Q2 Results
Robinhood’s second-quarter crypto trading revenue dropped 36% to $160 million, extending a decline from the previous quarter, even as total revenue jumped 45% year-on-year on the back of record options trading. User growth remained robust, with funded accounts rising to 27.4 million and assets on platform nearing $280 billion. Robinhood's digital asset enthusiasm is cooling, but newly expanded offerings like tokenized stocks and ongoing product diversification continue to drive the retail broker's bottom line.
Source: FinanceFeeds
Kraken Pursues $500M Raise, Eyes 2026 IPO Amid Crypto Market Momentum
Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken is in talks for a $500 million funding round at a $15 billion valuation, aiming to cement its growth trajectory as it eyes a potential IPO in early 2026. With $1.5 billion in 2024 revenue and favorable regulatory tailwinds in the Trump administration, Kraken is positioning for public markets alongside a wave of crypto sector IPOs. The move comes as competitors like Circle, eToro, and Coinbase see surging equity values, while Kraken expands tokenized stock offerings and its EU footprint.
Source: Finance Magnates
AI Boom Powers Soaring U.S. Electricity Bills, and Trump’s Policy May Fan the Flames
Explosive growth in AI data centers across the U.S. is driving up electricity costs for millions, with states like Virginia, Georgia, and Texas seeing notable spikes. Trump’s pro-fossil fuel policy agenda—part of his signature “One Big Beautiful Bill”—is expected to accelerate construction of new energy infrastructure, potentially amplifying power bills for consumers while boosting traditional utilities and tech giants. Analysts estimate that AI-related demand could account for 9% of all U.S. electricity by 2030, straining grids and complicating the transition to renewables.
Source: Finance Magnates
Hong Kong’s War Chest Swells With Bull Market Surge, Hawkish Fed Hits Local Assets
Hong Kong’s Exchange Fund notched a record HK$194 billion (US$24.7 billion) in interim returns—its largest six-month gain in over two decades—thanks to a robust equity rally. However, the city’s stock market cooled after the U.S. Fed dampened rate cut expectations and weak China manufacturing data weighed on sentiment. The local currency board, meanwhile, left the base rate unchanged at 4.75%, in lockstep with the Fed, as volatility picks up on both macro and geopolitical fronts.
Source: SCMP
Thoma Bravo Acquires Stake in Trading Technologies, Fuels New Growth Phase
Private equity powerhouse Thoma Bravo will back Trading Technologies in a deal reportedly worth over $1 billion—doubling the firm's valuation since its 2021 acquisition by 7RIDGE. The strategic investment aims to accelerate Trading Technologies’ push into global derivatives SaaS offerings, following a sharp rise in annual revenues from $98 million in 2021 to over $170 million last year. The deal is expected to close in Q4 following regulatory approval, as sector consolidation and capital injection reshape the fintech landscape.
Source: Finance Magnates
NFA Boots New Jersey Broker for Deceptive Marketing, Signaling Tougher Oversight
The U.S. National Futures Association (NFA) has permanently expelled New Jersey-based introducing broker Traders Edge Inc. for displaying inflated trading results and making misleading promises in client marketing. The regulator cited non-disclosure of fees, inadequate risk warnings, and supervisory failures, underscoring the growing regulatory scrutiny over retail futures marketing. The case comes amid broader concerns about compliance, fraud, and transparency across the online brokerage industry.
Source: Finance Magnates
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