THE DAILY BRIEFING

A clearer view of today.

The stories that matter. The context you need.

INDEPENDENT PERSPECTIVEFree to read.
Every day.

Business

Your briefing

3 min read

AI-assisted briefingHow we put it together ↗
Wall Street hits fresh records as CPI keeps Fed cut hopes alive

U.S. stocks surged to all-time highs after July inflation largely met expectations, reinforcing bets that the Federal Reserve could begin cutting rates as soon as September. The rally was broad-based, with tech leading gains as investors looked through a modest uptick in core CPI to a still-cooling inflation trend and easier financial conditions ahead.

Source: Seeking Alpha


U.S. to place trackers in AI chips to stop diversion to China

Washington plans to embed tracking devices in AI chip shipments to allies as part of a broader effort to prevent sensitive semiconductors from being rerouted to China, according to reports. The move tightens compliance around export controls and could add friction and cost for chipmakers and global customers amid ongoing tech-geopolitics tension.

Source: Seeking Alpha


U.S. budget deficit widens more than expected in July

America’s monthly budget balance deteriorated beyond forecasts, underscoring persistent fiscal pressure from soft revenues and higher interest costs. The wider gap keeps federal borrowing in focus just as markets price easier monetary policy and assess the long-run implications of rising debt service.

Source: Seeking Alpha


Exxon signs deepwater deal in Trinidad with potential $21.7B investment

ExxonMobil inked an agreement to explore deepwater blocks offshore Trinidad and Tobago, a program that could unlock as much as $21.7B in investment if successful. The push expands Exxon’s Atlantic basin footprint and signals continued oil and gas spending despite energy transition commitments.

Source: Seeking Alpha


Crypto exchange Bullish raises $1.11B in IPO at $5.4B valuation

Bullish, parent of CoinDesk, priced its U.S. IPO at $37 a share—above the marketed range—raising $1.11B and valuing the company at $5.4B. The strong debut suggests risk appetite is returning to crypto infrastructure names and could reopen equity capital markets for digital-asset platforms.

Source: FinanceFeeds


Terraform’s Do Kwon pleads guilty in $40B Terra/Luna collapse case

Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon pleaded guilty to fraud tied to the 2022 implosion of TerraUSD and Luna, one of crypto’s biggest-ever failures. The plea caps a years-long saga and underscores tougher enforcement as regulators and courts seek accountability across digital assets.

Source: New York Times


Kraken activates MiCA license to serve all 30 EEA countries

Kraken said its Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license is now live across the European Economic Area via authorization from Ireland’s central bank. The move lets the exchange passport regulated crypto services throughout the EU bloc, highlighting Europe’s advancing rulebook and market harmonization.

Source: FinanceFeeds


You May Also Be Interested In...
Business — August 13, 2025 | Briefing24