Global TradFi & Macroeconomics

Iran's Martyrs and Veterans Affairs Foundation has reported 3,468 Iranian personnel casualties in the U.S.-Israel conflict, according to Chairman Mousavi and state media.

Ukrainian Prosecutor General Irina Kravchenko announced that a shooting in Kyiv has been classified as a terrorist attack, prompting criminal proceedings under national law. The investigation is ongoing.

Iran's Foreign Minister affirmed the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial shipping, ensuring freedom of navigation amid regional tensions, crucial for global oil exports.

XRP ETFs saw $1.5 billion in inflows post-regulatory clarity, driven by strong institutional demand and new SEC rules. Major firms increased their holdings, and XRP network activity surged, indicating robust adoption and investor interest in crypto.

Key Insights Dogecoin holds above $0.094 despite market weakness as Bitcoin and Ethereum stabilize, reflecting resilience and sustained demand across major cryptocurrencies during the consolidation phase. X launches smart cashtags enabling real-time crypto and stock tracking, improving marke

UBS analysts predict the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates by 50 basis points by 2026, despite rising energy prices. Fed Chairman Powell suggests limited tightening is needed, focusing on core inflation evidence before cuts. The forecast for Treasury yields indicates potential downward movement.

The SEC has approved a NYSE proposal to create a trading mechanism for tokenized securities, allowing them to be traded alongside traditional shares with full fungibility and equal trading rules.

Meta Platforms plans to cut about 8,000 jobs, or 10% of its workforce, starting May 20, despite rising stock prices. The company, with over $200 billion in revenue, is focusing on AI investments amid significant restructuring, aligning with industry trends of layoffs.

The U.S. Treasury renewed a sanctions waiver for Russian oil purchases through May 16, despite prior indications of no renewal. This led to sharp declines in Brent crude prices, provoking criticism from European officials and highlighting geopolitical tensions.

Turkey and Iran have not yet begun negotiations to renew their natural gas contract expiring in 2026, as stated by Turkish Energy Minister Bayraktar. Currently, Iran exports 9.6 billion cubic meters annually, but Turkey's actual imports were only 7.6 billion cubic meters last year.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister criticized the U.S. for sending unclear messages regarding negotiations, indicating no specific date for upcoming talks has been set. He emphasized that it's up to Americans to assess the legality of these statements.

Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss criticized Britain's economic trajectory, citing high taxes and regulations. She advocates for Bitcoin to combat currency debasement and is organizing a conference to promote a movement for sovereignty and freedom.

The U.S. Central Command announced a maritime blockade on vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports, leading to 23 ships complying and turning back since the operation began.

Ayatollah Khamenei's Armed Forces Day message emphasized military readiness, wishing well to personnel and families, and threatening a "new painful defeat" for enemies, coinciding with Iran's annual celebration.

Goldman Sachs proposed a Bitcoin-focused income ETF that avoids direct Bitcoin holdings, using linked ETFs and options strategies for income. This filing reflects increased competition in the crypto investment space among major firms.

SIX has integrated Swiss and Spanish equities data onchain via Chainlink's DataLink, enhancing access to over 75 blockchain networks. This allows the use of verified market data in various digital finance products, meeting growing institutional demands for reliable data.

X has launched the Cashtags feature, integrating financial trading into its social feed, generating $1 billion in trading volume shortly after its release. Currently available for iPhone users in the U.S. and Canada, it allows easy access to market data and discussions. X Money, a peer-to-peer wallet, is set for rollout amid regulatory concerns, while a new integration with Wealthsimple enables direct in-app trading.

On April 18, Ukraine's Armed Forces targeted four significant Russian oil facilities, including refineries and a transshipment terminal, aimed at disrupting fuel supplies to Russian forces. The damage assessment is ongoing, with no response from Russia yet.

The Strait of Hormuz was closed again because the U.S. side failed to fulfill its obligations under the agreement, and Iran needs to re-approve the passage of vessels. Trump said the negotiations are going well, but the issue of handling nuclear material remains the main point of disagreement. With the ceasefire deadline approaching, he hinted that it may not be extended, raising fears of a renewed attack. The situation is tense, and it could have far-reaching effects on the energy market.

MicroStrategy plans to switch its preferred stock dividend payouts from monthly to semi-monthly, aiming to enhance investor gains and stabilize stock prices. Shareholders will vote on this by June 8. The stock has seen a trading surge and significant price fluctuations recently, influenced by Bitcoin trends and external geopolitical factors.