Global TradFi & Macroeconomics

An Iranian oil tanker breached a U.S. blockade and entered Iranian territorial waters from the Arabian Sea on April 20, with support from the Iranian Navy, as reported by Tasnim News Agency on April 21.

Gate News message, April 21 — SpaceX's confidential IPO filing disclosed that Elon Musk will retain control of the company through Class B shares, each carrying 10 votes, while seeking a $1.75 trillion valuation in a $75 billion offering. Musk will remain chief executive, chief technical officer, a

Gate News message, April 21 — Michael DeSombre, the U.S. State Department's assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs, urged South Korea to reduce its reliance on Chinese technology and revise regulatory rules seen as disadvantaging U.S. companies. DeSombre cited security risks linked t

Arbitrum froze 30,766 ETH from the KelpDAO hack, worked with law enforcement, and recovered about a quarter of assets, while locking funds pending governance amid decentralization versus security debates. Abstract: This article reports that the Arbitrum Security Council froze 30,766 ETH (about $70 million) tied to the KelpDAO exploit, with nine of twelve votes, and moved funds to a secure wallet in coordination with law enforcement. The operation targeted only affected assets to minimize network disruption. The exploiter is suspected to be DPRK-associated. The breach began April 18 via a LayerZero-powered bridge, draining 116,500 rsETH (~$292 million). About a quarter of stolen assets have been recovered. The frozen funds will remain locked until governance and legal authorities decide the next steps, prompting debate over decentralization versus security.

OCBC launches GOLDX, a tokenized physical gold fund on Ethereum and Solana with Lion Global Investors and DigiFT, targeting institutions and Web3 participants; tokenized RWAs reach $29B on chains. OCBC, with Lion Global Investors and DigiFT, introduced GOLDX, a tokenized version of the LionGlobal Singapore Physical Gold Fund on Ethereum and Solana. The product targets institutional investors and high‑net‑worth individuals, allowing purchases with stablecoins or fiat and delivery to blockchain wallets, providing on‑chain exposure to about $525 million in gold assets. OCBC views GOLDX as a milestone linking traditional finance with the decentralized finance ecosystem to attract Web3 participants. The broader context shows rapid growth in tokenized real‑world assets, with RWAs on public blockchains exceeding $29 billion by mid‑April 2026, while gold prices traded in a tight range around $4,775–$4,831 per ounce.

AI demand boosted Korea's semiconductor exports and profits for Samsung and SK hynix; shipments to China and the US rose. Yet policy risks from U.S. tariffs loom despite a record 2025 level. Abstract: The article reports that South Korea's semiconductor exports surged in early April, driven by AI-related demand that increased memory-chip shipments and profits for Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Exports rose to US$18.3 billion in April 1–20, with total exports up 49.4% to US$50.4 billion and a US$10.4 billion trade surplus. China and the United States were primary growth markets, and 2025 semiconductor exports reached a record US$173.4 billion, up over 20% year over year. However, policy uncertainties persist: a 25% U.S. tariff on certain advanced computing chips could affect sentiment, memory-chip exports being excluded, and tensions in the Middle East and broader tariff policies could weigh on the outlook.

Gate News message, April 21 — Iran reported that over 137,000 civilian units across the country have been damaged since the escalation of the Middle East conflict, according to Iranian authorities.

Gate News message, April 21 — A leading cryptocurrency exchange and Block Scholes released a research report examining the convergence between crypto and traditional financial markets, as traders increasingly move across asset classes in response to global macro events. The platform's TradFi

Gate News message, April 21 — South Korean authorities requested the arrest of Park Si-hoo, founder and chairman of entertainment company HYBE, on suspicion of fraud in connection with the company's initial public offering (IPO). According to multiple reports, Park allegedly told early investors in

Gate News message, April 21 — Fitch Ratings downgraded the Philippines' credit outlook to negative from stable on Monday, April 20, while affirming its "BBB" credit rating. The negative outlook places the rating at risk of a cut within the next 18 to 24 months. Fitch cited two main drivers for the

Gate News message, April 21 — Unknown actors sent fraudulent messages to shipping companies with vessels stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming to be Iranian authorities and offering safe passage in exchange for fees paid in Bitcoin or Tether, according to Greek risk firm MARISKS. The messa

Gate News message, April 21 — Japan has accelerated its "remilitarization" and loosened restrictions on the export of lethal weapons, according to China's Foreign Ministry. Guo Jiakun, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, stated that Japan's military expansion represents a factual and ongoing reality

Gate News message, April 21 — Kevin Warsh, President Trump's nominee for the next Federal Reserve chair, made significant remarks ahead of his Senate Banking Committee confirmation hearing on April 21. In testimony released on April 20, Warsh emphasized that the Fed's monetary policy independence is

Summary: BoJ is likely to hold at 0.75% on April 28 while signaling future rate hikes if conditions permit; June action remains possible, with some officials leaning toward a near-term move amid inflation risks from geopolitical shocks and a higher forecast. Abstract: The Bank of Japan is expected to keep its policy rate at 0.75% at the April 28 meeting, signaling eventual hikes as conditions permit; discussion centers on timing and a potential June move, in light of geopolitical tensions and an updated inflation outlook.

Gate News message, April 21 — South Korea's National Tax Service announced on April 15 that it plans to deploy crypto asset tracking software from firms including Chainalysis and TRM Labs to monitor cryptocurrency transactions in real time, trace hidden assets of suspected tax evaders, and combat mo

MicroStrategy recently spent $2.5 billion to buy an additional 34,164 bitcoins. Its total holdings have surpassed 815k BTC, nearing Satoshi Nakamoto’s known amount. Analysts project that if it continues this pace of accumulation, MicroStrategy could become the world’s largest bitcoin holder within 9 to 14 months.

On April 21, Japan's Nikkei 225 index increased by 0.89% to 59,349.17 points, while South Korea's KOSPI index surged by 2.72% to 6,388.47 points.

U.S. crypto adoption rose to 12% in March after hitting 7% in February, driven by positive Bitcoin ETF inflows. Despite recovery, sentiment is fragile, with many expecting lower Bitcoin prices in 2026, and adoption trends remain skewed towards men and higher-income groups.

Hong Kong is unveiling its first five-year development plan to enhance its RMB business and wealth management hub status. Legislative reforms will improve liquidity and competitiveness, as Hong Kong seeks to strengthen its role in global finance amidst changing geopolitical dynamics.

South Korea’s semiconductor industry is changing its compensation culture due to the AI wave. SK hynix will set 10% of operating profit as performance bonuses, with an expected payout of up to 700 million won per employee. Compared with the dissatisfaction and planned strike by Samsung Electronics’ union, talent is flowing to hynix due to pay disparities. As market demand rises, both companies’ profit prospects look optimistic, but debates over how much corporations should give back to society are becoming increasingly intense.