Global equity markets traded in a muted, mixed pattern on Wednesday as investors held their breath ahead of the Federal Reserve’s pivotal December interest rate decision. The cautious sentiment was punctuated by a sharp 5% drop in JPMorgan shares following the bank’s warning of higher-than-expected costs, while a separate report indicated SpaceX is advancing plans for a historic initial public offering that could target a staggering $1.5 trillion valuation, rivaling the scale of Saudi Aramco’s record listing.
about Markets Await Fed Decision as JPMorgan Slips, SpaceX IPO LoomsSaudi Aramco
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekTether Buys $1B Bitcoin, Becomes Sixth-Largest BTC Holder
Tether has executed its second major Bitcoin acquisition of 2025, purchasing 8,888 BTC worth over $1 billion on September 30, the final day of Q3. This strategic move brings the stablecoin issuer’s total Bitcoin holdings to 86,335 BTC valued at approximately $9.75 billion, solidifying Tether’s position as the sixth-largest Bitcoin wallet globally and demonstrating its growing financial dominance in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
about Tether Buys $1B Bitcoin, Becomes Sixth-Largest BTC HolderVietnam Joins BRICS Amid Push for De-Dollarization
The BRICS economic alliance is growing as Vietnam becomes its 10th ‘partner country,’ joining others like Belarus, Nigeria, and Thailand. Originally formed in 2009 as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China), the group expanded to include South Africa and now aims to reduce dependence on the US dollar through initiatives like local currency transactions and a potential gold-backed common currency. While Saudi Arabia has reportedly avoided formal membership to avoid tensions with the US, BRICS continues to prioritize economic cooperation, trade facilitation, and alternative payment platforms. Despite early 2025 claims from some member countries that de-dollarization isn’t a primary goal, the alliance’s broader strategy suggests a shift away from dollar dominance.
about Vietnam Joins BRICS Amid Push for De-DollarizationMarathon in Talks with Exxon, Aramco for Flare-Gas Bitcoin Mining
Marathon Digital Holdings could be partnering with Exxon Mobil and Saudi Aramco to use flare-gas for Bitcoin mining at oilfields, turning waste methane into a monetized asset. Marathon’s CEO, Fred Thiel, hinted at discussions with top energy firms, aligning with Exxon’s past pilot with Crusoe Energy and Aramco’s recent MoUs. The company’s mobile mining infrastructure is already proven in Texas, avoiding grid competition and qualifying for methane credits. Regulatory pressures, like the U.S. methane emissions fee, and post-halving margin compression make flare-gas mining an attractive option. While skepticism remains due to lack of official confirmations, a deal could shift the industry’s focus from feasibility to scalability.
about Marathon in Talks with Exxon, Aramco for Flare-Gas Bitcoin MiningCrypto Market Surges to New Heights Driven by Bitcoin and AI Interest
The cryptocurrency market achieved a record high market cap of $3.91 trillion in December 2024, driven by Bitcoin’s remarkable performance, which reached an all-time high of $108K and became the seventh largest global asset. This surge was fueled by positive regulatory developments, including the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, which attracted over $50 billion in institutional investments. Additionally, the growing interest in AI agents within the crypto sector, highlighted by the success of the GOAT token and the VIRTUAL token’s $4.2 billion market cap, signals potential for significant industry growth in 2025.
about Crypto Market Surges to New Heights Driven by Bitcoin and AI InterestBitcoin Surges to Seventh Largest Global Asset Amid ETF Growth
Bitcoin’s price surged to $108,000 in 2024, marking a 124% increase and elevating it to the 7th largest global asset, surpassing silver and Saudi Aramco. The rise is largely attributed to Bitcoin ETFs, which have enhanced its credibility and attracted institutional investment. Despite the positive momentum, analysts caution about the inherent volatility of the market, suggesting that corrections are likely.
about Bitcoin Surges to Seventh Largest Global Asset Amid ETF Growth