Ethereum $ETHUSD, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization after Bitcoin $BTCUSD, has entered a critical technical zone. After recent rallies driven by renewed institutional interest and macroeconomic tailwinds, Ethereum now appears to be in a sideways consolidation pattern, trading in a narrow range between $2,500 and $2,540. This development comes amid declining trading volumes, prompting analysts to assess whether the move reflects accumulation ahead of a breakout — or signals bull exhaustion.
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) left markets parsing through nuanced messaging this week, as policymakers opted for a dovish stance on asset purchases while subtly acknowledging risks from rising inflationary pressures. The central bank's decision to slow the pace of bond purchase tapering caught attention for its short-term implications, but the broader signal was one of cautious optionality: a willingness to hike rates later in 2025 should inflation accelerate beyond tolerable limits.
Purdue Pharma, the pharmaceutical company behind OxyContin, has obtained the support of 55 U.S. state and territorial attorneys general for its $7.4 billion opioid settlement, a significant milestone in one of the largest mass tort cases in U.S. history. The agreement seeks to resolve thousands of lawsuits related to the opioid epidemic, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and placed substantial economic burdens on state healthcare systems.
Goldman Sachs $GS has revised its forecast for a potential U.S. recession, lowering the 12-month probability to 30% from the previous 35%. The adjustment comes in light of reduced trade uncertainty following a renewed commitment between the United States and China to uphold a restructured trade framework. The reassessment reflects growing optimism among analysts that geopolitical friction—specifically around tariffs and export controls—may ease in the near term.
U.S.–China trade relations remain in a state of strategic limbo as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed on Wednesday that tariff levels on Chinese imports will remain unchanged, despite the absence of a finalized trade agreement. This statement, made amid mounting global concerns about economic fragmentation, signals Washington’s continued pressure on Beijing without introducing new trade disruptions.
Citigroup Inc $C revealed plans to reduce approximately 3,500 jobs in its two Chinese technology hubs, located in Shanghai and Dalian. This move is part of a broader effort by the global banking giant to streamline and simplify its technological operations. The downsizing aims to enhance risk management and data governance within Citigroup's expansive global network. The workforce cut is expected to be completed by early Q4 2025, reflecting a significant shift in the company’s operational strategy amid evolving market and regulatory challenges in China and worldwide.
In a bold strategic move to rejuvenate the global identity of Dior, parent company LVMH $LVMHF has expanded the role of Jonathan Anderson, its newly appointed head of menswear, to oversee the entirety of the house’s women’s and haute couture divisions. The announcement signals a generational shift in creative leadership at one of the most storied names in luxury fashion, as Maria Grazia Chiuri steps down after nearly a decade at the helm.
On Wednesday, yields on Japan’s long-term government bonds surged from a three-week low following a notably weak demand at the auction for 40-year Japanese Government Bonds (JGBs), drawing close market attention. Simultaneously, US Treasury yields for the 30-year maturity also experienced an uptick, recovering from recent lows. These movements reflect evolving investor sentiment in major bond markets amid shifting economic signals.
China Mobile Ltd. $600941.SS, the state-owned telecommunications giant, is encountering headwinds in its nearly HK$7.8 billion (approx. USD 996 million) acquisition attempt for Hong Kong-based broadband provider HKBN Ltd. $1310.HK. Despite recent reports suggesting that the deal was close to conclusion, HKBN’s management has indicated that the offer may be insufficient, and the company remains open to rival bidders.
In a decisive move against cybercrime, European, American, and Canadian authorities have dismantled a massive network involved in deploying some of the world’s most dangerous malware variants. The Eurojust agency, responsible for criminal justice cooperation in the EU, announced the successful culmination of the operation dubbed “Endgame,” which saw over 300 servers shut down and 20 suspects arrested worldwide.
The Group of Seven (G7) has renewed its focus on addressing structural vulnerabilities in the global economy, signaling a policy shift toward greater alignment in trade, monetary frameworks, and supply chain resilience. According to a draft communiqué obtained, G7 finance ministers and central bank governors have pledged to counteract “excessive imbalances” and enhance international economic security through collective action.
A coalition of 58 internet service providers (ISPs) and technology associations has formally petitioned the European Commission to open the upper 6 GHz frequency band for unrestricted Wi-Fi use. The request, addressed to EU technology chief Henna Virkkunen, highlights a growing conflict between fixed broadband providers and mobile network operators over spectrum allocation in a high-demand frequency range.
