Author: Imelda

NVIDIA Chip Sales to China Approved Amid Trade Tensions

**U.S. Greenlights NVIDIA Chip Sales to China Amid Trade Tensions**

U.S. President Trump recently confirmed that he informed Chinese President Xi that American tech giant NVIDIA will be allowed to ship its advanced H200 chips to approved customers in China and other countries. This move comes as part of a broader effort to ease trade tensions between the two nations. However, despite U.S. approval, reports suggest China may still restrict access to these high-performance chips. NVIDIA shares initially rose on the news but have since pulled back slightly.

**Mixed Market Reactions to Trade News and Economic Uncertainty**

European stock markets traded mostly lower, while U.S. equity futures showed a mixed picture, with the Nasdaq dipping slightly after the NVIDIA-China news broke. The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) held steady around 99.00 as traders awaited more clarity from upcoming Federal Reserve announcements.

Currency markets saw the Australian Dollar strengthen after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held interest rates steady and signaled no immediate plans for rate cuts. Meanwhile, the Japanese Yen was flat but saw brief strength following comments from the Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor about the importance of exchange rates on inflation.

**Bond Markets Steady Ahead of Key Economic Data**

Global bond markets began the day cautiously but gained momentum as the session progressed. U.S. Treasuries moved higher, buoyed by safe-haven demand and comments from BoJ officials that increased appetite for low-risk assets. European bonds also edged up, with French bonds (OATs) underperforming slightly ahead of a crucial vote on the country’s 2026 social security budget.

In the UK, government bonds (Gilts) rose in anticipation of comments from several Bank of England members scheduled to speak throughout the day.

**Energy and Commodities Update: Oil Steady, Copper Slips**

Crude oil prices remained in a tight range ahead of the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Short-Term Energy Outlook report. Prices had dipped earlier in the week due to broader market risk-off sentiment but have since stabilized.

Copper prices continued to retreat from recent all-time highs, falling during Asian trading hours amid cautious sentiment following China’s underwhelming economic policy announcements. Meanwhile, gold prices climbed as the U.S. dollar softened and investors looked ahead to Wednesday’s Federal Reserve meeting.

**Trade Policy Developments: U.S.-China, Mexico Water Dispute, and More**

President Trump also revealed that China is expected to increase soybean purchases beyond previous agreements. In addition, he mentioned that chipmakers like AMD and Intel will follow a similar export process as NVIDIA.

However, Trump warned Mexico that it faces a 5% tariff if it fails to release 200,000 acre-feet of water owed under a treaty that supports Texas agriculture. He criticized Mexico for not responding and emphasized the impact on U.S. farmers.

Meanwhile, lawmakers are urging Trump to ease tariffs on Japan to counterbalance China’s growing economic influence. The U.S. Treasury is also working on finalizing a trade deal with India.

Chinese Premier Li highlighted rising global concerns over tariffs and called for reforms in global economic governance during a high-level international dialogue.

**European Updates: New Reporting Rules and Military Spending**

The European Parliament reached a provisional agreement to tighten sustainability and due diligence rules for large companies. Businesses with over 1,000 employees and high revenues will now need to disclose more detailed environmental and social data.

Germany is set to approve €52 billion in new military orders, signaling a boost in defense spending amid geopolitical uncertainties.

**U.K. Retail and Consumer Data Show Mixed Signals**

Retail sales in the U.K. grew modestly in November but slowed compared to previous months. Consumer spending declined year-over-year by 1.1%, marking the sharpest drop since early 2021. Grocery inflation remained high at 4.7% over the past four weeks.

**Geopolitical Updates: Middle East and Russia-Ukraine**

Tensions remain high in the Middle East as Israel struck Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

In Europe, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed strong support for Ukraine amid ongoing peace talks. She stressed the importance of securing Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term stability.

Russia dismissed claims that President Putin plans to attack NATO as “complete nonsense.”

**Crypto Market: Slight Decline in Bitcoin and Ethereum**

Bitcoin held just below $90,000, while Ethereum hovered above $3,100, both showing mild losses amid cautious investor sentiment ahead of key macroeconomic events.

**Asia-Pacific Market Recap: Central Bank Focus and Trade News**

Asian stocks were mostly subdued as traders waited for Wednesday’s Federal Reserve meeting. Australian shares fell after the RBA held rates steady at 3.60%, with Governor Bullock hinting that further cuts are unlikely anytime soon.

Japanese stocks traded sideways as investors brace for a potential BoJ rate hike next week. Chinese markets struggled following disappointing economic signals from a recent Politburo meeting, and local chip stocks dropped after the announcement that NVIDIA could resume limited exports to China.

**Key Takeaways for Traders and Investors**

– U.S.-China trade relations show signs of improvement with chip exports resuming.
– Global markets remain cautious ahead of key data releases and central bank decisions.
– Energy and metal markets are stabilizing after recent volatility.
– Ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to shape investor sentiment.
– Watch for updates from the Federal Reserve and other central banks this week for potential market-moving news.

Argentina to Let Banks Offer Crypto Services by 2026

Argentina is preparing to allow banks to offer cryptocurrency services again, ending a three-year ban. The country’s central bank, known as BCRA (Banco Central de la República Argentina), is working on new rules that could take effect as early as April 2026.

This move comes as Argentina faces serious economic problems, including hyperinflation of over 270% and tight limits on how people can access foreign currency. The government is now turning to digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum as part of a solution.

Since taking office in late 2023, President Javier Milei has supported crypto-friendly reforms. Under his leadership, regulators are shifting from banning crypto to finding ways to manage it safely. The new plan would let banks offer services like trading and storing cryptocurrencies. This includes popular coins such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and XRP.

If approved, these services could be added directly into banking apps, making crypto easier for everyday users to access. However, banks would need to follow strict rules. They must run their crypto operations through separate legal branches, keep extra cash on hand, and follow high security standards.

All bank-related crypto services would need to follow strong Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws. These standards come from Argentina’s financial watchdog, the National Securities Commission (CNV). While not yet official, insiders say the final rules could be ready by April 2026.

Planning already began after a 2024 rule requiring crypto exchanges and platforms—called Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs)—to register with the CNV. Argentina is already a global leader in crypto use, especially among regular people. Between July 2024 and June 2025, Argentinians moved nearly $94 billion in crypto transactions—second highest in Latin America.

Many people in Argentina use crypto to protect their savings from the falling peso and high inflation. Most of this happens through informal or non-bank platforms. Bringing banks into the mix could make crypto safer, improve tax reporting, reduce fraud, and make digital assets more widely available.

Some of Argentina’s biggest banks—like BBVA Argentina, Banco Macro, and Grupo Financiero Galicia—have shown interest. If banks begin offering crypto services, it could reach over 20 million customers.

But there are still challenges. It’s important to keep competition fair between banks and existing crypto exchanges. Clear tax policies and smooth tech integration will also be necessary. Crypto companies like Lemon believe this change could help bring crypto to the masses, but experts warn it will only work if taxes are fair and risks are managed properly.

Other countries are moving in a similar direction. Brazil already has clear laws for crypto in banking. The U.S. and Europe are also expanding their regulations. While Argentina’s timeline could change, the current government is clearly pushing for more innovation in digital finance.

Crypto adoption in Argentina is driven by real need, not just speculation. With the peso losing value and government controls limiting access to U.S. dollars, people use cryptocurrencies like USDT and USDC as a safe place to store money and send payments across borders.

Unlike wealthier nations where crypto is mainly used for investing, in Argentina it’s used for everyday things like saving money, paying bills, or sending remittances. That’s why the country leads Latin America in crypto ownership.

About 20% of Argentinians—roughly 9 million people—own some form of cryptocurrency. Some surveys suggest the number could be closer to 30%, especially during periods of high inflation. Argentina ranks 15th globally for active crypto wallet users with around 10 million users, and about half of those use crypto every day.

From mid-2024 to mid-2025, Argentina processed $93.9 billion in on-chain crypto transactions, showing consistent growth from previous years. The country ranks 20th in the Global Crypto Adoption Index by Chainalysis, which looks at real-world use instead of just big investments.

Most of the crypto activity involves stablecoins like USDT and USDC. Around 62% of transactions are in stablecoins, much higher than the global average of about 45%. These coins are pegged to the U.S. dollar and help people avoid inflation while making fast cross-border payments.

People also use platforms like Ripio and Lemon Cash to convert pesos into crypto at over 6,000 local outlets. Young people and tech-savvy users are leading this trend, helped by growing digital literacy.

In 2025, new rules were introduced requiring all crypto platforms to follow international anti-money laundering standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). These rules aim to reduce risks from unregulated markets.

Looking ahead, the plan to let banks offer crypto services by April 2026 could bring millions of new users into formal digital finance. With over 15% adoption across Latin America and stablecoins driving most transactions, Argentina is becoming a model for how emerging economies can use crypto for financial inclusion.

Crypto in Argentina is no longer just a trend—it’s a practical tool for survival. And now, with government support and upcoming bank integration, it may become even more mainstream in everyday life.

Crypto in 2025: Key Influencers and Major Shifts

The past year has been a whirlwind for the crypto world. Big changes in politics, the growth of prediction markets, and rising concerns about personal safety have all played a role. Meanwhile, people are paying closer attention to how crypto fits into the larger financial system.

In 2024, Bitcoin hit a record-breaking price of $126,000. Ethereum rolled out two major upgrades that improved its network. Solana made waves by gaining traction on Wall Street. And both everyday investors and big institutions found easier ways to invest in crypto through new tools like exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Heading into 2025, the optimism in crypto hasn’t faded. The U.S. has once again become a major player in the crypto space, attracting both regular investors and large financial firms. Cryptocurrencies are now seen as a real investment option for the average person. Plus, artificial intelligence is starting to play a bigger role in how crypto works and evolves.

However, it hasn’t all been good news. Crypto prices have dropped in recent months, and signs of economic trouble are showing up in both the U.S. and around the world. On top of that, personal security is becoming a serious issue again. There have been disturbing incidents like physical attacks and kidnappings tied to crypto, and hackers are stealing more digital assets than ever before.

In short, 2025 has been intense for crypto.

This year, CoinDesk is spotlighting 50 people and groups who have shaped the crypto industry — for better or worse. These influencers are divided into 10 key themes. One of the biggest names on the list, U.S. President Donald Trump, is being recognized first for his major impact on the crypto conversation since returning to office.

Other themes include the role of money in politics, how investments are shifting, the unseen work that keeps decentralized systems running, and the rise in crime and scams within crypto.

It’s important to note: this isn’t a ranking or a celebration. CoinDesk’s Most Influential list highlights those who had a real impact on crypto — even if that influence was negative. Some helped push innovation forward; others caused setbacks that affected the whole space.

Every year, CoinDesk gathers input from its journalists and readers to build a long list of nominees. Over several months, they narrow it down to the 50 most impactful figures. Some names return each year due to their continued influence — like Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong or SEC Commissioner Hester Pierce — but others are left off to keep the list fresh and relevant.

Still, certain people make such an impact that they must be included again. This year, Trump is one of those names, thanks to the changes he’s driven in U.S. crypto policy since winning the 2024 election.

As always, CoinDesk encourages feedback on this year’s selections — because influence in crypto isn’t just about popularity. It’s about who made waves, sparked change, or challenged the system — for better or worse.

Crypto and Finance to Merge by 2026, Says CoinShares

By 2026, Bitcoin and tokenized assets are expected to become a regular part of the global financial system. As competition between blockchain platforms heats up and countries adopt different rules, digital assets are moving from the sidelines to the core of finance.

According to investment firm CoinShares, the world is entering a new era of “hybrid finance” — a blend of traditional banking and blockchain technology. This means crypto won’t replace the current system but will work with it to improve how money flows globally.

CoinShares CEO Jean-Marie Mognetti says digital assets are no longer separate from the mainstream economy. Instead, they are becoming an important layer of it. By 2026, we should see crypto technology playing a bigger role in real-world finance.

This shift is already happening. Stablecoins — cryptocurrencies pegged to traditional money like the US dollar — are being used more often. Tokenized assets, such as digital versions of private loans or U.S. government bonds, are growing fast. Traditional banks and financial institutions are also launching their own tokenized funds and stablecoins.

Bitcoin is also becoming more accepted in the financial world. Over $90 billion has flowed into U.S.-based Bitcoin ETFs (exchange-traded funds), and more than one million Bitcoins are now held by 190 public companies for long-term investment.

Looking ahead to 2026, CoinShares expects more people to access Bitcoin through regular wealth management platforms and retirement accounts. Big financial institutions will also start settling transactions directly using digital assets through custody banks.

The report outlines three possible price paths for Bitcoin by 2026:

– If the economy grows strongly with new tech productivity, Bitcoin could reach over $150,000.
– If growth is steady but not exciting, Bitcoin might land between $110,000 and $140,000.
– If there’s a recession or high inflation, prices could dip first but recover later.

The competition among blockchains to become the foundation of this new financial system is growing. Ethereum remains the top choice for institutions, but other blockchains are catching up quickly.

CoinShares predicts that 2026 will be a turning point where finance is quietly redesigned around public blockchains and digital payment systems. This means behind-the-scenes changes in how money is transferred, stored, and managed.

The report also highlights growing differences in crypto regulations around the world. Europe is rolling out its MiCA rules, the U.S. is still shaping its stablecoin policies, and Asia is following strict Basel-style guidelines.

Other trends include crypto miners shifting toward high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. Meanwhile, prediction markets — where people bet on future events using crypto — are gaining wider interest.

In short, by 2026 we’ll see deeper integration between crypto and traditional finance, more mainstream use of digital assets, and major changes in how global finance operates under the surface.