Mercosur: The EU Gives the Green Light to the Agreement

Mercosur agreement: a new era for global trade?

After 25 years of negotiations, Mercosur and the European Union are closer than ever to finalising a strategic partnership. So, what does this actually mean?

Mercosur and the European Union may be on the verge of signing a trade agreement that the European Commission itself has called “the biggest free trade deal ever signed”. The EU-Mercosur agreement involves countries that account for approximately $20 trillion in GDP and 700 million consumers.

What Exactly Is Mercosur?

The Mercosur—or Mercado Común del Sur (Common Market of the South)—is an organisation established in 1991 by the Treaty of Asunción. Its purpose is to “promote a common space that generates business and investment opportunities through the competitive integration of national economies into the international market”. The full members are Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Venezuela was also a full member but was suspended in 2016 due to anti-democratic practices. Bolivia is currently in the process of joining as the fifth full member.

Additionally, there are several associate members, who enjoy privileged status but are not part of the main bloc. These include Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Mercosur is a common market with the goal of increasing the exchange of goods and services, as well as the free movement of people. This applies both regionally among South American countries and internationally through agreements with other blocs, such as the one with the European Union. To achieve this, member countries are working to mutually reduce customs barriers, thereby promoting economic integration.

In 2023, the Mercosur bloc generated $447 billion in exports and $357 billion in imports, which is equivalent to 10.9% of international trade. These figures include both internal trade among members and external trade with other countries.

What Does the EU-Mercosur Agreement Entail?

Negotiations between the EU and Mercosur have been ongoing for approximately 25 years, marked by periods of tension and détente. A breakthrough finally occurred on 6 December 2024 in Montevideo, Uruguay, when EU leaders reached an understanding with the South American bloc countries. This past Wednesday, the European Commission presented the treaties that will define the commercial agreement, representing another significant step towards its officialisation.

The agreement is a result of a shared desire to remove trade barriers, ensure a responsible and eco-friendly supply of raw materials—with a particular focus on addressing Amazon deforestation—and send a clear message in favour of regulated international trade and against all forms of protectionism.

Specifically, the agreement is based on a principle of reciprocity. European industries, primarily those in automotives, machinery, and spirits, will gain greater access to the Mercosur market. In return, Mercosur will be able to more easily export its agri-food products to Europe, including meat, sugar, coffee, and soy.

This latter point, in particular, has caused some concern among agri-food companies in France, Poland, and, to a certain extent, Italy. The primary fear is related to unfair competition. South American countries have less restrictive environmental and food regulations than the EU, allowing the use of antibiotics, pesticides, and hormones that are banned in Europe.

In any case, the agreement provides for a gradual easing of customs tariffs on 90% of goods traded between the two blocs. It also establishes preferential channels for both European and South American companies, giving them greater access to public tenders and investment opportunities.

According to the European Commission, the final result will be a 39% increase in EU exports to Mercosur and an estimated 440,000 new jobs created across Europe.

The Road Ahead

As anticipated, the EU-Mercosur agreement is not yet official. However, it represents a crucial phase in bringing the two blocs closer, especially as they seek protection from costly Trump-era tariffs.

This is an interim trade agreement, meaning it is provisional. As such, it does not require the approval of all 27 member states, but rather only the ratification of the qualified majority of the EU Council. This means at least 15 out of 27 countries (55%) that represent at least 65% of the population must vote in favour.

Russia-Ukraine war: updates

Russia–Ukraine war: any updates?

It was a busy weekend for Donald Trump, who met with Putin, Zelensky, European leaders, and NATO representatives. What happened – and how did markets react?

It was an eventful and politically charged weekend: over the course of four days, a bold and unpredictable Donald Trump hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, six European heads of state, including Giorgia Meloni, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the United States. The aim? To seek a potential solution to a war that has now entered its fourth year, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Here’s a brief recap of what took place – and a final look at how the markets responded.

Trump and Putin: meeting in Alaska – 15 August

On 15 August, at a US military base near Anchorage, Alaska, US President Donald Trump met face-to-face with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine. The lead-up to the meeting attracted global attention, mainly due to Trump’s surprisingly warm demeanour towards Putin: red carpets, handshakes, pats on the back, and broad smiles.

But one detail, in particular, made headlines: the US President spontaneously offered his Russian counterpart a ride in the iconic, armoured presidential limousine – known as “The Beast” – away from cameras and microphones. What was said during that ten-minute ride remains unknown. What is certain, however, is that the two men were seen laughing and chatting amicably, like old friends.

As for the press conference that followed – the quotation marks are deliberate – very little of substance was shared. The two leaders answered virtually no questions, instead offering vague and formulaic statements.

Putin opened with praise for the atmosphere of “mutual respect”, going so far as to remind attendees that Alaska was once a Russian territory. He then shifted to the main topic: the war in Ukraine. Once again, the Russian leader insisted that peace talks could only begin if certain preconditions were met – namely, international recognition of Russia’s claims over disputed regions, Ukraine’s demilitarisation and neutrality, a ban on foreign military presence, and new Ukrainian elections.

Then it was Trump’s turn. Notably restrained, the US President – usually known for his long-winded statements – kept things brief. “There were many points on which we agreed”, “great progress”, and “an extremely productive meeting” were among the few phrases he offered. In essence, a lot of diplomatic smoke and mirrors, followed by the admission that no concrete agreement had been reached – but that “we have a very good chance of getting there”.

Trump, Zelensky, Europe and NATO meet in Washington, D.C.

Between Sunday and Monday, Donald Trump held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, before extending invitations to six European leaders – France’s Macron, Germany’s Mertz, Italy’s Meloni, Britain’s Starmer, Finland’s Stubb, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen – as well as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The main topic on the agenda was clear: the security and territorial integrity of Ukraine. For months, Zelensky, alongside European and NATO officials, has been urging President Trump to provide firm guarantees that any peace deal must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, and that future agreements must act as a deterrent against further Russian aggression. The proposal? To allow Kyiv to build a modern, specialised and well-equipped army that would discourage any future invasions.

The problem? As we saw earlier, Vladimir Putin is wholly opposed to this and has made very different demands.

What’s Next?

It’s difficult to predict, given Putin’s elusive nature and Trump’s unpredictability. That said, on August 19, Trump confirmed that Putin had agreed to a direct meeting with Zelensky, which would be followed by a trilateral summit involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine.

In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump wrote:
“At the end of the meetings, I called President Putin and began organising a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky. After this meeting takes place, we will have a trilateral meeting, which will include the two presidents and Mme”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Mertz also confirmed this announcement.

How did the markets react? 

The reaction from traditional financial markets was largely positive. The three major US indices – the Nasdaq, Dow Jones, and S&P 500 – initially rallied on news of the Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, before easing back slightly. Analysts suggest investors were hoping for more concrete results, rather than vague diplomatic gestures.

A similar trend was observed across European markets, particularly in Paris, Frankfurt, and London, which have all been performing strongly since early August.

The crypto market, however, told a slightly different story.

Between August 13 and 14, Bitcoin surged to a new all-time high of $124,000, before pulling back to around $115,600 after again failing to break through the resistance zone between $121,000 and $123,000.

Ethereum also came close to surpassing its own all-time high, missing it by just $100. It’s currently trading at around £4,300, with a renewed breakout attempt looking likely – especially now that the previous resistance at £4,100 seems to have become support.

As for the Total Market Cap, since the announcement on Thursday, 7 August, it has risen from $3.7 trillion to approximately $3.85 trillion – a gain of around 3.8% (roughly $150 billion).

Lastly, Bitcoin dominance continues to slide. Over the past 12 days, BTC’s market share has decreased by more than three percentage points, currently standing at 59.7% at the time of writing.

Is there a glimmer of hope?

So, can Donald Trump really bring Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky to the same negotiating table? Are we genuinely moving towards peace, or is this just political theatre?

And what role will Europe play in the outcome?

Subscribe to our Telegram channel or sign up directly to the Young Platform below to stay up to date with all the latest developments.

Donald Trump and tariffs: the truth hurts you

donald trump

US President Donald Trump has supported the duties with often false or inaccurate statements. Here we will look at the most sensational ones. Enjoy!

US President Donald J. Trump based his campaign on the need to make America great again – Make America Great Again – and did so to the tune of slogans and catchphrases such as ‘America First!’ and ‘return to the Golden Age’. The trade tariffs, imposed, then lifted, and then reinstated, are the result of this strategy and are justified by blows of impressive statements. The problem is that many of these are unfounded. Off to fact-checking!

Donald Trump, when talking about the United States, tends to inflate the figure.s

Donald Trump is a proud American and, as such, is prone to magnifying everything about the United States of America, including numbers. Let us examine some sovereignist flare-ups: 

  • The Paris Climate Agreement cost the United States trillions of dollars that other countries were not paying. In Congress on 4 March 2025, Donald Trump justified his exit from the Paris Climate Agreement in this way: untrue, the United States has never earmarked even remotely similar sums for the Agreement. Joe Biden, when he took office, promised to allocate around $11 billion per year, a figure that was later scaled back. 
  • Honda has just announced a new plant in Indiana, one of the largest in the world‘. Also at the Congress on 4 March 2025, the US President declared in a triumphant tone the construction of a new industrial hub by the Japanese giant: untrue, Honda had expressed its intention to build the latest Honda Civic in Indiana rather than Mexico, as reported by Reuters, without confirming this.  
  • The US is collecting $2 billion a day from customs duties. ‘. Statement of 8 April 2025, during a speech to coal industry workers: false, the figure is in the hundreds of millions, not billions and, most importantly, the duties are borne by American importers, not foreign exporters.  
  • We were losing $2 trillion a year on trade“—sentence uttered by Donald Trump on 22 April 2025 during an interview with Time in the White House. Here, the POTUS refers to the US trade deficit with the rest of the world before his arrival: false, in 2024 the imbalance amounted to some $918 billion, in 2023 to $773 billion, in 2022 to $945 billion, and so on. 
  • I have signed 200 agreements. ‘. On 25 April 2025, in the same interview with the Times, when asked, ‘Not a single one (trade agreement, ed.) has been announced. When will you announce them?” Donald Trump replied with a dry “I have closed 200 deals”: untrue, there was – and is – no evidence to validate this claim.

Donald Trump and the European Union: not quite love at first sight

That the President of the United States of America has no excessive sympathy for the Old Continent is a well-known fact: just recently, he confirmed this ‘slight’ antipathy by raising tariffs to 50%. Let us see why: 

  • They don’t buy our cars, they don’t buy our food. They don’t buy anything.” On Sunday, 6 April 2025, Donald Trump told reporters aboard the presidential plane Air Force One that the EU would take advantage of the US: untrue. In 2024 alone, the EU imported almost $650 billion worth of goods from the US. Not exactly chump change. 
  • They don’t take our agricultural products“. Also on that 6 April, POTUS accused us of not buying goods and commodities for agriculture: untrue, as the US government itself reports, in 2024, the European Union spent almost $13 billion (+1% compared to 2023) on agricultural commodities. We like American dried (nuts) fruit.
  • They put up barriers that make it impossible to sell a car. It’s not a question of money. It’s that they make everything so difficult: the standards, the tests. They drop a bowling ball on the roof of your car from 20 feet up. And if there’s a small dent, they tell you: ‘Sorry, your car is not suitable‘. This is beautiful. Monday, 7 April 2025, bilateral with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: untrue, there is no similar safety check in Europe, and most importantly, nowhere does it say that minor damage can cause the car to fail the test. 
  • The European Union was created to exploit the United States of America‘: false. On 10 April 2025, Donald Trump is the protagonist of a tirade so vague that it is difficult to refute. In any case, numerous scholars – especially historians and economists – have been taken aback by this statement. John O’Brennan, a leading professor of European Integration, European Union Politics, and International Relations, said that this statement ‘could not be more wrong or inaccurate‘. And like many others.

From China with fury

That Americans and Chinese do not get along well is well known. US President Donald Trump, since his inauguration, has stepped up his game with a trade war based on extreme tariffs that was later suspended. Let us examine some of his recent mental gymnastics:

  • We had massive deficits with China. Biden let the situation get out of hand. These are $1.1 trillion deficits; ridiculous, and it is simply an unfair relationship. It is 23 January 2025, and we are at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos when these words come from the speakers: false. The fact checkers indicate that in 202,3 indeed the US trade deficit as a whole will be around that figure. Donald Trump, however, forgets one crucial detail: the $1.1 trillion deficit concerns the whole world, not just China, and only considers goods without including services in the calculation. 
  • We have a deficit with China of more than a trillion dollars. ‘ This was stated by The Donald in an interview on Fox News Radio on 21 February 2025: false. As reported by the B.E.A. (Bureau of Economic Analysis), in 202,4 the trade deficit was around $263 billion; in 2023 the figure was close to $252 billion. In short, it was wrong by about $730 billion.
  • China has never paid even 10 cents to any other American president. Liberation Day, Wednesday 2 April 2025. Donald Trump announces tariffs for the first time and finds time to fire another propaganda bullet. By this, POTUS meant that before him, the Chinese were free to trade with the US for free: untrue. In 1792, Alexander Hamilton, then US Secretary of the Treasury, proposed the Tariff Act – also known as the Hamilton Tariff – to incentivise the consumption of domestically produced goods. 

For Donald Trump, the grass is always greener on the other side

We close this review of rhetorical acrobatics with the United States’ neighbours: Canada and Mexico. These three great nations have always had very close trade relations, formalised by various agreements including NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) and the USMCA (United States Mexico Canada Agreement). 

  • The US has a ‘200 billion deficit with Canada. He emphasised this several times on 7 January 2025 at a press conference at his home in Mar-a-Lago: false. Again, the B.E.A. data tell us that in 2024 the imbalance between imports and exports with Canada amounted to $35.7 billion.
  • Canada is “ONE OF THE NATIONS WITH THE HIGHEST DUTIES IN THE WORLD“. All caps because Donald Trump, on Truth, often writes in caps lock. On 11 March 202,5, he published this statement: false, as also reported by the World Bank, which puts Canada in 102nd position out of 137 countries for weighted average tariff on all products. This indicator reflects the average import tax, calculated by taking into account the weight of different products imported.
  • Canada does not allow American banks to do business in Canada, but their banks invade the American market. Oh, that sounds about right, doesn’t it?” he wrote in Truth on 4 March 2025: untrue, Canada does not ban foreign banks, much less American ones. They have recently tightened regulations, but banking institutions like Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo have been operating in Canada for more than a hundred years.
  • We have a $200 billion trade deficit with Mexico“. The US President said this on 9 February 2025, during an interview for Fox News: untrue. Again, the B.E.A.’s 2024 figures show a trade deficit of around $180 billion, half of what Trump said.

In short, we have only analysed one tenth of the falsehoods that the 48th President of the United States of America has been able to invent during these first five months in office. Knowing the data is very important and allows you to speak with full knowledge of the facts and avoid embarrassing and momentous blunders. 

For this reason, join Young Platform and get informed so that you will have safe arguments with your friends during the Thursday afternoon aperitif!

Banking risk: what is it and why is it triggered?

Explore what banking risk is and how it justifies the extra profits earned by banks.

What is Risk Banking? No, it’s not the latest expansion of your favourite board game, although the dynamics of conquest and strategy that govern it bear a striking resemblance. This term, cleverly borrowed from the famous board game, describes the recent trend among credit institutions—especially those with a bit of extra capital—to engage in mergers, acquisitions (M&A), and amalgamations. It’s akin to when you’ve gathered enough armies in the game to start eyeing your neighbour’s territories with interest.

One key macroeconomic factor associated with banking risk is the change in interest rates, a topic frequently discussed in our articles due to its significant impact on various markets, including the cryptocurrency market. When central banks raise interest rates to combat inflation—while many of us witnessed rising mortgage payments—it’s often a boon for bank profits. These additional earnings will likely be reinvested to promote growth and expansion. So, prepare yourself; the banking risk landscape for 2025-2026 is shaping up to be quite eventful.

The health of Italian banks

Before exploring the main topic, it is helpful to briefly review the health of credit institutions to understand the context in which this risky phenomenon develops. In recent years, banks have greatly benefited from central banks’ decisions regarding interest rates.

In 2023, Italy’s largest listed banks reported a combined net profit of EUR 21.9 billion, which increased to EUR 31.4 billion in 2024. At the European level, the earnings of the twenty largest banks reached approximately EUR 100 billion.

The primary driver of growth during this period was the European Central Bank’s decision to raise interest rates in an effort to combat inflation. From July 2022 to October 2023, reference rates increased from 0% to 4.5%. This rise led to an improvement in the net interest margin, which is the difference between the interest income generated from loans and the interest expenses paid on deposits. In simple terms, banks raised lending rates on loans more quickly than they increased the interest offered on deposits.

However, the positive results were not solely due to this factor. There was also a rise in net commissions, particularly from asset management services. These elements have contributed to the current situation where banks, having accumulated substantial profits—akin to conquered territories or bonus cards in a game—now possess significant liquidity, or ‘armies.’ The next step for these banks, in both contexts, is to invest these resources for further expansion.

The banking risk

The metaphor of banking risk is particularly fitting, as the sector is increasingly resembling a competitive arena. However, unlike a board game, the push for consolidation among banks is driven by several strategic motivations that are essential for their growth and stability. Here are the main factors:

  1. Seeking economies of scale: the primary objective is to unify operational structures and optimise costs through the rationalisation of internal processes and the integration of technology platforms.
  2. Geographical and product diversification: expanding territorial presence and broadening the range of services offered enables banks to mitigate the risks associated with concentrating on specific markets or customer segments, while simultaneously increasing cross-selling opportunities and, consequently, revenues.
  3. Increased competitiveness: larger banks generally have greater bargaining power and a higher capacity to invest in new technologies, human resources development and marketing initiatives, thus strengthening their market position.
  4. Strategic response to industry challenges: M&As are seen as a response to accelerating digitisation, the need to comply with increasingly stringent regulations (e.g., on capital and liquidity requirements), and the urgency of addressing cross-cutting issues such as environmental and social sustainability.
  5. Shareholder pressure: A relevant factor is the constant pressure exerted by shareholders to maximise the value of shares and dividends, and to attract new investors.

The banking risk: the most emblematic cases

The Italian banking landscape has experienced notable mergers and acquisitions (M&A) that have reshaped the credit sector. The merger between Intesa Sanpaolo and UBI Banca, finalised in 2021, is seen as a pivotal moment that sparked the latest wave of banking consolidation. This merger not only solidified Intesa Sanpaolo’s leadership but also catalysed further integration within the industry.

Another significant example is Crédit Agricole Italia’s acquisition of Credito Valtellinese (CreVal) between 2020 and 2021, which highlights the growing interest of foreign groups in enhancing their presence in key regions of Italy. Additionally, BPER Banca has remained an active participant in the market, acquiring Banca Carige in 2022 and engaging in ongoing discussions about a potential merger with Banca Popolare di Sondrio.

In the background, several hypotheses involving major players are circulating. There has been extensive discussion about UniCredit‘s interest in increasing its stake in Germany’s Commerzbank, as well as previous talks about a potential merger between UniCredit and Banco BPM. Currently, Banco BPM is working to finalise its takeover bid for Anima SGR, which is also attracting interest from UniCredit, with a bid exceeding EUR 10 billion. 

Meanwhile, Unipol, having been excluded from the recent sale of public shares in Monte dei Paschi di Siena, is focusing on facilitating a merger between Bper and Popolare di Sondrio, in which it holds a significant stake. 

Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS) remains a central element in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) dynamics, with the Italian government seeking market-based solutions for its eventual stabilisation and privatisation. In this context, there has been renewed speculation about a possible involvement of UniCredit..

What will be the following developments?

What will be the outcome of this phase of banking risk? It is complex to provide a clear answer, mainly because there won’t be an absolute or definitive winner. Banking risk, unlike the dynamics of a board game, is a continuous process that adapts to the changing economic and financial seasons.

The current period is undoubtedly critical. With interest rates falling, the exceptional profit margins that banks have enjoyed in recent years may begin to normalise. This situation prompts banks to reevaluate their strategies and develop new plans to maintain profitability and strengthen their competitive positions.

As a result, we can expect further consolidation within the industry. Large banking groups may seek to fortify their positions to compete effectively on a global scale, while smaller institutions will need to take action to avoid being left behind. This could involve forming strategic alliances or pursuing mergers to create national or specialised leaders in the market.

What about the customers and the economy as a whole? Proponents of these operations often emphasise the anticipated benefits related to increased stability, efficiency, and investment capacity. It will be crucial to monitor whether these significant manoeuvres lead to real advantages in terms of effective competition, service quality, and support for the real economy. In summary, the dynamics of banking risk are still ongoing, and the upcoming developments will continue to shape the future of the credit sector.

Skyrocketing gold price: what’s happening?

Skyrocketing gold price: what's happening?

The gold price continues its upward journey, having broken the $3,500/ounce mark and now hovering around $3,300. What is happening? 

Over the past year, the price of gold has increased from approximately $2,300 to $3,300 per ounce, representing a 42% rise. This surge has broken through the psychological threshold of $3,500. Factors such as the pandemic and ongoing wars have created a volatile environment, prompting investors to seek safer options. But what exactly has led to this situation? And most importantly, is the bullish trend likely to continue?

Understanding gold prices: A premise that might help you

Understanding gold price movements requires an appreciation of the historical significance and characteristics that make this metal precious. Gold is a unique commodity that has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. The earliest evidence of its use as a medium of exchange dates back to ancient Egyptian and Sumerian civilisations, with the first gold coins minted as early as the eighth century BC. This lasting presence is due to its intrinsic physical properties, such as malleability, durability, divisibility, and rarity, which make it highly sought after. Additionally, with the rise of the electronics industry, gold’s capabilities in thermal and electrical conduction are increasingly being utilised.

Throughout history, gold has been consistently recognised as a reliable store of value, serving as a means to preserve wealth over time. Major events, such as the collapse of monarchies and empires, wars, pandemics, and financial crises, have led to significant changes in historical epochs and economic systems. However, these events have not diminished the collective perception of gold. Its association with security, stability, and wealth preservation is deeply embedded in the ordinary consciousness, which contributes to high investor confidence.

This combination of factors ensures that gold remains in high demand. However, this demand must contend with the limited supply available on our planet. As a result, the price of gold in the markets is determined by the balance of supply and demand.

Once we grasp how gold operates, we can analyse the factors influencing its market performance.

What is driving the gold price upwards?

As we have mentioned, the price of gold is influenced by the law of supply and demand, along with a complex set of underlying dynamics that involve numerous variables. However, we prefer to keep things simple. Essentially, the price of gold is directly proportional to the level of instability, whether perceived or real, in various situations, such as economic, geopolitical, or health-related issues. The greater the instability, the higher the demand for gold, which in turn increases its price. Conversely, when the situation is more stable, the price tends to be more consistent and less affected by sudden fluctuations in demand.

Remember the frantic rush at supermarkets when the lockdown was announced? In that moment of panic, people rushed to buy staples like pulses, which are considered essential survival foods due to their long shelf life, ease of storage, and nutritional value. In normal circumstances, how often do you keep borlotti beans stocked at home? Not very likely. Similarly, gold acts like legumes—it’s not something you consume, but rather the ultimate haven during times of significant stress. 

So, why has gold reached record highs this time around?

Pandemics, wars and inflation: the perfect storm

Since March 2024, the price of gold has surged from EUR 2,000 to EUR 3,300 per ounce—an impressive 63% increase—breaking through the psychological threshold of EUR 3,500. It’s remarkable to consider that just twenty years ago, the price of gold ranged between $400 and $500 per ounce. 

This trend is not surprising when we examine individual adverse macroeconomic events that correlate with gold’s price increases. For instance, during the 2008 financial crisis, the price of gold rose from $711 an ounce to $1,820 within three years. Similarly, from January 2020 to July 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns drove the price up by 30%. More recently, from February 2022 to the present, factors such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the election of Donald Trump have contributed to a nearly 85% increase in gold prices.

Black clouds gather on the horizon: Covid-19 breaks out.

During the COVID-19 years, governments and central banks around the world implemented unprecedented expansionary fiscal measures to support their economies, businesses, and citizens. For instance, in Europe, the NextGenerationEU initiative amounts to EUR 806 billion, which is part of a larger EUR 2 trillion aid package. In the United States, the total fiscal stimulus approved during this period reached approximately USD 6.9 trillion. Throughout all of this, interest rates remained near zero. 

What happens when the amount of money in circulation increases so dramatically? The answer is that inflation rises. So, how do major investors typically respond to rising inflation? They tend to turn to gold to protect their capital from devaluation.

It’s starting to pour: Russia invades Ukraine.e

Despite various challenges, the economy began to recover, allowing central banks to finally address the issue of inflation. In 2022, the Federal Reserve started raising interest rates, followed by the European Central Bank and other central banks and financial institutions. However, at that time, Vladimir Putin decided to invade Ukraine, leading to a significant shock in the supply of energy and raw materials, particularly food. Russia is a major exporter of gas and oil, while Ukraine, often referred to as the “Granary of Europe,” is a vital supplier of grain. 

This situation led to​​ another spike in prices, further increasing the cost of living. Do you remember how much gasoline cost in the summer of 2022? It was around €2 per litre. Setting aside the discussion about energy-intensive businesses, the rise in road transport costs alone contributed to price increases across various sectors. We know that rising prices lead to a decrease in purchasing power, which in turn fuels inflation. And when inflation rises, a “gold rush” begins, reminiscent of Scrooge McDuck’s Klondike adventures.

Lightning and thunderbolts: the Middle East catches fire

The geopolitical situation is precarious; however, overall, economies are managing to hold up, partly due to the expansive policies implemented during the COVID-19 era. Yet, less than a year after the invasion, another front of conflict emerges: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict escalates once again, igniting tensions in the Middle East. Among the events that unfold, the Houthi terrorist group begins launching missiles in retaliation near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint between Yemen and the Horn of Africa that leads to the Suez Canal, through which approximately 15% of global maritime trade passes. Commercial cargo ships, the primary targets of Houthi attacks, are now compelled to avoid the Suez Canal and instead sail around Africa to reach Europe, resulting in an additional 10 to 15 days of travel time. This diversion has inevitably led to a widespread increase in prices. And when prices rise, inflation follows, prompting many to rush to check the gold price in hopes of purchasing a few ounces.

The storm is now perfect: Donald Trump announces customs duties 

Just when you thought the situation couldn’t get any worse, Donald Trump won the election. He decides to create panic in the world’s economic and financial institutions by mentioning one key term: tariffs and duties. In a highly globalised and interconnected market like that of the 21st century, if the leading economy imposes significant tariffs, suspended until Jul, the situation becomes quite serious. This not only increases the risk of inflation, as the barriers to entry drive up the final prices of imported goods, but also raises fears of a recession due to a substantial slowdown in economic activity.

Since April 9, the day Trump announced the tariffs, the price of gold has surpassed the psychological barrier of $3,500 an ounce, marking a 15% increase, before retracing and stabilising around $3,300.

Gold prices in the future: Will the trend continue?

A report by Goldman Sachs highlights an intriguing fact regarding central banks’ interest in gold. Since the freezing of the Russian central bank’s assets in 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine, the average monthly demand for gold has surged from 17 to 108 tonnes. Goldman Sachs predicts that by the end of 2025, the price of gold could reach between $3,650 and $3,950 per ounce, while JP Morgan estimates it may exceed $4,000 per ounce in 2026. In summary, many authoritative sources believe that the combination of pandemics, wars, and tariffs will continue to drive gold prices upward.

Now that you’re familiar with gold, its history, and its characteristics as an anti-inflation safe-haven asset, you might be interested in learning about ‘digital gold,’ which is Bitcoin. A good starting point is our article explaining how to protect yourself from inflation using Bitcoin. Don’t forget to subscribe below to stay updated!

How were Donald Trump’s tariffs calculated?

Les droits de douane de Trump : comment ont-ils été calculés et leur impact

Donald Trump has announced tariffs on a large number of countries. How much are they, and how have they been calculated? Spoiler: bad

Donald Trump’s announcement of duties on Tuesday sent shockwaves through various groups: politicians, citizens, companies, and especially the markets. Specific points were particularly emphasised. One notable aspect is the range of countries targeted by the US president’s decision—nearly all countries, including an island in Australia home only to penguins, except Russia, Cuba, North Korea, and Belarus.

However, the most intriguing aspect of this sovereignist, anti-globalisation decision is how the duties were calculated. This article will explore this aspect in greater detail.

A wave of global tariffs

The Trump administration’s trade offensive includes additional tariffs on nearly all goods imported into the United States, varying rates based on the country of origin. Here are some key details from the tariff plan:

  • Universal Basic Duty: A 10% tariff will be applied to all imports into the U.S.

“Worst Offenders”: Approximately 60 countries accused of unfair trade practices will face significantly higher tariffs starting April 9. These include:

  •  China: 34% tariff, added to the existing 20%, for 54%.
  •  Vietnam: 46% tariff.
  •  Thailand: 36% tariff.
  •  Japan: 24% tariff.
  •  European Union countries: 20% tariff.

The following section will discuss how misleading this classification can be.

Automobile Tariffs: A special 25% tariff will be imposed on all foreign cars and their components, significantly impacting foreign car manufacturers.

President Trump did not hold back in his trade offensive; countries from Europe to China, Japan to Brazil, are all set to “pay the price.” This list includes microstates and remote territories, ranging from the Svalbard Islands in the Arctic Circle to the uninhabited Heard and McDonald Islands, home only to penguins.

“We have been robbed for more than 50 years, but that won’t happen again,” thundered Trump, asserting that jobs and factories will return to the U.S. thanks to the tariffs. He even invited foreign companies: ‘If you want zero tariffs, come produce in America.’ In summary, this is America First version 2.0, which this time criticises virtually anyone living beyond the borders, even penguins.

How are duties calculated? The confusion between duties and VAT

As you may have noticed from the quotes, Donald Trump’s narrative has consistently centred on reciprocal tariffs. The former president has referred to his tariffs as “reciprocal tariffs,” claiming that the United States will impose duties only equivalent to the tariffs other countries have on American products. On the surface, this reasoning seems almost reasonable; however, the calculation method used by the White House is flawed.

In practice, Washington classified any existing foreign levy to justify high tariffs, confusing value-added tax (VAT) with actual duties. For instance, regarding Europe, Donald Trump claimed, “The EU is charging us 39%!” However, this figure is derived from Europe’s actual duties on some American products (less than 3%) and the VAT. This consumption tax varies from country to country. This calculation also includes any environmental or technical regulatory taxes, leading to a misleading representation of the actual tariff burden.

In simpler terms, the U.S. administration interpreted every existing tax on European products as punitive tariffs against the U.S.. It used basic mathematical operations to calculate the duties we see today. 

No serious economist would equate the Added Tax (VAT), which all consumers pay, including Europeans, with a duty specifically targeting foreign goods. However, this is how it is perceived to work in the “alternative reality” of the Trump trade war.

Reverse engineering on the trade deficit

The second part of the creative process by which the Trump administration determined the duties to impose on other countries is quite intriguing. The primary focus here is the trade deficit. Trump has consistently viewed this deficit as a scorecard: if the US imports more from one country than it exports, he interprets it as ‘losing’ and believes the other country is cheating.

For instance, it is well known that the US has a trade deficit of around $2.5 billion with Russia (importing more from Moscow than it exports). Trump frequently highlighted this fact in the past to justify implementing punitive measures.

During his narrative, the president mistakenly conflated the trade deficit with subsidies and integrated it into the formula discussed earlier. The result? The duties announced by the Trump administration are simply derived from the trade deficit divided by the respective country’s total exports to the United States.

Let’s illustrate this with a practical example by calculating the duty applied to Indonesia. The United States has a trade deficit of $17 billion with Indonesia, while Indonesian exports to the US amount to $28 billion

Calculating it: 

17 / 28 = 0.64 → 64%, precisely the figure on Donald Trump’s chart.

This aligns with ​​the government’s Reciprocal Tariff Calculations page: you take the US trade deficit in goods with a specific country, divide it by the total imports of goods from that country, and then divide the result by two. A trade deficit occurs when a country imports more physical goods from other countries than it exports to them.

The possible impact of these decisions

We have already observed the impact of the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, at least on the surface. During the first day following the announcement, the US stock market plummeted approximately 8% (S&P 500), while the NASDAQ dropped about 9% since the beginning of the week. 

On the other hand, Bitcoin has held up slightly better. Although it is currently down about 7%, it remains in a favourable position compared to last week. 

From a geopolitical perspective, the situation appears even more critical. It is difficult to understand the rationale behind the decisions made by the US president. Trump seems to be aiming to dismantle globalisation, which is the process that has gradually removed barriers to free trade and facilitated economic integration between countries.

There’s an interesting paradox: for many countries, selling goods abroad at higher prices has been a means to accelerate capital accumulation and move closer economically to wealthier nations. This is how China experienced rapid growth, and Europe has also benefited somewhat from this process. However, the real winner of globalisation has been the United States. Why is that?

The U.S. gained favour with half the world by defeating the Soviet system, which failed to provide both consumption and growth. The United States initiated this process by reducing tariffs and showcasing the strength of its market economy. Free trade allowed the U.S. to emerge as a cultural, technological, and economic superpower, contributing to the decline of both the Soviet Union and Maoist China. This approach has generated significant wealth.

Contrary to what Trump might suggest, global trade does not harm the United States today. Thanks to its technological advantages, the US has focused on sectors that yield high productivity and added value. The outcome is a wealthier nation that produces fewer low-cost goods (which it imports) while buying these products at a low price, thus maintaining a very high per capita income.

This success is primarily due to American dominance in the services sector. Consider how many digital services we use daily—such as social media, search engines, streaming platforms, and software—are designed, operated, and monetised in the United States.

The calendar of quarterly results of listed companies

NVIDIA's quarterly data

Check out NVIDIA’s quarterly data calendar and the most important companies in the stock market.

The quarterly data calendar for NVIDIA and other major stock market companies is vital for monitoring market trends. NVIDIA and all publicly listed companies must release quarterly reports every three months. These reports provide essential information about the company’s financial performance for the previous quarter, including revenues, profits, expenses, future forecasts, and more.

This article explains why these reports are essential, how they influence investors’ decisions, and provides an updated timetable for their release.

Quarterly reports: why should companies like NVIDIA publish them?

Before exploring the quarterly earnings calendar of NVIDIA and other major companies in the stock market, it is important to understand some key aspects of these reports. First, it’s essential to note that the publication of these documents is a regulatory requirement designed to ensure a certain level of transparency in the markets.

Quarterly reports are pivotal in enabling investors to evaluate a company’s performance. They help them determine whether the company is growing and generating profits and provide the necessary information to decide whether to buy or sell its shares.

These reports reflect a company’s financial health and serve as a tool for comparing it with competitors. For instance, NVIDIA’s results can be compared to those of other companies in the technology sector. Are NVIDIA’s profits, derived from its GPU production, sufficient to justify its market capitalisation? Are there emerging competitors that can produce at lower costs? The analysis of quarterly reports can partly provide answers to these questions.

How they influence the markets

Like many publicly traded companies, NVIDIA’s quarterly earnings significantly impact the markets. However, the effects are not always obvious and require experience and a thorough understanding to interpret correctly. The reality is more complex and not always linear, adding an element of intrigue to the market dynamics.

There is no precise formula for predicting how the market will react to quarterly earnings reports. Multiple factors influence reactions, with investor expectations playing a crucial role. The stock typically rises if a company’s results align with analysts’ forecasts or exceed them. Conversely, if results are positive but fall short of expectations, the stock may decline.

Another essential factor to consider is the macroeconomic environment. During market uncertainty or weakness periods, even a positive quarterly result may not receive the recognition it deserves. For instance, if the Federal Reserve raises interest rates at the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on January 29, favourable quarterly results might fail to have a positive impact. Conversely, in a bullish environment, the market may view even less impressive results positively.

Additionally, several other aspects are crucial in how the market reacts to quarterly results. The size of the company, its industry, its market share, and its overall reputation are all factors that can significantly influence market perception and reactions to its quarterly performance.

NVIDIA quarterlies and more: the complete calendar

2025 will be a crucial year for Big Tech and the market in general. Here is the updated calendar with the quarterly reports of the primary listed companies.

Wednesday, 15 January 2025

  • JPMorgan Chase & Co. ($761 billion)
  • Wells Fargo & Co. ($274 billion)
  • Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. ($206 billion)
  • BlackRock, Inc. ($152 billion)
  • Citigroup Inc. ($153 billion)

Thursday, 16 January 2025

  • Bank of America Corp. ($358.4 billion)
  • Morgan Stanley ($220.15 billion)

Tuesday 21 January 2025

  • Netflix, Inc. ($415.44 billion)

Monday 28 January 2025

  • LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE ($377.21 billion)
  • T-Mobile US, Inc. ($274.5 billion)
  • Alibaba Group Holding Limited (USD 174 billion)

Wednesday, 29 January 2025

  • Meta Platforms, Inc. ($659.88 billion)
  • Microsoft Corporation ($3.23 trillion)
  • Tesla, Inc. ($397.15 billion)

Thursday 30 January 2025

  • Apple Inc. ($3.46 trillion)
  • Visa Inc. ($647.53 billion)
  • Mastercard Incorporated (USD 489.65 billion)

Tuesday 4 February 2025

  • Alphabet Incorporated, Google’s holding company ($1.91 trillion)

Thursday, 6 February 2025

  • Amazon.com, Inc. ($2.48 trillion)

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

  • NVIDIA Corporation ($2.9 trillion)

Over the past few days, it has become clear that 2025 will be a critical year for assessing artificial intelligence’s true impact. This topic is central to leading companies worldwide, including Meta, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Alphabet. Stay tuned to our blog for the latest updates.

DeepSeek: the Chinese AI that crashed the market

The market collapsed following the launch of the R1 version of DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence developed by a Chinese company. What happened?

Over the past few hours, the markets—particularly the NASDAQ (the index of major technology stocks) and the cryptocurrency index—have fallen sharply. Many analysts believe this reaction is due to the launch of the R1 version of DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence system based on language models similar to Chat GPT.

In particular, the speed with which DeepSeek was developed and its extremely low cost caused a stir, especially considering that the model is free and open-source. According to its developers’ statements, the realisation of DeepSeek R1 required only USD 6 million and two months of work.

DeepSeek: a threat to the United States?

What is the leading cause for concern related to this innovation in artificial intelligence, which has contributed to the recent collapse of technology stocks? It is quickly said: DeepSeek seems to work very well, and the costs to develop it are negligible compared to those incurred, for instance, by Google to ‘train’ Gemini ($191 million) or by OpenAI to release Chat GPT 5 (between $1.7 and $2.5 billion). This disparity doubts the robustness of AI-related stocks’ impressive growth.

The most commonly discussed hypothesis—though it should be cautiously approached is that DeepSeek could revolutionize the artificial intelligence market and significantly reduce the demand for specific hardware components. This could potentially lead to a wave of panic selling. Conversely, some argue that this is merely a narrative, a typical ‘catalyst’ used to explain movements that are actually part of normal market fluctuations.

What about the crypto market?

Cryptocurrencies experienced a decline for two primary reasons. First, there is a notable correlation between the stock market and the crypto market: when one market falls, it often pulls the other down as well. Additionally, some analysts believe that macroeconomic factors are at play. For instance, during the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on January 29, interest rates could remain unchanged or even be increased despite the new president, Donald Trump, advocating for a reduction.

The market and price movements

The Nasdaq index experienced a correction of nearly 4% before the market opened, while NVIDIA stock plummeted over 14% in pre-market trading before recovering slightly at the start of the trading session.

In terms of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin fell below the significant psychological threshold of $100,000, a level considered crucial support by some analysts, but then recovered. Overall ,sentiment regarding the leading cryptocurrency appears steady. Prominent analysts, including Arthur Hayes, continue to predict a price target for Bitcoin between $180,000 and $250,000 during this bull market. Additionally, it’s worth noting that February has historically been a strong month for cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin typically averaging a performance increase of around 15%.

Buy Bitcoin!

DeepSeek is not a ‘black swan’

Despite the scaremongering and scapegoating regarding the recent drop in prices, many experts believe that DeepSeek should not be considered a ‘black swan.‘ By definition, a black swan refers to unpredictable and disruptive events—such as wars, pandemics, or the unexpected collapse of key sectors or players—that can radically alter markets for a prolonged period. For example, the black swans of the last cycle were the collapse of the Earth-Moon ecosystem and the failure of the centralized exchange FTX.

In the case of DeepSeek, however, we are dealing with an innovation that, while interesting, is likely already reflected in market prices. This is especially true at a time when artificial intelligence is at the forefront of media and financial discussions. When everyone is warning about a potential bubble, it suggests that the information is already widely known and, therefore, largely anticipated.

As several analysts note on social media, a narrative is often constructed to justify periods of panic or sudden sell-offs. Without concrete evidence of a widespread collapse, the current market correction may merely be a technical adjustment within an overall bullish trend. Focusing on fundamentals and long-term prospects is the most prudent strategy in a market known for its volatility, helping investors avoid being swayed by extreme assumptions or temporary ‘noise.’

This is how Donald Trump capitalised 12 billion in two days with his meme coin

Donald Trump's meme coin on Solana

Donald Trump surprised everyone by announcing the launch of a meme coin on Solana. Find out the price, capitalisation, and why this move is shaking up the entire crypto market.

Without warning, on the night between Friday and Saturday and thus just days before his inauguration into the White House, Donald Trump made an announcement that shook the cryptocurrency world. The 47th US president unveiled that he had launched a memecoin called Official Trump (TRUMP) on Solana, which surpassed a capitalisation of $12 billion within hours.

Some investors initially thought it was a prank or a hacking attack on social channels. Yet confirmation came directly from CIC Digital LLC, the same entity already handling the launch of the tycoon’s NFT collections.

The token was launched with Trump’s image inspired by the July assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, a commercial initiative that has split the world between those who criticise the operation as a blatant attempt to profit from the office he is about to occupy and those who espouse the idea of a celebratory instrument of victory.

Officially ‘Official Trump (TRUMP)’: ‘presidential’ token on Solana

The idea behind Official Trump (TRUMP) is quite clear: to establish itself as Donald Trump’s only ‘official’ memecoin. According to the information provided by the team, the token’s distribution foresees an initial availability of 200 million TRUMP from day one, intending to extend the total supply to 1 billion within three years.

  • Updated price: according to the latest figures, 1 TRUMP is around $53
  • Trading volume: in the last 24 hours, the Trump meme coin has recorded around $51 billion. A record for the industry.
  • Distribution: According to the meme coin’s website, 80% of the coin’s supply is owned by CIC Digital LLC, an affiliate of the Trump Organisation, and Fight Fight LLC, a company incorporated in Delaware on 7 January. According to documents filed by the state, both companies will receive an undisclosed share of trading revenue.

Trump announced the launch of his token on social media: ‘It’s time to celebrate everything we stand for: WINNING! Join my special Trump Community. GET YOUR $TRUMP NOW.’ Within hours, the token quickly entered the market’s top 20 cryptos by capitalisation. 

The legal notes specify that the tokens are not regarded as ‘an investment opportunity’ or ‘a security’ but rather as an expression of support and commitment to the ideals and beliefs embodied in the ‘$TRUMP’ symbol.

Market and community reactions

Public opinion remains divided:

  • Pro: Supporters see TRUMP as a way to democratise access to digital assets and celebrate a prominent political figure.
  • Cons: Critics fear using presidential power for commercial purposes, raising ethical and regulatory concerns.

Criticism and scepticism

Many analysts and investors have expressed doubts about the operation. Nick Tomaino, a venture capitalist and former Coinbase executive, said, “The fact that Trump owns 80% of the tokens and launched them in the run-up to the inauguration is predatory, and many could suffer losses.”

The Kobeissi Letter, a well-known industry analyst, also commented negatively on X, describing the operation as ‘bordering on insanity’. In particular, it pointed out how the launch of $MELANIA, another meme coin linked to the Trump family, resulted in the pulverisation of $7.5 billion in just 10 minutes.

Support and celebration

On the other hand, the community of Trump supporters sees this initiative as a symbol of victory and celebration. With the slogan ‘It’s time to celebrate everything we stand for: WIN!”, Trump has attracted thousands of buyers, fuelling the hype around the project.

The launch of $MELANIA competes with $TRUMP

The launch of $MELANIA, which took place just over 24 hours after Trump’s, has unexpectedly impacted the market, prompting some traders to sell the $TRUMP meme coin to bet on a new target. “The official Melania meme is available! You can buy $MELANIA now,” was written on X and later shared by Trump.

Immediately after the debut of $MELANIA, the value of $TRUMP plummeted by more than 50%, from $75 to $30. In the following hours, it gradually rose again to around $64. Meanwhile, the market capitalisation of $MELANIA reached an impressive $13 billion.

From sceptic to crypto supporter?

Trump had previously criticised Bitcoin and the entire cryptocurrency industry, calling them ‘scams’. However, during the election campaign, he radically changed course, calling himself the ‘cryptocurrency president’ several times and becoming the first presidential candidate to accept cryptocurrency donations.

Following this interest, Trump launched a DeFi project on Ethereum called World Liberty Financial. However, in that case, Trump family members neither owned the platform nor held official roles in the company.

In addition, he declared his intention to use his executive powers to reduce the regulatory burden on companies in the cryptocurrency industry and announced the formation of a new dedicated advisory board. 

Among his plans is an executive order recognising Bitcoin and the crypto sector as national policy priorities. The order would invite government agencies to collaborate with the industry and establish a federal reserve for Bitcoin, allowing the government to buy and sell cryptocurrency. 

What happened this weekend in the world of decentralised finance also impacted the price of Bitcoin, which recorded a new all-time high at $109,500. 

Trump Token: the latest step in campaign merchandising

The Trump meme coin is the newest addition to the growing merchandising line, which already includes products such as perfumes, colognes, the ‘Trump Watches’ (with a value of up to $100,000), as well as silver coins, limited edition trainers, Trump-branded Bibles and collectable NFTs. NFTs and Trump-branded guitars alone generated 11.8 million in revenue.

How did the other ‘Trump tokens’ react?

The news did not fail to wreak havoc on cryptocurrencies already using Trump’s name or image—projects that originated well before TRUMP‘s official launch. Despite enjoying a surge in popularity in the past months due to the tycoon’s political and other exploits, many of these tokens experienced an immediate slump in value in favour of the more ‘authentic’ mem coin signed by CIC Digital LLC.

  • Fluctuating performance: within hours of TRUMP’s official presentation, the other Trump-themed coins showed a decline in trading volumes.
  • Possible consolidation: Some ‘unofficial’ projects may attempt rebranding or collaborate to distinguish themselves. However, competing with the original ‘Trump brand’ could be a complex challenge.

What happens now?

The media effect generated by this meme coin is already evident: Official Trump (TRUMP) has catalysed the attention of the press and social media, fuelling the debate on how political leaders can influence (and sometimes distort) crypto markets.

The following steps could concern:

  1. New exchange listings: capitalisation could increase further if $TRUMP were to land on high-volume trading platforms.
  2. Utility development: beyond the ‘meme’ dimension, the project could evolve with additional functionalities, such as staking, governance or synergies with the NFT world.
  3. Regulations: The hypothesis that a sitting US president publicly supports a meme coin raises several regulatory questions, especially given the propensity of some authorities to monitor digital assets closely.

What are meme coins

Memecoins are cryptocurrencies inspired by memes, jokes or viral internet phenomena. Unlike utility tokens, meme coins are often created to exploit the popularity of a meme or community. Two of the most famous examples are Dogecoin, created as a joke based on the Shiba Inu dog meme, and Shiba Inu, developed as a direct response to Dogecoin.

These cryptocurrencies are often launched with motives related to humour or the desire to ride a trend. Their value is mainly based on community support and speculation rather than real utility or technological innovation. The price of a meme coin is fuelled by the demand and hype of the moment, making it highly volatile.In conclusion, the launch of Official Trump (TRUMP) represents a unique case in the crypto landscape, with implications beyond the meme coin market. The main question remains whether this operation will set a new standard for using cryptocurrencies by political leaders and public figures or whether it will be just a controversial interlude in the crypto world.

The purchase of $TRUMP is highly speculative and carries a significant risk of loss. The value of $TRUMP is subject to high volatility and may fluctuate drastically over short periods. Please note: $TRUMP is a meme coin, a cryptocurrency based on an internet meme, and its value may be influenced by factors unrelated to economic fundamentals. The cryptocurrency market is largely unregulated, and buyers have limited protection in case of losses. The information provided in this newsletter does not constitute financial advice. You should consult a qualified financial advisor before making any purchase decision. Only invest what you can afford to lose, and fully understand the risks associated with cryptocurrency purchases, especially meme coins, before proceeding.

USA Inflation: Today’s CPI Data

US Inflation: Today’s CPI Data

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) Has Just Been Released: What It Means for the Markets

The Consumer Price Index (CPI), the key metric used to estimate inflation in the United States, has just been released. The fate of the markets often hinges on US inflation figures, and therefore on the CPI data published today. In this article, we’ll explore what the CPI is, why it matters, and examine the latest figures.

What Does CPI Mean?

Technically, the CPI (Consumer Price Index) is a fundamental economic indicator that measures the change in prices of goods and services typically purchased by consumers. In other words, it tells us how much more (or less) it costs to live today compared to the past.

The CPI is calculated by collecting price data on a representative “basket” of goods and services that consumers commonly buy. This basket includes a variety of essential products, such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, education, healthcare, and other everyday necessities. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) collects prices monthly across 75 urban areas and compares them with previous periods.

Why Is It Important?

The CPI is used to measure inflation, which indicates the rate at which the cost of living is rising. If the CPI increases, it means that prices are rising, and, on average, people need to spend more to maintain their standard of living.

Bitcoin and the CPI: What’s the connection?

Over the past week, Bitcoin has repeatedly broken ATHs (all‑time highs), although between Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 the price eased slightly, stabilising—so far—around USD 117 000. There’s no clear driver behind this rally, but some analysts believe the upward surge is essentially speculative anticipation of potential future interest‑rate cuts. In any event, as BTC climbed from USD 112 000 to USD 119 000, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a record daily inflow of USD 1 billion.

Putting these capital flows aside, today’s CPI release is significant because it could influence the Federal Reserve’s interest‑rate decisions at the next FOMC meeting (29–30 July). A lower CPI would suggest easing inflation, which might prompt the Federal Reserve to consider cutting rates. Rate cuts typically encourage inflows into risk‑on assets such as equities and Bitcoin. As such, linking Bitcoin and the CPI is more an indirect correlation: investors view the CPI as a barometer for anticipating Fed action.

The last time it happened

When the Fed maintained rates at May levels around mid‑June (17–18 June), Bitcoin’s price barely reacted—because the outcome was widely expected. Indeed, Chair Jerome Powell has conditioned markets to expect a cautious “wait and see” approach: “the Fed will continue to monitor incoming data in line with its dual mandate, namely high employment and low inflation”. Economic uncertainties, particularly around tariffs and geopolitical tensions, remain elevated even if somewhat diminished.

In this context, the Consumer Price Index becomes an essential tool for understanding inflation trends and making informed decisions. A stable or declining CPI could foster a less uncertain economic climate, helping to reduce volatility in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Analysis of July 2025 CPI data

On 15 July 2025, the BLS published June 2025 CPI figures. According to the report, monthly CPI rose compared to the previous month, as well as the annual CPI, now at 2.7%, up from 2.4% in June. This figure is significant because year‑on‑year inflation is 2,7%, moving further away the Fed’s 2% target. Naturally, the closer inflation is to the target, the more likely a rate cut becomes.

What do these figures mean?

A MoM change of 0.2% and a YoY change of 0.3% indicates that inflation is rising. The outcome aligns with expectations and reflects forecasts, which had predicted 2,7% YoY. What remains uncertain is how the Fed will respond on interest rates at the FOMC meeting on 29–30 July.

2025 CPI Historical Data
Here’s how the CPI has performed in the early months of 2025:

  • July 2025: 2,7 % (forecast 2.7 %)
  • June 2025: 2.4% (forecast: 2.5%)
  • May 2025: 2.3% (forecast: 2.4%)
  • April 2025: 2.4% (forecast: 2.5%)
  • March 2025: 2.8% (forecast: 2.9%)
  • February 2025: 3.0% (forecast: 2.9%)
  • January 2025: 2.9% (forecast: 2.9%)

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