News – ISOC BSIG https://isoc-bsig.org ISOC Blockchain Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:25:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://isoc-bsig.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ISOC-BLOCKCHAIN-logo-100x100.png News – ISOC BSIG https://isoc-bsig.org 32 32 Cango bets on infrastructure to close power gap as EcoHash launches commercial AI inference platform  https://isoc-bsig.org/cango-bets-on-infrastructure-to-close-power-gap-as-ecohash-launches-commercial-ai-inference-platform/ https://isoc-bsig.org/cango-bets-on-infrastructure-to-close-power-gap-as-ecohash-launches-commercial-ai-inference-platform/#respond Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:24:59 +0000 https://isoc-bsig.org/?p=6412
  • Cango’s AI subsidiary EcoHash has launched commercially, targeting AI developers and compute operators.
  • Part of Cango’s 50MW Georgia mining facility will serve as EcoHash’s “living showroom,” demonstrating plug-and-play compute modules in real-world conditions.
  • EcoHash’s EcoLink platform was built to orchestrate compute capacity and deliver enterprise-grade AI inference without building capital-intensive, multi-year data centers.
  • EcoHash Technology LLC, the dedicated HPC and AI inference subsidiary of Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG), launched its public digital portal on 13 April 2026, announcing the start of commercial operations.

    It also unveiled plans to operate a portion of its 50-megawatt (MW) Georgia mining facility as a live proof-of-concept hub for the AI compute industry. 

    What is EcoHash, and why is it entering the market now?

    Cango (CANG) founded EcoHash in 2025 as part of its goal to convert the company’s global energy infrastructure into a distributed AI compute network. EcoHash’s commercial launch targets AI developers seeking low-latency, near-source compute capacity, and energy-intensive compute operators looking for modular pathways to infrastructure diversification. Cango (CANG) believes the latter is underserved by conventional data center providers.

    This development is coming at a time when researchers from Goldman Sachs are forecasting that U.S. data center power demand could reach 700 TWh by 2030, and this will be driven predominantly by AI inference workloads. 

    However, the current available supply remains just above 300 TWh, leaving a gap of about 400 TWh even as compute demand steadily increases. 

    This is the commercial rationale EcoHash is built around, and it was pointed out by  Cango’s CEO Paul Yu, who calls the “Power Gap” the disconnect between rising AI compute demand and constrained grid capacity.

    According to Jack Jin, chief technology officer of EcoHash, “EcoHash represents the core vehicle of our strategy to architect a future-ready platform and serve as our next growth engine, now entering a phase of accelerated commercialization.”

    The subsidiary’s commercial launch follows a period of intensive capital deployment. In April 2026, Cango (CANG) announced the completion of two financing transactions totaling $75 million, a $65 million equity close from board insiders Xin Jin and Chang-Wei Chiu, and a $10 million convertible note from Hong Kong-listed DL Holdings Group Limited (HKEX: 1709). 

    Cango (CANG) also entered a memorandum of understanding with DL Holdings for up to $10 million in further co-investment. 

    Those transactions followed an earlier $305 million boost from the sale of Bitcoin holdings used to retire debt and reset the balance sheet. 

    What is the Georgia facility designed to demonstrate?

    EcoHash’s launch strategy is backed by the Cango-owned 50MW Georgia mining facility, where the company is dedicating space to operate full-series container models as what it describes as a “living showroom”. 

    The site is engineered to demonstrate real-world performance across varying thermal and power configurations, functioning as a strategic proof-of-concept hub for industry collaborators across the digital infrastructure and mining ecosystem.

    Cango (CANG) intends for a portion of the Georgia facility to serve as the replicable template for a globally distributed AI compute network, with ambitions to scale the model across high-potential sites both within and beyond its existing mining locations spanning North America, the Middle East, South America, and East Africa. 

    The commercial viability of its plug-and-play modules in Georgia will enable the company to attract global partners into the EcoHash network, operators who can integrate existing infrastructure into the platform instead of building new data centers from scratch.

    How does the EcoLink platform come into the picture?

    The operational backbone of EcoHash is the proprietary EcoLink Orchestration Platform, a software layer that unifies and schedules geographically dispersed compute capacity across the network. 

    EcoLink is built to deliver enterprise-grade uptime through intelligent failover, provisioning compute power to meet real-time workload demands.

    It is the mechanism that transforms a collection of repurposed mining sites into something resembling a conventional hyperscale offering.

    In his comment, Jin stated that EcoLink is “the central nervous system of our network”, built to enable intelligent, real-time resource allocation connecting decentralized energy assets directly to the demands of large language model inference, generative AI, and a growing range of compute-intensive applications. 

    The result, per Cango (CANG), is elastic, low-latency compute that scales on demand, without the capital expenditure and multi-year lead times associated with building new data center capacity. 

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    Aether Holdings Taps OORT’s Decentralized DataHub to Curate High-Quality Financial Data For AI Model Training https://isoc-bsig.org/aether-holdings-taps-oorts-decentralized-datahub-to-curate-high-quality-financial-data-for-ai-model-training/ https://isoc-bsig.org/aether-holdings-taps-oorts-decentralized-datahub-to-curate-high-quality-financial-data-for-ai-model-training/#respond Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:57:22 +0000 https://isoc-bsig.org/?p=6339
  • Aether Holdings and OORT have launched a joint venture to create a decentralized platform for curating high-quality, validated financial datasets.
  • The partnership aims to address the lack of institutional-grade financial data that’s needed by fintech developers to create next-generation AI algorithms.
  • Aether Holdings DataHub will be built on OORT’s decentralized infrastructure and incentivize Aether Holdings’s community of financial experts to collect, label, validate and enrich data that can be trusted by fintechs.  
  • Aether Holdings, a company that’s best known for its fintech media publishing efforts, is teaming up with the decentralized data cloud company OORT. They’re building a new, community-focused platform that will decentralize and incentivize the creation of high-quality financial datasets for AI developers. 

    The two companies said today they’ve agreed to establish a joint venture called Aether DataHub, which will use OORT’s technology base to address an acute shortage of verified data that can be used by financial institutions to train AI systems. 

    The financial services industry is ripe for AI automation, but progress there has been slower than in many other industries due to the acute shortage of suitable data. Aether Holdings says that domain-specific data is sorely needed to build specialized AI models that can automate tasks such as trading, investing, or researching new investments, but it’s proving hard to come by. While no one disputes that there is plenty of financial data available online, the problem is that most of it is unverified, and therefore cannot be trusted by financial organizations that must adhere to strict regulations. 

    Aether Holdings’s solution to this conundrum is simple. It’s going to use OORT’s existing decentralized data infrastructure and encourage its 400,000-strong global community of subscribers, many of whom are financial wizards, to create this data. Aether Holdings DataHub will rely on OORT’s platform to manage the full lifecycle of financial data. OORT’s platform is notably incentivized, with each contributor earning crypto rewards for the work they do, whether that’s gathering the data, labeling it, performing validation or enriching it with additional data. The validation step is especially critical, because this is necessary to ensure that any dataset that reaches Aether Holdings DataHub’s marketplace will meet the highest institutional standards. 

    The ultimate goal of Aether Holdings DataHub is to build a proprietary data layer that will support both its own internal AI roadmap, and also provide access to other enterprises that need specialized datasets to train their own AI systems. It will be a place where organizations can search for or request specialized, human-validated datasets that cannot be found anywhere else.

    OORT founder and CEO Max Li said the project is a fantastic showcase of how decentralized infrastructure can help to gather and utilize community-based financial intelligence. “We are mobilizing participants to create a living, evolving financial data layer that can become the backbone of the global financial market’s data value chain,” he said. 

    Aether Holdings will handle Aether Holdings DataHub’s commercialization and market development, while OORT will be left alone to focus on building the platform itself. Aether Holdings holds majority governance rights, which gives it control over the venture’s future strategy. 

    Aether Holdings CEO Nicolas Lin said the next generation of intelligent financial applications can only be as good as the data that powers them, which is why it’s necessary to focus on supplying that resource. “Aether Holdings DataHub positions us to own and operate a critical layer of financial AI infrastructure and participate directly in the financial AI data ecosystem while building a proprietary data asset base that compounds in value over time,” he explained. “This is a long-term, strategically controlled investment designed to define our role in the financial AI ecosystem.”

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    Microsoft May Sue Over a $50B OpenAI Deal: the Same Week BlackRock Crossed $130 Billion in Crypto and the AI-Crypto Convergence Became Undeniable  https://isoc-bsig.org/microsoft-may-sue-openai-blackrock-130-billion-crypto/ https://isoc-bsig.org/microsoft-may-sue-openai-blackrock-130-billion-crypto/#respond Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:10:00 +0000 https://isoc-bsig.org/?p=6291 Microsoft is threatening to sue two of the most valuable companies on the planet, Amazon and its own long standing partner Open, over a $50 billion cloud deal that may directly violate the exclusive AI hosting rights it spent $13 billion to secure. These are three of the largest tech companies with a combined market cap of $8 trillion in a standoff over who gets to run Artificial Intelligence at scale. The Financial Times was first to report this story yesterday and the ramifications for the AI infra market are massive. However, there is an interesting thread running through it that the tech press have seemingly missed to capture. 

    The same week the dispute went public, BlackRock cemented itself as the world’s largest institutional holder of digital assets as they crossed $130 billion in crypto assets under management. The companies building AI and crypto infra do not function in separate worlds, they are the same companies, backed by the same institutional capital, sitting in the same allocation meetings. When you actually zoom out, the amount of capital flooding into AI and crypto tells a much more deeper story on where institutional allocation might be headed. 

    The $50 Billion Fight: Microsoft vs Amazon vs OpenAI 

    The Financial Times reported this week that Microsoft is looking to take legal action against both Amazon and OpenAI over a $50 billion deal that handed AWS exclusive third-party cloud rights for Frontier, OpenAI’s enterprise AI agent platform. The reason for the dispute boils down to a contractual gray area. Under the partnership terms, Microsoft’s position is that their agreement requires OpenAI’s API products to run through Azure. OpenAI is pushing back, arguing that Frontier is a “non-API product” and therefore can be hosted elsewhere. Microsoft in return says this deal violates “the spirit, if not the letter” of what they agreed to. 

    Microsoft has invested over $13 billion into OpenAI since 2019, holds a 27% stake and signed $250 billion worth of Azure cloud contracts with. This alignment is beginning to crack. Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, has already indicated that the company is “doubling down” on their own models. 

    The broader picture makes this messier as well. Anthropic is quickly closing the gap with OpenAI, now sitting at an enterprise revenue of $19 billion versus OpenAI’s $25 billion. A gap that Axios has termed “a wake-up call” for OpenAI. When three of the world’s largest tech companies are in a legal battle on who controls the AI’s infra layer, it sends a strong signal that centralized AI is moving toward a monopoly battleground. 

    BlackRock’s $130 Billion Crypto Empire: Built the Same Week  

    As the dispute over AI infrastructure takes place, at the very same time, BlackRock is building something just as consequential on the other side of the track. The largest asset manager in the world is now handling around $130 billion across crypto ETFs and on-chain financial infrastructure. The breakdown tells the story. The largest Bitcoin ETF, IBIT, holds 786,329 BTC with over $65 billion in AUM. Their Ethereum position sits at $6.8 billion. BUIDL, their tokenized U.S. Treasury fund, their tokenized U.S. treasury fund now sits at $2.01 Billion making it the largest on-chain Treasury product in existence. 

    Source: RWA.xyz

    On top of this, on March 12, BlackRock launched ETHB on Nasdaq, a staked Ethereum ETF that debuted with $107 million in seed assets, 80% of the ETH already staked on-chain earning a 3.1% annual yield paid out monthly, at a fee of 0.25% discounted to 0.12% on the first $2.5 billion. BlackRock’s global head of digital assets, Robert Mitchnick stated that ETHB provides investors “with an important new avenue to participate in the ecosystem’s evolution” while earning staking rewards. 

    The inflow data over the past week adds another layer. Between March 9 to 17, data from Farside Investors shows that BTC ETFs saw seven consecutive days of inflows that totalled to $1.168. Alongside this, we also saw the SEC and CFTC sign a joint memorandum establishing the first unified regulatory framework for digital assets in the U.S. 

    The takeaway therefore is very hard to look past. The regulatory backdrop in the U.S. is moving favourably and quickly all while crypto ETF adoption continues to accelerate. BlackRock isn’t allocating to crypto as a trade. It is actively building the financial infrastructure layer of it. 

    The Convergence: Same Capital, Same Committees, Same Thesis 

    The overlap is hard to ignore, even if it’s not perfectly traceable at the portfolio level. BlackRock is one of the largest institutional shareholders of both Microsoft and Amazon, the same firm in the middle of the AI infrastructure dispute is simultaneously building the world’s largest crypto stack. At the same time, the underlying rails are already intertwined. Microsoft runs Azure blockchain services, Amazon’s AWS already hosts Ethereum nodes, DeFi backends and exchange matching engines, and OpenAI’s agent platforms are increasingly interfacing with crypto-adjacent infrastructure. The institutional thesis running underneath all of this is that AI and crypto are not competing bets, they are complementary asymmetric plays sitting in the same portfolios. 

    The numbers that came out this week alone makes that hard to dismiss. Within the same seven day timeframe, NVIDIA projected $1 trillion in AI purchase orders and BlackRock crossed $130 billion in crypto AUM, both driven by the same global capital base. 

    The fracturing of centralized AI infrastructure also strengthens the crypto case in a way that does not get discussed enough. When three of the world’s largest tech companies cannot agree on who gets to control the AI infra layer, the permissionless nature of crypto starts to become a lot more attractive. No exclusive deals, no legal disputes on who gets to control what. Bitcoin at the low $70s post-FOMC is sitting at a level where the same institutions driving AI infrastructure demand are still accumulating BTC through ETFs at roughly $160 million per day. Whether that convergence is the primary driver is difficult to prove at the portfolio manager level, but directionally, the capital flows point in one direction. 

    What This Means for Bitcoin and What to Watch

    Bitcoin is currently trading at the low $70K region, down approximately 2% since the FOMC yesterday. So far, the typical 48-hour window where BTC dips after the FOMC is playing out like clockwork. That dip window between March 19-20 is now active and historically this timeframe is where volatility has compressed before the directional move. If the recent demand in Bitcoin ETFs continues, this dip could very well be absorbed fast.

    Beyond flows, there are two structural catalysts to watch. First, the Microsoft–OpenAI–Amazon dispute: if it resolves quietly, the AI narrative shifts back to execution; if it escalates into a prolonged legal battle, it reinforces a core crypto value proposition, no gatekeepers, no exclusivity, no dependency on a single platform. Second, the regulatory backdrop is quietly improving, with the recent SEC–CFTC coordination framework laying early groundwork for clearer rules around staking, tokenized securities, and DeFi, potentially unlocking the next wave of institutional products. Stepping back, the bigger question for Q2 2026 is no longer “AI or crypto?” but “how much of each?” The same institutions driving trillion-dollar AI capex cycles are still allocating aggressively into digital assets.  

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    The Largest Oil Reserve in History Just Failed: Now the Fed Must Decide Rates With No Safety Net and Bitcoin at $75K https://isoc-bsig.org/the-largest-oil-reserve-in-history-just-failed-now-the-fed-must-decide-rates-with-no-safety-net-and-bitcoin-at-75k/ https://isoc-bsig.org/the-largest-oil-reserve-in-history-just-failed-now-the-fed-must-decide-rates-with-no-safety-net-and-bitcoin-at-75k/#respond Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:07:58 +0000 https://isoc-bsig.org/?p=6285 The Federal Reserve is set to release its interest rate decision, updated dot and economic projection at 2 PM ET today. For the first time since the early days of the pandemic, there seems to be no clean path forward for the Fed. In an attempt to ease pressures on the energy supply crisis caused by the Iran war, a press release from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicated that it had already conducted the largest emergency oil reserve release in history with 32 member countries agreeing to a record 400 million barrel release. This however hasn’t helped bring oil prices down. Supply disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to choke markets. Brent is up 10% since the announcement dropped on March 11, now trading again above $100 per barrel. 

    Bitcoin, now trading above $74K after a breakout on Monday that saw hundreds of millions in shorts wiped out, is essentially front running a dovish outcome. Risk assets are positioned for the Fed to maintain the expectations of one rate cut this year and that the oil shock could be temporary. If the data shows this today, BTC could be on course to move higher toward the $80K region. In case the projection resets to zero cuts in 2026, the potential of this entire breakout could unravel.  

    The IEA’s $400 Million Barrels Couldn’t Fix Oil: and the Fed Knows It 

    On March 11, the IEA announced that it had coordinated a 400 million barrel emergency release across its 32 member states amidst the deepening energy supply crisis. This was the largest coordinated release in the agency’s history and more than double the 182 million barrels released after the conflict between Russia and Ukraine broke out in 2022. The United States alone is contributing 172 million barrels over 120 days or roughly 1.4 million barrels daily. Despite the scale, it still only covers around 15% of the supply lost from the Hormuz closure as reported by CNBC

    The market did the math almost immediately. As Al Jazeera noted, strategic reserve releases can help calm sentiment but cannot fix a physical disruption and that remains the main issue right now. This is not a demand spike but a physical supply issue caused by disruptions from airstrikes on infrastructure and hostilities around the critical passageway of Hormuz. 

    Economist Nabil al-Marsoumi estimates that oil is currently carrying a $40 per barrel risk premium above what fundamentals would otherwise justify. If the largest emergency reserve operation in history could not bring oil prices down below $100, then the inflationary pressure from energy is no longer transitory but structural, at least as long as the Strait of Hormuz sees disruptions. The dot plot today is essentially the Fed’s first public assessment of the situation and how it sees future rate cuts since the Iran war began. 

    Iran’s New Supreme Leader Just Made the Fed’s Job Harder

    Mojtaba Khamenei, was named Iran’s new supreme leader on March 9, days after his father Ali Khamenei was killed in the U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28. His first public statement, read on state television, made it clear that disruptions in Hormuz could prolong. He vowed that “the lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used,” CNBC reported.  

    On Monday, Israel killed the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Basij force, Gholamreza Soleimani, a strike that is more likely to harden Iran’s posture than soften it. The real world cost of all this is already showing up. Cathay Pacific announced a 105% fuel surcharge increase effective today, March 18, jumping from $72.90 to $149.20, a direct pass-through of the Hormuz closure hitting consumers. 

    This is the backdrop the Fed is walking into today. Core PCE is already sitting at 3.1%, above the 2% target, and that number was collected before the oil shock fully worked its way into consumer prices. The March and April CPI reports are where the real damage will show up. There is no ceasefire on the table, no negotiation framework visible and a new supreme leader who has explicitly committed to using the Strait as leverage. The Fed’s dot plot today isn’t just a rate forecast, it’s a projection of how long they think this lasts and how much of it they’re willing to look through. 

    Bitcoin at $74K: the Market’s Real Time Verdict on the Dot Plot

    Bitcoin moved past $75K yesterday reaching a high of $76K, a level last seen on February 4. The rally was likely triggered by forced closure of bearish bets, as put-option hedges around the $55 to $60K range were unwound. GoinGlass data shows that over $568 billion in short positions were liquidated in the past two days. Institutional demand has also taken a bullish turn with data from SoSo Value showing that this month has already seen net inflows of $1.74 billion and a seven day inflow streak. This marks the strongest signs of institutional buying pressure re-entering the market since early October. Markets are currently leaning toward a dovish posture from the Fed. This matters because any surprises from the data released today could hit harder than it would have done two weeks ago. 

    The setup going into the FOMC today is actually pretty straightforward. If the Fed maintains the dot plot of 1 cut this year, it effectively validates the thesis that the oil shock is temporary and growth concerns outweigh inflation. This is a massive green signal for markets and could push BTC higher toward the $80K mark. On the other hand, if policy shifts to zero cuts in 2026, the read is that inflation is no longer under control. In such a scenario, the unwind could be fast and the key level to watch would be $70K. 

    Historically, Bitcoin’s has also shown a consistent pattern following FOMC decisions. According to Phemex Research, Bitcoin has dropped after seven of the last eight interest rate decisions. Notably, the price reached a low within 48 hours after the event, making March 20 as a key window if the pattern holds. 

    What the Dot Plot Must Answer and What to Watch at 2PM

    The interest rate decision in itself is not the focal point today as the CME FedWatch data indicates a 98.9% probability that rates are held. Markets have largely priced this in but what hasn’t been factored in yet is the dot plot and economic projections. Right now this stands at one rate cut this year and any shift we see here will likely have a detrimental impact on risk assets. That said if projections hold steady, the risk-on trade could see a continuation as this would imply that the oil shock might just be temporary. 

    Apart from this, traders and analysts will be keeping close tabs on Powell’s conference after the data is out. If the dot plot stays unchanged but Powell leans hawkish in the 2:30 PM press conference, emphasizing “data dependence” while sidestepping the oil shock, markets could enter a period of chop rather than trend. Bitcoin would likely consolidate in the $73K–$76K range as participants wait for clearer inflation data in April. Ultimately, Powell’s language matters more than the statement itself. Whether he labels the oil shock as “transitory” or “structural” will define the macro regime for Q2. 

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    Top 6 Crypto Apps Every Crypto Investor Should Have in 2026 https://isoc-bsig.org/top-6-crypto-apps-every-crypto-investor-should-have-in-2026/ https://isoc-bsig.org/top-6-crypto-apps-every-crypto-investor-should-have-in-2026/#respond Wed, 31 Dec 2025 13:09:55 +0000 https://isoc-bsig.org/?p=5877 Crypto investing is no longer about relying on an all-in-one platform. To truly reap the benefits of the market swings, most investors use a stack of specialized mobile apps. These are often designed for different needs. One can be for instant swaps, one for market data, another for DeFi wallet access and so on. The investor profile has shifted from simply buy and hold to users that now expect easy to use, secure tools that help them make the most of their assets, from portfolio tracking to advanced analysis. 

    This article highlights the six must-have cryptocurrency applications that investors actually use, each excelling in its own distinct category. These apps were selected based on daily usability, strong mobile performance across operating systems, security, multi-chain support, speed/reliability and most importantly a clear use case for those managing or looking to gain exposure to digital assets. 

    By using these crypto apps in combination, a crypto investor in 2026 can cover all the facets required to potentially build wealth in this space. 

    1. ChangeNOW – Best Crypto App for Fast, Non-Custodial Crypto Swaps 

    Why it ranks #1 

    ChangeNOW is on the top of our list for quick and easy crypto swaps. It’s a non-custodial exchange platform with minimal onboarding steps. Users can swap coins directly from their wallet without depositing into a centralized exchange.

    This means no custody and fewer verifications for most basic swaps, unlike traditional crypto exchanges. Crypto swaps are near-instant and all carried out on a single terminal, making it extremely simple for those new to crypto swaps. For users looking to add or reduce exposure to a specific crypto on the go, the app is available on both Android and IOS. 

    Key Strengths 

    Despite its simplicity, ChangeNOW supports a huge number of crypto assets. This includes over 1,500 cryptocurrencies across 110+ blockchain networks and support for over 70 fiat currencies. Users can convert everything from Bitcoin to small cap altcoins or even gain more exposure to a specific crypto sector all in one place.

    With over 5 million users worldwide, ChangeNOW stands out for its clean and beginner friendly interface. It lowers the barrier for anyone looking to rebalance their portfolio or react to market moves on the go. 

    Speed and transparency are the biggest strong points for the platform. Swaps are typically completed within 1-2 minutes. Transparency is also at its core with rates clearly mentioned on the terminal before any swaps are initiated.

    ChangeNOW aggregates rates from various exchange partners to offer the most competitive prices. In addition, users have access to 24/7 customer support. For investors, the platform essentially provides a very convenient way to do quick swaps without managing orders on a traditional exchange. 

    Best for 

    ChangeNOW is an ideal platform for users looking to quickly rebalance their portfolios with the help of fast swaps. The platform makes it extremely easy to rotate out of one token into another in just a matter of seconds and taps. 

    As a non custodial service, it’s also great for those who value privacy and security. For those looking for convenience without the complexity of charts and trader heavy jargon, ChangeNOW is a platform that will appeal to this group. 

    Limitations 

    With its simplicity however comes its flipside. It is not a platform built for traders as there are no advanced trading features, order books or charting tools. The platform also does not provide you with a comprehensive overview to track your portfolio over time. 

    In this sense, ChangeNOW should be considered as a specialist swapping tool in one’s arsenal but you will probably be better off combining this with the other apps mentioned on our list to create a well rounded investor toolkit. Overall, however, its speed, non-custodial swaps with broad asset support makes it a top utility app for crypto investors in 2026. 

    2. CoinRabbit – Best Crypto App for Crypto-Backed Loans and Passive Growth  

    Why it’s essential

    Launched in 2020, CoinRabbit started as a crypto lending and is now growing into an all-in-one crypto platform. It combines crypto loans with a wallet, exchange and savings tools in one place. While the platform continues to evolve, crypto lending remains at its core, allowing users to use crypto as collateral and receive stablecoin loans instantly.

    This way, they can access liquidity for any needs without having to sell their holdings . In terms of asset support, currently CoinRabbit lets people use over 350 cryptocurrencies as collateral with a loan-to-value (LTV) of up to 90%, depending on the asset. 

    CoinRabbit also ensures a no rehypothecation policy, meaning your crypto stays untouched and is stored in cold wallets with multisig access. This gives full control and safety of your assets. 

    Loans are usually issued in under 10 minutes without any credit checks and the platform offers 27/7 human support. The loan feature starts at amounts under $100 so the barrier to entry is not high for even small holders. 

    For high net worth individuals or institutions managing $500,000 or more in digital assets, the platform has a dedicated Private Program. The perks in this exclusive service include a personal relationship manager, cross-collateralization, special loan, restoration options and personalized borrowing rates. 

    Apart from instant loans, the platform is also known for its easy to use Earn feature. Users can deposit stablecoins like USDT and USDC or certain cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum generate yield in a passive manner.

    A compound interest of 5% APY can be expected from stablecoins across different networks and interest is paid on a daily basis. Users also have flexibility here as they can opt to withdraw the complete amount or partially at any time. 

    Best For

    CoinRabbit is a platform best suited for investors looking to unlock extra liquidity without having to sell their crypto assets. This is especially useful during volatile periods as the platform’s model allows investors to hold and not sell at a potentially inopportune time.

    Investors who are in crypto for the long term will also find this platform useful for its Earn feature. The ease of use along with high security standards allows long term holders to earn passive interest on their idle assets. 

    3. MetaMask – Best App for Web3 & DeFi Access 

    Why it’s included

    Metamask has built a reputation as the best web3 wallet app. It is a must have for anyone looking to explore DeFi, interact with decentralized applications (dApps) or on-chain invest/trade. Launched in 2016, it’s an established self-custodial wallet, putting you in control of your private keys while providing a gateway to the world of decentralized web. 

    Starting out as a browser extension, MetaMask later expanded to a full mobile app on both IOS and Android. With MetaMask, you can receive, store and send cryptocurrency, primarily Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens. Its real utility, however, comes from how easy it is to connect to dApps.

    The app has a web3 browser that lets you navigate to a decentralized exchange, NFT marketplace, DeFi lending and borrowing protocol etc and Metamask can directly connect and act as your wallet login. 

    This way, MetaMask essentially becomes a users key that unlocks the word of web3. This simplicity has enabled MetaMask to acquire around 30 million monthly active users globally as of 2025. 

    Another reason for its popularity is its strong ecosystem support and flexibility. MetaMask is not limited to Ethereum’s mainnet, it supports connecting to multiple Ethereum compatible networks like Polygon, BNB chain, Arbitrum, Optimism, Avalanche and others. 

    Best For

    MetaMask is undoubtedly made for those looking to explore the world of dApps. It’s the go to crypto app for holding your crypto in a secure place with an option to use your crypto in the decentralized space. Long term holders can use MetaMask to store their assets while active traders can use it to link to a decentralized exchange or earn yield through lending protocols. 

    4. TradingView – Best Crypto App for Charting & Technical Analysis 

    TradingView is the ultimate platform for technical analysis and charting. This application is not limited to cryptocurrencies as it’s an established tool used in other traditional markets like stocks, commodities, forex etc as well. This support across various asset classes is actually a massive strength as users can analyze how crypto is performing against other assets from a macro perspective. 

    The mobile application comes with almost all trading pairs and these can be overlaid with trendlines and technical indicators. It comes loaded with 100+ pre built technical indicators and 90+ drawing tools. It also comes with the flexibility of custom script support, meaning those who want to code their own indicators can do so. 

    One of its stand out features is the ability to set alerts. You can set custom price alerts on a specific asset and TradingView will automatically push a notification when that condition is met. For a market like crypto that runs 24/7, this feature is especially useful. 

    Multi device and account syncing is another strong feature of TradingView. Once you sign in and set up your charts, all the data, including trendlines, indicators and alerts are synced across devices. 

    Apart from this, it can also be seen as a place to learn from other technical analysts. It has an active community wherein traders post their ideas with live charts enabling knowledge sharing.

    Best for 

    TradingView is best suited for technical traders and anyone looking for in-depth market analysis. During volatile periods, timing can become crucial. TradingView helps in strategizing your trades by providing the resources to identify market structures, trends and signals. 

    Even long term investors can use TradingView to identify potential local bottoms or tops by keeping a longer timeframe on the charts. Crucially, TradingView is built for both beginners who just want to check real time prices and for pro traders who might build their own strategy using various indicators. 

    5. CoinStats – Best Crypto App for Portfolio Tracking

    Why Investors Use it 

    For many crypto investors, tracking your balances across different exchanges and wallets becomes a challenging task. CoinStats is a platform that tackles this problem by creating a unified dashboard where investors can track all their balances from these different sources in one place.

    CoinStats is basically a complete view of your entire portfolio in one application. It does this by having access to 300+ exchanges and wallet services (portfolios are connected via API or public addresses), effectively aggregating your balances and transaction history automatically

    Best for

    CoinStats is best for crypto users who store their assets across different wallet addresses or between different networks. Whether you’re a long term holder or using hot wallets for shorter term trades, this platform gives you a birds eye view of your entire portfolio on any given day. 

    6. Google Authenticator (or Authy) – Best Crypto App for Security 

    Last but not least, strong account security is a must have for crypto traders and investors. As crypto scams get more sophisticated by the day, the use of two factor authentication (2FA) apps like Google Authenticator or Authy becomes non-negotiable. 

    These authenticator apps generate time based 6 digit code that you must enter when loggin into your exchange or wallet that has 2FA. This basically adds another layer of safety beyond a password. 

    This sort of security is especially important in crypto, as breaches to your wallet or exchange can mean irreversible loss when transferred. 

    Best for

    An authenticator app is best for everyone’s security. It’s essentially mandatory for account protection in 2026. It dramatically reduces risks when holding crypto and is a security practice that most exchanges and wallets require you to set up. 

    Summary

    AppCategoryPrimary Use
    ChangeNOWSwapFast, non-custodial conversions
    CoinRabbitLendingCrypto loans & passive income
    MetaMaskWalletWeb3 access
    TradingViewAnalysisCharting & TA
    CoinStatsPortfolioPerformance tracking
    AuthenticatorSecurityAccount protection 

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    Thailand is thinking about removing taxes on additional U.S. products https://isoc-bsig.org/thailand-is-thinking-about-removing-taxes-on-additional-u-s-products/ https://isoc-bsig.org/thailand-is-thinking-about-removing-taxes-on-additional-u-s-products/#respond Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:32:24 +0000 https://isoc-bsig.org/?p=4991 In this post:
    • Thailand’s finance minister, Pichai Chunhavajira, revealed that his nation is thinking about lifting duties on additional American-imported items.
    • Chunhavajira added that in order to lessen the effects of Washington’s tariffs, Thailand had prepared soft loans totaling around $6.1 billion (~200 billion Baht).
    • As it prepared to create plans to lessen reliance on the United States, the Thai Commerce Ministry examined the effects of U.S. tariffs on particular industries.

    “The country added a few items to its zero-tariff bracket on select products imported from the United States,” said Pichai Chunhavajira, Thailand’s finance minister.

    In an effort to convince the United States to lower its 36% tariff rate on Thai goods, Thailand simultaneously reduced tariffs on 90% of its exports to the United States.

    Chunhavajira clarified that the goal of removing additional U.S. imports from tariffs was to promote trade between the two nations. Thailand pledged to increase its imports from the United States in order to strengthen bilateral trade. The Finance Minister added that in order to lessen the effect of U.S. tariffs on regional companies, his government was ready to provide soft loans totaling about $6.1 billion (~200 billion Baht).

    If an agreement was not reached by August 1, the United States threatened to impose a 36% tariff on Thai imports.

    Thailand does, however, expect that after examining its suggested tariff cuts, the Trump administration will take lowering the rates into consideration.

    The Thai National Shippers Council, or TNSC, stated that the 36% tariff rate would increase the cost of U.S. imports and that a 20% duty would be easier to administer.

    Additionally, it can make domestic companies less competitive.

    Chunhavajira thinks the high tariffs may restrict Thailand’s economic growth this year to 1%, which would be less than the 2.3% increase the country’s central bank had predicted.

    The TNSC identified rice, processed foods, electronics, consumer products, and rubber as susceptible industries. Additionally, the Council anticipates job losses in labor-intensive industries. Additionally, declining farm incomes may put more strain on rural economies.

    Chunhavajira claims that the latest tariff plan was informed by U.S. input

    According to Minister Chunhavajira, the updated list of U.S. goods that are free from taxes was informed by input from U.S. trade representatives. Within ten years, the revised plan would balance trade with the United States, he claimed.

    Prior to this, the Finance Minister stated that Thailand intended to lower taxes on U.S. corn and import more natural gas from the United States. According to the Thai Feed Mill Association (TFMA), a 73% import tariff was imposed on U.S. corn.

    Chunhavajira further stated that beyond the conclusion of the 90-day tariff respite, trade negotiations between the two nations were anticipated to continue. He emphasized that discussions necessitated stakeholder consultations.

    “I think the conditions that we have set are very favorable and should satisfy their needs…we are not offering zero tariffs across the board but we do offer zero tariffs for a significant number of products.”– Pichai Chunhavajira, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand 

    Chunhavajira questioned why the United States had not examined Thailand’s updated tariff proposal prior to the confirmation of the 36% tariff threat. He did stress, though, that 10% of U.S. imports will continue to be subject to Thai government taxes. Thailand took this action to shield its own companies from the effects of free trade agreements with other nations.

    Thailand considers the effects of tariffs on several industries

    The Thai Commerce Ministry planned to create plans to diversify its markets and lessen Thailand’s reliance on the United States after analyzing the effects of Trump’s tariffs on particular industries.

    Additionally, according to the ministry, Thailand was thinking about lowering tariffs on low-risk U.S. imports including apples and grapes. The Thai government, however, was determined to safeguard delicate goods like grain, soybeans, and pork.

    Due to pressure from low demand and the growing usage of synthetic rubber, a market dominated by the United States, the rubber sector was already down 36% year over year.

    According to the Federation of Thai Industries, the nation would suffer losses of about 900 billion Baht the next year if the present uncertainties are not resolved.

    According to the Federation, if the U.S. tariffs are not changed, Thailand could drop to fourth place among ASEAN investment destinations, behind Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Cambodia and other low-cost nations may attract foreign direct investment (FDI), especially in the food processing, electronics, and equipment industries.

    The Board of Investments 2025 warned that up to one million jobs could be lost as a result of the wider economic consequences, putting its FDI target of 800 billion Baht in jeopardy. Additionally, the Thai Chamber of Commerce cautioned that companies would probably turn to automation if Thailand’s approved tariffs were higher than Vietnam’s by over 50%.

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    The largest banking organization in Germany will permit Bitcoin trading through an app https://isoc-bsig.org/the-largest-banking-organization-in-germany-will-permit-bitcoin-trading-through-an-app/ https://isoc-bsig.org/the-largest-banking-organization-in-germany-will-permit-bitcoin-trading-through-an-app/#respond Tue, 01 Jul 2025 15:54:18 +0000 https://isoc-bsig.org/?p=4988 In this post:
    • Within a year, millions of users will be able to trade Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies via Sparkassen’s banking app.
    • The movement is driven by new EU crypto regulations and rising consumer demand.
    • There will be no in-branch support and risk alerts as the service is self-managed.

    Millions of customers will be able to trade Bitcoin and other digital assets directly through Sparkassen’s banking app as the biggest banking group in Germany makes a historic entry into the cryptocurrency market. The action is more than just a new product introduction.

    Sparkassen’s decision represents a larger institutional shift toward acknowledging digital assets as a valid component of the financial future in a nation where traditional banking has traditionally influenced consumer finance.

    The German Savings Banks Association (DSGV), which had resolved a few years ago not to offer crypto services, is making a significant policy change with the launch, which is scheduled for the upcoming year.

    The new service will be made possible by DekaBank, the primary securities service provider that is controlled by about 350 Sparkassen.

    Sparkassen enters the cryptocurrency space due to client demand and MiCAR clarification

    The change follows the introduction of the Markets in CryptoAssets Regulation (MiCAR) by the European Union, which establishes a uniform legal framework for crypto assets throughout EU member states. Even the most conservative banks in Europe appear to have been unable to ignore the dynamics created by MiCAR’s regulatory clarity, competitive pressure, and indisputable customer demand, according to DSGV.

    In a formal statement, the organization stated, “Therefore, we will enable interested self-determinants to access DekaBank’s crypto offering via the Sparkasse app in the future.”

    The program is intended to be self-serve and will not offer in-branch support or investment advice. Consumers will be clearly warned about the extreme volatility and potential for complete loss that come with investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

    “Self-determined” investors looking for direct access to digital assets are the product’s target market. With many traditional banks providing access to cryptocurrency while avoiding advisory liability in a changing regulatory landscape, this cautious approach is indicative of broader industry changes.

    The timing is in line with the landmark EU Markets in CryptoAssets regulation, which gave banks entering the market a long-awaited set of rules.

    Sparkassen could now construct a compliance framework supported by DekaBank’s securities infrastructure, eliminating the need to negotiate a gray area.However, the urgency cannot be explained by regulation alone.

    In an April interview with Bloomberg, Matthias Dießl, chairman of the Bavarian Savings Banks Association, alluded to the true motivator, saying, “Our clients are asking for this.”

    Sparkassen ran the risk of becoming obsolete if it did not respond to the competition from German cooperative banks like Volksbanken, which were already vying for crypto services.

    Fintech pressure and growing demand for Bitcoin force legacy institutions to change

    Sparkassen’s entry into the cryptocurrency market comes after its rivals have taken comparable actions. The Stuttgart Stock Exchange and DZ Bank, the national bank for Germany’s cooperatives, are collaborating on a cryptocurrency trading pilot that will grow this year.

    Meanwhile, traditional banks are under pressure to innovate as fintech companies like Trade Republic have grown significantly to cater to retail cryptocurrency investors.

    Additionally, the date aligns with a renewed interest in Bitcoin, which in late May reached an all-time high of $111,970.

    With more than 200 businesses currently keeping Bitcoin in their corporate treasuries, institutional adoption has sped up.

    Philippe Laffont, the founder of hedge fund Coatue Management, said he added Bitcoin to his firm’s Fantastic 40 list, a collection of investments it sees as major winners through 2030.

    That’s partly because Laffont believes the total market cap of the world’s biggest crypto could rise to as much as $5 trillion one day. That implies Bitcoin’s total value could rise 134% from a market cap of around $2.1 trillion.

    KEY Difference Wire: the secret tool crypto projects use to get guaranteed media coverage

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    Security issues are raised by Ledger’s new offline wallet key recovery options https://isoc-bsig.org/security-issues-are-raised-by-ledgers-new-offline-wallet-key-recovery-options/ https://isoc-bsig.org/security-issues-are-raised-by-ledgers-new-offline-wallet-key-recovery-options/#respond Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:32:32 +0000 https://isoc-bsig.org/?p=4985 In this post:
    • Ledger unlocked its newest models, Flex and Stax, with a new hardware device.
    • According to a new whitepaper, tamper-proof chips and specialized firmware safeguard the hardware device.
    • In order to prevent granting authorization to fraudulent smart contracts, Ledger introduced extra signing protection.

    For new wallets, Ledger will include a new key recovery capability that will enable offline access to the private key. Since Ledger’s devices were promoted as a means of rendering private keys inaccessible, the move raised a number of security issues.

    In the future, Ledger will provide a key recovery function to new wallets, allowing certain devices to have a secondary PIN. Recovery Key is a new service that can be utilized completely offline and is optional. The business recently released a whitepaper outlining the capabilities of its new offline recovery system.

    The new Ledger Recovery key is a smart card that generates the Secret Recovery Phrase by storing a copy of the master secret. The card can share the master secret from the Ledger Hardware Wallet, connecting via Near Field Communication. 

    The master secret is stored on a tamper-resistant chip in the Secure Element, which prevents it from leaking or being removed by hardware. The component provides multiple security layers, such as a secure factory environment to prevent tampering or putting compromised devices, and a separate operating system for exclusive communication with Ledger devices.

    In response to multiple high-profile instances of locked devices, this is the second attempt to provide recovery to Ledger users. The recovery option, however, also presents further security risks for misuse of the secondary PIN.

    Flex and Stax models saw the introduction of Ledger Recovery

    Ledger Recovery is designed especially for Ledger Flex and Ledger Stax, two touchscreen products. The original Ledger device can be unlocked with the new spare key, which is stored in a different secure device. A user has the option to generate several spare keys, which are protected and generated online.

    With Ledger Recovery Key we are making secure self-custody easy-to-use for everyone. Too many people are compromising by keeping their assets on exchanges and insecure software wallets. With Ledger Recover and now Ledger Recovery Key, as well as the traditional 24-words, we are proud to offer a recovery solution for every category of user.” 

    ~ Ian Rogers, Chief experience officer at Ledger

    Ledger Recover, a premium function that grants access to the device, will coexist alongside the new service. Ledger Recover, however, is a de-anonymizing service that necessitates KYC. After several kidnapping cases, some cryptocurrency owners are still hesitant to have their identities associated with cryptocurrency ownership. Owners of ledger wallets have also been targeted, primarily to coerce them into unlocking the device. In certain situations, the device itself may also be misplaced or misused. Ledger is now one of the top tools for crypto hardware storage, having already claimed over 7.5 million total sales.

    The ledger presents the transaction check

    Ledger also improved its software to intercept potentially dangerous transactions as Web3 usage rises. The newest function in Ledger Live, Ledger Transaction Check, is designed to screen transactions. Ethereum users are the primary goal of the increased security.

    Despite the increased security provided by Ledger, signing with the devices could still be exploited. Even though Bybit was allegedly employing a Ledger Nano, a multisig wallet was used to hack the exchange, resulting in a $1.4 billion loss.

    Despite the safe hardware protection, the functionality makes signing more transparent in a setting where malicious smart contracts can take control of Ethereum wallet permissions.

    KEY Difference Wire: the secret tool crypto projects use to get guaranteed media coverage

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    Since Open Network’s inception 100 days ago, PI Network accounts have seen little change in pricing https://isoc-bsig.org/since-open-networks-inception-100-days-ago-pi-network-accounts-have-seen-little-change-in-pricing/ https://isoc-bsig.org/since-open-networks-inception-100-days-ago-pi-network-accounts-have-seen-little-change-in-pricing/#respond Sat, 21 Jun 2025 16:27:23 +0000 https://isoc-bsig.org/?p=4979 In this post:
    • With more than 13 million users and $100 million in venture funding disclosed, Pi Network celebrates 100 days since the debut of its Open Mainnet.
    • Pi Coin suffers below $0.60 with limited trading volume, even with the expansion of the ecosystem and new features like PiFest and.pi Domains.
    • As traders watch the June 28 Two-Pi Day for a possible shift in bullish momentum, technical indicators are displaying conflicting indications.

    After more than six years of ecosystem development, Pi Network launched its Open mainnet on February 20, 2025, and has now completed its first 100 days. With the introduction, Pi’s blockchain gained external connectivity, allowing for real-time functionality and increasing access for developers, merchants, and more than 13 million mainnet users worldwide.

    The price of Pi Coin (PI), which has had difficulty gaining traction and is currently trading below $0.60, did not benefit much from the 100-day celebrations.

    PI coin minimal price movement. Source: CoinGecko

    With current trade volumes hanging at $77 million, down 35% from the seven-day average, the currency was unable to break the $0.61 resistance indicated by the 50-period exponential moving average.

    Pi Day 2025 and a $100 million Pi Network venture fund

    A blog article claims that the Pi Foundation established Pi Network Ventures in 100 days, a project supported by a $100 million fund divided between Pi and USD.

    According to the Pi team, the project will assist in funding new ventures and companies that expand or include the Pi ecosystem. It further stated that initiatives that promote the Pi coin’s practical uses and commercial use would be given priority by the fund.

    Pi Network’s fruit-matching mobile game FruityPi is one of the other ecosystem additions.

    Pi Day 2025, held on March 14, was the beginning of the first PiFest event following the Open Network launch. The week-long event, which ran through March 21, brought in more than 125,000 registered merchants, including 58,000 active sellers.

    The organization said, “In the first 100 days of Open Network, Pioneers have shown that the widely used, utility-based Pi cryptocurrency is here to stay and grow.”

    Over 1.8 million Pioneers used the community-driven “Map of Pi” app during the event, and over 45,000 ratings were left. Real-world commerce inside the Pi ecosystem was tested at PiFest.

    Auction prices for pi domains surpass 69,000

    Cryptopolitan reported on the opening of the.pi Domains auction last Tuesday, which allowed users and companies to purchase unique domain names inside the Pi ecosystem.

    According to the foundation’s report, over 57,000 distinct participants have placed over 123,000 active bids to date. More than 3 million Pi have been staked throughout the ongoing auction process, and there are currently active bids on over 69,000 domains. According to the Pi Foundation, the domains offer user customization, brand visibility, better app discovery, and instant utility.

    Since February, Pi Network has also been updating its mainnet ecology interface. Developers no longer need prior whitelist clearance in order to deploy apps using the Developer Portal.

    In a move to support monetization, Pi App developers have been invited to apply for the Pi Ad Network. Those selected will join the first group of apps from the pilot program already receiving ad revenue. The network is seemingly building an economically sustainable ecosystem for developers and content creators.

    Over 3 million more Pioneers have joined the mainnet since February 20th, bringing the total number of users to over 13 million. With almost 7.4 billion Pi transferred, 5.2 billion locked, and 2.2 billion unlocked, blockchain activity is increasing.

    Pi Network’s internal blockchain explorer indicates that more than 400,000 nodes are currently operational across testnet1, testnet2, and the mainnet.

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    As Trump postpones his war decision, oil reduces gains and US stock futures decline https://isoc-bsig.org/as-trump-postpones-his-war-decision-oil-reduces-gains-and-us-stock-futures-decline/ https://isoc-bsig.org/as-trump-postpones-his-war-decision-oil-reduces-gains-and-us-stock-futures-decline/#respond Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:00:59 +0000 https://isoc-bsig.org/?p=4976 In this post:
    • After the White House postponed making a decision on US engagement in the Israel-Iran conflict, Brent crude futures dropped $1.89 a barrel to $76.96.
    • July U.S. WTI futures increased by $0.53 per barrel to $75.67.
    • As investors considered President Trump’s two-week deadline, US stock futures fell more than 0.3 percent.

    After the White House postponed its decision on US engagement in the Israel-Iran conflict, Brent crude prices fell about $2 on Friday, reversing a recent rise.

    Brent oil futures were down $1.89, or 2.4%, at $76.96 a barrel at 02:55 GMT, but they were still up roughly 3.8% for the week.

    A holiday prevented Thursday’s trading of US West Texas Intermediate crude for July, but it was up $0.53, or 0.7%, at $75.67 per barrel.

    Prices rose by about 3% earlier Thursday after Israel hit what it claimed were nuclear-related sites in Iran. Iran then attacked Israel with missiles and drones after an overnight raid on an Israeli hospital. The week-old clash between the two countries showed no signs of easing.

    Gains were curtailed on Friday, though, when the White House press secretary stated that President Donald Trump would make a decision on whether to deploy American military to the Israel-Iran conflict within the next two weeks.

    Fears of more U.S. engagement in Israel’s war with Iran caused oil prices to soar. However, Phil Flynn, an analyst with The Price Futures Group, later stated that the White House press secretary indicated there was still opportunity for de-escalation.

    Iran, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, is the third-largest producer in the group, extracting over 3.3 million barrels of crude oil per day.

    Oil and oil products flow through the Strait of Hormuz on Iran’s southern coast at a rate of between 18 million to 21 million barrels per day. Analysts and traders fear that if the war intensifies, it may impede shipments and reduce international supply.

    Trump has employed the “two-week deadline” strategy in other significant choices. Tony Sycamore, an analyst at IG, pointed out that these deadlines frequently pass without any significant action, which would keep the price of crude oil high and maybe build on recent gains.

    Thursday night saw a decline in US stock futures

    Thursday night saw a decline in US market futures as investors considered the possibility of US military engagement in the Israel-Iran conflict and President Trump’s two-week deadline for a decision.

    Futures for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 fell about 0.3%, while futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost more than 0.4%.

    Due to Thursday’s Juneteenth market closure, traders took a break as tensions in world headlines increased.Investors on Wall Street were also processing comments made by Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve.

    Powell stated that policymakers were not in a rush to lower interest rates and would base their decisions on new evidence after the Fed held interest rates steady on Wednesday.

    The majority of traders anticipate a rate cut by the Fed’s September meeting, according to CME Group.

    Powell was once again criticized by President Trump on Thursday, who said that by maintaining high interest rates, Powell has cost the US “hundreds of billions of dollars.” Powell was referred to as “one of the dumbest, and most destructive, people in Government” in his personal attack.

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