The US GDP shrank by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Commerce Department’s advance estimate, raising concerns about potential stagflation. While underlying demand, as measured by real final sales to private domestic purchasers, showed a 3.0% increase, the price index for gross domestic purchases accelerated to 3.4%. The article also notes that Bitcoin’s price remained flat following the news.
BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, plans to integrate blockchain technology into its operations. It filed with the SEC to introduce “DLT Shares” linked to its $150 billion money market fund. This move signifies the continued convergence of traditional finance and blockchain, potentially offering new efficiencies and access to investors.
DWF Labs, a Web3 investor and market maker, will serve as the official market maker for JST, the governance token of the JUST ecosystem, which is built on the TRON blockchain. The collaboration with the JUST Foundation aims to increase liquidity for JST. This partnership signals expansion efforts for the JUST ecosystem, with DWF Labs providing crucial support for its token.
The SEC has concluded its investigation into PayPal’s PYUSD stablecoin, deciding against enforcement action. This outcome, revealed in PayPal’s Q1 2025 financial report, resolves a subpoena issued in November 2023 and alleviates regulatory concerns surrounding the dollar-backed cryptocurrency. This positive development removes a significant hurdle for PYUSD’s market presence.
Trump Media & Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social, is exploring a deeper integration with the cryptocurrency market. Led by CEO Devin Nunes, the firm is considering launching a utility token, a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform, and a digital wallet to facilitate transactions within its ecosystem. This strategic move indicates a focus on leveraging blockchain technology for its social media platform.
The article analyzes the factors behind Bitcoin’s recent price increase. It highlights that while demand from Bitcoin ETFs is a significant driver, stablecoin buying power remains low. The Exchange Stablecoins Ratio (ESR) and Stablecoin Supply Ratio (SSR) are used to gauge Bitcoin’s liquidity and potential buying strength. A low ESR suggests limited immediate buying power, whereas a high one shows available capital.
Pundi AI, a data infrastructure platform merging artificial intelligence with blockchain, has been accepted into NVIDIA’s Inception program. This program provides AI startups with access to advanced tools, training, and market support. The partnership aims to accelerate Pundi AI’s development by leveraging NVIDIA’s resources to enhance its AI-driven blockchain solutions.
The SEC has postponed decisions on five crypto-related ETF applications, including those from Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, and Bitwise. Bloomberg analysts James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas anticipate final rulings by October. The delays pertain to spot ETFs for Solana (SOL), XRP, Hedera (HBAR), and Dogecoin (DOGE).
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated the US is welcoming Bitcoin businesses. In an interview, Lutnick advocated for clear regulations, energy independence for Bitcoin miners, and official acceptance of Bitcoin. This represents a potential shift in the Biden administration’s approach to cryptocurrencies, emphasizing their classification as a commodity, similar to gold, and suggesting a more favorable environment for the industry.
The US government, under the current administration, is aiming to finalize legislation concerning stablecoins and the overall crypto market structure by August 2025. Bo Hines, executive director of the President’s Council of Advisors on Digital Assets, revealed a three-phase policy roadmap and discussed strategic initiatives in a recent interview. The goal is to provide regulatory clarity and framework for digital assets.