Tag Archives: economic

Anndy Lian: Crypto fun drives economic potential

Anndy Lian: Crypto fun drives economic potential

Anndy Lian highlights the vibrant dynamics of the cryptocurrency community, emphasizing its unique cycle from memes to monetary benefits.

Lian, a noted figure in the cryptocurrency sphere, argues that the essence of crypto lies in its ability to engage communities through fun, which, in turn, brings significant financial returns. By connecting the presence of communal entertainment with attention and investment, Lian stresses the innate potential of the crypto market to evolve and profit. This model reflects the increasing influence of community-driven activities on the digital currency landscape, suggesting that social connections play a pivotal role in financial outcomes within the sector.

 

 

Lian’s perspective on the interplay between community engagement and financial innovation aligns with his broader commentary on the sector. His observations on the impact of communal forces in crypto complement past warnings about market manipulation and the influence of online opinion leaders. Furthermore, his emphasis on community-driven growth reinforces continued advocacy for security, having previously highlighted the necessity for robust storage solutions such as cold wallets to safeguard digital assets amidst market volatility.

 

Source: https://tradersunion.com/news/market-voices/show/677291-crypto-fun-profits/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

Economic crosscurrents: Tariffs, politics, and the crypto conundrum

Economic crosscurrents: Tariffs, politics, and the crypto conundrum

Lately, the mood among investors worldwide has been pretty cautious. When we talk about global risk sentiment being subdued, it’s akin to saying people are tiptoeing around, unsure about where to invest their money.

They’re not exactly jumping into risky investments with both feet. Why? A significant portion of that hesitation stems from the drama surrounding trade tariffs.

The United States is flexing its muscles with new tariff threats, and the European Union is gearing up to push back. This tug-of-war is causing widespread anxiety, and it’s having a ripple effect on markets in some particularly interesting ways.

Stocks might look shaky if trade wars intensify, bonds could become appealing if people start playing it safe, and then there’s this wild card: cryptocurrencies, bucking the trend and shooting up. It’s a lot to unpack.

Trade tariffs: The US vs EU showdown

At the heart of this uncertainty is a bold move from the US. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dropped a bombshell, stating that as of August 1, the US plans to impose high tariff rates on imports from various countries. His logic? It’s a pressure tactic. He figures that by increasing the cost of doing business with the US, other nations will rush to the negotiating table with better trade deals. It’s a classic power play: turn up the heat and see who blinks first.

But the European Union isn’t sitting quietly. EU diplomats are hinting that they’re not thrilled with how things are going. The chances of striking a trade deal with the US that everyone can live with are slipping away. So, they’re devising countermeasures, such as retaliatory tariffs or other economic measures.

This isn’t just a little spat. It’s shaping up to be a full-on trade standoff, and the stakes are high. When two economic giants, such as the US and the EU, start squaring off, it rattles global markets. Companies that rely on smooth trade flows get jittery, supply chains could get snagged, and prices for all sorts of goods might climb. That’s the kind of uncertainty that keeps investors up at night.

Bessent’s strategy might work in the short term, but some countries could cave and offer sweeter deals. But it’s a gamble. If the EU digs in and fires back, we could see a spiral of tit-for-tat tariffs that drags down global growth. It’s bold, but it’s risky, and markets hate that kind of unpredictability.

How markets are reacting

Let’s zoom in on what’s happening in the US markets, because they’re giving us some big clues about how investors are feeling. The equity markets wrapped up with a mixed bag. The S&P 500 nudged up by 0.14 per cent, and the NASDAQ climbed 0.38 per cent, thanks to heavy hitters in big tech holding strong.

Meanwhile, the Dow Jones slipped slightly, down 0.04 per cent. What’s that telling us? Tech stocks are still the darlings, shrugging off some of the trade noise, while other sectors, like industrials in the Dow, aren’t feeling as chipper.

Then there’s the bond market. The 10-year US Treasury yield dropped four basis points to 4.38 per cent, and the two-year yield eased 1 basis point to 3.86 per cent. Lower yields mean bond prices are up, and that’s a classic sign of a “flight to safety.” When people are worried, they pile into Treasuries, figuring they’re a safe bet compared to stocks or other riskier investments. It’s like putting your money under the mattress, but with a little interest.

The US Dollar Index also took a hit, falling 0.64 per cent. That’s partly because those sliding Treasury yields make the dollar less attractive. If you’re not earning as much on US bonds, why hold dollars? Gold, on the other hand, jumped 1.3 per cent. That’s no surprise, gold loves a good crisis. When the world feels shaky, people turn to it as a safe haven. Brent crude oil, though, stayed flat at US$69 a barrel. Oil’s holding steady, which suggests energy markets aren’t panicking just yet.

My view here is that we’re seeing a split personality in the markets. Tech stocks are hanging tough, but the rush to bonds and gold shows there’s real unease bubbling underneath. The dollar’s tumble might hint at doubts about the US tariff plan paying off. It’s a messy picture, but it’s fascinating to watch unfold.

Asia steps into the spotlight

Now, let’s hop over to Asia, where Japan’s political scene is adding its flavour to this global stew. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba got a rough wake-up call when his Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito lost their majority in the Upper House election on July 20. That’s a big deal. Losing control like that shakes up the political landscape.

The USD/JPY exchange rate tanked 0.96 per cent, dropping from a high of 147.08. A weaker dollar against the yen often ties back to uncertainty, and Japan’s political wobbles are stirring the pot.

Ishiba’s sticking to his guns, saying he’ll keep leading despite the loss. But a fractured coalition could mean trouble pushing through policies, especially on the economic front. That uncertainty hit the yen hard, and it’s got traders watching closely. Still, Asian equity markets mostly rose, with Japanese stocks rebounding in a relief rally. It’s like investors are betting that the chaos might not be as bad as it looks, or at least, not yet.

I think Japan’s situation is a wildcard. Political instability could spook markets more if Ishiba can’t steady the ship. But that relief rally suggests some optimism that things won’t fall apart completely. It’s a delicate balance, and it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Bitcoin and crypto: The wild ride

Okay, now let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Bitcoin and the crypto market. While traditional markets are fretting over tariffs and politics, Bitcoin’s on a tear, blasting past its old highs to hit US$118,000. That’s not just a number: it’s a statement.

This surge wiped out over US$1 billion in short positions, meaning many individuals betting against Bitcoin suffered significant losses. The US$100,000 mark was a mental hurdle, and once it broke through, the mood shifted. Profit-takers stepped aside, and buyers with big dreams stepped in, pushing the price higher.

What’s driving this? Part of it ties back to companies like Strategy, run by Michael Saylor. They’re doubling down on Bitcoin, raising US$500 million through preferred equity sales to scoop up more coins. They’re offering Series A Perpetual Stretch preferred stock, worth US$5 million, with a nine per cent dividend, priced at a discount between US$90 and US$95 per share.

It’s a creative move, and it’s paying off. Strategy’s common shares popped 0.4 per cent to $428 after hours, and their recent share increases have raked in US$119 billion, with US$71 billion of that fuelling Bitcoin buys. Saylor’s all-in on this, and it’s boosting confidence in the crypto space.

Other cryptocurrencies are also riding the wave. Ethereum cracked US$3,000, and coins like Solana, XRP, and Binance Coin are up. Even memecoins, which had been quiet, are perking up. Bitcoin’s dominance dipped from 66 per cent to 64.3 per cent, showing altcoins are stealing some of the spotlight. A trader named Bluntz thinks SPX6900 could hit its all-time high soon, which could spark more meme madness.

Bitcoin’s run feels like a rebellion against the gloom in traditional markets. While tariffs and politics spook stocks and bonds, crypto is carving its path. Saylor’s strategy is a big piece of that; his faith in Bitcoin is contagious. I reckon we could see US$250,000 if this momentum holds, similar to what Crypto Twitter’s Cobie predicted. The hard part was getting past US$100,000, and now it’s like the sky’s the limit.

Pulling it all together

So, where does this leave us? Global risk sentiment is downbeat, and it’s easy to see why. The US-EU trade spat is a slow-burning fuse, and Japan’s political hiccup isn’t helping. Markets are reacting in fits and starts; tech stocks are holding up, while bonds and gold serve as safe havens, and the dollar is wobbling. Then there’s Bitcoin, charging ahead like it doesn’t care about any of it.

If the tariff threats turn into a full-blown trade war, we could see more volatility, stocks might stumble, and safe assets could shine. But crypto’s surge suggests some investors are looking beyond that chaos, betting on a future where digital assets outshine the old guard. It’s a bold move, and I’m intrigued by how it’s playing out. Strategy’s Bitcoin grab feels like a vote of confidence, and it might just pay off big.

What do you think? Are you leaning toward the safety of bonds or the wild ride of crypto? Either way, it’s a heck of a time to be watching the markets.

 

 

Source: https://e27.co/economic-crosscurrents-tariffs-politics-and-the-crypto-conundrum-20250722/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

Trump’s Fed firing threat shakes markets: A deep dive into the economic fallout

Trump’s Fed firing threat shakes markets: A deep dive into the economic fallout

The most striking development in this saga is the report that President Trump drafted a letter to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and shared it with House Republicans during a private meeting.

This move, if true, signals a potential escalation in Trump’s long-standing frustration with Powell, whom he has criticised for not aligning Fed policies, particularly interest rate decisions, with his economic agenda. Sources indicate that Trump sought input from the lawmakers, many of whom reportedly supported the idea of ousting Powell.

However, Trump later walked back these reports, stating he’s “not planning on doing anything” and deeming it “highly unlikely” he would fire Powell unless there were extreme circumstances like fraud. He even denied drafting the letter, despite earlier accounts suggesting otherwise.

This episode is more than just political theatre. It raises serious questions about the independence of the Federal Reserve, a cornerstone of US economic stability. The Fed’s autonomy allows it to make monetary policy decisions based on data and long-term economic health, free from short-term political pressures.

If Trump were to follow through on such a threat, it could erode confidence in the Fed’s ability to act impartially, potentially destabilising financial markets and undermining the US dollar’s global standing.

Even the mere suggestion of such an action has already sparked volatility, as markets grapple with the uncertainty of a politically influenced central bank. Trump’s history of clashing with Powell, particularly over his desire for lower interest rates to stimulate growth, adds context to this tension; however, the draft letter, if it exists, marks a bold step toward direct intervention.

On the economic front, several key indicators provide additional layers to this story. US producer prices (PPI) in June 2025 remained flat, missing expectations of a 0.2 per cent increase after a revised 0.3 per cent rise in May. This stagnation was driven by a 0.1 per cent dip in service prices, highlighted by a sharp 4.1 per cent drop in traveler accommodation costs, offset by a 0.3 per cent rise in goods prices, the largest since February, fuelled by an 0.8 per cent jump in communication equipment.

Flat producer prices suggest that inflationary pressures may be cooling at the wholesale level, which could ease some of the Fed’s concerns about overheating. However, this comes on the heels of a hotter-than-expected consumer price index (CPI) reading earlier in the week, creating a mixed inflation picture that complicates the Fed’s next moves.

Across the Atlantic, UK inflation rose to 3.6 per cent in June 2025, the highest level since January 2024, up from 3.4 per cent in May and exceeding forecasts. This spike was primarily driven by a 1.7 per cent increase in transport costs, with motor fuel, airfares, rail fares, and vehicle maintenance all contributing. Rising UK inflation could pressure the Bank of England to tighten monetary policy, potentially strengthening the pound and influencing global capital flows.

Meanwhile, US industrial production rose 0.3 per cent in June, surpassing expectations of a 0.1 per cent gain after two flat months. Manufacturing edged up 0.1 per cent, while utilities surged 2.8 per cent, boosted by a 3.5 per cent rise in electricity generation. This resilience in industrial activity signals underlying economic strength, though trade tensions and tariffs could pose risks to sustained growth.

Equities: A relief rally in the US, struggles elsewhere

The equity markets have responded swiftly to the Trump-Powell saga. In the US, stocks closed higher on Wednesday after Trump quelled fears of removing Powell, offering a soothing balm to investors rattled by earlier reports. The S&P 500 climbed 0.3 per cent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 231 points, and the Nasdaq 100 rose 0.1 per cent to a record close.

This uptick reflects a relief rally, as markets had dipped earlier on concerns that Powell’s ouster could disrupt monetary policy stability and exacerbate inflation and trade worries. The flat PPI data also helped calm nerves after Tuesday’s hotter CPI reading, suggesting that inflationary pressures might not be as intense as feared.

On the corporate side, results were mixed: Goldman Sachs rose one per cent after beating profit estimates, while Johnson & Johnson soared 6.2 per cent on strong earnings and an upgraded outlook. In contrast, Bank of America fell 0.3 per cent on weak revenue, and Morgan Stanley dropped 1.3 per cent despite solid earnings.

In Europe, however, the mood was less upbeat. Frankfurt’s DAX slipped 0.2 per cent to 24,048, marking its fifth consecutive loss amid trade uncertainty and disappointing earnings. Hopes for a softer tariff deal faded as Trump renewed threats to expand tariffs to pharmaceuticals and semiconductors by August 1 under his “reciprocal” tax plan.

The EU Trade Commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, is set to visit Washington to negotiate the US’s proposed 30 per cent tariff, underscoring the high stakes for European exporters. Automakers bore the brunt of the decline, with Volkswagen down 3.7 per cent, Porsche AG off three per cent, and Mercedes-Benz losing 1.9 per cent. Chemical distributor Brenntag also fell 2.6 per cent after a Deutsche Bank downgrade. These losses highlight how Trump’s trade policies are casting a long shadow over European markets.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index fell 0.3 per cent to 24,518, snapping a four-day winning streak after hitting a four-month high earlier in the session. Traders took profits as US futures weakened following June inflation data, which hinted that tariffs might be pushing prices higher and reducing expectations for Fed rate cuts.

Trump’s signals of potential tariffs on pharmaceuticals by the end of July, with semiconductors possibly next, added further pressure. Notable losers included Pop Mart International (-4.3 per cent), Zhejiang Leapmotor Tech (-3.0 per cent), KE Holdings (-2.7 per cent), and China Longyuan Power (-2.5 per cent). The pullback reflects broader concerns about how US trade policy could disrupt Asian markets, particularly those tied to global supply chains.

FX: Dollar volatility and global currency shifts

The foreign exchange market has been a rollercoaster amid these developments. The US dollar (USD) initially dipped on reports that Trump might fire Powell, as investors worried about the implications for Fed independence and continuity of monetary policy. The dollar index (DXY) fell below 98.40, reflecting this unease.

However, the USD rebounded after Trump denied the claims, and the soft PPI data bolstered confidence that inflation might remain in check. This recovery underscores the dollar’s sensitivity to both political headlines and economic fundamentals.

The euro (EUR) capitalised on the dollar’s early weakness, briefly rising above US$1.17, but later pared its gains as Powell-related uncertainty lingered, settling around US$1.1630. The British pound (GBP) strengthened to above 1.34, buoyed by the softer dollar and a temporary lift from UK inflation data, which hinted at potential Bank of England action.

In Japan, the yen weakened against the dollar, with USDJPY climbing to 148.20, as exports fell 0.5 per cent year-over-year in June, missing expectations of a 0.5 per cent gain. This decline was driven by an 11.4 per cent drop in exports to the US and a 4.7 per cent fall to China, though exports to the EU rose 3.6 per cent. Imports, meanwhile, rose 0.2 per cent year-over-year, defying forecasts of a 1.1 per cent drop. These trade figures highlight the challenges facing export-driven economies amid global trade tensions.

Commodities mixed, yield curve steepens

In the commodities space, gold rose, snapping a two-day slide, as investors sought safety amid the uncertainty surrounding Powell. The metal surged as much as 1.6 per cent before trimming gains after Trump’s denial, reflecting its role as a haven asset. Oil edged higher after a three-day slide, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) near US$67 and Brent below US$69, driven by mixed US inventory data. Crude stockpiles fell, but distillate inventories rose, amid ongoing trade war concerns.

In the bond market, the spread between 5-year and 30-year US Treasury yields widened to 108 basis points, the steepest since 2021. This steepening yield curve could signal expectations of stronger growth and higher inflation ahead, though it may also reflect uncertainty about the Fed’s future path under political scrutiny.

Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin and Ethereum in focus

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) is consolidating below US$120,000 after hitting an all-time high of US$123,091 earlier in the week, closing flat at US$118,600. A bearish engulfing candle and declining volume, from US$180 billion on July 14 to below US$100 billion by July 15, suggest market indecision. Support sits at US$117,000, with a potential drop to US$114,400-US$112,000 if breached. Despite this, spot Bitcoin ETF inflows surged to US$799 million on Wednesday, signalling robust long-term demand.

Ethereum (ETH-USD) soared 15 per cent in three days after Peter Thiel disclosed a 9.1 per cent stake in BitMine, a crypto miner holding 164,000 Ether worth US$500 million. This news has electrified the crypto space, underscoring growing institutional interest.

My take: Implications and outlook

Recent developments indicate that we are at a pivotal moment in the global economy. Trump’s suggestion of firing Powell raises concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve, a move that could lead to long-term market instability if it were to occur.

The current mixed economic signals from flat US Producer Price Index (PPI) and rising inflation in the UK, to solid industrial production, suggest that the global economy is in a state of flux, with unpredictable trade policies adding to the uncertainty.

In the US, equities show resilience, while other markets exhibit vulnerabilities. The fluctuations in the dollar underscore its crucial role in global finance. Commodities and cryptocurrencies present both opportunities and risks, with gold and Ethereum standing out amid this uncertainty.

Looking ahead, the relationship between politics and economic policy will be vital. If Trump decides to back off, the markets may stabilise; however, any renewed pressure could lead to increased volatility.

Key economic data releases, such as US retail sales and the Eurozone Consumer Price Index (CPI), will further influence the situation. For now, the world is watching closely, and I will continue to analyse the data to provide a clear perspective on what lies ahead.

 

Source: https://e27.co/trumps-fed-firing-threat-shakes-markets-a-deep-dive-into-the-economic-fallout-20250718/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j