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Showing posts from October, 2025

Ford Beats Wall Street Estimates with Strong Quarterly Earnings

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DETROIT — Ford Motor Company announced quarterly earnings that exceeded Wall Street expectations, reporting adjusted earnings per share of $0.45 versus $0.36 estimated. The automaker’s total revenue reached $47.19 billion , surpassing projections of $43.08 billion , supported by strong vehicle demand and effective pricing strategies. The company’s robust performance underscores Ford’s progress in streamlining its operations while navigating challenges in the electric vehicle sector and maintaining profitability amid rising production costs.

Google and Anthropic Announce Major Cloud Deal to Boost AI Computing Power

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The agreement grants Anthropic access to one million Google-designed TPUs — the largest cloud infrastructure expansion in its history. SAN FRANCISCO — Google and Anthropic have confirmed a massive partnership that gives Anthropic access to one million Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) developed by Google. The deal is expected to add over one gigawatt of AI computing capacity to the global internet by 2026 , marking a major leap in large-scale cloud computing for artificial intelligence . The collaboration highlights Anthropic’s strategic, low-profile approach to expansion , standing in contrast to OpenAI’s ambitious “Stargate” project. Instead of relying on a single partner, Anthropic is diversifying its computing ecosystem — drawing on chips from Google, Amazon, and Nvidia to power AI training, inference, and research . Analysts say the partnership marks a turning point in the global race for AI infrastructure dominance. By integrating Google’s TPUs, Anthropic coul...

Morocco Plans to Phase Out Coal by 2040 — Conditional on Global Climate Funding

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Rabat eyes a green transformation as it commits to end coal use in power generation, aligning with international climate goals. RABAT — Morocco announced plans to gradually eliminate coal-based electricity production by 2040 , provided that international climate financing is made available to support the transition. The move is part of a broader national strategy to expand renewable energy and natural gas projects , as coal accounted for 59% of Morocco’s electricity mix in 2024 , down from 70% in 2022 . Energy Transition in Focus Minister of Energy Transition Leila Benali confirmed that the government has halted all new coal plant projects , underscoring Morocco’s shift toward cleaner, sustainable power sources . She noted that the country is committed to balancing energy security, affordability, and environmental goals . Renewables Take the Lead Experts say the plan signals Morocco’s readiness for early retirement of coal plants and the implementation of contractu...

Google Faces New $2.36 Billion Demand from U.S. Users Over Data Privacy Violations

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Plaintiffs argue Alphabet’s profits from unauthorized data collection far exceed previous court awards. SAN FRANCISCO — American users have filed a new legal motion against Alphabet Inc. , the parent company of Google , demanding an additional $2.36 billion in profits allegedly gained from unlawful data collection practices . The filing follows a previous court ruling granting $425 million to affected users in a case centered on Google’s gathering of app data without consent. The plaintiffs described the new claim as a “conservative estimate” of Google’s illicit earnings, arguing that the company continued to benefit from privacy violations even after the earlier judgment. According to court documents, Google allegedly collected data from millions of users who had disabled account tracking features , raising renewed questions about user control and transparency. In response, Google denied any wrongdoing, asserting that all collected data was anonymized and that the ...

EU Poised to Replace All Russian LNG Imports by 2027

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BRUSSELS —  Fresh data and market analyses suggest that the European Union is on track to completely phase out imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) by 2027 — without causing a major shock to global prices. The shift is being driven by massive production expansions underway in both the United States and Qatar. The move comes as part of a broader European decision to impose a full ban on Russian gas starting in early 2027, under a new sanctions package targeting Moscow amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. The United States is planning to boost its LNG export capacity by more than 50 million tons per year , positioning itself as Europe’s dominant energy supplier in the years ahead. Meanwhile, Qatar is ramping up output by around 31 million tons through its North Field expansion project , one of the largest gas developments in the world. According to energy companies and market forecasts, the U.S. share of European LNG supplies could climb to roughly 70% by the end ...

Economist Eric Monnet: "Stablecoins Have Become a Major Political and Geopolitical Issue"

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Economist Eric Monnet warns that stablecoins pose a significant threat to existing monetary systems and risk increasing emerging economies' dependence on the dollar. In an op-ed, Monnet urges Europe to develop an international strategy, collaborating with vulnerable nations to address the systemic challenges posed by these digital assets. This article explores Monnet's critical assessment of stablecoins, their inherent risks, and their potential to destabilize global finance if left unregulated. PARIS — According to economist Eric Monnet , " Stablecoins have become a major political and geopolitical issue ," demanding urgent attention from global policymakers. Monnet argues that these digital assets could destabilize existing monetary systems and heighten the reliance of emerging economies on the U.S. dollar, necessitating a proactive international response. Monetary and financial history is punctuated by technical and institutional innovations—from bill...

Beyond Stablecoins: Experts Advocate for Tokenized Bank Deposits in Europe

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As the debate intensifies over stablecoins, particularly those championed by figures like Donald Trump for their potential to streamline corporate transactions, European economists and corporate treasurers are proposing an alternative. Anton Brender and Gérard Soularue argue that Europe should instead invest in a system that transforms traditional bank deposits into digital tokens, offering a distinct path forward for digital payments. PARIS — In an unexpected ripple effect, the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House could accelerate Europe's journey towards a digital euro. Driven by a president who has become a proponent of cryptocurrencies, the U.S. Congress has passed legislation establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets. Among these, the stablecoin has emerged as a central focus in discussions about the future of payments. Born from the volatile world of cryptocurrencies , a stablecoin is a digital token designed to maintain a perfect peg with ...

Coinbase Seeks National Trust Charter to Bridge Crypto and Traditional Finance

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Coinbase is taking a significant step to deepen the integration between the cryptocurrency and traditional financial sectors. The exchange announced on October 3 that it has filed an application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for a national trust company charter . This move signals aggressive expansion plans beyond its core custody services, aiming for broader crypto innovation. The company, Coinbase Inc. (Nasdaq: COIN), framed the decision as a means to expand its custody arm and secure clearer regulatory oversight. It stated that obtaining the charter would accelerate the integration of digital asset integration into traditional finance while upholding stringent compliance standards. Coinbase detailed its position on its blog, clarifying: " Coinbase has no intention of becoming a bank. We strongly believe that clear rules and trust from our regulators and customers allow Coinbase to innovate confidently while ensuring ...

Social Security Recipients Eye 2026 COLA as Shutdown Concerns Linger

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Millions of Social Security recipients are keenly awaiting details regarding the 2026 Social Security COLA, a crucial adjustment that helps benefits keep pace with inflation. While projections are beginning to emerge, the current political climate, including potential government shutdowns, could delay official announcements. This article explores the forecasts for the 2026 COLA, its potential impact on retirees, and the broader context of ongoing Social Security changes. WASHINGTON — As the calendar pages turn, attention is already shifting towards the 2026 social security cola increase , a critical adjustment that directly impacts the purchasing power of millions of retirees and beneficiaries. Early forecasts are beginning to offer a glimpse into How Much Social Security's 2026 COLA Is Forecast to Raise Benefits for Retirees Ages 62 to 80 , providing a sense of anticipation for those dependent on these funds. The annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment ( COLA ) for Social Secur...

Japan's Gumi Secures Funding to Acquire XRP, Expand Blockchain Strategy

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TOKYO, JAPAN – Gumi Inc. ( Tokyo Stock Exchange : 3903), a Tokyo-based game development and crypto strategy firm, is significantly ramping up its blockchain ambitions. The company announced on October 2 that its board approved the issuance of its 26th series of share acquisition rights through a third-party allotment to SBI Securities Co. Ltd. This fresh funding, expected to yield approximately ¥5.72 billion ($38.79 million), aims to reduce debt and accelerate Gumi's Japan blockchain strategy , with a pronounced focus on Gumi XRP acquisition and other digital assets. The company explicitly outlined its intentions, stating: The funds raised this time will be allocated not only to acquire crypto assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), XRP , and others that the company expects to exceed their current value in the future, but also to create synergies through staking and other business applications. Of the net proceeds, roughly ¥3 billion will go towards repaying a loan from SBI Se...

Coinbase and Samsung Collaborate to Bring Crypto Access to 75 Million Galaxy Users

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Coinbase has significantly boosted cryptocurrency accessibility by integrating its premium "Coinbase One" service directly into the Samsung Wallet . This strategic partnership unlocks seamless crypto benefits for over 75 million Galaxy users across the United States, marking a major step towards crypto mass adoption . The intersection of global technology and financial trends continues to deepen, as leading consumer brands increasingly embed digital asset services into mainstream platforms. Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN) announced on October 3 that its subscription service, Coinbase One, is now integrated into the Samsung Wallet for Galaxy users in the U.S. This development grants exclusive access to a massive user base, with both companies planning a global rollout in the near future. Shan Aggarwal , Chief Commercial Officer at Coinbase , articulated the vision behind the collaboration: Together with Samsung, we are pairing their global scale with...

BBVA Joins SWIFT Blockchain Initiative to Remake Global Real-Time Payments

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MADRID, SPAIN – BBVA is making a significant move into the realm of blockchain-based global payments, throwing its support behind SWIFT's ambitious real-time settlement network. The Spanish financial giant highlighted the network's potential for enhanced speed, transparency, and its capacity to handle stablecoins and tokenized assets . On October 3, the leading Spanish financial services firm announced it had become part of a consortium of over 30 banks. This group is working on a SWIFT DLT network initiative aimed at creating a shared, blockchain-based ledger. SWIFT had recently revealed its plans to build this network for continuous, real-time settlement of international payments, marking a major step in cross-border payments blockchain modernization. BBVA offered a glimpse into the system's intended operation: The new network will function as a shared and secure digital ledger where banks can record their international transactions in real time, sort, a...

India Grapples with Stablecoin Shifts as Finance Minister Highlights Global Financial Challenges

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NEW DELHI, INDIA – India is increasingly stepping onto the global stage as innovations like stablecoins and broader digital finance India begin to redefine the very foundations of traditional money. This evolving landscape is compelling nations worldwide to adapt, or risk being left behind in a rapidly transforming economic environment. At the Kautilya Economic Conclave 2025 on October 3, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stablecoins became a central point of discussion. She stressed that current upheavals are not fleeting disruptions but integral parts of a deeper, structural transformation within the global economy. Sitharaman warned that these developments demand proactive engagement from policymakers, particularly those in emerging economies finance , as the fundamental rules governing financial and economic interactions are being rewritten. "The choices we face are clear, and we already see efforts to reimagine the global financial system itself," the Fina...

Stablecoin Market Cap Soars Past $300 Billion Amid Robust Growth

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NEW YORK, NY – The total stablecoin market cap has now exceeded $300 billion, marking an impressive 20% growth during the third quarter of 2025 . This expanding sector of the crypto ecosystem growth remains heavily tethered to the U.S. dollar , which continues to assert its paramount influence within the digital asset landscape. While often overshadowed by Bitcoin , stablecoins consistently facilitate more daily transactions than any other cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin or Ether . Their overall market weight continues its relentless climb, with their capitalization recently crossing the $300 billion threshold, according to leading specialized aggregators. The third quarter of 2025 witnessed an acceleration in the market, showing a solid 20% growth. This upward trajectory aligns with a broader cryptocurrency rebound evident across the entire digital asset space. For example, Bitcoin itself saw a significant 9.6% gain last week, reaching nearly $120,000 and pushing its...

Prediction Markets Emerge as Growing Threat to Traditional Sports Betting Stocks

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NEW YORK, NY – A new form of online gambling, known as prediction markets , is rapidly gaining traction, signaling a potential shift in the broader wagering landscape. This burgeoning trend is drawing considerable attention across Wall Street, posing a growing competitive threat to established sports betting stocks . Speculation about the rise of prediction markets growth intensified this week following reports from Robinhood Markets Inc. and the exchange Kalshi . Both entities indicated a significant surge in prediction market wagers. Robinhood, a platform instrumental in the pandemic's day-trading frenzy, has a key Robinhood Kalshi partnership that allows users to place wagers on a diverse range of events. These span from outcomes of football game wagers to political races betting and other everyday occurrences. The volume of activity is remarkable: over 2 billion prediction contracts traded in the third quarter alone through their collaboration. This rapid expan...