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Showing posts from January, 2025

"Bank of Japan Hikes Interest Rates to 0.5% Highest Point in 17 Years"

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Japan’s Central Bank Raises Interest Rates Amid Economic Recovery and Wage Growth The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has raised its key interest rate to approximately 0.5%, doubling it from the previous rate of 0.25%. The decision, announced on Friday, comes as Japan’s economy shows signs of recovery and inflation remains near the central bank's 2% target. This marks a significant move in Japan's monetary policy, signalling a shift away from the ultra-loose approach that has characterised the past two decades. A Gradual Recovery BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda, speaking after a two-day policy board meeting in Tokyo, described the economy as “gradually recovering.” While he acknowledged uncertainties such as overseas inflation and foreign exchange fluctuations, Ueda emphasised the importance of the "positive cycle" of rising wages and prices. “Our basic thinking has not changed,” Ueda said. “Additional hikes will be needed if economic conditions endure.” This decision aligns with recent ...

"Trump’s Meme Coin Controversy: How It Shakes Up the Crypto Industry Amid Regulatory Hopes"

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  The Cryptocurrency Craze Around Trump's Inauguration: A Tale of Meme Coins and Market Doubts The price of Bitcoin and other digital assets soared in the aftermath of Donald Trump's U.S. presidential election victory, sparking optimism among crypto enthusiasts about the future of digital assets under a pro-crypto administration. From lavish celebrations like the "Crypto Ball," which featured a performance by Snoop Dogg and tickets priced in the thousands, to industry hopes for a lighter regulatory touch, the mood was initially euphoric. However, a surprising turn of events — the launch of meme coins by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump — has cast a shadow over the optimism, leaving many in the cryptocurrency industry questioning the direction of crypto’s future under the new administration. The "Crypto Ball" and Initial Optimism In the days leading up to Trump’s inauguration, the cryptocurrency industry celebrated its newfound ally in the White House. The ...

"Donald Trump Inaugurated as 47th President: Key Policies and Controversies of His Second Term"

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  Donald Trump’s Second Inauguration: Historical Footnotes and Controversial Plans Unveiled The peaceful transfer of power, a cornerstone of American democracy, will unfold once more on Monday as Donald Trump, the 45th president, is sworn in as the nation’s 47th leader. At 78, Trump returns to the presidency after defeating Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. His inauguration marks the second nonconsecutive term for a U.S. president, a distinction previously held only by Grover Cleveland in the 1890s. A Historic and Chilly Inauguration Day While millions of Americans will watch the ceremony on television, only 600 individuals will witness it live. Citing a forecasted Arctic blast, Trump requested that the swearing-in ceremony move indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, avoiding the frigid -6°C temperatures that would make it the coldest Inauguration Day in four decades. This decision replaces the traditional outdoor event on the Capitol steps overlooking the Nati...