2026-02-03 Tuesday

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Bank of Japan has no choice but to hike rates now. But at what cost?

Bank of Japan has no choice but to hike rates now. But at what cost?

The post Bank of Japan has no choice but to hike rates now. But at what cost? appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Japan is staring down the barrel of an economic mess, and the Bank of Japan can’t stall any longer. The central bank has no real option left but to raise interest rates—again. The weak yen has wiped out purchasing power across the country, driven up living costs, and left millions struggling to keep up. That’s the brutal backdrop veteran ruling party lawmaker Taro Kono laid out on Tuesday, according to Reuters, as he demanded both tighter monetary policy and fiscal discipline to stop the damage. The BOJ had already pulled the plug on its decade-long stimulus experiment last year and bumped short-term interest rates up to 0.5% in January. But Kono, who’s gunning for the top job himself, says it hasn’t been enough. He warned that Japan can’t afford to let real borrowing costs—already negative thanks to high inflation—linger in the red. “I think it’s better to start early,” Kono said, pressing for more rate hikes. He added that the BOJ needs to “send out a message that Japan will pull out of a situation where real interest rates are negative.” When asked if a hike could come before year-end, he kept it vague but blunt: “I feel like [rate hikes] have already come too late.” Weak yen keeps crushing Japanese households Consumer prices in Japan have stayed above the 2% mark for over three years straight. But Governor Kazuo Ueda is still dragging his feet on raising rates further, citing pressure on the economy from U.S. tariffs—coming from Washington under President Donald Trump’s new administration. While the BOJ continues to hesitate, critics say the damage is already deep. Kono argued that the BOJ’s delay has weakened the yen and blown up import costs, creating a wave of inflation that’s hitting pensioners and businesses hard. What used to help exporters…
The Beatles Tease A Mysterious New Release—But Fans Have A Good Hunch

The Beatles Tease A Mysterious New Release—But Fans Have A Good Hunch

The post The Beatles Tease A Mysterious New Release—But Fans Have A Good Hunch appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. (Original Caption) The Beatles are shown at a press conference at the Warwick Hotel. Standing left to right are: Ringo Starr, (wearing polka dot shirt), Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison. Bettmann Archive 55 years after The Beatles called it quits, fans today are in a near-constant state of speculation about what the rock legends—and their estates—will release next. In recent years, that’s included deluxe, remixed box sets of their classic albums; a treasure trove of remastered, never-before seen footage in Disney+’s Get Back docuseries; and of course, the “last” Beatles song, “Now and Then,” released in 2023. The latest moptop missive arrived Tuesday morning on the band’s website: a teaser image of the back of a canvas, with the numbers “1,” “2,” “3,” and “4?” cycling in the center. On Instagram, the band went further, filling the numbers with imagery seen on the cover of a 1995 release. All signs point to a 3oth anniversary re-release of The Beatles Anthology. In 1995, surviving members Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr told the band’s story in a six-part TV docuseries, and also released a three-volume CD set of the same name, packed with demos, rarities, live and unreleased versions of their songs. But the Anthology project gained most notice for its two “new” Beatles songs, “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love.” They were based on home demo recordings by co-founder John Lennon, made shortly before his murder in 1980. The surviving Beatles and producer Jeff Lynne utilized then-cutting-edge tech to combine Lennon’s voice and piano with their new instrumentation and backing vocals. When the songs were unveiled in 1995, public response was mixed. Many listeners felt the quality of Lennon’s home recordings left the singer muddy and indecipherable in the mix. “Now and Then” was actually planned…
BlockDAG’s Sports Deals Put BDAG Ahead in the Top Cryptos

BlockDAG’s Sports Deals Put BDAG Ahead in the Top Cryptos

The post BlockDAG’s Sports Deals Put BDAG Ahead in the Top Cryptos appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Crypto News Explore how BlockDAG’s global sports ties build a funnel for adoption. With $376M raised, 25B+ coins sold, and 2,660% ROI, BDAG stands among the top cryptos. In the chase for long-term dominance among the top cryptos, few names have designed a path as bold as BlockDAG (BDAG). Instead of leaning only on social buzz or short-term hype, BDAG has built a presence in the physical world through sports arenas across continents. Its sponsorship game blends worldwide exposure with regional strength, creating a funnel that moves from casual recognition to lasting participation. From the massive stages of European football with Inter Milan to the high-impact intensity of UFC featuring Alex Pereira, and from the loyal crowds of rugby’s Seattle Seawolves to cricket’s Seattle Orcas, BDAG keeps placing itself in front of audiences that count. With a presale already pulling in nearly $376 million, batch 29 priced at $0.0276, showing a 2,660% ROI since batch 1, and more than 25.2 billion coins sold, this visibility fuels momentum for future adoption. Football in Europe: Driving Global Momentum For any project aiming to stand out in the top cryptos, worldwide reach is the game-changer, and European football delivers it better than almost anything else. By teaming with Inter Milan, a club whose fanbase cuts across continents, BDAG secures a stage inside some of the world’s most-watched sporting events. These games are not only matches but cultural moments, pulling millions of viewers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This kind of reach shifts BDAG from a little-known project to a name that feels familiar to global audiences. Football sponsorship also brings weight, as standing next to respected institutions builds instant credibility and helps reduce hesitation from new buyers. By embedding its name in a sport that thrives on loyalty and passion, BDAG…
Bitcoin Short-Term Holders Flip To Losses For First Time Since January

Bitcoin Short-Term Holders Flip To Losses For First Time Since January

The post Bitcoin Short-Term Holders Flip To Losses For First Time Since January appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Sebastian’s journey into the world of crypto began four years ago, driven by a fascination with the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize financial systems. His initial exploration focused on understanding the intricacies of various crypto projects, particularly those focused on building innovative financial solutions. Through countless hours of research and learning, Sebastian developed a deep understanding of the underlying technologies, market dynamics, and potential applications of cryptocurrencies. To share his insights with others, Sebastian became an active contributor to online discussions on platforms like X and LinkedIn. His focus on fintech and crypto-related topics quickly established him as a trusted voice in the online crypto community. Sebastian’s goal was to educate and inform his audience about the latest trends and insights in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. To further enhance his expertise, Sebastian pursued a UC Berkeley Fintech: Frameworks, Applications, and Strategies certification. This rigorous program equipped him with valuable skills and knowledge regarding Financial Technology, bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. The certification deepened his understanding of the broader financial landscape and its intersection with blockchain technology. Sebastian’s passion for finance and writing is evident in his work. He enjoys delving into financial research, analyzing market trends, and exploring the latest developments in the crypto space. In his spare time, Sebastian can often be found immersed in charts, studying 10-K reports, or engaging in thought-provoking discussions about the future of finance. Sebastian’s journey as a crypto pioneer has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a dedication to sharing his insights. His ability to navigate the complex world of crypto, combined with his passion for financial research and communication, makes him a valuable contributor to the industry. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, Sebastian remains at the forefront, providing valuable insights and…
Shibarium Daily Transactions Suddenly Drop 22%, What’s Happening?

Shibarium Daily Transactions Suddenly Drop 22%, What’s Happening?

The post Shibarium Daily Transactions Suddenly Drop 22%, What’s Happening? appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Shibarium, the layer-2 blockchain of the Shiba Inu (SHIB) ecosystem, has suffered a significant drop in transaction count. This comes after more than one week of consistently recording over four million daily transactions on the mainnet. Is SHIB price volatility impacting Shibarium activity? According to Shibariumscan data, the layer-2 blockchain saw a 22% crash in daily transaction count. Notably, the transactions dropped from 4.69 million on Aug. 17 to 3.65 million on Aug. 18. The dramatic plunge in volume signals a pullback in user engagement on Shibarium. You Might Also Like Although the daily transaction count dipped to 3.65 million, it remains strong for Shibarium, given the current market conditions of most assets. The decline might have been triggered by bearish sentiment from Shiba Inu users. Given that Shibarium’s activity is closely linked to SHIB’s price and community engagement, the recent volatility might have impacted the blockchain. As of press time, Shiba Inu is trading down by 0.22% at $0.00001260.  This has affected investor confidence, with trading volume down by a significant 9.97% at $181.22 million in the last 24 hours. Despite the sudden drop, Shibarium has added approximately 4,000,000 new transactions in just about seven days after hitting the 1.5 billion milestone. The current total transaction count stands at 1,541,245,820. Meanwhile, total blocks on Shibarium have now reached 12,621,623 at an average block time of 5.0 seconds. Shibarium surpasses key ecosystem milestones Interestingly, Shibarium has flipped all the major milestones predicted by U.Today based on its potential in July.  You Might Also Like As reported, there were projections that the L2 could hit 1.4 billion transactions, 268 million addresses and 12 million total block count, all before Q3 ends. Shibarium has achieved and surpassed all three metrics. In the broader Shiba Inu ecosystem, despite slow growth in price action,…
Apple is expanding iPhone 17 production across five factories in India

Apple is expanding iPhone 17 production across five factories in India

The post Apple is expanding iPhone 17 production across five factories in India appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Apple is pushing more iPhone production into India while the White House hits the country with new trade threats over its growing ties with Russia. According to CNBC, the tech giant is expanding operations at five factories in India, right as the U.S. government starts tightening its grip on countries buying oil from Moscow. This comes as Washington accuses New Delhi of reselling discounted Russian crude during the Ukraine war, and warns that new penalties are on the table. Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary, told CNBC on Tuesday that the administration has “planned to up the tariffs on India,” and labeled the move as “secondary tariffs for buying the sanctioned Russian oil.” He claimed India was “profiteering,” saying the country was taking advantage of the Ukraine conflict to purchase cheap Russian barrels and resell them for profit. “Which is unacceptable,” Bessent said on live television. Trump raises penalties while Apple expands factory network Donald Trump, now back in the White House, increased tariffs on Indian imports to 50% earlier this month. The president had already warned in July that if there was no peace deal between Russia and Ukraine by September, countries continuing trade with Moscow would face second-tier tariffs “at about 100%.” India, one of Russia’s biggest oil buyers, is squarely in Trump’s line of fire. While the U.S. ramps up pressure, Apple is busy preparing for the launch of its upcoming iPhone 17. The company has ramped up manufacturing across five Indian plants, some of which are newly opened and tied to the Tata Group and Foxconn Technology. In addition, Apple is developing an India-specific version of the device, the iPhone 17e, which is scheduled for release next year. Apple’s decision to grow its India footprint comes as it continues moving operations out of China. The company has…
Circle Acquires Malachite for Arc L1 Blockchain

Circle Acquires Malachite for Arc L1 Blockchain

The post Circle Acquires Malachite for Arc L1 Blockchain appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Quick Highlights Circle will use Malachite to build Arc L1, a blockchain for stablecoin finance. The open-source Malachite engine aims to boost security and performance. Several Informal Systems employees will join Circle’s blockchain team. Circle Acquires Malachite to Power Arc L1 Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has announced the acquisition of the Malachite consensus engine from developer Informal Systems.The technology will be the base for the new Arc L1 blockchain which is focused on stablecoin-based financial infrastructure and high-performance digital payments. The press release indicates that the integration of Malachite will enhance the performance, reliability and security of stablecoin transactions while reinforcing Malachite’s mission to build trusted, accessible and decentralized financial systems. Arc L1 blockchain is also expected to support modular architecture and interoperable solutions for developers building Web3 payment applications. What is Arc Blockchain for Stablecoins. Image Source: c-sharpcorner The Malachite repository will stay open-source under the Apache 2.0 license to keep the industry able to access it and to encourage more innovation, the statement said. The codebase will receive ongoing support from developers and institutions which will drive the advancement of digital finance network standards. Strategic Shift & Talent Integration Informal Systems CEO Ethan Buchman said: “This acquisition is a strong validation of Malachite and of our incubation model,” said Ethan Buchman, CEO at Informal Systems. “Circle’s adoption of Malachite provides a high-impact use case, a robust financial foundation for future development, and ensures our technology contributes to meaningful, mission-aligned outcomes.” As part of the agreement, several Informal employees will move to Circle to help develop Arc L1.Informal will continue supporting Malachite in other areas and will collaborate with ecosystem partners on new blockchain-based infrastructure projects, including those in DeFi, custody, and interoperability. The Arc platform plans to start its testnet operations in 2025 while developing…
Disney Cruise Line Continues Growth With Sailings Half Booked For 2026

Disney Cruise Line Continues Growth With Sailings Half Booked For 2026

The post Disney Cruise Line Continues Growth With Sailings Half Booked For 2026 appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. DOVER, ENGLAND – JUNE 12: In this handout image provided by Disney, the “Disney Magic” cruise ship passes the White Cliffs of Dover in England. This was the first time the ship was in Dover as part of Disney Cruise Line’s first Northern European Capitals sailing of 2010 on June 12, 2010 in Dover, England. (Photo by Mark Andrews/Disney via Getty Images) Getty Images Disney Cruise Line is seeing exponential growth in its fleet and earnings. During The Walt Disney Company’s recent Q3 earnings call, Disney’s CFO, Hugh Johnston, stated Disney Cruise Line sailings are nearly half booked for next year, and the ratio of booked rooms is even higher on Disney’s newer ships. “The cruise ships are doing extremely well right now. Forward bookings look great, and we’re running at very high occupancies in terms of the cruise ships,” said Johnson during the presentation. “Our cruise ships continue to be incredibly well received. As we sit here today, we’re already basically half booked out for all of next year, and the newer ships are even higher in that regard.” During the earnings presentation, it was revealed that the Disney Experiences segment (which includes theme parks, the cruise line and more) operating income of $2.5 billion was up 13% compared to the prior-year quarter. And operating income for Domestic Parks & Experiences grew by 22%, in part thanks to growth at Disney Cruise Line. A Strong Finish In 2025 For Disney Cruise Line 17 June 2025, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Wismar: The cruise ship “Disney Adventure” is moored at the outfitting quay of the TKMS shipyard. After around seven years of construction, one of the world’s largest cruise ships was pulled out of the shipbuilding hall on 19.04.2025. The coronavirus-related insolvency of the MV shipyard group in 2022 had significantly delayed the…
Bahrain HIMARS Order Boosts Gulf Arab’s Formidable Rocket Arsenals

Bahrain HIMARS Order Boosts Gulf Arab’s Formidable Rocket Arsenals

The post Bahrain HIMARS Order Boosts Gulf Arab’s Formidable Rocket Arsenals appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. US soldiers inspect a M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) at the Bahrain International Airshow in Sakhir on November 13, 2024. (Photo by MAZEN MAHDI/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images The small island kingdom of Bahrain has become the latest country to order the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System from the United States. When completed, the delivery of the HIMARS to Manama will augment an already impressive array of multiple rocket launch systems in the military arsenals of the Arab monarchies of the Persian Gulf. The Bahraini government requested at least four HIMARS along with associated equipment in a deal valued at $500 million, the State Department’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency disclosed in a press release on Thursday. The HIMARS is compatible with various American-made rockets and can even fire the MGM-140 ATACMS tactical ballistic missile. Its high mobility, dubbed a “shoot-and-scoot capability” by manufacturer Lockheed Martin, enables it to fire guided rockets at a target in rapid succession and swiftly relocate and reload within minutes, markedly increasing its chances of evading retaliatory fire. The U.S. deployed HIMARS in support of the counteroffensive against the Islamic State group in Mosul in 2016-17, firing hundreds of rockets from a safe distance. More recently, in 2023, the U.S. deployed the HIMARS to Syria, significantly bolstering fire support for the modest U.S. troop deployment there. Ukraine has also successfully used the HIMARS in combat since Russia’s full-scale 2022 invasion. Acquisition of even a few HIMARS is significant for such a small, albeit wealthy, country like Bahrain, especially considering it was little over a year ago since Manama ordered 50 M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks. The HIMARS isn’t the first system of its kind Bahrain has acquired. It previously bought that system’s predecessor, the M270, in the early 1990s, and…