News
Important Only
Cryptocurrencies
SFC announces 12 new initiatives to boost the crypto industry in Hong Kong
Today, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) announced 12 initiatives to boost the security, innovation, and growth of the virtual assets (VA) market in Hong Kong through regulatory clarity. The new regulatory frameworks for VA over-the-counter and VA custodian services will be developed as VA product and service offerings expand.Cryptopolitan
Wed, Feb 19
Cryptocurrencies
XRP Price Prediction: Could XRP Take a Nosedive in March if ETFs Fail to Launch? Investors Search For The Next 100x Token
The excitement around XRP has been incredible, especially with the hype surrounding XRP ETFs potentially launching in 2025. However, if ETFs fail to gain approval or face delays, the hype may quickly fade, which could lead to a downturn in XRP’s price. Currently priced at $2.68, XRP has experienced some support from ETF rumors, but […]Cryptopolitan
Wed, Feb 19
Other
Ukraine's Zelenskiy: I am counting on Ukraine's unity and courage and American pragmatism
Zelenskiy emphasizes unity with Europe and pragmatism with the USMeeting with US envoy Keith Kellogg crucial for Ukraine-US relationsZelenskiy responds to Trump's criticism of Ukraine's wartime election stanceAdds more quotes from Ukrainian president, paragraphs 2-4, context and background, ...Reuters
Wed, Feb 19
Economic Indicator
Bank of Mexico sees recession possibility, halves 2025 growth view
Bank of Mexico halves growth forecast for 2023Inflation expected to take longer to reach 3% targetInterest rate cuts likely as inflation coolsUpdates throughout with possibility of recession, adds context on U.S. tariff threatBy Anthony Esposito MEXICO CITY, Feb 19 (Reuters) - The Bank of Mexico ...Reuters
Wed, Feb 19
Other
Canada refugee claims drop as country issues fewer visas
Refugee claims in Canada dropping from historic highsCoincides with drop in visitor visas issuedCanada says clamping down on 'abuse'Advocates worry asylum-seekers left strandedBy Anna Mehler Paperny TORONTO, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Refugee claims in Canada are dropping from historic highs as t...Reuters
Wed, Feb 19
Commodities
US EPA submits Biden approval of California EV plan to Congress
WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Wednesday it has submitted the Biden administration's approval of California's landmark plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035 to Congress for review and potential repeal.The decision by the Trump...Reuters
Wed, Feb 19
Stocks
Why QuantumScape Stock Is Sinking Today
QuantumScape (NYSE: QS) stock is slumping in Wednesday's trading. The solid-state battery company's share price was down 4.2% as of 3:15 p.m. ET and had been down as much as 5.4% earlier in the day's trading.While there isn't any fresh business-specific news for QuantumScape today, the company's val...The Motley Fool
Wed, Feb 19
Other
US's Rubio speaks to Angola about conflict in eastern Congo
WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio on Wednesday about finding "a peaceful end to the conflict" in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the State Department said.Reuters
Wed, Feb 19
Economic Indicator
Fed's Bostic: Uncertainty around Trump plans has eroded confidence in the economic outlook
WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Uncertainty around the impact of Trump administration policies including import tariffs and an immigration crackdown has eroded confidence in an economic outlook that started the year strong, Atlanta Federal Reserve President Raphael Bostic said on Wednesday."I had...Reuters
Wed, Feb 19
Stocks
EXCLUSIVE-Barrick Gold signs agreement with Mali to end mining dispute
Announcement expected as soon as ThursdayBarrick's stock rises on newsDeal would see total payment of $438 million to MaliAdds more sourcing in paragraph 1, updates share price movement in paragraph 6, adds background and context in paragraphs 13-18By Divya Rajagopal, Portia Crowe and Giulia Par...Reuters
Wed, Feb 19
Stocks
EMERGING MARKETS-Latin American markets fall with US tariffs, rate uncertainty in focus
Trump threatens tariffs on auto, chips and pharmaceuticals South Africa's budget postponed due to coalition disagreementMSCI's Latam FX index down 0.4%, stocks fall 1%Bank of Mexico halves 2025 growth viewUpdates to mid-session tradingBy Johann M Cherian and Purvi Agarwal Feb 19 (Reuters)...Reuters
Wed, Feb 19
Other
UK PM Starmer expresses support for Ukraine's Zelenskiy
Adds context in paragraphs 4 and 5 LONDON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday and expressed his support for Ukraine's leader."The Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy this evening and stressed the nee...Reuters
Wed, Feb 19
Other
CIAB: Q4 average premium increases picked up to 5.4% led by commercial auto and umbrella
By David BullFeb 19 - (The Insurer) - Premium across all account sizes increased by 5.4% on average in the fourth quarter, just up from 5.1% in Q3 2024, with commercial auto and umbrella seeing the biggest average increases at 8.9% and 8.7% respectively, as softening continued in cyber insurance.The...Reuters
Wed, Feb 19
Forex
In Cuba, high octane gasoline becomes first basic good sold only in dollars
By Marc FrankHAVANA, Feb 19 (Reuters) - High octane gas will now only be available for dollars in Cuba, the government announced on Wednesday, the latest in a trend towards dollarization in the communist-run country.The deputy director of the state oil and gas monopoly, Irenaldo Perez, said U.S. san...Reuters
Wed, Feb 19
Other
US freezes funds to Palestinian Authority security forces, Washington Post reports
WASHINGTON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - The Trump administration has stopped all funding to the Palestinian Authority security forces as part of the global freeze on foreign assistance, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday, citing U.S. and Palestinian officials.Reuters
Wed, Feb 19
Other
UK PM Starmer expresses support for Ukraine's Zelenskiy
LONDON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday and expressed his support for Ukraine's leader."The Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy this evening and stressed the need for everyone to work together," ...Reuters
Wed, Feb 19
Commodities
Oil holds near one-week high on supply concerns, sanctions on Russia eyed
Trump tell Ukraine to secure a peace deal fastRussia says Ukraine attack cut oil flows on pipe from KazakhstanCold US weather froze oil wells in North Dakota, cutting supplyUS oil inventory data from API and EIA upcomingAdds latest pricesBy Scott DiSavino NEW YORK, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Oil prices h...Reuters
Wed, Feb 19
