Odaily’s morning brief brings together updates across macro policy, U.S. regulation, trading activity, crypto products, enforcement actions, and fintech financing. The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged as expected. In the FOMC statement, 9 of the 18 FOMC participants projected a rate hike in 2026, making the central bank decision and the accompanying projections the lead macro items in the briefing.
Federal Reserve decision and U.S. crypto-related actions
Several U.S. political, legal, and enforcement items were also included. Bipartisan lawmakers in the United States jointly introduced a proposal aimed at preventing a presidential pardon or sentence reduction for SBF. Illinois signed a 0.2% crypto transaction tax, which industry participants described as one of the most anti-crypto laws in the United States. Separately, the U.S. Department of Justice seized about $9 million in USDT in a case tied to a “pig butchering” crypto scam network.
In market commentary, Ansem said he is bullish on SpaceX becoming the world’s largest company by market capitalization, while also warning about selling pressure tied to an August share unlock. “White-haired stock god” Serenity said he is optimistic about an early-cycle surge in robotics and added that, if in China, he would go long on Leader Harmonious Drive Systems.
HIP-3 activity, Bitcoin ETF debate, and financing updates
On the trading and product side, SPCX entered the ranks of the highest-volume HIP-3 markets, with trading volume exceeding $1.125 billion. Debate around BlackRock’s Bitcoin income ETF also intensified. The discussion cited possible flaws in the strategy design and the product’s chance of underperforming BTC over the long term, according to the item.
Fintech and payment infrastructure developments rounded out the brief. Revolut received a license from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates and will enter the Middle East market while preparing for a localized launch. On financing, AI financial compliance infrastructure company Flagright completed a $12.5 million Series A round with participation from YC and others. Stablecoin payment infrastructure company Trace Finance completed a $32 million Series A round led by CoinFund.