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BlackRock Remains Risk-on as ‘Mega Forces’ Like AI, Stablecoins Transform Financial Markets

BlackRock Remains Risk-on as ‘Mega Forces’ Like AI, Stablecoins Transform Financial Markets

The post BlackRock Remains Risk-on as ‘Mega Forces’ Like AI, Stablecoins Transform Financial Markets appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. In brief BlackRock’s 2026 outlook remains pro-risk as AI transforms the global economy. The asset management giant highlighted AI’s growth, energy constraints, and the rise of stablecoins among other the key highlights of broader “mega force” trends. Over the next 6-12 months, it is “overweight” U.S. equities as it expects the AI theme to continue as a major trend. Global investment firm BlackRock is “pro-risk and overweight” U.S. equities as the continued growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid rise of stablecoins help transform financial markets heading into 2026. The firm says that mega forces, or major structural changes that affect investments now and in the future, are changing the global economy. The most dominant mega force is AI, according to its 2026 outlook report.  “With a few mega forces driving markets, it is hard to avoid making a big call on their direction – and as such, there is no neutral stance, not even exposure to broad indexes,” BlackRock’s report reads.  “We remain pro-risk and see the AI theme still the main driver of U.S. equities. Yet this environment is ripe for active investing – picking winners and losers from among the builders now and later as AI gains start to spread, in our view.”  The firm’s report also highlights the role of stablecoins in the “future of finance,” a mega force it says characterizes the changes in “how households and companies use cash, borrow, transact and seek returns.” That definition has now expanded to include crypto and stablecoins, a representative for the firm told Decrypt.  “Stablecoins are no longer niche–they’re becoming the bridge between traditional finance and digital liquidity,” BlackRock’s Global Head of Market Development Samara Cohen said.  The firm also sees the potential for stablecoins to grow beyond banking, indicating a potential role in cross-border payments and…
South Korea Limits Stablecoin Issuers to Bank Consortiums

South Korea Limits Stablecoin Issuers to Bank Consortiums

The post South Korea Limits Stablecoin Issuers to Bank Consortiums appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. South Korea advances the Digital Asset Basic Act, limiting stablecoin issuance control. Stablecoin issuers must be consortiums with a minimum 51% bank ownership stake. Government targets December draft as lawmakers push to finalize rules by early 2026. South Korea’s government and National Assembly are developing second-phase digital asset legislation titled the “Digital Asset Basic Act.” The government proposes to restrict stablecoin issuers to consortiums holding at least 51% bank ownership. The Democratic Party’s Digital Asset Special Task Force has confirmed this approach. The Democratic Party and the Financial Services Commission conducted a closed-door meeting at the National Assembly on December 1 to finalize coordination on the legislation. Representative Kang Jun-hyun stated that the Financial Services Commission and Bank of Korea completed coordination on the framework. Government Proposal Faces Repeated Delays The existing Virtual Asset User Protection Act functioned as first-stage legislation but limited its scope to regulating virtual asset operators. The Financial Services Commission has prepared a government proposal for submission through Representative Kang’s office. This proposal will merge with previously introduced digital asset bills. The most contentious element involves stablecoin issuer qualifications. Differences between the Bank of Korea and the Financial Services Commission repeatedly delayed the government plan, originally scheduled for an October submission. The Bank of Korea argued that stablecoin issuers should be limited exclusively to banks. Some lawmakers advocated opening issuance to fintech and blockchain companies. Representative Kang announced that the Financial Services Commission and most lawmakers agreed to the consortium framework requiring 51% bank ownership. Kang Declines to Provide Specific Details Capital requirements remain under discussion, with Kang declining to provide specific details. The Financial Services Commission released a statement clarifying that nothing concrete has been finalized regarding the consortium plan. The agency confirmed it will swiftly prepare the framework and support legislative discussions. The ruling…
XRP Open Interest Reset Could Put Bulls Back In Control As Price Targets $3

XRP Open Interest Reset Could Put Bulls Back In Control As Price Targets $3

The last two months have seen a major reset in the XRP open interest, coinciding with the widespread sell-offs that have rocked the market. Looking at past performances, historical data suggests that this open interest reset could be a major break for the altcoin. As prices begin to see some recovery, the reset could present the perfect opportunity for bulls to reclaim complete control of the XRP price and drive it toward higher levels. How Far Has The XRP Open Interest Crashed? To know the scale of this reset, it is important to look at the XRP open interest numbers over the last few months. Data from Coinglass shows that back in July, the XRP open interest hit a new all-time high of $10.9 billion as market participation surged to levels not seen before. Related Reading: When Will Bitcoin, Ethereum, And Dogecoin Go Into A Bear Market? Coincidentally, this rise to new all-time highs coincided with the XRP open interest coming out of another period of reset, eventually leading the XRP price to reach new seven-year peaks. However, it wasn’t long until the bears came knocking once again, and the open interest tumbled as the price fell. For perspective, the open interest is the total of all XRP futures or option contracts. Effectively, this is a reflection of participation and the number of bets that traders are making on the cryptocurrency. Thus, the higher the open interest, the higher the amount of money invested in XRP derivatives, and vice versa. Presently, the open interest is sitting at a low $3.75 billion, representing an over 65% crash from its $10.94 billion peak. But this crash could be the reset that the altcoin needs for another recovery, especially as liquidity begins to flow back into the market on account of the US Federal Reserve putting an end to quantitative tightening. Can The Price Surge To New All-Time Highs? Earlier in the year, when the XRP open interest had crashed from its January all-time highs, the reset ended up resulting in higher prices. Although the XRP price didn’t break its 2018 record, it came close in July. However, going by this trend, the altcoin could have a while longer to go before there is a surge. Related Reading: You Won’t Believe How Much Bitcoin Companies Now Hold, What % Of Supply Do They Control? Following the crash in January, the XRP open interest had remained low for the next five months, with the price showing muted performance alongside it. With only two months since its last peak, the XRP open interest could trend low for a while longer before breaking out. However, if the trend holds, then the resulting rally would push the price above $3 once again.   Featured image from Getty Images, chart from TradingView.com
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Author: NewsBTC2025/12/04 07:00
Microsoft Stock Is Down 1.7%. Here’s Why.

Microsoft Stock Is Down 1.7%. Here’s Why.

The post Microsoft Stock Is Down 1.7%. Here’s Why. appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Topline Microsoft shares fell by more than 1.7% on Wednesday following a report the tech giant had lowered growth targets for AI product sales, though the firm has denied the report, claiming it shows a “lack of understanding.” The megacap denied the report, claiming the story shows a “lack of understanding of the way a sales organization works and is compensated.” Getty Images Key Facts Shares of Microsoft declined by more than 1.7% to around $481.64 as of just before 2:15 p.m. EST on Wednesday afternoon, paring back earlier losses, which were as much as 3% before the company issued its denial. Less than one-fifth of salespeople in one U.S.-based Azure unit, Microsoft’s cloud computing business, met a sales growth target of 50% for a tool used to build AI applications, and in July, Microsoft lowered the target to 25% growth for the current fiscal year, The Information reported, citing two unnamed salespeople in the Azure unit. Microsoft denied the report in a statement to Reuters: “Aggregate sales quotas for AI products have not been lowered, as we informed [The Information] prior to publication.” The company reportedly said the report “inaccurately combines the concepts of growth and sales quotas,” which Microsoft claimed shows a “lack of understanding of the way a sales organization works and is compensated.” Big Number $3.5 trillion. That’s Microsoft’s market capitalization as of Wednesday, ranking behind Google parent Alphabet ($3.8 trillion), Apple ($4.2 trillion) and Nvidia ($4.3 trillion), respectively. Microsoft became the second company ever to be valued at over $4 trillion earlier this year, largely driven by the performance of its Azure business, though shares have pared back earlier gains and are now up 15% on the year. Read More Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/12/03/microsoft-shares-drop-after-reportedly-lowering-expectations-for-ai-product-demand/
Bond Investors Wary of Kevin Hassett as Potential Fed Chair

Bond Investors Wary of Kevin Hassett as Potential Fed Chair

The post Bond Investors Wary of Kevin Hassett as Potential Fed Chair appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Key Points: Investors voice concerns over potential Fed Chair pick, Kevin Hassett. Hassett may cut rates significantly. Bond market fears influence on interest rates. Kevin Hassett’s potential appointment as Federal Reserve chairman has raised concern among bond investors about significant interest rate cuts. Such monetary shifts could influence U.S. debt markets, affecting cryptocurrency values like Bitcoin and Ethereum amidst changing investor risk appetites. Hassett’s Potential Rate Cuts Raise Investor Concerns Kevin Hassett is under consideration for the position of Federal Reserve Chairman, prompting private discussions between the US Treasury and major financial players. Investors expressed reservations about his potential rate-cutting policy stance. The US Treasury’s consultations with stakeholders involved numerous financial institutions to gauge sentiment. Changes might include interest rate shifts directed by Hassett that align more with pro-growth, Trump-era policies. Such shifts could influence financial markets widely, affecting risk appetite and asset pricing. Though focusing on traditional finance, these moves have broader implications. Mark Zandi, Chief Economist, Moody’s Analytics, – “The bond market is anxious about the possibility of Hassett at the helm of the Fed, fearing aggressive rate cuts that could destabilize yields.” Financial Times Market Reactions involve wary sentiments among bond investors, fearing potential rate influences. No specific noises from cryptocurrency markets yet, although impacts on liquidity and investor appetite for risk are anticipated. No statements from Hassett or explicit responses from financial regulatory bodies. Bitcoin Trends Amidst Federal Reserve Speculation Did you know? Appointments like Jerome Powell’s in the past have been correlated with expansive monetary policies, resulting in increased liquidity and potential bull runs in cryptocurrency markets such as Bitcoin. Bitcoin (BTC) holds a current price of $92,751.46 with a market cap of 1.85 trillion USD, dominating 58.77% of the market. It has seen a 0.77% price change over the last 24 hours and a…