Rents outpace mortgages with 21% rise over three years

Federal prosecutors have dropped their investigation into Jesse Powell, the co-founder of Kraken, a major cryptocurrency exchange. The probe, which included an FBI raid on Powell’s home last year, centered on allegations that he hacked into a nonprofit’s accounts. Powell, who stepped down as Kraken’s CEO in 2022, is no longer under legal scrutiny in this case.

Editor’s Note: For the crypto world, this is a quiet sigh of relief—high-profile legal battles can rattle markets and investor confidence. While the investigation’s closure doesn’t exonerate Powell (it just means prosecutors aren’t pursuing charges), it removes a cloud over Kraken, one of the industry’s key players. Still, it’s a reminder of how regulatory and legal risks loom large in crypto, even for its biggest names.

President Trump has unveiled what he calls a "massive" trade agreement with Japan, claiming it will bring $550 billion in Japanese investment to the U.S. while establishing a 15% reciprocal tariff. The deal aims to strengthen economic ties, though specifics on timelines or sector breakdowns remain unclear.

Editor’s Note: If this deal materializes as described, it could mean a significant boost for U.S. industries and jobs—at least on paper. But trade agreements often hinge on the fine print, and without details, it’s hard to gauge the real impact. For now, it’s a political win for Trump, who’s framed trade renegotiations as a cornerstone of his presidency. Whether it delivers for businesses and workers is the bigger question.

A director at Metropolitan Bank (MCB) just sold off $785,000 worth of company stock, according to recent filings. While insider sales can raise eyebrows, there’s no immediate indication of trouble—just a notable move worth keeping an eye on.

Editor’s Note: Insider stock sales often make investors pause—are they cashing out because they know something the public doesn’t? But it could also be routine portfolio management. Either way, it’s a data point for shareholders watching MCB’s performance. If more insiders follow suit, that’s when things get interesting.

President Trump announced a new trade deal with Japan, revealing that Tokyo will face 15% tariffs on certain goods—lower than the 25% he’d previously threatened. In exchange, Japan has committed to investing $550 billion in the U.S. The president framed it as a win, though the details of the agreement’s long-term impact remain unclear.

Editor’s Note: Trade deals like this can reshape global markets and impact prices for consumers, but the real-world effects often take time to play out. The lowered tariffs might ease tensions, but the $550 billion investment pledge is the bigger headline—if it materializes. For now, it’s a strategic move in the broader U.S. trade agenda, with implications for businesses and diplomacy alike.

Mexico's Banorte, one of the country's largest banks, just reported a 4% rise in profits thanks to growth in its loan portfolio. Essentially, more people and businesses are borrowing from them, which has helped boost their bottom line.

Editor’s Note: This is a solid sign for Mexico's economy—when banks like Banorte see healthy loan growth, it often means businesses are investing and consumers are spending. For everyday folks, it could signal more access to credit, though it also raises questions about debt levels. Either way, it’s a snapshot of how the financial sector is holding up in a tricky global economy.