Japan digs in on rice and cars as US trade talks stall

Bitcoin mining firm IREN has brought on Anthony Lewis as its new chief capital officer. Lewis, who previously worked at digital asset custodian Copper, will focus on securing funding and strategic investments to fuel IREN’s growth. The move signals the company’s push to scale operations in a competitive crypto-mining landscape.

Editor’s Note: Hiring a seasoned finance exec like Lewis suggests IREN is serious about expanding—whether that means more mining rigs, new facilities, or partnerships. In an industry where capital efficiency can make or break a miner, bringing in someone with deep financial and crypto experience could give IREN an edge. It’s also a sign that despite Bitcoin’s volatility, mining firms are still betting big on long-term growth.

The recent B2MEET event hosted by B2PRIME brought together experts to discuss the big-picture forces shaping financial markets—think macroeconomics, evolving market structures, and the relentless race for faster trading tech. It wasn’t just theory; the talks dug into how these trends are playing out in real time for traders and institutions.

Editor’s Note: If you’re in finance or just curious about what’s moving markets behind the scenes, this event highlights the key pressures everyone’s wrestling with—from interest rate ripple effects to the tech arms race in trading. It’s a snapshot of where the industry’s focus is right now.

HSBC, one of the world’s largest banks, has bumped up its gold price predictions for 2025 and 2026, signaling stronger confidence in the precious metal’s value. While they didn’t specify exact numbers in this snippet, the move suggests they expect gold to keep climbing—likely due to factors like economic uncertainty or inflation hedging.

Editor’s Note: Gold prices aren’t just glitter—they’re a barometer for global economic jitters. When a heavyweight like HSBC revises forecasts upward, it’s a hint that investors might keep flocking to gold as a safe haven. For everyday folks, it could mean pricier jewelry or a smarter time to stash some in your portfolio. Either way, it’s a sign the metal’s shine isn’t fading soon.

Elon Musk is ramping up his criticism of Donald Trump, vowing to actively campaign against Republican lawmakers who support Trump’s proposed $5 trillion spending bill. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO claims he’ll use his influence to "end the political careers" of any GOP members who back the debt-ceiling hike tied to the legislation.

Editor’s Note: Musk’s threats add fuel to an already fiery debate over government spending and party loyalty. His outspoken stance could sway voter sentiment—or deepen divisions—among conservatives, especially given his massive platform and financial clout. This isn’t just a war of words; it’s a power play with real consequences for the 2024 election landscape.

Investment firm Jefferies just bumped up its price target for Ormat Technologies, a geothermal energy company, from $87 to $97 per share. The boost comes after a draft Senate bill hinted at stronger support for renewable energy—good news for Ormat’s business.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one stock getting a thumbs-up. It’s a signal that policy shifts in Washington could give clean energy companies like Ormat a real tailwind. If the Senate’s draft turns into law, we might see more upgrades—and more investor interest—in the sector.