Oil prices steady as markets watch Trump tariff spree, US inventory spike

Brace yourself—sending letters is about to get pricier. Stamp costs are climbing again this weekend, just months after a brief pause in January. That break was the first time since 2022 that prices didn’t jump twice a year like clockwork.

Editor’s Note: For anyone still relying on snail mail—whether it’s birthday cards or bill payments—this pinch adds up. It’s another small but frustrating sign of how everyday expenses keep creeping higher, even for things that feel timeless. And with postal hikes now a near-annual ritual, it’s a reminder that digital alternatives might keep looking more appealing.

Mali's military reportedly used a helicopter to transport gold from the Loulo-Gounkoto mine, which is owned by Canadian mining giant Barrick. The details are murky, but it suggests possible state involvement in moving precious resources—raising eyebrows about transparency and control over Mali’s mining sector.

Editor’s Note: Gold is a huge deal in Mali—it’s the country’s top export. If the military’s directly involved in moving it, that could signal tighter government control over the industry or even unsettled agreements with foreign operators like Barrick. For investors and locals alike, it’s a story worth watching because it might hint at where Mali’s resource policies are headed.

A former top economic advisor, Jared Bernstein, is throwing cold water on the crypto hype, calling it a high-risk asset with no real-world utility. He’s especially skeptical about stablecoins, warning they could destabilize the financial system. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers are gearing up to debate stablecoin regulations next week, with a potential bill in the works.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another crypto skeptic rant—it’s a sharp critique from someone who’s been inside economic policymaking. With Congress eyeing stablecoin rules, Bernstein’s warning adds weight to the debate over whether crypto is a financial innovation or a ticking time bomb. If regulators take his concerns seriously, we could see tighter rules that reshape the crypto landscape.

The US dollar is flexing its muscles, gaining strength against other major currencies like the euro and yen. Meanwhile, bitcoin isn’t backing down—it just smashed another all-time high, defying skeptics and thrilling crypto fans.

Editor’s Note: The dollar’s climb signals shifting global economic winds—maybe investors are betting on US stability or reacting to overseas uncertainty. Bitcoin’s surge? That’s a mix of hype, institutional money, and maybe some old-fashioned FOMO. Together, they paint a picture of a financial world where traditional and digital assets are dancing to very different tunes. Worth watching, whether you’re trading or just curious where the money’s headed next.

Brazilian President Lula is pushing back against Trump’s latest tariffs but isn’t slamming the door on diplomacy. He’s signaling that Brazil won’t take the hit lying down—retaliation is on the table—but he’s also leaving room for negotiation, avoiding an all-out trade war.

Editor’s Note: Trade tensions between the U.S. and Brazil aren’t new, but Lula’s response shows a careful balancing act. He’s defending Brazil’s interests without burning bridges, which matters because these two economies are deeply linked—especially in agriculture and manufacturing. If this escalates, it could hit prices and supply chains globally. But for now, it’s more posturing than panic.