ASIA

The past week has brought a slew of important events, strategic changes, and announcements to the Asian cryptocurrency scene, which have had a significant impact on the global financial environment. Monitoring the latest trends in Japanese regulations and the Indonesian president's approach to cryptocurrencies has been far from dull. These events vividly illustrate how Asia is immersing itself in digital transformation.
Japan and South Korea
In Japan, the Financial Services Agency (FSA) has intensified its supervision of unauthorized cryptocurrency transactions. The FSA's directive to financial institutions was clear: tighten control over transactions on cryptocurrency exchanges, especially when sender and recipient information differs.
Simultaneously, Bitcoin on the bitFLYER exchange reached a record value of 7.9 million yen, significantly higher than the global benchmark of $52,000. This success highlighted the weakness of the Japanese yen in the context of the Bank of Japan's loose monetary policy and inflation, which reached its highest level since 1982.
In South Korea, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) unveiled an ambitious action plan for 2024 aimed at banning the exchange of unqualified virtual assets for Korean won. These measures, from preventive controls to extensive reviews, aim to strengthen market security and combat money laundering. The FIU aims for only the best companies to engage in the cryptocurrency market.
In a development related to this sector, gaming company Com2uS entered into a partnership with the blockchain project Oasys, aiming to develop the Web3 gaming sector. The collaboration aims to leverage Com2uS's experience in mobile games and Oasys's technological know-how to create innovative gaming experiences.
Indonesia and Hong Kong
In light of political changes in Indonesia following the election of Prabowo Subianto and Gibrana Rakabuminga Raka, favorable developments for cryptocurrencies are expected. The victory of this duo suggests an interest in incorporating cryptocurrencies into the national economic plan, with an emphasis on strengthening regulatory oversight and compliance with tax laws among cryptocurrency traders.
Hong Kong is focusing on combating cryptocurrency crimes through innovative and vigilant methods. The development of transaction tracking technology is expected to help combat fraud, while a proactive approach to regulation supports maintaining a safe and transparent market environment.
An interesting initiative is the partnership between the Ethiopian state investment group and the Hong Kong-based West Data Group, aimed at developing bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence education. This $250 million project highlights efforts to integrate advanced technology into Ethiopia's economic strategy.
Global Developments and China's Restrictions
In the context of global issues regarding digital currencies, a US official commented on the use of cryptocurrencies by the terrorist organization Hamas, emphasizing the group's minimal reliance on digital currencies.
MEXC Exchange and other cryptocurrency platforms are implementing stricter policies towards users from China who are not properly verified. This move is part of a broader trend of increasing security and compliance on cryptocurrency exchanges.
#crypto #asia

Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Asian equities saw modest gains on Thursday, while European index futures pointed to a positive opening. The U.S. dollar weakened to its lowest level in three years, and U.S. Treasury yields fell — all amid anticipation of Friday’s U.S. employment report and a major $3.3 trillion U.S. spending bill.

🔹 Traders Await Key Labor Data and Budget Approval

As investors anxiously await the latest U.S. job market figures, attention is also focused on the proposed $3.3 trillion budget package. This could significantly influence the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) next policy steps, especially regarding interest rate cuts.

🔹 Trump’s Trade Deal With Vietnam Boosts Sentiment

Markets responded positively to news of a fresh trade agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam. The deal includes a 20% U.S. tariff on Vietnamese imports, while Vietnam will impose zero tariffs on American goods. This has also sparked hopes of a similar deal with India.

🔹 Mixed Sentiment Across Asian Markets

▪ The MSCI Asia-Pacific Index (excluding Japan) rose 0.2%, nearing a four-year high.

▪ Tokyo’s Nikkei remained flat, while China’s CSI 300 rose 0.2%.

▪ In contrast, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.6% after data showed China’s services sector grew at its slowest pace in nine months.

🔹 European Markets Set for Higher Open

▪ U.K.’s FTSE 100 futures rose 0.3%

▪ Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 both added 0.2%

▪ Italy’s FTSE MIB gained 0.15%
In the U.K., markets digested a tense parliamentary moment when Finance Minister Rachel Reeves appeared visibly emotional during a welfare debate. Prime Minister Keir Starmer later offered his support.

🔹 Pressure Mounts on Fed to Cut Rates

Tomorrow’s U.S. labor data may heavily influence the Fed’s next move. IG analysts warn that unemployment could spike to 4.4% — the highest since October 2021 — raising the likelihood of a July rate cut to around 70%. However, futures markets currently price in only a 25% chance of a July cut.
Donald Trump once again criticized the Fed’s inaction, urging a rate cut from the current 4.25–4.50% range down to 1% to stimulate the economy before the elections.

🔹 Dollar Weakens, Euro and Pound Gain

The dollar index dropped to its lowest level in three years. The euro climbed to $1.1807, nearing Tuesday’s four-year high of $1.1829, while the British pound recovered 0.8% of recent losses.

🔹 Commodities: Oil Slips on Iran Tensions

U.S. crude oil fell 0.4% to $67.20 per barrel, and Brent crude dipped 0.4% to $68.84. This came after a 3% overnight rally driven by reports that Iran halted cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, stoking geopolitical concerns and fears of slowed global demand.

#Asia , #stockmarket , #FederalReserve , #usd , #WallStreetNews

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Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“