Dollar and other safe havens rise as Israel strikes Iran
The U.S. dollar rallied alongside the safe-haven Japanese yen and Swiss franc, with currency markets abruptly reversing direction on news Israel had launched strikes on Iran.
Israel has begun carrying out strikes on Iran, two U.S. officials told Reuters, adding that there was no U.S. assistance or involvement in the operation. Another report suggested that explosions were heard northeast of Iran's capital Tehran.
An index that measures the dollar against six other currencies gained 0.4%, and was last at 98.07, in early Asia trading.
Against the yen, the dollar slipped 0.35% to 143 per dollar , while the Swiss franc tumbled 0.39% to 0.807 per dollar.
Risk-sensitive Asian currencies such as the Aussie dollar and the New Zealand dollar weakened 0.9% each.
Earlier in the week, the dollar index hit multi-year lows as investors were not impressed by a U.S.-China trade truce, while cooler-than-expected inflation data fuelled expectations of more aggressive interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
The dollar is on track for weekly declines against the yen, the Swiss franc and the euro.
Crude prices jumped more than $4 on the news as investors priced in potential supply disruptions from the oil-rich region, while gold prices climbed 0.8% to their strongest since early May. (Reporting by Johann M Cherian in Bengaluru; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
4 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Trump's tax-cut bill could hold back projects
US President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill would make it harder for American critical minerals companies to compete with China because it eliminates a tax credit for boosting domestic production of nickel, rare earths and other materials used in advanced electronics and weaponry, reported Reuters. With Trump and Republican lawmakers aiming to cut government support for green energy projects, the US House of Representatives passed a version of his "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" last month that eliminates the so-called 45X credit. The Senate is now debating the bill. Former President Joe Biden's 2022 climate change law, the Inflation Reduction Act, created the 10% production credit — a reduction in corporate taxes for critical minerals extraction and processing. The tax break also covers solar, battery and wind projects. The version of the bill that passed the House treats government incentives for wind turbines the same as those for mining projects that many view as crucial for national security. Critical minerals companies now say their projects are collateral damage to the political feud over renewable energy. The tax credit is already law and part of the current federal budget. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, which scores the cost of legislative proposals when asked by Congress, has not studied how much would be saved by removing the credit. The Republican majority in Congress is seeking savings to fund other priorities such as tax cuts, defense and balancing the budget. This month, the hard-right House Freedom Caucus said it "will not accept" attempts to "water down, strip out, or walk back the hard-fought spending reductions and IRA Green New Scam rollbacks achieved in this legislation." Miners, though, say they need the credit to compete with China. Beijing has halted exports of some critical minerals, used its control of rare earths to strike a trade agreement with Washington, and flooded global markets with cheap supply of nickel, cobalt and lithium. The traditionally conservative mining industry now finds itself in the unusual position of needing Washington's support to grow and, in some cases, survive. The owner of the only US cobalt mine went bankrupt this year after Chinese miners depressed global prices of that metal. "If we do not have that tax credit, critical minerals producers in the U.S. are at risk of succumbing to closures," said KaLeigh Long, founder and CEO of Westwin Elements, which is building the country's only commercial nickel refinery. Westwin might not be able to service its debt without the tax credit, Long said, noting the company's loans were modeled using the expectation it would be permanent. Last month, Long wrote a letter asking the Senate to keep the credit. It was co-signed by 30 industry executives. Any changes the Senate makes to the bill must be reconciled with the House version before being sent to Trump, observed Reuters. Several House members have admitted they did not read the entire bill before voting for it, including Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green, a Georgia Republican, and Congressman Mike Flood, a Nebraska Republican. The House version does include $2.5 billion to fund a critical minerals stockpile and $500 million for a Pentagon mining loan program, although large mines often cost far more, noticed Reuters. House Democrats unanimously voted against the bill but their criticism has focused on tax cuts they say will widen the deficit while requiring cuts in health care, food assistance, education, scientific research and other programs. "There's so many issues right now under consideration in Congress and this one isn't breaking through, but it will certainly break through when we have a shortage of minerals in five years," said Jeff Green, a critical minerals industry consultant.
Crypto Insight
4 hours ago
- Crypto Insight
BlackRock quietly accumulated 3% of all Bitcoin. Here's what that means
BlackRock's entry into the Bitcoin market through the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has marked a new era in institutional Bitcoin accumulation. Since its launch on Jan. 11, 2024, IBIT has grown at a pace that few expected, and no other ETF has matched. As of June 10, 2025, BlackRock holds over 662,500 BTC, accounting for more than 3% of Bitcoin's total supply. At today's prices, that's $72.4 billion in Bitcoin exposure, a staggering figure by any measure. For comparison, it took SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) over 1,600 trading days to reach $70 billion in assets under management. IBIT did it in just 341 days, making it the fastest-growing ETF in history. In addition to being a milestone for BlackRock itself, this fact also shows us how deeply institutional interest in Bitcoin has matured. BlackRock's Bitcoin holdings now eclipse those of many centralized exchanges and even major corporate holders like Strategy. In terms of raw Bitcoin ownership, only Satoshi Nakamoto's estimated 1.1 million BTC outnumbers IBIT, and that lead is narrowing. If inflows continue at the current pace, IBIT may eventually become the single largest holder of Bitcoin, a major change for Bitcoin supply distribution and ownership concentration. BlackRock Bitcoin accumulation over time Did you know? Coinbase Custody, not BlackRock, holds the private keys for the BTC in IBIT, safely storing client assets offline and backed by commercial insurance. Behind BlackRock's massive allocation is a strategic shift in how it views Bitcoin: as a legitimate component of long-term, diversified portfolios. The BlackRock Bitcoin strategy BlackRock's internal thesis embraces Bitcoin's volatility as a tradeoff for its potential upside. With IBIT, they're betting that broader adoption will stabilize the asset over time, improving price discovery, increasing liquidity and narrowing spreads. In this view, Bitcoin is a long-term play on monetary evolution and digital asset infrastructure. This philosophy (coming from the world's largest asset manager) sends a strong signal to peers. It reframes the conversation around institutional adoption of Bitcoin, shifting it from 'whether' to 'how much' exposure is appropriate. The investment case for institutional Bitcoin accumulation BlackRock highlights several factors that make Bitcoin appealing in 2025: Scarce by design: With a hard cap of 21 million coins and a halving-based issuance model, Bitcoin scarcity mirrors gold, but with a digital backbone. Some estimates suggest a meaningful share of existing coins are lost or inaccessible, making the effective supply even tighter. With a hard cap of 21 million coins and a halving-based issuance model, Bitcoin scarcity mirrors gold, but with a digital backbone. Some estimates suggest a meaningful share of existing coins are lost or inaccessible, making the effective supply even tighter. Alternative to dollar-dominance: With growing sovereign debt and geopolitical fragmentation in mind, Bitcoin's decentralized nature offers a hedge against fiat risk. It's positioned as a neutral reserve asset, resistant to government overreach and monetary manipulation. With growing sovereign debt and geopolitical fragmentation in mind, Bitcoin's decentralized nature offers a hedge against fiat risk. It's positioned as a neutral reserve asset, resistant to government overreach and monetary manipulation. Part of the broader digital transformation: BlackRock views Bitcoin as a macro proxy for the shift from 'offline' to 'online' value systems, from finance to commerce to generational wealth transfer. In their words, this trend is 'supercharged' by demographic tailwinds, especially as younger investors gain influence. Put together, these factors provide distinct risk-return characteristics that traditional asset classes can't replicate. BlackRock's framing (that Bitcoin offers 'additive sources of diversification') makes a compelling case for its integration into mainstream portfolios. BlackRock crypto portfolio integration BlackRock advocates a measured approach, 1% to 2% exposure within a traditional 60/40 stock-bond mix. This may sound small, but in a portfolio of institutional scale, it's enough to generate impact and normalize Bitcoin exposure for conservative allocators. They also benchmark Bitcoin's risk profile against high-volatility equities, like the 'Magnificent Seven' tech stocks, to demonstrate how it can fit within standard portfolio models. Did you know? Unexpected by-products ('dust') from Bitcoin transactions within IBIT have included tiny amounts of other tokens. BlackRock keeps these in a separate wallet or donates them to charity, avoiding tax complications. BlackRock's decision to accumulate over 3% of Bitcoin's total supply through its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is a turning point for how Bitcoin is perceived, traded and regulated. Bitcoin has always been known for its volatility, driven by fixed supply, shifting sentiment and regulatory uncertainty. Historically, the relatively thin liquidity of crypto markets made large trades highly impactful. Now, with IBIT absorbing hundreds of thousands of BTC, the question is whether institutional capital will stabilize or further complicate the market. Supporters of the ETF model argue that institutional Bitcoin investment helps reduce volatility. With regulated players like BlackRock involved, the thinking goes, Bitcoin becomes more liquid, more transparent and more resistant to erratic moves. BlackRock itself has stated that broader participation improves Bitcoin price discovery, deepens market liquidity and can lead to a more stable trading environment over time. On the other hand, critics (including certain academics) warn that large-scale institutional involvement introduces traditional market risks into Bitcoin. These include leveraged trading, flash crashes triggered by algorithms and price manipulation via ETF flows. In this view, Bitcoin's financialization may trade one kind of volatility (retail-driven FOMO) for another (systemic, leverage-based risk). Also, as ETFs grow in influence, Bitcoin may become more correlated with other financial assets, undermining its value as an uncorrelated hedge. Undoubtedly, BlackRock's crypto strategy has turned Bitcoin from a fringe asset into a mainstream investment tool. For years, Bitcoin was dismissed by major financial institutions. BlackRock's deep exposure to BTC signals that the tide has turned. The launch of IBIT (and its rapid ascent to become one of the largest Bitcoin holders globally) has legitimized Bitcoin in a way no white paper or conference ever could. ETFs like IBIT offer a familiar, regulated structure for exposure, especially for institutions wary of the technical complexity or custodial risks of direct crypto ownership. BlackRock's involvement reduces reputational risk for others on the fence. In effect, this has normalized Bitcoin ownership by institutions, accelerating its inclusion in traditional portfolios. Retail investors benefit too. Instead of navigating wallets, seed phrases and gas fees, they can gain exposure to Bitcoin with a click through traditional brokerages. Did you know? Abu Dhabi's Mubadala sovereign wealth fund owns a significant stake in IBIT, with filings showing around $409 million invested. Bitcoin was built as a decentralized alternative to centralized finance. However, when the world's largest asset manager buys up over 600,000 BTC via a centralized vehicle, it creates a paradox: The decentralized asset is increasingly controlled by centralized institutions. Most users today rely on centralized exchanges (CEXs), custodians or ETFs. These platforms are easier to use, offer security features like insurance and cold storage and provide regulatory compliance (KYC, AML), which many see as essential. In contrast, decentralized tools like DEXs and self-custody wallets have higher friction, lower liquidity and less user protection. So even as Bitcoin remains technically decentralized, most people interact with it through centralized layers. Here, BlackRock's Bitcoin accumulation is emblematic. While some argue this undermines Satoshi's original vision, others view it as a necessary trade-off, a 'centralization of access' that allows Bitcoin to scale to global relevance. This is the heart of the Bitcoin centralization debate: balancing ideological purity with practical adoption. For now, the market seems to be accepting a hybrid model, with decentralized base layers and centralized access points. BlackRock's ability to launch IBIT was made possible by a landmark decision: the US Securities and Exchange Commission's approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024. That ruling broke a years-long deadlock and opened the floodgates for institutional capital. Still, the broader regulatory environment remains inconsistent and often contradictory. One of the biggest challenges when it comes to crypto? Asset classification. The SEC continues to send mixed signals on whether various tokens, like Ether or Solana, are securities. This regulatory gray zone has delayed the development of products like staking ETFs or altcoin ETPs, and created confusion for investors, developers and issuers alike. As Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw has pointed out, the SEC's current stance creates 'muddy waters' and reactive enforcement that stifles innovation. This directly impacts whether institutions feel confident investing beyond Bitcoin. For now, Bitcoin enjoys a more straightforward regulatory path. For the broader crypto market to mature, including Ether ETFs or DeFi-linked products, a more consistent and globally aligned regulatory framework will be essential. Institutions are ready – but they need rules they can trust. Source:
Economy ME
4 hours ago
- Economy ME
FIFA, PIF announced a global partnership for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
FIFA and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have officially announced a global partnership for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, with PIF named as an Official Partner of the tournament, which will be held across 11 U.S. cities from June 14 to July 13, 2025. The partnership reflects a shared ambition between FIFA and PIF to expand global access to football, champion innovation, and deepen fan engagement. A key pillar of the collaboration will be youth-focused initiatives, aimed at creating new opportunities for young people and strengthening grassroots development efforts around the world. The FIFA club world champion will be crowned on July 13 Read: FIFA World Cup 2034: Aramco's 47,000-seat Al Khobar Stadium set for completion in 2026 The 2025 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup marks a significant evolution in the tournament's format. Featuring 32 of the world's top clubs, it will unite champions from all six FIFA confederations for the first time in a month-long competition. Romy Gai, chief business officer at FIFA, said: 'We are delighted to welcome PIF as a partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Together, we look forward to delivering a historic tournament that inspires and unites fans from around the world. 'The partners of the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup believe in our vision to make football truly global. Their support of the tournament will not only be integral to its success but will underpin investment in supporting the development of club football everywhere.' Mohammed AlSayyad, head of corporate brand at PIF Mohammed AlSayyad, head of corporate brand at PIF, said: 'PIF is creating a legacy of transformative impact in sports including through its partnerships, delivering positive and lasting results at every level, from players and fans to host communities. 'PIF is at the forefront of growing football around the world following our Concacaf partnership announced last year and our continued investment in football. We are unlocking opportunities to drive the growth of the sport around the world.' Matches will take place in 12 stadiums across major U.S. cities, culminating in a final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on July 13, where the world's top club will be crowned. This global event is seen as a pivotal step in Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to position itself at the forefront of international sport. As the confirmed host of the FIFA World Cup 2034, Saudi Arabia is leveraging major partnerships and high-profile tournaments to support the global growth of football, nurture talent, and bring long-lasting benefits to both domestic and international communities. In a move to make the tournament as accessible as possible, all 63 matches will be streamed live and free of charge on allowing fans worldwide to experience every moment of the first expanded edition of the FIFA Club World Cup. With this landmark collaboration, FIFA and PIF are aiming to shape the future of football — empowering youth, inspiring fans, and reinforcing the sport's global impact. For more news, click here
