DeFiled

American Express, Deere, and Johnson & Johnson have decided to eliminate diversity criteria in their process for selecting new board directors. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting that this decision comes amid pressure from a conservative shareholder activist group. The move reflects a shift in corporate governance strategies, as companies reassess their priorities in board composition. This change has sparked discussions on the balance between diversity and other qualifications in leadership roles. The companies have yet to comment on how this decision will impact their future board selections.

U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the government to boost the production of glyphosate, a widely used weedkiller. New York Times posted on X, highlighting the controversial nature of this decision, which has sparked debate among environmentalists and agricultural stakeholders. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in many herbicides, has been under scrutiny due to concerns about its environmental impact and potential health risks. The decision to increase production comes amid ongoing discussions about the balance between agricultural needs and environmental protection. Critics argue that this move disregards the concerns of those advocating for more sustainable farming practices. The administration, however, maintains that glyphosate is essential for maintaining crop yields and supporting the agricultural sector. This development is likely to intensify the ongoing debate over the use of chemical herbicides in farming.

The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling on Friday, declaring that many of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are illegal. The decision opens the door for companies to seek billions of dollars in refunds, though the path forward is expected to be complicated.Importers, both large and small, had already paid substantial amounts in tariffs and secured billions more in bonds and collateral to guarantee payment to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). With the Supreme Court’s ruling, many companies are now eligible to request refunds, which collectively could reach hundreds of billions of dollars.However, trade attorneys warn that the refund process may face significant delays, depending on how courts and CBP handle the logistics.

Vitalik Buterin, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world, has emphasized the importance of self-sovereign computing by running AI models locally on personal devices to safeguard data privacy. According to NS3.AI, this method faces limitations due to hardware constraints and does not cater to the requirements of large-scale AI deployments that necessitate substantial GPU resources. To address these challenges, decentralized compute networks that aggregate global underutilized hardware present a scalable and cost-effective solution. This approach aligns with the principles of decentralization inherent in cryptocurrency, fostering both independence and growth.

A sophisticated phishing campaign is targeting users of hardware wallets Trezor and Ledger through physical mail, including fake letters adorned with holograms and forged signatures. According to NS3.AI, attackers are leveraging leaked personal data from previous breaches to enhance credibility and persuade victims to scan malicious QR codes designed to steal digital assets. Security experts caution that this approach heightens psychological pressure on users and advise them to verify all communications and refrain from sharing wallet backups.

Germany has acknowledged that its previous approach of distancing itself from BRICS countries was a strategic mistake and has committed to amending its course. According to NS3.AI, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized the importance of concentrating on shared democratic values and mutual interests with BRICS nations, with a particular focus on India. Meanwhile, France has expressed similar views, advocating for enhanced cooperation with BRICS to prevent global fragmentation.

A recent survey by Bank of America reveals that dollar sentiment has turned negative, marking the most pessimistic outlook in over 14 years. According to BlockBeats, the survey indicates that short positions on the dollar have reached their highest level since January 2012, the earliest available data point.

Fund managers' exposure to the dollar has fallen below the low point recorded in April last year. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair, which eased concerns about the Fed's independence, there has been no increase in demand for the dollar or improvement in perceptions of U.S. assets.

Respondents identified further deterioration in the U.S. labor market as the primary downside risk facing the dollar.

The Netherlands has moved forward with a proposal to impose a 36% annual tax on unrealized Bitcoin gains, set to take effect in 2028, pending approval from the Senate. According to NS3.AI, this mark-to-market tax system mandates that investors pay taxes on Bitcoin price changes each year, regardless of whether they have sold their holdings. Experts caution that this could lead to forced liquidations, trigger liquidity crises, and potentially spread contagion risks within the cryptocurrency markets and beyond.

Euro-denominated stablecoins have the potential to facilitate cost-effective international transfers, according to Joachim Nagel, a member of the European Central Bank's Governing Council. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting Nagel's remarks on the role these digital currencies could play in complementing the ECB's efforts to develop a digital euro. Nagel emphasized that stablecoins could serve as a useful tool in the financial ecosystem, particularly in enhancing cross-border transactions. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the future of digital currencies in Europe and the ECB's plans to introduce a digital version of the euro. The integration of stablecoins into the financial system could provide additional benefits, such as reducing transaction costs and increasing efficiency in international payments. As the ECB continues to explore the potential of a digital euro, the role of stablecoins remains a significant consideration in shaping the future of digital finance in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that founding member countries of his Board of Peace have committed over $5 billion to support humanitarian efforts and reconstruction in Gaza. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the significant financial pledge aimed at addressing the ongoing challenges in the region. The funds are expected to aid in rebuilding infrastructure and providing essential services to the affected population.

The European Union is presented with a significant opportunity as it seeks to reduce its reliance on U.S. technology, potentially unlocking a $264 billion market. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the potential benefits for the EU in diversifying its tech dependencies. This shift comes amid growing concerns over data privacy, security, and the dominance of American tech giants.

The EU's strategy involves fostering local innovation and supporting European tech companies to compete globally. This move is seen as a way to bolster the region's digital sovereignty and economic resilience. By investing in homegrown technology, the EU aims to create a more balanced and competitive tech landscape.

The transition is not without challenges, as European firms must overcome significant hurdles to match the scale and influence of established U.S. companies. However, the potential economic benefits and increased control over digital infrastructure make this an attractive prospect for the EU.

As the EU navigates this complex landscape, the focus remains on building a robust digital economy that can stand independently from U.S. tech influence. This strategic pivot could redefine the region's technological future and offer substantial economic gains.

European nations have rapidly expanded their renewable energy capacity, yet their power grids are struggling to keep up with this growth. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the challenges faced by these countries as they attempt to integrate renewable sources into their existing infrastructure. The swift development of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power has outpaced the modernization of power grids, leading to inefficiencies and potential disruptions in energy distribution.The disparity between renewable energy capacity and grid development poses significant challenges for European countries aiming to meet their climate goals. As renewable energy becomes a larger part of the energy mix, the need for robust and flexible grid systems becomes increasingly critical. Experts emphasize the importance of investing in grid infrastructure to ensure the reliable transmission of renewable energy across regions.Efforts to upgrade power grids are underway, but progress has been slow due to regulatory hurdles and financial constraints. The integration of advanced technologies and smart grid solutions is seen as essential to overcoming these challenges and enhancing the efficiency of energy distribution.As Europe continues to lead in renewable energy adoption, addressing the grid infrastructure gap remains a priority to ensure the sustainable and reliable delivery of clean energy.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur member countries will temporarily take effect, despite plans for judicial review by opponents in the European Parliament. According to Jin10, Scholz stated during a speech in Frankfurt on Monday that the agreement will become effective immediately once the first South American country ratifies it.

Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder and former CEO of Binance, shared his perspective on the long-running debate between Bitcoin and gold during a recent AMA session on Binance Square, following his public discussion with gold advocate Peter Schiff.CZ said he believes Bitcoin is ultimately superior to gold from a technological standpoint, but acknowledged that adoption remains a major factor limiting its role as a global safe-haven asset today.“I think Bitcoin is better than gold,” CZ said, “but we have to understand that Bitcoin is still new.”Bitcoin Adoption Remains Early Compared With GoldAccording to CZ, one of the key differences between Bitcoin and gold lies in adoption scale. While gold has been trusted globally for thousands of years, Bitcoin’s adoption rate remains relatively low by comparison.He noted that Bitcoin adoption still has significant room to grow, suggesting that broader participation could increase by multiples over time as more institutions, governments, and individuals gain exposure.“Adoption is still very low compared to gold, which is probably 10X BTC,” CZ explained, adding that Bitcoin’s user base has the potential to expand significantly as awareness increases.Global Volatility Drives Investors Toward GoldCZ also pointed to global instability as a major reason investors continue to favor gold during periods of uncertainty. In volatile environments, capital often flows toward assets with long-established reputations as stores of value.“We live in a globally volatile world,” he said. “People want to move their money into safe havens, so they go to gold.”This behavior, he noted, reflects familiarity and historical trust rather than technological superiority.Time Needed for Bitcoin to Gain Safe-Haven RecognitionWhile emphasizing Bitcoin’s strengths — including transparency, portability, and fixed supply — CZ said recognition as a true global safe-haven asset requires time.“Bitcoin is a great technology,” he said, “but there is a time aspect for it to be recognized.”

Several European right-wing political parties are aligning with cryptocurrency strategies in their political agendas. According to NS3.AI, this shift follows U.S. President Donald Trump's integration of cryptocurrency into his 2024 presidential campaign. Prominent figures such as Nigel Farage in the UK, Marine Le Pen in France, and Sławomir Mentzen in Poland are advocating for pro-crypto policies. These include accepting cryptocurrency donations and supporting Bitcoin mining and strategic Bitcoin reserves. The aim is to appeal to crypto-aligned voters, reflecting the increasing ownership of digital assets across Europe.

Pantera Capital's General Partner Franklin Bi recently commented on the X platform that the race against quantum computing has commenced. According to PANews, Bi highlighted a significant misjudgment in the market regarding the adaptability of traditional finance and blockchain to quantum-resistant technologies.Bi pointed out that the market overestimates Wall Street's ability to swiftly adapt to quantum technology upgrades. The transition of traditional financial infrastructure is expected to be slow, chaotic, and fraught with risks such as single points of failure. The overall security of the traditional financial system depends on its weakest link.Conversely, the market underestimates blockchain technology's unique capability to upgrade. If blockchains can successfully complete upgrades within critical timeframes, they could evolve into 'safe havens' for data and assets in the quantum era. Ethereum, for instance, has already demonstrated its ability to execute complex system upgrades globally, as evidenced by the successful 'The Merge' upgrade. The security challenges posed by quantum computing might, in fact, enhance the 'gravitational pull' of a few core blockchain networks.

Amazon plans to lay off approximately 30,000 employees across various divisions. According to NS3.AI, this decision is motivated by the company's aim to streamline its culture rather than due to financial strain or AI strategy shifts. Despite worries about the effects of tariffs and workforce reductions, analysts maintain a positive outlook on Amazon's stock, with average price targets indicating a potential upside of over 25%. Recently, Amazon's shares experienced a slight rebound, signaling market optimism amid these structural adjustments.

U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed ongoing discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about Greenland and the Arctic region. According to NS3.AI, these conversations have culminated in a preliminary framework agreement, leading to the suspension of tariffs that were initially scheduled for February 1. The discussions will continue to address the "Golden Dome" initiative related to Greenland.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to participate in a newly proposed Peace Board. According to NS3.AI, this council aims to advance discussions and foster resolutions to ongoing conflicts. The initiative reflects diplomatic efforts to promote global peace dialogues.