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Trump Media ventures into digital finance with TruthFi, Bakkt acquisition, and ETFs  Trump Media’s Bold Expansion: Entering Crypto and ETFs Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), known for its social media platform Truth Social, has made a groundbreaking move by expanding into the cryptocurrency and financial sectors. The company’s new initiative, TruthFi, aims to provide cryptocurrency payment processing, digital wallets, and trading services. Along with this, TMTG plans to launch cryptocurrency-focused Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) to offer easier access to digital assets for traditional investors. This strategic shift positions Trump Media as a prominent player in the evolving world of digital finance. The Role of TruthFi in Trump Media’s Financial Strategy TruthFi, TMTG’s new financial services platform, is designed to tap into the growing demand for digital assets and fintech solutions. With a focus on secure cryptocurrency payment processing and wallet management, Tru...

DeepSeek’s low-cost AI model poses a direct challenge to Nvidia's dominance, reshaping the AI chip market. / Picture ⓒ EPA DeepSeek's Rise: A Threat to Nvidia's AI Chip Market Dominance The AI chip market, long dominated by Nvidia, has seen a significant shift with the rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup. DeepSeek’s innovative approach to artificial intelligence and chip design has resulted in a dramatic fall in Nvidia’s stock price, shaking the entire AI chip industry. This breakthrough from DeepSeek comes at a time when global demand for AI technology is surging, and companies are looking for more cost-effective solutions. The Surge of DeepSeek in AI Innovation DeepSeek has captured attention by developing a high-performance, low-cost AI model. The company's latest product, a large language model called V3, was built with just $78.8 million in funding—an amount far below what major corporations typically invest in similar AI models. Despite its low development...

Exploring the economic and diplomatic consequences of Trump’s tariff policies in 2025. / Picture ⓒ AFP The Escalating Global Impact of Trump’s Tariff Strategy The United States under President Trump has adopted an aggressive tariff strategy that has sent ripples through global trade dynamics. His administration's approach, centered on imposing tariffs to balance trade deficits and achieve political objectives, is affecting international relations with key allies and adversaries alike. One of the latest targets of this strategy is Colombia, where a looming 25% tariff on Colombian goods is causing significant concern. This article will delve into the broader effects of Trump's tariff policies on international trade, the U.S.'s global alliances, and the potential long-term consequences. Trump’s Approach to Tariffs: Economic Leverage in Foreign Policy Trump's administration has positioned tariffs as a central tool of economic diplomacy, using them to pressure countries...

Sports agent Jeff Schwartz critiques the WNBA's pay inequality, calling for a change in compensation models. / Picture ⓒ Justin Casterline | Getty Images WNBA Pay Gap: A Call for Change from Top Sports Agent Jeff Schwartz The growing success of the WNBA has yet to be reflected in the compensation of its players. With record-breaking viewership and heightened fan engagement, the league’s pay structure remains disproportionate to its male counterpart, the NBA. Jeff Schwartz, a leading sports agent representing over 500 athletes, is vocal about the unfairness in this disparity. The Unbalanced Pay Between WNBA and NBA Players Jeff Schwartz, founder of Excel Sports Management, has become one of the most prominent voices critiquing the salary discrepancy in basketball. Schwartz, whose clients include top athletes like Caitlin Clark, Tiger Woods, and Peyton Manning, believes the current pay structure in the WNBA is “blatantly unfair.” He emphasizes that the WNBA's minimum salary ...

Apple’s AI plans in 2025 will capitalize on its massive iPhone base, driving new growth. / Picture ⓒ Jeff Chiu / AP Apple’s 2025 AI Strategy: How iPhone Market Leadership Fuels Growth Apple is at a pivotal moment in its journey toward AI dominance. With 2025 on the horizon, Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy will rely heavily on its unparalleled position in the smartphone market. The company’s vast ecosystem of iPhones and iOS devices places it in a unique position to leverage AI, driving new growth opportunities. By examining Apple’s approach to AI, the company’s challenges, and how it plans to integrate AI into its existing products, we can understand why 2025 is set to be a turning point for Apple’s future. Apple’s AI Ambitions and iPhone Ecosystem Apple’s success in artificial intelligence is closely tied to its massive user base. The company is leveraging the power of its 1.5 billion iPhones and 2.3 billion iOS devices , giving it a distinct advantage over its com...

  Explore the best vehicles of 2025, including cars, SUVs, and electric models. 2025 Edmunds Top Rated Vehicles: Best Cars, SUVs, Trucks, and Electric Vehicles The 2025 Edmunds Top Rated Awards recognize the year's best vehicles across various categories. From cars to SUVs and electric models, these vehicles have demonstrated superior performance, value, and innovation, making them stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Let’s explore what makes each of these award-winning vehicles so remarkable. Best Car: 2025 Honda Civic The 2025 Honda Civic has proven to be a standout among compact sedans, earning the title of Best Car in the Edmunds Top Rated Awards. This vehicle excels in various areas, such as fuel efficiency, driving performance, and cutting-edge technology. Why the Civic Wins The Civic’s hybrid model combines practicality with performance. With an impressive 49 mpg in combined city/highway driving, it offers consumers excellent fuel economy. Beyond fuel eff...

  Revolutionizing U.S. government efficiency under Elon Musk's leadership / Picture ⓒ AP Transforming Government Efficiency: The Rise of the DOGE Team and Musk’s Vision The Trump administration’s latest innovation, the DOGE Team , promises to revolutionize how the U.S. government functions. Under the leadership of tech giant Elon Musk, this initiative aims to optimize federal agencies, cut inefficiencies, and redefine how government operations interact with modern technologies. With the inclusion of Silicon Valley experts, the initiative is poised to bring about profound changes. But what does the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) mean for the future of the federal government? Let’s explore. What is the DOGE Team? The DOGE Team is an ambitious new program introduced by the Trump administration to bring technological solutions and efficiency to federal agencies. Replacing the previous U.S. Digital Service (USDS) , the initiative seeks to eliminate bureaucratic ineff...

Analyzing Trump’s potential second term and its global economic and trade implications ⓒAFP Trump's Second Term: Implications for Global Trade and Security Trump's Impact on Global Trade: A Return to Protectionism? As the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) gathers global leaders to discuss the future of the economy, Donald Trump's potential second term raises significant concerns about the direction of global trade. After his initial presidency, where protectionist policies such as tariffs on China and Europe stirred international tensions, many are questioning whether Trump's return will lead to further disruptions in global trade. His America First approach was aimed at revitalizing U.S. industries, but it also posed risks to international relations and global economic stability. The imposition of tariffs, particularly on goods from China and the European Union, made headlines during Trump’s first term, igniting trade wars that impacted countries worldwide. Economis...

Hedge funds are leveraging record amounts as they anticipate economic shifts under Trump's second term.  ⓒ  Reuters/Caitlin Ochs/File Photo Hedge Funds Go Big on Trump’s Second Term: Dollar and U.S. Stocks at the Center Hedge funds are making bold moves at the start of Donald Trump’s second term, leveraging their positions at record levels. The strategies focus heavily on the belief that Trump’s economic policies, including tax cuts, deregulation, and trade measures, will have a significant impact on the market. At the core of these strategies is the anticipation of a stronger U.S. dollar and a boost to U.S. stocks, particularly in the financial, technology, and energy sectors. Record Borrowing: Hedge Funds’ Confidence in U.S. Markets Hedge funds are ramping up their leverage, a clear indication of their confidence in the U.S. markets as they anticipate Trump’s policies to drive growth. This record borrowing has not been seen since 2010 and reflects a larger market positi...

Global aluminium market faces instability with tariffs, geopolitical risks, and shifting demand ⓒReuters Global Aluminium Market Faces Turbulence in 2025: Key Challenges and Trade Disruptions As 2025 approaches, the global aluminium market is entering a period of uncertainty. Rising geopolitical tensions, supply chain challenges, and policy shifts are expected to create significant disruptions, altering prices and global trade dynamics. Several key factors, including the potential imposition of tariffs, sanctions, and evolving market demands, will shape the outlook for the aluminium sector in the coming year. US Tariffs on Aluminium Imports: An Imminent Risk The United States, one of the largest consumers of aluminium, faces the looming risk of new tariffs on imports, especially from Canada and Mexico. With former President Donald Trump hinting at a return to protectionist policies, including tariffs on aluminium imports, the market remains on edge. These tariffs could destabilize...

Absence of key leaders at WEF 2025 highlights shifting global priorities.  ⓒ  Miguel Medina | Afp | Getty Images World Economic Forum 2025: Shifting Global Priorities as Key Leaders Stay Away The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, continues to be one of the world's most significant gatherings for political leaders, business magnates, and international thinkers. However, the upcoming WEF 2025 will see the absence of several major global figures, raising questions about the future of international collaboration and global governance. Notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have opted to skip the prestigious event this year. This article delves into the reasons behind their absence, the implications for the forum's relevance, and the changing dynamics of global political engagement. Why Are Major Global Leaders Absent from WEF 2025? The absence of such...