The U.S. Department of Commerce reported a significant increase in the trade deficit for December, expanding nearly 33% to $70.3 billion, marking the highest level in five months. According to RTHK, this rise was driven by a substantial increase in imports, contrary to market expectations of a reduction to $55.5 billion. For the entire previous year, the trade deficit narrowed slightly by 0.2% to $901.5 billion. However, the goods trade deficit expanded by 2.1%, reaching a record high of $1.24 trillion. Notably, the goods trade deficit with China decreased by nearly 32% year-on-year, amounting to $202.1 billion.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is preparing to inaugurate a new parliamentary session with a comprehensive economic strategy aimed at encouraging private investment in crucial sectors to ensure Japan's future prosperity. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting Takaichi's focus on leveraging government policies to stimulate growth in key industries. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the nation's economic foundation and enhance its global competitiveness. The Prime Minister's plan underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive innovation and sustainable development.

Nvidia is reportedly close to finalizing a $30 billion investment agreement with OpenAI. According to Jin10, this new deal is set to replace a previous long-term commitment of $100 billion made by the two companies last year. The move signifies a significant shift in their collaborative efforts, potentially impacting the tech and AI sectors.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has emphasized the need for global collaboration to maintain an international order that serves all nations, not just the most powerful. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting Lagarde's call for unity in addressing global challenges. She stressed the importance of cooperation among countries to ensure equitable benefits from the international system. Lagarde's remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the future of global governance and the role of international institutions in fostering stability and prosperity. Her comments underscore the urgency of collective action in tackling issues that transcend national borders.

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.

Wall Street's enthusiasm for promoting private-credit as a lucrative opportunity for individual investors is facing new challenges. Wall Street Journal (Markets) posted on X, highlighting that the sales pitch for private-credit investments has become more difficult. The private-credit market, which has been touted as a promising avenue for individual investors seeking higher returns, is encountering obstacles that could impact its appeal. Private-credit investments, typically involving loans to companies that do not have access to traditional bank financing, have gained popularity due to their potential for higher yields compared to conventional fixed-income assets. However, recent developments in the financial landscape are complicating the narrative that Wall Street has been promoting. The challenges stem from a combination of factors, including changing economic conditions and regulatory scrutiny. As interest rates fluctuate and economic uncertainties persist, the risk associated with private-credit investments has become more pronounced. Additionally, regulatory bodies are increasingly scrutinizing the private-credit market, raising concerns about transparency and investor protection. These developments are prompting financial advisors and investors to reassess the risk-reward profile of private-credit investments. While the allure of higher returns remains, the potential for increased volatility and regulatory hurdles is causing some investors to exercise caution. As Wall Street navigates these challenges, the future of private-credit sales to individual investors will depend on how effectively the industry addresses these concerns and adapts to the evolving financial landscape.

XRP is primarily designed as a fast, low-cost bridge currency for cross-border payments, setting it apart from cryptocurrencies focused on value storage or smart contracts. According to NS3.AI, while millions hold XRP, its largest users include retail investors and crypto exchanges for liquidity management. Select payment providers utilize XRP for international remittances. Major banks often employ Ripple's technology infrastructure but rarely use XRP itself for liquidity, highlighting its specific rather than universal utility.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revised its regulations concerning qualified payment stablecoins held by broker-dealers. According to NS3.AI, the SEC has reduced the haircut from 100% to 2%, allowing 98% of the stablecoins' value to be included in net capital calculations. This regulatory adjustment aligns stablecoins with money market funds that have similar asset backing. The change is anticipated to enhance liquidity and capital efficiency for broker-dealers managing stablecoins.

TD Cowen warned that states may win the legal fight against the CFTC. source: https://ambcrypto.com/a-new-benchmark-for-tracking-expectations-fed-backs-prediction-markets/

Boeing is actively working with NASA to ensure readiness for upcoming interstellar missions. According to Jin10, the company remains committed to supporting NASA's vision of having two commercial crew spaceflight providers. This collaboration aims to advance the capabilities required for future space exploration endeavors.

Stablecoins have not deviated from the existing financial system. Their market structure, risk spillover, and institutional impact largely perpetuate and amplify the existing pattern of the current monetary and payment system.

There are only two possible scenarios for Bitcoin and altcoins going forward: either Bitcoin will drop from $126,000 to $60,000, which is the full extent of the decline, or Bitcoin will continue to plummet along with the stock market crash.

OpenAI has likely realized that whoever's agent learns to survive autonomously in the on-chain world will gain entry to the next stage.

Artificial intelligence, chatGPT, Musk is at it again: Four AIs argue on the spot, making a 47% profit in stocks, while GPT-5 is completely outmatched? Jinse Finance, Letting AI fight itself, that's the most terrifying evolution.

Artificial Intelligence, AI Agent, 2026 Spring Festival: Why are tech giants spending a whopping 4.5 billion yuan to subsidize AI payments? Golden Finance: When the payment process itself becomes redundant, what are these giants really vying for?

The perspectives from a human standpoint and from the perspective of an AI agent economy are different.

The two sides have held two rounds of talks, and another round may be held this week, but no agreement has been reached so far.

USDT, Gold: From Stablecoin to Gold Giant - What is Tether Trying to Do? Golden Finance: The oldest store of value, running on the latest track.

RWA, China's RWA regulatory framework officially announced: Analysis and forecasts from various parties. Golden Finance: Another significant institutional upgrade to China's virtual asset regulatory system.

Jinse Finance launches its cryptocurrency and blockchain industry daily news bulletin, "Jinse 8 AM," issue 2972, providing you with the latest and fastest news on the digital currency and blockchain industry.