Luc Jose A.

International economic dynamics always attract marked interest, particularly when coalitions like the BRICS are perceived as a threat to the hegemony of the American dollar. However, the recent statements from Russia, India, and South Africa have clarified their position. Indeed, these countries assert that no plan aims to weaken the American currency. They firmly reject the accusations of "de-dollarization" and emphasize their willingness to maintain stable relations with the United States.

Since its launch, Solana has distinguished itself as one of the most innovative blockchains in the industry. With its execution speed and some of the lowest transaction fees, it has attracted a dynamic ecosystem of developers and users. However, December 2024 marked a critical period. The Total Value Locked (TVL) in its DeFi ecosystem recorded a dramatic drop of $1.1 billion, reaching a critical level of $8.01 billion. This decline reflects weakened activity on the blockchain, as evidenced by a 7% decrease in the number of daily active addresses. At the same time, network revenues also fell by 24%, intensifying concerns about the sustainability and attractiveness of this leading platform. These numbers raise questions about Solana's ability to maintain its position in an increasingly competitive environment.

Amid revolutionary announcements, technological advancements, and regulatory turbulence, the crypto ecosystem continues to prove that it is both a territory of limitless innovations and a battleground for regulatory and economic disputes. Here is a summary of the most notable news from the past week surrounding Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance, Solana, and Ripple.

Tensions between the United States and the European Union are escalating once again. Donald Trump, known for his aggressive trade policy, has targeted the European trade surplus, which he describes as "huge." The elected American president threatens to impose heavy tariffs if European countries do not reduce this imbalance by significantly increasing their purchases of American oil and gas. This strategy aligns with the continuity of his protectionist rhetoric aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the United States on the global stage.

For several weeks, the crypto universe has been immersed in a period of turbulence. Increased volatility and widespread losses have put investors' portfolios under strain and shaken confidence in several assets. However, amid this chaos, some cryptocurrencies manage to stand out by capturing the attention of analysts and triggering interest from investors. Solana (SOL), in particular, stands out as an example of resilience. Despite recent declines, this asset continues to benefit from favorable indicators and strong momentum, suggesting promising prospects for the future.

The European Union is about to take a major step in regulating cryptocurrencies with the imminent entry into force of the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) rules. This initiative, praised by some as a step towards better transparency and an increased fight against financial abuses, however, triggers intense concerns among industry players. Indeed, the regulation requires the removal of USDT, the most widely used stablecoin in the world, from regulated platforms within the EU. Such a decision could disrupt the balance of European markets and call into question their attractiveness on the global stage.

The Ripple case, at the heart of a decisive legal battle, draws all eyes in the crypto world. This dispute opposes Ripple to its critics and sheds light on the growing regulatory challenges in a constantly evolving sector. The American judiciary has set a key timeline that could represent a pivotal moment in this emblematic case. However, the political tensions in the United States, particularly the risk of a federal government shutdown, threaten to disrupt the unfolding of the proceedings.

While most European bond markets show relative stability, the situation in France raises serious concerns. The yields on 10-year government bonds have reached 3.05%, an exceptionally high level for a major eurozone economy. This dynamic reflects a combination of economic tensions and political dysfunction, which reinforces doubts about the country's budgetary management. With public debt exceeding 112% of GDP and a deficit stagnating above 6%, France stands out as a worrying case within the European Union. These developments signal a loss of investor confidence but also highlight the urgency for structural reforms to prevent an even more marked deterioration of its position in financial markets.

The United States surprises with economic performance well beyond expectations for the third quarter. According to data from the Department of Commerce, the gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.1%, compared to an initial estimate of 2.8%. This result exceeds observers' forecasts and reflects a dynamic economy, driven by strong consumer spending and an improvement in exports. While many regions of the world struggle to maintain their economic momentum, as evidenced by the limited growth forecast of 0.7% for the Eurozone in 2024, this progress indicates the resilience of the American economy in the face of global uncertainties. These figures also highlight the impact of recent monetary decisions by the Federal Reserve, which has fostered a conducive environment for growth through adjustments to interest rates.

The crypto ecosystem could enter an unprecedented transformation phase. For years, markets have followed well-established cycles dictated by the internal mechanisms of bitcoin, including the halving, which times the periods of rise and fall. Today, a large-scale political initiative is emerging, likely to disrupt these historical foundations. American Senator Cynthia Lummis has proposed the Bitcoin Reserve Act, a bill aimed at recognizing bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset for the United States. This initiative, which plans for the gradual integration of one million bitcoins into the U.S. federal reserves, is set against a backdrop of increasing economic and geopolitical rivalries. As powers like Russia and Germany also consider adopting similar strategies, this proposal raises questions. Furthermore, the implications of such an approach go beyond American borders and redefine the role of Bitcoin on the international stage, granting it an unprecedented status in the history of cryptos.

The French real estate market is going through a turbulent period, despite signs of calm after two marked years of depression. Indeed, the figures recently published by the Notaries of France reveal a double observation: real estate prices have dropped, but this decrease has not been enough to revive sales. Thus, in 2024, the number of transactions has seen a spectacular drop, illustrating a deep blockage in the sector. This situation, both paradoxical and alarming, raises questions about the factors that are hindering the market's revival and the economic and political dynamics that amplify its complexity.

The use of cryptocurrencies has surpassed the stage of curiosity reserved for a tech-savvy elite. A recent survey from Emerson College reveals that nearly 19% of American voters have already invested in cryptocurrencies, traded, or conducted transactions with them. This figure, which illustrates a growing adoption of these technologies, represents a significant change in financial behaviors. More than an isolated phenomenon, it reflects a profound transformation in mindsets, where cryptocurrencies are gradually becoming integrated into the daily lives of millions of people.

The crypto market is going through a period of high volatility, marked by a drop in the price of Bitcoin, now valued at $100,300. This unexpected plunge for many investors comes in the wake of the recent announcements from the U.S. Federal Reserve. While the 0.25% reduction in the federal funds rate appeared to align with expectations, the upward revision of inflation forecasts for 2025, now set at 2.5% from 2.1% previously, took the markets by surprise. In his speech, Jerome Powell, the Fed chair, emphasized that these adjustments reflect a cautious approach in the face of current economic challenges. These decisions have triggered shockwaves in the financial markets, increasing uncertainties and sparking a debate on the potential implications for crypto investors.