Brazil has banned foreign exchange providers from using stablecoins and cryptocurrencies to settle cross-border payments, forcing them to use traditional banking channels instead. Crypto trading remains legal, but firms using blockchain for remittances must change their systems by deadlines running to 2027.

Phi, an on-chain identity project, announced on the X platform that it will cease operations on May 25th. PHI tokens will remain and trade on Aerodrome, but liquidity is expected to gradually decrease. The Phi team advises users to claim rewards, unstake, and withdraw their assets in advance.

The long-stalled CLARITY Act is now on the brink of a decisive breakthrough, with U.S. senators reaching a critical compromise that could push the landmark crypto bill to a floor vote as early as May.

U.S.-listed Chinese stocks experienced pre-market gains, according to ChainCatcher. NIO Inc. saw a 3% increase, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. rose by 2%, and Li Auto Inc. gained 1%. These movements reflect positive sentiment in the market ahead of the trading session.

WTI crude oil prices increased by over 2.00% intraday, reaching $104.22 per barrel, while Brent crude maintained its position above $108 per barrel. According to NS3.AI, Brent crude saw a 0.43% rise after initially dropping more than 2%. Israeli media have reported that the U.S. is set to commence Operation Hormuz within hours.

Arkham has projected that Arthur Hayes' net worth in 2026 could range between $200 million and $350 million. According to NS3.AI, approximately $42 million of this estimated wealth is verifiable through on-chain data.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has reported that professional forecasters now expect the GDP growth rate for 2026 to be 1.0%. According to Jin10, this is a revision from the previous expectation of 1.2% made three months ago.

According to Gate data, spot gold fell below $4,580 per ounce, down 0.85% on the day. Spot silver fell more than 2.00% on the day, currently trading at $74.24 per ounce. Brent crude oil broke through $109 per barrel, up 1.35% on the day. WTI crude oil touched $105 per barrel, up 2.79% on the day. WTI crude oil futures rose $2.00 on the day, currently trading at $103.94 per barrel, a gain of 1.96%.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has released findings from a survey of professional forecasters, indicating that after the current surge in inflation, the rate is expected to decline to near-target levels next year. According to Jin10, this survey reflects the views of economic experts on the future trajectory of inflation in the eurozone. The ECB's target for inflation is close to 2%, and the survey suggests that the current inflationary pressures are anticipated to ease, aligning with the central bank's objectives in the coming year.

Blockchain trading platform Ekiden has announced the completion of a $2 million seed funding round. According to Odaily, the round was led by Unicorn Factory Ventures and P2 Ventures, with participation from angel investors who have previously invested in projects such as GSR, Pyth, Aptos, LayerZero, and Cube Exchange. Ekiden is valued at $20 million and aims to bring institutional-grade trading on-chain, offering efficient and secure trading solutions through blockchain technology.

Bitcoin's recent rebound near the average entry price of institutional investors since the approval of spot ETFs is providing significant support, according to CryptoDan. According to NS3.AI, CryptoDan noted that the inflows from spot ETFs are creating a structural difference in the current market cycle compared to previous ones. However, he cautioned that it is still premature to declare a market bottom.

Phil Smith, Deputy Director of Economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted on May 4 that panic buying to secure supplies amid fears of future price hikes and shortages continues to support Germany's output and new orders. According to Jin10, this preemptive activity may lead to some pullback in the coming months. While there is strong growth in new orders for intermediate goods, which are used to produce other products, demand for consumer goods has significantly declined. The number of companies expecting a decline in activity over the next year now exceeds those anticipating growth. Concerns are rising that soaring inflation pressures and the related squeeze on purchasing power will dampen demand. In April, inflation in industrial producer prices surged to its highest level in over three years. Meanwhile, supply delays have reached levels not seen since mid-2022, posing a risk of production cutbacks regardless of demand conditions.

Nobitex, Iran’s dominant cryptocurrency platform, has been thrust into the spotlight after a Reuters investigation revealed it was founded by individuals linked to one of the country’s most powerful political families—raising fresh questions about the intersection of crypto infrastructure and state influence.

Russia is planning to charge about $2 per gigabyte for international internet use, a move that would make VPN use much more expensive for everyday users. It is also raising licence fees for small internet providers and expanding surveillance systems, which could force most smaller firms out and increase state control over the internet.

Asset tokenization will bring various assets and transactions onto the blockchain, reshaping capital markets; this massive wave is just beginning. Networks focused on institutional needs are expected to lead the way in the short term, while open public chains continue to improve their privacy and identity infrastructure.

When technology is a true infrastructure rather than a shackle, the opportunities it creates far outweigh the jobs it eliminates.

Is Strategy's STRC a Ponzi scheme or a savvy Bitcoin investment? The truth behind its 11.5% high return.

An investigation by The Wall Street Journal has found evidence that Trump's WLFI has been exchanging favour with the infamous Prince Group, a criminal organisation that ran a vast and inhumane "pig butchering" scam network in Cambodia.

Artificial Intelligence, AI Agent, LLM, Token, AI Big Model's "Chinese Tax": Why Does Chinese Cost More Tokens Than English? Jinse Finance: The model is not neutral; it has built-in language preferences.

GameStop has made an unsolicited $56 billion bid to acquire eBay, offering $125 per share and building a 5 per cent stake in the company. CEO Ryan Cohen said he is ready to take the offer directly to shareholders if eBay rejects it, backed by planned debt financing and potential investor support.