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Stripe has announced a new payment solution, enabling USDC stablecoin payments through the X402 protocol on the Base chain. This marks a significant step towards a new era in cryptocurrency payments, expanding options for users and enhancing the adoption of blockchain technology.

In early February, the White House announced a new trade cooperation framework between the US and India, symbolizing a significant step in their economic relations. Under this agreement, India will reduce tariffs on American products, while the US will impose reciprocal tariffs on Indian imports, reflecting both countries' industrial structures and strategic commitments.

The Bolivian government has decided to use its increasing international reserves to repay future dollar-denominated debts to private creditors, aiming to maintain economic stability and enhance creditworthiness in international financial markets.

South Africa plans to gradually withdraw about 700 troops from the UN stabilization mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by the end of 2026. This decision is part of a reorganization of the South African National Defense Force, emphasizing resource optimization and a strategic approach while maintaining support for peace and stability in the region.

The Trump administration initiated direct talks between Morocco and Algeria to resolve the long-standing Western Sahara conflict, aiming to foster regional dialogue and stability. This diplomatic effort reflects a broader U.S. interest in addressing geopolitical challenges in Africa.

Cryptocurrency mining is an essential process for operating blockchain networks and has attracted many as a passive income source. This article provides a comprehensive guide covering the mechanics of mining and how to get started, based on the latest environment in 2026.
The essence and mechanism of mining on the blockchain
Many beginners wonder what cryptocurrency mining actually is. In simple terms, it is the blockchain processing used to verify and confirm transactions for digital assets such as Bitcoin and Litecoin.
The term "mining" originates from the act of extracting valuable minerals from the earth, and it involves introducing new coins into the market.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has become a divisive figure in US finance, highlighting tensions with traditional banks over cryptocurrency regulations and interest payments on stablecoins. His strategic moves and the proposed "Clarity Act" represent a pivotal clash between digital assets and conventional banking systems.

The U.S. stock market will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20, 2026, affecting trading schedules for CME futures. Investors should prepare for lower market liquidity during this holiday.

The gold market has stabilized above $5000, influenced by geopolitical risks and bond sell-off pressures. The market is paying attention to the dollar exchange rate after Powell’s remarks, and the outlook for monetary policy could become a turning point.

The metal market is experiencing a significant shift, with industrial metals like copper facing downward pressure due to fading speculative buying. Inventory levels have surged, indicating a supply-demand imbalance, while major institutions warn that copper remains overvalued, suggesting further declines ahead.

Mizuho Financial Group's chief investment officer Shigeki Muramatsu noted that the yen is showing an upward trend, possibly breaking the 150 yen mark due to the accelerating consideration of interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan. This shift in monetary policy is enhancing market sentiment, leading to a focus on long-term Japanese government bonds as yields stabilize around 3.64%. The bond market remains stable unless surpassed by fiscal measures.

Elon Musk's attendance at a wedding in Mar-a-Lago, alongside Neuralink executives, reflects the strategic connections between tech leaders and U.S. politics, highlighting the importance of political ties for tech companies.

Alphabet, Google's parent company, plans significant expansion in India, particularly in Bangalore. The company aims to secure millions of square feet of office space, potentially accommodating up to 20,000 new employees, doubling its current workforce in the country. This investment reflects its strategic focus on the Asia-Pacific region and the competitive tech talent market.

OpenClaw, an open-source autonomous AI assistant, is rapidly gaining traction in the cryptocurrency market with its automated trading features. While enhancing wallet management efficiency, it raises serious security and regulatory concerns regarding automated decision-making and market integrity.

Thailand's main futures exchange is enhancing its response to price fluctuations in the silver futures market by possibly revising trading rules and significantly overhauling the limit switch mechanism, aiming to accommodate increased market volatility while maintaining stability and efficiency in trading.

Australia is at a critical juncture, implementing a new strategy to stabilize supply chains by setting price floors for key minerals. This approach, alongside collaboration with the U.S., aims to influence the global mineral market significantly.

A report by Capital Economics' Jack Allen-Reynolds predicts declining inflation in the Eurozone services sector in the coming months, likely falling below ECB forecasts. Wage growth slowdown is easing cost pressures, and expectations for interest rate cuts are increasing among market participants.

HSBC economists forecast that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will take a cautious approach to interest rate hikes, anticipating a 25 basis point increase. They state that market conditions and economic indicators will influence policy decisions.

HSBC analysts point out that short-term high-yield bonds offer unique investment opportunities amid market uncertainty and play an important role as a hedge against fiscal risks. Many institutional investors are beginning to reassess.