Economy
Bitcoin now holds a 64% market share with a $1.8 trillion valuation, according to VC Tim Draper and Bitcoin Magazine. However, whereas some commentators discuss Bitcoin’s merger with traditional finance, the Mises Institute points to Monero as assuming the role Bitcoin originally hinted at: private, peer-to-peer cash. Regulators, as reported by Reuters, express concern over privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Monero, citing risks of money laundering and potential bans in regions like the EU.
In the US, retail investors are selling gold amid a 59% price increase to US$3,274.33 an ounce since 2024, according to Metals Focus. Dealers such as Money Metals Exchange have reduced premiums to a six-year low, and US Mint American Eagle coin sales fell by over 70% in May. In contrast, Asian investors are increasing gold purchases, with demand rising 12% in China and over 30% in South-east Asia, as reported by the World Gold Council, citing concerns over tariffs and currency depreciation. However, some US investors are reportedly holding onto gold due to lingering concerns about global economic stability, per Reuters, suggesting the sell-off is not universal.
Meanwhile, BRICS nations hold over $60 trillion in financial assets, representing half of global wealth, according to Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov at a New Development Bank meeting in Rio de Janeiro, where he highlighted infrastructure and digital finance initiatives. Skeptics, including The Wall Street Journal, caution that this figure may be inflated and question the transparency of financial reporting within BRICS countries.
US Politics
In the United States, Elon Musk has announced the formation of the “America Party,” following a 2-to-1 favorable poll on X around Independence Day. Musk has stated his intention to challenge what he describes as a “one-party system,” according to public statements. This move coincides with reported tensions with President Donald Trump over a tax and spending bill, which Musk claims disregarded findings from his Department of Government Efficiency.
Reacting to this news, Invest Azoria has delayed the listing of its Tesla Convexity ETF, citing Elon Musk’s decision to start a political party as the reason. A spokesperson for Invest Azoria clarified on X that market conditions and strategic reevaluation also contributed to this decision. The situation has also drawn criticism from Steve Bannon, who referred to Musk as a “foreigner” on his “War Room” podcast, prompting a response from Musk, as seen in social media exchanges and public reports. Reuters notes that the America Party’s potential impact on upcoming elections remains uncertain, hinging on Musk’s ability to mobilize a significant voter base.
Energy
OPEC+ has agreed to increase oil production by 548,000 barrels per day next month, surpassing the expected 411,000-barrel increase for August, following a recent video conference. The Vienna-based group stated this decision aims to regain market share and address US shale production while meeting summer demand. However, Brent futures have declined 8.5% in 2025, and the International Energy Agency has warned of a potential market glut. Rystad Energy analyst Jorge Leon suggested that prices could fall to $60 a barrel by year-end if oversupply occurs. Some analysts, per Reuters, argue this production hike may be premature given economic uncertainties and potential impacts of US trade policies on global demand.
Geopolitics
Hamas has reportedly accepted a 60-day ceasefire framework in Gaza with US assurances, according to The Wall Street Journal. The agreement includes the release of 10 of approximately 20 living hostages and the remains of deceased ones, with Israel agreeing to release Palestinian prisoners and withdraw forces from designated areas. Negotiations for a permanent resolution are planned to follow, supported by US mediation. President Trump has expressed support for the deal, and a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled in Washington, per reports. However, Israeli officials, as reported by The Times of Israel, express skepticism about the deal’s feasibility and Hamas’s commitment, indicating further discussions are needed.
Sources
Americans Sell Gold as Asian Investors Stockpile Amid Economic Divide
In the US, “a lot of the retail investors tend to be Republican-leaning. And whatever we say about the policy of tariffs, they like the idea of how Trump’s doing”, said Philip Newman, managing director at research consultancy Metals Focus. “So from their point of view, there’s less reason to buy gold.”
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
Privacy and Fungibility: The Forgotten Virtues of Sound Money
Fungibility is fragile and cannot survive without privacy.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Bitcoin’s Dominance: Why the Next Decade’s Biggest Fintech Opportunity Isn’t DeFi
“The biggest fintech opportunity in the next decade is not DeFi. It’s the merger of BTC + TradFi.”
Elon Musk Launches ‘America Party’ to Disrupt ‘One-Party System’ Amid Trump Fallout
Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom.
OPEC+ Accelerates Output Surge to Crush Shale, Risks Market Glut
OPEC+ is sending a clear message, for anyone still in doubt: the group is firmly shifting toward a market share strategy.
Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Framework with U.S. Assurances for Hostage Release and War’s End
Hamas accepted the framework of a proposed new 60-day cease-fire and hostage-release deal in Gaza that, if concluded, would immediately trigger U.S.-backed negotiations between the militants and Israel aimed at a permanent end to the war, Arab officials involved in the talks said.
BRICS Financial Assets Surpass $60 Trillion, Command Half of Global Wealth
The total volume of financial assets reached more than $60 trillion, that is, over 50% of the global level.
Investment Firm Pulls Support for Tesla, Delays ETF Listing Over Musk’s Political Party Announcement
“Elon has gone too far.”
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, Invest Azoria Spokesperson, and The Times of Israel.
by goldenageahead 
