KB Kookmin Bank to introduce blockchain-based cross-border payment service via JPMorgan's Kinexys network in August, initially supporting USD transfers across 10 countries.
The Indian rupee gained 0.1% against the US dollar on Thursday, opening at 96.49, despite facing pressure from rising crude oil prices. Traders expect continued strain, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intervention anticipated to limit sharper losses. Geopolitical tensions are driving oil prices higher, offsetting previous RBI measures.
Chinese developers' success in AI architectural innovation is seen by some analysts as potentially weakening the rationale for vast US spending on AI infrastructure, challenging US dominance in frontier models and computing hardware.
The Iranian rial reached a record low of 1.941 million against the US dollar in Tehran's free market, marking a 43.7% loss year-to-date. This depreciation is driven by escalating military and political tensions, including US and Israeli airstrikes and a naval blockade, fueling concerns over accelerating inflation, which hit 88.6% last month.
The Indian Rupee depreciated 39 paise against the US dollar, opening at 95.72 and falling to 95.77 due to soaring crude oil prices and escalating Middle East tensions. Concerns over global crude supply disruptions, fueled by Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz, dampened market sentiment.
An IMF paper suggests stablecoins can improve foreign currency access in fixed exchange rate economies but may amplify currency runs during crises, prompting calls for transaction limits.
Bitcoin (BTC) approached new July highs, trading above $64,000 on Friday. Hopes for a US-Iran peace deal kept oil prices lower, while the US dollar index (DXY) saw a third consecutive day of decline. Analysts note $65,000 as crucial resistance for BTC.
Kraken Co-CEO Arjun Sethi highlighted Hong Kong's century-long role as an international business gateway, now being reshaped by stablecoins and blockchain into a 24/7 liquidity hub. Payward's recent US$600M acquisition of Reap Technologies signals expansion into Asia via Hong Kong.
In 2025, nearly one million people worldwide joined the ranks of US dollar millionaires, with the US leading in absolute numbers. Eastern European countries, particularly Lithuania, saw the fastest percentage growth in new millionaires.
The Indian Rupee opened weaker against the US dollar on Wednesday, trading at 95.15 and falling to 95.16. This decline is attributed to rising crude oil prices and a strengthening US dollar following fresh military actions involving the US and Iran. A weak opening in domestic stock markets also contributed to the currency's dip.
The Indian Rupee strengthened by 15 paise against the US dollar on Tuesday, opening at 95.33 and reaching 95.28. This rise was attributed to lower crude oil price expectations, particularly Saudi Arabia's significant price cut for Asian buyers, and reduced Middle East risk premium.
The Indian Rupee opened weaker at 95.25 and slipped 10 paise to 95.28 against the US dollar in early trade Monday. A stronger dollar overseas and global development uncertainty pressured market sentiment, with analysts citing underlying weakness despite favorable cues like falling oil prices.
South Korea has expanded its won trading hours to a global 24-hour market, aiming to enhance accessibility and convenience in FX trading. The move reflects the economy's evolution towards increased overseas investment.
Bitcoin (BTC) fell towards $58,000 on Tuesday, struggling to keep pace with US stocks' strong Q2 gains. Analysts suggest capitulation among top buyers as BTC faces renewed pressure from a strong dollar against the yen, potentially leading to government intervention.
The South Korean won dropped to a 17-year low of 1,545.2 per US dollar on Monday, driven by foreign investors selling local stocks, renewed US-Iran tensions, and a strong dollar on Federal Reserve rate hike bets.
Bitcoin dropped to $59,060 as the US dollar strengthened to a 13-month high and oil prices fell, easing inflation fears. This, coupled with a slowdown in Strategy's Bitcoin purchases and strong AI sector earnings, weakens the investment case for alternative scarce assets like BTC.
The European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee has approved the digital euro, a central bank-issued digital currency, to reduce the EU's reliance on US-controlled payment systems like Visa and Mastercard, which dominate 61% of euro area card payments.
The US has partially lifted sanctions on Iranian oil exports, allowing Iran to sell oil in US dollars for the first time in decades. President Trump warned Iran against breaking a ceasefire agreement, stating he would "do what I have to do" if they misbehave. Talks in Switzerland concluded with plans for negotiating groups on nuclear power and sanctions.
The US has issued a 60-day sanctions waiver allowing Iran to export oil in US dollars, following initial peace talks. While US VP JD Vance claimed progress on nuclear inspections, Iran denied making new commitments.
The US Treasury's General License X allows transactions for Iranian oil until August 21, but excludes Donbass, Crimea, Novorossiya, North Korea, and Cuba from the sanctions relief, permitting USD payments for Iranian oil.
The Indian rupee fell 30 paise to close at 94.63 against the US dollar on Monday, influenced by a strong dollar and Middle East tensions. Forex traders noted volatile trading, with inflows offset by dollar strength and peace deal uncertainty.
Bitcoin (BTC) is trading around $64,000, with market participants watching several catalysts. The strengthening US dollar (DXY) presents a headwind, while historical data suggests July could bring price relief after June's weakness. PCE inflation data and oil price movements related to US-Iran peace talks are also key factors influencing support levels.
The MOEX index fell by 1.3% to 2,409.53 points following the Bank of Russia's decision to cut its key rate by 25 basis points to 14.25%. The ruble strengthened against the yuan, while the US dollar gained and the euro fell against the ruble.
The Indian Rupee gained 20 paise against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, reaching 94.20. Optimism surrounding an India-US trade agreement, coupled with improved foreign inflows and lower crude oil prices, fueled the recovery from its previous all-time closing low.
