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18 Jan 2026, 21:36
Euro shrugs off Trump threats as capital flows hold firm
The Euro stayed firm this week, even after President Donald Trump renewed trade threats against European governments over Greenland. The pressure looked real, but the reaction stayed calm. The reason is in capital flows, not politics. Europe funds a huge share of U.S. markets. Europe stands as the largest foreign lender to the United States. Countries across the region hold about $8 trillion in U.S. bonds and equities. That figure almost doubles the holdings of the rest of the world. George Saravelos, global head of FX research at Deutsche Bank, laid this out in a Sunday client note. The Euro is supported by that balance of money and leverage. European capital restrains tariff fallout Saravelos warned that the Western alliance faces real strain. He said, “In an environment where the geoeconomic stability of the Western Alliance is being disrupted existentially, it is not clear why Europeans would be as willing to play this part.” He added, “Developments over the last few days have potential to further encourage dollar rebalancing.” Those remarks tied market risk to funding, not tariffs. The Euro was sharply selling as investors weighed exposure on both sides of the Atlantic. Saravelos said new U.S. tariffs over Greenland could push Europe toward tighter political coordination. That dynamic reduced the odds of lasting currency pressure this week. He also said, “The key thing to watch over the next few days is whether the European Union activates its anti-coercion instrument.” French President Emmanuel Macron plans to request that step, according to a person close to him who spoke under anonymity due to government rules. Saravelos said, “With the U.S. net international investment position at record negative extremes, the mutual inter-dependence of European-U.S. financial markets has never been higher.” He added, “It is a weaponization of capital rather than trade flows that would by far be the most disruptive to markets.” Chinese companies expanded their use of the Euro in cross-border payments last year. Settlements in the currency rose at the fastest pace since 2010. Data from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange showed payments jumped 22.8% to 1.18 trillion yuan, or $169 billion, in 2025. Bloomberg’s calculations matched the figures. Trade between China and the European Union reached $828.1 billion in 2025, up 5.4% from the prior year. SAFE data showed the Euro If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .
18 Jan 2026, 21:23
Crypto Markets Brace for Turbulent Times as US-EU Tensions Escalate
Cryptocurrency markets anticipate instability due to heightened US-EU tensions. New tariffs and retaliations could disrupt economic ties and market stability. Continue Reading: Crypto Markets Brace for Turbulent Times as US-EU Tensions Escalate The post Crypto Markets Brace for Turbulent Times as US-EU Tensions Escalate appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
18 Jan 2026, 20:53
Kevin Hassett is now backing out of the race to lead the Federal Reserve, and Trump doesn’t seem to mind.
Kevin Hassett is now backing out of the race to lead the Federal Reserve, and Trump doesn’t seem to mind. The White House economic adviser said on Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing that he and the president have been talking “from the beginning” about whether he’d be more useful staying in the West Wing or heading over to the Fed. “I don’t think he’s made a final call on that,” Hassett said. But Trump already made it pretty clear last week where he stands. In front of cameras at a White House event, he looked right at Hassett and said, “I actually want to keep you where you are, if you want to know the truth.” That was enough of a signal. And now Hassett is echoing it back. “There are a lot of great candidates,” he said Sunday, “and it could well be that the president’s right to make the decision that this is the best place for me right now.” Hassett even added that he was “humbled and gratified” by the comment, calling Trump “such a good guy.” Fed chair race narrows as Rieder gains late support With Hassett out, the list is shrinking. It’s now seen as a four-man race. The names floating around are Christopher Waller, Kevin Warsh, and Rick Rieder. Rick’s stock is rising fast. People familiar with the process say his nomination may have a better shot in the Senate. The idea is simple: he’s seen as easier to confirm, and in the current climate, that matters. That climate, by the way, is now officially toxic. A criminal investigation has been opened into Jerome Powell. The case is about the huge costs tied to the remodel of the Fed’s Washington headquarters. But everyone in D.C. knows what it’s really about. Powell refused to cave to Trump’s demand for lower rates. And now the Justice Department is coming after him. Powell himself went public. In a video posted to the Fed’s site, he said: “The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the president.” The case relates to congressional testimony Powell gave on the cost overruns. The U.S. attorney for D.C., Jeanine Pirro, signed off on the subpoena. Senate resistance grows as Powell and Cook face pressure The whole thing has triggered real pushback, not from Democrats, but from inside Trump’s own party. Senator Thom Tillis, who sits on the Banking Committee, said any Fed nominee from Trump will now face even more scrutiny. This is not the usual “lawfare” that Trump complains about. This time, the heat is coming from inside the GOP. And it might blow up the plan to replace Powell before his May 15 exit as chairman. Even if Trump can’t fire Powell outright, he’s trying to change the makeup of the board. Under the 1913 law that created the Fed, governors serve 14-year terms, and they can only be fired “for cause.” That phrase has never really been defined. Powell can stay on the board until 2028 even if he loses the chair. Meanwhile, Trump is also trying to remove Governor Lisa Cook over a separate accusation (mortgage fraud), which she denies. That’s turning into another legal fight. If Trump manages to push both Powell and Cook out, he could flip the balance. Three of the current seven governors already lean toward his view of lower interest rates. Adding two more would tilt the whole board. The search for a new chair is being led by Bessent, who Trump says pulled his own name out of consideration. And Trump keeps saying publicly that he’s not behind the Powell investigation. But then again, in his speech at the Detroit Economic Club, he smiled and told the crowd, “That jerk will be gone soon.” The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
18 Jan 2026, 20:03
Trump Pursues Bold Moves as Global Tensions Rise
Trump aims to acquire Greenland, intensifying global tensions. NATO's role diminishes as economic crises loom due to tariffs. Continue Reading: Trump Pursues Bold Moves as Global Tensions Rise The post Trump Pursues Bold Moves as Global Tensions Rise appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
18 Jan 2026, 18:30
More XRP Than Cash? “You’re A Genius”, Analyst Says
A sharp comment from a well-known XRP Ledger developer has sparked fresh debate around savings, inflation, and what smart money looks like today. Related Reading: What’s Driving The $1.42 Billion Comeback In Spot Bitcoin ETFs? Bird, the developer behind the XRPL-based meme coin DROP, drew attention after saying that anyone holding more value in XRP than in their bank account is a “genius.” The word choice was bold, and it quickly spread across social media, pulling in both supporters and critics. Genius Or Gamble In An Inflation Era According to Bird, the label has less to do with bragging rights and more to do with awareness. He argues that many people trust banks by default, assuming savings accounts protect their future. The problem, he says, is math. Savings rates around 4–6% often fail to keep pace with rising prices. Groceries, rent, transport, and healthcare keep climbing. Over time, money sitting still can quietly lose strength. In that light, Bird frames holding XRP as a sign of foresight rather than recklessness. If you have more money in $XRP than in your bank account, you’re a genius. — Bird (@Bird_XRPL) January 11, 2026 Risk Still Has A Price XRP prices can swing hard in short periods, something banks are built to avoid. A savings account may feel boring, but it offers stability and fast access when bills arrive or emergencies hit. That difference matters. Long-term holders respond that XRP was never meant to act like a checking account. It is treated as an asset tied to future payment rails and global transfers, not day-to-day spending money. The “genius” remark, they say, speaks to time horizon, not short-term comfort. Utility Gains After Years Of Pressure XRP spent years weighed down by legal uncertainty while its network continued to expand behind the scenes. With parts of that pressure easing, attention has shifted back to usage. Cross-border payments remain a core focus. Stablecoin activity, including RLUSD, has increased. Tokenization of real-world assets is also being explored on the XRP Ledger. Supporters believe this growing use gives XRP value beyond price charts. “ What’s the right amount of $XRP to hold? “ The truth is… it’s completely subjective. We all live in different countries, have different costs, jobs, savings, families, goals. Some people chase money, some chase freedom. Some need security for health, travel, retirement,… https://t.co/A5g5Oa4f7c — Bird (@Bird_XRPL) January 10, 2026 How Much Is Enough Depends On You Bird has also raised a question that keeps coming up online: what amount of XRP is “right.” Reports note he often mentions 10,000 XRP as a rough reference, not a target. His thinking is simple. If XRP ever trades in double digits, that holding turns into a six-figure sum in US dollars. For some people, that could mean freedom. For others, it might only ease pressure. Living costs, family size, health needs, and location all shape what “enough” really means. Related Reading: Saylor Defends Bitcoin Treasury Firms Amid Rising Criticism Calling someone a genius makes for catchy headlines, but real life sits in the middle. Keeping some money in banks helps cover daily needs. Holding assets like XRP is a bet on future systems and long-term growth. Featured image from Gemini, chart from TradingView
18 Jan 2026, 17:10
France to request EU activate anti-coercion instrument after Trump's 10% tariff on eight European nations
France is pushing for the European Union to deploy its strongest trade weapon after US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on European nations linked to his demand to purchase Greenland. Emmanuel Macron plans to ask the EU to activate its anti-coercion instrument following Trump’s announcement of a 10% tariff on products from eight European nations, including France, starting February 1. A person close to the French president, speaking anonymously due to government protocols, confirme d Ma cron would submit this request on France’s behalf. Macron, who called the tariff threat “unacceptable” on Saturday, has been reaching out to other European leaders about the issue. Trade deal approva l no w in question Trump posted on social media that the tariff rate would jump to 25% in June unless a deal is made for the “Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.” The declaration has thrown existing trade agreements between Washington and Brussels into doubt. The person familiar with Macron’s position said Trump’s decision to link tariffs to Greenland purchases raises serious questions about a trade agreement finalized between the EU and the US last year. That agreement has been partially put into effect but still requires parliamentary approval, which now appears unlikely to proceed. EU ambassadors from member nations are scheduled to mee t on Su nday to determine how the bloc will respond, according to another person with knowledge of the situation. Germany’s SPD parliamentary group, which forms part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s governing coalition, urged the European Commission to move quickly and develop “concrete countermeasures” against the United States. A person familiar with German planning said the government is reviewing all possible responses but hasn’t settled on specific actions yet. Manfred Weber, who leads the European People’s Party, the biggest political faction in the European Parliament, declare d Sa turday that approving the EU-US trade deal is no longer feasible. Powerful tool remains unused Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo issued a warning that the European Union “has the means to respond,” though he expressed hope to avoid that outcome. In comments to YLE radio, Orpo said he has called for an emergency European Council meeting to align and craft a unified approach among European nations and Denmark. The anti-coercion instrument has never been activated since its creation. It was built mainly to discourage aggressive trade actions and, when necessary, to counter intentional coercive moves from other countries that use trade policies to influence EU or member state decisions. Tariffs, new taxes on tech firms, or particular restrictions on investments within the EU are examples of potential acts under the instrument. Other options include preventing businesses from competing for government contracts throughout Europe or limiting access to specific EU market sectors. Last year, Macron thought about using the anti-coercion tool, but he changed his mind when the EU and the US were in protracted talks over planned tariffs. Claim your free seat in an exclusive crypto trading community - limited to 1,000 members.
