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25 Mar 2026, 15:01

Iran war pushes Europe toward stagflation as energy costs surge and growth slows

The war in Iran is damaging Europe’s economy, pushing it towards stagflation, the dangerous combination of stagnant growth and accelerating inflation. The spike in oil prices caused by the conflict is hurting businesses across the European Union, fueling fears among managers and policymakers about the unfolding scenario. Stagflation alarm bells are ringing in Europe The war in the Persian Gulf, sparked by joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran at the end of February, is already inflicting real economic damage on Europe, regional media revealed, quoting new data. Amid rising energy prices that pushed input costs to their highest level in over three years, eurozone business activity slowed to its lowest level in almost a year in March. According to S&P Global’s Flash Purchasing Managers’ (PMI) Index survey published Tuesday, overall activity in manufacturing and services fell to 50.5, from 51.9 the previous month. The index is now much closer to the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction, Euractiv reported. Quoted by the European news website, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, Chris Williamson, commented: “The flash Eurozone PMI is ringing stagflation alarm bells as the war in the Middle East drives prices sharply higher while stifling growth.” The lowest figures registered in 10 months were mainly driven by slowing activity in Germany and France, the largest economies in the common currency area. In both cases, input prices rose sharply, largely due to energy costs and disruptions in supply chains. Selling prices increased too, but not as significantly. Energy prices surged after the Islamic Republic effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments. Meanwhile, supplier delays reached their highest levels since August 2022, or a few months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, expectations for future output saw their largest drop on record since the start of that war, Williamson pointed out. According to the analysts at S&P Global, the latest data is consistent with the slowdown in the eurozone’s GDP growth rate to below 0.1% in the first quarter. This sign of approaching stagnation comes amid indications that consumer price inflation may accelerate toward 3%, Euronews noted. Last week, the European Central Bank (ECB) slashed its growth projection for the euro area, while hiking the inflation outlook for the whole year. It also held rates at 2%, but it will have to be very careful with its future policy decisions as it’s likely to face a growing risk of stagflation in the next weeks and months. Brussels delays proposal to ban Russian oil High-ranking EU officials, including Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, have expressed fears of stagflation similar to the one Europe went through during the two oil crises of the 1970s. The head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, warned economic damage from the Iran war could be even greater than the combined impact of those shocks and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Against this backdrop, this week the European Commission delayed a proposal to permanently ban imports of Russian oil and petroleum products into the EU. Its energy policy spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen did not provide a new date, but told journalists the Commission remains “committed to making this proposal.” Legislation cementing the prohibition was to be presented on April 15, but the executive body removed the publication date from its agenda on Tuesday. The EC vowed to phase out Russian crude with a dedicated law in May 2025 but did not deliver the draft by the end of the year, as initially promised. In December, the Commission announced that the proposal would be published in early 2026. However, only a few member states have so far filed the required national plans to diversify supplies. The bill is part of the bloc’s REPowerEU roadmap, under which the EU has already banned imports of Russian gas, including LNG by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by the fall of 2027. While deliveries of Russian oil have already been restricted under EU sanctions, Hungary and Slovakia secured derogations using their veto power. Unlike trade sanctions, which require the unanimous support of all 27 members, the legislative initiative would only need a qualified majority. The two countries are now clashing with Brussels and Kyiv over the resumption of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. They are accusing Ukraine, which claims the Soviet-era pipe was damaged in a Russian drone strike, of deliberately delaying repairs, and are holding up a €90 billion loan for the invaded nation. Thus, both wars near Europe are threatening to turn off the oil taps for the EU, as recently reported by Cryptopolitan, and pushing fuel prices up across the Union. Want your project in front of crypto’s top minds? Feature it in our next industry report, where data meets impact.

25 Mar 2026, 14:58

BitMine Buys Ethereum Worth $145 Million to Boost Treasury

BitMine acquires additional Ethereum for about $145 million as it remains keen to continuously expand its treasury, leveraging market volatility to scoop up the asset for cheaper prices.

25 Mar 2026, 13:31

Expert Says XRP Is About to Explode into Life-Changing Generational Wealth

Crypto commentator Archie (@Archie_XRPL) highlighted significant XRP activity this week, noting that recent market behavior could indicate either a full reversal or confirmation of a bottoming structure. His analysis, accompanied by a weekly chart, signals that XRP is approaching a critical point that could bring generational wealth. Technical Signals on the Weekly Chart The weekly chart shows three notable zones of strong price acceleration. The first occurred in late 2020 and early 2021, when XRP surged from under $0.3 to a peak of $1.96 in April of that year. The second climb occurred in 2024, when XRP rose 500% from around $0.5 to over $3.3. Currently, the chart highlights a third zone at $1.30 to $1.40, suggesting a potential breakout area. This level has repeatedly acted as support, reinforcing its significance in determining the next major price rally. Price consolidation at this level indicates accumulation and a potential for increased volatility once momentum resumes. This upcoming rally is the third highlighted zone on the chart. Archie observed, “Either we start to fully reverse here, or confirm a textbook bottoming structure.” This statement suggests that XRP is positioned at a critical juncture where both bullish and stable accumulation outcomes favor long-term holders. XRP ARMY: PREDICTION FOR THIS WEEK MONSTROUS REVERSAL LOADING Let’s end march with a bang! 1⃣Clarity Act advances: Senate Banking markup push? House vote momentum if fast-tracked this week the floodgates open! 2⃣SEC ETF rule deadline this Friday: Clarity on new XRP… pic.twitter.com/PJgruCQPAs — Archie (@Archie_XRPL) March 23, 2026 Market Developments Supporting Momentum Several market catalysts are contributing to the potential for a strong move. The CLARITY Act’s progression could accelerate adoption by offering clearer regulatory guidelines. Archie pointed to the Senate Banking markup and potential House vote as triggers for renewed institutional participation. Additionally, the SEC ETF rule deadline this Friday may allow new XRP products to enter the market, providing further liquidity and momentum. The rule requires the SEC to approve or deny pending cryptocurrency ETF applications, and meeting this deadline could bring regulatory clarity, attract institutional investors, and strengthen XRP adoption and price potential. Geopolitical conditions also play a role. The market uncertainty recently triggered by the war in Iran pushed XRP’s price down . However, Archie mentioned that tensions in the Middle East are beginning to stabilize, which can reduce macroeconomic uncertainty and allow investors to focus on market opportunities. These combined factors suggest an environment conducive to a sustained price movement for XRP. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 What’s Next for XRP? XRP is entering a decisive week. Regulatory progress, ETF developments, and stabilizing geopolitical factors all support potential upward movement. According to Archie, “When this chart goes, it’s going to EXPLODE into life-changing generational wealth territory.” He sees the current price level as a rare opportunity, with the cryptocurrency demonstrating conditions similar to previous explosive phases. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Expert Says XRP Is About to Explode into Life-Changing Generational Wealth appeared first on Times Tabloid .

25 Mar 2026, 13:03

CME Group Lists XRP Alongside Bitcoin in Official SEC Filing

A recent disclosure from CME Group has placed XRP alongside major digital assets like Bitcoin in its official filings. According to the 10-K filing submitted to the U.S. Visit Website

25 Mar 2026, 12:54

Bitmine launches Ethereum staking platform

More on Bitmine Immersion Technologies Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (BMNR) Shareholder/Analyst Call - Slideshow Bitmine Immersion Technologies: This Could Be The Bottom As Legislation Becomes More Likely Bitmine Vs. Sharplink: One Is A Dilution Trap, The Other Is The Better Ethereum Proxy Bitmine Immersion Technologies announces ETH holdings reach 4.661M tokens Eightco boosts OpenAI investment by $40M to $90M

25 Mar 2026, 12:42

The Clarity Act Banned Stablecoin Yield to Protect Banks: It May Have Just Made Tether and DeFi the Winners

Regulation toward cryptocurrencies, specifically in the U.S., have largely been progressive to the industry since President Trump took office. The CLARITY Act, a proposed legislation that would clarify oversight and legitimize stablecoins was supposed to be crypto’s big moment. However, on March 23 we got an updated version of the market structure bill from congress that highlighted a ban on yield payments for simply holding a stablecoin. This news has triggered a massive sell off in Circle (the issuer of USDC) stock, falling over 20% yesterday, making it the largest decline in a single day since its IPO on June 5 last year. Coinbase, which had built a revenue sharing arrangement around USDC saw a drop of over 9%. Meanwhile, the irony in this story is hard to ignore. Tether, which never passed yield to users in the first place, walked away from this news unscathed. What was framed as regulatory clarity has actually changed the competitive environment, with the regulated US stablecoins not being the winners here, while pushing the real yield opportunity elsewhere. What the Clarity Act Actually Bans and What It Doesn’t The updated draft of the CLARITY Act released on March 23 highlighted a clear stance on passive rewards on stables. Any sort of interest paid out for simply holding a stablecoin is banned, according to CoinDesk’s analysis of the draft. That means passive reward, the kind Circle was distributing to USDC holders through its Coinbase revenue sharing arrangement, is off the table. While a passive yield is banned, Disruption Banking analysis shows that rewards tied to activity such as payments, transfers or platform activity remain in the updated bill. This compromise was negotiated by Senators Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks, with White House backing confirmed on March 20. The task of reaching a conclusion on what can be seen as a permissible reward and to draft anti-evasion rules now are in the hands of the SEC, CFTC and the U.S. Treasury. The fact is that the bill still has to traverse through many steps before it becomes law and this is an important point to keep in mind. The Banking Committee markup is currently set for the second half of April, after Easter recess ends on April 13. From here, the bill has to go through a set of five hurdles. Committee approval, a Senate floor vote that requires 60 votes, reconciliation with both the Agriculture Committee and House versions and finally a presidential signature. Even though the journey for the bill to be enacted seems long at the moment, the way Circle and Coinbase stock reacted so sharply is indicative of the market’s already repricing the news that has come out. Circle’s Worst Week: How the Revenue Model Broke Circle posted its worst week since its IPO in June last year as its stock fell over 20% in a single day yesterday, its sharpest decline in a day as reported by CNBC , and now trading near $101. This drop has effectively wiped out the gains seen over the past two weeks. At the same time, Coinbase reacted in the same vein to the yield ban news, with its stock dropping over 9%. The drawdowns actually make sense once you understand how the two companies are connected. Circle holds U.S. Treasury securities as the reserves backing the $75 billion worth of USDC in circulation. Those Treasuries generate yield, Circle shares a portion of that income with Coinbase, and Coinbase passes it along to users as rewards for holding USDC. This entire system is what the updated draft of the CLARITY ACT targets with its ban on passive stablecoin rewards. To add to this, Coinbase draws in roughly 20% of their total revenue via USDC related revenue, per the company’s financial disclosures, and hence starts to make sense why the drawdown was as steep as it was on the back of this news. This is where the real irony kicks in. Circle was actually the issuer that gave yield back to consumers rather than keeping it all like their competitors Tether but the new rules hurt the one that gives it away. Tether Wins by Default, DeFi Enters Regulatory Limbo This updated draft has actually meant that Tether comes out as the winner. The company has always kept all reserve income from USDT to itself, never passing a cent of yield to holders, which means the CLARITY Act’s ban on passive stablecoin rewards doesn’t change a single thing about how Tether operates. To add to that, on the same day Circle was in freefall, Tether announced it had hired a Big Four accounting firm for a full audit of USDT reserves, a move that, regardless of the timing being coincidental, positioned it as the steady, credible alternative while its biggest U.S. competitor was dealing with an existential question about its business model. Tether Signs Big Four Firm to Complete First Full Audit, Setting a New Quality Standard for the Digital Asset Economy Read more: https://t.co/rtsB7l4nJL — Tether (@tether) March 24, 2026 With USDT dominance at 58% at a marketcap of $184.84 billion compared to USDC’s $78.68 billion, this news could very well widen the gap between the two largest stablecoins on the market today. The more complicated question is what happens to yield that doesn’t come from a company at all. Decentralized protocols, automated lending markets that run entirely on software code without any central company behind them, currently offer anywhere between 5% and 20% annual returns on stablecoins, and platforms like Aave, Ethena and Compound have been doing this at scale for years. The CLARITY Act broadly targets payment stablecoins, but its DeFi provisions are still unwritten, leaving an enormous grey area unresolved. The fundamental problem Congress faces is that these protocols have no CEO to call before a committee, no headquarters to inspect and no corporate structure to regulate. Whether legislation written for companies can meaningfully govern software running autonomously on decentralized networks is a question the bill doesn’t answer, and right now, nobody in Washington seems to have a clear answer either. What to Watch The next hard date on the calendar is the Banking Committee markup, currently scheduled for the second half of April once Easter recess ends on April 13. That’s the first real legislative vote on whether the yield ban survives in its current form, and prediction market analysis from Seeking Alpha currently puts the odds of passage at around 68%. For Circle and Coinbase, that number matters a lot. Both stocks are likely to remain under pressure as long as the market believes the yield ban goes through unchanged, but any signs of softened language around what qualifies as a permissible reward could quickly become a recovery catalyst. The other thing worth watching is whether capital starts visibly rotating out of centralized stablecoin yield arrangements and into DeFi alternatives, if activity on platforms like Aave and Ethena starts picking up meaningfully in the coming weeks, that’s the market giving its clearest signal yet about where yield goes when regulation closes the door on one architecture and leaves another one untouched. This news has dropped during a time when the broader crypto market is already grappling with a very unsettling macro setting. Bitcoin is currently in a positive trend caused by a geopolitical relief rally, hovering between the $71 to $72K mark. That said, this update on stablecoin regulation adds another entirely different but extremely consequential hurdle that the market has not fully digested. Stablecoins are the primary on-ramp into crypto, the infrastructure that connects fiat to the digital asset market, and a structural change to how they work and what they can offer doesn’t stay contained to Circle’s stock price. If the on-ramp changes, everything downstream shifts with it, and that’s a dynamic the entire market will need to reckon with as the markup date gets closer. Your bank is using your money. You’re getting the scraps. Watch our free video on becoming your own bank