Cryptocurrencies
- South Korean regulators have turned their focus to over-the-counter (OTC) crypto trading, which has recently been frequently used in criminal activities.
- In the SEC-Binance case, the SEC’s request for an urgent audit of Binance.US was the most striking headline in the case. In the lawsuit filed by the SEC last night, Binance.US requested the court to urgently audit the company due to the slow progress of the documents-related processes.
- The SEC rejected Binance.US’ request for access to its technological infrastructure. Judge Zia Faruqui suggested that the SEC set a more specific request for its next request and interview more witnesses.
- The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has warned customers that crypto businesses that represent themselves as banks and use banking language may be violating the law.
- Nine US senators supported Elizabeth Warren’s Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act, according to statements made by her office.
- The New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) has invited the public to provide feedback on regulatory rules for crypto companies operating in the state.
- Hester Peirce, one of the five commissioners of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a crypto sympathizer, called on regulators to provide clarity on digital assets.
- SVB Financial Group, the parent company of Silicon Valley Bank, which collapsed with the banking crisis in the USA, is preparing to sell the institution’s venture capital arm, SVB Capital.
- Three defendants in the FTX class action have agreed to a tentative settlement. While YouTube phenomena were among the defendants, the terms of the settlement were not disclosed in the file.
- NFT market Magic Eden announced that it will support cNFTs (compressed NFTs) launched by Solana.
FED
- Although it is expected in the money markets that the FED will keep the interest rate constant at the monetary policy board meeting to be held tomorrow, uncertainty continues about what steps will be taken for the rest of the year.
- Stating that it is predicted that the first interest rate cut may occur at the June 2024 meeting, analysts emphasized that it is unclear how much relaxation the Fed plans in 2024.
Global Markets
- Global markets are following a mixed course ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s (FED) interest rate decision tomorrow.
- According to US Treasury Department data, the country’s national debt exceeded 33 trillion dollars for the first time.
- The striking United Automobile Workers (UAW) union also announced that if there is no serious progress in the negotiations with automobile companies, they will go on strike in more factories.
- The 78th UN General Assembly talks, which bring together the heads of state and government, ministers and delegations of the United Nations (UN) member countries, will begin today in New York.
- Yesterday in the New York Stock Exchange, the S&P 500 index gained 0.09 percent, the Nasdaq index gained 0.01 percent and the Dow Jones index gained 0.02 percent. Index futures contracts in the USA started the new day with a mixed course.
- While the negative trend in European stock markets stood out yesterday, attention turned to the inflation data to be announced in the region today. It will be announced at 12:00 Turkey time.
- Yesterday, the FTSE 100 index in England lost 0.76 percent, the DAX 40 index in Germany lost 1.05 percent, the CAC 40 index in France lost 1.39 percent and the MIB 30 index in Italy lost 1.07 percent. Index futures contracts in Europe started the new day with a negative trend.
- While Asian stock markets generally followed a sales-oriented trend, the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong diverged positively.
Today, the Kospi index in South Korea decreased by 0.6 percent to 2,559 points, and the Shanghai composite index in China remained flat at 3,125 points. - In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index closed the day at 33,264 points with a 0.8 percent loss of value, while the dollar/yen parity increased by 0.2 percent and traded at 147.8 levels.
- While there is no trading in the markets in India today due to a holiday, the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong is at 17,940 points with an increase of 0.1 percent.
- A barrel of Brent oil is traded at $94.83 in international markets.
Technology and Stocks
- Japanese company SoftBank announced that it is considering a major investment in OpenAI after the ARM IPO.
