Gold gained as investors moved into safe havens on concerns that tariffs could stoke inflation, while ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States also kept bids for safety intact.
Britain’s FTSE 100 closed at a fresh peak after HSBC lifted a key earnings target and miners hit new highs, as fading worries over AI’s disruption to traditional businesses lifted global sentiment.
Stablecoin issuer Circle Internet Group reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings, driven by rapid growth in its USDC stablecoin business and expanding payments operations, underscoring continued momentum in an otherwise challenging crypto market.
Strategy bought 592 Bitcoin for about $39.8 million last week, marking its 100th purchase since the company adopted its Bitcoin-focused treasury strategy in August 2020. The latest purchase brings the company’s total holdings to 717,722 BTC.
Oil prices eased but remained at a six-month high ahead of a third round of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, and amid increased economic uncertainty after the latest U.S. tariff upheaval.
The British pound kicked off the week on a firmer footing, as traders digested the fallout from the U.S. Supreme Court striking down tariffs and political uncertainty from an upcoming election to fill a parliamentary seat.
