Kraken’s banking arm secures payments account with Fed

Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken’s banking unit has gained access to the Federal Reserve’s payments system through a limited-purpose account, the first U.S. digital-asset bank to do so as ‌the sector deepens its reach into mainstream finance.

Global oil and gas shipping costs surge as Iran vows to close Strait of Hormuz

Crude Oil Daily Chart

Supertanker costs in the Middle East have hit all-time highs, according to shipping data and industry sources, as the U.S.-Iran conflict intensifies with Tehran attacking ships passing through the ‌Strait of Hormuz.

Visa and Stripe’s Bridge plan stablecoin card expansion to over 100 countries

Visa Stock Daily Chart

Global payment giant Visa is expanding its stablecoin card partnership with Bridge, expanding the rollout of stablecoin-linked Visa cards worldwide. Visa and Bridge are expanding their joint card program to 18 countries, with plans to reach more than 100 across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East by the end of the year.

S&P 500 flat as tech gains offset Middle East conflict fears

USA 500/SP 500

The benchmark S&P 500 was flat as gains in technology stocks offset broader market losses stemming from worries that a prolonged Middle East conflict could ‌disrupt global trade routes and reignite inflationary pressures.