Europe

BlackRock launches its iShares Bitcoin ETP, a bold bet on a hesitant European market. Will BTC finally establish itself against traditional assets?

The European Union is undergoing a discreet yet persistent revolution. A recent report from Oobit, a platform specialized in crypto payments, reveals that 70% of crypto transactions on its network are absorbed by retail, food, and beverages. This figure shatters the clichés about the marginal use of cryptocurrencies. But how can we explain this silent infiltration into the daily lives of Europeans? Between regulatory adoption and economic pragmatism, the landscape is reshaping.

Money migrates, silent and methodical. Wall Street, once untouchable, sees its throne wobble under the hurried steps of investors, captivated by a Europe shining with trillions.

Tensions between Washington and Brussels are taking a disturbing turn. While transatlantic trade represents a colossal market of $9.5 trillion, the new tariffs imposed by Donald Trump risk upsetting an already fragile balance. A trade war between the two economic powers could lead to increased production costs, a drastic drop in trade, and growing instability for businesses.

Christine Lagarde has confirmed the planned launch of the digital euro for October 2025, pending approval from European authorities. This initiative comes in a context where a recent survey reveals a marked disinterest among Europeans for this central bank digital currency.

Tesla, once a star of the roads, is now heading towards the abyss: in France, outraged bosses and emptied fleets are signing the commercial death certificate of King Musk.

The USA-Ukraine summit was recently held in Riyadh and resulted in more ambitious ceasefire proposals than expected. "The ball is now in Russia's court" has become the American talking point on this issue. Meanwhile, Europe appears to be accelerating its military reassertion in an increasingly tense geopolitical context.

In the trade tug-of-war between the United States and the European Union, a new episode has rekindled tensions. Indeed, Donald Trump, true to his protectionist approach, is once again wielding the threat of massive tariffs, this time on European wines and champagnes. The announcement of a 200% tax on these products follows Brussels' decision to increase tariffs on American whiskey to 50%.

The EU defends its economy against new American sanctions. We provide all the details in this article.

Accused, scrutinized, tracked, OKX denies it outright. Bybit cries wolf, regulators hesitate. Crypto trembles under the shadow of tightening regulation.

European lawmakers maintain an intriguing silence in the face of Donald Trump's executive order aimed at creating a strategic reserve of bitcoin in the United States. While this decision marks a major turning point in global monetary policy, the lack of response in Europe raises questions: mere indifference or a response in preparation?

A European stock market in full swing, investors overjoyed, and Wall Street wondering where its crown has gone... Is the stock market history now being written the European way?

Between the requisitioned Livret A, lightly tapped fortunes, and a starving military budget, Manu juggles: finding billions without upsetting anyone, this is an art worthy of the French budget circus.

The figure has startled the markets: inflation in the eurozone was set at 2.4% in February, according to Eurostat. A slight decrease, indeed, but enough to reignite the debate on the European Central Bank's (ECB) next moves. Between cautious optimism and geopolitical clouds, the euro wavers on a tightrope. Behind these percentages lie contrasting realities: declining energy, resilient services, and a Germany that holds firm. An analysis of a somewhat muted economic landscape.

Stock Market: spectacular rebound of the markets. Europe is coming out on top while Wall Street plunges! The details in this article.

The global economy is evolving under the pressure of increasing trade tensions. As the United States imposes new tariffs, Europe finds itself facing a strategic dilemma. Balancing its traditional alliances and diversifying its economic partnerships, the continent is now looking towards the BRICS. This organization, once seen as a counterweight to the G7, is today consolidating its position by forging closer ties with Europe. This shift could redefine the economic and political power dynamics on a global scale.

Economic tensions between the United States and the European Union have reached a new high. Donald Trump, true to his protectionist policy, has just announced a dramatic increase in customs duties on European exports, raising their level to 25%. A brutal decision that far exceeds the 10% mentioned during his campaign and places Europe in a situation of diplomatic and economic urgency. The major powers of the Old Continent must now face a threat that could reshape global trade balances.

A dried-up river of euros, a shaken financial fortress: the Bundesbank wavers, its gold evaporates, while Merz inherits a throne without treasure, a kingdom in doubt.

A European Central Bank (ECB) advisor, Jürgen Schaaf, recently reaffirmed the institution's critical stance on bitcoin, stating that there is "no real economic necessity" for this cryptocurrency. According to Schaaf, unlike strategic reserves of commodities such as oil or gas, BTC does not present any real economic utility or relevant usage.

Valletta, February 18, 2025 - OKX, a global leader in blockchain technology, announces today that it is among the first global cryptocurrency exchanges authorized under MiCA to offer its services throughout Europe.

European economies are facing a worrying reality: a public debt that keeps rising. While budget stability is supposed to be a priority for governments, several countries in the European Union now show debt levels that far exceed 100% of their GDP. This situation raises questions about macroeconomic risks and the potential consequences for financial markets.

France is going through a pivotal period. On one hand, public debt has reached historic highs, exceeding 3 trillion euros. On the other hand, a profound transformation of institutions is disrupting the traditional balance of the Fifth Republic.

Bybit, one of the giants of the crypto ecosystem, has just scored a decisive point: its removal from the AMF's blacklist in France. But behind this victory lies a complex regulatory puzzle, between European ambitions and Asian challenges. A strategic twist that reveals the new priorities of an actor ready to do anything to conquer Europe.

Tesla, once the king of electric roads, sees its empire wobble: Europe turns away, Musk slips, and the competition hits the gas. Is the future without him?

Sino-American relations continue to deteriorate, pushing China to strengthen its ties with the European Union. Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Beijing sees Europe as a "global strategic partner and an important and independent pillar in a multipolar world."

Traditional finance and bitcoin are continuing to draw closer. Following the resounding success of its Bitcoin ETF IBIT in the United States, BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, is preparing to take a new step: the launch of a Bitcoin Exchange Traded Product (ETP) in Europe. This fund, which will be domiciled in Switzerland, reflects the growing desire of financial institutions to establish a lasting presence in the crypto market. While the United States has seen Bitcoin ETFs capture more than $57 billion in assets in just a few months, this new product could change the European landscape. Why Switzerland rather than another country? What will be the effects on investors and the institutional adoption of bitcoin in Europe? These are all questions that arise as BlackRock accelerates its international offensive.

Trade tensions between the United States and its major partners have resurfaced, reviving the specter of a new economic war. Washington has announced an increase in tariffs targeting Canada, Mexico, and China, a decision that marks the return of the protectionism favored by Donald Trump. This tariff offensive has immediately sparked reactions everywhere, particularly in Europe, where the European Commission is closely monitoring the situation. Although the European Union is not yet directly affected, Brussels fears an expansion of American measures and warns that it will not remain passive. The Commission has already expressed its strong disagreement with this policy and states that it is ready to adopt retaliatory measures to protect the continent's economic interests. In the face of this new trade offensive from the United States, the risk of escalation between the two blocs cannot be ruled out.

The deficit is growing, taxes are rising, but Bayrou persists. Clinging to his 49.3 like a castaway to his buoy, he defies the political storm that is looming.