U.S. Third Quarter GDP Exceeded Expectations
The U.S. economy grew by 4.3% on an annualized basis in the third quarter, strongly exceeding the market expectation of 3.3% and the previous figure of 3.8%. The core PCE price index came in line with expectations at 2.9%, showing an increase compared to the previous period. Real personal consumption expenditures rose 3.5%, exceeding both expectations and the previous figure. The strong growth data showed that domestic demand in the US economy remains resilient. The data paved the way for the Fed to maintain its cautious stance on interest rate policy.
Dollar Index Strengthens After US GDP Data
Following the release of US GDP data, the dollar index (DXY) rose 10 points to 97.96. Strong economic growth data was the main factor driving up demand for the dollar. At the same time, the euro fell slightly against the dollar, with the EUR/USD pair trading at 1.18. Markets continue to price in the strength of the US economy.
US Treasury Secretary Supports Integration of Cryptocurrency into Mainstream Finance
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced his support for the integration of cryptocurrencies into the mainstream financial system, calling it “the convergence of Main Street and Wall Street.” Bessent emphasized that large financial institutions such as BlackRock accumulating approximately $70 billion in Bitcoin ETFs has accelerated this process. It was stated that the Trump administration’s law, which aims to provide newborns with a $1,000 “Trump Account,” aims to increase investment awareness. It was also noted that a new market structure law to regulate the stablecoin market could be on the agenda in early 2026.
Trump’s Unemployment Statement: “It Can Be Reset with One Phone Call”
Donald Trump argued that the US labor market is in better shape than official data suggests. Although the unemployment rate reached a four-year high of 4.6% in November, Trump claimed that it could be “reset with a single phone call.” Analysts note that this approach does not align with economic realities and carries serious risks. Questioning the reliability of official data could weaken the policy-making process. The statements are seen as potentially damaging to Trump’s economic credibility, especially during the election process.
U.S. Department of Justice Releases 30,000 Pages Related to Epstein Case
The U.S. Department of Justice announced that approximately 30,000 pages of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case have been made public. It was stated that the documents contain some unfounded allegations submitted to the FBI prior to the 2020 elections. The Department of Justice emphasized that these allegations are baseless and have no legal validity. It was stated that the publication of the documents demonstrates transparency and adherence to the law. It was announced that the information belonging to Epstein’s victims is under legal protection.
SharpLink’s Total ETH Staking Rewards Reach 9,701 ETH
Ethereum treasury company SharpLink announced that it earned 460 ETH in staking rewards last week. The total rewards earned since the company launched its staking strategy have risen to 9,701 ETH. This figure demonstrates SharpLink’s long-term approach focused on Ethereum. Staking revenues contribute to the company’s regular cash flow. Interest in institutional-level ETH staking appears to be growing.
Franklin Templeton XRP Spot ETF Surpasses 100 Million XRP Threshold
Franklin Templeton announced that the assets of its XRP spot ETF have exceeded 100 million XRP for the first time. As of December 22, the ETF portfolio held 101.55 million XRP, with a market value of approximately $192.7 million. The ETF’s total net assets reached $183.41 million. The number of shares in circulation was recorded at 8.9 million.
OpenEden Launches Yield-Generating Stablecoin cUSDO on Solana
OpenEden plans to launch a yield-generating stablecoin called cUSDO on the Solana blockchain soon. cUSDO is designed as a usable version of USDO, which is backed by fully tokenized U.S. Treasury bonds. All collateral on the chain is verifiable and protected by BitGo and Coinbase Prime. The token offers its holders value appreciation derived from bond yields. cUSDO’s fully integrated structure with DeFi applications is noteworthy.
