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BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes has issued a stark warning about the emerging wave of stablecoin companies attempting to replicate Circle’s successful initial public offering (IPO) on June 5. In a recent post, Hayes described the current trend as the start of “stablecoin mania,” predicting that most new public stablecoin issuers will be overvalued and doomed to fail due to inaccessible distribution channels, which are dominated by crypto exchanges, social media giants, and legacy banks. He advises investors to trade these stocks like a “hot potato” due to initial price surges fueled by pro-crypto sentiment in the US, though he warns against shorting them as prices may spike. Hayes also critiques Circle (CRCL), calling it “insanely overvalued” despite its share price soaring over 80% since listing. Additionally, he notes that new entrants face high costs or must yield to existing players, while social media and banks may develop their own stablecoins. The upcoming US Senate vote on stablecoin legislation on June 17 could further amplify this trend if passed, potentially sparking a global wave of new stablecoins, as echoed by Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov. Hayes remains skeptical, humorously anticipating the failure of many new issuers who might deceive investors with financial engineering and showmanship.
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FedEx has expressed caution for the upcoming year, forecasting a first-quarter profit of $3.40 to $4 per share, falling short of the expected $4.06 per share, due to volatile global demand and uncertainties in U.S. trade policies, particularly with China. This led to a premarket share drop of over 5%. The company, more exposed to China trade than rival UPS, refrained from issuing full-year forecasts amid Trump's fluctuating tariffs and the termination of duty-free status for direct-to-consumer shipments from China-based retailers like Temu and Shein. Despite these challenges, FedEx reported strong fiscal fourth-quarter results ending May 31, with adjusted profit rising to $1.46 billion ($6.07 per share) from $1.34 billion the previous year, and revenue increasing to $22.2 billion, exceeding analyst expectations. However, both FedEx and UPS are grappling with reduced delivery profits as customers opt for cheaper ground shipping over air services, alongside stalled industrial demand. FedEx also announced plans to spin off its trucking business by June 2026, signaling strategic shifts amid ongoing market pressures.
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President Trump's military strike on Iranian nuclear targets on June 21 showcased his strategic use of powerful "bunker buster" bombs, enabling a swift victory declaration. However, in his ongoing trade war with multiple nations, Trump lacks a comparable decisive tool, often relying on tariff threats that some perceive as bluffs. Despite raising average import taxes from 2.5% to 15%, his adversaries, like China, counter with measures such as limiting rare-earth magnet exports, impacting US industries. Trump's risk-taking was evident in the Iran strike, a move past presidents avoided, capitalizing on a weakened enemy. In contrast, the trade war reveals his vulnerabilities, with markets anticipating deadline extensions, such as the upcoming July 9 cutoff, rather than severe actions. Analysts suggest Trump may delay tariffs further, potentially collecting significant revenue while avoiding market turmoil. His negotiations, particularly with China, remain murky, lacking clear demands, which could undermine his credibility. While Trump excels at exploiting weakness, as seen in Iran, the trade war's complexities and adversaries' strengths limit his leverage, leading to a cycle of bluffs and market adjustments rather than conclusive wins.
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As Middle East tensions persist, everyday investors, especially those nearing retirement, remain anxious despite a market rebound and a ceasefire between Iran and Israel announced by President Trump. Financial experts, consulted by Yahoo Finance, urge calm and a long-term perspective amidst volatility. They caution against market timing, instead advising to maintain cash reserves for stability, regularly review portfolios to align with personal goals and risk tolerance, and adjust allocations based on life stage—shifting to bonds for retirees while younger investors can favor stocks. Experts like JL Collins highlight the market’s resilience with a 13% average annual S&P 500 return despite recent turmoil, while Diane Harris stresses controlling personal responses through cash buffers. Christine Benz suggests diversifying with global stock exposure and using bonds to safeguard against downturns for those closer to retirement. The consensus is to stay the course with a balanced, diversified portfolio tailored to individual circumstances, ensuring resilience against geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
