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Constellation Energy has announced its acquisition of Calpine Corp, a geothermal and natural gas energy company, in a deal valued at $26.6 billion, including debt. This strategic move comes as electricity demand is projected to reach record highs in the U.S. this year. The acquisition, expected to close in the second half of 2025, is anticipated to increase Constellation's annual free cash flow by $2 billion. The combined entity will boast nearly 60 gigawatts of capacity from various low-emission sources like nuclear, natural gas, and geothermal energy. Calpine, which was taken private by three investment firms in 2017, operates as an independent power producer, allowing it to sell electricity at market rates, unlike regulated utilities. This acquisition not only expands Constellation's portfolio but also positions it to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.
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The Bank of Japan's decision to raise its benchmark borrowing cost to the highest level in 17 years, coupled with an upward revision of inflation forecasts, did not significantly impact Bitcoin or other risk assets during Friday's Asian trading session. The Japanese yen appreciated against the U.S. dollar following the announcement, but Bitcoin traded flat above $104,000, indicating market resilience. This stability might be attributed to the market's anticipation of policy shifts under Donald Trump's presidency, especially after he signed an executive order banning digital dollars and promoting innovation in cryptocurrency and AI. Additionally, recent U.S. economic data showed a slower increase in the "all tenant rent" index, which could influence the Federal Reserve's future rate decisions, potentially leading to a less hawkish stance than previously forecasted.
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In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's push to promote dollar-backed stablecoins globally, European Central Bank (ECB) board member Piero Cipollone emphasized the necessity for a digital euro. Trump's strategy, outlined in an executive order, aims to expand the use of stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies pegged to the U.S. dollar, potentially drawing customers away from traditional banking systems. Cipollone argued that this move would further disintermediate banks, reducing their revenue from fees and client base. A digital euro, he suggested, would serve as an ECB-guaranteed online wallet, allowing even unbanked individuals to make payments, with holdings likely capped at a few thousand euros. This initiative comes amidst concerns from banks about potential deposit outflows to the safety of an ECB-backed digital wallet. The ECB is currently exploring the practicalities of a digital euro, with a final decision pending legislative approval. Meanwhile, several countries have already launched their digital currencies, with many others, including major economies like China and Russia, conducting pilot programs.
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Donald Trump's official memecoin has shown a stark contrast in profitability between early investors and the general retail market. According to Chainalysis, while 60 influential token holders, or "whales," have each realized profits over $10 million, the majority of retail investors are at break-even or hold less than $100 worth of tokens. The memecoin, launched before Trump's swearing-in ceremony, saw its price surge from a few cents to $14 within hours, attracting $3 billion in trading volume and netting early buyers over $70 million in paper gains. However, the distribution of wealth is uneven, with 94% of the tokens held by just 40 whales. Despite attracting new investors to the Solana blockchain, the initial excitement has waned, with recent price drops indicating a cooling of interest in these tokens.
