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True Religion, a brand famous for its premium denim, has been acquired by private equity firm Acon Investments and SB360 Capital Partners, linked to American Eagle's CEO Jay Schottenstein. The brand, which faced financial difficulties leading to two bankruptcies, has been revitalized under the leadership of CEO Michael Buckley. In 2023, True Religion's sales increased by 20% to $280 million, with an EBITDA of $80 million. The acquisition is expected to bolster the brand's digital and retail strategies, expand internationally, and continue innovating its apparel line. True Religion has also tapped into the Y2K fashion trend, collaborating with high-profile influencers like Megan Thee Stallion for its 2024 holiday campaign. The brand's focus has shifted towards a more diverse consumer base with a lower price point, aligning with current market trends and consumer preferences.
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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.
