Metaplanet Surpasses El Salvador’s BTC

CRYPTO
Metaplanet Surpasses El Salvador’s BTC

Tokyo-listed investment firm Metaplanet has acquired 1,241 additional bitcoin for 18.4 billion yen (approximately $126 million), boosting its total holdings to 6,796 BTC—valued at over $706 million. This aggressive move puts Metaplanet ahead of El Salvador’s national bitcoin reserve of 6,174 BTC. The company, which began its Bitcoin Treasury Operations in April 2024, is aiming to reach 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025.

The latest purchase, made at an average price of $102,119 per bitcoin, is its boldest acquisition to date and aligns with a MicroStrategy-style strategy of high-conviction accumulation. Metaplanet reported a BTC Yield of 38% for Q2 so far, following 95.6% in Q1 and 309.8% in Q4 2024—indicating strong per-share bitcoin growth without dilution. As of this week, Metaplanet is the largest public bitcoin holder in Asia and ranks 11th globally, positioning itself as a serious player in corporate BTC accumulation.

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ECONOMY
U.S.–China Trade Talks Show Progress

The U.S. and China wrapped up two days of high-stakes trade talks in Geneva, signaling potential relief in their intensifying economic standoff. Both sides described the discussions as productive: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called them “constructive,” while China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng said the talks were “candid” and “in-depth.” This marked their first face-to-face meeting since President Trump imposed sweeping 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting Beijing to retaliate with 125% levies on select U.S. goods.

The tariffs triggered market turmoil and raised fears of a global recession. While no full trade deal has been disclosed, officials expect a detailed joint statement on Monday. The two countries reportedly reached several key agreements and pledged to create a new consultation mechanism. Financial markets responded positively, with stocks in China and the U.S. rising and the yuan strengthening. Still, experts caution that unless tariff levels drop significantly, disruption to global trade may persist.

FINANCE
U.S. and China Slash Tariffs

Financial markets surged following a significant breakthrough in U.S.–China trade negotiations over the weekend. Both nations agreed to substantially reduce tariffs for a 90-day period: the U.S. will lower tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China will cut its duties on U.S. imports from 125% to 10%.

This development, resulting from talks in Geneva, was welcomed by investors. Dow futures climbed over 530 points (1.3%), S&P 500 futures rose 1.4%, and Nasdaq futures increased by 1.6%. The U.S. dollar strengthened by 0.7% against a basket of currencies, while gold prices fell by 2.3%.

While this arrangement is temporary, it marks a significant step toward resolving tensions that had escalated since early April, when the Trump administration imposed heightened tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting reciprocal measures from Beijing

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_{*Source: Hamilton Lane data, Bloomberg as of January 2024. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.
All securities come with specific risks not limited to a total loss of your investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please review the risks specific to this investment on the HLPIF deal page hosted on Republic.com/hlpif}

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.