Shopify Embraces Stablecoin Payments

CRYPTO
Shopify Embraces Stablecoin Payments

Shopify is making its biggest move into crypto yet by introducing stablecoin payments across its platform. Starting with a select group in late June, the e-commerce giant will allow merchants to accept USDC, a dollar-pegged stablecoin issued by Circle. The rollout will expand across the U.S. and Europe, eventually reaching all Shopify users. Built in collaboration with Coinbase and Stripe, this new payment system is designed to handle refunds, chargebacks, and retail complexities via Coinbase’s Base blockchain.

CEO Tobias Lütke, also a Coinbase board member, expressed strong alignment with crypto’s philosophy. Unlike past optional integrations from third-party apps, this stablecoin feature is opt-out—automatically available unless merchants disable it. Shopify will also offer up to 0.5% cashback for accepting USDC. As stablecoins gain traction across tech giants like Meta and Apple, Shopify’s bold move could accelerate broader adoption in e-commerce, especially with crypto-friendly regulation potentially on the horizon.

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FINANCE
Markets Rise Despite Middle East Tensions

U.S. stock futures rose slightly Sunday night as investors braced for further escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict. Over the weekend, Israel launched strikes on key Iranian energy infrastructure, prompting Tehran to consider closing the vital Strait of Hormuz—through which 21% of global oil flows. Oil prices initially surged, with U.S. crude rising 1.1% to $73.79 per barrel and Brent climbing to $74.94. Friday’s market selloff was triggered by Israel's attacks on Iran’s military and nuclear sites, which reignited fears of broader conflict and supply shocks.

Meanwhile, inflation concerns resurfaced as oil prices spiked, dampening hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts later this year. The Fed meets this week and will release updated forecasts, though rates are expected to remain unchanged. Treasury yields edged down slightly, while gold inched higher. Investors are closely watching for Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Wednesday press conference as markets weigh inflation, tariffs, and growing geopolitical tensions.

CRYPTO
Metaplanet Passes 10K Bitcoin Mark

Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has officially become the seventh-largest publicly traded company holding Bitcoin, surpassing Coinbase. On Monday, Metaplanet announced the purchase of 1,112 BTC for approximately $117 million (16.88 billion yen), bringing its total holdings to 10,000 BTC—worth around $966 million at current prices. This move comes just two weeks after Metaplanet became the eighth-largest corporate Bitcoin holder.

The firm’s average purchase price per Bitcoin now stands at about $96,400. On the same day, Metaplanet revealed plans to issue $210 million in zero-interest bonds, specifically to finance further Bitcoin acquisitions. Its long-term goal is to accumulate 210,000 BTC by the end of 2027—meaning 200,000 more to go.

Following the news, Metaplanet’s Tokyo-listed shares (3350T) surged over 22% on Monday, reaching a high of 1,860 yen. Year-to-date, the stock has risen more than 417%, signaling growing investor confidence in the company’s aggressive Bitcoin-focused strategy.

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.