XRP Surges Past $3 Milestone

CRYPTO
XRP Surges Past $3 Milestone

XRP, the third-largest cryptocurrency, surged 10% in 24 hours, crossing the $3 mark on Wednesday for the first time since 2018. The rally has fueled speculation of a potential all-time high.

Patrick Liou, principal at crypto exchange Gemini, attributes the surge to optimism surrounding the Trump administration’s anticipated crypto-friendly policies, including discussions of a strategic reserve prioritizing U.S.-based digital assets like XRP. While unverified, reports suggest this reserve could legitimize XRP as a store of value, driving further gains.

Ripple president Monica Long has hinted at possible SEC approval for XRP exchange-traded funds, adding to investor excitement. Additionally, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s meeting with President-elect Trump suggests closer ties to the new administration, bolstering confidence in XRP’s future.

As of Thursday, XRP reached $3.35, nearing its all-time high, with Binance and CoinGecko recording past highs at $3.84 and $3.40, respectively. Speculation around regulatory clarity continues to propel XRP’s momentum.

ECONOMY
Tariff Talks Ignite Supply Chain Rush

Ahead of President-elect Trump’s inauguration, shippers are scrambling to frontload cargo into the U.S., bracing for potential tariff hikes and supply chain disruptions. This preemptive strategy spans goods from apparel to infrastructure components. Recent data from a CNBC Supply Chain Survey reveals that 78% of shippers have accelerated shipments, with Chinese-origin products dominating freight movements, as confirmed by Chinese government export figures.

The uncertainty stems from Trump’s tariff and immigration policies, with businesses rushing to secure inventories before changes take effect. Products from Mexico, Vietnam, and Malaysia also saw increased shipment volumes. Apparel, sneakers, and home goods lead the imports list, while infrastructure components and solar panels are being stockpiled to avoid future cost escalations.

Retailers are diversifying supply chains, sourcing from countries like India, Cambodia, and Kenya. While consumer demand remains robust, the looming tariff strategy signals a pivotal shift for U.S. trade dynamics under the new administration.

FINANCE
Citigroup Unveils £1B Office Overhaul

Citigroup is investing £1 billion to renovate its iconic 42-story London headquarters at 25 Canada Square, aiming to create a cutting-edge workspace by 2026. The overhaul features multi-level “villages,” open staircases, and lush winter gardens, with the goal of enticing staff back to the office rather than mandating it.

Part of a broader strategy to own office spaces rather than lease, Citigroup originally acquired the tower in 2019 for £1.2 billion. The decision to refurbish, rather than rebuild, highlights a commitment to sustainability, despite the significant costs.

Unlike rivals Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, which enforce strict office return mandates, Citigroup takes a hybrid approach, requiring employees to work three days in the office. The redesign embodies this lighter-touch philosophy, emphasizing comfort and collaboration to attract workers back.

Canary Wharf is evolving post-COVID, with other banks, including HSBC, planning similar renovations to adapt to the hybrid work era.

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.