Binance

Binance CEO Richard Teng denies allegations of preferential treatment towards the Trump-backed stablecoin USD1 before Changpeng Zhao’s pardon. The controversy stems from a $2 billion investment Binance secured from Abu Dhabi’s MGX using USD1, raising concerns about influencing Zhao’s pardon following his guilty plea on money laundering charges. Teng insists Binance didn’t dictate MGX’s investment choice and that USD1 was listed elsewhere prior. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, allege corruption and question Binance’s technological assistance to World Liberty Financial, linking the pardon to boosting a Trump-related crypto venture.

This report highlights China’s focus on domestic consumption and technological self-reliance. It also examines emerging government influence in the U.S. economy, including a stake in Intel and Trump’s pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao. These actions raise questions about a potential shift towards a more interventionist economic model in the U.S. under President Trump. Other key points include Intel’s strong earnings, S&P 500 gains, and dividend stocks as an investment focus. Finally, it notes Moscow’s muted reaction to Trump’s changed stance on Russia.