Circle partners with Intuit and launches USDCx on Stacks to boost Bitcoin DeFi

As the rial plunges, middle-class Iranians are bypassing banks and moving billions into the domestic crypto market, with Bitcoin absorbing much of that demand. The shift mirrors Lebanon’s past capital flight and raises fresh regulatory and market questions.

Uzbekistan granted its first official cryptocurrency mining license, ending months of uncertainty and signaling its entry into Central Asia’s growing Bitcoin mining industry. The licensed miner pledged to "build the infrastructure of the future."

El Salvador says it will continue buying Bitcoin despite the market downturn, with Vice President Félix Ulloa calling BTC part of the country's reserve strategy and a hedge against a future without fiat. The government rejected critics who warned of volatility and fiscal risk.

Grayscale has increased its Cardano (ADA) stake as Cardano advances Bitcoin DeFi initiatives, signalling growing institutional appetite beyond BTC. Analysts say the move reflects a broader shift toward diversified crypto exposure.

U.S. PCE inflation came in at 2.9% year-over-year, hotter than expected. Bitcoin fell sharply after the release as markets reassessed the Fed's rate outlook.