Author: Fiona Craig

The Avalanche Foundation announced the appointment of Chris Holmes, a Conservative member of the UK House of Lords, to its board of directors.

The appointment, revealed on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, could strengthen ties with lawmakers amid growing global blockchain adoption, enhancing the foundation’s political credibility and influence in international regulatory discussions.

Holmes is recognized for his work in shaping policies on emerging technologies, with a focus on governance, regulation, and innovation. He played a key role in passing the Electronic Commercial Documents Bill, which granted digital, blockchain-enabled documents the same legal status as printed versions, and has advocated for standards on artificial intelligence and labor practices.

In a statement, Nicolas Lemaitre, director of the Avalanche Foundation, said Holmes’ presence will be “essential to uphold standards of openness, accessibility, and trust in the digital economy.”

The appointment comes as regulatory debates around blockchain intensify in major economies. Governments are seeking to establish clear frameworks for cryptocurrencies and decentralized protocols, and having an experienced British legislator on Avalanche’s board exemplifies this effort.

Holmes also emphasized that technological innovation must go hand in hand with proper safeguards. He noted that blockchain has the potential to revolutionize financial systems and data management, provided it is supported by responsible regulation and consistent institutional dialogue.

The Avalanche Foundation, a non-profit organization, supports the Avalanche ecosystem through grants and projects focused on blockchain, artificial intelligence, and Web3.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Openbank, the fully digital bank of the Santander Group (LSE:BNC), began offering cryptocurrency trading to retail clients in Germany on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

Investors can now buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD), Ether (COIN:ETHUSD), Litecoin (COIN:LTCUSD), Polygon (COIN:MATICUSD), and Cardano (COIN:ADAUSD) directly on the same platform used for stocks, ETFs, and funds.

This move is a significant step for Santander in expanding into digital assets, providing clients with an environment regulated under European Union rules following the implementation of MiCA, which ensures greater protection and transparency in crypto financial operations.

According to Coty de Monteverde, Santander Group’s Head of Cryptocurrencies, “the inclusion of these assets on the platform responds to growing customer demand and reinforces the bank’s commitment to offering diversified, agile solutions supported by one of the world’s largest financial groups.”

The bank has set a 1.49% fee per transaction, with a minimum of €1 (US$1.18), and no custody fees, aiming to make the service competitive with independent exchanges while providing the added security of a regulated financial institution.

Openbank plans to expand the list of tradable cryptocurrencies and introduce new features in the coming months, including the ability to convert between different digital assets. The expansion will also include clients in Spain.

Recent reports indicate that Santander has been evaluating the creation or integration of euro- or dollar-pegged stablecoins since May.

With this launch, Openbank joins a growing trend among major European and American banks exploring the crypto sector following regulatory advances. In the United States, new stablecoin legislation and political support have accelerated traditional lenders’ entry into the market.

Openbank continues to expand its digital portfolio. Currently, it offers an automated investment service via Robo Advisor, more than 3,000 stocks, 3,000 funds from 123 managers, over 2,000 ETFs, and a brokerage platform equipped with artificial intelligence for analyzing more than 1,000 global securities.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

U.S. index futures are signaling a mostly flat open on Tuesday, suggesting that stocks may struggle to find direction following a session that ended with modest gains.

Traders appear cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting, which kicks off today.

While a 25-basis-point rate cut is widely anticipated, market participants will closely examine the Fed’s accompanying statement and updated economic projections for hints about the future path of interest rates.

CME Group’s FedWatch Tool currently shows a 96.0% probability of a quarter-point cut, with only a 4.0% chance of a half-point reduction.

Looking ahead, another 25-basis-point rate reduction is expected at both the October and December meetings, though Fed Chair Jerome Powell is likely to emphasize that future cuts will hinge on incoming economic data.

Futures remained largely unchanged even after the Commerce Department reported that retail sales in August rose far more than economists had forecast.

Retail sales climbed 0.6% in August, matching the upwardly revised gain from July. Analysts had anticipated a smaller increase of 0.2%, compared with the initially reported 0.5% growth for the prior month.

Stocks ended mostly higher on Monday, extending strong gains from the previous week. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 both closed at record levels, with the Nasdaq advancing 207.65 points, or 0.9%, to 22,348.75, and the S&P 500 up 30.99 points, or 0.5%, to 6,615.28. The Dow posted a smaller gain, rising 49.23 points, or 0.1%, to 45,883.45.

Market strength followed encouraging remarks from President Donald Trump regarding U.S.-China trade negotiations.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the talks have “gone VERY WELL!” and added that a “deal was also reached on a ‘certain’ company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save,” likely referencing TikTok.

Trump also noted he plans to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, describing the relationship as “a very strong one.”

Investors remain focused on Wednesday’s Fed announcement, with expectations of at least a 25-basis-point rate cut fueled by recent data showing moderate inflation and a weakening labor market.

On Monday, computer hardware stocks were among the top performers, with the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index rising 2.5% to a record closing level. Networking stocks also performed well, reflected by a 2.3% gain in the NYSE Arca Networking Index.

Gold, steel, and software sectors saw notable strength, while airline, oil services, and housing stocks experienced downward pressure.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

European equities traded mostly in the red on Tuesday, while the U.S. dollar slipped to its weakest level in more than two months. Investors are bracing for the Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting beginning later today, where markets widely expect a 25 basis point rate cut.

On the data front, the U.K.’s latest labor figures showed the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.7% in the three months to July, according to the Office for National Statistics. Wage growth cooled slightly, with average earnings excluding bonuses rising 4.8% compared to 5.0% in the previous period, in line with forecasts. Payroll employment in August declined by 127,000 year-over-year and was down 8,000 from July, leaving the total at 30.3 million.

Among major European benchmarks, Germany’s DAX dropped 0.7%, London’s FTSE 100 lost 0.3%, and France’s CAC 40 eased 0.1%.

In corporate news, Trustpilot (LSE:TRST) surged in London after reporting stronger revenues and profitability in the first half of 2025, alongside the launch of a new share repurchase plan. Mining giant Anglo American (LSE:AAL) also advanced after striking a definitive agreement with Chile’s Codelco to coordinate activities at Los Bronces and Andina. Hochschild Mining (LSE:HOC) climbed after naming Cassio Diedrich as its new Chief Operating Officer.

On the downside, recruitment firm SThree (LSE:STEM) slumped sharply after warning that its full-year pre-tax profit will fall well short of market expectations.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Fintel Plc (LSE:FNTL) saw its stock rise more than 4% on Tuesday following the release of strong half-year financial results, with revenue boosted by recent acquisitions and higher subscription income.

For the six months ending June 30, the group reported revenue of £42.4 million, up from £35.7 million a year earlier, representing an 18.6% increase. Organic growth contributed £37.2 million, a 4% rise compared with the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA climbed 17% to £11.2 million, reflecting a margin of 26.4%, while statutory EBITDA increased 26.5% to £8.6 million. Adjusted earnings per share rose to 5.7 pence from 5 pence, and statutory EPS reached 2.3 pence, up from 2.0 pence.

The company reported £8.4 million in cash at the end of the period, while net debt increased to £30.1 million from £8.6 million a year ago. In July, Fintel expanded its revolving credit facility from £80 million to £120 million, extended its maturity by four years, and reduced borrowing costs.

Breaking down by division, Software & Data revenue grew 17% to £18.4 million, with £12.3 million from recurring streams. Services revenue climbed 20% to £24 million, including £11.9 million from recurring sources.

Fintel also completed its acquisition of Rayner Spencer Mills Research in January for £6.4 million in cash. The newly acquired unit contributed £1.7 million in revenue and £0.6 million in EBITDA in the half-year period.

The board approved an interim dividend of 1.3 pence per share, marking an 8.3% increase from 1.2 pence in the previous year.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

The U.S. dollar eased to its lowest level in over two months on Tuesday as traders positioned ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision and the release of U.S. retail sales figures.

At 04:25 ET (08:25 GMT), the Dollar Index, which measures the greenback against six major currencies, fell 0.2% to 96.727, marking its weakest point since July.

Dollar starts week “softish”

The market widely anticipates a 25-basis-point rate cut from the Fed at the conclusion of this week’s meeting, following recent signs of weakening in the U.S. labor market and softer-than-expected inflation for August.

“The dollar has started the week on the softish side,” noted analysts at ING. “This may partly involve some pre-positioning ahead of tomorrow night’s Fed rate cut. But it will also be a function of the benign external environment.”

CME FedWatch data shows traders are pricing in a 96.4% probability of a 25-basis-point cut on September 17, with a 3.6% chance of a larger 50-point reduction. Investors are also watching August retail sales closely for insights into U.S. consumer resilience amid the uncertainty created by the Trump administration’s trade policies.

“Today’s release of import price data will be closely examined to determine who is absorbing the cost of tariffs. Are exporters to the U.S. reducing their prices, or are U.S. businesses either absorbing the costs through margins or passing them on to consumers?” ING added.

Euro climbs

In Europe, EUR/USD rose 0.3% to 1.1794 ahead of September’s German ZEW economic sentiment data.

“These might nudge higher on the back of the positive equity environment seen this summer, but look unlikely to be a market mover,” ING said. “EUR/USD is pretty close to resistance at 1.1800/1830 now. The most likely trigger for a breakout would be tomorrow night’s Fed – but let’s see if it happens earlier.”

GBP/USD gained 0.2% to 1.3630, with sterling hitting a two-month high against the dollar. Earlier data showed the U.K. unemployment rate held near a four-year high at 4.7% in the three months to July, while wage growth, excluding bonuses, slowed slightly to 4.8% in the three months to June.

The Bank of England is expected to keep interest rates steady on Thursday after five reductions over the past 13 months.

“We’re still narrowly favoring a November rate cut but a surprise spike in inflation tomorrow (one that’s not driven by volatile categories) would probably change our mind on that,” ING added.

Yen strengthens ahead of BOJ decision

USD/JPY fell 0.5% to 146.73, with the yen recovering after a long weekend. The Bank of Japan is scheduled to announce its policy decision on Friday and is widely expected to maintain rates around 0.5%, despite political upheaval following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation. Analysts note that persistent domestic inflation could still prompt a rate hike as early as October, pending August consumer inflation data.

USD/CNY slipped 0.1% to 7.1147, with the yuan receiving a modest boost from Beijing’s pledge of further stimulus measures, including the rollout of “15-minute convenience living circles” in major cities to support private consumption. Recent weak economic data for August underlines ongoing pressures on the Chinese economy. Trade discussions between Washington and Beijing, particularly on semiconductors, continue to influence the currency.

AUD/USD inched up 0.1% to 0.6671, approaching a 10-month high.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

U.S. stock futures traded cautiously on Tuesday as investors focused on the upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate announcement scheduled for Wednesday. Attention is also on August retail sales data, which could offer insight into consumer behavior amid concerns about President Donald Trump’s import tariffs. Meanwhile, a U.S. appeals court blocked Trump’s effort to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook, and Oracle is reported to be involved in a potential deal allowing TikTok to continue operating in the United States.

Futures modestly higher

By early Tuesday morning, Dow futures were mostly flat, while S&P 500 contracts gained 0.1% and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.2%. The previous session saw Wall Street indexes close higher, buoyed by optimism that the Fed may cut interest rates.

Markets widely expect the central bank to reduce rates by at least 25 basis points, with a smaller chance of a half-point cut. The Federal Open Market Committee began its two-day meeting on Tuesday. Investor sentiment was further supported by Tesla shares climbing 3.6% after CEO Elon Musk purchased roughly $1 billion in stock, and Alphabet reaching a new market value record above $3 trillion.

Retail sales in focus

August retail sales data will shed light on U.S. consumer spending trends. Economists forecast a modest 0.2% increase for the month, down from July’s 0.5% growth. A softening labor market and declining consumer sentiment—dropping to the lowest level since May—have raised concerns about potential tariff-driven inflation eroding household purchasing power. Joanne Hsu of the University of Michigan highlighted that Americans’ current and expected personal finances both weakened by around 8% this month.

Trump barred from removing Fed Governor Cook

A federal appeals court ruled Monday that President Trump cannot fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook, allowing her to participate in this week’s highly anticipated policy meeting. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit rejected the Justice Department’s request to delay an earlier ruling that blocked Cook’s removal. Trump is expected to appeal to the Supreme Court.

In related news, economist Stephen Miran’s confirmation to the Fed Board of Governors by the Senate enables him to take part in this week’s meeting.

Oracle could play role in TikTok U.S. operations

CBS News reported that Oracle (NYSE:ORCL) is among a group of firms potentially helping TikTok continue operating in the U.S., pending a framework agreement between Washington and Beijing. Details of the arrangement are still emerging, and ByteDance’s role in the plan has not yet been clarified.

Gold hits new record; crude pauses

Gold climbed to a fresh all-time high near $3,700 per ounce, supported by a weaker dollar ahead of the Fed announcement. Spot gold rose 0.3% to $3,690.87 per ounce, while U.S. December gold futures gained 0.2% to $3,726.50 per ounce.

Meanwhile, oil prices edged slightly lower after recent gains, as traders paused to digest the potential impact of the Fed’s policy decision and ongoing Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Gold prices surged to new highs in Asian trade on Tuesday, approaching $3,700 per ounce, fueled by expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut later this week. Investor confidence in the metal was also boosted by concerns surrounding the Fed’s independence, which strengthened gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset.

Spot gold ticked up 0.1% to $3,681.20 per ounce by 01:42 ET (05:42 GMT), after briefly touching a record $3,689.32 in early trading. December U.S. gold futures remained largely unchanged at $3,718.20 per ounce. The precious metal gained roughly 1% in the previous session, surpassing last week’s record levels.

Fed Rate Cut Expectations Drive Bullion Rally

The recent gold rally is largely attributed to broad market expectations that the Fed will implement a 25-basis-point rate reduction at the conclusion of its September 16–17 meeting—the first since December 2024. A weaker U.S. dollar, trading near one-week lows, provided additional support for bullion.

Political developments in Washington have also contributed to gold’s strength. The U.S. Senate confirmed Stephen Miran, a former economic adviser to President Trump, to the Fed Board of Governors, raising expectations that the central bank may face increased pressure to align with White House priorities. Meanwhile, a U.S. appeals court blocked Trump’s effort to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook, who is now likely to participate in this week’s Fed meeting, with the president expected to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Other Metals Show Mixed Movements Amid Trade Talks

Silver futures remained largely steady at $42.95 per ounce, while platinum futures fell 0.6% to $1,410.45 per ounce. Copper retreated from recent peaks, with London Metal Exchange benchmark copper down 0.5% at $10,111.60 per ton, following a 15-month high of $10,192 per ton in the prior session. On the U.S. Comex, copper fell 0.7% to $4.69 per pound.

U.S. and Chinese officials resumed trade discussions in Madrid, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, with Vice Premier He Lifeng and negotiator Li Chenggang representing China. The talks produced a framework agreement regarding the U.S. ownership of TikTok, with Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping expected to finalize details later this week. Analysts note that easing tensions between the world’s two largest economies could provide support to industrial metals.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Oil prices moved higher in Asian trade on Tuesday, extending recent gains as attacks on Russian energy infrastructure by Ukraine fueled worries over potential disruptions to global supply.

The escalation follows a major Russian offensive in southeastern Ukraine, including the strategic city of Zaporizhzhia, after several weeks of Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian oil facilities. These developments have heightened uncertainty in energy markets.

The U.S. dollar’s recent weakness also provided support to oil, as investors priced in expectations that the Federal Reserve could lower interest rates during its upcoming policy meeting. As of 21:54 ET (01:54 GMT), Brent crude for November delivery was up 0.3% at $67.63 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate gained 0.3% to $63.21 per barrel.

Supply Concerns Amid Ample Global Production

Ukraine has stepped up its attacks on Russian oil infrastructure in recent weeks, particularly after U.S.-mediated peace talks failed to yield meaningful progress. Kyiv’s strategy aims to limit Moscow’s ability to fund its military operations through energy revenues.

At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump has called for expanded sanctions targeting Russia’s oil sector, including penalties on major buyers such as India and China. India previously faced 50% trade tariffs in August. Trump also urged NATO, the EU, and G7 countries to cut Russian oil purchases and increase trade pressure on these nations.

Despite these geopolitical concerns, global oil supply is expected to remain ample. Rising OPEC output and strong production from non-OPEC nations are projected to boost worldwide oil inventories in the coming months. Meanwhile, demand recovery remains modest, particularly in China, and U.S. fuel consumption is expected to soften during the winter season. Bernstein analysts have warned that Brent could drop to $60 per barrel if supply continues to exceed demand, with a global surplus estimated at 1.9 million barrels per day this quarter. Stricter sanctions on Russia are seen as the main factor capable of pushing prices higher.

Dollar Dynamics and Fed Rate Outlook

A softer dollar in recent weeks has helped support oil prices. The greenback has weakened amid growing market expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates by at least 25 basis points at its upcoming meeting, reflecting a modest easing in labor market conditions.

While uncertainty remains over the Fed’s long-term rate path due to persistent inflation, lower borrowing costs could stimulate economic activity and potentially increase oil consumption.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

European equities traded cautiously on Tuesday as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting and digested important regional economic data. At 07:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX fell 0.1%, France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.2%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 declined 0.1%.

The Fed begins its latest two-day policy session later in the day, with markets anticipating a potential interest rate cut when the meeting concludes on Wednesday, which could provide support to global markets. Meanwhile, the Bank of England meets later this week but is widely expected to maintain rates on Thursday, after cutting them last month for the fifth time in just over a year.

UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, the highest among G7 economies and nearly double the Bank of England’s medium-term target. However, employment data released earlier showed a seventh consecutive month of job declines and slowing wage growth, which may ease concerns about persistent inflation pressures. Additional eurozone data due Tuesday includes Italian inflation, German ZEW economic sentiment, and eurozone industrial production.

Investor sentiment was further supported by progress in US-China trade talks in Madrid. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed a framework deal on TikTok’s US ownership, with China dropping demands for tariff concessions and the US securing commitments on national security concerns. A conversation between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping is expected later this week to finalize details. However, uncertainty remains after Chinese regulators said a preliminary probe found Nvidia had breached anti-monopoly rules.

In corporate news, Anglo American (LSE:AAL) and Codelco finalized an agreement to jointly operate their neighbouring copper mines in Chile, expected to unlock at least $5 billion in value. Jersey-based professional services firm JTC (LSE:JTC) reported first-half profit fell over 60%, as acquisition costs and share-based payments offset revenue gains. UK construction group Kier Group (LSE:KIE) posted stronger-than-expected annual results, reporting a record order book, higher dividends, and a share buyback program.

Oil prices eased slightly, pausing after recent gains amid concerns over potential supply disruptions. At 03:05 ET, Brent crude fell 0.2% to $67.28 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate fell 0.1% to $63.25 per barrel. Both contracts have risen 1–2% over the past week as Ukraine intensified attacks on Russian oil facilities in response to inconclusive US-brokered peace talks, aiming to limit Moscow’s ability to fund its war efforts.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.