The world of digital assets is constantly evolving, and leading players like Grayscale Investments continue to shape its future. In a significant move that has captured the attention of investors and enthusiasts alike, Grayscale recently unveiled an updated list of potential Grayscale investment products . This revelation, shared on X (formerly Twitter), offers a tantalizing glimpse into the firm’s strategic focus and highlights a diverse array of tokens that could soon find their way into regulated investment vehicles. For anyone navigating the dynamic crypto market , understanding Grayscale’s potential moves is crucial, as their actions often signal broader trends in institutional adoption and the expansion of digital asset exposure . Grayscale Investment Products: What’s on the Horizon? Grayscale Investments stands as a titan in the digital asset management space, renowned for its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) and its pioneering efforts in bringing crypto to mainstream investors. When Grayscale releases a list of potential investment products, it’s not just a casual announcement; it’s a meticulously curated watchlist, signaling assets that have passed an initial rigorous screening process. These tokens are under consideration for inclusion in future Grayscale offerings, which could range from single-asset trusts to diversified bundles, providing a new pathway for investors to gain digital asset exposure . The recently updated list is remarkably expansive, featuring a mix of established altcoins, emerging layer-1 and layer-2 solutions, DeFi protocols, and even some tokens that represent newer narratives like AI and gaming. Here’s a closer look at some of the tokens Grayscale is eyeing: $APT (Aptos): A high-performance Layer 1 blockchain aiming to deliver a scalable and secure foundation for Web3 applications. $ARB (Arbitrum): A leading Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum, designed to improve transaction speed and reduce costs. $CELO (Celo): A mobile-first blockchain platform focused on making decentralized finance (DeFi) accessible to smartphone users globally. $MNT (Mantle): The native token of the Mantle ecosystem, a Layer 2 network built on Ethereum, emphasizing scalability and modularity. $TON (The Open Network): A decentralized Layer 1 blockchain originally developed by Telegram, known for its high transaction throughput and user-friendly ecosystem. $AERO (Aerodrome Finance): A decentralized exchange (DEX) and liquidity hub built on Base, designed for efficient trading and yield generation. $BNB (BNB Chain): The native token of the BNB Chain ecosystem, powering transactions and various applications on one of the largest smart contract platforms. $DEEP (Deepcoin Token): Likely associated with a cryptocurrency exchange or a decentralized finance protocol. $ENA (Ethena): The governance token for Ethena Labs, a synthetic dollar protocol that offers a crypto-native yield-bearing stablecoin. $EUL (Euler): A decentralized lending protocol that enables permissionless lending and borrowing of crypto assets. $HYPE (Hype.app): Potentially a token related to social finance or a community-driven platform. $JUP (Jupiter): A leading decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator on Solana, optimizing swaps and providing liquidity. $KMNO (Kamino Finance): A decentralized finance protocol offering various yield strategies and liquidity solutions, often on Solana. $SYRUP (Syrup Protocol): Likely a token associated with a yield farming or liquidity provision platform. $MORPHO (Morpho): A DeFi lending protocol that optimizes capital efficiency by routing liquidity between peer-to-peer and pool-to-pool models. $PENDLE (Pendle): A DeFi protocol that allows users to tokenize and trade future yield, enabling fixed-rate returns or leveraged exposure to yield. $PLUME (Plume Network): A modular Layer 2 blockchain specifically designed for real-world assets (RWAs) and compliance. $BONK (Bonk): A popular memecoin on the Solana blockchain, known for its community-driven nature and viral marketing. $AIXBT (AIX Crypto): Potentially an AI-driven cryptocurrency or a token associated with AI-powered trading. $GRASS (Grass): A decentralized network for selling unused internet bandwidth, potentially linked to AI training or data collection. $VIRTUAL (Virtual Protocol): Likely a token related to metaverse, VR, or gaming ecosystems. $JTO (Jito): A liquid staking token and MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) solution provider on Solana. $ZRO (LayerZero): The native token for LayerZero, an omnichain interoperability protocol designed to connect various blockchains. $WAL (Wallet Token): Could be associated with a specific cryptocurrency wallet or a payment-focused protocol. $W (Wormhole): A leading cross-chain interoperability protocol that enables seamless asset transfers and communication between different blockchains. This extensive list showcases Grayscale’s commitment to exploring the full breadth of the digital asset ecosystem, moving far beyond just Bitcoin and Ethereum. It suggests a future where investors can gain diversified exposure to various sectors of the crypto economy through regulated avenues. Navigating the Crypto Market: Why Grayscale’s Moves Matter Grayscale’s influence in the crypto market cannot be overstated. As one of the largest digital asset managers globally, its decisions send ripples throughout the industry. When Grayscale identifies potential investment products, it’s not just a theoretical exercise; it’s a signal to the broader financial world that these assets are undergoing serious institutional scrutiny. This process involves extensive due diligence, including an assessment of a token’s underlying technology, regulatory compliance, market liquidity, and potential for long-term growth. For retail and institutional investors alike, Grayscale’s watchlist serves as a valuable indicator. It can: Legitimize Assets: The mere consideration by Grayscale can add a layer of credibility to these tokens, attracting more traditional investors who might otherwise be wary of direct crypto investments. Signal Future Demand: If Grayscale eventually launches products based on these tokens, it implies significant institutional demand, potentially leading to increased liquidity and price appreciation. Inform Research: The list prompts investors to research these specific tokens, fostering a deeper understanding of the evolving crypto landscape. However, it’s crucial to remember that inclusion on this list does not guarantee a future product launch. The path from a potential consideration to a fully-fledged, publicly traded investment product is long and complex, fraught with regulatory hurdles and market dynamics. Nevertheless, it underscores the growing trend of traditional finance embracing digital assets, albeit cautiously and through structured products. Unlocking Digital Asset Exposure: A Closer Look at Specific Tokens The variety of tokens on Grayscale’s list highlights the diverse ways investors can achieve digital asset exposure . Beyond the foundational layers of Bitcoin and Ethereum, these tokens represent the cutting edge of blockchain innovation. Let’s delve into a few examples to understand their potential impact: Token Primary Use Case Potential Significance for Investors $APT (Aptos) & $ARB (Arbitrum) Scalable Blockchains (L1) & Ethereum Scaling (L2) Exposure to high-performance infrastructure for Web3 applications and solutions to Ethereum’s scalability challenges. Represents foundational tech for future crypto growth. $TON (The Open Network) High-throughput Layer 1, Integrated with Telegram Unique exposure to a blockchain with massive user adoption potential via Telegram’s ecosystem, blending social media with crypto. $ENA (Ethena) & $PENDLE (Pendle) DeFi Innovations (Synthetic Dollar, Yield Trading) Access to advanced DeFi strategies, enabling new ways to generate yield or manage risk within the decentralized finance sector. $BONK (Bonk) Memecoin (Solana Ecosystem) While speculative, its inclusion highlights Grayscale’s acknowledgment of community-driven tokens and their significant market capitalization, offering exposure to cultural phenomena within crypto. $PLUME (Plume Network) & $GRASS (Grass) Real-World Assets (RWA), DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) Pioneering exposure to the burgeoning RWA sector (tokenizing traditional assets) and DePIN, which are seen as critical bridges between blockchain and the real economy. For investors, this list offers a compelling case for diversifying beyond the traditional top two cryptocurrencies. It suggests that institutional players are increasingly looking for ways to capture value from the broader innovation happening across various blockchain ecosystems. However, with higher potential returns often come higher risks. Many of these tokens represent newer, less mature projects compared to Bitcoin or Ethereum. Investors must conduct their own thorough research (DYOR – Do Your Own Research) and understand the specific risks associated with each asset, including volatility, liquidity, and project development status, before considering any investment. Exploring Altcoin Opportunities: Beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum The narrative in the cryptocurrency space is rapidly expanding beyond the dominant figures of Bitcoin and Ethereum. Grayscale’s list is a clear indicator of the growing interest in altcoin opportunities – a term encompassing all cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin. These altcoins often represent specialized use cases, innovative technologies, or niche markets within the broader digital economy. The inclusion of tokens like $CELO (mobile DeFi), $PENDLE (yield trading), $JUP (DEX aggregation), and even memecoins like $BONK, showcases a holistic view of the market’s potential. Why are these altcoin opportunities becoming so attractive, even to institutional eyes? Innovation Hubs: Altcoins are often at the forefront of blockchain innovation, developing solutions for scalability, interoperability, privacy, and new financial primitives. High Growth Potential: While more volatile, many altcoins have the potential for exponential growth if their underlying projects gain adoption and utility. Diversification: Investing in a diverse range of altcoins can help mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on a single asset and capture value from different market segments. Emerging Narratives: Tokens tied to hot narratives like AI, Real-World Assets (RWAs), decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), and gaming/metaverse offer exposure to future growth sectors. However, the altcoin market is also characterized by significant volatility and a higher degree of speculation. Not all projects succeed, and many tokens may not achieve widespread adoption. This is why Grayscale’s meticulous due diligence process is so important, as it helps filter out less viable projects and identify those with genuine potential for long-term growth and institutional appeal. The Future of Institutional Crypto: Grayscale’s Vision Grayscale’s proactive approach to identifying potential new investment products is a testament to its long-term vision for institutional crypto . The firm is not just reacting to market demand; it is actively shaping it by preparing the ground for a more diverse and mature digital asset investment landscape. This move signals several key trends for the future: Broadening Investment Mandates: Traditional financial institutions are increasingly looking beyond just Bitcoin and Ethereum to allocate capital across a wider spectrum of digital assets. Demand for Regulated Access: There’s a persistent and growing demand for regulated, familiar investment vehicles that allow institutions and accredited investors to gain exposure without directly managing volatile digital assets. Maturation of the Ecosystem: The sheer number and variety of tokens on Grayscale’s list indicate the increasing maturity and complexity of the blockchain ecosystem, with specialized solutions emerging across various sectors. Focus on Utility and Innovation: While speculative assets exist, Grayscale’s continued interest in foundational layer-1s, layer-2s, and DeFi protocols underscores a focus on projects with real utility and innovative technological underpinnings. The journey from a token on a watchlist to a full-fledged Grayscale product is challenging, requiring navigation through complex regulatory frameworks and market conditions. Yet, the firm’s willingness to explore such a wide array of assets demonstrates its belief in the enduring power and transformative potential of blockchain technology and digital currencies. This commitment to expanding institutional crypto offerings is a positive sign for the industry’s continued integration into the global financial system. Conclusion: A Glimpse into Tomorrow’s Crypto Portfolio Grayscale’s updated list of potential investment products is more than just a collection of token symbols; it’s a strategic roadmap that offers profound insights into the evolving landscape of digital asset investments. It highlights Grayscale’s commitment to expanding access to the burgeoning crypto market , providing avenues for investors to gain diversified digital asset exposure . By meticulously evaluating a wide range of tokens, from foundational blockchains to innovative DeFi protocols and even prominent memecoins, Grayscale is not only responding to but also actively shaping the future of institutional crypto . This proactive stance underscores a growing recognition of the vast altcoin opportunities that exist beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, paving the way for a more comprehensive and accessible digital asset portfolio for sophisticated investors. While these are merely potential products, the list serves as a powerful indicator of where institutional interest might be heading, urging all market participants to stay informed and conduct thorough due diligence in this exciting, yet complex, space. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping digital asset institutional adoption.
NRW BANK, a leading German public-sector bank, has issued a groundbreaking €100 million blockchain bond on the Polygon network, signaling a pivotal advancement in digital finance integration within Europe. This
Ripple’s decision to apply for a U.S. national banking license has brought renewed focus to XRP and its evolving role in the financial sector. According to crypto commentator RipplePundit (@RipplePundit), this strategic filing has added new weight to discussions around XRP’s long-term price trajectory and its potential to reshape how digital assets integrate with traditional financial infrastructure. This development comes at a time when XRP is showing renewed strength. At the time of Ripple Pundit’s post, the asset was holding steady around $2.26 with sustained volume exceeding $2.55 billion. It has since climbed to $2.5, up over 7% from last week. Will $XRP Pump to $10 After Filing for Banking License in the U.S Check Thread to read further This week, the XRP price prediction is sparking intense debate as Ripple’s XRP takes center stage once again. With Ripple’s recent filing for a national banking license in… pic.twitter.com/efl3KkMV6y — Ripple Pundit (@RipplePundit) July 9, 2025 Price Stability and Technical Strength Ripple Pundit noted that XRP’s recent trading behavior shows a consolidation phase underpinned by resilience. Over the past week, the token has maintained strong support above $2.15, and after testing resistance levels near $2.35, the asset finally broke above this level. He highlighted the asset’s ability to stay within this range, coupled with high trading volume, as signs of a potential breakout . According to Ripple Pundit, this price stability, alongside the company’s banking charter filing, reflects growing institutional interest and confidence in Ripple’s long-term vision. From a technical perspective, indicators remain constructive. The 50-day simple moving average around $2.25 has acted as support, and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits around 52. This provides upward room before entering overbought territory. Ripple Pundit emphasizes the presence of an ascending channel pattern he describes as a “stair-step” structure, which leads to a price breakout. Additionally, on-chain metrics indicate an increase in long positions and rising whale accumulation , reinforcing the argument that larger holders anticipate sustained gains. XRP’s Path to $10 The charts provided suggest XRP’s current positioning could lead to a retest of its January high of $3.39. If regulatory clarity progresses and a bullish catalyst like a U.S.-based spot XRP ETF is approved, RipplePundit outlines a case for XRP to climb toward the $10 range in the medium term. This view is supported by Ripple’s clear intention to deepen its integration within the banking sector, signaled by its charter application . While the outlook remains bullish, the analysis does not dismiss near-term volatility. Pullbacks toward the $1.95 to $2.00 range remain possible, creating favorable entry points for buyers. However, the broader trend, supported by both technical indicators and growing institutional alignment, tilts upward. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. The post Ripple’s Banking Ambition Triggers $10 XRP Price Prediction appeared first on Times Tabloid .
MAP Protocol has unveiled a significant strategic pivot, transitioning into a comprehensive full-chain infrastructure platform. This evolution emphasizes enhanced support for Bitcoin, stablecoins, and the facilitation of tokenized asset exchanges.
Jonathan Gould has been confirmed to lead the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). This is one of the most powerful agencies in the federal banking system. The final Senate vote took place Thursday and passed narrowly, 50 to 45. He is joining the ranks of Trump administration officials who support easing regulations on the nation’s banks and promoting the adoption of cryptocurrency assets. Gould brings to the position a strong background in legal and financial regulation. Notably, he served as the chief legal officer for blockchain infrastructure company Bitfury and held senior roles within the OCC, including senior deputy comptroller and chief counsel. His deep institutional knowledge and recent private sector experience place him in a pivotal position as he prepares to lead the agency. President Donald Trump announced his nomination in February, and the appointment is now cleared to take Gorsuch’s place pending Trump’s final signature before Gould can take over the position. The OCC is one of the most influential financial regulators within the US Treasury Department. It is in charge of regulating, chartering, supervising national banks , federal savings associations, and federal branches of foreign banks. In a world where digital assets are becoming increasingly enmeshed with traditional banking, who the OCC is becomes a significantly more important question regarding the future of American financial regulation. Crypto concerns intensify, but the Senate confirms the nominee Gould’s confirmation was not free of controversy. Over the day, Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming voted against Gould in a procedural roll call. Her issues were focused on where Gould stood on stablecoin regulation and the issue of federal preemption vis-a-vis state banking laws. “The senator needs to have further conversations with the nominee about the GENIUS Act and Federal preemption of state banking laws,” a spokesperson for Lummis told Punchbowl News reporter Brendan Pedersen. After opposing him, Lummis ultimately voted to confirm Gould later in the afternoon. According to sources, the reversal followed behind-the-scenes conversations in which the two sides sought to address her concerns. Lummis’s evolution exemplifies the increasing political gravity of crypto policy in DC. With his corporate blockchain background, it’s an early indication that Gould may have to tread carefully as he juggles conflicting expectations from lawmakers, some of whom want to see tighter regulation, and others with a less onerous, innovation-friendly approach in mind. OCC drives forward new crypto rules Gould assumes the head OCC role as digital assets continue to evolve rapidly. Congress is on the fast track to ramp up federal oversight of stablecoins and other forms of digital currency. The House of Representatives is poised to debate and potentially vote on the GENIUS Act next week — legislation making room for a strong legal framework around stablecoins. The bill would require stablecoins to be backed 1:1 by US dollars or equivalent liquid assets, mandate annual audits for large issuers, and establish standards for foreign stablecoin providers. With Gould at the helm, it would fall to the OCC to write and enforce any new rules enacted. Earlier this year, the agency clarified in guidance that US banks can hold and trade cryptocurrencies on their behalf. In another significant step, the OCC indicated that it would strike “reputation risk” as a distinct concept from its supervisory handbooks. The move was designed to allow banks greater leeway as they considered partnerships with cryptocurrency firms, fintech startups, and other industries that have only begun to emerge, while mandating rigorous risk management. In Gould’s hands looms the double responsibility of continuing to innovate while ensuring financial stability. His two-fold experience puts him in a unique place to influence how the OCC approaches the changing digital world. But it also makes him a target of an increasingly divided Congress, where crypto-related issues, state vs. federal authority, and financial inclusion are getting more politically heated. The next few months may show if Gould can navigate the OCC through these changes and whether he can win the confidence of both crypto interests and lawmakers from both parties. Your crypto news deserves attention - KEY Difference Wire puts you on 250+ top sites
Bitcoin reached over $117,000 after significant liquidations exceeding $1.17 billion. The surge established Bitcoin's market value above Google's, positioning it among leading assets. Continue Reading: Bitcoin Prices Surge Past $117,000 with Massive Liquidations The post Bitcoin Prices Surge Past $117,000 with Massive Liquidations appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
Echo Protocol has officially entered the BNB Smart Chain trading competition, offering traders a lucrative opportunity to maximize their returns. Participants with the highest token trading volumes on the platform
Piero Cipollone, member of the ECB executive board, highlighted the relevance of the digital euro for the health of sovereign payments in Europe. He also remarked that such a solution would maintain banks in the financial loop, while stablecoins seek to sidestep them. ECB Defends Digital Euro Thesis as Sovereign Cash Alternative The European Central
The collaboration is a big move when it comes to aligning global fintech ecosystems around standardized digital value and comes during a time of improving US regulatory clarity. Circle's influence is growing at a fast rate thanks to new partnerships with OKX, Coinbase Derivatives, and Nodal Clear, and the increasing acceptance of USDC in both institutional and retail financial systems. Meanwhile, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse predicted explosive growth for the stablecoin market by suggesting it could expand to $1–2 trillion in the coming years. Ripple's own stablecoin, RLUSD, quickly reached a $500 million market cap. This was bolstered by a strong regulatory push including the GENIUS Act and new banking license applications. With both Ant Group and Ripple making aggressive plays in the stablecoin space and institutions like BNY Mellon and Transak joining in, the sector is gaining impressive momentum globally. Ant Group Eyes USDC Integration Jack Ma-backed Ant Group is reportedly working with USDC issuer Circle to integrate the stablecoin into its proprietary blockchain. This is according to a Bloomberg report that refers to anonymous sources. While the timeline for this integration is still uncertain, the partnership is expected to proceed once USDC achieves compliance with US regulations. Ant Group is best known for operating the Alipay super-app and processing over $1 trillion in annual payments, and has been very active in the blockchain space. Through its AntChain network, the company offers services in treasury operations, cross-border settlements, and asset tokenization. Its interest in stablecoins is not new. Just weeks earlier, Ant joined forces with JD.com to lobby the People’s Bank of China to approve yuan-backed stablecoins. Additionally, Ant International is reportedly preparing to apply for stablecoin issuer licenses in certain key Asian hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong. The collaboration with Circle might be happening at a time when regulatory conditions for stablecoins in the US begin to clear. In mid-June, the US Senate passed the GENIUS Act, which is a bill that provides legal clarity for stablecoin issuance and management. Circle also applied to establish a national trust bank, which would oversee USDC reserves and support its regulated growth. Overall, these regulatory advancements are making it possible for the company to accelerate its global expansion strategy. Circle’s momentum also accelerated after it announced earlier this week that it entered a partnership with leading cryptocurrency exchange OKX to offer feeless conversions between USDC and US dollars, improving liquidity and usability. The company’s influence in the digital asset space is huge when considering its shares became the largest weighting in VanEck’s digital asset corporate index in late June. Additionally, Circle’s USDC stablecoin is now being accepted as eligible collateral in US futures markets after a partnership between Coinbase Derivatives and Nodal Clear. As regulatory clarity improves and institutional interest in stablecoins intensifies, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire is very confident in the future of the sector. He even recently compared the rise of stablecoins to the revolutionary impact of the iPhone, and called them “the highest utility form of money ever created.” The reported partnership between Ant Group and Circle is just the last big move in aligning global fintech ecosystems around a shared standard for digital value. Ripple Predicts $2T Stablecoin Market Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse also recently expressed his strong optimism about the future of stablecoins by suggesting the market could grow nearly tenfold in the coming years. Speaking on CNBC’s “ Squawk Box ,” Garlinghouse explained that many in the industry believe stablecoins could reach a market capitalization of $1 to $2 trillion, up from the current $250 billion. Brad Garlinghouse speaking to CNBC He placed a lot of emphasis on the quick growth of the sector and pointed out that Ripple entered the space later than others because it had already been using stablecoins in institutional payment flows. Garlinghouse believes Ripple's strong regulatory foundation and institutional focus position the company well to thrive as the market expands. As part of its stablecoin strategy, Ripple recently named BNY Mellon as the custodian for its RLUSD dollar-pegged stablecoin. RLUSD was launched in late 2024, and already reached a $500 million market cap milestone. This rapid growth happened thanks to the momentum in the stablecoin space, with fintechs, banks, social networks, and major retailers launching their own digital currencies. Henrik Andersson , CIO of Apollo Capital, agrees with Garlinghouse’s views, and said the projected growth aligns with his firm’s forecasts. He pointed to the profitability of Tether as a case study for the sector’s potential and suggested that the GENIUS Act, which recently passed a Senate vote, could serve as a major catalyst by recognizing stablecoins as legal tender in the US. Nick Ruck of LVRG Research also pointed out that the regulatory environment is becoming much more favorable. He referred to the GENIUS Act as well, and a more crypto-friendly SEC as drivers for accelerated adoption. Ripple, meanwhile, is doubling down on compliance efforts. The firm applied for a banking license with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and is seeking a Federal Reserve Master Account. Garlinghouse said these moves are part of Ripple’s strategy to bridge traditional finance and decentralized finance. XRP's price action over the past 14 days (Source: CoinMarketCap ) In addition to its regulatory and product milestones, Ripple announced an integration with cryptocurrency payments provider Transak to expand the use of its stablecoin. Meanwhile, Ripple’s native cross-border payments token XRP managed to surge 14% this week and is now trading at a seven-week high of $2.56. The convergence of market growth, legislative support, and institutional involvement seems to be accelerating Ripple’s influence in the financial landscape.
Asia stock markets trade mixed on Friday, reacting to renewed worries about U.S. trade tariffs following President Donald Trump's announcement of significant duties against Canada. Meanwhile, China's markets outperformed the region, driven by expectations of further stimulus measures. Meanwhile, President Trump reportedly plans to impose blanket tariffs of 15–20% on most major trade partners after announcing 35% tariffs on Canadian imports starting August 1. Gold rose to around $3,330 per ounce on Friday, gaining for a third straight session, supported by safe-haven demand amid escalating trade tensions. Bitcoin surged past $116,000 in mid-July, setting a new all-time high, driven by strong institutional demand and supportive policies from the Trump administration. Japan ( NKY:IND ) fell 0.10% rose 0.1% to around 39,690 while the broader Topix Index gained 0.35 to 2,820 on Friday, recouping losses from the previous session. The Japanese yen weakened toward 147 per US dollar on Friday, nearing a three-week low, as the greenback gained strength amid rising global trade tensions. Japan is actively pursuing ministerial-level tariff talks with the U.S., targeting meetings between negotiator Ryosei Akazawa and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during the latter’s visit in Osaka next week, according to the Yomiuri newspaper. The Bank of Japan stated on Thursday that U.S. tariffs have had a limited impact on Japan's exports and factory output thus far. However, the central bank's quarterly meeting summary with regional branch managers revealed that many Japanese companies are increasingly concerned about weakening global demand. Bessent is scheduled to attend the U.S. “National Day” event on July 19 at Expo 2025. China ( SHCOMP ) rose 1.05% to above 3,560 while the Shenzhen Component gained 0.6% to 10,700 on Friday, with mainland stocks scaling multi-month highs as investors looked ahead to trade data due over the weekend, and the offshore yuan strengthened past 7.16 per dollar on Friday, extending gains from the previous session, supported by the robust fixing from the People’s Bank of China. Earlier this week, China announced fresh initiatives to stabilize employment. These measures come as the nation grapples with a prolonged trade war with the U.S. and persistently high youth unemployment. The jobless rate for individuals aged 16 to 24 (excluding college students) stood at 14.9% in June, a slight decrease from 15.8% in May, but still elevated. In China, investors are bracing for key economic releases next week. Hong Kong ( HSI ) rose 1.84% to 24,454 on Friday morning, extending gains from the prior session and hitting a two-week-high. India ( SENSEX ) flat Australia ( AS51 ) fell 0.02% opened flat to around 8,589 on Friday, and on track for its first weekly decline in three, as investors weighed fresh US tariff actions from President Donald Trump. The Australian dollar weakened to below $0.658 on Friday, ending its three-day winning streak, as sentiment turned cautious following a fresh wave of tariff threats from US President Donald Trump. In the U.S., on Thursday, all three major indexes ended higher as investors looked past President Trump's latest tariff threats and focused on strong corporate results and record-setting gains. U.S. stock futures held steady on Friday following another strong session on Wall Street, where both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closed at fresh record highs: Dow -0.27% ; S&P 500 -0.23% ; Nasdaq -0.20% . Currencies: ( JPY:USD ), ( CNY:USD ), ( AUD:USD ), ( INR:USD ), ( HKD:USD ), ( NZD:USD ). More on Asia: Japan PPI growth hits 10-month low to 2.9% y/y in June China CPI sees slight rise up 0.1%, PPI drops most in two years amid weak demand and tariff risks Trump puts 25% tariff on Japan and South Korea, others (updated) U.S.-China trade agreement leads to lifted chip design software restrictions Australia's manufacturing contraction deepens in May; retail sales miss estimates