Wall Street is already laying its bets on Berkshire Hathaway before the company releases its first-quarter earnings on May 2. According to a CNBC report on Monday, UBS analyst Brian Meredith is pushing even harder on the company’s Class B stock, calling the so-called “Baby Berkshire” a “safe haven in a turbulent environment.” Meredith stuck to his previous buy rating but pushed the 12-month price target higher to $606 per share from $557. That is about a 14% rise from yesterday’s $530.96 closing price. Meredith also moved up his first-quarter earnings estimate to $4.89 per share from $4.81, driven by improved loss ratios at Geico, which sits as one of Warren Buffett’s major holdings. Shares of Berkshire’s Class B stock have already climbed nearly 18% in 2025. Even with Donald Trump back in the White House and tariffs rolling out, Meredith said Geico could handle the impact. “We expect tariffs to potentially increase claims costs by 3% – 4% at Geico, however, given current profitability, Geico may be able to absorb the additional costs without raising prices and stay within target margins,” Meredith said. Meredith is also keeping his eyes open for any hints about how Berkshire plans to use its massive $334 billion cash pile, an amount that has reached record levels for the company. On top of all that, analysts polled by FactSet are forecasting first-quarter earnings per share of $4.72 on revenue of $90.8 billion. Buffett’s wealth balloons as Berkshire stock powers higher At 94 years old, Warren’s fortune is swelling alongside Berkshire Hathaway’s stock price. His net worth jumped by $23.7 billion so far in 2025, hitting $166 billion, Bloomberg Billionaire Index reported. The surge amounts to a 16.7% gain year-to-date, largely powered by the strong run of Berkshire’s Class B shares. As of the latest figures, the stock closed at $534.29, up 19% this year. Warren’s financial empire is basically tied to Berkshire, accounting for around 99.5% of his net worth, as he has repeatedly pointed out in public statements. Even after a minor dip of $260 million—or 0.2%—on the most recent trading day, Warren’s financial standing is still firmly locked in. Berkshire’s November 2024 filings show that the Oracle of Omaha owns about 37.4% of the company’s Class A shares, while his Class B holdings are almost too small to matter. Warren’s limited non-Berkshire assets haven’t changed much in over a decade. In that infamous letter he wrote to Congressman Tim Huelskamp back in 2011, and through disclosures since 2010, Warren said that any non-Berkshire investments he holds are basically pocket change compared to his main holdings. He once had stakes in Wells Fargo and US Bancorp, but those added up to less than 1% of his total fortune and still do today. Time hasn’t really helped those outside investments either. Market changes, dividend reinvestments, and asset sales have changed their values around, but they remain tiny compared to his Berkshire mountain. The bigger picture here is that his playbook hasn’t needed adjusting even through the roughest economic seasons. His no-drama approach has carried him through inflation, market collapses, and economic slowdowns. All in all, Warren’s steady hands have turned his Berkshire holdings into the ultimate fortress against market chaos for Wall Street, proving once again that he might be the greatest investor history has ever recorded. Cryptopolitan Academy: Tired of market swings? Learn how DeFi can help you build steady passive income. Register Now
The world of cryptocurrency is constantly evolving, and even figures who have stepped back from daily operations remain influential. Case in point: Changpeng Zhao (CZ) , the former CEO of Binance. He recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to share an update that has caught the attention of many in the space, revealing he met one-on-one with more than a dozen Crypto Founders from projects backed by YZiLabs. Changpeng Zhao (CZ): A New Chapter of Engagement For many years, Changpeng Zhao (CZ) was synonymous with Binance, building it into the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. His recent transition hasn’t meant a complete departure from the industry he helped shape. Instead, CZ appears to be shifting his focus towards mentorship, sharing his vast experience, and supporting the next generation of builders. His meeting with YZiLabs-backed founders underscores this new direction. It signals a continued commitment to the health and growth of the crypto ecosystem, albeit from a different vantage point. This kind of engagement from a figure with CZ’s track record is invaluable for early-stage ventures navigating the complex landscape of decentralized technology. Understanding YZiLabs and the Role of Crypto Venture Capital While not as widely publicized as some major venture funds, YZiLabs appears to be playing a role in identifying and nurturing promising Crypto Projects . The specific nature of YZiLabs (whether it’s an incubator, accelerator, or pure venture fund) isn’t detailed in CZ’s post, but its function is clear: providing support to new ventures in the space. This highlights the crucial role of Crypto Venture Capital in driving innovation. Early funding and strategic guidance are essential for turning ambitious ideas into functional, impactful decentralized applications and platforms. Investors and labs like YZiLabs act as catalysts, providing the resources and network that Web3 Startups desperately need to get off the ground and scale. Exclusive Insights: CZ’s Meetings with Crypto Founders The fact that CZ met with over 12 different Crypto Founders individually is significant. One-on-one sessions allow for tailored advice and deeper discussions about specific project challenges and opportunities. What kind of topics might have been covered? Based on CZ’s experience and the nature of building in Web3, the conversations likely touched upon: Product-Market Fit: How to build something users actually need and want. Scaling Challenges: Technical hurdles, user growth, and infrastructure. Regulatory Navigation: Understanding and adapting to evolving global crypto regulations. Community Building: Fostering a strong and engaged user base. Tokenomics Design: Creating sustainable and effective economic models for their projects. Fundraising Strategies: Preparing for future investment rounds. For these Crypto Founders , gaining insights from someone who built and scaled a multi-billion dollar global platform like Binance is an unparalleled opportunity. It’s a chance to learn from both successes and challenges faced at the highest level of the industry. Nurturing the Next Wave of Crypto Projects The Crypto Projects backed by YZiLabs and now receiving attention from Changpeng Zhao (CZ) represent the diverse future of the decentralized web. These could span various sectors: Decentralized Finance (DeFi) innovations NFT platforms and use cases Gaming and metaverse projects (GameFi) Blockchain infrastructure and tooling Social or consumer-focused Web3 applications Each of these Crypto Projects faces unique hurdles, from technical development and security to user acquisition and market competition. CZ’s emphasis on “continued learning and support for ongoing development efforts” suggests a focus on the practical aspects of building and sustaining these ventures in a volatile market. What This Means for Web3 Startups Globally CZ’s visible support for these specific ventures sends a positive signal to the broader ecosystem of Web3 Startups . It indicates that experienced leaders believe in the potential of new decentralized technologies and are willing to invest their time and knowledge into helping them succeed. For aspiring Web3 Startups and Crypto Founders elsewhere, this serves as a reminder of the importance of: Seeking Mentorship: Actively look for experienced advisors and mentors who can offer guidance. Focusing on Fundamentals: Building a solid product and a sustainable business model is key. Persistence: The path of a startup is challenging, requiring resilience and continuous adaptation. Networking: Connecting with investors, other founders, and industry leaders is crucial. The engagement of prominent figures like CZ, facilitated by entities involved in Crypto Venture Capital like YZiLabs, creates valuable opportunities and injects confidence into the ecosystem during times that can often feel uncertain. Conclusion: A Positive Sign for Future Development Changpeng Zhao (CZ) meeting with over a dozen Crypto Founders from YZiLabs-backed Crypto Projects is more than just a casual update; it’s a meaningful signal. It demonstrates his continued passion for the industry and his willingness to contribute his experience to the growth of new Web3 Startups . This focus on “continued learning and support” is precisely what the next wave of decentralized innovation needs to thrive. It highlights the collaborative spirit necessary for the evolution of the crypto and blockchain space. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Web3 startups institutional adoption.
Cardano, Sei, Aave: Setting the Stage for 2025 The crypto markets are warming up, and Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA) , Sei (SEI) , and Aave (AAVE) are attracting renewed attention. Cardano is expanding its smart contract capabilities with growing developer support. Sei is making waves with its optimized blockchain for trading applications. Aave continues to lead innovation in decentralized lending platforms, maintaining strong user growth and network activity. Early investors are once again asking: could a $6,800 investment today yield substantial returns by the end of 2025? With these projects showing steady development and increasing adoption, many believe the window for early positioning is wide open. MAGACOINFINANCE.COM: Fueling Investor Excitement Beyond the established players, MAGACOINFINANCE is gaining ground rapidly. This fresh project has built extraordinary early momentum, driven by a limited token supply, strategic exposure, and an active investor community. Demand surged from day one, highlighting how quickly confidence has built around this promising altcoin. An exclusive 50% bonus offer — available through the MAGA50X code — gives early supporters the chance to boost their holdings significantly before exchange listings go live. MAGACOINFINANCE.COM continues to stand out as a serious contender among 2025’s most anticipated projects. Why MAGACOINFINANCE Is Becoming the #1 Choice in 2025 From the moment of launch, MAGACOINFINANCE.COM attracted immediate buying interest, confirming early speculation about its disruptive potential. Unlike slower-moving legacy projects, MAGACOINFINANCE.COM delivers the high-energy, scarcity-driven dynamics that often precede breakout success stories in crypto. Crypto analysts are already highlighting the project as a top strategic play for those seeking early entry into the next big wave. While established coins like Cardano , Sei , and Aave will continue to see action, MAGACOINFINANCE.COM offers something rare: an early-stage opportunity before widespread attention fully sets in. Snapshot Insights: NEAR, LINK, ETH NEAR Protocol (NEAR) is expanding partnerships and building momentum in the scalable blockchain sector. Chainlink (LINK) continues its dominance in decentralized oracle networks, attracting steady adoption. Ethereum (ETH) is preparing major upgrades to boost scalability, security, and reduce transaction fees. Final Thoughts on Cardano, MAGACOINFINANCE.COM, Sei, and Aave With strong projects like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), Cardano , Sei , Aave , and leaders like NEAR , LINK , and ETH advancing fast, the 2025 outlook is shaping up for serious opportunities. Yet among them, MAGACOINFINANCE.COM shines as a uniquely strategic early entry — a move smart investors are making before listings ignite further demand. For more information about MAGACOINFINANCE , please visit: Website: https://magacoinfinance.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/magacoinfinance Continue Reading: $6,800 Potential? Cardano, MAGACOINFINANCE.COM, Sei, and Aave Could Move Higher This Year
Citi forecasts U.S. dollar stablecoins could surge to $3.7 trillion in the bull case, driving an unprecedented blockchain-fueled transformation of global finance by 2030. US Dollar Stablecoins Set to Dominate Amid Global Blockchain Frenzy, Says Citi Citi’s Global Perspectives and Solutions division released a new report titled “Digital Dollars—Banks and Public Sector Drive Blockchain Adoption”
The Cardano (ADA) price has been going sideways in recent days around $0.70 per token, but has been holding above a key support level that suggests further near-term gains are likely. ADA has been finding support as of late as it falls back towards its 50DMA around $0.6750, which it broke through during last week’s broad crypto market rally. Per CoinMarketCap , Cardano’s market cap was last around $24.7 billion. This sends an important signal about the market’s near-term outlook – the break back above the 50DMA suggests that the bearish trend of late March/April has been snapped. Risks are thus now tilted towards a continued Cardano price recovery. A return to recent highs in the $1.20-30 area are even possible. That said, its very unlikely that a new altcoin season is about to arrive and send ADA back to its 2021 record highs above $3.0. That’s because macro uncertainties remain elevated. Yes, US President Trump has seemingly turned down the heat slightly in his trade wars. But uncertainty about trade policy remains elevated. And cracks are already appearing in the US economy, as survey data released on Monday illustrated. Ouch: April @DallasFed Manufacturing Index down to -35.8 vs. -14.2 est. & -16.3 prior … new orders down to -20 (-0.1 prior), shipments down to -5.5 (+6.1 prior), prices paid up to +48.4 (+37.7 prior), and employment up to -3.9 (-4.6 prior) pic.twitter.com/AXdv26GZ5h — Liz Ann Sonders (@LizAnnSonders) April 28, 2025 With risks rising that the US economy tilts into recession rising, and global economic uncertainty high amid the trade war, and the world’s most important central bank the Fed worried about “sticky inflation” (and thus r eluctant to save the day via monetary policy easing ), this isn’t exactly the environment for altcoin season to launch the Cardano price moonwards. That means that, while ADA could see further upside in the coming weeks, a breakout of recent multi-month ranges isn’t likely. Cardano’s Long-Term Bull Case: A Strategic Accumulation Opportunity Despite a neutral medium-term outlook, Cardano presents a compelling long-term investment opportunity. While trailing rivals such as Ethereum and Solana in terms of adoption, Cardano’s robust fundamentals and strategic roadmap position it for significant growth, potentially reaching $10 by the end of Trump’s term in 2029. Investors should thus view the current range-bound price action as a chance to accumulate. Cardano’s blockchain excels in scalability, sustainability, and security, leveraging its Ouroboros proof-of-stake protocol. Its focus on rigorous academic research ensures a resilient foundation, distinguishing it from competitors. A key bullish narrative is Cardano’s ambition to become the premier Bitcoin DeFi chain, enabling seamless integration of Bitcoin’s liquidity into decentralized finance applications. Bitcoin is coming to Cardano Charles Hoskinson teased a Bitcoin x Cardano demo integration for Bitcoin2025 event, taking place 27-29th May. Cardano's about to bring DeFi to Bitcoin. pic.twitter.com/ArmNjnIIoF — Cardanians (CRDN) (@Cardanians_io) April 7, 2025 Initiatives like the Midnight protocol, enhancing privacy, and partnerships in emerging markets further bolster its ecosystem. BREAKING NEWS MIDNIGHT WILL BRING MILLIONS OF USERS TO CARDANO @IOHK_Charles reveals that Midnight has been very well received and could bring millions of users to the Cardano network. The concept of hybrid applications, whether $BTC , $ETH , $SOL , or $ADA to Midnight,… pic.twitter.com/PDYrcZWr4N — Mintern (@MinswapIntern) April 12, 2025 Macro uncertainties may cap near-term gains, but Cardano’s methodical development and growing use cases—spanning DeFi , supply chain, and identity solutions—signal substantial upside. That’s especially the case against the backdrop of a historically favorable global regulatory backdrop for the crypto industry, spearheaded by the ardently pro-crypto Trump administration’s efforts to bolster the industry. However, with a market cap still modest compared to rivals, Cardano offers asymmetric return potential. Strategic investors can capitalize on current consolidation to build positions in a blockchain poised for exponential growth over the next four years. The post Cardano Price Analysis: 100% ADA Recovery On the Cards? appeared first on Cryptonews .
Get ready for a significant shift in how you might use stablecoins! Financial giant Mastercard has just made a major move into the world of stablecoin payments, announcing new capabilities designed to integrate these digital assets more deeply into everyday transactions. This isn’t just a minor update; it signals a growing acceptance and strategic push by traditional payment networks to embrace the potential of cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins. Mastercard’s Ambitious Stablecoin Capabilities Mastercard is rolling out a suite of new capabilities aimed at making stablecoins more functional within its vast network. These initiatives focus on several key areas: Wallet Integration: Making it easier for digital wallets to connect and interact with Mastercard’s network, potentially allowing users to spend stablecoins directly from their wallets. Merchant Settlement: Exploring ways for merchants to accept stablecoin payments and potentially settle transactions in stablecoins or easily convert them to fiat. On-Chain Remittances: Streamlining cross-border payments using stablecoins, leveraging the speed and efficiency of blockchain technology for remittances. This move by Mastercard indicates a clear recognition of stablecoins’ potential as a more efficient and cost-effective method for certain types of transactions compared to traditional systems. By building infrastructure for Mastercard stablecoin use, they are laying the groundwork for wider adoption. Introducing the OKX Card: Bridging Crypto Trading and Global Payments Adding to the excitement, Mastercard is partnering with leading crypto exchange OKX to launch the “OKX Card.” This collaboration is a direct link between the crypto trading world and Mastercard’s extensive global payment network. CoinDesk reported on this significant development, highlighting how the OKX Card aims to make spending crypto as simple as using a regular debit or credit card. How does the OKX Card potentially work? While specific details are still emerging, the general idea behind such crypto-linked cards is straightforward: Users hold cryptocurrency (including stablecoins) in their linked OKX account. When a purchase is made using the OKX Card at a Mastercard-accepting merchant, the necessary amount of crypto is converted to the local fiat currency at the point of sale. Mastercard processes the transaction through its traditional network. This mechanism allows users to leverage their crypto holdings for everyday purchases without needing to manually convert funds beforehand, offering unprecedented convenience and liquidity for crypto assets. Why are Mastercard’s Crypto Payment Moves So Significant? Mastercard’s foray into stablecoins and its partnership with OKX for the OKX Card represent more than just new product launches. They signify a major validation of cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins, by a global financial powerhouse. Here’s why this is a big deal: Mainstream Adoption: Mastercard’s network reaches millions of merchants and billions of consumers worldwide. Integrating stablecoins into this network could dramatically accelerate mainstream crypto payments adoption. Bridging TradFi and Crypto: This move further blurs the lines between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi), creating pathways for easier interaction and utilization of digital assets within the existing financial infrastructure. Increased Utility for Stablecoins: By enabling stablecoins for payments and remittances, Mastercard is enhancing their real-world utility beyond just trading or holding. Competition and Innovation: This could spur other traditional payment networks and financial institutions to accelerate their own crypto and stablecoin initiatives, driving innovation in the space. This isn’t just about enabling spending; it’s about integrating the underlying technology and assets into the core financial plumbing. The Power of Stablecoin Payments: Benefits for Users and Businesses The focus on stablecoin payments by Mastercard highlights the unique advantages these digital assets offer: For Users: Stability: Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, stablecoins are designed to maintain a stable value, usually pegged to a fiat currency like the US dollar. This makes them suitable for transactions and payments without the risk of price swings. Speed: Transactions on blockchain networks can often be faster than traditional banking transfers, especially for cross-border payments. Lower Costs: Depending on the network and transaction type, stablecoin transactions can potentially involve lower fees compared to traditional methods, particularly for international remittances. Accessibility: Stablecoins can be accessed and used by anyone with an internet connection and a crypto wallet, potentially banking the unbanked or underbanked populations globally. For Businesses/Merchants: Reduced Fees: Accepting stablecoin payments might offer lower transaction fees compared to traditional card processing fees. Faster Settlement: Settlement times can potentially be reduced, improving cash flow. Global Reach: Stablecoins facilitate easier transactions with international customers without dealing with complex currency conversions or high fees. Innovation: Offering stablecoin payment options can attract tech-savvy customers and position businesses at the forefront of payment innovation. By integrating stablecoins into their network, Mastercard is unlocking these benefits for a much wider audience. Mastercard Crypto Initiatives: Paving the Way for Mainstream Adoption? Mastercard’s recent announcements are part of a broader strategy to engage with the digital asset space. The company has been exploring various aspects of Mastercard crypto integration for some time, including NFTs, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and now stablecoins and crypto-linked cards. Their approach seems to be one of cautious yet determined exploration and integration. Instead of building a separate crypto network from scratch, Mastercard is leveraging its existing infrastructure and relationships to bridge the gap between the traditional financial world and the burgeoning crypto economy. This strategic positioning allows them to tap into the innovation of crypto while providing the familiarity, security, and regulatory compliance expected by consumers and businesses using their network. What Challenges Lie Ahead? While the potential is immense, integrating stablecoins and crypto payments into a global network like Mastercard’s isn’t without challenges: Regulatory Clarity: The regulatory landscape for stablecoins and cryptocurrencies is still evolving globally. Navigating different rules in different jurisdictions is complex. Consumer Education: Educating the general public about stablecoins and how to use crypto-linked cards safely and effectively is crucial for adoption. Technical Integration: Ensuring seamless and secure integration of blockchain technology with existing legacy systems requires significant technical effort. Security: Protecting users from fraud, hacks, and scams in the crypto space is paramount. Volatility (for non-stablecoin crypto): While the focus here is on stablecoins, cards like the OKX Card might allow spending of other cryptocurrencies. Managing the volatility of these assets at the point of sale requires robust systems. Mastercard and its partners like OKX will need to address these challenges effectively to build trust and ensure widespread adoption. Looking Ahead: The Future of Payments Mastercard’s move is a strong indicator that digital assets, particularly stablecoins, are increasingly being viewed not just as speculative investments but as tools for actual commerce and payments. The partnership with OKX for the OKX Card is a concrete step towards making crypto holdings spendable in the real world. As infrastructure improves, regulatory frameworks mature, and user understanding grows, we can expect to see more integrations like this, potentially reshaping the future of global payments. The collaboration between traditional finance giants and crypto native companies is likely to be a key theme in this evolution. In Summary Mastercard’s launch of new stablecoin capabilities for wallet integration, merchant settlement, and on-chain remittances, coupled with its partnership with OKX for the OKX Card, marks a significant milestone. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the traditional Mastercard network and the growing world of stablecoins and cryptocurrencies. By enhancing the utility of stablecoins for everyday transactions and providing a convenient way to spend crypto via the OKX Card, Mastercard is taking a bold step towards enabling mainstream crypto payments. While challenges remain, particularly regarding regulation and education, these developments highlight the increasing relevance of stablecoin payments and Mastercard’s commitment to exploring the potential of Mastercard crypto initiatives. This is a powerful move that could accelerate the integration of digital assets into the global economy. To learn more about the latest crypto payments trends, explore our article on key developments shaping stablecoin payments institutional adoption.
Luke Gromen emphasizes Bitcoin's potential in boosting Treasury bond demand. Proposed regulations aim to strengthen the financial foundation of stablecoins. Continue Reading: Bitcoin’s Influence on U.S. Treasury Bonds Sparks New Financial Strategies The post Bitcoin’s Influence on U.S. Treasury Bonds Sparks New Financial Strategies appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
Brazil’s largest commercial bank, Itaú, has made headlines by committing $210 million to create a Bitcoin reserve company called Oranje. This innovative venture is poised to be the first publicly
Mastercard says it will allow merchants across its network to be paid with stablecoins in a partnership with payment processor Nuvei and stablecoin issuers Circle and Paxos. Through the venture, 150 million merchants across the Mastercard network will now have the option to receive payments in stablecoins , regardless of how a customer pays, Mastercard said on April 28. The payments giant also partnered with crypto exchange OKX for a crypto-enabled bank card, which Mastercard product chief Jorn Lambert said creates a “360-degree approach” where consumers can spend stablecoins and merchants can receive them. He added that the “mainstream use cases are clear” for blockchain tech, and the company wanted “to make it as easy for merchants to receive stablecoin payments and for consumers to use them.” Source: Mastercard News The stablecoin market has continued to make gains, crossing a market value of $230 billion, an increase of 54% since last year , with Tether ( USDT ) and USDC ( USDC ) dominating 90% of the market. Active stablecoin wallets have also increased over 50% in one year, according to a report last month from onchain analysis platforms Artemis and Dune. Investment banking giant Citigroup predicted in an April 23 report that a combination of growing regulatory support and adoption by financial institutions has set the stage for the stablecoin market to reach as high as $3.7 trillion by 2030. Mastercard launches another crypto card Mastercard said its partnership with OKX for the so-called OKX Card aims to give crypto users “easy access to their funds” and integrate stablecoins into daily transactions. OKX marketing chief Haider Rafique said the exchange’s venture with Mastercard is “a significant step toward integrating stablecoins into daily transactions and creating richer experiences.” Related: Mastercard tokenized 30% of its transactions in 2024 Crypto wallet maker MetaMask also partnered with Mastercard on April 28 to launch a crypto payments card allowing users to spend self-custodied funds, using smart contracts to execute the IRL (In Real Life) transactions, with a processing speed under five seconds. Mastercard has also worked with crypto exchanges like Kraken , Binance, and Crypto.com to allow crypto-enabled debit cards. Magazine: Bitcoin payments are being undermined by centralized stablecoins
In a significant development within the cryptocurrency market, a notable transaction has taken place involving a substantial deposit of 13.94 million ENA tokens. According to data from Spotonchain, this transaction