Bitcoin Surges Past $70,000 💰️ Apple Teams Up with Baidu 📱

Good morning. It's Tuesday, Mar. 26, and we're covering, Access Holdings Partners Safaricom and M-Pesa to Facilitate East and West African Remittances, Apple Teams Up with Baidu for AI Services Integration in China, UN Security Council Adopts Resolution Calling for Gaza Ceasefire, and much more. First time reading? Sign up to get this newsletter: Sign up here.

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MARKETS

Cryptocurrency Prices by Market Cap

• The global cryptocurrency market cap today is $2.67 Trillion, a 4.38% increase in the last 24 hours.

• The total crypto market volume over the last 24 hours is $112.03B, which makes a 40.80% increase.

• The total volume in Defi is currently $11B, 9.38% of the total crypto market 24-hours.

• The volume of all stablecoins is now $99.21B, which is 88.56% of the total market 24-hour volume.

• Bitcoin’s dominance is currently 51.90%, an increase of 0.26% over the day.

Bitcoin Surges Past $70,000, Eyes $75,000 in Potential Breakout

Bitcoin has once again surpassed the $70,000 mark, reigniting hopes of a potential breakout to reach $75,000. After a brief dip below $65,000, the leading cryptocurrency has experienced a remarkable uptrend, buoyed by a wave of bullish momentum. ( Read Deeper )

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Access Holdings Partners Safaricom and M-Pesa to Facilitate East and West African Remittances

Access Holdings has joined forces with Coronation Group, Safaricom, and M-Pesa Africa to improve remittance services in East and West Africa, addressing the complexities associated with cross-border money transfers. This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by clients when sending funds domestically and internationally, leveraging the collective expertise and resources of financial institutions. Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania emerge as the recipients of remittances in Africa, highlighting the vast potential for streamlining remittance corridors and fostering economic opportunities across the continent.

Takeaway: Access Holdings has intensified its expansion efforts, as evidenced by its potential acquisition of the National Bank of Kenya (NBK) and the majority stake in Finance Trust Bank in Uganda. ( Read Deeper )

NYSE Suspends Fisker Trading, Moves to Delist Company Amid Financial Struggles

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has announced the immediate suspension of trading shares of electric vehicle (EV) startup Fisker and initiated steps to delist the company from its stock exchange. This decision follows a month-long warning to Fisker regarding its stock price trading below $1, rendering it non-compliant with NYSE rules. As a result, Fisker's stock is deemed "no longer suitable for listing" due to "abnormally low" price levels.

Why it matters: Fisker's trading suspension by NYSE stems from its stock price trading below $1 for 30 consecutive days, violating exchange rules and deeming it unsuitable for listing due to abnormally low price levels. Fisker's challenges, including customer complaints, lawsuits, federal investigations, and production pauses, have intensified in recent months, exacerbating its financial difficulties ( Read Deeper )

TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE

Apple Teams Up with Baidu for AI Services Integration in China

Apple is reportedly partnering with Chinese tech giant Baidu to incorporate AI services into its products, including the iPhone 16, Mac computers, and the upcoming iOS 18 operating system, for the Chinese market. This collaboration, mandated by Chinese regulatory requirements, designates Baidu as the local generative AI model provider for Apple's products sold in China. While Apple will continue to use its own AI models outside of China, Baidu's AI services will be exclusively integrated into Chinese versions of Apple devices.

Why it matters: Chinese regulations necessitate using Chinese-made AI models in products sold within the country. Apple's collaboration with Baidu fulfills this requirement and ensures compliance with local regulations. As Baidu's AI services become integrated into Apple's products, both companies stand to benefit from the market presence and technological innovation in the Chinese market. ( Read Deeper )

Judge Dismisses Elon Musk's X Lawsuit Against CCDH on Free Speech Grounds

A federal judge in California has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Elon Musk's X against the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) based on free speech. The lawsuit, filed by X in July, accused CCDH of implementing a "scare campaign" to drive away advertisers and making false claims about X's content moderation practices. However, Judge Charles Breyer ruled that the case was primarily about punishing CCDH for its speech and criticized X for attempting to stifle criticism.

Takeaway: The dismissal of Elon Musk's X lawsuit against CCDH highlights the importance of protecting free speech and criticism, especially in cases involving powerful entities. ( Read Deeper )

AROUND DE WORLD & POLITICS

UN Security Council Adopts Resolution Calling for Gaza Ceasefire

The United Nations Security Council has voted in favor of a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas. The resolution, proposed by the 10 elected members of the Security Council, also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held in the conflict.

Takeaway: The United States notably abstained from the vote, sparking tensions with its ally Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed disappointment in the U.S. decision, citing concerns that it could hinder ongoing efforts to negotiate the release of more than 130 hostages held by Hamas. ( Read Deeper )

Senegal's President-Elect Faye Pledges Humble and Transparent Governance

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the opposition presidential candidate in Senegal's recent election, has vowed to lead the country with humility and transparency. Many Senegalese citizens are hopeful that the election outcome will bring stability and economic growth after a period of political turmoil and anti-government protests. A successful transfer of power in Senegal would signal a positive development for democracy in West Africa, a region that has experienced political instability in recent years.

Why it matters: The election outcome and Faye's commitment to transparency are crucial for investor confidence and economic growth. With over 60% of the population under 25, addressing the needs of young people, including job creation and access to opportunities, is vital for social stability and progress. ( Read Deeper )

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

BBC Chief Warns of Social Media Influence: Calls for Vigilance

BBC Director General Tim Davie is expected to address the dangers posed by social media giants, His remarks come amidst growing concerns over the influence of platforms like TikTok and Facebook in shaping public discourse and cultural norms. While Davie did not explicitly name specific companies, his comments are widely interpreted as addressing platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). ( Read Deeper )

What We Know About the Raids on Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Homes

Law enforcement officials conducted search warrant activities at homes owned by musician and producer Sean "Diddy" Combs on Monday as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation. While the specific target of the investigation was not disclosed due to its sensitive nature, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations New York confirmed its involvement in executing law enforcement actions as part of the probe. ( Read Deeper )

PODCAST(WHAT WE ARE LISTENING TO)

• Choosing the best camera to shoot content for your brand can be a pivotal decision that directly impacts the quality and appeal of your visuals. ( Listen )

EXTRA BREVITI

• Japan has given the green light to a plan to export domestically-made fighter jets to other nations ( Read More )

• Uzbekistan has joined the ranks of countries with a burgeoning tech scene as it celebrates the emergence of its first unicorn: e-commerce startup Uzum. ( Read More )

• Meta, Google, and Apple are facing European Union investigations over their compliance with new regulations aimed at curbing the dominance of big tech companies. ( Read More )