📈Global Markets Slip

☀️Good morning. It's Thursday, Jun. 12, and we're covering, Markets Slip As Trade Doubts, Geopolitical Fears Cloud Outlook, Disney And Universal Sue Midjourney Over AI-Generated Characters, U.S. Begins Partial Embassy Evacuation In Iraq Amid Iran Tensions, 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 $3.39 Trillion, a 1.71% decrease in the last 24 hours.

• The total crypto market volume over the last 24 hours is $135.48B, which makes a 3.24% decrease.

• The total volume in Defi is currently $38.22B, 28.21% of the total crypto market 24-hours.

• The volume of all stablecoins is now $129.32B, which is 95.45% of the total market 24-hour volume.

• Bitcoin’s dominance is currently 63.20%, an increase of 0.08% over the day.

Bitcoin At $200K By Year-End? Soft CPI Data Makes It Possible

A softer-than-expected U.S. inflation report is renewing hope for aggressive Fed rate cuts, and with it, the path to $200,000 Bitcoin may now be firmly in play. Bitcoin currently trades around $108K, but with core inflation easing and macro clarity improving, analysts at 21Shares say BTC could hit $138.5K by late summer, and even $200K by year-end if momentum continues. (Read Deeper)

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Markets Slip As Trade Doubts, Geopolitical Fears Cloud Outlook

Global stocks and the U.S. dollar edged lower Thursday as investors wrestled with U.S.-China trade uncertainty, rising Middle East tensions, and a mixed U.S. inflation outlook. While the U.S. and China announced a tentative framework deal including easing of rare earth export restrictions and Chinese student visas—markets remained skeptical, waiting for concrete details.

Why It matters: President Trump said trade letters will soon go out to dozens of countries, potentially igniting a new round of global trade disruptions. Meanwhile, a mild U.S. CPI report showed cooling gasoline prices but sticky rent inflation. Traders now price in a 70% chance of a Fed rate cut by September, though next week’s meeting is expected to remain on hold. (Read Deeper)

Oracle Soars After Raising Forecast On Cloud & AI Boom

Oracle shares jumped 7% after the company raised its annual revenue forecast, driven by strong demand for its cloud infrastructure and AI services. For fiscal 2026, Oracle now expects total revenue to hit at least $67 billion, up from its previous forecast. That marks an expected 16.7% year-over-year revenue growth, compared to the earlier 15% projection. CEO Safra Catz said Oracle’s total cloud growth rate (apps + infrastructure) is set to accelerate from 24% in FY2025 to over 40% in FY2026.

Why It matters: Oracle is cementing its role as a major player in AI-driven cloud infrastructure. The stock reaction reflects investor confidence in AI monetization. Growing multi-cloud strategies and demand for enterprise AI tools are reshaping the market. (Read Deeper)

TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE

Disney And Universal Sue Midjourney Over AI-Generated Characters

Disney and Universal have filed a major copyright lawsuit against AI image generator Midjourney, accusing the company of willfully reproducing and distributing unauthorized AI-generated images of iconic characters from franchises including Star Wars, The Simpsons, Toy Story, Shrek, and The Avengers. Filed in California federal court, the lawsuit marks the first time Hollywood studios have united to sue an AI company for copyright infringement. The studios argue that Midjourney, which reportedly made $300 million in 2024, has been ignoring takedown requests and prior warnings.

Why It matters: This is the highest-profile AI copyright lawsuit in the entertainment industry to date. The case could set legal precedent on how U.S. courts treat AI-generated content that mimics copyrighted material. Billions in IP and future AI business models could be on the line. (Read Deeper)

Nvidia, Samsung Back Robotics Startup Skild AI In $4.5B Valuation Round

Nvidia and Samsung are investing in Skild AI, a robotics software startup, as part of its $4.5 billion Series B funding round. Nvidia is contributing $25 million, while Samsung is investing $10 million, joining other major backers like SoftBank, which is leading the round with $100 million. Skild AI develops software that powers intelligent, autonomous robots.

Why It matters: Nvidia is doubling down on robotics as the next AI frontier, complementing its chips and software stack. Samsung is keeping pace with rivals like LG and Hanwha while staying close to cutting-edge robotics R&D. Samsung is already preparing to launch its Ballie robot and backs Rainbow Robotics. (Read Deeper)

AROUND DE WORLD & POLITICS

U.S. Begins Partial Embassy Evacuation In Iraq Amid Iran Tensions

The U.S. State Department is evacuating non-essential embassy staff and their families from Baghdad amid growing fears of an Iran-Israel conflict spilling into Iraq. U.S. officials cited heightened security threats and warned Iran could target U.S. interests in retaliation if Israel launches a military operation—a move American intelligence believes may be imminent. the sixth round of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran is still expected to proceed Sunday in Oman, though tensions are running high following stalled negotiations and a tense 40-minute call between Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu.

Why It matters: U.S. concern about potential military conflict in the region. Rising oil prices add pressure to already tense global energy markets. Rising oil prices add pressure to already tense global energy markets. Nuclear talks at risk, further destabilizing diplomacy. (Read Deeper)

U.N. To Vote On Resolution Demanding Gaza Ceasefire And Hostage Release

The U.N. General Assembly is set to vote Thursday on a non-binding resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and full humanitarian aid access through Israeli border crossings. Drafted by Spain, the resolution condemns the use of starvation as a method of warfare and stresses Israel’s legal obligation, as an occupying power, to allow life-saving aid into Gaza.

Why It matters: The vote follows a failed U.N. Security Council resolution last week, which the U.S. vetoed due to the absence of language linking a ceasefire to hostage release. Underscores the divide between the U.S. and most of the international community on ceasefire terms. (Read Deeper)

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

Shaquille O’Neal Settles FTX Lawsuit For $1.8 Million

Shaquille O’Neal has agreed to pay $1.8 million to settle a class action lawsuit accusing him of misleading investors while promoting the now-defunct crypto exchange FTX. The deal filed in Florida federal court — resolves allegations without O’Neal admitting wrongdoing. The settlement covers legal fees, administrative costs, and payouts to eligible investors who used FTX or held its FTT token between May 2019 and late 2022. (Read Deeper)

The New Club World Cup: Why It Matters More Than You Think

The expanded FIFA Club World Cup kicks off with more at stake than just silverware, it’s a battle for legacy, prestige, and the future shape of global football. Manchester City have reportedly tailored their entire season’s physical programme to peak for this tournament. For Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez sees it as a spiritual successor to the Super League, a statement of global dominance. (Read Deeper)

PODCAST(WHAT WE ARE LISTENING TO)

• Apple may have brought us the iPhone and changed the world, but it’s having a hard time keeping up with rapid advances in AI. (Listen)

EXTRA BREVITI

• Chime, the neobank known for fee-free overdrafts and user-friendly mobile banking, raised $864 million in its IPO by pricing shares at $27. (Read More)

• GameStop is doubling down on its Bitcoin treasury strategy, announcing a $1.75 billion convertible note offering late Wednesday. (Read More)

• Trump vs. Newsom Escalates as Troops Hit L.A. Streets. (Read More)

• Snapchat Launches New $8.99 ‘Lens+’ Subscription Tier. (Read More)