Did you know that one unexpected announcement can make a tech titan’s shares tumble? That happened when President Donald Trump announced a new 10% tariff on Chinese imports this week, causing Apple’s shares to drop by over 3%. 

But what does this mean for Apple, a company that relies heavily on China for its product assembly, and more importantly, what does it mean for investors like you?

Apple’s battle with tariff challenges

Few know that Apple has historically dodged some financial hits from tariffs by negotiating waivers and shifting parts of its production to countries like India and Vietnam.

Despite these measures, the latest tariff announcement places Apple in a precarious position like other tech giants such as Tesla. With the tariffs set to take effect soon, Apple remains silent, spurring speculation about its next move. 

Analyst Barton Crockett from Rosenblatt speculates that Apple might pass these increased costs onto consumers, which could spark further debate.

Apple’s current financial status

In its recent financial disclosures, Apple reported a 4% revenue growth in the December quarter, with earnings reaching $124 billion. However, the tech giant softened expectations for the upcoming quarter, predicting "low to mid-single digits" growth. 

Notably, sales in Greater China plummeted by 11%, underscoring the region’s tough economic climate. The tariff's impact on Apple’s profits may depend significantly on how much of its US demand can be satisfied by sources outside China. 

On a recent earnings call, CEO Tim Cook announced that Apple now has a record 2.35 billion active devices worldwide. That’s up +550 million since 2022, and +150m since 2024.

If Apple can produce 80% of US devices elsewhere without hiking prices, it could mitigate the negative effects on annual earnings.

Strategic moves: What’s Apple going to do next?

As the tariff challenges loom large, Apple might ramp up production in other countries. Wamsi Mohan from Bank of America Securities points out that increasing output in nations like India could be a smart strategy. 

Apple’s remarkable resilience and adaptability continue to make it a focal point for investors. As Mohan puts it, Apple is designed for “earnings resiliency”, showcasing its strategic foresight and financial strength.

What lies ahead for Apple?

As all eyes remain fixed on Apple, its ability to deftly navigate these tariff challenges will be closely watched. With a massive user base and continuous efforts to explore global production alternatives, Apple remains a formidable force in tech. 

This unfolding scenario tests Apple's strategic agility and could have broader repercussions across the market. How will Apple adapt, and what lessons might it offer the tech world? Only time will tell.

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Picture this: A single company betting $75 billion on the future of artificial intelligence. That’s more than the GDP of 100+ countries combined. Google’s parent company Alphabet just dropped this bombshell, sending shockwaves through Silicon Valley. But what’s really behind this massive power play?

Breaking down the billions

Let's cut through the noise and look at what's really happening:

• $75B planned investment for 2025

• 132% increase from 2023's $32.3B spend

• $96.5B in current revenue (up 12%)

• Cloud division alone hitting $12B (10% growth)

The numbers are staggering, but they tell only part of the story.

Why this changes everything

Remember when AI was just a buzzword? Those days are gone. Google's unprecedented investment signals a fundamental shift in how tech giants view the future. While not every dollar will directly fund AI development, this move reveals where the smart money is heading.

The hidden competition

But Google isn’t playing solitaire. A fascinating subplot is emerging:

- Microsoft and Meta are matching billions in AI investments

- Chinese startup DeepSeek claims similar results at a fraction of the cost

- Nvidia’s hardware becoming the new gold standard

What’s really at stake?

Beyond the headlines and huge numbers lies a crucial reality: this isn't just about building better chatbots. Google's betting big on a future where AI transforms everything from search to cloud computing. Their recent partnership with Nvidia's Blackwell platform hints at capabilities we’ve only dreamed about.

The ripple effect

This massive investment isn't happening in a vacuum. It's creating waves across:

• Hardware manufacturers (especially Nvidia)

• Cloud computing services

• Enterprise AI solutions

• Consumer tech products

What this means for you

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, investor, or just someone who uses Google daily, this shift will impact your life. The real question isn't if but how soon.

And as this AI arms race accelerates, we’re witnessing history. But here’s the million-dollar question: Is Google making a brilliant move, or is this the tech world’s most expensive gamble?

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Ripple Labs, the driving force behind XRP, stands on the precipice of what could be its most transformative year yet. The dawn of 2025 brings with it an air of cautious optimism for Ripple, fueled by shifting regulatory dynamics and bold strategic moves. Could this year mark a turning point for Ripple and its cryptocurrency?

A new dawn in cryptocurrency regulation

The election of President Donald Trump has sparked speculation about a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment in the United States. For Ripple, this potential shift comes as a welcome change following years of navigating stringent measures under the previous administration. The anticipated appointment of Paul Atkins as SEC Chair has further stoked hopes of clearer guidelines and reduced enforcement actions against blockchain companies.

Ripple’s leadership has shown signs of renewed confidence. CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s recent statements underscore a belief that the winds of change may finally align with Ripple’s ambitions. The company’s proactive engagement with policymakers signals its intent to play a significant role in shaping the future of crypto regulation.

Ripple’s 2025 strategic moves

Beyond regulatory shifts, Ripple has been laying the groundwork for sustained growth. The launch of RLUSD, a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. Dollar, marks a significant milestone. Approved by the New York Department of Financial Services, RLUSD is set to enhance liquidity and expand XRP’s utility within Ripple’s ecosystem. Coupled with acquisitions like Metaco and Standard Custody, Ripple’s investment in tokenisation and custody solutions reflects its vision for the future.

Ripple’s focus on interoperability and tokenisation extends beyond the XRP Ledger. By exploring solutions that enable asset tokenisation across multiple blockchains, Ripple is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving financial landscape. These efforts align with the company’s broader strategy to redefine the role of digital assets in global markets.

XRP’s market performance

XRP has demonstrated resilience amid market fluctuations, with its value rising significantly in recent months. The cryptocurrency’s liquidity and trading volumes have surged, reflecting growing investor interest. Market analysts have noted that this momentum, combined with a favorable regulatory outlook, and alignment with broader cryptocurrency trends could position XRP for further growth in 2025.

Bolstering this optimistic outlook, XRP’s open interest (OI) has hit an all-time high of $7.9 billion, marking a 27.34% increase over the past 24 hours alone. During the same period, futures volume has doubled to an impressive $42.87 billion, according to CoinGlass data. Since the start of the year, XRP’s open interest has skyrocketed by 300%, climbing from $1.92 billion in early January 2025. Notably, this parabolic rise is not primarily driven by the futures market, as commonly assumed.

At the same time, XRP’s exchange reserves have undergone significant changes. CryptoQuant data indicates that reserves on Binance have risen by 10% since December 16, reflecting some level of profit-taking among investors. However, these reserves remain below the 2024 yearly average, underscoring continued market optimism. 

Additionally, whale activity has surged, with Santiment reporting the highest level of XRP whale transactions in six weeks. Together, these developments signal heightened interest from both institutional and retail investors, further amplifying XRP’s momentum.

Despite these promising signs, Ripple and XRP face a complex and unpredictable environment. The company’s ability to adapt to changing conditions and deliver on its strategic initiatives will play a critical role in shaping its trajectory.

Ripple forecast 2025: Will this year see unprecedented highs?

As 2025 unfolds, Ripple finds itself at a pivotal juncture. The company’s bold moves, coupled with evolving market and regulatory dynamics, present an opportunity to redefine its place in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. While challenges remain, the potential for transformation is undeniable.

Could this be the year Ripple turns its vision into reality? Only time will tell, but the steps taken in the months ahead will undoubtedly shape the company’s future and its impact on the broader digital asset landscape.

At the time of writing, prices are hovering just above the $3.2700 mark. There is a clear upside bias on the daily chart as bullish candlestick patterns dominate with prices staying above the 100-day moving average. However, RSI towering into overbought territory hints at a potential slowdown in upward momentum. 

Buyers could face a hurdle at the $3.4117 mark as they target the $3.6000 price level. On the downside, sellers could be held at the $2.5049 and $2.2717 price levels. 

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You can get ahead of the curve by speculating on the price of XRP with a Deriv MT5 account. It offers a list of technical indicators that can be employed to analyse prices. Log in now to take advantage of the indicators, or sign up for a free demo account. The demo account comes with virtual funds so you can practise analysing trends risk-free.

Deriv has made the much hyped TRU and MLN crypto coins available for trading, just days after former President Donald Trump's second inauguration. Named after President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, these coins are part of the broader wave of Trump-branded crypto ventures that have captured attention and pulled in traders.

Trump coin surge amidst hype and anticipation

Trump has been vocal about his commitment to promoting a "golden age" for digital assets, and these meme-inspired tokens have become part of that narrative. Initially, both coins saw a sharp increase in value, drawing attention from investors eager to capitalize on the excitement. With social media buzz and heightened media coverage, the market responded, pushing the coins to impressive highs. These gains, while not unprecedented in the meme coin world, were certainly noteworthy.

However, as with any high-profile launch, volatility quickly followed. The value of TRU and MLN experienced fluctuations typical of meme coins. While the coins have not crashed completely, some analysts have expressed caution, warning potential investors about the risks of buying into such hype-driven assets.

Analysts caution market volatility of meme coins

While the initial excitement was undeniable, analysts have been quick to point out the risks associated with meme coins like TRU and MLN. These coins, while potentially profitable in the short term, do not carry the same underlying value or investment potential as more established cryptocurrencies. Critics argue that the volatility and speculative nature of meme coins could lead to significant losses for those who do not fully understand the risks involved.

Notably, TRU’s price has already dropped by about 50% from its peak, and MLN has also seen its value fluctuate. Many analysts are cautioning that the hype surrounding these coins may not be sustainable in the long run, and investors should be mindful of the potential for sudden price corrections.

The $Trump frenzy

Despite the cautionary language from analysts, one of the most interesting aspects of the TRU and MLN launch is the influx of new, non-crypto people into the space according to Axios. The meme coin phenomenon has long been known for attracting a diverse range of investors, and the launch of TRU and MLN is no exception. Many of the early buyers are newcomers to the crypto world, drawn in by the excitement surrounding these new coins.

In fact, data from blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis shows that a significant portion of the wallets holding TRU and MLN coins belong to small investors, many of whom are engaging with cryptocurrency for the first time. These buyers are likely motivated by the potential for short-term gains, and their interest could represent a shift in how people view digital assets.

For those new to the space, the initial success of TRU and MLN may offer a glimpse into the broader potential of cryptocurrencies. The ease of entry and the prospect of financial rewards could encourage further exploration into other digital assets, even beyond meme coins.

TRU and MLN coins drive new crypto interest

While the cautionary language around TRU and MLN is well-founded, there are also significant potential benefits for investors, especially those new to the crypto space. For many non-crypto individuals, the opportunity to make money from these coins, even if it’s in small amounts, has been a gateway to understanding the world of digital assets.

The launch of TRU and MLN has significantly raised awareness of cryptocurrency among the general public. Sarah Jones, a well-known crypto enthusiast and educator, noted that even individuals who previously showed little interest in digital assets are now starting to explore the space. 

Moreover, the ability to make small profits, with 77% of TRU and MLN holders having earned a small amount, according to Chainalysis-demonstrates that even in a volatile market, there is room for newcomers to experience some success.

While not every buyer will walk away with gains, the education and exposure to cryptocurrency can be a valuable stepping stone for those looking for trading opportunities.

As for now, you can get involved and speculate on the price of these two assets with a Deriv MT5 account or a Deriv X account. 

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Deriv’s Tactical Indices, introduced in 2024, represent a groundbreaking asset class aimed at eliminating the uncertainties of trading. These indices utilise automated strategies based on essential technical indicators such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI). By doing so, they provide an intelligent alternative to traditional manual trading methods, enabling traders to benefit from market movements without requiring constant oversight or complex analysis.

This innovation allows traders to engage in more efficient and potentially more profitable trading, capitalising on silver's price fluctuations with less effort. The Tactical Indices are specifically designed to respond to various market conditions, ensuring traders can take advantage of both upward and downward trends.

Difficulties in Silver trading

Silver, represented by XAG/USD, is a favoured asset among traders but is often subject to significant price volatility. This volatility is driven by a variety of economic and geopolitical factors. For example, in the first two weeks of 2025, silver was trading around $29.80 per ounce, having retreated from early December highs of $32.00 per ounce. This decline was partly due to increased investor confidence linked to US President-elect Donald Trump's proposed phased tariff increases. Additionally, rising US Treasury yields and a strengthening US Dollar have exerted downward pressure on silver's demand, making it more expensive for international buyers.

These economic dynamics frequently affect silver's market movements. For instance, as the US Dollar strengthens, silver prices typically fall, as seen in October 2024 when strong US employment data led to a 5.85% pullback in silver prices. Conversely, positive economic news from major silver-consuming nations like China can provide a boost. If China's economic stimulus measures prove effective, it could increase the industrial demand for silver, potentially reversing downward trends.

Given these complexities, traders often find it challenging to navigate silver's market. The unpredictable nature of these influencing factors makes manual trading both time-consuming and risky, underscoring the need for more sophisticated trading tools to manage these risks effectively.

The superiority of Tactical Indices over Silver

In light of these market conditions, Deriv’s Tactical Indices provide an opportunity to outperform silver regardless of broader economic scenarios. By automating the capture of key market movements, these indices allow traders to benefit from silver's price fluctuations without needing to constantly track economic developments. For example, when silver experienced a decline of 5.85% in October due to strong US employment data, the RSI Silver Pullback Index capitalised on this downturn, delivering a remarkable 16% return.

The Tactical Indices simplify trading by leveraging predefined algorithms to react to market movements, making it easier for traders to navigate the complexities of the silver market. Each Tactical Index is meticulously designed to respond to specific market conditions, enabling traders to optimise returns from both upward and downward price trends. This approach significantly reduces the time and effort required for manual trading, allowing traders to manage their portfolios more efficiently.

By focusing on automated strategies based on key technical indicators like the RSI, Deriv’s Tactical Indices eliminate much of the guesswork associated with traditional trading methods. This systematic approach ensures that traders can consistently capture profitable opportunities, irrespective of the overall market environment. In doing so, Tactical Indices offer a distinct advantage over conventional silver trading strategies, enabling traders to achieve higher returns with less effort.

Top indices for Silver trading

The Silver RSI Tactical Indices are designed to maximise returns by focusing on silver's key market movements. Each index is tailored to different market scenarios, allowing traders to capitalise on both rising and falling trends:

1. Trend Down Index: Targets declines in silver prices, optimising profits during bear markets.

2. Trend Up Index: Focuses on upward trends, offering higher returns in bullish market conditions.

3. Pullback Index: Identifies and profits from price pullbacks following upward trends, providing opportunities during market corrections. This index allows traders to capitalise on potential downturns without needing to constantly monitor RSI levels.

4. Rebound Index: Seizes profits from upward reversals after a price drop, capturing gains from silver’s rebounds.

Real-life success narratives

The effectiveness of Deriv's Tactical Indices is highlighted through various real-world scenarios:

1. 6th November 2024: Post-US election volatility

After the US election, silver declined by 5%. During this period, the Silver RSI Trend Down Index transformed this bearish movement into a notable 15% gain, tripling the performance of silver.

2. 9th December 2024: Bullish surge in Silver

As silver rose by 4.5%, the Silver RSI Trend Up Index capitalised on this momentum, achieving a 12.9% gain, nearly tripling silver’s return.

3. 30th-31st October 2024: USD strength

With strong US employment and inflation data boosting the US Dollar, silver pulled back by 5.85%. The Silver RSI Pullback Index leveraged this market correction to deliver a 16% return, turning a modest decline into a significant gain.

4. 2nd-3rd December 2024: Resilient rebound

Following a sharp decline, silver rebounded by 3.5%. The Silver RSI Rebound Index took advantage of this recovery, resulting in a 12.7% profit.

These instances showcase how Tactical Indices can optimise returns during diverse market conditions, making them a valuable tool for traders looking to navigate silver's price movements effectively.

Measurable benefits of Tactical Indices

Deriv’s Tactical Indices offer a quantifiable edge in the realm of silver trading, transforming the landscape for traders by automating strategies to harness price movements effectively. This automation minimises the need for manual intervention, allowing traders to benefit from systematic, algorithm-driven decisions based on crucial technical indicators like the RSI. The indices are engineered to amplify returns irrespective of market direction, whether rising, falling, or correcting.

For example, during periods of market correction, the Pullback Index has demonstrated its capability to convert modest declines into substantial gains, as evidenced by the 16% return achieved during a 5.85% pullback in October 2024. Similarly, the Trend Up and Trend Down Indices optimise profits during bullish and bearish market phases, respectively, thereby providing comprehensive coverage across different market conditions. The Rebound Index captures opportunities from price recoveries, making it particularly useful during volatile periods.

The Tactical Indices simplify trading by utilising predefined algorithms, eliminating the complexities associated with market timing and extensive analysis. This approach enables traders to react promptly to market movements, reducing the time and effort traditionally required. The automation of these indices ensures consistency and precision, enhancing the potential for higher returns while minimising risk.

Furthermore, by automating the response to key market signals, Tactical Indices mitigate the emotional and psychological pressures often experienced in manual trading. This systematic approach not only optimises returns but also provides traders with a more stable and reliable trading strategy, making it easier to manage portfolios efficiently.

In essence, the Tactical Indices from Deriv present a robust and intelligent solution for traders seeking to maximise their gains from silver's price fluctuations with reduced effort and enhanced accuracy.

Future progressions in Tactical Indices

Looking ahead to early 2025, Deriv is poised to broaden its suite of Tactical Indices with the introduction of new strategies centred on additional technical indicators such as MACD and Bollinger Bands. These forthcoming tools will complement the existing RSI-based indices, offering traders an expanded arsenal for navigating silver’s market movements.

Alongside these new strategies, Deriv plans to introduce Tactical Indices across a wider array of asset classes. This expansion will provide traders with more opportunities to apply automated trading strategies to various markets, thereby diversifying their trading portfolios.

Enhanced strategies tailored to different market conditions will also be part of the update, ensuring that traders can capitalise on nuanced market signals with greater precision. For instance, these advanced indices may offer more sophisticated algorithms to respond to market volatility, enabling traders to achieve better risk management and higher returns.

By continuously refining and expanding the Tactical Indices suite, Deriv aims to equip traders with state-of-the-art tools that adapt to an ever-changing financial landscape. These innovations will ensure that traders remain competitive and capable of maximising their profits, regardless of the prevailing market conditions.

Conclusion and cautionary notes

Tactical Indices offer a robust alternative to traditional silver trading by leveraging automated strategies that aim to enhance returns across various market conditions. While these indices present opportunities for maximising gains with less manual effort, it’s important for traders to exercise caution. The data and examples provided in this blog are for educational purposes and should not be construed as financial or investment advice.

Market conditions can change rapidly, and the effectiveness of any trading strategy can be influenced by a variety of factors. It is advisable to conduct thorough research and consider consulting financial advisors before making trading decisions. Additionally, the performance figures mentioned refer to historical data and do not guarantee future outcomes.

Different regions may have varying trading conditions, products, and platforms, so traders should be aware of the specific circumstances in their country of residence. The content of this blog is not intended for EU residents and may not align with regulations applicable in the European Union.

Finally, while automated trading strategies can mitigate some of the emotional and psychological challenges associated with manual trading, they do not eliminate risk entirely. Therefore, it is essential to remain vigilant and informed, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the tools and strategies employed in your trading activities.

Bitcoin (BTC) has staged a dramatic recovery, climbing back above the $90,000 mark after a volatile start to the year. On Tuesday, the flagship cryptocurrency surged 3% to $96,452.34, according to Coin Metrics, reversing its earlier slide below $90,000. The broader cryptocurrency market mirrored this momentum, with stocks tied to crypto, including Coinbase and MicroStrategy, rose 1% and 4%, respectively, though they trimmed their gains later in the day.

Inflation relief bitcoin recovery

Bitcoin’s recent rebound coincided with encouraging news on inflation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the producer price index (PPI), a key measure of wholesale inflation, increased by only 0.2% in December-half the 0.4% rise economists had anticipated. 

Monthly change in US Producer Price Index

Input prices rose 0.2% in December

This lower-than-expected inflation reading eased fears of aggressive monetary tightening, spurring a renewed appetite for risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. Despite the BTC price recovery, the cryptocurrency market remains in a precarious position. 

Investors are balancing optimism about pro-crypto leadership under the incoming Trump administration with concerns about inflationary pressures. January has already proven more turbulent than expected, and analysts predict this volatility could persist through the first quarter.

Last week, Bitcoin’s drop below $90,000 was fueled by unexpectedly strong payroll data, which pushed bond yields higher and led to a sell-off in risk assets. Meanwhile, proposed tariffs by President Trump unsettled markets, strengthening the U.S. dollar-an outcome that typically weighs on Bitcoin given its inverse correlation with the dollar.

Institutional investors stay in despite bitcoin’s volatility

Institutional investors continue to play a pivotal role in Bitcoin’s market dynamics. MicroStrategy, a corporate giant in Bitcoin investments, recently added 2,530 BTC to its holdings, bringing its total to 450,000 BTC-valued at approximately $43 billion. This steadfast accumulation underscores the confidence institutional players have in Bitcoin’s long-term potential, even in the face of short-term market pressures.

Fundstrat’s Tom Lee has suggested that Bitcoin could see a temporary correction to $70,000 before reaching new record highs later in the year. Lee’s optimistic year-end forecast of $200,000 to $250,000 highlights the cryptocurrency’s characteristic volatility during bull runs.

Derivatives signal bullish bitcoin sentiment

In the derivatives market, signs of optimism abound. Bitcoin futures contracts are trading with an annualized premium of 11%, well above the neutral 5%-10% range, indicating strong institutional demand. Meanwhile, retail investors are also showing confidence, as evidenced by positive funding rates for perpetual Bitcoin contracts. These metrics suggest that both institutional and retail traders remain committed to Bitcoin, despite macroeconomic uncertainties.

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BTC’s technical outlook: Challenges loom ahead

While Bitcoin’s recovery is promising, analysts note that it faces significant headwinds. According to analysts, macroeconomic factors, including inflation, geopolitical risks, and potential policy changes under the Trump administration, will continue to influence market sentiment. Adding to this complexity, the U.S. Department of Justice plans to sell $6.5 billion worth of Bitcoin seized from the Silk Road, a move that could temporarily increase market supply and exert downward pressure on prices.

As Bitcoin hovers near $96,000, traders are closely monitoring its ability to maintain this momentum. The cryptocurrency has risen 3% year-to-date but remains 10% below its December 17 all-time high. The interplay of macroeconomic pressures, institutional confidence, and policy developments will be pivotal in shaping Bitcoin’s trajectory in 2025.

Despite the challenges, Bitcoin’s long-term potential remains compelling. The battle to stay above $90,000 encapsulates the broader market forces at play, highlighting both the opportunities and obstacles in Bitcoin’s ongoing evolution.

At the time of writing, analysts note that BTC is hovering around $96,000 as markets remain volatile.  The buy narrative is supported by RSI slowly up above the mid-line as prices stay above the 100-day moving average. Prices rising towards a recent sell zone however could hinder the continuation of the rally. Buyers could be held at the $97,683 and $99,904 resistance levels, while on the other hand, sellers could find support at the $94,450 and $92,530 support levels.

You can get involved and speculate on the BTC price with a Deriv MT5 account. It offers a list of technical indicators that can be employed to analyse prices. Log in now to take advantage of the indicators, or sign up for a free demo account. The demo account comes with virtual funds so you can practise analysing trends risk-free.

Deriv’s innovative trading solutions earn MEA 2025 award

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Deriv has been recognised as the "Most Innovative Broker—MEA 2025" at the Dubai iFXEXPO, held from 14 to 16 January 2025. This accolade highlights the company's dedication to innovation, trust, and excellence in service. 

The start of AI integration through low-code development

With over 25 years in the industry, Deriv has established itself as a leader by offering cutting-edge platforms and solutions that make trading accessible to a global audience. The company’s adoption of low-code platforms has streamlined workflows and accelerated development timelines, enabling swift updates and enhancements.

Embracing AI for a Smarter Future

Deriv is on a transformative journey to become an AI-first organisation. Co-CEO Rakshit Choudhary commented: “In 2025, our focus will be on embedding AI into the DNA of every department and empowering our teams to build their capabilities.”

Future of AI in finance 

AI will play a central role in Deriv’s future strategy, optimising core operations such as compliance, recruitment, and overall operational efficiency. Deriv is taking a proactive approach to innovation by exploring the use of AI tools to accelerate the development and deployment of new trading products, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the online trading industry and continues to exceed client expectations.

Prakash Bhudia, Head of Product and Growth at Deriv, emphasised the significance of the accolade: “Being named ‘Most Innovative Broker - MEA’ is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence. This award underscores our mission to empower traders with intuitive, cutting-edge solutions while ensuring a seamless, trustworthy trading experience.”

Deriv’s recognition at the iFXEXPO serves as a milestone in its journey to redefine the trading landscape through technological advancements and unwavering dedication to its clients. Its commitment to innovation, coupled with its client-centric approach, further solidifies its position as a leader in the online trading industry. The company's global presence spans 20 locations, serving a diverse community of traders across various regions.

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Ripple, the San Francisco-based global payments technology firm, has made a dramatic pivot that could define its future in the cryptocurrency space. Once hindered by regulatory hurdles in the United States, Ripple is now gearing up for an ambitious U.S. expansion, signaling a potential shift in its strategy. With a pro-crypto administration led by former President Donald Trump set to take office in January 2025, Ripple’s bold moves and XRP’s future price potential have investors asking a critical question: Can Ripple’s strategic shift and the “Trump effect” push XRP to an ambitious $50 target?

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Ripple’s strategic U.S. comeback

For years, Ripple appeared ready to abandon the U.S. market due to the regulatory battles that culminated in a high-profile lawsuit with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s leadership, Ripple faced immense scrutiny, with XRP’s status as a security hotly contested. At the height of this regulatory uncertainty, Ripple was mulling relocating its global headquarters to more crypto-friendly jurisdictions, with 95% of its customers already operating outside the United States.

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Fast-forward to late 2024, and Ripple’s narrative has taken a dramatic turn. CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced that 75% of Ripple’s new job listings are now targeted at U.S.-based recruits, marking a clear shift in strategy. These positions, largely focused on engineering and product development, underscore Ripple’s commitment to scaling innovation on American soil. This pivot isn’t just about jobs; it’s about staking a claim in what could become a more crypto-friendly U.S. market.

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Adding to the intrigue, Garlinghouse recently dined with President Donald Trump and Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty. In a post on social media platform X, Garlinghouse credited the incoming administration as a game-changer for the crypto industry, coining the term “Trump effect.” He emphasized that Trump’s policies are already jumpstarting innovation and job growth in the U.S., signaling a dramatic departure from the regulatory freeze that Ripple faced in the past.

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The “Trump effect” and XRP’s prospects

Trump’s pro-crypto stance has created a wave of optimism across the cryptocurrency landscape. Analysts believe that his administration’s regulatory clarity could be a catalyst for institutional investors to enter the XRP market. Ripple’s U.S. expansion is poised to take advantage of this shift, especially with the prospect of an XRP-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF) on the horizon.

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Historically, ETF approvals have been transformative for cryptocurrency markets. Bitcoin, for instance, saw a significant rally after the approval of its first ETFs in 2021 and 2024. Similarly, rumors are circulating that BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with $12 trillion under management, may allocate a portion of its portfolio to XRP. Even a small investment from such a financial behemoth could send XRP prices soaring.

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At least four firms, including WisdomTree and Bitwise, have already filed applications for XRP ETFs, and analysts are optimistic about their approval under a pro-crypto SEC led by Paul Atkins, Trump’s pick for SEC Chair. If approved, these ETFs could provide institutional investors with a seamless entry point into the XRP market, further boosting demand and legitimacy.

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XRP as a bridge for CBDCs

Another factor fueling optimism for XRP is its potential role in the global financial system. Central banks worldwide are racing to develop Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and Ripple’s XRP Ledger could serve as the perfect bridge between these currencies. XRP’s fast transaction speeds, low costs, and scalability make it a prime candidate for cross-border payments in the decentralized finance (DeFi) era.

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According to analysts, if Ripple succeeds in positioning XRP as the backbone of CBDC interoperability, the token’s utility and demand could skyrocket. This foundational use case aligns with Ripple’s long-standing mission of facilitating efficient global payments and could serve as a critical driver for its ambitious $50 price target.

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Price headwinds on the horizon

While the outlook for Ripple and XRP appears promising, it’s essential to temper optimism with caution. The cryptocurrency market is notoriously volatile, and XRP’s price movements have historically been subject to significant fluctuations. For instance, long-term investors offloaded over $467 million worth of XRP in early January 2025, as tracked by the Dormant Circulation Supply chart from Santiment. Such sell-offs can dilute market supply and create downward pressure on prices.

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Moreover, XRP’s ambitious $50 target hinges on multiple factors aligning seamlessly:

• The successful approval and adoption of XRP ETFs.

• Institutional investment from major players like BlackRock.

• Ripple’s ability to capitalize on CBDC opportunities.

• A consistently pro-crypto regulatory environment under Trump’s administration.

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Any deviation from these factors could impact XRP’s trajectory, reminding investors that nothing in the crypto market is guaranteed.

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2025: A make-or-break year for XRP?

As Ripple doubles down on its U.S. strategy and prepares to leverage the Trump administration’s pro-crypto policies, the stakes for XRP have never been higher. The combination of ETF approvals, institutional interest, and CBDC integration could propel XRP into uncharted territory. However, the journey to $50 will be anything but smooth, with market volatility and execution risks looming large.

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For XRP holders, the “Trump effect” represents a unique opportunity to ride a potential wave of regulatory clarity and institutional adoption. As 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on Ripple’s roadmap and its ability to deliver on its ambitious vision. One thing is certain: Ripple’s big U.S. bet has made XRP one of the most closely watched cryptocurrencies of the year.

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At the time of writing, XRP is hovering just below $2.5000. Buy pressure appears dominant on the weekly chart, though the last few weeks have produced sell candles that hint at upward momentum slowdown. Prices staying elevated above the 100-day moving average hint at possible further buy pressure, however RSI edging towards the overbought territory hints at potential easing. 

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Buyers could find resistance at the $2.4965 and $2.6782 price levels. On the downside, sellers could be held at the $2.2102 and $2.0000 price levels.

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Natural gas prices hit a 52-week high of $4.201 per thousand cubic feet as frigid weather grips the Eastern U.S. Forecasts predict colder-than-average temperatures and snowstorms through mid-January, driving up heating demand. The surge comes alongside concerns over potential supply disruptions, including freeze-offs in the Marcellus Shale, and strong export demand for LNG.

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Bullish sentiment dominates

Year-to-date, natural gas prices are up 58%, with a 15% spike in February futures on Monday alone. Algorithmic funds have shifted to net long positions, reflecting growing confidence in further price increases.

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Key technical levels for natural gas

Resistance lies at $4.176 and $4.363, with support at $3.852 and $3.614. The trajectory hinges on whether frigid weather persists into late January or eases, leaving traders on edge as the market watches every shift.

Read the full article here: https://www.fxstreet.com/analysis/natural-gas-how-high-can-prices-go-as-january-turns-frigid-202501020908