MARKETS

Apr 21 2026POLITICS

Prediction Markets: Who Gets to Tax Them?

States want to raise money from online prediction sites, but they’re not sure what those sites actually are. The debate centers on whether the sites should be treated like sports betting, financial derivatives, or something else entirely. If they’re seen as gambling, states could tax them the sam

reading time less than a minute
Apr 21 2026FINANCE

Oil prices and crypto trading meet in wartime markets

A top Iranian official recently took aim at cryptocurrency’s role in oil markets during a tense moment at the Strait of Hormuz. Instead of just warning about sanctions or payment limits, he mocked “digital oil” trading—suggesting that crypto-based oil contracts now influence how people see real-worl

reading time less than a minute
Apr 19 2026CRYPTO

Crypto Traders Bet Half‑Billion on Oil as Strait of Hormuz Closes

Crypto traders moved more than $500 million into synthetic oil futures on the Hyperliquid exchange over the weekend, hoping that a new clash in the Middle East could lift crude prices back to $100 per barrel. The spike followed Iran’s sudden decision to shut the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shi

reading time less than a minute
Apr 19 2026FINANCE

Future of Betting: Big Banks Eye Prediction Markets

Large financial firms are exploring ways to enter the fast‑growing world of prediction markets. Charles Schwab’s chief executive hinted that his company might offer a platform for forecasting events, but only if it aligns with long‑term wealth building and avoids risky areas like sports or pop cu

reading time less than a minute
Apr 19 2026FINANCE

Private lending’s hidden risks could shake up the financial world

A storm is brewing in the world of private credit, and regulators are sounding the alarm. The Financial Stability Board warns that a mix of rising interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and shaky valuations could trigger a domino effect across global markets. The concern isn’t just about one weak sp

reading time less than a minute
Apr 18 2026CRYPTO

Schwab, the Crypto Powerhouse

Charles Schwab has announced that it will start letting people trade Bitcoin and Ethereum directly, a move that could change the way regular investors get into crypto. The service will roll out in stages: first employees, then a small group of early‑access customers, and finally everyone else. The c

reading time less than a minute
Apr 17 2026FINANCE

Natural gas prices bounce back as forecasts shift

Prices for natural gas nudged up recently as weather predictions turned cooler across most of the country. Traders who had bet against gas prices scrambled to buy back their positions, pushing values higher. A private weather team noted that temperatures could dip below normal in many central and ea

reading time less than a minute
Apr 14 2026FINANCE

Private Credit Boom Continues Despite Market Jitters

Adams Street Partners just pulled in $7. 5 billion for its third private credit fund, proving that big money still trusts this niche even when markets wobble. Unlike traditional bank loans, private credit skips public markets entirely, offering loans directly to companies—usually in the middle of th

reading time less than a minute
Apr 13 2026FINANCE

Oil Prices Rise as Market Caution Surges

The global stock market reacted sharply after President Donald Trump announced a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, heightening fears that oil supplies could be cut off. Brent crude climbed 7. 3 percent, reaching just above $102 a barrel, as traders worried about the impact on energy flo

reading time less than a minute
Apr 13 2026CRYPTO

Who Controls Prediction Markets? Federal vs. State Debate Heats Up

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is making a bold move to claim full control over prediction markets, a fast-growing sector blending cryptocurrency with event-based betting. Instead of waiting for states to set rules, the agency is suing three states— Arizona, Illinois, and Connecticu

reading time less than a minute