Jurgen Kaiser, Author at The Independent Scope

FTX Creditors to Receive Up to 80% Recovery, Says New Trustee Report

Jurgen KaiserJanuary 25, 2025

A significant development has emerged in the long-running saga of the FTX bankruptcy, offering a ray of hope to creditors awaiting compensation after the dramatic collapse of one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. According to a new report published by the court-appointed trustee overseeing the liquidation, creditors could recover up to 80% of their...

Morning Bid: Trump goes easy on China in his first week

Jurgen KaiserJanuary 24, 2025

In a surprising move that eased immediate market tensions, the Trump administration adopted a notably softer stance on China during its first week in office. Investors around the globe welcomed the unexpected respite, pushing markets higher as fears of a trade war temporarily subsided. While this initial approach signals a strategic pause, analysts caution that...

LNG Traders Divert Six U.S. Cargoes to Europe from Asia

Jurgen KaiserJanuary 20, 2025

In a notable shift within the global energy market, six liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes originally destined for Asian buyers have been rerouted to Europe, underscoring evolving dynamics in supply and demand amid rising energy prices on the continent. This realignment of LNG flows from the United States highlights Europe’s growing appetite for natural gas...

Ethereum Gas Fees Drop to 3-Month Low Following Dencun Upgrade

Jurgen KaiserJanuary 18, 2025

Ethereum users worldwide are breathing a sigh of relief as gas fees on the network have dropped to their lowest levels in three months following the much-anticipated Dencun upgrade. This significant improvement in transaction efficiency marks a pivotal moment for the blockchain ecosystem, addressing longstanding concerns about high costs and scalability. What is the Dencun...

China Challenges U.S. AI Dominance with New Low-Cost Model, Rattling Global Markets

Jurgen KaiserJanuary 18, 2025

China has once again asserted its position as a formidable contender in the artificial intelligence (AI) arena, unveiling a new low-cost AI model that aims to disrupt the current U.S.-dominated landscape. Announced on January 18, 2025, the launch of DeepSeek’s latest AI system marks a significant milestone in Beijing’s strategy to reduce dependency on Western...

Tech sell‑off pauses as DeepSeek AI rattles valuations

Jurgen KaiserJanuary 17, 2025

The global technology sector experienced a brief but notable pause in its recent sell-off as DeepSeek AI, a new Chinese artificial intelligence model, disrupted market expectations and prompted investors to reassess valuations worldwide. After weeks of pressure driven by inflation fears, tightening monetary policies, and geopolitical uncertainties, the emergence of DeepSeek AI injected renewed optimism...

Investors ‘Make Europe Great Again’ with Big Stock Allocation, BofA Says

Jurgen KaiserJanuary 17, 2025

In a striking reversal of sentiment, Bank of America (BofA) analysts reported a significant bullish shift among global investors toward European equities in early 2025. Despite lingering concerns over bond market volatility and cautious monetary policy signals, institutional and retail investors alike are allocating large portions of their portfolios to Europe’s stock markets — signaling...

Europe’s STOXX 600 Logs Longest Winning Streak in Months on Yield Drop

Jurgen KaiserJanuary 17, 2025

Europe’s STOXX 600 index marked its longest winning streak in several months on Friday, buoyed by a notable drop in government bond yields that rekindled investor appetite for riskier assets. The benchmark index rose for the sixth consecutive session, reflecting growing confidence among market participants amid easing concerns over inflation and tightening monetary policies. Government...

Markets Brace for Trump Tariffs and US Inflation Data

Jurgen KaiserJanuary 15, 2025

Markets around the world are entering 2025 on high alert as investors brace for potentially sweeping tariff actions from US President Donald Trump, along with fresh inflation data expected from the United States this week. With continued ambiguity surrounding the administration’s trade policy, financial markets across Europe, Asia, and the Americas are reacting to the...

European shares little changed amid threats of rising yields and tariffs

Jurgen KaiserJanuary 14, 2025

European equity markets ended Tuesday, January 14, 2025, largely unchanged as investors navigated the dual headwinds of rising bond yields and looming U.S. tariff threats. The STOXX 600 closed at 508.31, flat on the day but down roughly 1.4% over the previous two sessions. Market dynamics were shaped primarily by two worrying drivers: 1. Bond yields ascendGermany’s 10‑year...