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Economy & Finance

Bitcoin

Bitcoin surged to nearly $90,000 following Donald Trump's election, as crypto enthusiasts anticipate a supportive administration. The cryptocurrency, along with related stocks like Tesla and mining firms, has seen significant gains, driven by speculation that Trump's pro-crypto stance could benefit the industry. Trump's promise to position the U.S. as a global crypto hub fueled optimism, despite uncertainties about how these policies will unfold. Market sentiment remains strong, with smaller cryptocurrencies also seeing increases, although they pulled back slightly in European trading. Analysts view this rally as both a political and speculative milestone for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market.

Technology

Meta

Meta has reduced the cost of its ad-free Facebook and Instagram subscriptions for European Union users by 40%, aiming to comply with regional regulatory demands. The company will also provide an option for users to continue using the platforms for free with ads based on a limited set of data. Originally launched in October 2023 in response to EU regulations and significant privacy-related fines, the ad-free service now costs 5.99 euros on desktops and 7.99 euros on mobile devices. Users opting for the free version will encounter ads using minimal data points like age and location. Meta officials noted that EU regulations delay service rollouts compared to regions like the U.S.

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