A new proposal from the Optimism Foundation seeks to reshape the role of the layer 2’s OP token, with plans to use 50% of the Superchain revenue to support recurring buybacks. The proposal, submitted on Jan. 8, outlines a plan to direct 50% of incoming Superchain revenue toward monthly OP token purchases that will be
Rio Tinto and Glencore have confirmed they are in preliminary discussions over a potential deal that could create the world’s largest mining company, with a combined market value exceeding $200 billion. The talks mark a renewed attempt at consolidation in a sector being reshaped by surging demand for copper and other critical metals. Both companies
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker, reported stronger-than-expected revenue for the fourth quarter, showing the continued strength of global demand for artificial intelligence-related chips and easing concerns that investment in AI infrastructure may be running ahead of actual adoption. AI replaces fading consumer demand TSMC said revenue for the October to
China’s market for new-energy vehicles is entering a more restrained phase after several years of rapid expansion. Retail sales of pure-electric and plug-in hybrid cars are still expected to grow, but at a slower pace as government-backed trade-in subsidies are gradually withdrawn. These incentives have been a major driver of demand in the world’s largest
Meta Platforms Inc. has agreed to a series of electricity deals, reports Bloomberg, that could make it the biggest buyer of nuclear power among its hyperscaler peers, signalling how critical reliable energy has become for AI development. The agreements, which could eventually exceed 6 gigawatts of capacity, come as US power demand surges and utilities
The US Supreme Court could deliver today what could be a landmark ruling on President Donald Trump’s most sweeping global tariffs. The court has indicated on its website that Friday is scheduled as an opinion day, when it typically releases decisions in argued cases. While there is no certainty that the tariff case will be
Gold and silver prices were higher on the last trading day of the week as investors waited for key economic data releases. Precious metals have started the new year with an increase in value. However, these gains are less than the peaks reached just under two weeks ago, following a significant drop at the close
The calendar may have turned, but for Nvidia, the familiar strains of geopolitics continue to loom large. As the world’s leading maker of artificial intelligence chips, the US company remains caught between Washington’s tightening grip on advanced semiconductor exports and Beijing’s determination to reduce reliance on foreign technology. In December, US President Donald Trump had
The Federal Reserve enters 2026 after a year that left few clean answers. Interest rates are lower than they were, but still restrictive for some parts of the economy. Growth has surprised on the upside, inflation has cooled but not enough, and the labour market is no longer as tight as it once was. The
Germany and India are close to finalising a submarine manufacturing agreement that would significantly expand defence cooperation between the two countries and reshape India’s naval procurement strategy. The deal, valued at at least $8 billion, as reported by Bloomberg, is set to become India’s largest-ever defence agreement and would introduce full technology transfer for submarine