Bad Bunny’s name was among TIME’s most influential people in 2010. He is a global superstar and also made an appearance in WWE. He was also seen in Bullet Train in 2023 along with Brad Pitt and Cassandra. In 2024 he joined Zendaya, Chris Hemsworth, and Jennifer Lopez at the Met Gala, which is one of his most significant achievements. After all the significant achievements the net worth of Bad Bunny in 2024 is very impressive. In this article we will dive into the net worth of Bad Bunny.

Net Worth of Bad Bunny 

The Puerto Rican rapper, Bad Bunny has a net worth of $50 million. In 2018 his debut album came on the eve of Christmas and in 2012 he was the most streamed artist with 8 million streams on his songs worldwide. In 2022 he made an earning of $230 million through his world tour which was one of the highest-grossing tours of any musical art. The slurred vocal style and unique fashion of Bunny is loved by his fans. His songs are mostly reggaeton or Latin rap. The Puerto Rican rapper has 46 million subscribers on YouTube and 30 billion video views. 

Bad Bunny gained a lot of popularity by collaborating with Cardi B and Drake on different songs like Mia and I Like It. After these hit songs his debut album “X 100pre” was released in 2018. He also gave various hit songs with J Balvin, through his album “Oasis.” His number one single Dakiti, which came in Spanish language topped the US Billboard 200. In 2020 he was the most popular artist in the world and also performed with Jennifer Lopez at the Super Bowl halftime show. According to Pollstar, the Puerto Rican rapper earns $4.1 million per concert. 

Also read: Jimmy Carter Net Worth: The 39th US President Passes Away At 100

Other Earnings of Bad Bunny 

Spotify plays a vital role in supplementing Bad Bunny’s net worth, as he has more than 4:58 billion streams on Spotify making him the top 5 most streamed artist in the world giving him an earnings of$280 million. Per year earnings of Bad Bunny are not confirmed yet, but reportedly he earns more than $4 million annually. Bad Bunny earns more than $20 million from his songs, however, per album earnings of him is not confirmed. His best-selling album Un Verano Sin Ti sold more than 16,287,000 copies. Bad Bunny also made his appearance in WWE and got up to $100,000 per appearance. The 2022 tour of Bad Bunny made him over $435 million. 

Early life of Bad Bunny 

The Puerto Rican rapper, Benito Antonio Martinez popularly known as Bad Bunny was born in March 1994 and raised in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. When he was young his mother used to play salsa, ballads, and merengue, so music came as inherent in him. He was born and brought up in a strict Catholic household. During his school time, he started performing in front of his friends and fellow students. He got the name Bad Bunny because of his old photo where he was wearing a bunny outfit, and his expression was very funny. Since his childhood, he has been passionate about music. After completing high school, he was admitted to the University of Puerto Rico and studied further about audiovisual communication. 

Real Estate Earnings of Bad Bunny 

Bad Bunny has a mansion in the Hollywood Hills worth $8.8 million, which he owned in January 2023. The Grand mansion is 7,300 square feet with eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms. In January 2024 he owned an LA mansion from Ariana Grande and paid $8.9 million. 

Personal life of Bad Bunny 

In 2017, while dining with this family Bad Bunny met Gabriela Berlingeri and eventually started dating. The couple became close, and Gabriela started helping him in recording his songs by singing Scratch Vocals. 

Also read: Twice Band Net Worth: How Much Is the K-Pop Sensation Worth?

Career Highlights of Bad Bunny 

In 2016, when Bunny was studying at university he was also working as a beggar at the grocery store. At that time DJ Lucian signed a contract with him after noticing his song Diles. After that, he collaborated with Mambo Kingz, who was attracted by his unique style of sound and dress. Eventually Bunny released the top ten songs on the Latin charts which achieved immense success and millions of views on YouTube. He became one of the hottest artists in Latin America through his songs like Soy Peor, Ahora Me Llama, and Krippy Kush. 

Conclusion 

Bunny is one of the highest-paid and most influential artists in the music industry with an estimated net worth of $50 million. With a unique style and wide appeal, he has achieved remarkable success in life through music, endorsements, concerts, and streamings. The net worth of Bad is gradually increasing from the entertainment industry, his appearance in WWE, and his Spotify streams. The versatile actor is continuing to gain success and popularity in various fields. 

The post Bad Bunny Net Worth 2025: Earnings, Real Estate & Success appeared first on Black Star News.

Photos\Graph: Semafor Africa\YouTube Screenshots

African startups are on course to raise $2.2 billion this year, 25% lower than they did in 2023.

The estimate by fundraising tracking platform Africa: The Big Deal underscores the continuation of a funding winter of sorts in the venture capital sector.

In the first nine months of 2024, Kenyan startups raised the most on the continent with $437 million, taking up nearly a third of the total within the period. Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa made up the top four destinations for startup capital in Africa as usual, but the year has also seen $50 million or more invested in startups in Ghana, Tanzania, and Benin.

Two recent deal closures by Nigeria’s Moniepoint and Tyme in South Africa have minted two new billion-dollar startups, giving an underwhelming fundraising year an optimistic end. Both companies are in the business of digital financial services, further evidence of the fintech sector’s status as the preeminent recipient of investor interest in Africa.

— Alexander Onukwue

The post Another Slow Year For Africa Startup Funding appeared first on Black Star News.

DJIA Recent Performance

DJIA on Dec 23 opened with 42,800.49 and attended high at 42,516.87 and low at 42,957.79 and touched all time high till date at 45,073.63. Hence, YTD, DJIA has skyrocketed to 13.84%, indicating good performance, but the economy faces bigger setbacks.

But five-day and one-month performances are down -1.85% and -4.09%, respectively, which are manifestations of recent volatility. Both short-term traders and long-term investors can exploit the fluctuations.

Key DJIA Stocks to Watch

1. Apple Inc.

• Price: $255.27
• Change: +0.31%

Apple still leads the consumer electronics space with innovative products and an unshakeable brand loyalty. It’s a favorite for the long term by investors.

2. Merck & Co. Inc.

• Price: $99.37
• Change: +1.35%

As a pharmaceutical giant, the growth of Merck is stable enough with strong pipelines of drugs and vaccines. Therefore, it becomes a safe choice for defensive investors.

Also read: US Fed Rate Cut: Impacts Indian Markets, Sensex Falls 1,100 Points

3. UnitedHealth Group Inc.

• Price: $506.34
• Change: +1.24%

The healthcare sector remains robust. UnitedHealth’s diversified services and solid performance make this DJIA standout.

4. Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

• Price: $570.78
• Change: +0.83%

Goldman Sachs enjoys a good time from the financial sector’s recovery and increasing interest rates, which puts the company in a very strong position in the index.

Sector-Wise Analysis

Technology

The technology keeps driving the DJIA. Such companies as NVIDIA and Cisco Systems are making money via AI, cloud computing, and networking. Tech diversified company, Microsoft Corp., still remains at the top; even being down 0.31%.

Healthcare

There are health care stocks of Merck and UnitedHealth that prove stability in particular in an uncertain marketplace. Such companies enjoy smooth demand and new medical studies.

Financials

The financial sector is being lifted by Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase because of better interest rates and recovery. These stocks can offer strong yields for the investors seeking an exposure to banking and investment services.

Consumer Goods

Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola are consistent performers. These are a good dividend-paying, stability-generating company, even in uncertain times.

Bigger Market Trends

1. Dogs of the Dow

This “Dogs of the Dow” strategy represents high-dividend-yielding DJIA stocks that can be undervalued. For the year 2025, it is bound to result in a good yield since the investor’s world has become an environment of low yields.

2. Volatility and Opportunities

The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, was lower by 8.61% at 16.78. Low market fear will, therefore, be reflected through this; hence it’s a good time to invest in DJIA stocks.

3. Sector Rotation

As the economy is stabilizing, investors are switching from high-growth industries such as technology to more defensive industries such as healthcare and consumer goods.

Know What Investors Are Saying

• Watch Earnings Reports: Pay attention to earnings announcements from DJIA companies. Positive earnings help push stocks higher.
• Invest in Dividend Stocks: Dividend stocks like Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble produce income and are stable investments.

The Outlook for 2025

DJIA is likely to grow at a moderate rate in 2025. Economic recovery, decline in inflation, and sectoral shifts will drive index performance. “Dogs of the Dow” may gain popularity, and the technology and healthcare sectors are going to continue to dominate.

Conclusion

The DJIA shows the heartbeat of the economy in the United States and presents a plethora of opportunities for the informed investor.

Keeping abreast of the latest market trends and keeping the list of quality stocks in mind will be the prime key to understanding the subtleties of DJIA. All the sector rotations, global influences, and emerging economic conditions should be there by 2025 to make the right investments. All in all, think twice, analyse and invest wise to make the real money.

The post DJIA Performance Update: Dow Jones Stocks to Watch Today appeared first on Black Star News.

1. Federal Reserve Hawkish Rate Cut Decision

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced an all-important interest rate cut by 25 basis points on 19 December 2024. It made the federal funds rate 4.25%-4.50%. Though rate-cutting was quite predictable and expected, the Fed’s expectations for 2025 have introduced a sea of uncertainty that has reflected through most of the financial markets and finally even in the cryptocurrency market as well.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell admitted that the central bank has revised its forecast for the economy in 2025. The Fed had initially thought that it would make some rate cuts in the next year. However, it now toned down its forecast from four cuts to just two. This has resulted in a hawkish tilt that has come across apprehensions over slower recoveries of the economy as well as inflation in 2025. Therefore, investors are reading back their expectations, which eventually causes a sell-off in the crypto market.

Also read: US Fed Rate Cut: Impacts Indian Markets, Sensex Falls 1,100 Points

2. Inflation Concerns Spark Market Reactions

It further revised its forecasts for Personal Consumption Expenditures or PCE inflation which is one of the main gauges of the US’s inflation trends. The Federal Reserve now expects it to rise to 2.5 percent by 2025 from 2.1 percent at an earlier forecast. This is a reason for alarm as some suspect that inflation could be high and prevent consumers from buying more products at higher price tags also.

These are issues that cryptocurrency investors have been particularly concerned about. Cryptocurrencies, for example, Bitcoin, have been perceived as an inflation hedge. However, now that the Fed has sent signals that inflation may not decline as initially anticipated, investors are wondering whether crypto assets will remain a reliable hedge against inflation. As such, it has triggered a wave of selling, where investors prefer to cash out before the market experiences further volatility.

3. Crypto Mass Losses

The news was not friendly to the Fed, which brought severe blows to the crypto market. Almost all of the top cryptocurrencies lost their worth significantly. Bitcoin reversed back to $100,314 as it lost 5.4%. Major altcoins didn’t stay out of the loss train. Ethereum plummeted more than 6% in 24 hours. XRP and Solana lost close to 10%, and Dogecoin shed 9%.

The losses are not restricted to just some coins. After the Fed decision, almost $200 million of market capitalization was suffered by the market. It shows that total loss occurs due to the unawareness of the players within the market and reactions went sharp in order to reduce all possible risks.

Also read: Bitcoin Price Prediction 2025: Can Bitcoin Hit $150,000 Post-Halving?

4. Bitcoin and Traditional Market Correlation

It seems like the market treats Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as standalone instruments within the market. Yet, the latest movements suggest a trend that is more correlated with mainstream assets, like stocks. The S&P 500 index even dived post the Fed’s announcement indicating a deeper market reaction toward the decisions of the Federal Reserve.

The crypto market is increasingly reflecting the traditional stock market dynamics. Indeed, since the Fed moves have a bearing on global economic sentiment and both crypto and stock markets equally respond to major policy changes to result in synchronized market downfalls, this correlation should make some crypto investors question the hedging potential of cryptocurrencies even in times of economic uncertainty.

Conclusion

This is the most demanding time for the cryptocurrency market because of the hawkish rate cut from the Fed. High inflation worries and a clue that the Fed’s outlook for 2025-the lessened rate cuts- sent investor expectations into the spin, which thus caused sell-offs and liquidations on the scale. Major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Dogecoin all have been severely battered with hundreds of millions of dollars lost in market capitalization.

Currently, this situation appears to tie crypto short-term prospects to economic variables in general, mainly on the interest rates and inflation areas. Investors should be very careful since the markets are still uncertain after the recent statements by the Fed. Volatility will, however, allow for opportunities to thrive and long-term holders of the cryptocurrencies might capitalize when the market stabilizes itself in the coming months.

The post Why Cryptocurrency Market Is Down Today: Bitcoin Drops Amid Fed’s Hawkish Rate Cuts appeared first on Black Star News.

Some stocks in DJIA, which may be paid attention to, and their significant movements as well as performance in the market are provided below.

1. Boeing Co. (BA)

• Current Price: $177.04
• Change: +2.56%

One of the world’s largest aerospace companies demonstrates upward movement. The firm’s stock jumped 2.56% last December 19, largely due to investors who have been gaining in optimism that it would once again regain its previous form. Boeing has not yet regained its footing as far as dealing with the effects of the pandemic is concerned but is getting more orders from airlines and even governments. Moreover, gains in production are helping attract investors and improve aircraft delivery.

2. American Express Co. (AXP)

• Current Price: $293.08
• Change: +1.84%

On December 19, the share price of financial service issuer American Express rose by 1.84%. In this respect, the company has capitalized on growth in consumers’ spending and shifting consumers toward digital payment models. The majority of consumers have started to opt for credit cards for online as well as offline expenditures.

3. Visa Inc. (V)

• Current Price: $314.88
• Change: +1.65%

This pay processor led with a growth of 1.65% last December 19. Its steady growth in the contactless payment adoption, aside from benefiting from the more prevalent digital transaction trend, also helped bring about substantial improvements to its performance; hence, making Visa a well-deserved and reliable bet from the perspective of stability on shifting tides.

4. NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA)

• Current Price: $130.68
• Change: +1.37%

On December 19, NVIDIA gained 1.37%, which is a signal that demand for its semiconductors is increasing, particularly in the gaming, AI, and data center markets. As the world’s leading graphics processing unit producer, NVIDIA will be very well positioned to benefit from the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

5. Apple Inc. (AAPL)

• Current Price: $249.79
• Change: +0.70%

On December 19, Apple’s stock increased by 0.70%, which showed that investors were still confident despite the volatility in the market. Apple is still a leader in the tech industry, with continuous demand for its iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and services like Apple Music and Apple TV+.

6. Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

• Current Price: $99.52
• Change: +1.20%

Pharmaceutical and healthcare sector major Merck increased 1.20% on the stock Tuesday on Dec 19. Merck’s business is backed by the continued success of its cancer drug Keytruda, which was approved last week for another treatment.

7. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM)

• Current Price: $232.96
• Change: +1.12%

Banking giant JPMorgan Chase had increased 1.12% on December 19. Given that the bank is doing pretty well in investment banking, consumer banking, and asset management, it is a highly desired company for stability in the financial sector by investors.

JPMorgan continues to ride out interest rate fluctuations and market volatility with a diversified portfolio of services. With a strong balance sheet and global market reach, JPMorgan is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the banking sector.

8. 3M Co. (MMM)

• Current Price: $127.13
• Change: +1.27%

3M Company is one of the diversified technology and manufacturing companies whose shares went up by 1.27% in value on December 19. The foundation is laid through innovation: safety products, healthcare, and industrial solutions for various sectors of business.

The company is well aligned to exploit the growing demands from its strong product portfolio, especially concerning personal protection and medical devices. Thus investors need to watch how 3M will remain lean and innovative with respect to the supply chain productivity along with product innovation as he looks forward to market developments.

Conclusion

The DJIA still gives an idea of the well-being of the U.S. stock market, and its performance at present indicates that all sectors are growing. Amongst them, Boeing, American Express, Visa, NVIDIA, Apple, Merck, JPMorgan Chase, and 3M will do great in the days ahead.

For investors, sectors such as aerospace, technology, financial services, and healthcare are an opportunity to take advantage of growth in a changing, volatile market. Knowing where the sectors are headed, therefore, and what’s moving companies within those sectors means the investor can make much wiser decisions in the contemporary market environment.

The post Top DJIA Stocks to Watch: Market Highlights for December 20, 2024 appeared first on Black Star News.

Fed Rate Cut and Its Signals

The US Fed is now suggesting measures and cuts at times when the economic growth was reported slowing in the US. By general principle, rate cuts are positively oriented toward equity markets as such a move would reduce costs of borrowing and improve the liquidity. The Fed however, indicated its “higher-for-longer” rate policy, has brought forth apprehensions concerning the limited near-term room for rate cuts. Investors, therefore, lost hopes for an early shift to an accommodative monetary stance.

The US central bank message reflects caution in tackling inflation, which has been above the target levels. This reflects in the global markets and therefore in the Indian stock market, which is sensitive to this kind of move since it is dependent on foreign inflows and global trade.

Immediate Reaction in Indian Stock Markets

The Sensex lost more than 1,100 points in early trade and the Nifty broke 24,000 as investor sentiment changed. Broad-based market indices and sectoral indices tumbled as investors’ sentiment changed.

• Rupee Devaluation: With the Fed cutting its interest rate, the US dollar climbed and the Indian rupee dropped in value, which elevates import prices, mainly crude oil, and fuels inflation.
• FPI Outflows: FPIs shift capital to safe assets such as US bonds as long as US rates are higher for a longer period. This creates outflows of capital from Indian equity markets.
• Sectoral Pressure: Banking, IT, metals, and energy stocks took the highest hit during this sell-off. These sectors are the most sensitive towards the changing global economic scenario and liquidity.

Also read: Dow Jones Stock Markets After US Fed Rate: Latest Updates

Inflation and Trade Deficit Concerns

The weakening rupee has added fuel to the fears of an increase in inflation in India. A weak rupee increases the cost of imports, especially crude oil, which forms a huge portion of India’s imports. This could raise oil prices and consequently increase the transportation and manufacturing costs, hence affecting businesses and consumers at large.

Moreover, a cheap rupee boosts India’s trade deficit, since imports would turn costlier. Increasing the trade deficit might lead to a vicious cycle by further squeezing the rupee downwards, which increases market volatility.

Long Term Impact on Markets

The short-term reaction is negative, and the long-term impact depends upon what course both global and domestic variables are going to take.

• US Rate Path: The Fed is likely to continue with its higher-for-longer approach, and global liquidity is likely to remain tight with sustained pressure on emerging markets, including India.
• Indian Economy: India’s domestic growth story remains intact. Solid infrastructure spending, robust consumption, and government reforms sustain economic growth.
• Corporate Earnings: In the long term, corporate earnings growth would outperform, mainly due to strong fundamentals. Investors are advised to stick to such stocks.
• Role of RBI: RBI should ensure that favorable policies be maintained so that the liquidity and growth are well preserved in the economy. This makes Indian markets better at navigation from the challenges it faces globally because of the stability provided by the domestic policy environment.

What Should Investors Do?

The present volatile situation may appear daunting. However, experts counsel discipline in the approach. Some steps for investors.

• Stick to the Fundamentals: Concentrate on stocks that are part of companies that have strong fundamentals and robust balance sheets.
• Diversify: Spread across sectors, asset classes, and geographies to reduce risk.
• Do not Panic Sell: Corrections in the market are temporary. The long-term investor should avoid panicking and stick to his strategy
• Monitor Global Events: Keep an eye on US inflation data, Fed statements and other global cues which are likely to impact sentiment.

Conclusion

The US Fed rate cut has brought volatility to the Indian stock markets given its hawkish outlook. Sensex and Nifty have gone down sharply and the rupee has weakened amid concerns of inflation and foreign investment outflows. However, the strong economic fundamentals, supportive policies, and growth prospects of India provide reasons for optimism.

The post US Fed Rate Cut: Impacts Indian Markets, Sensex Falls 1,100 Points appeared first on Black Star News.

Market Outlook

The DJIA has been fairly mid-cycle recently:

• 5-Day Change: -4.13%
• 1-Month Change: -2.49%
• 3-Month Change: +1.98%
• Year-to-Date (YTD): +12.30%
• 1-Year Change: +14.14%

Its 52-week range indicates that the DJIA traded as low as 37,073.04 and as high as 45,073.63, but investor concerns persist, so those are opportunities in best-of-the-best blue-chip companies.

Best DJIA Stocks to Invest In

1.UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH)

• Current Price: $499.72
• Change: +$14.20 (+2.92%)

UnitedHealth fared better in the last market correction. As the health care provider, with a variety of its diversified insurance and health care solution is construed as an investment stock when the times are bad. UnitedHealth’s investment in telemedicine and expansion of Medicare Advantage gets it ready for more optimistic growth.

2. Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)

• Market price: $437.39
• Change: -$17.07 (-3.76%)

Even with the latest mishaps, Microsoft is still a technological leader. The company remains in the top rank due to its lead in cloud computing through Azure and significant investments in AI. The long-term investor will need to keep tabs on the company’s quarterly cloud revenue and AI product development.

3. Apple Inc. (AAPL)

• Price: $248.05
• Change: -$5.43 (-2.14%)

Apple continues to lead with strong demand on iPhones, wearables, and subscription-based services. So, the short-term pressure would be there, but its consistent innovation and strong ecosystem will take this company’s growth into the future. Watch out for product updates, especially in the market of wearable technology, where it’s growing.

4. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM)

• Current Price: $230.37
• Change: -$7.99 (-3.35%)

As the largest U.S. bank, JPMorgan benefits through higher interest rates and the resultant better profit margins. Care should be taken in investor attention to how Federal Reserve policies affect lending revenue. The company has a powerful balance sheet and leads all in investment banking, therefore likely to withstand economic uncertainty.

5. McDonald’s Corp. (MCD)

• Current Price: $290.88
• Change: -$5.20 (-1.76%)

McDonald’s is a safe play on downturns in the market. The low-cost menu items, international reach, and online ordering options drive significant top-line sales. Delivery tie-ups and effective pricing enable McDonald’s to be a cash-yielding defensive stock.

6. Visa Inc. (V)

• Price: $309.78
• Decline: -$8.52 (-2.68%)

Visa, a digital payment leader, is still riding the wave of cashless transactions globally. Even though the market volatility pulled down the stock price of Visa, its solid transaction volume and global reach are sure to stabilize and grow in the long term.

7. Walt Disney Co. (DIS)

• Current Price: $111.35
• Change: -$1.67 (-1.48%)

Rebounding with a vengeance, the company’s rebound is through streaming (Disney+) and a theme park resurgence. The key metrics to watch are subscriber growth for Disney+ as well as box office performance. Disney is still a good long-term buy for entertainment and media investors.

8. Chevron Corp. (CVX)

• Current Price: $144.08
• Change: -$4.03 (-2.72%)

Chevron is somewhat breezy on the strength of oil prices gone mad, but such a standing high on the dividend yield remains an attractive one. Chevron remains relevant long-term as well, considering the investment in renewable energy and oil production worldwide. Interested investors need to keep their ears to the ground on energy prices along with the earning of Chevron on its quarterly periods.

9. Boeing Co. (BA)

• Current Price: $172.62
• Change: -$0.41 (-0.24%)

Boeing’s turnaround squarely rests on the shoulders of an increase in aircraft deliveries and fly demand. The stock remains volatile, but the company order book boasts revenues into the future well indicated by it. Please track delivery and supply chain headwinds with vigilance.

Conclusion

Recent pullback by DJIA has been another reminder of the cyclicality of the markets. So while short term volatility frightens, for a long time investor, these blue-chip stocks do attract some interest. Defensive Plays : UnitedHealth, Microsoft, Apple, etc are an amalgamation of stability growth and income prospects.

By keeping tabs on fundamentals and key economic indicators, investors can be best-positioned to benefit from what opportunities arise in uncertainty within the market.

The post Market Insights: Dow Jones Decline & Best DJIA Stocks to Watch Today appeared first on Black Star News.

Dow Jones Stock Markets After US Fed Rate: The Fall

The Dow Jones Industrial Average on the 19th of December fell straight from 1,123.03 points, or 2.58 percent, to 42,326.87, still declining for the tenth day, marking the longest losing streak since the year 1974. The S&P 500 also witnessed a record fall of 2.95 percent and the Nasdaq Composite also fell down to 3.56 percent to 19,392.69. The CBOE VIX volatility index rose as high as 74 percent while the 10-year US treasury yield surged up to 4.5 percent. 

Also read: The Dow Jones is on its longest losing streak in 46 years. What’s Behind It?

Dow Jones Stock Markets Hints For Lower Cut Rates in 2025

While the US Federal Reserve declared the slashing of the interest rate by 25 basis points, lower cuts in the upcoming year have also been hinted at. The US Fed, in its official statement, also mentioned that it may lower rates twice in the upcoming year, however, the timing remains under wraps. Jerome Powell, the chair of the US Federal Reserve, made a statement after the meeting in which he explained that they had lowered their policy rate by a full percentage point, making it less restrictive, and that they can be furthermore cautious while considering the further adjustments. 

Difference Of Opinions 

According to the chair of the US Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, the latest cuts in the interest rate were a “closer call,” and the latest inflation readings were the only biggest factor that was on the minds of the members. However, the Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammarck disagreed with the decision and wanted the US Fed to maintain the same rates. 

GDP and Inflation Forecasts For 2025

The rates for the Gross Domestic Product, often abbreviated as GDP, has also been pushed up to 2.5%, which is just half a percentage higher than what it was in the month of September. However, according to the officials, it may slow down to its long-term projection of 1.8%. The Inflation estimates have also been pushed up to 2.8%, which was 2.5% in the month of September. 

Also read: Bitcoin Price Prediction 2025: Can Bitcoin Hit $150,000 Post-Halving?

Monitoring Implications 

The official statement from the US Fed also mentioned that it would be closely monitoring the implications and impact of the decision ensuring that it will be adjusting the monetary policy in case of the emergence of risks that may delay or prevent the committee from attaining its goals. The statement also mentioned that the committee will keep reducing its holdings over the treasury securities as well as the agency debt and agency mortgage. 

Committee’s Take On The Policies of Trump

The newly elected US President, Donald Trump, hinted about his plans for tax cuts, tariffs, as well as mass deportations which can significantly increase inflation. However, the chair of the US Fed mentioned that the committee needs more time to carefully assess and evaluate the policies and their implementations. 

The post Dow Jones Stock Markets After US Fed Rate: Latest Updates  appeared first on Black Star News.

Overview of Bitcoin Market

Until now, on 18 December 2024, Bitcoin is pegged at $105,037.30 with a market cap of almost $2.08 trillion. In its 24-hour trading volume, that is close to $77 billion. With circulating supply put at around 19.8 million BTC, shows its scarcity with a growing demand.

Bitcoin is the strongest digital asset holding the top position in the constantly on-the-move cryptocurrency market. The overall mood seems to be bullish with minor short-term corrections. As the positive sentiments continue, Bitcoin progresses into acquiring more recognition worldwide.

Bitcoin Price Prediction 2025

The latest assessment and user insights break the Bitcoin projection through the $110,113.06 mark in the coming year 2025. Here is a year-over-year view of the projections.

Yearly View:

• 2024: $105,037.30
• 2025: $110,113.06
• 2026: $115,618.72
• 2027: $121,399.65
• 2030: $140,535.27

All these are on a steady uptrend year after year, with the assumption of a 5% annual uptrend. If it continues to experience the same level of adoption and institutional interest, it is hard to even think about how it may not have surpassed these relatively conservative growth estimates, with the potential for a new high all-time during the process.

Also read: The Dow Jones is on its longest losing streak in 46 years. What’s Behind It?

Technical Analysis: Bull Trends

1. Moving Averages

50-day MA and 200-day MA are the two primary trend indicators of Bitcoin.

The 200-day MA has been trending upwards since mid-December, implying that there is a clear long-term uptrend.

Since Bitcoin has tended to go higher when both of the moving averages have trended up, this pattern would signify higher prices are anticipated.

2. Relative Strength Index (RSI)

The RSI remains in the middle range of 30-70. That is to say, Bitcoin neither shows an overbought or oversold situation and a neutral RSI puts it in a place with considerable space for growth before correction can occur.

All these technical indicators fall in line with the prediction that Bitcoin’s price will rise and continue in the upward trend into 2025.

What’s Behind the Bitcoin Price Appreciation?

1. Bitcoin Halving Event (April 2024)

This is the other major catalyst in the rally of Bitcoin, that is, this halving event that is going to happen in April 2024. The mining reward will be cut from the current 6.25 BTC per block to only 3.125 BTC.

• Supply Shock: Halving events make new BTC supply scarce.
• Historical Bull Runs: In the past, when halvings occurred in 2012, 2016, and 2020, price appreciation was seen on an enormous scale within 12-18 months.
• Going by this trend, Bitcoin will hit a level of $150,000 at the end of 2025.

2. Institutional Adoption

More giant companies, hedge funds, and institutional investors are buying Bitcoins. MicroStrategy and Tesla have bought Bitcoin, which they consider an inflation hedge.

Institutional participation increases liquidity and price stability, which helps to fuel long-term growth in Bitcoin.

3. Bitcoin as “Digital Gold”

Bitcoin is a product in the class of “digital gold.” Since its supply is capped at 21 million BTC, it serves as an inflation hedge and, at the same time, as protection against the devaluation of any currency.

More and more investors are holding onto Bitcoins, as the trend of inflation is gaining ground in the world economies, and demand thus increases due to the store-of-value property.

4. Global Adoption

Countries like El Salvador have incorporated Bitcoin as a legal tender. And if more countries take that direction, then demand for Bitcoin might skyrocket exponentially.

More explicit rules regarding cryptocurrencies also minimize the uncertainty of the market and encourage mainstream investors to invest in Bitcoins in most parts of the world.

Price Projections for Bitcoin in 2025

1. Bullish Case: $150,000-$200,000

It can hit the maximum price of $150,000-$200,000 with extreme bullishness owing to the halving event, institutional adoption, and global demand.

2. Mid-Term Estimate: $110,000-$130,000

Bitcoin will be at around $110,000-$130,000 by 2025; it will be very reasonable since no major disruption is visible in the market while the adoption is going strong and with stable demand.

3. Worst-case Projection: $90,000-$100,000

However, all such roadblocks or macroeconomic unrest and interest in the market somehow abate.

Even in the latter, Bitcoin would stand to be at $90,000 or above as these fundaments along with higher demand from all quarters in this world.

Also read: Top 10 Real Estate Markets in the USA for Investment in 2025

Determinants of Long-term Bitcoin Growth

1. Scarcity increases

Bitcoin only has a limited number of coins amounting to 21 million. The one remaining scarce as nearly 19.8 million BTC already exists in the market. Prices will rise from scarcity due to demand.

2. Technological improvement

Increased utilization of Layer-2 solutions, including the Lightning Network, does accelerate speed and scale within Bitcoin transactions. This shall prove to be very effective in everyday usage, wherein the utility improves.

3. Inflation Hedge

Increasing global inflation renders a permanent alternative to devaluing fiat currency, thereby inflating the trend in raising the demand for this particular asset.

4. Mass Adoption

The global acceptance of the digital coin both as a legal tender and a digital asset will remain key to price rise into the next decade.

Current User Sentiment for Bitcoin from the review – is positive:

• Very Bullish 36.84%
• Bullish: 31.10%
• Neutral: 16.33%

Most investors do feel that Bitcoin will just keep rolling, and its market confidence stands very high.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Bitcoin in 2025?

Bitcoin at $105,037.30 is a lifetime high.Market volatility will continue, but strong fundamentals will be at the forefront of further investment decisions. The question, however, is when, not if, it can break some new records.

Bitcoin, in a mass adoption approach toward mainstream recognition, does not wait for the question of whether to achieve new record highs or not; that’s when it happens.

Also read: Walgreens Stock Jumps 20%: America’s Second Largest Pharmacy Chain

The post Bitcoin Price Prediction 2025: Can Bitcoin Hit $150,000 Post-Halving? appeared first on Black Star News.

Photos: Cassava Technologies

Cassava Technologies, a group that operates data center and cloud services businesses in Africa, received a $90 million equity investment from the US International Development Finance Corporation, Finland’s Finnfund, and Google.

Companies under the Cassava group, controlled by Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa, include Africa Data Centres, a digital financial services company called Sasai, and fiber cables provider Liquid Intelligent. The latter also signed a $220 million debt refinancing deal with Standard Bank, Rand Merchant Bank, Nedbank, and the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation.

A gap exists in the availability of data centers in Africa and construction has ramped up in recent years. But data centers are just one piece of the continent’s broad digital infrastructure needs. Hardy Pemhiwa, Cassava Tech’s CEO, said the new funding marks the company’s “strategic reorganization” to be an integrated solution center for Africa’s digital infrastructure.

— Alexander

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