Daily News: US Jobless Claims Hold at Eight-Month High, Brazil to Establish Bitcoin Strategy Reserve, Ant International to Pursue Stablecoin Licenses, and More

US Jobless Claims Hold at Eight-Month High Amid Trade Uncertainty

New US jobless claims remained steady at 248,000 last week, marking the highest level in eight months and signaling potential trouble for the labor market as trade war concerns persist. Despite analysts forecasting a slight decrease, the figure matched the previous week's total, reflecting ongoing layoffs and uncertainty fueled by President Trump's tariff policies. While the Federal Reserve has kept interest rates unchanged, companies have trimmed forecasts and announced fresh job cuts, including major firms like Google and Microsoft. The total number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits rose to 1.96 million, the highest since late 2021, underscoring the challenges facing the US workforce.

Trump Suggests Federal Reserve Cut Interest Rates by 200 Basis Points

US President Trump has suggested that the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 200 basis points, as reported by Jin10 Data.

Brazil Considers Bill to Allocate 5% of Foreign Reserves to Bitcoin

On June 12, Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies began deliberating Bill PL 4501/2024, which proposes creating a Bitcoin sovereign reserve called “ResBit.” If passed, the bill would allow up to 5% of Brazil’s $3.41 billion in foreign exchange reserves to be allocated to Bitcoin, making Brazil the second country after El Salvador to hold Bitcoin as a strategic asset. The bill aims to diversify Brazil’s assets, hedge against currency and geopolitical risks, and support blockchain innovation, including the central bank’s digital currency, Drex. The legislation is still in its early stages and must pass several committees and both houses of parliament before becoming law.

Singapore Regulators Urge Unlicensed Crypto Trading Platforms to Swiftly Exit Operations in the Country

Singapore regulators have issued a final warning urging major cryptocurrency trading platforms operating in the country without local licenses to exit swiftly, according to sources familiar with the matter as reported by Bloomberg.

Backpack Launches WCT Airdrop Campaign for Badge Holders

Backpack has launched a WCT airdrop campaign for badge holders, running from June 12, 00:00 UTC to June 18, 00:00 UTC. During the campaign, users holding Challenger, Diamond, or Platinum tier badges can connect their Backpack wallet (browser extension or mobile app) to their Backpack exchange account to claim the airdrop. Additionally, over 500 users from other tiers will be randomly selected to receive eligibility.

Previously, Backpack distributed badge airdrops to eligible users based on their participation in the first season points campaign to thank users for their long-term support. This WCT airdrop marks Backpack's second airdrop for badge holders.

Backpack's next season points campaign has not yet been officially announced, so users are advised to stay tuned. Currently, Backpack's "Season Side Story: Benefits Month" series of activities is ongoing, with the first activity module - the daily trading competition - already launched, where participants can share daily prize pools by engaging in trading.

OpenSea Announces Complete Shutdown of OS1 Version on June 16, Will Remove "Deals" and Other Features in OS2 Update

OpenSea has announced it will completely shut down the OS1 version on June 16, with the new OS2 version not retaining multiple features including Deals (custom transactions), English auctions, testnet support, and shopping cart functionality, as reported by Blockworks. OpenSea stated that the Deals and English auction features were removed due to low usage rates.

This decision has sparked controversy in the community, with multiple users expressing concerns that removing the Deals feature will increase trading risks. OpenSea Chief Marketing Officer Adam Hollander explained that the feature is incompatible with mandatory royalty ERC 721-C contracts, leading to inconsistent product experiences.

Binance Wallet to Launch Exclusive SGC TGE on June 13

Binance Wallet will launch the exclusive SGC Token Generation Event (TGE) on June 13 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM (UTC). Eligibility for participation requires users to use Binance Alpha Points. Additionally, an extra 300,000,000 SGC tokens are reserved for future activities, with further details to be announced later.

Ant International to Pursue Stablecoin Licenses in Hong Kong and Singapore

Ant International is reportedly preparing to apply for stablecoin issuance licenses in both Hong Kong and Singapore, aiming to strengthen its blockchain business and support cross-border payment and fund management services. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, the company plans to submit its application in Hong Kong immediately after the city’s Stablecoins Bill comes into effect in August, signaling a strategic move to expand its presence in the rapidly evolving digital finance sector.

US Bancorp Eyes Stablecoins as Crypto Custody Business Rebounds

US Bancorp is exploring its potential role in the stablecoin market as interest in its institutional crypto custody services has surged under the Trump administration, according to CEO Gunjan Kedia. After struggling with regulatory uncertainty during the Biden era, the bank’s crypto custody arm is seeing renewed demand, prompting US Bancorp to consider launching its own stablecoin and expanding related infrastructure services. Kedia noted that while most stablecoin activity remains within the crypto sector, upcoming regulations like the GENIUS Act could clarify the path forward for banks entering the space.

Tether Acquires Nearly 32% Stake in Gold Royalty Company Elemental Altus

Tether Investments announced on June 12, 2025, that it has acquired approximately 31.9% of Canadian gold royalty company Elemental Altus, totaling 78,421,780 common shares, according to an official announcement. Tether has also signed an option agreement granting the right to purchase an additional 34,444,580 shares of the company after October 29, 2025.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino stated that this investment represents an important step in the company's strategy to deepen financial infrastructure backed by hard assets such as gold and Bitcoin, aiming to build a more resilient and transparent financial system. Tether Group reportedly holds over 100,000 Bitcoin and nearly 80 tons of physical gold, and has issued the physical gold-backed Tether Gold (XAUT) token.

Tencent Reportedly Considering $15 Billion Acquisition of Nexon

On June 12, sources reported that Tencent is exploring a potential $15 billion acquisition of Nexon, the developer behind popular games such as MapleStory and Dungeon & Fighter. Following this news, Nexon's related token NXPC surged over 11% in a short period. Nexon has previously invested in and developed several Web3 projects, including MapleStory Universe, Oasys, and CCP Games.

Trident Announces $500 Million Financing Plan for XRP Treasury and Appoints New Strategic Advisor

Singapore-based technology optimization services company Trident (NASDAQ: TDTH) has announced a financing plan of up to $500 million to establish XRP reserves and has appointed Chaince Securities LLC as strategic advisor, as reported by StreetInsider.

DeFi Development Corp. Secures $5 Billion Equity Facility

DeFi Development Corp. (NASDAQ: $DFDV) announced today that it has secured a $5 billion equity facility, according to an official report. This facility will enable the company to flexibly raise capital at optimal times, accelerate the accumulation of $SOL tokens, and enhance SOL per share (SPS) value. Unlike traditional equity issuances, this equity facility allows the company to avoid price lock-ins in volatile markets while increasing validator rewards and enhancing long-term shareholder value. The company stated that its core objective is to maximize SOL per share (SPS).