Trump Recession Fears Tank Nasdaq by 4%↓ , Largest Drop in 2.5 Years!

The Nasdaq Composite Index plunged 4% on March 10, marking its biggest drop in 2.5 years as recession fears intensified.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (-2.08%) and the S&P 500 (-2.7%) also saw significant losses, while Bitcoin (BTC) slipped back to the $79K range.

※ What’s causing this market crash?
Investors panicked after President Donald Trump hinted at a possible economic recession, saying he “does not rule it out.”

■ Nasdaq Plummets 4% – Tech Stocks Hit Hard!

▼ On March 10, the Nasdaq Composite Index closed at 17,468.32, down 4.0% from the previous session.
▼ Largest single-day drop since September 13, 2022
▼ Down 13.4% from its all-time high of 20,173.89 (Dec 16, 2024)

● Biggest tech stock losers
• Tesla (TSLA): -15.43%
• Nvidia (NVDA): -5.07%
• Palantir Technologies (PLTR): -10.05%
• Broadcom (AVGO): -5.39%
• Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX): -4.85%

The market was already declining last week (March 4-8):
✔️ S&P 500: -3.1% (biggest weekly drop since September 2024)
✔️ Dow Jones: -2.4%
✔️ Nasdaq: -3.5%

■ Did Trump’s Comments Spark the Market Panic?

● Donald Trump (March 9, Fox News Interview):
“I am doing very important work… but a transition period is necessary.
Investors saw this as Trump not ruling out a recession, fueling uncertainty.

●White House National Economic Council (NEC) Chair Kevin Hassett (CNBC Interview):
“We are considering the possibility of a GDP decline in Q1. It would be a temporary issue.

※ Market analysts fear Trump’s policies might trigger a “Trump Session” (Trump-driven recession).

 Bitcoin & Crypto Stocks Plunge as Well

●Bitcoin drops back to $79K
As of March 11, 7:10 AM (ET), BTC is trading at $79,390

●Crypto-related stocks also took a massive hit:
• MicroStrategy (MSTR): -16.7% ($239.27)
• Coinbase (COIN): -17.6%

Why is crypto falling?
 Trump’s administration included Bitcoin in its Strategic Reserve, but only from government-seized assets – disappointing crypto investors.

Conclusion: Where is the Market Headed?

• Nasdaq crashes 4% – biggest single-day drop in 2.5 years
• Trump hints at recession → market panic spreads
• Bitcoin & crypto stocks plunge alongside tech stocks
• Future market direction depends on upcoming economic data & Trump’s policies

§ Will the market rebound, or is a deeper correction coming? Investors must stay alert!

Trump Optimistic on U.S.-Ukraine High-Level Talks, Lifts Intelligence Sharing Ban!

Can the U.S.-Ukraine Relationship Improve Ahead of High-Level Talks?

President Donald Trump announced on March 9 (local time) that he has almost completely lifted the intelligence-sharing restrictions on Ukraine. 🇺🇸🇺🇦
This statement came as he was traveling back to Washington from Palm Beach, Florida, ahead of the U.S.-Ukraine high-level talks scheduled from March 10 to 12 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

■ Key Takeaways from Trump’s Remarks

✔️ “Have I lifted the intelligence-sharing restrictions on Ukraine? Almost entirely!”
✔️ “I expect significant progress in this week’s discussions.”
✔️ “We want Ukraine to take meaningful steps toward peace.”

■ Easing Tensions After the White House Conflict?

Last month, tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reached a peak after a heated White House confrontation.
However, the upcoming high-level talks will focus on a mineral agreement and potential steps toward ending the war, which could lead to a thaw in relations.

■ Is the U.S. Pressuring Ukraine for Major Concessions?

  • NBC News reported that the Trump administration seeks more than just a mineral agreement in exchange for restoring full military aid and intelligence-sharing support.
  • Reuters further indicated that U.S. officials aim to determine whether Ukraine is willing to make significant concessions to Russia as part of peace talks.

■ What Concessions Might the U.S. Be Expecting?

  • Territorial concessions to Russia
  • Zelenskyy stepping down from the presidency
  •  More flexible negotiation terms with Russia
    ▶ However, it remains unclear whether Ukraine is willing to accept such conditions.

■ Elon Musk Denies Starlink Shutdown in Ukraine

Meanwhile, Elon Musk confirmed that SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network remains operational in Ukraine, despite concerns that it might be cut off.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk clarified his stance:

 “Even if I disagree with Ukraine’s policies, I will never turn off Starlink.”
 “Russia has the capability to disrupt Ukraine’s other communication networks. Without Starlink, Ukraine’s entire communications system could collapse.”

Starlink remains a crucial infrastructure amid Russia’s intensified military actions in the Kursk region.

■ Conclusion: What’s Next for U.S.-Ukraine Relations?

  •  Trump lifts intelligence-sharing restrictions → Positive expectations for upcoming high-level talks
  •  The U.S. is pressuring Ukraine to consider territorial concessions and negotiation flexibility
  • Elon Musk reassures Ukraine of continued Starlink support▶ Will Ukraine agree to Trump’s conditions to secure more U.S. support?
    ▶ Can Ukraine balance military defense and diplomacy?

§ The outcome of the high-level U.S.-Ukraine talks could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the war and international relations!

Bitcoin Strategic Reserve: Michael Saylor Urges U.S. to Hold 25% of Bitcoin Supply

Market Impact of the U.S. Bitcoin Reserve Proposal

Michael Saylor, CEO of MicroStrategy, has strongly urged the U.S. government to actively hold Bitcoin (BTC). He proposes establishing a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve,” suggesting that by 2035, the government should acquire up to 25% of Bitcoin’s total supply.

According to Saylor’s recommendation, the U.S. should implement a steady purchasing program to progressively acquire between 5% and 25% of Bitcoin’s entire supply from 2025 through 2035. If executed, this strategy would position the U.S. government to hold around 5.25 million BTC.

If realized, this move could significantly alter the landscape of digital assets, substantially increasing institutional demand and potentially reshaping Bitcoin’s role as a primary global reserve asset.

■ Proposed U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

  • Saylor recommends a scheduled government Bitcoin-buying program from 2025 to 2035.
  • This strategy could lead the U.S. to hold approximately 5.25 million BTC, about 25% of total BTC supply.

■ Economic Impact and Future Projection

  • The proposed reserve is predicted to generate annual returns exceeding $10 trillion by 2045.
  • This revenue stream could bolster long-term U.S. economic growth and prosperity.

■ Recent Development from the U.S. Government

  • Former President Donald Trump officially signed an executive order to establish the “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” and “Digital Asset Stockpile.”
  • The order currently lacks immediate Bitcoin acquisition details but signals regulatory commitment.
  • Possible usage of seized cryptocurrencies from criminal activities as an initial Bitcoin reserve.

■ Comparing Saylor’s Proposal to Past Strategies

  • Previously, government Bitcoin reserve goals aimed for around 1 million BTC (~5%).
  • Saylor’s recommendation of approximately 5.25 million BTC holdings is more than five times previous governmental proposals.

■ Market Impact and Significance

  • If implemented, a government-backed purchase at this scale could significantly increase BTC prices due to heightened demand.
  • Institutional investors and other governments might follow suit, expanding Bitcoin’s global adoption.

■ Current Bitcoin Holdings by MicroStrategy

  • Following Saylor’s vision, MicroStrategy now holds approximately 525,000 BTC, strengthening its position as the largest corporate Bitcoin holder globally.

§ Conclusion: Saylor’s ambitious proposal, combined with recent supportive government measures, marks an important turning point for Bitcoin and cryptocurrency markets. Investors and market participants should closely monitor developments, as the establishment of a strategic Bitcoin reserve could dramatically reshape financial markets and influence Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory.

 

Russian Exchange Garantex Faces U.S. Sanctions: Site Shutdown & $28M USDT Frozen

One of Russia’s largest digital asset exchanges, Garantex, has been shut down following U.S. government sanctions.
The U.S. Secret Service and stablecoin issuer Tether have imposed severe measures due to allegations that Garantex is linked to criminal organizations.


■ Garantex Shutdown Due to U.S. Government Sanctions

On March 6, 2025 (local time), the U.S. Secret Service, in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, shut down the Garantex website.
✔ The site is now inaccessible, displaying a shutdown message from the Secret Service.
Secret Service spokesperson Nate Herring stated:

  • “The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.”

§ In other words, Garantex has been officially blocked by the U.S. government!


■ $28M USDT Frozen

Stablecoin issuer Tether (USDT) has frozen approximately $28 million worth of USDT linked to Garantex.
Garantex’s response:

  • “Tether has blocked wallets holding over 2.5 billion rubles (about $28 million).
  • We will fight to the end and never give up!

§ Due to restrictions on overseas remittances via banks, Russian cryptocurrency users have increasingly relied on digital assets. Garantex has served as a key exchange platform for converting rubles and dollars into Tether (USDT).


■ Garantex’s Alleged Ties to Criminal Organizations

U.S. and EU investigative agencies suspect that Garantex has facilitated illicit transactions exceeding $100 million.
Authorities claim Garantex was involved in money laundering and worked with criminal organizations.
The U.S. and the European Union (EU) continue efforts to control financial networks linked to Russia.

§ This move is not just an exchange shutdown—it is part of broader international anti-money laundering efforts!


■ EU’s Additional Sanctions

On February 26, 2025, the EU announced its 16th sanctions package against Russia.
Key measures include:
Banning Russian aluminum imports
Sanctioning individuals, entities, and institutions supporting Russia’s military activities
Adding Garantex to the official sanctions list

§ With increasing international sanctions on Russia, the digital asset industry is also facing direct repercussions!


▣ Conclusion: Global Crypto Regulations Tighten Further

Garantex has suffered a severe blow due to U.S. government and Tether sanctions, leading to its site shutdown and the freezing of USDT assets.
Allegations of illegal financial activities and money laundering mean that international scrutiny will continue to intensify.
The EU’s additional sanctions may further restrict Russia’s financial networks.

§ As regulatory pressure on Russia’s digital asset industry grows, the broader cryptocurrency market may also feel the impact. Stay tuned for further developments!

SpaceX Starship: The Future of Space Exploration Amid Challenges

Will Starship Overcome Its Setbacks and Revolutionize Space Travel?
SpaceX’s Starship program is steadily advancing through multiple test flights, paving the way for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Despite some setbacks, these tests are essential in shaping the next era of space exploration.


1. Starship’s 8th Test Flight: Communication Lost Midway

✔ On March 6, 2025, SpaceX launched Starship from its Starbase facility in Texas.
✔ The Super Heavy booster was successfully caught by the launch pad’s “chopstick” arms after separation.
✔ However, approximately 10 minutes into the flight, several engines shut down, causing a loss of communication with the spacecraft.
✔ As a result, the test payload deployment failed, and debris was observed over the Atlantic Ocean.

(Source: NY Post)


 2. Previous Failures: 7th Test Flight Engine Malfunction

✔ During the 7th test flight, a critical engine failure caused the rocket to explode mid-flight about 10 minutes after launch.
✔ The incident led to falling debris seen across regions from Florida to the Bahamas.
✔ The FAA and other regulatory agencies are now investigating the cause of these repeated failures.

(Source: Express News)


3. Expansion Plans: More Launch Sites & Increased Production

✔ SpaceX plans to expand its Starship launch operations beyond Texas, including Florida and Johnston Atoll in the Pacific.
✔ At Kennedy Space Center, a new “Gigabay” facility11 times larger than current structures—is expected to be operational by late 2026.
✔ This expansion will significantly increase production capacity and launch frequency.

(Source: Express News)


4. Starship’s Mission: The Future of Space Travel

Starship is the largest and most powerful spacecraft ever built, designed to be fully reusable.
✔ This reusability aims to dramatically reduce spaceflight costs, making deep space exploration more feasible.
NASA plans to use Starship for future lunar landings, while Elon Musk envisions a long-term mission to colonize Mars.

(Source: Welt.de)


5. Conclusion: Overcoming Setbacks for Innovation

✔ SpaceX’s Starship program is experiencing both failures and successes as it evolves.
✔ These challenges are part of the innovation process, driving advancements in space exploration and technology.
With continued testing and improvements, Starship could reshape the future of human space travel.

Bitcoin’s $5K Swing? White House Crypto Summit Could Spark Major Volatility!

Will Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana Experience Massive Price Swings This Weekend?
The cryptocurrency market is on high alert as the upcoming White House Crypto Summit on March 8, 2024 could trigger significant volatility. According to STS Digital, this event may lead to sharp price fluctuations for Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL).


Trump’s Potential Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Announcement

Trump previously promised to establish a “U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve” ahead of the November election.
✔ On Friday, March 8, major crypto industry players, including Coinbase, Chainlink, and Exodus, will attend a high-profile summit at the White House.
✔ Recent speculation suggests that Trump may pivot from a multi-crypto reserve (BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, ADA) to a Bitcoin-focused strategic reserve.

If this materializes, Bitcoin could see a surge in institutional adoption, reinforcing its position as a global reserve asset.


Expected Volatility for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana

The crypto derivatives market is already pricing in high volatility expectations for BTC, ETH, and SOL.

♦  Options Market Signals Increased Risk
Jeff Anderson, Head of Asia at STS Digital, stated:
“Options markets are reflecting heightened uncertainty leading into the weekend.”

“The implied volatility (IV) gap exceeds 25vols, indicating strong price movements may occur.”

♦ Implied Volatility (IV) Explained:
• Derived from options pricing
Higher IV means traders expect larger price swings

 

♦ BTC, ETH, SOL Volatility Data
Bitcoin (BTC) Options IV
•  Friday Expiry: 56%
•  Saturday Expiry: 80%
•  Difference:  24vols
•  Estimated Price Move: ±$5,000 (5.5% swing)

Ethereum (ETH) Expected Move: ±$135

Solana (SOL) Expected Move: ±$13

These numbers suggest that Bitcoin could see a $5,000 swing in either direction, while ETH and SOL will likely follow with significant movements.


Trading Strategy & Market Insights

♦ Jeff Anderson, STS Digital:
•  “Historically, when high volatility is expected, actual price swings can sometimes underdeliver.”
•  “However, options remain one of the safest ways to manage risk and capitalize on market movements.”

♦ Post-Summit Market Outlook:
•  Volatility may remain high over the weekend.
•  As uncertainty fades, market conditions are expected to stabilize after March 14 (when key options expire).


Key Takeaways: Will Bitcoin Surge or Drop?

Trump’s potential Bitcoin Strategic Reserve announcement could reshape the crypto market.
Options markets are already pricing in high volatility for BTC, ETH, and SOL.
BTC could swing ±$5K, ETH ±$135, and SOL ±$13 in response to the summit.
Expect market volatility to decline post-March 14.

Will Bitcoin Become the Core of the U.S. Crypto Reserve?

Can Bitcoin Replace Gold as the Next-Generation Store of Value?

The CEOs of leading cryptocurrency exchanges Coinbase and Gemini argue that Bitcoin (BTC) is the most suitable digital asset to serve as the U.S. Crypto Strategic Reserve.


Why Bitcoin Could Be the Only Reserve Asset

Tyler Winklevoss, co-founder of Gemini, stated, “Currently, Bitcoin is the only digital asset in the world that meets the criteria for a strategic reserve.”

His statement follows former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement to establish a Crypto Strategic Reserve at the national level.

  • Trump’s Proposed Crypto Reserve Assets:
        Bitcoin (BTC)
        Ethereum (ETH)
        Solana (SOL)
        Cardano (ADA)
         XRP

However, Winklevoss argued that while these cryptocurrencies meet exchange listing standards, only Bitcoin qualifies as a national reserve asset, emphasizing its role as a hard money similar to gold.

  • Key Criteria for a Strategic Reserve Asset:
    Hard Money: A scarce asset that maintains its value over time
    Hard Money: A scarce asset that maintains its value over time

Coinbase CEO: “Bitcoin is the Best Choice”

Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, supports the idea that Bitcoin is the clear successor to gold and the best choice for a reserve asset.

However, he suggested an alternative approach:
“If the U.S. wants to include more cryptocurrencies, it would be best to adopt a market cap-weighted portfolio to ensure fairness.”
 


Winklevoss Twins: “Only Bitcoin & Ethereum Are Suitable”

Cameron Winklevoss, co-founder of Gemini, argued that only Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH) meet the standards for a reserve asset.
He referred to Bitcoin as “digital gold” and Ethereum as “digital oil”, comparing them to the U.S. reserves of gold and petroleum.

His additional statement:
“XRP, ADA, and SOL could be included in the reserve, but instead of actively purchasing them, it would be better to stockpile them over time.”
 


Bitcoin vs. Other Cryptos: The Reserve Asset Debate Heats Up!

Samson Mow, CEO of Bitcoin technology firm JAN3, emphasized:
“Strategic reserves must consist of Proof of Work (PoW)-based assets to ensure security and immutability.”

He stated that only Bitcoin and Litecoin (LTC) should be included, as PoW-based cryptocurrencies provide better resistance against manipulation.
 

Meanwhile, Cardano (ADA) and Ripple (XRP) executives welcomed Trump’s decision to include their tokens in the strategic reserve.

Charles Hoskinson, Founder of Cardano:
“XRP is a globally recognized standard with strong technology and a resilient community.”

Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple:
“A multi-asset U.S. crypto reserve is necessary for a balanced financial strategy.”
 


What’s Next for Trump’s Crypto Strategic Reserve?

(This announcement follows evaluations by Trump’s newly formed Working Group on Digital Assets. )

  • The Trump administration has invited crypto industry leaders to discuss crypto regulations and stablecoin oversight.
  • David Sacks, Trump’s AI and crypto policy advisor, will lead the discussions.

Conclusion: Is Bitcoin the Right Reserve Asset?

  • Coinbase & Gemini CEOs advocate for Bitcoin as the “digital gold” and the most suitable U.S. crypto reserve asset.
  • Some industry experts believe Ethereum (ETH) may also be included.
  • Trump’s administration is considering a broader range of cryptocurrencies, including Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and XRP.
  • Final decisions on U.S. crypto policy will be discussed at the White House Summit on March 7.

Warren Buffett’s Top Stock Purchase: Occidental Petroleum!

Buffett’s Singular Focus on One Stock

Legendary investor Warren Buffett has consistently purchased stocks over the past few years. Many investors closely follow his moves, and most assume that his top investment is Berkshire Hathaway. However, there is one more stock that Buffett has continuously bought over 10 out of the last 13 quarters. That stock is Occidental Petroleum (OXY).

A Multi-Year Buying Frenzy

Buffett has been net-selling stocks for the past nine consecutive quarters. However, he has made an exception for one stock—Occidental Petroleum, a major oil and gas producer.
Occidental Petroleum (OXY) was initially acquired by Buffett in Q3 2019, but he exited his position in Q2 2020. However, starting in Q1 2022, Buffett began repurchasing Occidental aggressively and has continued accumulating shares since.
On February 7, 2025, Berkshire Hathaway disclosed another regulatory filing revealing yet another purchase of Occidental shares. As of now, Berkshire owns 264.9 million shares, valued at approximately $13 billion (~17 trillion KRW), making it the sixth-largest holding in Berkshire’s portfolio.

Why Does Buffett Favor Occidental Petroleum?

Buffett has multiple reasons for his strong confidence in Occidental. In an April 2023 CNBC interview, he praised Occidental Petroleum’s CEO, Vicki Hollub, stating that she “understands oil.”
A major factor influencing Buffett’s investment decision is Occidental’s commitment to carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. With carbon emissions being a global concern, Occidental’s leadership in this sector has drawn Buffett’s attention.
In early 2024, Buffett reiterated in Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder letter:
“We particularly like Occidental’s vast oil and gas reserves in the U.S. and its leadership in carbon capture technology.”

Energy Independence and Occidental’s Role

Buffett has emphasized that advancements in shale oil extraction technology have enabled the U.S. to achieve a level of energy independence. Occidental Petroleum plays a crucial role in this transformation and is positioned to maintain long-term stability in the industry.

Occidental Petroleum Stock Performance

Here is a recent snapshot of Occidental Petroleum Corp. (OXY) stock performance:

● Current Price: $48.84
● Price Change: +0.20000 (+0.41%)
● Day High: $48.92
● Day Low: $47.79
● Trading Volume: 12,687,888 shares
● Latest Trading Time: March 1, 2025 – 01:19 UTC

Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Buffett has consistently accumulated Occidental Petroleum stock over the past few years.
2️⃣ Occidental holds significant U.S. oil and gas reserves and is a leader in carbon capture technology.
3️⃣ Berkshire Hathaway currently owns 28.2% of Occidental, with the potential to increase ownership up to 50%.
4️⃣ Occidental remains undervalued, presenting strong long-term growth potential.