Finance

Finance’s Unstoppable Rise—Until Trump?

As American finance continues its seemingly unstoppable global ascent, propelled by tech dominance, deep capital markets, and a strong dollar, an unexpected force looms on the horizon: Donald Trump. With a potential return to the presidency, Trump could inject volatility into markets through trade wars, erratic policymaking, and a confrontational stance toward central banks and global institutions. His unpredictable style and populist rhetoric risk unsettling investor confidence and shaking the foundations of the current financial order. While Wall Street has historically weathered political storms, Trump’s disruptive potential could mark a turning point—raising the question of whether one political figure can derail the conquering march of American finance.

TECH

Between Allies and Algorithms: Europe Charts Its Own Tech Path

With Donald Trump’s return to power straining transatlantic ties and amplifying his unpredictable approach to global affairs, Europe is intensifying its push for tech independence from the United States. From cloud computing to AI, much of the digital infrastructure used daily across Europe is controlled by American giants like Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Amazon—raising concerns that Washington’s dominance could be used as leverage in times of political conflict. While debates over digital sovereignty predate Trump’s comeback, the urgency has reached new heights as Europe faces tariffs and threatens countermeasures unless a broader trade deal is struck. In response, the EU is taking action: prioritizing European firms in public procurement, launching strategies to compete in AI, and exploring homegrown alternatives in payments and semiconductors. With over two-thirds of Europe’s cloud market in U.S. hands, EU leaders warn of growing vulnerability. “Relying exclusively on non-European technologies exposes us to strategic and economic risks,” said EU lawmaker Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, as officials rally behind a “Buy European” tech agenda aimed at securing long-term digital sovereignty.

CRYPTO

China’s Crypto Dilemma: Cashing In or Cracking Down?

China's expanding stash of cryptocurrencies seized from illegal activities is pushing local authorities to figure out how to manage and offload the digital assets, while courts and financial institutions increasingly call for clearer regulation. Lawyers warn that the absence of standardized rules on handling confiscated crypto—particularly in a country where trading such assets is banned—has led to inconsistent, opaque practices that risk encouraging criminal behavior and opening the door to corruption.