Midnight is an advanced blockchain project, operating as a sidechain of Cardano, focusing on data protection and privacy. The project uses Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZK Proofs) technology to ensure that transactions and sensitive data are secure while maintaining transparency and regulatory compliance.
Main objectives of Midnight:
• Protection of sensitive data: Enables individuals and organizations to share information securely without concerns about data leakage.

1. Meta and Amazon donate millions of dollars, seeking to 'win over' Mr. Trump: Meta and Amazon confirmed donations of $1 million to the inauguration fund of President-elect Donald Trump, aiming to improve relations with the new administration.
2. Elon Musk becomes the first billionaire in history with assets exceeding $440 billion: The net worth of billionaire Elon Musk surpassed $400 billion for the first time in history, thanks to the soaring valuations of Tesla and SpaceX.

Google's launch of a quantum computing chip is indeed a significant step forward in technology, but the question of whether Bitcoin (and other cryptocurrencies) is truly at risk requires thorough analysis.
Quantum computers and the threat to Bitcoin
1. The nature of quantum computers:
• Quantum computers use qubits, which can be in superposition states, to perform complex calculations much faster than traditional computers.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
• Empire State Manufacturing Survey: Measuring manufacturing activity in New York, an early indicator of economic health.
• S&P Flash Services PMI and Manufacturing PMI: Assessing activity in the manufacturing and services sectors in the U.S.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
• U.S. retail sales: A key index assessing consumer spending. Estimated increase of 0.6% compared to 0.4% previously.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18

1. Global gold prices drop sharply: Gold prices fell more than 1% after reaching a five-week high, due to a rise in the USD and investors taking profits.
2. Oil prices rise to a three-week high: Oil prices increased by 2% due to expectations that additional sanctions against Russia and Iran could reduce supply.
3. Nasdaq Composite surpasses the 20,000-point mark: Major tech stocks such as Google, Meta, Amazon, Nvidia, and Tesla drove the Nasdaq Composite to a new record during trading on December 11.

1. The global stock market is experiencing slight fluctuations.
• Major stock indices such as the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq are fluctuating within a narrow range, reflecting investor caution in light of global economic fluctuations.
2. Gold and crude oil prices are trending slightly upward.
• Gold and crude oil prices are trending slightly upward, indicating that investors are seeking safe investment channels amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.

Ukraine's plan to legalize crypto by early 2025 is an important step in integrating digital assets into the economy. This is a pioneering strategy in Eastern Europe and could create significant impacts. Below is a detailed analysis.
1. Policy highlights
• Imposing profit tax when converting crypto to fiat currency:
This policy is similar to the taxation of securities, aimed at clarifying revenue sources and enhancing management. Not providing tax incentives for crypto is a move to avoid exploitation for tax evasion while ensuring fairness among different types of investments.

1. November CPI in the U.S. rises as expected, Fed likely to slow down rate cuts: November CPI data showed that inflation remains a concern for Fed policymakers and American households.
2. Russia could be cut off from important revenue: The U.S. is about to implement new sanctions targeting Moscow's oil, with buyers also caught in the crossfire.
3. World gold continues to rise to over 2,750 USD after U.S. inflation data: Gold prices increased on Wednesday (12/11), after inflation figures met forecasts, boosting the likelihood that the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) will cut interest rates.

WHY IS HOLDING ASSETS ON BLOCKCHAIN SAFER AND MORE EFFECTIVE THAN BANKING?

In recent years, a series of incidents in the global banking industry have made us worried about putting money in traditional banks. From bankruptcies like Silicon Valley Bank to liquidity risks and currency devaluation, our assets are no longer as safe as many people think.

1. Stock Market:
• U.S.: The Nasdaq Composite index has surpassed 20,000 points for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the history of the U.S. stock market. This reflects investors' optimism about economic prospects and corporate profits.
• Europe: The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to cut the standard deposit interest rate by 25 basis points to 3% in the near future. This move aims to support economic growth amid rising inflation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided information about “Disease X” as follows:
• Concept of “Disease X”: In February 2018, WHO used the term “Disease X” in its list of priority diseases. This is a temporary name representing a hypothetical pathogen that could cause a severe epidemic on a global scale in the future. The purpose of introducing this concept is to acknowledge the possibility of an unknown pathogen emerging while ensuring that WHO's response plans are flexible enough to adapt to such situations.

Recently, an unidentified disease, referred to as 'Disease X', has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo, causing global concern. As of early December 2024, the outbreak has affected hundreds of people and resulted in at least 79 deaths since the end of October. Among the 376 reported cases, nearly 200 cases involve children under 5 years old. Symptoms of 'Disease X' include fever, headache, cough, and difficulty breathing, similar to flu.

1. Oil prices rise over 1% as China moves towards monetary easing: Oil prices increased by more than 1% after China, the world's leading crude oil importer, signaled its first move towards monetary easing to stimulate the economy.
2. Geopolitical volatility impacts financial markets: Events such as the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, criminal charges against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and political chaos in France have caused volatility in global financial markets.

The assassination of Mr. Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, shocked the US health insurance industry. Mr. Thompson was shot dead on December 4, 2024, outside the Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan, New York. The suspect, Luigi Mangione, 26, was arrested shortly after. Mangione, a former University of Pennsylvania student, is believed to have carried out the attack as a 'symbol' against the healthcare industry, which he sees as 'parasitic'. In his manifesto, Mangione criticized healthcare leaders and the US healthcare system for high costs but low efficiency.

1. Global food prices reach their highest level in 19 months: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the global food price index rose to 127.5 points in November, the highest since April 2023, mainly due to a sharp increase in vegetable oil prices.
2. Global gold prices continue to decline: Spot gold prices fell to 2,632.91 USD/ounce, down 4.06 USD from the previous session, due to pressure from a stronger USD and expectations of interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve (FED).

You are confused after the market's decline and do not know whether prices will rise or continue to fall, so please follow the news below 👇
Monetary policy decisions of major central banks (December 18-19, 2024): If banks like the Fed, ECB, and BoE cut interest rates, the crypto market may receive a positive boost. The Fed is likely to cut by 25 basis points in this meeting, which will support investor sentiment.

1. China loosens monetary policy after 14 years: The People's Bank of China has lowered the reserve requirement ratio to stimulate the weakening economy. This is expected to support businesses and boost growth.
2. The U.S. considers comprehensive import tax increases: Following Donald Trump's election victory, the market anticipates that new policies will strengthen the USD but could negatively impact global trade.

In the past 24 hours, the crypto market has witnessed significant price declines, with many major coins like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) dropping by 2-4%, along with altcoins like Solana and Polygon declining even more by up to 8% in some cases.
The main reason for this decline is related to concerns about geopolitical instability. Specifically, the announcement of martial law in South Korea by President Yoon Suk Yeol has put significant pressure on investor sentiment. South Korea is an important crypto trading market, and this event has led to a strong wave of sell-offs, especially on exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb.

1. Chaos in Syria: The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has taken control of the capital Damascus, leading to the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's government. The president's plane is reportedly missing, and Iran has begun evacuating officials from Syria.
2. Trilateral Talks in Paris: President-elect Donald Trump of the United States, President Emmanuel Macron of France, and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine met to discuss the situation in Ukraine and provide nearly $1 billion in additional support for the country.

1. Syria faces a serious crisis: President Bashar al-Assad's government has lost control of four major cities and the military situation is increasingly tense. Many countries, including Iran, have begun withdrawing officials and forces from Syria.
2. Russia and the Zircon hypersonic missile: Russia reveals detailed designs of the Zircon hypersonic missile, touted as 'invincible,' aiming to showcase military power against the West.