Headline: Stocks Climb as Crypto Rotates; EV Road-Pricing Debate Intensifies
Introduction: Global markets opened the week on a split note, with Wall Street rallying while Asia traded mixed and digital assets shuffled leadership. Traders also weighed fresh policy headlines, including a proposed per‑mile charge for electric vehicles that could reshape demand and investment.
U.S. equities advanced, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumping about 400 points as hopes for a government shutdown deal lifted sentiment and chipmakers rallied. Nvidia led gains across AI-linked names, while Bitcoin held steady, signaling a pause after recent volatility. In Asia, the Nikkei and KOSPI rose on an AI tech rebound, but Chinese stocks lagged despite a modest inflation pickup, underlining widening regional divergences. Inflation remains a focal point for risk assets as political commentary downplayed price pressures, even as Treasury officials flagged inflation as still running above target.
In cryptocurrencies, momentum rotated. Dogecoin spiked above the $0.1815 area on strong volume before a late-session pullback left traders watching support near $0.1800 as ETF enthusiasm cooled. XRP edged up 1.55% to around $2.53 on renewed ETF filings and accumulation trends, with $2.57 viewed as a key resistance for a potential breakout. Ethereum saw notable whale accumulation—large holders added approximately 7.6 million ETH, a 52% surge—while retail selling climbed, keeping the $3,000 level in focus as a pivotal support. Policy risk also moved into view for autos and charging infrastructure investors: a proposed 3 pence-per‑mile road-pricing plan for EVs could add roughly £250 per year to running costs, potentially pressuring sales targets and future sector investment.
Key Points: – Dow jumps about 400 points as shutdown deal hopes and AI optimism lift sentiment; Nvidia leads gains. – Asia markets split: Japan and South Korea rise on tech rebound, while China trails despite a mild inflation uptick. – Dogecoin rallies above $0.1815 before fading; traders eye $0.1800 support as ETF hype cools. – XRP advances to roughly $2.53 amid ETF filings and accumulation; $2.57 seen as key resistance. – Ethereum whales add about 7.6M ETH (+52%) as retail selling rises; $3,000 support remains crucial. – UK EV policy debate heats up with a proposed 3p-per‑mile charge, implying about £250 per year in added costs.
