Hey friends! It’s been a wild week in the world of money, markets, and memes. Here’s your no-nonsense breakdown of the top 10 financial stories you need to know. Let’s get into it!

1. Congress Passes Landmark Crypto Laws

The U.S. made history this week as Congress passed the GENIUS Act, the first major federal law regulating stablecoins, plus two more bills setting clearer rules for digital assets. The new laws aim to make crypto safer and more mainstream, with big banks like JPMorgan and Bank of America already eyeing stablecoin launches. The crypto market cheered, with Bitcoin hitting a new all-time high above $120,000. (NPR, CSMonitor)

2. Bitcoin and Ethereum Hit Record Highs

Fueled by the new U.S. crypto laws and massive ETF inflows, Bitcoin soared past $123,000 and Ethereum topped $3,500. Institutional investors and pension funds are jumping in, and the total crypto market cap hit $4 trillion. It’s a new era for digital assets, but remember: volatility is still part of the game. (CNBC)

3. U.S. Inflation Rises, But Stays Manageable

The latest Consumer Price Index showed U.S. inflation at 2.7% for June, up slightly but still within a manageable range. Food and shelter costs rose, but energy prices stayed low. The Federal Reserve is holding off on rate changes for now, and markets are betting on possible cuts later this year. (CNBC)

4. S&P 500 and Nasdaq Set New Records

U.S. stock markets kept the good vibes rolling, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both closing at record highs. Strong earnings from tech and consumer brands, plus optimism about Fed policy, kept investors in a buying mood. (FingerLakes1)

5. G20 Reaffirms Central Bank Independence

At the G20 summit in South Africa, finance ministers from the world’s biggest economies agreed that central banks must stay independent to keep inflation in check. The group also called for more cooperation on global trade and tax rules. (CBS19News)

6. Charles Schwab to Offer Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading

Financial giant Charles Schwab announced plans to launch Bitcoin and Ethereum trading for its clients, taking on Coinbase and other crypto platforms. Schwab’s move signals growing mainstream acceptance of digital assets. (DailyHodl)

7. Crypto Exchange Bullish Files for NYSE IPO

Bullish, a major crypto exchange, filed for a U.S. IPO and plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “BLSH.” The move follows a wave of successful crypto-related public offerings this year. (TradingView)

8. De-Dollarization Trend Accelerates

JPMorgan Chase reported that central banks worldwide are reducing their U.S. dollar reserves and buying more gold, with the dollar’s share of global reserves dropping below 60%. This shift could impact global markets and U.S. borrowing costs in the long run. (DailyHodl)

9. U.S. Strikes Trade Deal with Indonesia

President Trump announced a new trade agreement with Indonesia, featuring reduced tariffs for U.S. exports. The deal is part of ongoing efforts to reshape global trade relationships. (CNBC)

10. AI and Meme Stocks Stay in the Spotlight

Big tech companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple continued to post strong earnings, driving the S&P 500 higher. Meanwhile, meme stocks and AI-driven trading stories kept social media buzzing, with some retail traders claiming big wins using AI tools.

Stay tuned, stay curious, and remember: financial literacy is your superpower. See you next week!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please do your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.