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US Spot Ether ETFs Post New Record Inflow As Altcoins Pump

Zero Hedge -

US Spot Ether ETFs Post New Record Inflow As Altcoins Pump

Authored by Tarang Khaitan via CoinTelegraph.com,

US spot Ether exchange-traded funds recorded an inflow of $726.6 million on Wednesday as altcoins rallied.

BlackRock's ETHA also saw a daily inflow record, contributing $499 million to the day’s results, while Fidelity’s FETH fund saw the second highest net inflow of $113 million, according to Farside Investors.

US spot Ether ETFs now collectively hold more than 5 million ETH, accounting for more than 4% of the circulating supply, according to Trader T.

Spot Ether ETFs witnessed net inflows of almost $727 million on Wednesday.

Wednesday’s inflow beats the prior daily net inflow record of $428 million on Dec. 5, 2024, by almost 70%, according to Farside Investors.

In the past 24 hours, $6.74 million worth of ETH was issued by the network, while US spot Ether ETFs bought nearly 107 times the issuance on Wednesday, according to Ultra Sound Money.

Altcoins rally over 24 hours

ETH is trading at almost $3,346, up 7.2% in the past 24 hours, and has witnessed a 30% rally in the past 14 days, according to CoinGecko.

Crypto analyst Matthew Hyland has stated that Bitcoin dominance has likely peaked if ETH continues its rally.

On Saturday, Hyland said that altcoins will likely go up even higher if the Bitcoin dominance falls to 45%. Currently, Bitcoin’s market dominance stands at 61%.

In the past 24 hours, XRP, BNB, Solana, Dogecoin, Tron, and Cardano have gone up by 7.6%, 3.4%, 5.2%, 6.9%, 3.2%, and 3.5%, respectively, whereas BTC has climbed just 0.7%.

Corporations pile into ETH

Corporate treasuries holding ETH now exceed $5.33 billion, accounting for nearly 1.33% of ETH’s circulating supply, according to Strategic ETH Reserve.

Last month, corporations added over $1.6 billion in Ether alone, Cointelegraph reported. 

One of the biggest buyers has been SharpLink Gaming, which bought another $68 million in ETH over the past 24 hours. The firm has acquired $343 million worth of ETH in the past eight days, according to Lookonchain.

ETH is significantly outperforming BTC in recent weeks

Meanwhile, World Liberty Financial — backed by US President Donald Trump — purchased an additional $5 million worth of ETH at $3,266, above its average acquisition price between November 2024 and March 2025.

BitMine Immersion Technologies, chaired by Fundstrat’s Tom Lee, announced that it now holds more than half a billion dollars worth of ETH in its treasury.

Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 14:45

US Spot Ether ETFs Post New Record Inflow As Altcoins Pump

Zero Hedge -

US Spot Ether ETFs Post New Record Inflow As Altcoins Pump

Authored by Tarang Khaitan via CoinTelegraph.com,

US spot Ether exchange-traded funds recorded an inflow of $726.6 million on Wednesday as altcoins rallied.

BlackRock's ETHA also saw a daily inflow record, contributing $499 million to the day’s results, while Fidelity’s FETH fund saw the second highest net inflow of $113 million, according to Farside Investors.

US spot Ether ETFs now collectively hold more than 5 million ETH, accounting for more than 4% of the circulating supply, according to Trader T.

Spot Ether ETFs witnessed net inflows of almost $727 million on Wednesday.

Wednesday’s inflow beats the prior daily net inflow record of $428 million on Dec. 5, 2024, by almost 70%, according to Farside Investors.

In the past 24 hours, $6.74 million worth of ETH was issued by the network, while US spot Ether ETFs bought nearly 107 times the issuance on Wednesday, according to Ultra Sound Money.

Altcoins rally over 24 hours

ETH is trading at almost $3,346, up 7.2% in the past 24 hours, and has witnessed a 30% rally in the past 14 days, according to CoinGecko.

Crypto analyst Matthew Hyland has stated that Bitcoin dominance has likely peaked if ETH continues its rally.

On Saturday, Hyland said that altcoins will likely go up even higher if the Bitcoin dominance falls to 45%. Currently, Bitcoin’s market dominance stands at 61%.

In the past 24 hours, XRP, BNB, Solana, Dogecoin, Tron, and Cardano have gone up by 7.6%, 3.4%, 5.2%, 6.9%, 3.2%, and 3.5%, respectively, whereas BTC has climbed just 0.7%.

Corporations pile into ETH

Corporate treasuries holding ETH now exceed $5.33 billion, accounting for nearly 1.33% of ETH’s circulating supply, according to Strategic ETH Reserve.

Last month, corporations added over $1.6 billion in Ether alone, Cointelegraph reported. 

One of the biggest buyers has been SharpLink Gaming, which bought another $68 million in ETH over the past 24 hours. The firm has acquired $343 million worth of ETH in the past eight days, according to Lookonchain.

ETH is significantly outperforming BTC in recent weeks

Meanwhile, World Liberty Financial — backed by US President Donald Trump — purchased an additional $5 million worth of ETH at $3,266, above its average acquisition price between November 2024 and March 2025.

BitMine Immersion Technologies, chaired by Fundstrat’s Tom Lee, announced that it now holds more than half a billion dollars worth of ETH in its treasury.

Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 14:45

Seeya! Trump Ships 5 Illegals With Violent Crime Records To Tiny African Kingdom

Zero Hedge -

Seeya! Trump Ships 5 Illegals With Violent Crime Records To Tiny African Kingdom

In something that rings a little like a dandy practical joke, five violent illegal immigrants from all over the world woke up this morning in a tiny African kingdom none of them ever heard of, thanks to the Trump administration's latest third-country deportation flight. 

The five undesirables who hail from Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen and Laos are now in a local jail in the landlocked  kingdom of Eswatini, which was known as Swaziland until 2018. About the size of Connecticut, the country is ruled by 57-year-old King Mswati III, who has absolute power to rule by decree. He has 11 wives and an estimated net worth of between $200 million and $500 million. In 2019, he sparked controversy with a purchase of 19 Roll Royce and 120 BMW vehicles for royal family use.

Under the terms of the agreement with the United States, Eswatini's compensation package for accepting America's cast-offs is classified, a spokeswoman for the country said. Meanwhile, some people in Eswatini are displeased with the transaction. “This is appalling,” Swaziland Peoples Liberation Movement secretary general Lioness Sibande told the New York Times. “The West is always disrespecting us as Africans and thinking we are their dumpsite."  

On Wednesday, an Eswatini spokesperson announced that, working along with the United States and the International Organization for Migration, the kingdom will “facilitate the transit of these inmates to their countries of origin.” That aspiration is somewhat incongruent with Tuesday evening's announcement of the deportations by Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. In a post-thread on X, she wrote:

"This flight took individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back. These depraved monsters have been terrorizing American communities but thanks to [President] Trump and [Homeland Security Secretary Kristi] Noem, they are off of American soil."

    Eswatini's King Mswati III participates in a Reed Dance in the capital of Mbabane in 2012 (AP / Themba Hadebe) 

    McLaughlin didn't name the villains, but posted photos of the five men with a summary of their rap sheets. Here are some of their criminal convictions: 

    • Vietnamese: Child rape
    • Jamaican: Murder and robbery 
    • Laotian: Second-degree murder, forced-entry burglary, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
    • Cuban: First-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated battery of a police officer, grand-theft-auto
    • Yemeni: Second-degree homicide, assault and battery, cruelty to a dependent adult, assault with intent to do great bodily harm

    The shipment to Eswatini was the first third-country deportation since the Supreme Court gave the Trump administration a huge win by lifting a lower court's order that required the Trump administration to give deportees 10 days' notice and a chance to object before deporting them to a third country. Challengers of the process have argued that the illegals could face mistreatment in foreign custody. Most recently, the administration deported eight illegals to South Sudan, which is in the midst of civil war. Only one of them is from the country. Before Supreme Court approval, they were locked up on a US military base in Djibouti. Their families say they haven't heard from them since they were handed over.  

    Matt Adams, who represented the illegals deported to South Sudan, told the New York Times that the Eswatini flight was "political theater," and ridiculed the idea of "spending millions of dollars to fly five men to the other side of the planet.” 

    Of course, you can't put a price on having a Vietnamese child-rapist or Jamaican murderer suddenly finding themselves locked up in a tiny African kingdom.  

    Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 14:05

    Seeya! Trump Ships 5 Illegals With Violent Crime Records To Tiny African Kingdom

    Zero Hedge -

    Seeya! Trump Ships 5 Illegals With Violent Crime Records To Tiny African Kingdom

    In something that rings a little like a dandy practical joke, five violent illegal immigrants from all over the world woke up this morning in a tiny African kingdom none of them ever heard of, thanks to the Trump administration's latest third-country deportation flight. 

    The five undesirables who hail from Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen and Laos are now in a local jail in the landlocked  kingdom of Eswatini, which was known as Swaziland until 2018. About the size of Connecticut, the country is ruled by 57-year-old King Mswati III, who has absolute power to rule by decree. He has 11 wives and an estimated net worth of between $200 million and $500 million. In 2019, he sparked controversy with a purchase of 19 Roll Royce and 120 BMW vehicles for royal family use.

    Under the terms of the agreement with the United States, Eswatini's compensation package for accepting America's cast-offs is classified, a spokeswoman for the country said. Meanwhile, some people in Eswatini are displeased with the transaction. “This is appalling,” Swaziland Peoples Liberation Movement secretary general Lioness Sibande told the New York Times. “The West is always disrespecting us as Africans and thinking we are their dumpsite."  

    On Wednesday, an Eswatini spokesperson announced that, working along with the United States and the International Organization for Migration, the kingdom will “facilitate the transit of these inmates to their countries of origin.” That aspiration is somewhat incongruent with Tuesday evening's announcement of the deportations by Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. In a post-thread on X, she wrote:

    "This flight took individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back. These depraved monsters have been terrorizing American communities but thanks to [President] Trump and [Homeland Security Secretary Kristi] Noem, they are off of American soil."

      Eswatini's King Mswati III participates in a Reed Dance in the capital of Mbabane in 2012 (AP / Themba Hadebe) 

      McLaughlin didn't name the villains, but posted photos of the five men with a summary of their rap sheets. Here are some of their criminal convictions: 

      • Vietnamese: Child rape
      • Jamaican: Murder and robbery 
      • Laotian: Second-degree murder, forced-entry burglary, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
      • Cuban: First-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated battery of a police officer, grand-theft-auto
      • Yemeni: Second-degree homicide, assault and battery, cruelty to a dependent adult, assault with intent to do great bodily harm

      The shipment to Eswatini was the first third-country deportation since the Supreme Court gave the Trump administration a huge win by lifting a lower court's order that required the Trump administration to give deportees 10 days' notice and a chance to object before deporting them to a third country. Challengers of the process have argued that the illegals could face mistreatment in foreign custody. Most recently, the administration deported eight illegals to South Sudan, which is in the midst of civil war. Only one of them is from the country. Before Supreme Court approval, they were locked up on a US military base in Djibouti. Their families say they haven't heard from them since they were handed over.  

      Matt Adams, who represented the illegals deported to South Sudan, told the New York Times that the Eswatini flight was "political theater," and ridiculed the idea of "spending millions of dollars to fly five men to the other side of the planet.” 

      Of course, you can't put a price on having a Vietnamese child-rapist or Jamaican murderer suddenly finding themselves locked up in a tiny African kingdom.  

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 14:05

      Yield Curve Control? Why Not...

      Zero Hedge -

      Yield Curve Control? Why Not...

      By Peter Tchir of Academy Securities

      There is a lot of chatter surrounding the Federal Reserve. The FOMC, etc. What the President will or will not do. What can be “successfully” done or not. Will Powell be fired?

      Today, Kevin Warsh is floating the idea of better aligning the Fed and Treasury, as has been the case in the past (so I’m told).

      Most of the analysis about what may happen tends to fall along the lines of:

      • Probably cannot “fire” Powell anyways.
      • Even if Powell is “fired” it is a committee and the committee won’t do anything drastic.
      • The front end might rally a bit, but “we” will lose control over the long end.

      Why not think more outside the box? There are a few things we know:

      • The President thinks rates are too high.
      • The President (and Bessent) are focused on the 10-year and believe that is also too high.
      • The President has no problem (at least on tariffs) dictating specific numbers.

      Why would this administration only do something halfway?

      If you are going to do something radical – why not go all the way?

      • Cut interest rates – by ensuring the Chair and Committee are on board with it. I cannot say that I’ve given any thought to how to reset the committee, but I’d be surprised if that was more difficult than making changes at the top of the house?
        • And there are people on the committee who already have more rate cuts in their “dots” than is priced in. It may also be safe to presume that if the Chair was dovish, some people might move their dots, as a cut here or there is already probably too precise for all the guesswork involved.
      • Align the Fed and Treasury. Seems strange, but is it really that wild?
      • If rates out the curve don’t perform as expected (move significantly lower in response rate cuts) then why not just “set the curve”? The Fed has done QE (bought treasuries). The Fed has done Operation Twist (bought/sold treasuries to influence the shape of the curve). It isn’t the first time since the GFC that we’ve chatted about the potential for yield curve control: if the Fed is going to set rates in a world where longer term rates are likely more important than short term rates, why not set those too?

      Who knows if anything will happen. But presumably, by May of next year at the latest (and that seems like a lifetime away) we will see changes in how the Fed behaves.

      I’m not arguing against Fed independence and the dual mandate, etc., but you can see the appeal of going in a different direction.

      Set yields across the curve. Issue debt to take advantage of these yields. Save “trillions” in interest rate expense. There is no easier way to lower projected annual deficits than by reducing costs. That would actually help lower yields too.

      If long end treasury yields cannot bear the brunt of potential reckless Fed policy (because of yield curve control) then the dollar will likely be hit hard.

      Yeah, there is always “strong dollar” rhetoric, but imagine a world with higher tariffs AND a cheaper dollar? Imports look way more expensive and the U.S. exports start to look a lot cheaper.

      A materially weaker dollar may be viewed as a “feature” not a “bug” if your primary goal is more manufacturing in the U.S.

      Again, no idea how this will play out, but expecting only one “radical” move seems a little “naïve”? If you are going to reshape something (like monetary policy) why not reshape it all the way?

      In any case, maybe we should be spending less time thinking about “how much steeper will the yield curve go” if something happens to the Fed, to what would you do to ensure long end yields don’t rise?

      Just thinking out loud, but if we are going to get “radical” why wouldn’t we get really radical?

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 13:45

      Yield Curve Control? Why Not...

      Zero Hedge -

      Yield Curve Control? Why Not...

      By Peter Tchir of Academy Securities

      There is a lot of chatter surrounding the Federal Reserve. The FOMC, etc. What the President will or will not do. What can be “successfully” done or not. Will Powell be fired?

      Today, Kevin Warsh is floating the idea of better aligning the Fed and Treasury, as has been the case in the past (so I’m told).

      Most of the analysis about what may happen tends to fall along the lines of:

      • Probably cannot “fire” Powell anyways.
      • Even if Powell is “fired” it is a committee and the committee won’t do anything drastic.
      • The front end might rally a bit, but “we” will lose control over the long end.

      Why not think more outside the box? There are a few things we know:

      • The President thinks rates are too high.
      • The President (and Bessent) are focused on the 10-year and believe that is also too high.
      • The President has no problem (at least on tariffs) dictating specific numbers.

      Why would this administration only do something halfway?

      If you are going to do something radical – why not go all the way?

      • Cut interest rates – by ensuring the Chair and Committee are on board with it. I cannot say that I’ve given any thought to how to reset the committee, but I’d be surprised if that was more difficult than making changes at the top of the house?
        • And there are people on the committee who already have more rate cuts in their “dots” than is priced in. It may also be safe to presume that if the Chair was dovish, some people might move their dots, as a cut here or there is already probably too precise for all the guesswork involved.
      • Align the Fed and Treasury. Seems strange, but is it really that wild?
      • If rates out the curve don’t perform as expected (move significantly lower in response rate cuts) then why not just “set the curve”? The Fed has done QE (bought treasuries). The Fed has done Operation Twist (bought/sold treasuries to influence the shape of the curve). It isn’t the first time since the GFC that we’ve chatted about the potential for yield curve control: if the Fed is going to set rates in a world where longer term rates are likely more important than short term rates, why not set those too?

      Who knows if anything will happen. But presumably, by May of next year at the latest (and that seems like a lifetime away) we will see changes in how the Fed behaves.

      I’m not arguing against Fed independence and the dual mandate, etc., but you can see the appeal of going in a different direction.

      Set yields across the curve. Issue debt to take advantage of these yields. Save “trillions” in interest rate expense. There is no easier way to lower projected annual deficits than by reducing costs. That would actually help lower yields too.

      If long end treasury yields cannot bear the brunt of potential reckless Fed policy (because of yield curve control) then the dollar will likely be hit hard.

      Yeah, there is always “strong dollar” rhetoric, but imagine a world with higher tariffs AND a cheaper dollar? Imports look way more expensive and the U.S. exports start to look a lot cheaper.

      A materially weaker dollar may be viewed as a “feature” not a “bug” if your primary goal is more manufacturing in the U.S.

      Again, no idea how this will play out, but expecting only one “radical” move seems a little “naïve”? If you are going to reshape something (like monetary policy) why not reshape it all the way?

      In any case, maybe we should be spending less time thinking about “how much steeper will the yield curve go” if something happens to the Fed, to what would you do to ensure long end yields don’t rise?

      Just thinking out loud, but if we are going to get “radical” why wouldn’t we get really radical?

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 13:45

      Watch: Chinese Military Unveils Robot Murder Wolves, Drones That Definitely Violate Asimov's Laws

      Zero Hedge -

      Watch: Chinese Military Unveils Robot Murder Wolves, Drones That Definitely Violate Asimov's Laws

      The Chinese military conducted tactical exercises integrating robotic wolves and infantry-operated drones, underscoring Beijing's push to deploy unmanned systems in modern combat operations, according to state-run media.

      The 76th Group Army's drills focused on battlefield coordination between personnel and autonomous technologies for reconnaissance, strategic point clearing, fire support and breaching defensive positions, according to a military statement. The exercises represent China's latest effort to advance unmanned warfare capabilities amid growing global competition in military robotics.

      The robotic wolves, branded "steel warriors," debuted at the 2024 Airshow China exhibition before being deployed in joint exercises with Cambodia. During the 2024 "Golden Dragon" exercise, China fielded a rifle-armed robotic wolf for assault operations. The follow-up "Golden Dragon 2025" exercise featured a UAV equipped with a QBZ-95 assault rifle providing fire cover for ground units.

      The military demonstrations come as Chinese defense analysts raise concerns about the ethical implications of autonomous weapons systems. In a recent People's Liberation Army Daily op-ed, analysts Yuan Yi, Ma Ye and Yue Shiguang called for "ethical and legal research" to address risks from militarized robots, warning that malfunctioning units could cause "indiscriminate killings and accidental deaths."

      The PLA Daily authors referenced Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics, which prohibit robots from harming humans, arguing that militarized humanoid robots "clearly violate" these principles. They proposed overhauling Asimov's framework for military applications, emphasizing that combat robots must adhere to laws of war by "obeying humans," "respecting humans" and "protecting humans."

      The trio of analysts stressed the need for built-in constraints to prevent excessive force and indiscriminate killing, while cautioning against prematurely replacing human soldiers, noting that robots still lack critical capabilities including speed, dexterity and complex terrain navigation.

      "Even if humanoid robots become mature and widely used, they will not fully replace other unmanned systems," the authors concluded, advocating for balanced integration of robotics into warfare.

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 13:25

      Watch: Chinese Military Unveils Robot Murder Wolves, Drones That Definitely Violate Asimov's Laws

      Zero Hedge -

      Watch: Chinese Military Unveils Robot Murder Wolves, Drones That Definitely Violate Asimov's Laws

      The Chinese military conducted tactical exercises integrating robotic wolves and infantry-operated drones, underscoring Beijing's push to deploy unmanned systems in modern combat operations, according to state-run media.

      The 76th Group Army's drills focused on battlefield coordination between personnel and autonomous technologies for reconnaissance, strategic point clearing, fire support and breaching defensive positions, according to a military statement. The exercises represent China's latest effort to advance unmanned warfare capabilities amid growing global competition in military robotics.

      The robotic wolves, branded "steel warriors," debuted at the 2024 Airshow China exhibition before being deployed in joint exercises with Cambodia. During the 2024 "Golden Dragon" exercise, China fielded a rifle-armed robotic wolf for assault operations. The follow-up "Golden Dragon 2025" exercise featured a UAV equipped with a QBZ-95 assault rifle providing fire cover for ground units.

      The military demonstrations come as Chinese defense analysts raise concerns about the ethical implications of autonomous weapons systems. In a recent People's Liberation Army Daily op-ed, analysts Yuan Yi, Ma Ye and Yue Shiguang called for "ethical and legal research" to address risks from militarized robots, warning that malfunctioning units could cause "indiscriminate killings and accidental deaths."

      The PLA Daily authors referenced Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics, which prohibit robots from harming humans, arguing that militarized humanoid robots "clearly violate" these principles. They proposed overhauling Asimov's framework for military applications, emphasizing that combat robots must adhere to laws of war by "obeying humans," "respecting humans" and "protecting humans."

      The trio of analysts stressed the need for built-in constraints to prevent excessive force and indiscriminate killing, while cautioning against prematurely replacing human soldiers, noting that robots still lack critical capabilities including speed, dexterity and complex terrain navigation.

      "Even if humanoid robots become mature and widely used, they will not fully replace other unmanned systems," the authors concluded, advocating for balanced integration of robotics into warfare.

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 13:25

      Hotels: Occupancy Rate Decreased 3.2% Year-over-year

      Calculated Risk -

      From STR: U.S. hotel results for week ending 12 July
      The U.S. hotel industry reported negative year-over-year comparisons, according to CoStar’s latest data through 12 July. ...

      6-12 July 2025 (percentage change from comparable week in 2024):

      • Occupancy: 67.2% (-3.2%)
      • Average daily rate (ADR): US$158.42 (-0.5%)
      • Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$106.39 (-3.7%)
      emphasis added
      The following graph shows the seasonal pattern for the hotel occupancy rate using the four-week average.
      Hotel Occupancy RateClick on graph for larger image.

      The red line is for 2025, blue is the median, and dashed light blue is for 2024.  Dashed purple is for 2018, the record year for hotel occupancy. 
      The 4-week average of the occupancy rate is tracking behind last year and the median rate for the period 2000 through 2024 (Blue).
      Note: Y-axis doesn't start at zero to better show the seasonal change.
      The 4-week average will likely increase over the next several weeks.
      On a year-to-date basis, the only worse years for occupancy over the last 25 years were pandemic or recession years.

      USDt Market Cap Hits $160B, Cementing Its 'Digital Dollar' Role: Tether CEO

      Zero Hedge -

      USDt Market Cap Hits $160B, Cementing Its 'Digital Dollar' Role: Tether CEO

      Authored by Amin Haqshanas via CoinTelegraph.com,

      The market cap of Tether’s USDt, the world’s largest stablecoin, has surpassed $160 billion for the first time, a “new mind-blowing milestone,” according to Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino.

      In a Thursday post on X, Ardoino called the achievement a testament to USDt’s growing role as the digital dollar for “billions of people living in emerging markets and developing countries.” USDt crossed $150 billion in May.

      Ardoino has said that USDt is used by more than 400 million people worldwide, expanding by 35 million wallets each quarter, especially in emerging markets where it serves as a reliable dollar substitute.

      The blockchain distribution of USDt shows that Tron hosts the highest USDt supply, now accounting for about $81 billion, compared to Ethereum’s $65 billion, according to data from DefiLlama. USDt issuance on other networks is significantly smaller, totaling $6.8 billion on BNB Chain, $2.3 billion on Solana and $1.1 billion on Polygon.

      USDt’s market cap hits $160 billion. Source: Paolo Ardoino

      USDt backed by cash and US Treasurys

      According to Tether’s attestations, cash and cash equivalents, primarily short-term US Treasurys, constitute 81.5% of USDT’s backing reserves, with Bitcoin accounting for 5.1%.

      Tether holds over $127 billion in US Treasurys as of Q2 2025, ranking as the 18th largest holder globally, alongside countries like South Korea and Germany. The company posted over $1 billion in operating profit in Q1.

      The stablecoin issuer has also been consistently minting new tokens. On Wednesday, Tether minted another $1 billion, with more than $4 billion over the past week alone.

      Last week, Tether announced it will stop allowing redemptions of USDt on five legacy blockchains, including Omni Layer, Bitcoin Cash SLP, Kusama, EOS (now Vaulta), and Algorand, starting Sept. 1.

      The move aims to let the company focus on blockchains with better scalability, more developer activity and stronger community engagement, according to CEO Ardoino.

      Stablecoin market expands amid growing regulatory clarity

      The stablecoin market has been expanding quickly, with fiat-pegged digital assets increasingly seen as the internet’s go-to settlement layer. In 2024, stablecoin transaction volumes even surpassed those of Visa and Mastercard combined.

      The growing momentum comes as the Trump administration has prioritized stablecoin regulation, with the GENIUS Act leading the charge. The bill gained bipartisan support in the Senate Banking Committee and passed the Senate in June.

      However, it stalled in the House of Representatives after a group of lawmakers blocked a key procedural vote on Tuesday. The House is set to vote Thursday on the GENIUS Act as a standalone measure.

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 13:05

      USDt Market Cap Hits $160B, Cementing Its 'Digital Dollar' Role: Tether CEO

      Zero Hedge -

      USDt Market Cap Hits $160B, Cementing Its 'Digital Dollar' Role: Tether CEO

      Authored by Amin Haqshanas via CoinTelegraph.com,

      The market cap of Tether’s USDt, the world’s largest stablecoin, has surpassed $160 billion for the first time, a “new mind-blowing milestone,” according to Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino.

      In a Thursday post on X, Ardoino called the achievement a testament to USDt’s growing role as the digital dollar for “billions of people living in emerging markets and developing countries.” USDt crossed $150 billion in May.

      Ardoino has said that USDt is used by more than 400 million people worldwide, expanding by 35 million wallets each quarter, especially in emerging markets where it serves as a reliable dollar substitute.

      The blockchain distribution of USDt shows that Tron hosts the highest USDt supply, now accounting for about $81 billion, compared to Ethereum’s $65 billion, according to data from DefiLlama. USDt issuance on other networks is significantly smaller, totaling $6.8 billion on BNB Chain, $2.3 billion on Solana and $1.1 billion on Polygon.

      USDt’s market cap hits $160 billion. Source: Paolo Ardoino

      USDt backed by cash and US Treasurys

      According to Tether’s attestations, cash and cash equivalents, primarily short-term US Treasurys, constitute 81.5% of USDT’s backing reserves, with Bitcoin accounting for 5.1%.

      Tether holds over $127 billion in US Treasurys as of Q2 2025, ranking as the 18th largest holder globally, alongside countries like South Korea and Germany. The company posted over $1 billion in operating profit in Q1.

      The stablecoin issuer has also been consistently minting new tokens. On Wednesday, Tether minted another $1 billion, with more than $4 billion over the past week alone.

      Last week, Tether announced it will stop allowing redemptions of USDt on five legacy blockchains, including Omni Layer, Bitcoin Cash SLP, Kusama, EOS (now Vaulta), and Algorand, starting Sept. 1.

      The move aims to let the company focus on blockchains with better scalability, more developer activity and stronger community engagement, according to CEO Ardoino.

      Stablecoin market expands amid growing regulatory clarity

      The stablecoin market has been expanding quickly, with fiat-pegged digital assets increasingly seen as the internet’s go-to settlement layer. In 2024, stablecoin transaction volumes even surpassed those of Visa and Mastercard combined.

      The growing momentum comes as the Trump administration has prioritized stablecoin regulation, with the GENIUS Act leading the charge. The bill gained bipartisan support in the Senate Banking Committee and passed the Senate in June.

      However, it stalled in the House of Representatives after a group of lawmakers blocked a key procedural vote on Tuesday. The House is set to vote Thursday on the GENIUS Act as a standalone measure.

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 13:05

      China Demands Its Shipping Giant Join Western-Led Panama Ports Deal

      Zero Hedge -

      China Demands Its Shipping Giant Join Western-Led Panama Ports Deal

      A new report from the Wall Street Journal suggests that President Trump may be growing concerned—or is already alarmed—by this new development: Beijing is now demanding that China's largest shipping company, Cosco, be included in the Western-investor deal to purchase ports from Hong Kong–based CK Hutchison.

      The future of CK Hutchison's deal to sell two Panama ports—the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals (40 other ports worldwide)—to a BlackRock-led consortium is becoming increasingly complex with Beijing pushing for Cosco to join the group of investors... 

      Here's more from the report:

      China is pushing for state-owned Cosco to be an equal partner and shareholder of the ports with BlackRock and Mediterranean Shipping Co., a containership operator, according to people familiar with the deal talks. BlackRock and MSC in March reached a preliminary agreement to buy the ports in a deal valued at nearly $23 billion.

      Now, BlackRock, MSC and Hutchison all are open to Cosco's taking a stake, the people familiar with the talks said.

      The parties aren't likely to reach a deal before a previously agreed upon July 27 end date for exclusive talks between BlackRock, MSC and Hutchison, the people familiar with the talks said. The parties can't strike a deal that includes Cosco until the exclusivity period ends.

      China has already directed state firms to freeze dealings with Hutchison over the sale of the ports to Western investors. 

      Related:

      WSJ's report is unlikely to sit well with the President, his advisors, or military planners, especially as the Pentagon's strategic pivot has focused on bolstering hemispheric defense—part of a broader effort to reclaim control of the Panama Canal from Chinese influence. After all, the last thing the U.S. needs is China meddling in the Gulf of America.

      And by the way...

      As for the Panama ports and the race for Western control—well, that appears to be at a deadlock. We suspect the port deal will be folded into trade negotiations between the U.S. and China.

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 12:45

      China Demands Its Shipping Giant Join Western-Led Panama Ports Deal

      Zero Hedge -

      China Demands Its Shipping Giant Join Western-Led Panama Ports Deal

      A new report from the Wall Street Journal suggests that President Trump may be growing concerned—or is already alarmed—by this new development: Beijing is now demanding that China's largest shipping company, Cosco, be included in the Western-investor deal to purchase ports from Hong Kong–based CK Hutchison.

      The future of CK Hutchison's deal to sell two Panama ports—the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals (40 other ports worldwide)—to a BlackRock-led consortium is becoming increasingly complex with Beijing pushing for Cosco to join the group of investors... 

      Here's more from the report:

      China is pushing for state-owned Cosco to be an equal partner and shareholder of the ports with BlackRock and Mediterranean Shipping Co., a containership operator, according to people familiar with the deal talks. BlackRock and MSC in March reached a preliminary agreement to buy the ports in a deal valued at nearly $23 billion.

      Now, BlackRock, MSC and Hutchison all are open to Cosco's taking a stake, the people familiar with the talks said.

      The parties aren't likely to reach a deal before a previously agreed upon July 27 end date for exclusive talks between BlackRock, MSC and Hutchison, the people familiar with the talks said. The parties can't strike a deal that includes Cosco until the exclusivity period ends.

      China has already directed state firms to freeze dealings with Hutchison over the sale of the ports to Western investors. 

      Related:

      WSJ's report is unlikely to sit well with the President, his advisors, or military planners, especially as the Pentagon's strategic pivot has focused on bolstering hemispheric defense—part of a broader effort to reclaim control of the Panama Canal from Chinese influence. After all, the last thing the U.S. needs is China meddling in the Gulf of America.

      And by the way...

      As for the Panama ports and the race for Western control—well, that appears to be at a deadlock. We suspect the port deal will be folded into trade negotiations between the U.S. and China.

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 12:45

      Study Finds Congress Often Out Of Sync With America

      Zero Hedge -

      Study Finds Congress Often Out Of Sync With America

      Authored by Adair Teuton via RealClearPolitics,

      In an era of deep political polarization, a new study indicates that many members of Congress may be out of step not just with the opposition party, but with their own voters as well.

      The study by the Institute for Legislative Analysis, a conservative group led by Republican Party activists Fred McGrath and Ryan McGowan, compares the ideological leanings of every sitting member of Congress with the partisan makeup of their districts, drawing on more than 100,000 votes cast in the last session and overlapping them with the Cook Political Report’s Partisan Voter Index. The result is a striking picture of ideological misalignment across both parties, particularly among Republicans from deep-red states.

      “It’s shocking to see that some Republican lawmakers are more aligned with the Democratic Party than with their own constituents,” said Fred McGrath, president of ILA and leader of this study.

      More than two-thirds of lawmakers received a failing grade (“F”) for ideological alignment with their districts. Republicans were most often penalized for voting less conservatively than their deep-red districts, while Democrats struggled to meet the progressive expectations of blue districts.

      “This study shows the overwhelming majority of elected officials in both parties are out of alignment with the people they represent,” said Ryan McGowan, CEO of the ILA. “Too many are either voting against the ideological tendencies of their constituents or failing to provide a clear alternative when representing swing districts.”

      District-Based Grading System

      The ILA introduced a District-Based Grading System to measure how well a lawmaker’s voting record aligns with their district’s ideological makeup. Districts are assigned an expected Limited Government Rating based on their partisan voter index, and lawmakers are graded on how closely their actual voting record matches that expectation.

      The study found that some of the most conservative states had Republican lawmakers voting more liberally than their districts. For example, South Dakota Republicans had the largest average gap, scoring 24.3 points more progressive than their voters. Rep. Hal Rogers, a Kentucky Republican, showed a 63% more progressive voting record than his district.  Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, by contrast, nearly perfectly matched her district’s ideological makeup with a +3 LGR that aligns with her district’s +3 voter index. Texas Democrats voted 3.4 points more conservatively than their district's preferences, the highest such gap among Democrats.

      “While one may expect the most conservative lawmakers in Congress to represent the deepest red states, the data proves this is simply not the case,” McGowan said.

      The study suggests that electoral dynamics in swing states like Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina push lawmakers to align more closely with their constituents.

      “Lawmakers in these states are under more scrutiny, which may explain their better alignment with their voters,” McGrath said.

      The study found the largest ideological gaps in fiscal and tax policy. Many GOP lawmakers in red states failed to vote in line with conservative fiscal priorities, despite their campaign promises. This misalignment is particularly noticeable in states like South Dakota, Arkansas, and Mississippi, which don’t receive the same level of electoral scrutiny as swing states.

      “Special interests and lobbying pressures may play a role, but the lack of consistent public scrutiny in these deep-red states is a key factor,” McGrath noted.

      Movement conservatives (and progressive activists alike) have long demanded fealty to the policy preferences of their own political “base.” But the ILA suggests that reaching political consensus – or even public policy compromise – would be more difficult if lawmakers adhered strictly to the desires of their respective bases.

      “I don’t know if all lawmakers voting completely in-line with their districts would necessarily drive greater ‘consensus,’” McGrath explained, “if by that you mean lawmakers of both parties agreeing with one another on policy.”

      McGrath highlighted that the study found the largest disconnect between lawmakers and their voters in deeply red states. “If these members of Congress voted based on the makeup and views of their constituents, then they would have taken more conservative stances on policy when casting their votes,” he said.

      He concluded that the data shows many Republicans are voting more progressively than their districts, suggesting that if proper alignment existed, Congress would likely see more conservative policies enacted.

      As the 2026 primaries approach, the ILA scorecards may become a powerful tool for challengers seeking to unseat incumbents who are seen as ideologically extreme or insufficiently aligned with their party. By offering a clearer view of how lawmakers’ votes align with their districts, the study provides voters with the information they need to assess whether their elected officials truly reflect their values.

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 12:25

      Study Finds Congress Often Out Of Sync With America

      Zero Hedge -

      Study Finds Congress Often Out Of Sync With America

      Authored by Adair Teuton via RealClearPolitics,

      In an era of deep political polarization, a new study indicates that many members of Congress may be out of step not just with the opposition party, but with their own voters as well.

      The study by the Institute for Legislative Analysis, a conservative group led by Republican Party activists Fred McGrath and Ryan McGowan, compares the ideological leanings of every sitting member of Congress with the partisan makeup of their districts, drawing on more than 100,000 votes cast in the last session and overlapping them with the Cook Political Report’s Partisan Voter Index. The result is a striking picture of ideological misalignment across both parties, particularly among Republicans from deep-red states.

      “It’s shocking to see that some Republican lawmakers are more aligned with the Democratic Party than with their own constituents,” said Fred McGrath, president of ILA and leader of this study.

      More than two-thirds of lawmakers received a failing grade (“F”) for ideological alignment with their districts. Republicans were most often penalized for voting less conservatively than their deep-red districts, while Democrats struggled to meet the progressive expectations of blue districts.

      “This study shows the overwhelming majority of elected officials in both parties are out of alignment with the people they represent,” said Ryan McGowan, CEO of the ILA. “Too many are either voting against the ideological tendencies of their constituents or failing to provide a clear alternative when representing swing districts.”

      District-Based Grading System

      The ILA introduced a District-Based Grading System to measure how well a lawmaker’s voting record aligns with their district’s ideological makeup. Districts are assigned an expected Limited Government Rating based on their partisan voter index, and lawmakers are graded on how closely their actual voting record matches that expectation.

      The study found that some of the most conservative states had Republican lawmakers voting more liberally than their districts. For example, South Dakota Republicans had the largest average gap, scoring 24.3 points more progressive than their voters. Rep. Hal Rogers, a Kentucky Republican, showed a 63% more progressive voting record than his district.  Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, by contrast, nearly perfectly matched her district’s ideological makeup with a +3 LGR that aligns with her district’s +3 voter index. Texas Democrats voted 3.4 points more conservatively than their district's preferences, the highest such gap among Democrats.

      “While one may expect the most conservative lawmakers in Congress to represent the deepest red states, the data proves this is simply not the case,” McGowan said.

      The study suggests that electoral dynamics in swing states like Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina push lawmakers to align more closely with their constituents.

      “Lawmakers in these states are under more scrutiny, which may explain their better alignment with their voters,” McGrath said.

      The study found the largest ideological gaps in fiscal and tax policy. Many GOP lawmakers in red states failed to vote in line with conservative fiscal priorities, despite their campaign promises. This misalignment is particularly noticeable in states like South Dakota, Arkansas, and Mississippi, which don’t receive the same level of electoral scrutiny as swing states.

      “Special interests and lobbying pressures may play a role, but the lack of consistent public scrutiny in these deep-red states is a key factor,” McGrath noted.

      Movement conservatives (and progressive activists alike) have long demanded fealty to the policy preferences of their own political “base.” But the ILA suggests that reaching political consensus – or even public policy compromise – would be more difficult if lawmakers adhered strictly to the desires of their respective bases.

      “I don’t know if all lawmakers voting completely in-line with their districts would necessarily drive greater ‘consensus,’” McGrath explained, “if by that you mean lawmakers of both parties agreeing with one another on policy.”

      McGrath highlighted that the study found the largest disconnect between lawmakers and their voters in deeply red states. “If these members of Congress voted based on the makeup and views of their constituents, then they would have taken more conservative stances on policy when casting their votes,” he said.

      He concluded that the data shows many Republicans are voting more progressively than their districts, suggesting that if proper alignment existed, Congress would likely see more conservative policies enacted.

      As the 2026 primaries approach, the ILA scorecards may become a powerful tool for challengers seeking to unseat incumbents who are seen as ideologically extreme or insufficiently aligned with their party. By offering a clearer view of how lawmakers’ votes align with their districts, the study provides voters with the information they need to assess whether their elected officials truly reflect their values.

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 12:25

      MAHA

      Angry Bear -

      Look, if they were serious about making America healthy, here is a short list of things Congress and the Administration can do: • restore and expand Medicaid benefits; • restore and expand SNAP; • eliminate the Medicare Advantage plans; • support and expand childhood vaccinations; • replace our current nightmare of private insurance with single-payer, […]

      The post MAHA appeared first on Angry Bear.

      Jill Biden Aid Pleads 5th: Refuses To Answer Questions On Autopen Scandal

      Zero Hedge -

      Jill Biden Aid Pleads 5th: Refuses To Answer Questions On Autopen Scandal

      With the recent shocking admission by Joe Biden that he did not personally approve at least some of his sweeping presidential pardons and that they were signed by autopen, millions of Americans are questioning how many decisions in the Biden White House were actually being made by his unelected wife, criminal son, along with a shadow government of bureaucrats and aids.  

      Emails indicate that then-White House chief of staff Jeff Zients approved the use of the notorious White House autopen.  Biden’s team used an autopen on 25 warrants for pardons and commutations in December and January of last year, but two of those warrants granted clemency to thousands of people.

      In a House Republican investigation on the autopen signatures and Joe Biden's mental state, a former senior aide to Jill Biden, Anthony Bernal, became the second person to invoke the Fifth Amendment and decline to answer questions.  

      Biden's pardons include his own family dating back to 2014 (coinciding with evidence that the Bidens may have received payoffs from foreign governments in exchange for political favors).  They also protect Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has long been implicated in illegal gain of function research on coronaviruses in Wuhan, China which critics assert may have led to the outbreak of covid pandemic.

      If the pardons were signed by aids using autopen and not by Biden, then there is a possibility they can be legally nullified.  Though proof would have to be provided that Biden was not specifically aware of certain autopen signatures.  Staff using the autopen to sign for a president without his knowledge or cognitive approval is potentially criminal, which is likely why aids are now pleading the 5th Amendment. 

      “Well, unfortunately, that was quick,” said Rep. James Comer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, after the deposition ended. “I believe the American people are concerned. They’re concerned that there were people making decisions in the White House that were not only unelected but no one to this day knows who they were.”

      Bernal ignored questions from reporters as he entered and exited the House Oversight Committee’s hearing room on Capitol Hill. He was accompanied by his lawyer, Jonathan Su, who was a deputy White House counsel to the former president. Su in a statement provided to the committee noted that pleading the Fifth is not evidence of wrongdoing.

      The Biden White House, operating around Biden's failing mental capacity, was rife with dishonesty and malicious political maneuvering.  Not to mention, the administration acted as a vehicle for some of the most egregious far-left activist policies the US has ever witnessed.  The country is still reeling from the disastrous four year term and answers remain in short supply.

      Comer has has sought testimony from nearly a dozen former Biden aides as he conducts his investigation, including former White House chiefs of staff Ron Klain and Jeff Zients; former senior advisers Mike Donilon and Anita Dunn; former deputy chief of staff Bruce Reed, former counselor to the president Steve Ricchetti, former deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini and a former assistant to the president, Ashley Williams. 

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 12:05

      Jill Biden Aid Pleads 5th: Refuses To Answer Questions On Autopen Scandal

      Zero Hedge -

      Jill Biden Aid Pleads 5th: Refuses To Answer Questions On Autopen Scandal

      With the recent shocking admission by Joe Biden that he did not personally approve at least some of his sweeping presidential pardons and that they were signed by autopen, millions of Americans are questioning how many decisions in the Biden White House were actually being made by his unelected wife, criminal son, along with a shadow government of bureaucrats and aids.  

      Emails indicate that then-White House chief of staff Jeff Zients approved the use of the notorious White House autopen.  Biden’s team used an autopen on 25 warrants for pardons and commutations in December and January of last year, but two of those warrants granted clemency to thousands of people.

      In a House Republican investigation on the autopen signatures and Joe Biden's mental state, a former senior aide to Jill Biden, Anthony Bernal, became the second person to invoke the Fifth Amendment and decline to answer questions.  

      Biden's pardons include his own family dating back to 2014 (coinciding with evidence that the Bidens may have received payoffs from foreign governments in exchange for political favors).  They also protect Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has long been implicated in illegal gain of function research on coronaviruses in Wuhan, China which critics assert may have led to the outbreak of covid pandemic.

      If the pardons were signed by aids using autopen and not by Biden, then there is a possibility they can be legally nullified.  Though proof would have to be provided that Biden was not specifically aware of certain autopen signatures.  Staff using the autopen to sign for a president without his knowledge or cognitive approval is potentially criminal, which is likely why aids are now pleading the 5th Amendment. 

      “Well, unfortunately, that was quick,” said Rep. James Comer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, after the deposition ended. “I believe the American people are concerned. They’re concerned that there were people making decisions in the White House that were not only unelected but no one to this day knows who they were.”

      Bernal ignored questions from reporters as he entered and exited the House Oversight Committee’s hearing room on Capitol Hill. He was accompanied by his lawyer, Jonathan Su, who was a deputy White House counsel to the former president. Su in a statement provided to the committee noted that pleading the Fifth is not evidence of wrongdoing.

      The Biden White House, operating around Biden's failing mental capacity, was rife with dishonesty and malicious political maneuvering.  Not to mention, the administration acted as a vehicle for some of the most egregious far-left activist policies the US has ever witnessed.  The country is still reeling from the disastrous four year term and answers remain in short supply.

      Comer has has sought testimony from nearly a dozen former Biden aides as he conducts his investigation, including former White House chiefs of staff Ron Klain and Jeff Zients; former senior advisers Mike Donilon and Anita Dunn; former deputy chief of staff Bruce Reed, former counselor to the president Steve Ricchetti, former deputy chief of staff Annie Tomasini and a former assistant to the president, Ashley Williams. 

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 12:05

      Natural Gas Is America's Strategic Advantage Fueling The AI Race

      Zero Hedge -

      Natural Gas Is America's Strategic Advantage Fueling The AI Race

      Authored by Karen Harbert via RealClearEnergy,

      Today, countries around the globe are in a new race for primacy of artificial intelligence (AI) that will define economic and technological competition in the 21st century. As global powers like China accelerate investments, America’s ability to lead hinges on its capability to rapidly scale compute capacity, a feat dependent on abundant and available energy. While many energy sources will play a role, there is one that can provide the reliability, flexibility, and scalability to keep America at the head of the race: natural gas.

      Advancing AI infrastructure means providing the energy to support exponential computational growth. From California to Texas to Virginia, data centers are popping up at an unprecedented rate, each requiring extensive power infrastructure. Goldman Sachs Research estimates data center power demand will grow by 160% by 2030.

      Without adequate energy infrastructure, America's AI ambitions risk being throttled. The race for AI primacy depends on our ability to scale our energy infrastructure to meet the growing demand while maintaining reliability, affordability and safety for data centers, for businesses and manufacturing and for our families.

      Of all the available energy sources in the U.S., natural gas is uniquely positioned to support the rapid demand growth required for America to lead the way in AI without jeopardizing reliability or affordability. With more than 2.8 million miles of pipeline networks, extensive storage systems, and abundant natural gas resources, the U.S. natural gas industry is strategically placed to serve as the backbone of a scalable energy system that can reliably meet surging energy demands.

      We currently have a front row seat to history with the opportunity to accelerate the buildout of the vast natural gas pipeline system to meet the increasing energy demands from data centers. Pipeline development projects help to ensure consistent and reliable energy delivery to new large demand centers and existing consumers.

      Every year, more than 21,000 businesses sign up to use natural gas for their manufacturing processes, heating needs, and operational tasks. Its cost-effectiveness is unmatched, with natural gas saving commercial and industrial customers more than half a trillion dollars over the last decade.

      Data centers value reliability of supply at a premium: 78% of surveyed data centers experienced power outages between 2017 and 2020, with unplanned downtime costing some facilities more than $100,000 per incident. Such losses of power risk corrupting data, halting critical services, and even melting down servers. With only one in 650 natural gas customers expected to experience a planned or unplanned natural gas outage in any given year, natural gas is a clear solution.

      Natural gas continues to drive clean energy in the power sector. Since 2005, natural gas has been responsible for 60% of the CO2 emission reductions in electricity generation. As the energy sector advances and innovates, natural gas will continue to play a vital role in driving sustainable progress.

      The partnership of natural gas and AI can position American business and manufacturing at the forefront of innovation. It can increase living standards and fuel economic growth in ways unseen since the Industrial Revolution. It will strengthen our national security and keep America as a production giant on the global stage.

      The innovative relationship between AI and natural gas also creates a virtuous cycle – while natural gas fuels AI, the technology itself provides vast opportunities to help make natural gas distribution smarter, more efficient and cleaner. Advanced AI can optimize energy exploration, enhance system repairs and improvements, and create a cleaner, more efficient and less costly natural gas system. Further innovation in renewable natural gas and hydrogen blending will also continue to advance a more efficient, lower-emissions energy system.

      The U.S. has always risen to the challenge of global competition through innovation, resilience and strategic investment. In the 1960s, it was about reaching the moon. Today, it’s about leading on artificial intelligence, maximizing our economic capabilities, and winning that race against competitors like China. According to a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, U.S. natural gas provides the critical competitive advantage that America can utilize to get ahead.

      Natural gas is the key to ensuring America wins in this race. Policymakers must recognize the critical intersection of energy and AI competitiveness. Accelerating the expansion and modernization of natural gas infrastructure is needed to keep pace with growing demand. Therefore, streamlined permitting reform is now vital to support American innovation. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce, but with natural gas fueling our advancement, America is well-equipped to cross the finish line first.

      Karen Harbert is President and CEO of the American Gas Association. 

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 11:45

      Natural Gas Is America's Strategic Advantage Fueling The AI Race

      Zero Hedge -

      Natural Gas Is America's Strategic Advantage Fueling The AI Race

      Authored by Karen Harbert via RealClearEnergy,

      Today, countries around the globe are in a new race for primacy of artificial intelligence (AI) that will define economic and technological competition in the 21st century. As global powers like China accelerate investments, America’s ability to lead hinges on its capability to rapidly scale compute capacity, a feat dependent on abundant and available energy. While many energy sources will play a role, there is one that can provide the reliability, flexibility, and scalability to keep America at the head of the race: natural gas.

      Advancing AI infrastructure means providing the energy to support exponential computational growth. From California to Texas to Virginia, data centers are popping up at an unprecedented rate, each requiring extensive power infrastructure. Goldman Sachs Research estimates data center power demand will grow by 160% by 2030.

      Without adequate energy infrastructure, America's AI ambitions risk being throttled. The race for AI primacy depends on our ability to scale our energy infrastructure to meet the growing demand while maintaining reliability, affordability and safety for data centers, for businesses and manufacturing and for our families.

      Of all the available energy sources in the U.S., natural gas is uniquely positioned to support the rapid demand growth required for America to lead the way in AI without jeopardizing reliability or affordability. With more than 2.8 million miles of pipeline networks, extensive storage systems, and abundant natural gas resources, the U.S. natural gas industry is strategically placed to serve as the backbone of a scalable energy system that can reliably meet surging energy demands.

      We currently have a front row seat to history with the opportunity to accelerate the buildout of the vast natural gas pipeline system to meet the increasing energy demands from data centers. Pipeline development projects help to ensure consistent and reliable energy delivery to new large demand centers and existing consumers.

      Every year, more than 21,000 businesses sign up to use natural gas for their manufacturing processes, heating needs, and operational tasks. Its cost-effectiveness is unmatched, with natural gas saving commercial and industrial customers more than half a trillion dollars over the last decade.

      Data centers value reliability of supply at a premium: 78% of surveyed data centers experienced power outages between 2017 and 2020, with unplanned downtime costing some facilities more than $100,000 per incident. Such losses of power risk corrupting data, halting critical services, and even melting down servers. With only one in 650 natural gas customers expected to experience a planned or unplanned natural gas outage in any given year, natural gas is a clear solution.

      Natural gas continues to drive clean energy in the power sector. Since 2005, natural gas has been responsible for 60% of the CO2 emission reductions in electricity generation. As the energy sector advances and innovates, natural gas will continue to play a vital role in driving sustainable progress.

      The partnership of natural gas and AI can position American business and manufacturing at the forefront of innovation. It can increase living standards and fuel economic growth in ways unseen since the Industrial Revolution. It will strengthen our national security and keep America as a production giant on the global stage.

      The innovative relationship between AI and natural gas also creates a virtuous cycle – while natural gas fuels AI, the technology itself provides vast opportunities to help make natural gas distribution smarter, more efficient and cleaner. Advanced AI can optimize energy exploration, enhance system repairs and improvements, and create a cleaner, more efficient and less costly natural gas system. Further innovation in renewable natural gas and hydrogen blending will also continue to advance a more efficient, lower-emissions energy system.

      The U.S. has always risen to the challenge of global competition through innovation, resilience and strategic investment. In the 1960s, it was about reaching the moon. Today, it’s about leading on artificial intelligence, maximizing our economic capabilities, and winning that race against competitors like China. According to a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, U.S. natural gas provides the critical competitive advantage that America can utilize to get ahead.

      Natural gas is the key to ensuring America wins in this race. Policymakers must recognize the critical intersection of energy and AI competitiveness. Accelerating the expansion and modernization of natural gas infrastructure is needed to keep pace with growing demand. Therefore, streamlined permitting reform is now vital to support American innovation. The stakes are high, and the competition is fierce, but with natural gas fueling our advancement, America is well-equipped to cross the finish line first.

      Karen Harbert is President and CEO of the American Gas Association. 

      Tyler Durden Thu, 07/17/2025 - 11:45

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