Weekly Smart Pills #84
Financial Markets
Cryptocurrency Market
Bitcoin traded within a narrow range between $109,200 and $111,400, ending the week around $110,300 (+0.6%). Ethereum remained steady between $2,500 and $2,570. Despite escalating geopolitical tensions stemming from Israeli air raids on Iran, Bitcoin saw modest inflows as some investors viewed it as a partial safe-haven asset—the cryptocurrency market capitalization stayed above $2.6 trillion.
Traditional Financial Markets
U.S. equity markets closed the week slightly higher. The S&P 500 remained above the 6,000-point threshold, supported by a better-than-expected employment report and progress in trade negotiations between the United States and China. The Nasdaq and Dow Jones also recorded modest gains. However, ongoing concerns regarding tariffs and central bank decisions kept volatility elevated. In Europe, both the DAX and FTSE 100 moved cautiously as investors awaited greater clarity on inflation and global trade conditions.
Economy and Regulation
Trump announced that the trade deal with China is "completed," including a 55% tariff on Chinese goods, immediate provision of rare earth materials, and easing of student visa restrictions. Both parties confirmed progress and a framework following the Geneva talks and a phone call between Trump and Xi on June 5. A 90-day suspension on certain measures was also announced, although China has not officially confirmed these specific terms.
The EU is challenging a clause in Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," which could impose a tax of up to 20% on foreign investors, labeling it as retaliation against digital and minimum taxes imposed by the EU on U.S. companies. The European Commission raised this issue in ongoing tariff discussions, although it remains unclear whether the U.S. has agreed to include it in the deal. This dispute occurs amid rising tensions, with the U.S. imposing substantial tariffs on European goods and the EU preparing countermeasures worth €115 billion.
Blockchain and Innovation
Although no significant regulatory or protocol updates occurred, blockchain activity remained stable. Platforms in crisis-hit regions experienced increased use, demonstrating the resilience of decentralized systems in contexts of geopolitical stress. This week highlighted blockchain's potential as flexible infrastructure during global crises.
Trends and Statistics
Highest-paying careers in Europe:
Germany: Corporate tax consultants lead with a median salary of €145,000, followed by general directors (€138,243) and labor-law specialists (€105,000).
France: Dentists top the list with a median salary of €95,000, followed by orthodontists (€78,750) and network architects (€72,361).
United Kingdom: Surprisingly, fashion models lead with €166,390, followed by medical consultants (€145,821) and radiologists (€137,566).
Netherlands: General directors earn €115,000, while roles in finance and technology—such as business controllers and software engineers—range between €56,500 and €80,000.
Future high-income sectors are anticipated in artificial intelligence/GenAI, cybersecurity, green energy, and biotechnology, with emerging roles including GenAI engineers and climate data analysts.
