Weekly Smart Pills #86
Financial Markets
Cryptocurrency Market
Bitcoin fell by approximately 2.2%, ending the day near $105,417. Ethereum declined by around 8.5% (compared to the estimated monthly average), closing at about $2,199. These drops reflect investor caution amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Despite the dip, overall interest in crypto assets remains strong, with trading volumes and market capitalization still elevated.
Traditional Financial Markets
Global equity markets remained volatile. On July 1st, U.S. indices closed lower: the S&P 500 lost 0.11%, the Dow Jones fell by 0.2%, while the Nasdaq ended flat. The drop followed reports that Iranian missile strikes had caused no U.S. casualties. Meanwhile, oil prices fell below $70 per barrel, and investors shifted toward safe-haven assets like gold (at $3,337/oz) and U.S. Treasuries.
Economy & Regulation
UK car exports to the United States dropped by over 55% in May due to the 25% tariffs imposed by Trump, severely impacting luxury brands like Jaguar Land Rover. The tariffs were later reduced to 10% for up to 100,000 vehicles per year, offering limited relief. Overall, UK automotive production fell by 33% in May, marking the worst May not related to COVID since 1949. The sector is struggling due to high energy costs, weak demand for electric vehicles, and declining exports to the EU. However, trade deals and government support provide cautious optimism for recovery.
France and Germany are at odds over how to handle trade talks between the EU and the U.S.: Germany is pushing for a swift agreement, while France insists it should not come at any cost. Both countries fear steep U.S. tariffs, up to 50%, set to take effect on July 9. The EU’s offer of zero tariffs was likely rejected, as the U.S. now sees tariffs as a source of revenue. Negotiations are intensifying, but a comprehensive deal before the deadline appears unlikely; the most optimistic scenario is a basic framework agreement. Key sectors in focus include automotive, steel, and energy.
Blockchain & Innovation
No major protocol launches occurred this week, but there were notable regulatory developments. Coinbase submitted a request to the SEC to offer tokenized stocks, highlighting growing institutional interest in blockchain-based financial instruments. Meanwhile, the SEC concluded its Crypto Task Force roundtables, aiming to define the regulatory path for digital assets.
Trends & Statistics
GenAI Job Postings Across Europe:
GenAI-related job postings in Ireland rose by 204% year-over-year, reaching 0.7% of all listings by March 2025.
The UK (0.33%), Germany (0.23%), and France (0.21%) also saw increases above 90% in GenAI-related roles.
In Ireland, 14.7% of math jobs mention GenAI; followed by software development (4.9%) and media (3.9%).
According to an Indeed-WEF study, 69% of the 2,800 work-related skills are unlikely to be replaced by GenAI.
GenAI roles are growing rapidly, but human intelligence, especially sensory and emotional skills, remains essential.
