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Jun 30, 2023 • 4 min read

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Fidelity's Spot Bitcoin ETF:

Fidelity, the $4.2 trillion asset manager, has officially filed for a spot Bitcoin ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
This follows a similar move from the largest asset manager, BlackRock, and is seen as part of a larger trend of traditional finance companies entering the digital asset sector.
Fidelity's filing comes after its earlier unsuccessful attempt in 2022 to get SEC approval for a Bitcoin ETF. However, with some analysts predicting that BlackRock has up to a 50% chance of getting approval for their Bitcoin ETF, the same may be expected for Fidelity.
Fidelity has been involved in the digital asset industry since 2018 and oversees more than $11 trillion. The industry is now waiting to see how the SEC will respond to Fidelity's filing.

Recovered Spy Balloon:

U.S. authorities have confirmed that a Chinese spy balloon, which had been aloft for 8 days traversing Alaska, Canada, and several other U.S. states, was capable of data collection, including taking photographs and videos. After intercepting and shooting down the balloon, the debris was retrieved from the Atlantic Ocean for a thorough examination.
The findings, some of which were revealed this week, revealed that the balloon was festooned with solar panels to power its operations and was fitted with a propeller enabling it to either maneuver or remain stationary. The balloon incorporated a mix of U.S. and Chinese equipment, some of which was commonly available, while other parts were specialized.
Although the balloon was found to have captured photographs, videos, and radar data, there was no evidence to suggest that it had transmitted any of this data back to China.

Missing General?

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, led a failed rebellion in Russia, which was speculated to be backed by Gen. Sergei Surovikin, also known as General Armageddon. Surovikin, who has a reputation for harsh military tactics from his campaigns in Syria and Ukraine, has not been seen in public since the failed rebellion, stirring rumors about his whereabouts and status.
Prigozhin's rebellion saw the Wagner group capture the southern Russian city of Rostov and progress towards Moscow. The revolt was ultimately quelled when Prigozhin accepted a deal from Belarus' leader, Alexander Lukashenko, agreeing to retreat in exchange for safe passage to Belarus for himself and his troops.
While Prigozhin and his fighters have been pardoned, there's speculation that Surovikin and other military officials potentially linked to the rebellion are facing a crackdown. Reports suggest that Surovikin has either been arrested or is being held for questioning, but his family claims he is working as usual.
This event has raised fears of a broader purge within Russia's military and political establishments, similar to the crackdown in Turkey following the failed 2016 coup. Putin is expected to penalize anyone who did not show loyalty during the rebellion, particularly members of the ultranationalist bloc that has criticized the handling of the Ukraine invasion.

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