Financial News

Scott Pilgrim Ex, a spiritual sequel to the anime, gets a long-awaited release date

Scott Pilgrim Ex is set to launch on PC in early March. Bryan Lee O'Malley says it isn't a direct sequel to comics or anime, but close.

Zenith Bank Reports ₦2.5tn Gross Earnings in First Half of 2025, Signals Strong Growth Momentum

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its financial results for the first half (H1) of 2025, recording a remarkable surge in gross earnings to ₦2.5 trillion. The performance reaffirms the bank’s position as one of Nigeria’s most resilient and profitable financial institutions, despite a challenging macroeconomic environment and tightening global financial conditions. The new figures represent [...]Source from InfoStride News

MAN Warns FG’s Tax Stamp Plan Could Worsen Burden on Consumers

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised fresh concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed tax stamp policy, warning that the move could increase production costs, hurt local manufacturers, and ultimately shift the financial burden onto consumers. The association stressed that at a time when Nigerians are grappling with inflation, high energy costs, and dwindling [...]Source from InfoStride News

What’s Going On With The US Dollar And How Does It Affect Bitcoin, Ethereum Prices?

The Bitcoin and Ethereum prices rallied after reports of the US dollar crashing spread across the market. Recent data show that the US dollar has fallen to its lowest level in four years, raising concerns about the strength of the world’s dominant reserve currency. As the dollar weakens, market players are beginning to shift attention to alternative assets such as precious metals and digital currencies, including BTC, which is increasingly viewed as a potential hedge against rising inflation and currency depreciation. US Dollar Falls To Lows Not Seen In 4 Years New reports from Bloomberg highlight the relentless slide in the US dollar index (DXY) over recent weeks, with the price tumbling further after President Donald Trump’s comments on the currency’s performance. Sources reveal that Trump said the dollar is “doing great,” despite its ongoing downturn. Related Reading: Analyst Says Chainlink Price Could Crash 50% If This Level Fails Traders interpreted the President’s seemingly indifferent response to the declining dollar as a signal that the slide could continue, triggering further selling pressure. Data from the web-based stock market research platform Finviz shows that, as of writing, the US dollar index has crashed to 95.92 from a previous level near 100. This marks its weakest level in nearly four years, specifically since 2022. Additionally, Bloomberg reported that its Dollar Spot Index also recorded its lowest four-day decline since Trump announced new tariffs in April 2025. Traders in the $9.5 trillion per-day currency markets are also increasingly betting that the dollar could decline further, as US policy risks weigh on the world’s primary reserve currency. Amidst the decline in the US dollar index, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are posting gains. BTC’s price rose above $89,000, while Ethereum has climbed more than 3% to reach above $3,000, in the past 24 hours. This simultaneous rally in cryptocurrencies alongside the weakening US dollar suggests that investors may be shifting capital to risk-on assets. Market analyst ‘Master of Crypto’ recently outlined several reasons behind the continued decline in the weakening US dollar in a post on X. He explained that large budget deficits, the FED’s challenge of balancing inflation control with job market stability, steady bond supply, and FX hedging activities are keeping the US dollar near recent lows. According to him, in this type of market environment, holding idle cash becomes a significant risk for investors. Related Reading: Here’s How Much XRP Ripple Execs Have Dumped So Far Possible Implications For The Bitcoin And Ethereum Price Historically, periods of US dollar weakness have often coincided with rallies in Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies. When the dollar declines, investors sometimes seek alternative assets to preserve value. This can increase demand for Bitcoin and Ethereum, which are viewed by many as alternative stores of value and risk-on assets. While this correlation is not a clear indication of a potential cryptocurrency rally, analysts like ‘Milk Road Macro’ suggest that the declining dollar could help support a broader crypto market recovery. He said that as the dollar weakens, capital will flow into precious metals like gold and silver. Soon after, this same capital is expected to rotate into BTC, potentially fueling a price rebound. Featured image created with Dall.E, chart from Tradingview.com

AI will only replace journalists who refuse to learn – NUJ Chairman

Comrade Akeem Abas, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, says Artificial Intelligence (AI) can only replace journalists without updated digital skills. Abas said this in Ibadan onThe post AI will only replace journalists who refuse to learn – NUJ Chairman appeared first on The Nation Newspaper.

Stanbic IBTC Posts N173.4bn Profit on Robust Interest Income Growth

Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc has announced an impressive profit after tax of N173.4 billion for the first half of 2025, a performance that underscores the bank’s resilience in Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape. The results, filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), highlighted the Group’s ability to leverage its diversified operations, even amid macroeconomic pressures. The bank [...]Source from InfoStride News

Why 2026 tax season may be more stressful than last year

China lags behind US at AI frontier but could quickly catch up, say experts

Beijing’s AI policy is focused on real-life applications but Chinese companies are beginning to articulate their own grand visionsStanding on stage in the eastern China tech hub of Hangzhou, Alibaba’s normally media-shy CEO made an attention-grabbing announcement. “The world today is witnessing the dawn of an AI-driven intelligent revolution,” Eddie Wu told a developer conference in September. “Artificial general intelligence (AGI) will not only amplify human intelligence but also unlock human potential, paving the way for the arrival of artificial superintelligence (ASI).”ASI, Wu said, “could produce a generation of ‘super scientists’ and ‘full-stack super engineers’”, who would “tackle unsolved scientific and engineering problems at unimaginable speeds”. Continue reading...

Your Social Security and 401(k) are changing—here’s what AARP says matters

For millions of Americans approaching or enjoying retirement, 2026 brings a wave of financial adjustments that will reshape monthly budgets and long-term planning strategies. From Social Security payment increases to expanded retirement savings opportunities and a significant new tax break for seniors, AARP has identified several key changes that retirees and workers need to understand ... Read more

PenCom Moves to Expand Micro Pension Scheme Beyond 200,000 Enrollees

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has announced plans to redesign the Micro Pension Plan (MPP) to capture millions of Nigerians in the informal sector, as the number of registered contributors remains slightly above 200,000 despite the scheme being introduced more than five years ago. PenCom said the revamp would make the scheme more attractive [...]Source from InfoStride News

Trump Downplays Dollar Decline: Sees No Cause for Alarm

As the dollar plummets to its lowest in four years, former President Donald Trump remains unfazed by the currency's downturn....

Stocks Rally on AI Spending Optimism

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX ) (SPY ) today is up +0.28%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI ) (DIA ) is up +0.04%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX ) (QQQ ) is up +0.81%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26 ) are up +0.25%, and March E-mini Nasda...