BOCA RATON, FL, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DeFi Development Corp. (Nasdaq: DFDV) (“DeFi Dev Corp” or the “Company”), or formally known as Janover Inc. (Nasdaq: JNVR), the leading public-market vehicle for Solana (“SOL”) accumulation, today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a 7-for-1 forward stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares.
The stock split will result in each shareholder of record as of the close of business on May 19, 2025, receiving six additional shares for every one share held. The implementation of the stock split is subject to the filing of an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which the Company expects to file on May 19, 2025. Subject to final approval by the Nasdaq Capital Market, trading is expected to begin on a post-stock split adjusted basis at market open on May 20, 2025.
Following the split, the Company’s outstanding shares will increase from 2,011,887 to approximately 14,083,209. The Company’s authorized share capital will remain unchanged.
The stock split is intended to enhance liquidity in the market for DeFi Dev Corp.’s common stock and make the shares more accessible to a broader base of investors as the Company continues to execute its corporate treasury strategy centered on SOL accumulation and infrastructure ownership.
There will be no change to the Company’s name, CUSIP or its current trading symbol in connection with the stock split.
No action is required by shareholders in connection with the stock split. Shareholders who hold their shares through a brokerage account will have their shares automatically adjusted to reflect the stock split. Registered shareholders will receive their additional shares through the Company’s transfer agent.
About DeFi Development Corp.
DeFi Development Corp. (Nasdaq: DFDV) has adopted a treasury policy under which the principal holding in its treasury reserve on the balance sheet will be allocated to Solana (SOL). In adopting its new treasury policy, the Company intends to provide investors a way to access the Solana ecosystem. The Company’s treasury policy is expected to provide investors economic exposure to SOL investment.
We are an AI-powered online platform that connects the commercial real estate industry by providing data and software subscriptions as well as value-add services to multifamily and commercial property professionals as we connect the increasingly complex ecosystem that stakeholders have to manage.
We currently serve more than one million web users annually, including multifamily and commercial property owners and developers applying for billions of dollars of debt financing per year, professional service providers, and thousands of multifamily and commercial property lenders including more than 10% of the banks in America, credit unions, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), debt funds, Fannie Mae® and Freddie Mac® multifamily lenders, FHA multifamily lenders, commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) lenders, Small Business Administration (“SBA”) lenders, and more. Our data and software offerings are generally offered on a subscription basis as software as a service (“SaaS”).
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,”, “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: (i) fluctuations in the market price of SOL and any associated impairment charges that the Company may incur as a result of a decrease in the market price of SOL below the value at which the Company’s SOL are carried on its balance sheet; (ii) the effect of and uncertainties related the ongoing volatility in interest rates; (iii) our ability to achieve and maintain profitability in the future; (iv) the impact on our business of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment including changes in securities laws or other laws or regulations; (v) changes in the accounting treatment relating to the Company’s SOL holdings; (vi) our ability to respond to general economic conditions; (vii) our ability to manage our growth effectively and our expectations regarding the development and expansion of our business; (viii) our ability to access sources of capital, including debt financing and other sources of capital to finance operations and growth and (ix) other risks and uncertainties more fully in the section captioned “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports we file with the SEC. As a result of these matters, changes in facts, assumptions not being realized or other circumstances, the Company’s actual results may differ materially from the expected results discussed in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.
Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic is a weight loss supplement designed to help users shed unwanted fat, particularly around the belly area. With the growing demand for weight management solutions, many people are turning to natural supplements like Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic to assist with their goals. But does it really work?
In this comprehensive 2025 review, we will analyze customer feedback, explore its ingredients, highlight potential issues, and determine whether Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic is worth your investment.
Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic is a dietary supplement marketed as a natural way to burn belly fat, enhance metabolism, and support overall weight loss. It claims to provide: A natural fat-burning boost Improved metabolism and energy levels Reduced belly fat Support for digestion and gut health
The product is marketed as: 100% natural and non-GMO Free from harmful additives or stimulants Easy to use with no reported side effects
Key Ingredients in Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic
Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic contains a combination of natural ingredients that are believed to promote fat burning and improve metabolism. Some of the key ingredients include:
Turmeric Root Extract: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is believed to help reduce fat and improve metabolism. Ginger Root: A powerful antioxidant that can help with digestion and reduce bloating, while also supporting fat burning. Green Tea Extract: Rich in antioxidants, green tea can help speed up metabolism and burn fat. Cinnamon Bark: Often used to regulate blood sugar and boost metabolism. Garcinia Cambogia: A tropical fruit extract that is believed to reduce appetite and prevent fat storage. Black Pepper Extract (Piperine): Known to enhance nutrient absorption and boost metabolism. Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic Customer Reviews:
What Are People Saying?
Customer reviews for Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic are largely positive, with many users reporting weight loss, reduced belly fat, and improved digestion. However, some users express concerns about the product’s effectiveness and the time it takes to see results.
Positive Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic Reviews Anna B. (Verified Customer, 5/5 stars) “Sumatra Slim has been a great addition to my weight loss journey. I’ve been using it for about 3 weeks, and I’ve already lost 5 pounds. My stomach is flatter, and I feel more energetic throughout the day!” Carlos M. (Verified Customer, 4/5 stars) “I’ve tried several fat-burning supplements, but Sumatra Slim is the first one that really worked for me. I’ve lost a few inches around my waist, and my cravings have decreased. It’s not a miracle, but I’m definitely seeing results.” Jessica P. (Verified Customer, 5/5 stars) “I’ve been struggling with belly fat for years, and this tonic has helped me reduce it significantly. My metabolism feels faster, and I’m not as bloated anymore. I highly recommend it!”
Mixed & Negative Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic Reviews Emily L. (Verified Customer, 3/5 stars) “I’ve been using Sumatra Slim for a month, but I haven’t seen drastic changes. My appetite has decreased, but I’m not seeing the belly fat melting away as quickly as I hoped.” Mark S. (Verified Customer, 2/5 stars) “I didn’t feel much of a difference with this product. I’ve been following a healthy diet and exercise routine, but I didn’t notice any extra fat loss with Sumatra Slim. It just didn’t work for me.” Sophia G. (Verified Customer, 1/5 stars) “I didn’t lose any weight at all, and the taste was unpleasant. I’m really disappointed with this product as I was hoping it would help me with my belly fat.”
Common Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic Complaints
While the majority of users report positive experiences, there are a few common complaints: Results Vary Some customers report significant fat loss, while others see little to no change. This suggests that Sumatra Slim may work better for some individuals than others. Slow Results Several users mention that it took several weeks before noticing any improvements. This can be frustrating for those hoping for quicker results. Taste and Texture A few users noted that the taste of the tonic was not pleasant. While taste is subjective, it’s worth considering if you’re sensitive to the flavor. Not a Quick Fix Some customers expected instant results but found that the product worked best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Does Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic Really Work?
The effectiveness of Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic depends on a variety of factors, including diet, exercise, and individual metabolism. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons based on customer feedback and scientific analysis:
✅ Pros: Contains natural ingredients with fat-burning properties Many users report reduced belly fat and increased energy levels Supports metabolism and digestion Easy to incorporate into daily routine 60-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind
❌ Cons: Results vary significantly from person to person May take several weeks to see noticeable changes Taste and texture may not be pleasant for some Requires a healthy diet and exercise for optimal results
Scientific Evidence: Does Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic’s Formula Have Merit?
Several of the ingredients in Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic are supported by scientific research: Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in fat loss. Green Tea Extract: Rich in catechins like EGCG, which has been shown to increase metabolism and promote fat burning. Ginger: Known to support digestion and reduce bloating, as well as enhance fat burning. Cinnamon: Can help regulate blood sugar levels, which may prevent fat storage. Garcinia Cambogia: Some studies suggest it may reduce appetite and prevent fat accumulation, though results vary.
However, while these ingredients show promise, there is limited direct evidence proving the overall effectiveness of Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic specifically for weight loss.
Who Should Try Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic?
Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic may be a good option for individuals who: Are looking for a natural supplement to support weight loss and metabolism Want to target belly fat and improve overall energy levels Are committed to maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine Are patient and willing to give the product several weeks to work
It may not be ideal for those who: Expect instant results or a quick fix Have severe weight loss goals and need medical intervention Are sensitive to the taste or texture of the tonic
The price of Bitcoin BTCUSD has risen by 3.28% since yesterday.TradingView”>
On the hourly chart, the rate of BTC is in the middle of the local channel, between the support of $96,226 and the resistance of $97,717.
As most of the daily ATR has been passed, there are low chances to expect sharp moves by tomorrow.TradingView”>
On the bigger time frame, the situation is bullish. The price is about to break the resistance of $97,470. If it happens and the bar closes above that mark and with no long wick, the rise may continue to the $98,000 mark.TradingView”>
From the midterm point of view, traders should focus on the $98,871 level. If the weekly candle closes above it, the accumulated energy might be enough for a test of the $100,000 range.
After reaching record highs in early 2022, the market dropped dramatically and landed with an annual revenue near $2.5 billion.
But the market showed signs of recovery in 2023. NFT trading volume hit $946 million in January 2023, the highest volume since June 2022 and a large increase over the final three months of 2022.
However, NFT is off to a disappointing start in 2025 when it went down 24% from $901 million compared to December 2024.
What lies ahead in this space? Take a look at our list of the five biggest trends in the NFT space and see what’s expected to change in the next 12-18 months.
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1. Major Companies Affirm Their Commitment to NFTs
Although NFT trading is dramatically down from its high in January 2022, several major companies still see potential in the market and have recently announced new NFT strategies.
Search interest in Amazon NFTs increased dramatically in 2022.
The focus is on fashion NFTs linked to real-world products and blockchain-based gaming.
In addition, the marketplace doesn’t require a crypto wallet — customers can simply pay with a credit or debit card. Amazon hopes this will draw more non-tech people into the marketplace.
The company already has a Web3 integration that businesses can use in order to deploy smart contracts and manage blockchain data.
Salesforce gives businesses a ready-to-go platform for launching NFT loyalty programs.
The NFT portion of this will enable companies to create tokens and monitor performance through the Salesforce platform.
The new feature has already been tested with customer-facing corporations like Mattel and Crown Royal.
Starbucks is already seeing successful results from its late 2022 NFT launch, branded Starbucks Odyssey.
The NFT program is a Web3-oriented reboot of the coffee chain’s loyalty program.
Customers log in as usual, but now, they’re able to go on “journeys,” like playing games or signing up for challenges. As they complete journeys, they earn “journey stamps” (NFTs). These stamps unlock benefits for the customers.
The first direct-purchase NFTs from Starbucks were released under The Siren Collection.
The NFTs are now being sold on the secondary market for nearly $2,000 apiece.
The blockchain technology on the Salesforce and Starbucks platforms is powered by Polygon, a $20-billion tech company that provides Ethereum scaling.
Search interest in Polygon Technology is up 83% over the past 5 years.
2. Consumers Look to Rare and Tangible NFTs for Long-term Value
Like other collectibles, a NFT has value because a community of people believe it has value.
With the recent downturn of the crypto market, however, many have taken notice that the value of NFTs can be quite unstable.
Still, some are betting on long-term value and purchasing certain NFTs with the hopes that they will deliver financial gains over time.
Scarcity is a critical factor in determining the long-term value of an NFT.
Rare NFTs are inherently more valuable than others.
For example, Moonbirds launched an NFT collection in April 2022 that featured 10,000 digital owls. The project was led by internet entrepreneur Kevin Rose.
Search volume spiked in 2022 when Moonbirds released NFTs.
The first 2,000 NFTs were reserved for members of Proof Collective, a private group of NFT collectors and artists.
The remaining owls were released via a raffle, which required individuals to have at least 2.5 ETH already in their wallets.
The sale of these NFTs netted Moonbirds about $60 million and the secondary sales had already totaled $300 million just a few days after the launch.
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Among the NFTs was Moonbird #668, the rarest Moonbird of them all.
It’s a glitch NFT with the feather trait, two features that make it truly one-of-a-kind in this sought-after collection.
The NFT originally sold for $7,239.
Moonbird #668 is one of only six to have a glitch red background.
Tangibility and long-term utility are two other qualities that underpin the value of an NFT.
In essence, the NFT is more valuable if it provides access to something desirable in the real world.
These are aptly called utility NFTs.
Search volume for “utility NFT” is up more than 75%.
Many companies are granting NFT holders access to private events or limited-release products.
Cocky NFTs connect people to exclusive concert events.
The Cocky NFT takes the form of a soda can. The lid color designates VIP status.
The company plans to release 10,000 NFTs that will take the form of uniquely designed soda cans.
The more events NFT holders attend, the more unique (and valuable) they can become. This increases the rarity, and thus the value, of the NFT.
Cocky is also setting up a second-hand NFT marketplace on their site in order to drive demand.
The pre-mint sale began in September 2022 and the first event took place in 2023.
Cuvée Collective is applying a very similar business model in selling NFTs to wine lovers.
The Collector NFTs provide holders with access to concierge services, a Sommelier hotline, exclusive wines, events, and giveaways.
They also offer NFTs dedicated to specific partner wineries. These NFTs come with access to exclusive tasting events and tours.
Some NFTs provide access to real-life events like wine tastings and tours.
3. AI NFTs on the Rise
The market is counting on AI to inject a much-needed impetus to the NFT market.
In the past few years, searches for “AI NFT” have surged into popularity, a trend that’s unlikely to vanish any time soon.
In 2025, the AI NFT trends looks well on its way to recover from its decline in 2024.
Search interest for “ai nft” is picking up again in 2025
The 0G Lab announced a new ERC-7857 standard for intelligent NFTs (iNFTs) in January 2025.
If widely adopted, ERC-7857 could significantly impact AI ownership and decentralized technology.
Key features of the ERC-7857 standard for iNFTs
That’s because ERC-7857 allows for secure transfer of AI agents, re-encrypting sensitive data for the new owner (0G Labs).
This means we might see new AI marketplaces emerge that give reators more control over earnings.
Besides, more and more AI NFT generator websites have started surfacing on the web.
SERP Analysis data from Semrush for the keyword ‘ai nft generator’ displays mixed results with both strong and weak domains ranking.
SERP Overview for “ai nft generator”
It’s a clear indication that this space is still emerging and there’s room for more players to join this space to compete for dominance.
Websites that offer strong AI NFT generators would likely have a clear advantage to establish their authority in this emerging niche.
4. Real Estate Industry Uses NFTs to Cut Out Middlemen
Some companies are investing in transformational new ways to use NFTs in business.
The blockchain technology behind NFTs makes them ideal for certain business operations that are inefficient or document-heavy.
NFTs can be used in various ways in the real estate industry.
NFTs make real estate transactions faster and easier. A process that usually takes months can now be completed almost instantaneously.
And, selling via NFT is much more cost-effective.
Nearly 10% of a property’s price goes to the actual cost of selling it. This includes document fees, processing fees, recording fees, and more.
With NFTs, most of these processes and fees are automated via blockchain.
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There’s also more transparency when using NFTs.
Potential buyers or investors can see a wealth of information on the blockchain: previous owners, pricing history, tax records, legal disputes, and other useful details.
Propy is one startup that’s built its brand on automating real estate sales using NFTs and cryptocurrency.
Propy enables homeowners to buy or sell a home with just a few clicks.
Since launching in 2016, the company has brought in $5 billion in property transactions and raised nearly $17 million in VC funds.
Even though it is currently possible to sell a full home as an NFT, the most popular way NFTs are being used in real estate today is through fractionalization.
Consumers are essentially buying shares in a piece of real estate.
Search volume for “fractional ownership” is up 50%.
Holders can receive financial benefits from that NFT when they sell it, or they may also earn rental income or profit splits from the property.
Metropoly is an example of a company facilitating the sale of fractionalized tokens in the real estate industry.
Metropoly offers fractionalized ownership of real estate via NFTs. In total, $19 million has been paid out to users so far.
Individuals can purchase a share in a property for as little as $100. The NFTs can also be bought and sold on their marketplace.
5. Soulbound Tokens Present a Different Type of NFT
These NFTs are given to people who’ve attended a certain event like a concert or a conference. They’re mostly used in loyalty and rewards programs.
They are stored in an individual’s crypto wallet but, as of now, they’re still transferable.
SBTs could add a layer of security to POAP and potentially eliminate ticket scalping and forging.
Overall, this branch of NFTs is still in its infancy. However, Binance launched the first SBT in August 2022. It’s called the Binance Account Bond (BAB).
The BAB token is the first-ever SBT on Binance.
This token verifies that a user has passed through Binance’s know-your-customer protocol.
6. Regulation and Legal Battles Increase
Because NFTs are a fairly new phenomenon, regulations, and legal repercussions have been lagging behind the market.
But with a host of million-dollar transactions, the NFT market couldn’t stay under the radar for long.
The Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulators are now attempting to catch fraud and reign in the industry.
In mid-2022 the DOJ indicted Nathaniel Chastain, a former employee of OpenSea, on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. They argue he was participating in insider trading with NFTs.
Search volume for “OpenSea” spiked in recent months.
Six individuals involved in a massive NFT scheme were also arrested in mid-2022.
The group named Baller Ape Club claimed to sell NFTs but then disappeared, deleted their website, and took the $2.6 million they had collected from the mint and laundered it through several types of cryptocurrencies.
Aside from catching criminal activity, regulators are attempting to properly classify NFTs as securities, commodities, or something else entirely.
The SEC recently began investigating Yuga Labs (creator of Bored Ape Yacht Club) in order to determine if their NFTs should be treated as securities or not. But the company hasn’t been accused of wrongdoing.
The SEC began investigating Yuga Labs in late 2022.
Cryptocurrency is considered a commodity by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, so it follows that NFTs might be treated the same.
But some NFTs are also providing an expectation of financial profit, which makes them securities.
Fractional NFTs could even be legally treated as investment contracts.
Another major issue with the regulation of NFTs is copyright and the principle of digital-first sales.
As of now, the secondary market for NFTs is technically illegal because of copyright law.
That’s because of the first-sale doctrine, which states that an individual can sell their own property even if it contains copyrighted material. However, an individual cannot sell copyrighted material in a digital format.
The law is read this way because the US Copyright Office has no method to ensure that the file is deleted once it’s sold and transferred. There could be countless copies of a copyrighted digital product.
1/6 🚨 That cool NFT you bought on @opensea was an illegal transfer (without prior agreement) due to a loophole in copyright law: there is no “digital first sale” doctrine. So NFT creators could legally claw back secondary sales, under current law, leaving you with nothing 🤷🏻♂️
This doesn’t apply to NFTs because blockchain prevents the reproduction of an NFT, but the law still stands as-is.
Regulation gets even more complicated when considering who actually owns the copyright and has a claim to the intellectual property of an NFT.
And, the NFT is never really protected under the law unless the creator goes through the official legal process of copyrighting it.
When it comes to the large majority of NFT sales, details regarding these legal implications are murky at best and difficult for the average consumer to understand.
Lastly, there’s the issue of royalties.
Search volume for “NFT royalties” spiked in 2022.
Creators do have the ability to create smart contracts that ensure royalties on the NFTs they sell.
The royalty is usually between 2.5% and 10% of the NFT price.
However, the name “contract” is a bit of a misnomer. These contracts are not enforceable by law.
And, in the face of a bear market, some marketplaces have made royalties optional in an effort to attract more customers.
These platforms, like Magic Eden, X2Y2, and LooksRare, give buyers the option to honor the smart contract or not.
That wraps up our list of five of the top NFT trends for 2025.
The market may be down overall, but new developments and investments by major companies may be enough to keep interest going in the months to come. That’s certainly true for the real estate industry and others who are looking to capitalize on new use cases for NFTs and blockchain technology.
In addition, this market slowdown may be good news for regulators who hope to gain some breathing room in sorting out criminal activity and legal issues surrounding NFTs.
The rally from the April swing low at $2.86 faced a potentially significant resistance zone around Monday’s high at $3.66. There is a range marked by several indicators from $3.72 to $3.74. However, the 50-Day MA has been falling and is now at $3.76, close enough to the initial range to be included. It also offers more useful price levels. The next major hurdle for the bull trend is a daily close above the 50-Day line. Until that happens the expectation is for resistance to continue to be seen up to the 50-Day MA.
Several Indicators Mark Resistance Zone
There is the confluence of several indicators identifying the resistance zone. The range begins with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement at $3.72. There is then the neckline for a recent head and shoulders topping pattern at $3.74. That price level was confirmed twice as swing lows of the pattern formed in March. Therefore, the neckline has some significance even before the head and shoulders formation is incorporated into the analysis. But there is also an AVWAP level around $3.74. It is anchored on the recent peak.
May Respond to Rise Above $3.76
Since there a several price levels identified close together, an upside breakout through the top of the range would be bullish of course, but more so given the significance of the resistance zone. Furthermore, if it occurred prior to a deeper pullback below $3.42, the bullish implications would strengthen further.
For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.
GBP/USD pauses rally as traders eye Fed, BoE’s decisions
The Pound Sterling (GBP) retreated after posting back-to-back days of gains versus the US Dollar (USD). Still, positive news related to a possible de-escalation of the China-US tensions lent a lifeline to the Greenback, which remains firm in early trading. At the time of writing, GBP/USD trades at 1.3360, virtually unchanged.Read More…
Pound Sterling trades cautiously against USD, Fed-BoE policy decision looms large
The Pound Sterling (GBP) trades cautiously to near 1.3370 against the US Dollar (USD) during North American trading hours on Wednesday. The GBP/USD pair faces slight pressure, while the USD consolidates ahead of the Federal Reserve (Fed) monetary policy announcement at 18:00 GMT, in which the central bank is almost certain to keep interest rates steady in the current range of 4.25-4.50%. Read More…
GBP/USD Price Forecast: Slides to mid-1.3300s amid some USD buying ahead of Fed decision
The GBP/USD pair attracts some sellers during the Asian session on Wednesday and erodes a part of its weekly gains registered over the past two days, to the 1.3400 mark. The intraday slide is sponsored by a modest US Dollar (USD) strength and drags spot prices below mid-1.3300s in the last hour. Read More…
Ascent Clear Whey Protein Isolate from the US-based brand has been updated with two new flavors arriving at Whole Foods Market that will work well for consumers seeking out a way to increase their protein intake this summer.
The supplement now comes in the Orange Mango and Pineapple Coconut flavors, which each have 20-grams of protein with no artificial sweeteners or flavors in the mix. These flavors will work well for consumers seeking out an alternative to creamy protein supplements, while the brand is also debuting the Mint Chocolate Chip whey protein as a classic flavor experience.
General Manager BT Nasular spoke on the Ascent Clear Whey Protein Isolate products saying, “Our partnership with Whole Foods Market has played a significant role in helping us reach athletes and everyday health and fitness enthusiasts across the country. Adding three new products to the shelves is a nod to the success we’ve seen together and our shared dedication to providing clean, effective nutrition products.”
Goldman Sachs on Wednesday hiked its quarterly copper price forecast, citing de-escalation in trade tensions and resilient Chinese copper demand that will likely continue to support prices in the coming months.
“We upgrade our 2Q/3Q price forecast to $9,330/$9,150/t from $8,620/$8,370 previously,” the bank said in a note.
High U.S. copper imports are expected to draw down stocks outside the U.S. for the remainder of the second quarter, tightening the London Metal Exchange’s forward spreads and discouraging new speculative short positions, the bank said.
Goldman Sachs said China’s copper demand has stayed firm in 2025, mostly because of strong exports. As exports start to weaken, the bank expects demand to stay solid in the second quarter, but slow down in the third.
The bank’s baseline forecast is for a significant slowdown in global copper demand in the second half of the year, with an imminent decision on U.S. Section 232 tariffs.
Using the 232 provision, U.S. President Donald Trump in February ordered a probe into possible tariffs on copper imports to rebuild U.S. production of the metal.
However, if the decision is delayed to late 2025, it could keep copper trade flows disrupted and cause a supply crunch outside the U.S. in the second half, especially in China, the bank said.
In the longer term, the bank says the copper market will move into a supply deficit in 2026, driven by strong demand from electrification-related sectors and limited growth in mining.
This should push prices from an expected low of $9,000 a ton in October 2025 to more than $10,500 a ton by the end of 2026, it added.
Benchmark three-month copper HG1! on the LME was trading at $9,438 a metric ton at 1347 GMT, after hitting $9,582, its highest since April 3, in early Asian trading hours.
The Pound to Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate spiked to 1-month highs at 1.1815 after the initial failure before a retreat to just below 1.1750 as markets also focus on the Bank of England policy decision.
German CDU leader Merz failed to be elected as Chancellor in the first Bundestag vote on Tuesday, but did secure a win in the second ballot.
According to ING; “We think EUR/GBP may stabilise around 0.850 for now (1.1765 for GBP/EUR) as a well-telegraphed BoE cut should not trigger major moves.”
CitiGroup, however, expects GBP/EUR losses; “Current levels offer good risk/reward for EURGBP longs, where technicals look bullish and the pair has lagged relative ECB-BoE pricing.”
It sees scope for GBP/EUR losses towards 1.1500.
The German coalition was able to amend procedures and Merz was confirmed in a second ballot with 325 votes, above the threshold of 316.
The vote provided initial Euro relief, but there are concerns that the initial rejection is an indicator of wider difficulties
According to ING, events; “are a painful reminder that it will be hard for the incoming government to fulfil the high expectations regarding investments and reforms. It seems that not everyone in the coalition parties has fully understood the sense of urgency towards the necessity of a functioning government.
It added; “Friedrich Merz and his government now face the monumental challenge of restoring economic strength while keeping everyone in their own parties aligned.”
Commerzbank also expressed concerns; “scepticism is appropriate with regard to the large fiscal package that the new government is planning and therefore also with regard to the euro.”
As far as the UK is concerned, trade remains a key influence.
ING noted that a UK-India trade deal was announced on Tuesday and there is speculation that a US-UK deal could be reached this week.
According to the bank; “It’s unclear whether London will be able to negotiate away the 10% baseline US tariffs, but it might be able to secure reductions in the 25% tariff rate on the car and steel sectors.”
ING also notes the importance of UK-EU relations; “Additionally, we’re still focusing on the 19 May UK-EU summit – the first since Brexit. Warming relations with the EU typically sees sterling rally.”
The Pound has been hampered by expectations of a dovish Bank of England (BoE) policy statement on Thursday.
A 25 basis-point rate cut has been fully priced in, but there is the potential for dovish elements with the US tariffs a key factor for the BoE.
Commerzbank commented; “The BoE may lower its growth and inflation forecasts, while at the same time, as in February, there might be two dissenting votes for a larger move.”
BoE forecasts and guidance will be a key element.
Commerzbank added; “If the BoE does indeed remove the reference to gradual rate cuts from its statement, this would increase the scope for faster (and larger) rate cuts than previously expected – taking away one of the pound’s few remaining supporting arguments.”
According to Citi; “GBP remains vulnerable to a pullback in equities, UK fiscal developments, spillovers from US term-premium concerns, and a dovish pivot from the BoE. While this week’s meeting is unlikely to offer that pivot, Citi Economics maintains the BoE will have to accelerate the pace of cuts in 2H25.”
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A new coffee shop just opened in Olde Towne East, inside 700 Bryden Rd., focusing on Vietnamese iced lattes and specialty drinks. Vongdara’s is named after the owner’s mother, “who carried our family on her back fueled by Vietnamese iced coffees,” said the coffee shop’s Instagram.
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They’re open inside of the lobby at 700 Bryden Tuesday through Friday, 9am-2:30pm, and Saturdays 10:30-2:30pm. Their current menu offers drip coffee, hot teas, cold brew, iced chai, Thai iced tea, iced ube lattes, lychee green tea fizz, pandan green milk tea, and Vietnamese iced coffee.
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