A summary of the latest and greatest news from the last 2 weeks, including the Super Bowl Halftime Show, eToro's potential IPO and the soar in gold prices.
February 14, 2025
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Fold and Visa have partnered to launch a new credit card aimed at boosting Bitcoin adoption. This new credit card allows users to earn Bitcoin rewards on their purchases, making cryptocurrency more accessible to mainstream consumers. The partnership combines Visa’s payment infrastructure with Fold’s Bitcoin rewards platform.
eToro has confirmed a submission to the US Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed IPO. While specific details about share numbers and price ranges haven’t been disclosed, earlier reports suggested a potential $5 billion valuation with Goldman Sachs as lead manager, alongside Jefferies and UBS as co-managers.
Gold prices have reached new heights this month, breaking the $2,900 barrier with experts suggesting it could soon hit $3,000. The price surge has been particularly notable since 2024, with gold increasing by more than 82% over the past 5 years. The recent tech sector uncertainty, has contributed to investors seeking safe-haven assets like gold.
UK researchers discover installing solar panels could reduce energy bills by 24% for fuel-poor UK families. However, the high upfront cost of £6,500 for installation remains a huge barrier. Researchers are calling for the government to consider offering means-tested grants or loans to help poorer households access these benefits.
Nearly 95% of countries have missed the UN’s February 10th deadline to submit their 2035 climate pledges. Only 13 out of 195 Paris Agreement signatories have submitted their plans. The missing countries represent 83% of global emissions and about 80% of the world’s economy. This pattern of missed deadlines isn’t unusual though - during the last round in 2020, only 5 countries met the initial deadline.
Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of London’s first Roman basilica dating back 2,000 years under an office building. The site’s owner plans to make them accessible to the public, joining other Roman sites in London’s Square Mile that showcase the city’s ancient heritage.
Kendrick Lamar made history as the first solo rapper to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. The show, which reached over 120 million viewers, included elaborate staging and guest appearances from Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams and SZA.
A Welsh rugby fan named Rhodri Williams, has committed to running 1 mile for every point Wales loses by in the 2025 Six Nations. His challenge began with a grueling 43-mile ultra-marathon following Wales’ historic 41-0 loss to France in their opening match. The 33-year-old spent 10 hours and 15 minutes completing the run from Bristol to Bath and back, fueled by pasta, jacket potatoes, and cereal bars, with his wife joining him for support at mile 35.
The annual awards was a historic night dominated by Kendrick Lamar, who took home five awards including Record and Song of the Year and Best Rap Album. Beyoncé made history in country music, winning Album of the Year and Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter. Other major winners included Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars.
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