Bitcoin Could Act as Hedge Against Geopolitical UncertaintyMarket Talk

0736 GMT - Bitcoin stands to benefit as investors seek protection against losses stemming from geopolitical uncertainty, Zaye Capital Markets analyst Naeem Aslam says in a note. President Trump threatened sanctions on anyone who buys Iranian oil Thursday. His "aggressive foreign policy tone" adds a layer of uncertainty that could bolster bitcoin's appeal as a geopolitical hedge, Aslam says. Trump's inner circle is also embracing the cryptocurrency more publicly with Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. set to speak at the Bitcoin 2025 conference from May 27-29, he says. "Institutional appetite remains strong too: BlackRock bought $350 million in bitcoin, and Invesco's exchange traded fund saw $10.6 million in inflows just yesterday." Bitcoin rises 0.1% to $96,617 , according to LSEG.([email protected])0714 GMT - Global stocks rise on expectations of trade negotiations between the U.S. and China after China signalled a willingness to negotiate, IG analysts say in a note. "The prospect of easing trade tensions spurred gains across markets: S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures climbed, European stocks were poised for a strong open, and Asian equities surged," the analysts say. Focus is also on U.S. non-farm payrolls data set to be released at 1230 GMT, IG says. The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index rises 0.9% in early trade. ([email protected])