Wu Says Daily Selected Crypto News - US Initial Jobless Claims for the Week Ending May 24: 240 Thousand, Expected 230 Thousand
Powered by ChatGPT1. US Initial Jobless Claims at 240 Thousand for the Week Ending May 24, Expected 230 Thousand
US initial jobless claims for the week ending May 24 stood at 240 thousand, compared to an expectation of 230 thousand. The previous figure was revised down from 227 thousand to 226 thousand. The US first quarter real GDP annualized quarterly growth rate was revised to -0.2%, with an expectation of -0.30% and a prior value of -0.30%.
2. US Vice President JD Vance: Number of Bitcoin Holders in the US May Reach 100 Million
At the Bitcoin 2025 conference held in Las Vegas, US Vice President JD Vance delivered a speech emphasizing the growing importance of Bitcoin and digital assets in the US economy and policy. He noted that the development of artificial intelligence will profoundly impact Bitcoin's future in both positive and negative ways and stated that Bitcoin can play a role in the national economic strategy. Vance supports the GENIUS Act, believing the bill could promote the use of stablecoins in digital payments while enhancing market transparency and protecting user rights. He also reiterated that the current administration is committed to abolishing the previous government's unfavorable policies toward the crypto industry, and described cryptocurrencies as a hedge against inflation and fiscal policy errors. Currently, about 50 million Americans hold Bitcoin, with expectations for the number to grow to 100 million. Vance stated that he personally holds a significant amount of Bitcoin.
3. Data: US Government Holds Approximately $20.40 Billion in Bitcoin and $493 Million in Other Digital Assets
In March, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing the Treasury Department to establish a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve" and an "American Digital Asset Reserve," incorporating cryptocurrencies seized through criminal or civil proceedings into these reserves, estimated to be worth over $21 billion. According to Chainalysis analysis, as of May 28, the US government holds about $20.40 billion in Bitcoin and $493 million in other digital assets, mainly originating from criminal activities.
4. Circle Freezes Libra Scandal-Related Addresses, Locking 57.65 Million USDC
Stablecoin issuer Circle has frozen two wallet addresses related to the Solana-based Libra meme coin team, involving approximately 57.65 million USDC. This freeze is connected to a political scandal triggered by Argentine President Javier Milei’s promotion of the Libra coin. The freeze was ordered by a temporary restraining order issued by the US District Court for the Southern District of New York at the request of Burwick Law. The related litigation hearing is scheduled for June 9.
5. BlackRock Plans to Subscribe to About 10% of Circle Internet Group’s Proposed IPO Shares
BlackRock plans to subscribe to about 10% of the shares offered in Circle Internet Group's proposed IPO. According to documents submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Circle and some shareholders including CEO Jeremy Allaire intend to raise up to $624 million through this offering. Ark Investment also plans to subscribe to up to $150 million worth of shares. Circle's IPO subscription multiples have already exceeded the offering size, with pricing expected to be determined on June 4.
6. Russian Couple Operating Crypto Business in Argentina Kidnapped and Ransomed for $43 Thousand
A foreign couple of Russian nationality operating a cryptocurrency business in Buenos Aires, Argentina, were kidnapped on Friday night in their apartment by two suspects of Chechen descent and ransomed for $43 thousand in digital currency. The female victim (30 years old) called for help in English from the balcony, attracting the attention of nearby restaurant staff who alerted the police. The police quickly rescued the kidnapped couple (male, 27 years old). The Argentine Federal Police (PFA) confirmed that the two suspects fled to the UAE by plane from Ezeiza Airport a few hours after the incident. Interpol has issued a red notice for their arrest.