Latin America has cemented itself as the second-fastest growing region for crypto adoption across the globe, according to a study from Lemon.

It became the second fastest-growing region in terms of cryptocurrency value received, registering an annual increase of over 42%.

Latin America stood out as the region that capitalized most effectively on the expansion of the crypto ecosystem in 2024, as per the most recent report by Lemon called “Estado de la Industria Crypto 2024” (The State of the Crypto Industry in 2024).

Latin America is emerging as an important market for digital currencies as cryptocurrencies continue their march around the world.

Bitcoin’s remarkable journey

According to the report, 2024 was a formative year for both Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency market as a whole.

Bitcoin started to hit astounding levels that many thought impossible.

For the first time, the cryptocurrency witnessed a noticeable movement across traditional markets, most specifically, after the greenlighting of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in the US.

Its value would rise steadily, ending the year at a staggering 122% return. In January 2025, it peaked at around $109,000.

This increase is having a direct impact on online searches, as indicated by the significant increase that was registered in Google searches about the word “Bitcoin.”

The narrative surrounding Bitcoin has transformed, evolving from a niche investment to a mainstream financial asset.

Crypto in LATAM

The growing interest in Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies comes from its use as an economic safeguard for countries with soaring inflation rates, such as Argentina, Venezuela, and Mexico, which have been looking at Bitcoin as a partial solution to their pressing economic situations.

The region’s share of global crypto volume also saw a notable rise, climbing from 7.3% in 2023 to 9.1% in 2024, with total inflows surpassing $415 billion.

These data show that in barely a year, citizens are increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies to preserve their wealth and mitigate economic turbulence, according to research.

Lemon’s report highlights Argentina as one of the leaders in crypto adoption. It is a significant hub for startups, developers, and global investors within a fertile entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Argentina leads Latin America in both active crypto users and total value received, despite having just a fifth of Brazil’s population and slightly more than a third of Mexico’s.

In 2024, Argentina recorded $91.1 billion in crypto value received, marking a 6.7% increase from the previous year.

It also ranks fourth globally in the number of active crypto wallet users.

The next highest-ranking Latin American country is Brazil, which holds the 13th position worldwide.

At the same time, Peru has become one of the promising markets due to regulatory progress and technical advancements that attracted foreign companies and boosted its local crypto ecosystem.

While crypto app downloads in 2024 have not reached the levels seen in 2021, the year still marks one of the highest periods for downloads in the region.

Downloads doubled in Q2 this year compared to Q2 2023 and tripled the next quarter when Bitcoin broke its “old all-time-high of $69,000,” according to Lemon.

Despite this increase, the report highlights that the enthusiasm seen during the last bull cycle has not fully returned among retail investors, indicating that the new bullish phase is still in its early stages.

LATAM: the region for crypto?

According to the report, four of the 20 top countries of global crypto adoption are in Latin America — Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela.

Adoption practices vary among countries. Brazil stands out for its institutional embrace of cryptocurrency, coupled with an active retail market that engages in speculative trading.

The incorporation of cryptocurrencies into financial systems indicates a shift in the economy, potentially altering its foundation.

Such a transition positions Latin America to consolidate its leadership in the digital economy sector.

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Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, expanding its lineup with a lower-cost model aimed at attracting new customers.

Priced at $599, the device will be available for pre-order starting Friday and will officially launch on February 28.

The iPhone 16e brings Apple’s latest technology to a more affordable price point, featuring the same A18 chip used in the flagship iPhone 16 models.

“iPhone 16e joins the iPhone 16 family as it most affordable member,” CEO Tim Cook said in a video statement of the launch.

“iPhone 16e packs in the features our users love about the iPhone 16 lineup, including breakthrough battery life, fast performance powered by the latest-generation A18 chip, an innovative 2-in-1 camera system, and Apple Intelligence,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing.

“We’re so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the lineup as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people.”

The device ditches the traditional home button and fingerprint sensor in favor of Face ID, aligning its design with Apple’s premium offerings.

It will be available in two colors: black and white.

The new phone also marks a shift in Apple’s hardware strategy.

For the first time, it includes Apple’s in-house cellular modem, called C1, replacing the Qualcomm modems used in previous iPhones.

The device features a single 48MP rear camera, offering a more budget-friendly alternative to Apple’s higher-end models, which come with multiple lenses.

Apple 16e launched in a slowing smartphone market

Apple’s decision to introduce a new budget iPhone comes as the company faces slowing smartphone sales.

In the December quarter, iPhone revenue declined 1% year-over-year, though the company still sold over $69 billion worth of devices.

The iPhone 16e is Apple’s least expensive new phone that supports Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features including image generation and notification summaries.

This move is expected to attract more customers to Apple’s ecosystem, as lower-priced models historically help bring in first-time iPhone users.

Apple’s current lineup includes the standard iPhone 16, starting at $799, and the high-end iPhone 16 Pro, which starts at $999.

Previously, only the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro models had access to Apple Intelligence, making the 16e a more affordable entry point for these features.

Apple launch reflects a new approach to product launches

The iPhone 16e launch also reflects a change in Apple’s product announcement strategy.

Unlike its traditional high-profile events, where new devices are revealed on stage at Apple’s California headquarters, this launch was done through a simple press release.

In recent years, Apple has experimented with more subdued product reveals.

Some new Mac models were introduced last year without major events, and the company increasingly relies on online videos instead of live presentations.

Last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook teased the upcoming announcement with a social media post: “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family.”

While earlier reports suggested the new device would be called the iPhone SE 4, leaks indicated Apple might reposition the model under the iPhone 16 lineup.

Accessories manufacturer Spigen had already listed cases for the “iPhone 16E,” reinforcing speculation that Apple had abandoned the SE branding.

With the iPhone 16e, Apple continues to expand its range, ensuring that more customers can access its latest technology without the premium price tag.

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European officials talked of increasing spending on defense at the Munich Security Conference over the weekend, which could prove to be a meaningful tailwind for the regional defense stocks.

“We estimate potential sector upside of 30%, at 3% of GDP (lower than the implied 50% increase due to time value of money),” analysts at Citi said.

In particular, the investment firm is bullish on German defense tech firm Hensoldt and Swedish defense manufacturer Saab. Here’s what these two European defense stocks have in store for investors in 2025.

Hensoldt AG (ETR: HAG)

Hensoldt rallied about 12% following the Munich Security Conference. Year-to-date, the European defense stock is now up more than 30%.

Still, Citi expects further upside in Hensoldt stock in the wake of a potential increase in regional defense spending.

That’s because the German multinational will likely win more government contracts and military projects as European nations execute their plans of higher spending on defense.

This will result in increased revenue for Hensoldt. Citi is bullish on the company’s acquisition of ESG for more than $700 million.

In the latest earnings release, Oliver Dorre – the chief executive of Hensoldt told investors:

After just 200 days, we have largely completed post-merger integration of ESG. We consistently expand Hensoldt’s position as a reliable partner to our customers, both nationally and internationally.

Note that Citi isn’t alone in keeping bullish on Hensoldt stock. Street’s consensus rating on the German firm also sits at “overweight”.

A 0.85% dividend yield makes Hensoldt shares all the more exciting to own for those interested in setting up an additional source of passive income.

Saab AB (STO: SAAB-B)

Another European defense stock that Citi analysts are convinced will benefit from increased regional spending on defense is Saab.

The aerospace and defense company is a particularly exciting pick considering “Sweden is growing defense spending at a much higher rate (and from a lower base) than a country like the UK.”

That’s meaningful for Saab as it drives about 40% of its sales from Sweden.  

Citi is bullish on Saab stock also because it recently reported strong results for its fiscal fourth quarter. Micael Johansson – the company’s chief executive told investors at the time:

In the wake of global geopolitical uncertainty, Saab is committed to being a reliable partner, supporting countries in building their defense capabilities and contributing to increased European defense capacity.

Saab now expects positive operational cash flow on 12% to 16% organic sales growth in 2025. Much like Hensoldt, Saab stock is worth owning also because it pays a dividend yield of 0.63%.

Street’s consensus rating on Saab shares currently sits at “overweight”, suggesting other firms are convinced of its future potential as well.

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Federal Reserve officials signalled caution on cutting interest rates, emphasizing the need for further progress on inflation before making adjustments, according to minutes from their January meeting released Wednesday.

Policymakers cited concerns over President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs and their potential impact on consumer prices, indicating that trade policy changes could complicate the Fed’s efforts to bring inflation under control.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) unanimously decided to hold the federal funds rate steady after three consecutive cuts in 2024, which had reduced rates by a full percentage point.

While the Fed acknowledged that monetary policy is now less restrictive than before, officials stressed that current conditions allow them time to evaluate economic trends before taking further action.

Members of the committee noted that inflation while showing signs of moderation, remains above the Fed’s 2% target.

The committee noted that the current policy is “significantly less restrictive” than it had been prior to the rate cuts, giving members time to evaluate conditions before making any additional moves.

Trump tariffs could complicate inflation fight

One of the biggest uncertainties discussed during the meeting was the potential inflationary effect of Trump’s trade policies.

The president has already imposed some tariffs but recently suggested expanding them further, including a 25% duty on automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors.

Such measures would escalate trade tensions and potentially lead to higher costs for businesses and consumers.

FOMC members highlighted these risks, noting that firms in various industries have already indicated they would pass on higher input costs to consumers.

The meeting summary underscored concerns over “potential changes in trade and immigration policy,” which officials said could pose “upside risks to the inflation outlook.”

Market analysts believe that if tariffs drive up prices significantly, the Fed may delay cutting rates longer than expected.

While financial markets are currently pricing in a rate cut by July or September, the Fed has made no firm commitments.

Officials appear content to adopt a wait-and-see approach, assessing inflation trends before making further moves.

Tax cut expectations and reduced regulations could boost investment

Despite concerns over inflation and trade disruptions, Fed officials acknowledged that certain policy changes under Trump’s administration could support economic growth.

Expectations of tax cuts and reduced regulations were noted as factors that could boost business investment and hiring.

However, inflation data remains mixed.

Consumer prices rose more than expected in January, signalling persistent cost pressures, while wholesale price trends showed signs of easing.

These conflicting signals reinforce the Fed’s cautious stance.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell has refrained from speculating on how Trump’s proposed tariffs will influence inflation.

Other Fed officials, however, have expressed concerns that prolonged trade disruptions could force the central bank to maintain higher rates for an extended period.

With the federal funds rate currently set between 4.25% and 4.5%, the Fed is in no rush to make immediate changes.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether inflation slows enough to justify further rate cuts or if economic uncertainties, including trade policy shifts, keep the central bank on hold.

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The largest stablecoin issuer, Tether, has been excluded from the European Union’s latest MiCA regulation approvals, which granted licenses to 10 stablecoin providers.

This move highlights the EU’s strict stance on crypto asset regulations, raising concerns about market restrictions and potential delistings of USDT within the bloc.

EU approves 10 stablecoin issuers under MiCA

The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, aimed at overseeing stablecoins and crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), has approved Banking Circle, Circle, Crypto.Com, Fiat Republic, Membrane Finance, Quantoz Payments, Schuman Financial, Societe Generale, StabIR, and Stable Mint.

These firms have issued a combined 10 euro-pegged stablecoins and five US dollar-pegged stablecoins, aligning with MiCA’s compliance requirements.

However, Tether’s exclusion means that crypto platforms in the EU have started delisting USDT, a significant development considering Tether’s $141 billion market capitalization.

Without MiCA approval, Tether’s future within the European market remains uncertain, leading to speculation about the stability of stablecoin markets under MiCA regulations.

Tether shifts focus beyond the EU

While Tether has not received MiCA approval, the company is actively expanding its global footprint.

Recently, it proposed acquiring a 51% stake in a South African energy company, signaling a diversified investment strategy beyond crypto assets.

Additionally, Tether has increased its sports industry presence, investing in Juventus, aligning with its broader business model expansion into AI, biotech, and energy sectors.

Experts warn that MiCA’s stringent rules could isolate the EU crypto market, making it less attractive to foreign firms.

Crypto experts say over-regulation might drive crypto companies to relocate outside the EU, reducing market competitiveness.

While MiCA aims to provide regulatory clarity, some analysts believe the focus on compliance over innovation could limit options for European crypto users.

As firms seek more flexible regulatory environments, the EU risks falling behind in the global crypto economy.

Tether’s exclusion from EU approval under MiCA has sparked debates about regulatory fairness, with the stablecoin issuer calling the move “hasty and unwarranted.”

Meanwhile, investors are watching closely as MiCA-compliant stablecoin issuers take center stage in the European digital asset market.

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