President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at aggressively lowering the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF), positioning the move as a response to rising concerns over family formation and fertility treatment accessibility.

The decision comes as part of his broader election campaign strategy, reinforcing his appeal among middle-class families struggling with high medical expenses.

The order is expected to trigger resistance from conservative factions within his base, particularly those who oppose IVF on ethical and religious grounds.

Trump has given his advisers 90 days to formulate policies that would reduce out-of-pocket costs associated with IVF, which can range from $12,000 to $30,000 per cycle in the US.

The initiative underscores his administration’s effort to expand access to fertility treatments while simultaneously maintaining a staunch anti-abortion stance—a contradiction that has left both supporters and critics questioning his long-term policy direction.

His decision follows the Alabama Supreme Court’s controversial ruling that frozen embryos could be considered children, sparking fears that IVF access could be threatened under Republican leadership.

Fertility treatment costs in the US

The high cost of IVF in the US remains one of the biggest barriers for couples seeking fertility treatment.

A single IVF cycle can cost between $12,000 and $25,000, with additional expenses for medication, genetic testing, and embryo storage pushing the total price even higher.

Unlike other developed nations that offer government-subsidized fertility treatments, the US relies on private insurance coverage, which remains inconsistent across states and employers.

Trump’s order is expected to push for policy changes that could either mandate broader insurance coverage or introduce federal subsidies for IVF.

During his campaign, he promised to make fertility treatment more affordable, a pledge that his administration is now attempting to fulfill.

His push for lower IVF costs comes as fertility rates in the US continue to decline, with birth rates reaching a record low in 2023.

Addressing this issue has become a political talking point, with both Democrats and Republicans recognizing the economic implications of a shrinking workforce and aging population.

Critics argue that while Trump is now championing affordable IVF, his administration played a role in restricting reproductive healthcare access through the appointment of Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade.

The conservative push against abortion rights has inadvertently placed fertility treatments under scrutiny, with some anti-abortion advocates voicing concerns over embryo destruction during IVF procedures.

Political divisions over reproductive rights

Trump’s executive order has sparked a deep divide within the Republican Party, exposing internal conflicts over reproductive rights.

While many conservatives have long supported pro-family policies, the ethical implications of IVF have made the issue contentious.

Anti-abortion groups argue that the procedure often results in unused embryos, which they equate to the loss of human life.

This ideological stance has led to resistance against legislation that would ensure IVF access, as seen in last year’s Senate vote where almost all Republican senators opposed a measure to protect fertility treatments.

The Alabama ruling further intensified the debate, forcing Trump to clarify his stance on the issue.

In response to the growing backlash, he declared himself “totally in favor of IVF” and positioned himself as a leader in expanding access to fertility treatments.

His decision reflects an attempt to balance the demands of pro-family conservatives with the religious right, which remains a key voting bloc.

Meanwhile, Democrats, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, have leveraged the issue to highlight contradictions within Trump’s reproductive health policies.

Harris has repeatedly emphasized that attacks on abortion rights could spill over into fertility treatments, warning that Republican-led states may impose restrictions that make IVF less accessible.

With reproductive rights expected to be a central theme in the upcoming election, Trump’s executive order appears to be a strategic move to mitigate potential political damage.

The future of IVF access in the US

The long-term impact of Trump’s IVF policy remains uncertain, with many questioning whether his administration will follow through on reducing costs or if the order is primarily a political gesture.

The move comes at a time when the IVF industry is facing increased scrutiny, particularly after the Alabama Supreme Court ruling raised concerns about the legal status of frozen embryos.

Clinics in the state briefly paused IVF treatments in response to legal uncertainties, highlighting the fragile nature of fertility treatment access under shifting political landscapes.

The commercialization of fertility treatments remains a major concern. With the US IVF market valued at over $8 billion, industry players may resist regulatory changes that could affect profitability.

Trump’s executive order has not yet outlined specific mechanisms to reduce costs, raising doubts about whether meaningful financial relief will reach families in need.

As the 2024 election nears, both parties are expected to amplify their positions on IVF, with Republicans seeking to reconcile internal divisions and Democrats pushing for broader reproductive healthcare protections.

Trump’s move to champion IVF affordability may win support from middle-class families, but it also risks alienating the religious conservatives who have long been a crucial part of his voter base.

The coming months will determine whether his administration can successfully navigate this politically sensitive issue or whether the contradictions in his reproductive health policies will become a liability.

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Goldman Sachs analysts asserted that a potential ceasefire in Ukraine and the subsequent easing of sanctions on Russia would likely have a negligible impact on Russia’s oil flows. 

The financial institution contended that even with reduced sanctions, Russia’s capacity to substantially increase its oil exports would remain limited due to a confluence of factors, including existing infrastructural constraints and potential lingering hesitancy among some international buyers to resume full-scale trade with Russia.

Russia output hinges on OPEC+ quota

Goldman Sachs was quoted in a report by Reuters:

We believe that Russia crude oil production is constrained by its OPEC+ 9.0 million barrels per day production target rather than current sanctions, which are affecting the destination but not the volume of oil exports.

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that it had reached an agreement with Russia to engage in further discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 

This development signals a potential breakthrough in the diplomatic efforts to end the hostilities that have plagued the region for a significant period. 

The announcement did not provide specific details about the agenda or timeline for the upcoming talks, but it underscored the commitment of both sides to explore diplomatic avenues for peace.

OPEC’s influence

OPEC+, an alliance that encompasses the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, including Russia, is a significant force in the global oil market. 

This powerful coalition is responsible for producing approximately half of the world’s crude oil supply. 

The decisions made by OPEC+ regarding production levels, quotas, and cuts can have a profound impact on oil prices, market stability, and the global economy.

OPEC itself consists of 13 member countries, primarily from the Middle East and Africa, that hold substantial oil reserves. 

By collaborating with other major oil-producing nations like Russia, OPEC+ has expanded its influence and control over the global oil market. 

The alliance’s ability to coordinate production levels and respond to market fluctuations allows it to exert significant influence on oil prices and supply.

OPEC may extend output cuts

Goldman Sachs predicts that OPEC+ will likely delay its planned gradual increase in oil production from April to July 2023. 

This is due to increased compliance with OPEC+ targets by Russia and several other member producers, as well as continued uncertainty surrounding US policy.

In December, OPEC+ delayed its plan to increase output until April, extending its current round of production cuts through the first quarter of 2025. 

This decision was made due to weak demand and increased supply from non-OPEC members.

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak had stated that OPEC+ producers were not planning any additional delays to the monthly oil supply increases, according to a report from Russia’s RIA state news agency on Monday.

As a major global oil supplier, Russia significantly influences oil markets and prices worldwide.

Brent could reach $79 per barrel later this month, driven by potential improvements in positioning and valuation, according to Goldman Sachs.

At the time of writing, the price of Brent crude oil on the Intercontinental Exchange was at $76.17 per barrel, up 0.4% from the previous close. 

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The UK’s inflation rate unexpectedly surged to 3% in January, surpassing analyst expectations and raising concerns about the pace of future interest rate cuts.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Wednesday showed a sharp rise from December’s 2.5% inflation, driven by higher transport and food costs.

The increase complicates the Bank of England’s (BoE) plans to ease monetary policy, as policymakers weigh inflationary pressures against sluggish economic growth.

Economists polled by Reuters had anticipated a lower reading of 2.8% for January.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food, energy, alcohol, and tobacco prices, rose to 3.7% from 3.2% in December—marking its highest level since April 2024.

The core services inflation rate also climbed from 4.4% to 5.0%, signaling persistent cost pressures in the economy.

The ONS highlighted that transport and food prices contributed the most to the monthly inflation increase, while housing and household services helped offset some of the upward pressure.

Despite the inflation spike, the British pound remained stable against the US dollar, trading at $1.2615 following the data release.

Government and BoE face policy challenges

Responding to the inflation data, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized that economic growth and increasing disposable income remain key priorities.

However, she acknowledged that “millions of families are still struggling to make ends meet” amid rising living costs.

The latest inflation figures add complexity to the BoE’s monetary policy outlook.

Earlier in February, the central bank implemented its first interest rate cut of the year, lowering the benchmark rate to 4.5% amid slowing inflation and weak economic activity.

While policymakers have signaled further rate reductions, they also warned that rising global energy costs and regulatory price adjustments could push headline inflation to 3.7% by the third quarter of 2025.

The BoE maintains its long-term forecast of inflation returning to the 2% target by 2027.

BoE slashes UK growth forecast for 2025

Alongside its inflation projections, the BoE slashed its UK economic growth forecast for 2025 from 1.5% to 0.75%, citing weaker-than-expected consumer spending and external risks.

The downward revision suggests that while inflation remains a concern, the central bank must also navigate slowing economic momentum.

With inflationary pressures persisting, investors and policymakers will closely watch upcoming data releases to assess the timing of further interest rate cuts.

For now, the sharp rise in January inflation adds another layer of uncertainty to the UK’s economic trajectory.

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While cryptos remain weak amid pessimistic macro developments, Maker (MKR) displayed resilience with substantial price gains over the past week.

The altcoin trades at $1,196 after gaining 10% and over 25% in the past day and week.

On-chain data indicates continued gains as Maker’s record high daily revenue on Feb 10 bolstered the alt’s strength.

MakerDAO rebranded to Sky Network in August 2024

Maker’s bullish on-chain and technical indicators

While the crypto space battles uncertainty, MKR exhibits an optimistic trajectory.

Maker’s daily revenue skyrocketed to yearly highs on Feb 10 as the project generated $10 million in returns.

The surged revenue likely kept the altcoin’s price afloat amid the prevailing bearish markets.

The OI-Weighted Funding Rate stats support the optimism, with more traders executing long bets (Coinglass data).

The metric measures trader sentiments, where positive rates indicate bullishness and negative bearishness.

MKR’s OI-Weighted Funding Rate is 0.009% – a bullish bias and conviction in more price gains.

The daily Relative Strength Index supports the upside narrative as its 59 reading indicates more room for upward price actions.

Also, the Moving Average Convergence’s latest bullish crossover with the signal line highlights adequate momentum for extended gains.

MKR price action

The alt has exhibited an upside trajectory since breaking above a falling trendline on Feb 12.

A candle closing beyond the line triggered a swift 10% surge past $1,023.

MKR extended to $1,196 at press time, with significant increases in 24-hour trading volume suggesting continued upswings.

Bulls target the daily resistance zone at $1,700, an over 40% gain from current prices.

Meanwhile, broad market sentiments will determine MKR’s trajectory in the upcoming sessions.

Continued bear dominance could delay the anticipated surges, welcoming extended declines or consolidations.

Crypto market overview

Cryptocurrencies displayed weakness on Wednesday as Bitcoin plunged to $93K before rebounding to $95.65K at press time.

Various risk factors that have reduced investor interest contribute to the prevailing crypto market underperformance.

Digital assets started feeling the heat after Donald Trump’s tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico.

The hawkish remarks from the US Fed (which signaled no imminent rate cuts) added to the downward pressure.

Also, the latest pump-and-dump schemes involving political figures have ruined sentiments in the marketplace.

Meme tokens face immense criticism following LIBRA’s fallout, which has shaken the Argentine political scene.

The Fear and Greed Index displays “fear” at 37, signaling faded investor confidence in cryptocurrencies.

Nevertheless, analysts remain bold despite the latest flash dip.

Michael van de Poppe believes Bitcoin and altcoins’ performances echo previous bull runs.

Nevertheless, trader and investor caution remains paramount as sentiments display overwhelming negativity.

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China is making a serious push to lead the world in technology.

From artificial intelligence and electric vehicles to semiconductors and renewable energy, the country is accelerating its efforts to outpace the West. 

President Xi Jinping’s meeting with top business leaders is a statement to the West that Beijing is changing its approach.

The once heavily scrutinized private sector is now being encouraged. 

Does China have a chance of becoming the global tech leader? 

Is China building the next AI empire?

Artificial intelligence is at the center of China’s strategy.

The rise of DeepSeek, a large language model developed without the latest American chips, has truly shaken the industry.

It has shown that China can innovate despite US sanctions. 

Chinese AI firms now file more patents than any other country.

Tencent and Alibaba are integrating AI into their platforms, while Huawei is developing its semiconductor solutions.

The government is pouring billions into AI research, and state-backed firms are advancing quantum computing at a pace that rivals the US.

The numbers support the trend. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, China accounted for almost half of global AI patent filings in 2023.

While the US still leads in AI infrastructure, China is proving that it can develop competitive alternatives.

DeepSeek’s emergence is reminiscent of Alibaba’s 2014 IPO, which triggered a boom in Chinese consumer-tech innovation.

If AI follows a similar trajectory, China could dominate the next generation of digital applications.

A new king of electric vehicles?

The auto industry is transforming, and China is leading the way.

In 2023, China became the world’s largest exporter of electric vehicles, overtaking Japan.

BYD, the country’s top EV maker, sold more cars than Tesla in the fourth quarter of 2023.

This was unthinkable a few years ago.

Batteries are a key reason for this success.

China produces over 80% of the world’s EV batteries, with companies like CATL and BYD at the forefront.

The country also dominates the supply chain for lithium, cobalt, and nickel, key materials for battery production. 

While Western automakers struggle with costs and infrastructure, China has scaled up production and cut prices.

The result was a flood of affordable EVs hitting global markets, particularly in Europe and Southeast Asia.

However, the West is pushing back. The US and the EU are considering tariffs to slow down Chinese EV imports.

Meanwhile, local subsidies in the US are driving domestic battery production. But China isn’t going to slow down that easily.

Xi Jinping’s change in strategy

In 2020, China’s tech giants were under attack. Jack Ma, once the face of Chinese innovation, disappeared from public view after criticizing regulators.

Alibaba’s fintech arm, Ant Group, had its $34 billion IPO canceled. 

Beijing cracked down on ride-hailing, gaming, and education firms, wiping billions off the stock market.

The private sector got the message: growth was welcome, but power was not.

But Xi Jinping’s recent meeting with business leaders, including Ma and Huawei’s Ren Zhengfei, was designed to restore confidence. He promised fewer regulatory fines and a fairer market for private firms. 

This is a calculated move. China’s economy is slowing, and private investment has been declining. By reassuring entrepreneurs, Xi hopes to stabilize business sentiment.

However, the old rules still apply. The government wants the private sector to thrive, but only within state-approved boundaries.

Entrepreneurs must serve national goals, such as AI development and advanced manufacturing. The era of unchecked private tech empires is over.

Is China finally breaking free from Western tech?

For years, China relied on the West for semiconductors and high-tech components.

US sanctions aimed to cut off its access to advanced chips. Many expected China to struggle.

But Huawei’s latest smartphone, powered by a domestically developed 7nm chip, shocked industry experts.

This suggests China is making progress in chip manufacturing, despite restrictions.

Even though China can produce mid-range chips, they are still years behind in high-end semiconductor fabrication.

The US, Japan, and the Netherlands control the most advanced chipmaking equipment, and export restrictions are limiting China’s access.

To counter this, Beijing has poured over $100 billion into its domestic semiconductor industry, with the clear goal of achieving complete tech independence from the West.

Western firms, meanwhile, are doubling down. The US is investing heavily in domestic chip production, with a $52 billion CHIPS Act designed to ensure American leadership. Europe is also boosting semiconductor funding.

Will China become the world’s tech leader?

China is making a serious play for global tech dominance.

Its government is directing vast resources into AI, EVs, and semiconductors.

Its companies are innovating despite Western sanctions. And its economic mode, the so-called “state-backed capitalism”, gives it the ability to push forward long-term strategies.

However, it won’t be an easy task. The West is actively working to curb China’s rise, limiting access to critical technologies.

Domestic challenges, such as a weakening property market and reluctant investors could slow progress.

And while China excels in scaling production, it still lags in cutting-edge breakthroughs.

The next decade will determine whether China can fully break free from Western tech dependence and take the lead.

If its progress in AI, EVs, and chips continues at this pace, it won’t just be catching up, but it will be setting the new global standard.

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