Stablecoin Market & Treasury Demand - The modernization of the global payment system via stablecoins, backed primarily by T-bills, could significantly expand international trade invoiced in dollars [2][3] - Increased adoption of stablecoins in international trade could lead to trillions of additional demand for Treasury securities [5] - Legislation providing a clear framework for stablecoins is expected to reduce run risk and create a more stable environment for payments [7] Impact of Stablecoins on Payment Systems - Stablecoins on blockchain could reduce payment times from 24-48 hours to minutes or seconds, enhancing speed, security, privacy, and cost-effectiveness [3][4] - Increased use of stablecoins could revolutionize international payments, attracting significant adoption [4] Federal Reserve & Interest Rates - Strong economic data, including flat CPI, strong retail sales, and growing consumer confidence, may warrant a re-evaluation of the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy [11][12] - The current economic environment, characterized by expansionary supply-side policies and deregulation, should reduce inflationary pressures [11][12] - High interest rates compared to global peers raise questions about the Federal Reserve's approach [13] - Markets may react adversely to rate cuts if there are credibility concerns about the Fed's commitment to controlling inflation, potentially leading to higher long-term rates [14] Trade & Tariffs - Sector-specific tariffs on chips and pharmaceuticals are under evaluation by the Commerce Department and the U S Trade Representative [17][18] - The administration is reportedly close to announcing more trade deals [18][19]