Japan, Germany to Release Strategic Oil Reserves

**Trump Welcomes Iran’s 2026 World Cup Participation, Reversing Earlier Stance** March 11: Former President Donald Trump said he welcomes Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup—jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—contradicting his past comment that he “really doesn’t care if Iran participates.” Last night, Trump met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and White House FIFA Working Group Executive Director Andrew Giuliani in the Oval Office. The 2026 tournament kicks off June 11 and wraps July 19 (39 days total). Iran is slated to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by a match against Belgium on June 21. On prediction market Polymarket, Spain leads favorites to win with a 15% chance, trailed closely by England, Argentina, and France.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported Wednesday (March 11) that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.4% from a year earlier in February—matching January’s reading and economists’ surveyed expectations. The core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, also climbed 2.5% year-over-year as forecast. However, U.S. benchmark crude oil futures have seen sharp volatility since the Iran conflict flared. This month’s average trading price stands at around $82 per barrel, up from roughly $65 in February. As a result, March’s inflation data could be even hotter. Joseph Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM, estimates a rule of thumb: every $10 increase in oil prices per barrel lifts the Labor Department’s inflation reading by about 0.2 percentage points. While calculations vary slightly among economists, most agree oil prices will push inflation higher in March. Economists also note that last year’s government shutdown left October housing cost growth data missing, artificially s

March 11 — DatDot Company’s Strive division increased its Bitcoin holdings by 179.12 BTC, valued at roughly $12.35 million. Its current total Bitcoin holdings stand at 13,310.9 BTC, ranking 11th among corporate Bitcoin holders.

**March 11 – Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has responded to Forbes’ report that his net worth has climbed to $110 billion, surpassing Bill Gates.** On the eve of industry transformation, CZ noted the traditional finance sector views the crypto space as a panacea, while the crypto industry sees traditional finance the same way. Recent news of industry fundraising, IPO preparations, and the market performance of already-listed crypto firms may have prompted Forbes to revalue Binance, he added. “We should still thank Forbes for the recognition, but valuation is just valuation,” he said. Earlier today, CZ took to social media to address his placement on Forbes’ Top 20 Billionaires list. He pointed out Bitcoin has dropped sharply from its peak, arguing Forbes’ estimate is inaccurate. “Don’t they see how much the big pie has fallen? Rich in what?” he questioned. The latest Forbes Billionaires List shows CZ’s net worth has jumped $47 billion from last year to roughly $110 billion,

March 11—A senior Israeli official told Reuters that in closed-door discussions, Israeli officials have acknowledged a war with Iran would not necessarily lead to the collapse of its theocratic regime, and there are no signs of an uprising among the Iranian people despite ongoing bombardment. Two Israeli officials noted that while former President Trump suggested the war could end quickly, Israel’s assessment is the U.S. is far from directing an end to the conflict. On the day of the U.S.-Israel joint airstrike, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “Our joint action will create conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands.” He specifically referenced Iran’s main minority groups, fueling reports that the U.S. or Israel may back these groups in an uprising. However, Netanyahu reiterated in a statement Tuesday that while Israel hopes to help the Iranian people “break free from the shackles of tyranny,” ultimately “it’s up to them”—a sign

On March 11, per HTX market data, Bitcoin has dipped below $69,000, posting a 24-hour decline of 1.38%.