Circle minted 250 million USDC on the Solana network 6 hours ago

February 28 – U.S.-Iran tensions escalated fully today. Geopolitical uncertainty will persist next week, with global markets poised for volatility amid risk-off sentiment. Analysts note: Beyond direct missile strikes, Iran’s retaliatory options could include mining the Strait of Hormuz – the critical oil trade chokepoint that handled 30% of global seaborne oil shipments last year. That said, they add, Iran may favor using proxies like Houthi fighters or Iraqi Shia militias for precision strikes on regional energy infrastructure or U.S. diplomatic sites, given potential economic fallout for major oil importers. Alongside geopolitical developments, key U.S. macro events on tap next week include: - Monday 22:45: U.S. February Final Global Manufacturing PMI - Monday 23:00: U.S. February ISM Manufacturing PMI - Tuesday 22:55: FOMC Permanent Voter & New York Fed President John Williams speaks - Wednesday 00:55: FOMC 2026 Voter & Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari speaks

CNN reported on February 28 that the U.S. has planned a series of "gradual escalation" measures with built-in de-escalation flexibility.

February 28 (CCTV News) — Real-time data from the International Tanker Flow Monitoring System shows oil tankers in waters around the Strait of Hormuz have generally slowed to a complete stop, signaling shipping activity in the region has ground to a halt. Meanwhile, several European governments have issued emergency directives to their national-flagged oil tankers en route, strictly barring them from transiting the Strait of Hormuz to avoid security risks posed by escalating tensions in the area.

Feb. 28: Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei is expected to deliver a nationwide speech soon, according to local Iranian media (Golden Finance).

Feb. 28 — According to market sources, Trump is not expected to deliver a national address today.

On February 28th, Berkshire Hathaway reported fourth-quarter operating profit of $10.2 billion—vs. $14.53 billion a year earlier, marking a nearly 30% year-over-year drop.