Data: Web3 social application Towns has over 400,000 total users, with over 200,000 token holders

On April 16th, Bitcoin rebounded and broke through the $75,000 mark, according to HTX market data, posting a 24-hour gain of 1.26%.

April 16 — Per the Financial Times, Lebanese officials have disclosed that amid U.S. pressure to de-escalate Middle East tensions, a ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon to end over six weeks of hostilities is expected to be announced “soon.” Sources with knowledge of the situation said the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah could take effect “this week” — most likely after Israeli ground forces finish seizing the key southern Lebanese town of Bent Jbeil. The Lebanon conflict has emerged as a focal point in broader efforts to end the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which broke out on February 28. Lebanese officials noted that once the ceasefire is announced, its length will likely be tied to that of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal. One Lebanese official said the ceasefire will cover a halt to Israeli attacks but will not mandate an Israeli withdrawal. Other officials noted the ceasefire efforts are being led by the U.S.

On Wednesday, April 16, U.S. stocks closed mixed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dipped 0.15%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.8% and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.59—with the latter two hitting fresh record highs. Tesla (TSLA.O) jumped 7.6%, Apple (AAPL.O) gained nearly 3%, and Sandisk (SNDK.O) fell 5.5%. (Source: FX168)

April 16 — The Federal Reserve said Wednesday in its Beige Book report that U.S. economic activity across most regions continued growing at a moderate to modest pace, even as the Iran conflict triggered fresh uncertainty and rising energy costs. While overall price increases remained moderate, energy and fuel costs rose “significantly” across all 12 Fed districts, the report noted. The central bank added that the Middle East conflict is viewed as a major source of uncertainty, complicating businesses’ decisions on hiring, pricing and capital investment — with many taking a wait-and-see approach. Compiled by the New York Fed and reflecting data through April 6, the Beige Book offers an initial look at the conflict’s impact on the U.S. economy. The conflict-driven oil price shock has lifted gasoline prices, marking the country’s largest inflation spike since 2022. Several Fed policymakers have signaled a preference to hold interest rates steady for an extended period to assess econ

On April 16th, Israeli sources reported that on the evening of the 15th local time, the Israeli military outlined three core ceasefire conditions for a deal with Lebanon: - Establishment of a buffer zone extending to the Litani River, with Hezbollah prohibited from operating in the area; - Full Israeli military freedom of action north of the Litani River to neutralize threats to Israel; - Gradual, long-term disarmament of Hezbollah under U.S. supervision. (Source: Jinse)

April 16 — U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Wednesday (local time) she’s optimistic Trump-nominated Fed Chair candidate Jerome Powell will take office as scheduled. Powell’s confirmation hearing is set for April 21, Yellen noted at the White House. “He’s an outstanding candidate,” she stated. “Senate Banking Committee Republicans are unanimous in supporting him — I’m very confident he’ll assume the Fed Chair role on time.”