Crypto

U.S. federal debt tops $40 trillion, bitcoin long-term thesis re-emerges

U.S. federal debt has surpassed $40 trillion for the first time, reviving arguments that bitcoin should be viewed as a scarce, non-sovereign asset. Market views differ on whether debt expansion supports long-term demand, while near-term prices remain more sensitive to interest rates and the dollar. The move coincided with U.S. Treasury steps aimed at calming long-term bond selling. Bitcoin has risen above $73,000 amid mixed interpretations of the rally.

Finance

South Korea first-half fiscal deficit narrows to 84.4 trillion won

South Korea\'s fiscal deficit in the first half narrowed from a year earlier as revenue rose faster than spending, the budget agency said on Aug. 13. The managed fiscal balance stood at a 84.4 trillion won deficit as of end-June, 9.9 trillion won smaller than a year earlier. Total revenue rose to 381.9 trillion won, led by national tax revenue, while total spending increased to 425.8 trillion won.