Bloomberg Daybreak Asia: Treasuries Hold Gains, Bitcoin Hits New All-Time High
Asian shares posted a modest gain early Friday, after a rebound in Treasuries and the dollar eased some concerns about US fiscal policy. A regional stock gauge advanced 0.4% on gains in Japan, Australia and South Korea. US equity-index futures fluctuated in early Asian trading after the S&P 500 ended fractionally lower for its third daily decline. Treasuries steadied after rallying across the curve Thursday on moderating US fiscal concerns. We get market perspective from Eric Sterner, Chief Investment Officer at Apollon Wealth Management. Plus - Bitcoin surpassed $111,000 for the first time, with traders increasingly bullish on the prospects of the original cryptocurrency amid mounting institutional demand and support from Donald Trump's administration. Bitcoin climbed as much as 3.4% on Thursday to hit a record of $111,980, before paring some of the increase. Smaller tokens also rose in a broad rally, with second-ranked Ether at one point up about 7.3%. We get reaction from Peter Chung, Head of Research at quant crypto firm, Presto Research.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
This Toyota Outsold the Corolla Hybrid and RAV4 Put Together
Toyota has been a hybrid leader for years, blending efficiency and reliability into some of the most popular cars on the road. From compact sedans to family SUVs, their electrified lineup continues to resonate with fuel-conscious buyers. But 2025 is already rewriting the script. The usual best-sellers—the Corolla Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid—have been overtaken by an unexpected contender. This hybrid-only sedan has surged ahead, outselling both in the first quarter. If the momentum holds, it could mark a new era for Toyota's electrified future. In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota and various other authoritative sources, including the EPA and TopSpeed. In March 2025, Toyota moved an impressive 29,655 units of the Camry Hybrid—putting it well ahead of the pack. That single model outsold two of Toyota's usual hybrid heavy-hitters combined. The Corolla Hybrid notched 5,529 sales, and the RAV4 Hybrid added 14,524, bringing their total to 20,053. Even together, they couldn't close the gap. That's nearly 10,000 fewer units than the Camry Hybrid—a surprising margin. If you'd asked me which Toyota hybrid would be on top, I wouldn't have guessed this one. What makes the Camry's sales surge even more impressive is that Toyota's March numbers for the RAV4 include an extra 2,631 plug-in hybrids. Even with that boost, the RAV4 still couldn't close the gap. The Camry Hybrid, which doesn't even offer a plug-in option, managed to outsell the Corolla Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid combined. No fancy charging port—just solid, old-school hybrid dominance. With numbers like these, it's easy to imagine a plug-in Camry being a runaway success if Toyota ever built one. We're not holding our breath, but how cool would that be? In the first quarter of 2025, Toyota sold an impressive 70,281 Camry Hybrids, more than a quarter of all its electrified sales. Out of 255,915 hybrids, plug-ins, and EVs sold, the Camry Hybrid stands head and shoulders above the rest. That kind of sales volume puts the Camry in a league of its own. It's not just leading the pack; it's outselling every other electrified Toyota model by a wide margin. The Camry Hybrid's sales have skyrocketed this year, but there's a twist. Back in Q1 2024, Toyota sold just 8,986 Camry Hybrids, but that number jumped to 70,281 in the same period of 2025. March was especially wild, with sales leaping from 2,424 units last year to 29,655 this year. The secret? Toyota now offers the Camry exclusively as a hybrid, so every single Camry sale counts toward their electrified totals. For the first time ever, the 2025 Toyota Camry is offered exclusively as a hybrid. Toyota has dropped the traditional gas-only engines, signaling a serious push toward electrified driving. It's a bold move for a model that's been a longtime bestseller, but the payoff is clear. By going hybrid-only, Toyota has made the Camry simpler, more efficient, and affordable, without cutting corners on performance. Even with the switch to hybrid-only, the 2025 Camry keeps its pricing competitive across all four trims. You can get into the base LE for $28,700, while the sportier SE starts at $31,000. If you want a bit more luxury, the XLE comes in at $33,700, and the top-tier XSE kicks off at $34,900. For a midsize sedan that delivers great fuel economy, advanced safety, and a comfy, tech-packed interior, the Camry offers solid value. Fuel efficiency has always been a major draw for the Camry Hybrid, and the 2025 model keeps that momentum going strong. The front-wheel-drive LE shines with an EPA-estimated 53 MPG city and 51 MPG combined, letting you cover up to 663 miles on a single tank. Even the all-wheel-drive LE isn't far behind, delivering an impressive 50 MPG combined and about 650 miles of range. That means whether you stick to two wheels or go all out, the Camry Hybrid keeps you going longer between fill-ups. The SE, XLE, and XSE trims dial back fuel economy a bit in exchange for extra features and stylish upgrades, but they still deliver solid efficiency. Front-wheel-drive versions hit around 47 MPG combined with a range of about 611 miles. All-wheel-drive models get between 44 and 46 MPG combined, offering roughly 572 to 598 miles before you need to stop for gas. With fuel prices always fluctuating, the Camry strikes a great balance for drivers who want strong performance without constant trips to the pump. Even the base Camry LE surprises with a well-equipped interior. You get an easy-to-use 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a six-speaker audio system that sounds great. Inside, there's a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, and wireless phone charging—along with five USB ports to keep everyone connected. Rear passengers enjoy their own air vents and plenty of legroom for a comfortable ride. Step up to the XLE or XSE, and the luxury factor kicks in. Dual 12.3-inch screens take over the dashboard, leather-trimmed seats come with heating (and optional ventilation), plus ambient lighting sets the mood. You can also opt for a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system that transforms the cabin into a mini concert hall. It's a sweet blend of tech, comfort, and style that makes every drive feel special. When you look at specs, price, and everyday practicality, it's easy to see why the Camry is winning over so many buyers this year. It packs more horsepower than both the Corolla and RAV4 Hybrids, while still delivering impressive fuel economy and a best-in-class range of up to 663 miles. The Camry also offers more features than the Corolla and comes in well below the RAV4 Hybrid's starting price of $32,300. Sure, the RAV4 boasts extra cargo space and some off-road chops, but the Camry balances comfort, efficiency, and affordability in a way that's hard to beat. The Corolla Hybrid is definitely the budget-friendly pick in Toyota's hybrid lineup, starting at just $23,825—but with only 138 horsepower and a smaller 13.1-cubic-foot trunk, it's a bit limited in what it offers. The Prius is another strong contender, boasting up to 57 MPG combined and a starting price of $28,350, just under the Camry. There's also the Prius Prime plug-in, which offers 44 miles of all-electric driving, though it starts at a steeper $33,375. But if you're after an efficient, spacious, and well-rounded sedan that balances price, power, and practicality, the 2025 Camry Hybrid makes a seriously strong case for itself.
Bloomberg
an hour ago
- Bloomberg
Central Banks in Asia Are Becoming Wary of Currency Intervention
Some of emerging Asia's biggest central banks look to be dialing back their interventions in the currency market. The central banks of India and Malaysia have reduced the size of some derivatives positions they use to weaken their currencies. Taiwan has allowed its currency to surge against the dollar in recent weeks and dropped hints it would be comfortable with more if the moves were 'orderly.' South Korea's giant national pension fund has ended its five-month support of the won.
Android Authority
2 hours ago
- Android Authority
Fastmail replaced my Gmail and I'm never going back
Nathan Drescher / Android Authority I had the digital equivalent of an epiphany the other day. I opened my inbox and saw…email. Only email. There were no ads, no AI-generated summaries, and no prompts. It was a strange, yet welcome, feeling after years of using Gmail. Checking my inbox no longer felt like an argument with an algorithm. That's because I switched to Fastmail earlier this year. It all began when I started distancing myself from American big tech platforms, where Google sits high on the list. I wanted something more private and more personal, with less bloat. Fastmail, an Australian company, caught my eye as a well-regarded alternative to Gmail. Six months in, I am confident I made the right choice. Would you leave Gmail for something more private? 0 votes Yes, already have. NaN % I'm thinking about it. NaN % Maybe, if Gmail gets worse. NaN % No, I'm staying with Google. NaN % Why I left Gmail and Google Calendar Nathan Drescher / Android Authority It wasn't only because Gmail is part of a big monopolistic American tech corporation. It wasn't only the insane amounts of data it collected. It was the cluttered UI and the push towards AI-driven features I never asked for. Google Calendar, meanwhile, does its job, but has begun to feel like it's trying to be something more than it is. Gemini is snooping more and more in Calendar, trying to be helpful but getting in the way. All of it felt more corporate than personal. What I wanted was a fast, private email that respected my time and let me work. I wanted a calendar that synced reliably across platforms without becoming another vector for distraction. I seriously considered Proton Mail. I have great respect for what the company is building. However, I have heard from others about occasional delivery hiccups, and I can't afford to miss an interview with a subject or an important follow-up with a client. Reliability was non-negotiable. Proton was out. How Fastmail fits into my daily life Nathan Drescher / Android Authority Fastmail handles all my email needs. The interface is clean and responsive. No tabs, no promotions. Just email. I can choose between a folder or tag structure, and I went with tags. It's one of the things I enjoy about Gmail. The Fastmail app is more than just email. There's a dropdown in the top left that allows me to switch to Calendar, Contacts, Notes, and even a cloud drive. The base plan comes with 50GB of storage, which isn't bad for $60 a year. The built-in calendar has been surprisingly strong. It syncs perfectly with the email side of the app, so appointments and meetings can be quickly added. I can share calendar events with others, even if they don't use Fastmail, and it looks great, as well. The base plan comes with 50GB of storage, which isn't bad for $60 a year. One feature I didn't expect to appreciate so much was the filtering system. I can control exactly how messages are sorted and what gets archived and flagged. It's like Gmail's labels, but with the user in mind. Notes are simple, but they work, and sync instantly between all devices. However, they're not as powerful or quick as Google Keep, so I still use that as my primary notetaking app. That said, I wasn't looking for a notes replacement. What I gained by switching Nathan Drescher / Android Authority The biggest gain in my life has been peace of mind. Fastmail isn't tracking me. My messages aren't being profiled, and Fastmail isn't trying to sell me anything. I pay it once a year, and it delivers my emails. I also gained reliability. Everything feels faster, with messages loading instantly and folders responding immediately. The search works great. There's no AI engine or smart features getting in the way. There's no AI engine or smart features getting in the way. Nathan Drescher Fastmail gives me control. I have control over my email and my calendar, and I can decide how things look and behave. That kind of ownership is preciously rare in modern digital services. Of course, there are still limits Nathan Drescher / Android Authority Nothing is perfect. Notes are barebones, and like I said, I don't use it often. It's certainly not a replacement for Keep. There's no deep integration with voice assistants, which could be a dealbreaker for some. I'm okay with it myself. There's also a learning curve when it comes to setting it up. I use a custom domain and had to mess around with my host's MX records, something I know little about. Once set up, however, it stayed out of the way. And it's not free. In this case, I'm happy to pay for something that works. I don't like being the product, after all. Fastmail gives me what I want Nathan Drescher / Android Authority It's a private and reliable alternative to Google's suite of apps. Sure, it doesn't have all the AI bells and whistles, but I see that as a selling point. I still use Google Keep, and I'm fine with that. I didn't set out to replace it, and the built-in notes feature that comes with Fastmail is more of an added bonus than a core feature for me. This was about finding tools that weren't American and respected my time and privacy. Fastmail has done exactly that. Fastmail is more than capable if you're looking to step away from the big tech oligopolies. You don't need to sacrifice usability, because Fastmail isn't trying to be clever. It just does its job well.
