Hi There! A few weeks ago, I called my mother to wish her a happy birthday. You know how those calls go: laughter, memories, checking in on all the happenings. At one point, I asked, “So how you do?”

She paused just long enough for me to know she was being thoughtful. Then, with a smile, she said “I’m content.”

Not “I’m great” or “I’m busy” or “I’m fine”, just content. I could hear the peace in her voice.

What more could I ask for?

Her calm reminded me that real fulfillment comes from within. I am so thankful for her and for the way she leads without even trying. She carries a steady joy that grounds our whole family.

It made me realize that reaching that place, where you are satisfied with what you have and not caught in the trap of always needing more, is in itself a powerful milestone.

To be honest, It took me weeks to fully unpack that mother-daughter moment.

Contentment is something we cultivate. It begins with gratitude. You have to make time to reflect on the good in your life, even the small things. This practice will shift your attention from what’s missing to what’s already present.

Being content grows with mindfulness. We choose to be in the moment, rather than constantly chasing what is next or replaying what has already passed.

Contentment also requires acceptance, not perfection. It means acknowledging your flaws and your life as it is, while choosing peace. You can aim for more, but you do not have to beat yourself up along the way.

Each day, I remind myself that my only competition is the version of me from yesterday. If I can grow just one percent better, that is more than enough.

Contentment also asks that we make room for joy. To achieve this, you have to do what you love and connect with people who lift your spirit. You also have to set goals that nourish you, not drain you. Care for yourself in small, steady ways. Point is, keep life simple.

During the times that life feels heavy, reach out. We all need support sometimes to find our way back to balance.

My mother’s calm, clear, unshaken voice still lingers in my mind. “I’m content.”

We all need to carry that mindset with us to be truly free!

Alright, let’s dig in!

U.S. Markets Recap (June 15 - June 21, 2025)

Last week, markets struggled for direction, caught between geopolitical volatility and monetary policy uncertainty. U.S. equities moved mostly sideways as investors processed ongoing airstrikes between Israel and Iran and the U.S. involvement. European and Asian indices fell as similar concerns rippled globally. Meanwhile, safe-haven flows drove Treasury yields lower and oil prices higher. Gold took a pause, but the standout performer was Circle (CRCL), which soared 70% on expectations the new stablecoin legislation will open the floodgates for broader crypto adoption.

Equities:

Stocks started strong but faded into the weekend, with the S&P 500 slightly down and the Nasdaq and Dow barely ending in the green. Big tech led last Monday’s rally before momentum faded on rising tensions in the Middle East. President Trump’s comments on potential de-escalation with Iran temporarily eased nerves, but no breakthrough emerged. The looming July 9 tariff expiration also weighed on sentiment, especially after Trump left the G7 summit early without finalizing a deal with Japan.

The Fed held rates steady as expected, with Chair Powell signaling no immediate shift despite inflation easing and growth forecasts softening. Trade frictions returned to the spotlight after reports surfaced that the U.S. may revoke chip-related waivers for partners operating in China.

Fixed Income:

Bond markets caught a bid as geopolitical anxiety pushed investors into Treasuries. Yields on two- and ten-year notes dropped four and three basis points, respectively. The Fed’s updated dot plot suggested fewer long-term rate cuts, but the near-term outlook remained stable: two rate cuts expected in 2025 and a policy floor near 3.6%.

Softening inflation and weaker-than-expected economic data, as evidenced by the Bloomberg Economic Surprise Index, may nudge the Fed toward a more dovish stance. Regulatory proposals aimed at loosening leverage rules for U.S. banks were interpreted by some as a move to stimulate additional Treasury demand, though the potential for banks to significantly increase their holdings remains limited.

Commodities:

Oil prices continued their upward climb on Middle East tensions and tight supply. Gold took a breather after recent gains. Overall, the commodity complex found support as investors sought inflation hedges and geopolitical protection.

Currencies:

The U.S. dollar posted its strongest weekly performance in a month, buoyed by haven demand and solid macroeconomic positioning.

U.S. Economic Recap (June 15 - June 21, 2025)

May retail sales fell 0.9%, marking the second consecutive monthly decline. Auto sales were notably weak, likely influenced by pre-tariff buying. Export prices also dropped 0.9%, while import prices were flat. Initial jobless claims met expectations.

At Wednesday’s FOMC meeting, the Fed kept rates unchanged. Chair Powell emphasized a "modestly restrictive" policy stance, signaling that the Fed is in wait-and-see mode. The updated economic projections revealed slower expected growth (1.4% for 2025), a slight rise in unemployment (to 4.5%), and a bump in core PCE inflation forecasts (from 2.8% to 3.1%).

Global Markets Recap (June 15 - June 21, 2025)

Europe: European equities ended lower, dragged down by geopolitical fears and mixed macro data. The STOXX 600 fell mid-week as speculation of U.S. military involvement intensified. UK retail sales surprised to the downside, and Swiss growth forecasts were revised lower. However, Germany’s ZEW investor sentiment index jumped and UK inflation edged down.

Asia: Asian markets also turned lower, breaking a two-week rally. South Korea bucked the trend, with the Kospi Index gaining nearly 5% thanks to optimism around new fiscal stimulus. Japan saw modest gains, while Hong Kong and mainland China ended the week under pressure.

Crypto Recap (June 15 - June 21, 2025)

Crypto headlines lit up the week as the Senate passed the GENIUS Act, a bill designed to regulate dollar-backed stablecoins. The move sent Circle (CRCL) soaring over 80%, with its total return now roughly 8x its June 5 IPO price. Coinbase (COIN), a key Circle partner, climbed 27%.

The surprise breakout came from SRM Entertainment (SRM), a theme park merchandiser turned crypto player. After announcing plans to partner with Tron and rebrand as Tron Inc., SRM shares surged over 660% in a matter of days.

Top Crypto Gainers Last Week: SEI, KAIA

Here are other key highlights from last week:

• JPMorgan introduced USD deposit token on Coinbase’s Base Blockchain.

• Ford explores decentralized legal data storage on Cardano blockchain.

• Pudgy Penguins debut play-to-win game on TON.

• Polygon announced that it is going GIGAGAS.

Another week packed with news and geopolitical unrest!

Key U.S. Economic Releases developments so far:

• June Services PMI: Fell to 53.1 from 53.7

• June Manufacturing PMI: Held steady at 52.0

• Existing Home Sales (May): Rose 0.8% to 4.03 million

• House Price Index (April): Fell 0.4% month-over-month; up 3.0% year-over-year

• Consumer Confidence (June): Dropped to 93.0 from 98.4

• New Home Sales (May): Dropped 13.7% to 623,000

Key U.S. Economic Releases remaining this week:

• Thursday: Q1 GDP, Jobless Claims, Durable Goods Orders, Pending Home Sales

• Friday: Core PCE Inflation, Consumer Sentiment

Fed speeches and Policy this week:

• Monday to Friday: A full slate of FOMC members speaking, including Chair Powell’s back-to-back testimonies

• Key Highlights:

  • Powell reaffirmed the Fed’s patient stance

  • Noted tariffs could raise inflation and dampen growth

  • Confirmed inflation has eased but remains above target

  • Addressed crypto, saying the industry tone has shifted and signaled “more activity” ahead

Earnings: 

Notable earnings for this week is outlined in red in the chart below.

Medium-to-High Impact Global Economic Events This Week:

Week 6/15/25 - 6/21/25 Recap

Special Tools and Strategies - Ledn

Why Sell When You Can Borrow?

Many people hold Bitcoin but find themselves stuck when opportunity knocks.

They want to buy a home, buy a business, or cover a major business expense, but they don’t want to sell their Bitcoin to do it. Selling could mean missing out on future gains or triggering costly taxes. At the same time, they don’t have the cash sitting in their bank account either.

This is a common and frustrating problem for long-term Bitcoin hodlers.

At Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas, I had the chance to hear Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, Co-Founder of Ledn, speak directly to this issue. His company offers a simple solution:

Ledn lets you borrow cash using your Bitcoin as collateral. No credit checks. No need to sell. Just a practical way to unlock the value of your Bitcoin while continuing to hold it.

Mauricio laid out a bold, client focused vision for the future of Bitcoin-backed lending: transparent, secure, and client first.

Two of his quotes still echo in my mind:

Those words captured the essence of what Ledn is building. They are providing a way for Bitcoin holders to access real-world capital without compromising their belief in the asset they worked to accumulate.

How Ledn Came to Be

Ledn started out of necessity. Founders Adam Reeds and Mauricio Di Bartolomeo were early Bitcoin miners. Like many others, they faced a problem. They held valuable Bitcoin, but traditional banks did not recognize it as an asset.

They could use a house, car, or even a phone as collateral, but not Bitcoin.

In Venezuela, where Mauricio grew up, the local currency often lost value quickly. Bitcoin helped people survive inflation and protect their savings. However, when Mauricio and Adam tried to grow their mining business, they were constantly forced to sell Bitcoin to cover expenses. It felt backwards, so they built a better option.

In 2018, Ledn launched Canada’s first Bitcoin-backed loan. Since then, the company has grown into a global financial platform that gives Bitcoin holders access to capital without selling their assets.

What is a Bitcoin-Backed Loan and How Does It Work?

A Bitcoin-backed loan is simple. You deposit Bitcoin as collateral and receive a cash loan, usually equal to about 50 percent of your Bitcoin’s value.

Here’s how it works:

1. You deposit 1 BTC worth $107,433.53 (estimate during time of writing) with Ledn.

2. Ledn gives you a $54,716.77 loan based on that value.

3. You pay interest (starting at 12.9 percent APR) and repay the loan on your schedule.

4. Once you repay the loan in full, your Bitcoin is returned.

As long as Bitcoin’s price does not drop too far, your Bitcoin stays safely held.

Why Use a Bitcoin Loan Instead of Selling?

Three key reasons:

• Tax efficiency: Selling Bitcoin can trigger capital gains taxes. Borrowing may not. (Check with a tax professional.)

• Hold potential upside: If Bitcoin rises in value, you still benefit.

• No credit check required: Approval is based on your Bitcoin, not your credit score.

What Can You Use a Bitcoin Backed Loan For?

Ledn clients have used Bitcoin backed loans for a variety of purposes:

• Buy a home: Fund a down payment or even buy property outright.

• Business operations: A startup takes out $500,000 to fund payroll without selling its Bitcoin.

• Medical emergencies: A client uses a $15,000 loan to cover unexpected bills without cashing out during a market dip.

• Investment: Borrow $50,000 to buy dividend-paying Bitcoin related stocks yielding 10 percent.

• Increase exposure: Use a B2X loan to buy more Bitcoin. Risky but potentially rewarding.

• Manage cash flow: A freelancer borrows $2,000 during a slow month and repays it after the next client payment.

• Cross-border purchases: A borrower buys property overseas using Bitcoin as the funding base.

Benefits of Bitcoin Backed Loans

• Keep your Bitcoin: No need to sell.

• Quick access: Receive cash within 24 hours.

• No monthly payments: Repay when you choose.

• No credit score required: Approval based on collateral.

• Global reach: Loans as low as $500 are available in many countries.

Common Fears and Misconceptions

What if Bitcoin’s price crashes?

If the price drops, your loan to value ratio increases. Ledn will issue a margin call if needed. You can:

• Add more Bitcoin as collateral

• Make a partial repayment

Ledn supports borrowers with:

• Margin call alerts

• Auto top-up tools

• Proactive client support

During a 32 percent market drop (from $109,000 to $74,000), most Ledn clients avoided liquidation thanks to these tools.

What if I lose my Bitcoin?

Starting July 1, 2025, Ledn will only offer custodied loans. Your Bitcoin will not be lent out to earn interest. It remains securely held.

What to Consider Before Taking Out a Bitcoin Loan

Before using a Bitcoin-backed loan:

• Understand Bitcoin’s volatility

• Understand the crypto market

• Know your margin call trigger

• Use a reputable platform with proof of reserves

• Review interest rates and loan terms

• Be cautious with leveraged options like B2X

Who Should Use a Bitcoin Loan

A good fit for:

• Bitcoin holders with long-term conviction

• Entrepreneurs or freelancers who need fast, flexible capital

• People in countries with limited access to traditional credit

Not recommended for:

• Anyone relying solely on current Bitcoin value to cover needs

• People unfamiliar with crypto volatility or loan mechanics

• Borrowers without a clear repayment plan

Why Use Ledn?

Ledn offers several advantages:

• Competitive rates: APR reduced to 12.9 percent in May 2025.

• Client flexibility: No monthly payments. Repay at your own pace.

• Fast funding: Most loans are funded within 24 hours.

• Low minimums: Loans start at $500.

• Transparent reserves: Verified by independent CPAs.

• Global support: Available in many regions.

• Built with real users in mind: From miners to families to founders.

At Bitcoin 2025, Mauricio announced major changes coming July 1, 2025:

This means:

• Becoming a Bitcoin only platform

• Retiring Ethereum and Bitcoin interest accounts

• Offering custodied loans only

The Honest Truth: Bitcoin Lending Has Limits

Bitcoin-backed lending has real benefits, but also real limitations:

• Learning curve: It takes time to understand crypto lending.

• Limited scale: Smaller market compared to traditional finance.

• Multiple apps: You may need exchanges and wallets to manage your assets.

• Price risk: Bitcoin can fall 20 percent or more in a short time.

• Custody risk: You must trust the lender to secure your Bitcoin.

A New Kind of Financial Freedom

For long-term Bitcoin holders who need liquidity now, platforms like Ledn offer a smart alternative to selling. You can unlock value without giving up your position. You stay in control.

Bitcoin-backed lending is not for everyone. However, if used wisely, it can help turn your digital wealth into something tangible like a home, a business, or a stepping stone to bigger goals.

Interested in trying it yourself?

Visit Ledn.io

Use the calculator, compare loan terms, and see how much you could borrow without selling your Bitcoin.

Disclaimer: This newsletter is strictly educational. The information this report provides does not constitute investment, financial, trading, or any other advice. You should not treat any of the report’s content as such. Please be careful and do your research.