Morgan Stanley to Launch Spot Crypto Trading on E*Trade Platform, Challenging Robinhood and Coinbase

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May 2, 2025

Morgan Stanley, the $1.7 trillion Wall Street giant, is preparing to make a landmark move into the cryptocurrency space by enabling spot trading of digital assets for retail investors via its E*Trade platform.

According to a Bloomberg report citing anonymous sources, the bank plans to roll out this feature in 2026, marking the most significant entry into direct crypto trading by a major U.S. financial institution.

Currently, ETrade clients can only access crypto indirectly through ETFs, futures, and trust products. The upcoming upgrade will allow them to buy and sell actual crypto assets, a development that would put ETrade in direct competition with platforms like Robinhood and Coinbase.

This initiative follows a shift in U.S. government policy, as the Trump administration eases regulatory restrictions on digital assets. Since assuming office, President Trump, together with various federal agencies and Congress, have initiated several actions that have the potential to reshape the digital asset industry within the United States. Recall that on January 23, 2025, Trump issued an executive order that reverses key elements of a Biden-era federal policy framework that emphasized strict oversight, enforcement actions, and consumer protection warnings.

It is worth noting that Internal discussions at Morgan Stanley reportedly began in late 2024 after the administration reversed several measures aimed at curbing crypto-related risk, creating a more favorable environment for institutional participation in the space.

The new feature is still in early development, but it’s gaining momentum as Morgan Stanley seeks to meet rising client demand for crypto access. The firm plans to partner with established crypto infrastructure providers to handle custody, fiat conversions, and other backend services ensuring scalability and security for its users.

Morgan Stanley’s E*Trade, acquired in 2020 for $13 billion, serves over 5 million retail clients and has established itself as a leading platform for online brokerage, trading, and workplace wealth solutions. By integrating crypto spot trading, the platform will not only enhance its offering but also strengthen its position in a rapidly evolving financial landscape where digital assets are gaining mainstream traction.

Competitive Landscape

The initiative places E*TRADE in direct competition with Robinhood, which reported $626 million in crypto revenue in 2024, and Coinbase, with $1.2 billion in Q3 2024 trading revenue. Morgan Stanley’s trusted brand and regulatory oversight could attract investors seeking a secure, mainstream platform, potentially drawing market share from crypto-native exchanges.

Unlike Coinbase, which offers a broad range of tokens, E*TRADE is likely to focus initially on major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, similar to competitors like Robinhood and Fidelity. This could limit its immediate threat to exchanges specializing in altcoins but still erode market share for mainstream assets.

Morgan Stanley move to launch Spot Crypto Trading on E*Trade Platform, aligns with global trends, as European banks like BBVA and Deutsche Bank expand crypto offerings under MiCA regulations. This could spur other traditional brokers, like Charles Schwab and SoFi, to accelerate their crypto plans, amplifying competitive pressure.

This development comes at a pivotal time, with Bitcoin trading above $96,000 and spot Bitcoin ETFs attracting billions in institutional inflows. If successful, E*Trade could become a regulated and trusted gateway for retail investors to gain direct exposure to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, potentially reshaping the competitive dynamics of crypto trading in the U.S. financial sector.

Looking Ahead

Morgan Stanley’s E*TRADE crypto trading initiative will intensify competition for crypto platforms, by leveraging its trusted brand, regulatory compliance, and vast client base. While posing challenges like market share erosion and pricing pressure, it also drives mainstream adoption and market growth, benefiting the broader ecosystem.

Morgan Stanley is planning to offer clients a way to buy and sell cryptocurrency on its E* Trade platform, Bloomberg reports, citing anonymous sources. The move, to launch next year, would be the biggest yet by a major U.S. bank into offering spot trading of the asset class — and put Morgan in competition with platforms such as Robinhood. It follows a softening of opposition to crypto as the Trump administration rolls back regulations intended to guard against risk in the volatile digital coin sector.

Trump Ends “De Minimis”, Triggering Price Hikes at Temu, Shein, and Economic Risks for Both U.S. and China

By

Samuel Nwite

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May 2, 2025

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Small-value packages shipped from China and Hong Kong will no longer be exempt from U.S. tariffs starting Friday, as President Donald Trump’s latest trade policy move takes effect.

The decision targets the long-standing de minimis rule, a provision Trump has denounced as a “big scam”, which has allowed low-cost goods worth under $800 to enter the United States duty-free. Its removal marks a sweeping change not only for American consumers but for the global flow of cheap goods that has defined e-commerce in recent years.

While U.S. shoppers can still order from platforms like Temu and Shein, they’ll now pay significantly more, as retailers adjust to the new tariffs. Items from China and Hong Kong will be taxed at 120% of their value or face a flat fee starting at $100, increasing to $200 by June. That policy, the Trump administration says, is designed to stop a loophole that allegedly helped conceal ingredients used in illicit fentanyl shipments — but the economic fallout of this decision is expected to go far beyond customs checks.

Impact on Chinese Exports and U.S. Inflation

The end of de minimis is expected to hurt both the Chinese and American economies in different ways. For China, it deals a blow to a growing segment of its export economy — one that’s been booming through direct-to-consumer platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. These platforms have surged in popularity across the U.S. by offering ultra-low-cost goods, made possible by cheap labor and the tariff loophole. With the new U.S. import fees, Chinese exporters will likely see a sharp drop in shipments, particularly of lower-margin goods like fashion, homeware, and accessories.

For the U.S., the consequences could be inflationary. Many low-income and middle-class Americans have relied on these discount platforms to access affordable products. With prices now climbing, in some cases more than doubling, purchasing power is set to decline further. Analysts warn this could drive up inflation, particularly in categories like clothing, small electronics, toys, and household items, where Chinese platforms have captured a significant market share.

Already, Shein has begun hiking prices ahead of the tariff’s effective date. Data from the company’s top 100 beauty and health products show an average price increase of 51%, while Temu is passing most of the tax burden directly onto buyers, resulting in similar jumps across its marketplace.

A Trade Standoff Between the World’s Largest Economies

The move further underscores a deepening trade standoff between the world’s two largest economies. The U.S. and China have continued imposing restrictions and retaliatory measures on each other’s industries, with both governments now appearing locked in a pattern of economic defiance. Economists warn that this tit-for-tat strategy risks dragging down global growth — particularly at a time when economic recovery from the pandemic and inflation shocks remains uneven.

Despite Trump’s claims that discussions with Beijing are ongoing, there’s little public evidence that high-level trade talks have resumed or that any significant progress is being made. The White House has offered no timeline for negotiation or de-escalation. The only visible shift has been a handful of exemptions granted by China on certain American goods, but these are seen by analysts as largely symbolic.

As of now, the Trump administration continues to maintain — and in some areas expand — the array of tariffs, export controls, and investment restrictions introduced during the previous trade wars. The de minimis overhaul adds a new layer of friction to U.S.-China commerce, targeting a volume-driven sector that handled over 1 billion individual shipments into the U.S. last year.

The de minimis threshold has long given foreign sellers, especially Chinese e-commerce firms, a competitive advantage. Introduced in 1938 and raised to $800 during the Obama administration, the exemption allows individual shipments valued below that amount to enter the U.S. without customs duties or formal paperwork. That’s considerably more generous than in most developed economies — Canada caps its threshold at $40, while the European Union sets it at around $150.

For years, Chinese platforms have used this to avoid the kind of regulatory scrutiny American retailers must endure. U.S. businesses importing the same goods must pay tariffs, fill out documentation, and endure customs clearance. Meanwhile, Chinese companies have been able to ship items directly to U.S. homes using logistics services like Yanwen, Cainiao, and cross-border couriers, bypassing much of the red tape.

Trump’s executive order signed last month reverses that equation. While it initially applies to China and Hong Kong, the administration has made it clear that the exemption will eventually be eliminated for all countries, once a system is in place to “expeditiously process and collect” duties on small parcels.

The Business Uncertainty Fallout

The change also creates uncertainty across logistics networks, especially for carriers that process large volumes of international parcels. DHL Group CEO Tobias Meyer said the impact depends on how the U.S. enforces the new system, particularly in terms of defining what constitutes formal versus informal clearance.

“For a formal clearance into the United States, you need additional data items,” Meyer told Bloomberg Television. That means more paperwork, higher compliance costs, and potentially slower deliveries for millions of packages.

The implications are vast. Independent U.S. sellers using Chinese suppliers via platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or eBay may struggle to maintain their margins. Drop shippers who rely on just-in-time imports from China now face steep duties, and some may be pushed out of the market entirely.

Trump has attempted to frame the move as a blow to fairness, saying the exemption has undercut American small businesses.

“It’s a big scam going on against our country, against, really, small businesses — and we’ve ended it,” he said at a cabinet meeting Wednesday.

But for consumers, the shift may feel more like a penalty. Trump acknowledged this recently, stating that kids might now have “two dolls instead of 30” and that “maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally.”

A New Chapter in U.S.-China Trade

The removal of de minimis signals that Washington is shifting to a more aggressive stance in enforcing trade fairness — even if it means short-term disruption. But with no clear plan for negotiations with China, and both sides showing little willingness to compromise, the world’s two largest economies are veering toward a prolonged standoff.

Economists say the defiance game, each country escalating measures with no sign of retreat, carries long-term risks. It could stall investment, worsen inflation, and choke the flow of affordable goods that consumers have come to rely on.

In this new phase of economic nationalism, the question is no longer just about who wins or loses — but how much pain both sides are willing to endure.

Discover Your Next Business Course At Tekedia Institute; Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA

By

Ndubuisi Ekekwe

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May 2, 2025

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Did you see the balloon? More Learners attend Tekedia Institute for business management and leadership ascension than any business institution in Africa. Discover your next course here and learn from the best.

In our next edition which begins in early June, we’re adding a personal business AI educator and coach as we educate for impact, to advance the missions of firms and improve societies through knowledge.

Register for a Tekedia Institute program and begin a journey to GROWTH and abundance because our product is knowledge, and knowledge wins markets and the future.

How to Bet on the Kentucky Derby in Connecticut – CT Sports Betting 2025

By

TI Partners

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May 2, 2025

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It’s the first leg of horse racing’s US Triple Crown on Saturday 3 May and with that in mind we showcase how you can bet on the Kentucky Derby in Connecticut with some of the leading US offshore betting sites – including our top-ranked sportsbook, BETWHALE

Best Connecticut Sports Betting Sites for the Kentucky Derby

Listed here are the top 5 Kentucky Derby 2025 offshore betting sites to join for betting on the latest edition of the ‘Run For The Roses’ on Saturday May 3. There’s $1,000 of free bets to claim too and we’ll show you how to join each one below.

BetWhale – Newer racebook with $1,250 welcome offer
BetOnline – $250 sign-up offer for Kentucky Derby
BUSR – Horse racing specialist racebook with $1,000 in bonuses
Bovada – $750 bonus for horse racing betting
BetNow – 200% deposit joining offer for Kentucky Derby

How to Bet on the Kentucky Derby in Connecticut

Place bets on the 2025 Kentucky Derby in these three simple steps.

Join BetWhale account
Deposit up to $1,000 (Get 125% bonus up to $1,250)
Place your 2025 Kentucky Derby wagers

Connecticut Sports Betting Latest – Can I Bet on the Kentucky Derby in Connecticut?

Yes, you can bet on horse racing in Connecticut both online and in person.

There are three live sports betting sites in operation in Connecticut – Fanatics Sportsbook, Fan Duel and DraftKings – while in-person betting in the state is only permitted in certain locations.

However, despite this joining up with the top offshore sportsbooks for betting in Connecticut still has many benefits – that include better odds, no KYC checks on joining, fast payouts and many generous joining offers.

Most of the best Connecticut offshore racebooks we recommend on this page also have over 20 years of operating online via offshore licenses – so are perfectly safe, legal and secure to bet with ANY US state.

The 5 Top Kentucky Derby Sports Betting Sites In Connecticut Reviewed

1. BetWhale (125% Deposit Bonus, up to $1,250)

BetWhale is our top-ranked sportsbook if you want to bet on the 2025 Kentucky Derby in Connecticut.

Their extensive horse racing offering is one of the best around and despite being one of the newer betting sites – don’t let this deter you off as they are already the go-to site for thousands of punters.

BetWhale are based offshore too, so any regional US State betting laws won’t apply to their customers – meaning users can bet on the 2025 Kentucky Derby ANYWHERE across America.

Plus, being a newer betting site means that most won’t have taken up their generous welcome offer – which is a 125% deposit bonus of up to $1,250.

Why Join BetWhale for Horse Racing?

Newer Racebook Generous Welcome Offer To Claim
Existing Customer Free Bets and Offers
Competitive Horse Racing Odds

Sign up with BetWhale

2. BetOnline (50% Deposit Bonus, up to $250)

BetOnline is another leading pick for anyone wanting to bet on the 2025 Kentucky Derby in Connecticut – as the first leg of the US Triple Crown is drawing closer.

Being based offshore – like all the featured sportsbooks to bet on the Kentucky Derby on this page – means customers can use BetOnline to bet in ANY US State – as they don’t have to follow any set state gambling restrictions.

There is also a $250 free bet offer in place for new joiners with their 50% opening deposit bonus. While horse racing fans can also cash-in on their 9% daily horse racing rebate too and $25 risk-free bet to look out for.

At BetOnline players have a wide range of payment options too, including Bitcoin, and should you find the big Churchill Downs winner on Saturday they also have quick payouts on withdrawals.

Why Join BetOnline for Horse Racing?

Competitive Odds & $250 Sign-Up Offer
$25 Horse Racing Risk-Free Bet
9% Daily Horse Racing Rebate
Many Horse Racing Bets Supported (Inc, Win, Place, Show, Exacta & Trifecta)

Sign up with BetOnline

3. BUSR (100% Deposit Bonus, up to $1,000)

BUSR means ‘Bet US Racing’, and has been going since 2014 and has always had horse racing as their main focus – which is why it’s another popular option for many wanting to bet on the 2025 Kentucky Derby in Connecticut.

Users are rewarded with competitive fixed odds betting on all the main horse racing markets that include win, place, show, plus the popular exacta and trifecta bets.

BUSR will also offer new players up to $1,000 in free bets with their opening 20% deposit bonus – which can be used on the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

Then, once signed-up there is a daily 10% horse racing rebate to look out for as well as a $100 money back special on certain races for 2nds and 3rds.

Why Join BUSR for Horse Racing?

Dedicated Offshore Horse Racing Site
10% Horse Racing Rebates (Daily)
Moneyback Special Offers

Sign up with BUSR

4. Bovada (75% Deposit Bonus, up to $750)

At Bovada – you can also know how to bet on the Kentucky Derby 2025 in Connecticut – who have been supplying their customers with some of the best horse racing odds since 2011.

They have a dedicated racebook area which makes betting on the 2025 Kentucky Derby a simple process – including offering the popular win, place and show markets.

There is a $750 free bet to claim too for new joiners of this trusted site with their 75% deposit welcome bonus. Therefore, to max-out the full amount you will need to deposit $1,000 (but smaller amounts still qualify for this deal).

Why Join Bovada for Horse Racing?

Rewards Loyalty Program & Refer a Friend Bonus
Competitive Horse Racing Betting Odds
Wide Range Of Horse Racing Bets Supported

Sign up with Bovada

5. BetNow (Up To 200% Deposit Bonus)

BetNow is the final of our Kentucky Derby Connecticut crypto betting sites to join before this Saturday’s big Churchill Downs race – with a deposit bonus of up to 200% to claim on opening outlays.

200% deposit bonus – up to $200
150% deposit bonus – up to $225
100% deposit bonus – up to $500

Having begun in 2005, BetNow are a well-established brand in the world of US sports betting, so it’s no shock that thousands of US horse racing fans head to them to wager on the Kentucky Derby each year.

In addition to their competitive Kentucky Derby betting offer, once joined horse racing bettors can also take advantage of their 10% horse racing rebate offer, plus they even have a 200% cash bonus for referring a friend.

Why Join BetNow for Horse Racing?

10% Horse Racing Rebate (Weekly)
Reup Bonuses (up to 30%)
Competitive Horse racing predictor
Bet in ANY US State

Sign up with BetNow

Kentucky Derby Odds 2025

Below are the latest betting odds for the Kentucky Derby from our top US offshore betting site BetWhale, where this season’s Santa Anita Derby winning horse Journalism is the horse propping up the market.

This Michael McCarthy-trained 3 year-old will be hoping to give the stable their first win in the race and could become the first Kentucky Derby winning favorite since Triple Crown hero Justify won in 2018.

Next in the market is the Florida Derby runner-up Sovereignty and this season’s Arkansas Derby hero Sandman, who has been given the dreaded gate 17 – where no winner is yet to come from – is next best.

The positive, however, for Sandman is that he’ll be looking to follow the same path as last year’s Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan, who was third in that Oaklawn Park race before winning the 2024 ‘Run For The Roses’

Japan came close to winning the Kentucky Derby for the first time with Forever Young in 2024 (3rd) also look to have a leading chance with Luxor Cafe in 2025, who has been handed gate 7 and comes here off the back of an easy success in the Fukuryu Stakes.

Win Bet: You horse must win the race
Place Bet: Your horse must finish in the first two
Show Bet: Your horse must finish in the first three
Trifecta: Pick the first three horses in the correct order (this can also be permed)

2025 Kentucky Derby Runners, Post Positions and Betting Odds

1 Citizen Bull 20-1
2 Neoequos 30-1
3 Final Gambit 30-1
4 Rodriguez 12-1
5 American Promise 30-1
6 Admire Daytona 30-1
7 Luxor Cafe 15-1
8 Journalism 3-1
9 Burnham Square 12-1
10 Grande 20-1
11 Flying Mohawk 30-1
12 East Avenue 20-1
13 Publisher 20-1
14 Tiztastic 20-1
15 Render Judgement 30-1
16 Coal Battle 30-1
17 Sandman 6-1
18 Sovereignty 5-1
19 Chunk of Gold 30-1
20 Owen Almighty 30-1

Note: Odds are subject to change

Dogecoin Price Prediction 2025- DOGE To Compete Against New Viral Altcoin To Hit $1

By

TI Partners

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May 2, 2025

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Dogecoin (DOGE) has held its place as a top meme coin, but its long-awaited push toward $1 remains uncertain. While DOGE continues to ride waves of community hype, a new viral altcoin is now entering the spotlight with far more than just memes backing it. Lightchain AI, currently in presale at $0.007, has already raised $18.3 million, reflecting a surge in investor confidence.

Unlike typical meme coins, Lightchain AI is a utility-driven project merging blockchain with artificial intelligence. Its focus on transparency, decentralized governance, and scalability positions it as a strong contender in 2025, with traders now watching for a major breakout.

Dogecoin’s 2025 Outlook- Can It Maintain Relevance in a Changing Market?

The future of Dogecoin in 2025 is full of options, affected by market factors, new technologies, and the involvement of the community. The price is different among analysts and can be both modest and big growth: some analysts believe the price will range from $0.25 to $0.39, while others predict the price between $0.188 and $1.333 will be considerably higher.

All these differences tell us that a cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and price predictions are just speculative, at best. Besides price, the ability of Dogecoin to resist will also depend on its functionality and the rate of adoption. The arrival of financial instruments like the Grayscale Dogecoin Trust is one of the signs that show the growing interest of the institutional sector and Dogecoin can therefore be one of the alternatives to the classical financing institutions to be partnered with.

On the other hand, the strong backing of the community and the support by big names such as Elon Musk are the main reasons its popularity continues. In addition, problems that are not solved yet are still there, like scalability and the necessity of continuous technological upgradings to sustain the competition.

Lightchain AI Emerges as Strong $1 Contender

The Lightchain AI is quickly emerging as a strong $1 contender, catching the attention of savvy investors across the crypto space. Lightchain AI stands out with its ability to combine real-time AI execution with blockchain scalability, setting a new benchmark for decentralized utility.

Its architecture supports low-latency performance, while integrating off-chain storage systems like IPFS, Filecoin, and Arweave to handle datasets securely. Backed by a solid roadmap and balanced tokenomics, it also enables seamless interoperability across networks.

As the market shifts toward intelligent, high-utility assets, Lightchain AI’s explosive growth potential and technical foundation position it as a top altcoin likely to break major price milestones.

Lightchain AI- Rising Star Taking on Dogecoin

Lightchain AI is making waves as a serious contender to Dogecoin, combining cutting-edge tech with the power of a strong, growing community. While DOGE thrives on memes and celebrity hype, Lightchain AI is carving its own path with a more stable, practical approach to blockchain and crypto.

As the crypto market evolves, investors are hunting for projects with real-world potential—and Lightchain AI might just be the one to watch. Its seamless integration with existing systems and ability to handle complex datasets give it a clear edge over competitors still grappling with scalability. Could this be the next big leap toward the $1 milestone?

Stay tuned, because Lightchain AI is just getting started!

https://lightchain.ai

https://lightchain.ai/lightchain-whitepaper.pdf

https://x.com/LightchainAI

https://t.me/LightchainProtocol