BizNews Briefing – Bitcoin’s Promise, Israel ends Syria’s military capacity, Trump to run economy on X

In today's BizNews Briefing: Bitcoin's transformative potential takes center stage, Israel decisively eliminates Syria's military capabilities, and Donald Trump signals his intent to steer U.S. economic discourse via X..Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here..The seventh BizNews Conference, BNC#7, is to be held in Hermanus from March 11 to 13, 2025. The 2025 BizNews Conference is designed to provide an excellent opportunity for members of the BizNews community to interact directly with the keynote speakers, old (and new) friends from previous BNC events – and to interact with members of the BizNews team. Register for BNC#7 here..Watch here.Listen here.BizNews Reporter ___STEADY_PAYWALL___.BizNews Briefing Highlights.Bitcoin Update.Microsoft voted against adopting Bitcoin as a strategic asset on its balance sheet.Farzam Ehsani, CEO of VALR, provided insights on the implications of this decision..Geopolitics.Israel claims its airstrikes have neutralized 70-80% of Syria's military capacity. Bloomberg's Sam Dagger reported on the developments..Energy Sector.BP and Shell spent $18 billion on electricity generation over five years but face balance sheet challenges in sustaining renewable energy investments. FT's Sonia Hudson and energy expert Malcolm Moore discussed the outlook.In South Africa, public hearings on a proposed 66% electricity price hike concluded. Prisma's Paul Null suggested liquidating bankrupt municipalities to repay Eskom..US Economic Developments.President-elect Donald Trump is driving economic initiatives via his X platform, pledging expedited permits for major investors. Bloomberg reported on the updates..Market Overview.Local markets were subdued amid "silly season." Highlights:Resources: Flat performance.Industrials: Up 0.25%.Financials: Biggest losers, down 0.75%.Currency updates:Bitcoin: $99,496.USD/ZAR: 17.75, GBP/ZAR: 22.65.Major movers:Barlow World: Rose over 15.5% following a 22.8 billion ZAR acquisition offer from Saudi company Zahid. Plans to delist from the JSE.Sibanye: Up 2.33%.Pick n Pay: Down 7%.Nedbank: Down 5%.Sasol: Down 4.5%..Read also:.Liquidate municipalities to pay ESKOM & water boards – Paul Nel🔒 Jo'burg water crisis: R27 billion infrastructure upgrading and renewal backlogChuck Stephens: Is democracy breaking out in the Middle East?

BizNews Briefing – Bitcoin’s Promise, Israel ends Syria’s military capacity, Trump to run economy on X

Related Stories

Historic win for DA in ANC stronghold township - Electoral Roadshow with Wayne Sussman

Solly Moeng: Impeachment drama — Cyril fights, Mashatile waits, and SA is watching the DA…

Francois Rossouw - “Lying” Steenhuisen faces big damage claims from farmers

Shirley de Villiers: Joburg's last rites