Animoca Brands co-founder and executive chairman Yat Siu expects continued growth through 2025 due to a more crypto-friendly regime in the US.
Animoca Brands reported $314 million in bookings for 2024, marking a 12% year-over-year increase.
Bookings is a term commonly used in the gaming sector to represent the sum of revenue and deferred revenue. It includes all payments received and potential sales based on contracts not yet fulfilled.
According to Animoca Brands, its Digital Asset Advisory (DAA) business accounted for $165 million in bookings in 2024, a 116% increase over the previous year. The company’s subsidiaries and incubated projects generated $110 million in bookings, while its investment activities contributed $39 million.
On April 11, 2025, China’s State Council Tariff Commission issued an official notice announcing an increase in additional tariffs on imported US goods—from 84% to 125%. The new rate takes effect on April 12.
This move directly responds to the United States’ decision, announced on April 10, to impose a “reciprocal” 125% tariff on Chinese exports to the US.
Crypto Market Stays Calm Amid Escalating US-China Trade War
Despite escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies, the cryptocurrency market has shown remarkable stability. Investors appear unfazed by the intensifying trade conflict.
Crypto market capitalization remains around $2.5 trillion. Bitcoin’s price holds above $81,000 after recovering 10% since April 9, when Trump announced a 90-day tariff pause, excluding tariffs on China.
According to the Chinese statement, the tariff hike follows China’s Customs Law, Tariff Law, and Foreign Trade Law. The government reaffirmed its commitment to international rules. It accused the US of violating global trade norms and called Washington’s policy “unilateral bullying.”
Notably, China warned that it would not respond to further tariff increases from the US, arguing that American goods have already lost their competitiveness in the Chinese market at the current tariff level.
“Given that US exports to China are no longer market-viable under the current tariff rate, China will not respond further if the US continues to raise tariffs on Chinese goods,” the statement said.
The tariff dispute is not new. Since 2018, the US and China have imposed retaliatory tariffs on each other. Key sectors affected include agriculture, tech, and energy.
The latest hike pushes tariffs to a record 125%. Economists warn this could disrupt global supply chains, raise prices, and add pressure to inflation in both nations.
China’s tariff hike sends a strong message about its tough stance in trade negotiations. While the crypto market remains stable for now, analysts urge investors to monitor upcoming developments—especially any potential response from the US.
If no resolution is reached, the ongoing standoff could trigger a broader economic fallout. The world is now watching to see whether the trade war will de-escalate or further entrench the divide between the two economic superpowers.
REX Shares appears to be on the brink of launching a staked Solana ETF after receiving a key response from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
On June 27, the firm wrote the regulator to confirm whether it had resolved all concerns related to its proposed Solana and Ethereum staking ETFs.
SEC Clears Way for First Staked Solana ETF as REX Shares Readies Launch
Bloomberg ETF expert Eric Balchunas indicated that the SEC’s lack of objections is significant. According to him, this means that the proposal will likely receive approval soon.
“Rex also filed an updated prospectus, which totally filled in. Add it all up and it appears as though all systems go for imminent launch. $SSK is the ticker,” Balchunas said.
Interestingly, REX Shares has begun marketing the product as the first-ever staked crypto ETF in the US. According to the firm, the product will track Solana’s performance while generating yield through on-chain staking.
Rex now putting out a “coming soon” tweet. No date but clearly they pushing fwd, assuming comments resolved ht @NateGeracihttps://t.co/4NphZbtc55
It should be noted that the SEC has yet to issue a formal approval for the product.
If approved, this would position the firm to be the first to offer a staking-based crypto ETF, ahead of competitors still pursuing spot Solana products.
Meanwhile, Nate Geraci, president of ETF Store, pointed out that such a move could serve as a catalyst for the industry. He noted that this may encourage other applicants to explore staked crypto offerings.
“Looks like they believe comments have been resolved…Crypto ETF summer commences,” he added.
This development follows the SEC’s notable regulatory progress last month. At the time, the agency stated that staking models alone do not automatically fall under securities laws.
It also clarified that extra features such as bundled services or early redemption options do not necessarily alter that status.
As a result, this guidance has encouraged several asset managers to revisit their ETF strategies.
