The 08:00 report · 30.10.2026

Suspected Binance Hack Prompts Freezing of Billions in Crypto Assets

The world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, has launched an investigation into a security incident following a series of massive transfers from the platform, with company founder Changpeng Zhao assessing the event as a hack. In swift response, stablecoin issuers Tether and Circle, along with other crypto firms, blocked and froze assets valued at more than $2.3 billion linked to the suspicious accounts. News of the incident triggered sharp drops across digital asset markets, sending the price of Bitcoin plunging below the $80,000 threshold. While full details regarding the exact extent of the damage have not yet been released, the incident has rattled confidence across the industry.

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Amazon Earnings: Cloud Revenue Surges as AI Spending Drives $42B Negative Cash Flow

Amazon presented a mixed financial picture in its third-quarter results, reflecting the steep costs of the artificial intelligence race. Massive expenditures on AI infrastructure led the company to post negative free cash flow of $42.4 billion. Despite the cash burn, the tech giant kept its planned capital investment budget for 2026 unchanged and issued a cautious guidance forecast ahead of the holiday shopping season. In contrast, its cloud computing division AWS recorded a sharp 39% surge in revenue, surpassing analyst expectations. This cloud growth was bolstered in part by major agreements signed during the quarter with Meta and OpenAI.

Gold Slips Below $4,000 as Strong US Inflation Data Fuels Fed Hike Bets

The price of gold retreated below the threshold of $4,000 per ounce following stronger-than-expected inflation data in the United States and a rise in crude oil prices. The US personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index pointed to persistent inflationary pressures in the world's largest economy. These figures reinforced investor expectations that the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates at its upcoming meeting in December. The growing anticipation of tighter monetary policy and sustained higher interest rates put direct downward pressure on precious metal prices, driving the drop in bullion.

Colombia Central Bank Rate Decision: Hike Expected, Hold Not Ruled Out

Colombia's central bank is scheduled to decide on its benchmark interest rate on Friday, facing what appears to be an exceptionally close call that has kept financial markets watchful. Monetary policymakers in Bogota are weighing two main options: monetary tightening via an interest rate increase, or leaving the policy rate unchanged at its current level. Market forecasts remain divided, and while expectations lean toward a rate hike, a hold scenario remains firmly on the table. The official decision and detailed metrics will be published at the conclusion of the monetary policy meeting, setting the direction for Colombia's economy in the near term.

Reports of Vessel Fire and Tanker Explosion in Strait of Hormuz

Another security incident was reported in the Strait of Hormuz after a vessel caught fire off the coast of Oman according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), while Iran's Mehr News Agency reported an explosion on Thursday night aboard an oil tanker in the strait. These developments follow reports yesterday of a ship catching fire north of Khasab, as well as an announcement by Iran's Revolutionary Guards that three oil tankers had struck naval mines after allegedly violating maritime navigation rules. The causes of the latest blaze and explosion, the extent of damage, and the condition of the crews remain unclear, yet the recurring events highlight persistent instability along the strategic transit corridor.

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