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The price of Bitcoin (BTC) is expected to reach a high of $162,353 this year (€139,148), before it settles at around $145,167 (€124,418).

That’s according to UK fintech firm Finder’s latest survey, collecting price predictions from 24 crypto industry specialists.

Within responses, high and low estimates range widely, and the most optimistic predictions expect a peak price of $250,000 this year. The average lowest price prediction sits at $87,618, with some predicting that Bitcoin will fall as low as $70,000.

The cryptocurrency has recently reached $120,000 from just below $100,000 at the end of last year. 

“There are a number of factors increasing demand for Bitcoin, including clearer and more favourable regulations, increased utility such as payments, and changing economic conditions,” crypto exchange Zondacrypto’s CEO, Przemysław Kral, told Euronews.

He added that regulations such as the EU’s MiCA contributed significantly to the recent rally. The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) sets uniform EU market rules for crypto-assets. This, coupled with an increased interest from institutional players, largely in the form of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), made crypto more accessible for many. 

Cryptocurrency-based ETFs make it easier for investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies without having to buy them directly. These funds have exploded in popularity since Bitcoin ETFs began trading in US markets last year. 

Is there a bubble around Bitcoin?

While the integration of crypto into mainstream finance has genuinely boosted interest towards Bitcoin, there is a possibility that a so-called bubble is forming. In other words, the price is being ‘blown up’ by investor interest without fundamentals supporting it. 

According to Northeastern University’s crypto expert and professor of international business and strategy Ravi Sarathy, big institutional investors, including MicroStrategy, have been accumulating large pools of this asset, and it is possible that they are propping up the price of the cryptocurrency. MicroStrategy holds a Bitcoin stash worth approximately $65bn.

After the previous reluctant approach from institutional investors, “new US measures authorising Bitcoin ETF funds have made it easier and more convenient for both institutions and retail investors to invest some of their resources in these higher risk/higher return Bitcoin vehicles”,  Sarathy told Euronews Business. 

Bitcoin issuance has a ceiling of 21 million, driving rising demand in the face of a limited supply. “This has also led to the rise of Digital Asset Treasuries (a corporate strategy, ed.) which seek investor funds to invest in a variety of cryptocurrencies and tokens, including Bitcoin, a further fillip to demand, and fuelling rapid Bitcoin price appreciation,” Sarathy said, adding that after a short reaction to further US legislation, longer-term price appreciation could still continue.

How Washington is fuelling Bitcoin’s rally

Interest in Bitcoin has increased dramatically since US President Donald Trump widely campaigned to make the US the world capital for crypto. The US administration’s support for crypto assets reached new highs recently as the government dubbed this week ‘Crypto Week’. Lawmakers in the House are debating a series of bills that could define the regulatory framework for the industry in the United States. 

“Bitcoin and crypto in general, is being propped up by the Trump administration, ironically given its initial promotion as an alternative to government-backed currencies and support from libertarians,” said John Hawkins, senior lecturer at the University of Canberra.

He believes that the token “lacks any fundamental value, and after 16 years, it has still failed to meet its initial aspiration to be a common means of payment. It remains a speculative bubble.”

Others see Trump’s support as a reason to buy. 

Rouge International & Rouge Ventures’ managing director, Desmond Marshall, said that “Together with Trump’s embrace of digital crypto assets, his sons dealing with huge amounts of crypto projects and the strong US dollar, the US government is already buying large reserves of BTC. This is supported by many businesses venturing into this realm with enterprise crypto strategies.”

The most bullish crypto specialists, expecting a large price increase, bet that Bitcoin could reach $250,000, buoyed by institutional demand.

“Corporate and institutional demand is not slowing down while retail is still absent and nation state adoption is just getting started,” said Martin Froehler, CEO of Morpher trading platform.

Bitcoin’s price has increased nearly 25% since the beginning of the year, despite ongoing uncertainties related to tariff tensions, the conflict in the Middle East, and the lack of monetary policy easing in the US.

Is it the right time to buy Bitcoin?

Around 61% of the experts surveyed believe that it is the right time to buy. 

However, caution is always important, according to crypto exchange Zondacrypto’s CEO, Przemysław Kral.

He told Euronews: “With such hype comes the need for caution. No one knows whether the price will go up or down. We always recommend doing your research and getting educated on Bitcoin before investing in it.” 

Kadan Stadelmann, the CTO at Komodo Platform, believes that Bitcoin is going to steadily grow in value over the next six months before it returns to a bear market (when investors mainly sell instead of buy).

“Considering Bitcoin touched $110,000 already, and there’s still at least six months left in this bull run…I expect the peak around Q1 of 2026 and a bear market to follow,” said Stadelmann.

When asked what their expectations were for the very long term, the crypto experts surveyed by Finer said Bitcoin could reach values of $458,647 by 2030 and surpass $1 million by 2035.

How quantum computing might impact Bitcoin’s cryptographic security

The vast majority of the crypto specialists surveyed (79%) see quantum computing as a threat to Bitcoin’s cryptographic security, as quantum computers could potentially break the encryption standards that secure cryptocurrencies.

A quarter of the experts (25%) think that quantum computers will be able to crack Bitcoin within the next five years, and another 25% find that it’s a realistic possibility within the next five to ten years. The remainder (29%) say it’ll take longer than ten years.

Just 8% say that quantum computers pose no threat, and only a third of the experts are confident that the Bitcoin community is somewhat prepared for this threat. 

Disclaimer: This information does not constitute financial advice; always do your own research to ensure it’s right for your specific circumstances. We are a journalistic website and aim to provide the best guides, tips and advice from experts. If you rely on the information on this page, then you do so entirely at your own risk.

Brits are said to be “ditching” a popular holiday destination as prices to visit continue to soar. They instead seem to be opting for a cheaper alternative

Brits are reportedly giving a once-beloved holiday spot the cold shoulder as sky-high prices make trips to the destination increasingly unaffordable. Reports suggest that the cost of a holiday in Turkey is on the rise, with inflation hitting the tourist favourite hard.

In recent times, disgruntled travellers have been vocal about the escalating costs, with many considering a boycott in favour of more budget-friendly sunny escapes. Now, it appears a new destination has caught their eye, as viral posts suggest holidaymakers are swapping Turkey for Albania, and they’re loving the change.

A TikTok user by the name of ahmadsquad1 shared her bewilderment in a video post-holiday in Turkey, pondering over the noticeable lack of bustle. She acknowledges the inflation issue but is curious about why certain spots remain deserted.

In her video, she queries: “So we just got back from Turkey, and [in] every single shop we went to they were complaining about how quiet it is, and how there’s not that many people on holiday and, if they are on holiday, they are broke and don’t do loads of shopping – us included, but why is it?

“Where are people going? Why is that you have stopped going? One thing we did notice when we were there was like, for example, any kind of can – whether it’s branded or local brand – they would be like £4.00. Ice cream was like £4.00. Everything was so expensive.”

She mentioned that a typical meal such as a kebab and chips would set you back roughly £8.00, leading her to wonder whether the sparse crowds are down to inflated costs. Alternatively, she suggested that holidaymakers might simply be hunting for more budget-friendly getaways.

When she invited viewers to share their opinions, many disputed her claim that Turkey had ever been the top choice for British tourists. Nevertheless, some confessed they’ve sworn off returning to the country.

One person responded: “Been going to Turkey for years, but last year was different. Inflation hit hard, prices were high, getting overcharged. Hospitality didn’t feel the same. Not surprised fewer people are going now.”

Another suggested: “Should try the Balkan countries. Bosnia and Albania are lovely and very affordable.”

A third chimed in with: “Turkey has gone more expensive now, especially in Istanbul which makes it not worth it. People are now going to Bosnia or Albania.”

Meanwhile, a fourth contributor noted: “Turkey has gone expensive and a lot of people are choosing cheaper options like the North African countries, Balearic Islands or Greek islands.”

However, not everyone was convinced by the complaints, with one person writing: “Turkey isn’t that expensive – I don’t see what everyone is moaning about.” Another countered: “Of course the tourist areas are expensive, but decent places are cheap.”

Why is Turkey becoming so expensive?

There are a few reasons why prices are said to have shot up in Turkey. Statista has offered one explanation.

The website reads: “Domestic producer price indices have been continuously rising, which has directly resulted in a price increase in all consumer goods and services. Accordingly, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in all commodity groups increased extremely since 2022.

“In the same year, the food and non-alcoholic beverages category had one of the highest inflation rates in the CPI. This particularly affected Turkish consumers, as these products accounted for the highest share of household expenditure in 2023.

“Since 2020, food prices have increased significantly around the world, and Turkey is no exception. Although inflation has started to slow down recently, food prices in Turkey continue to go up steadily, increasing by 48.6 percent in November 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year.

“It is not surprising that food inflation has not simmered down, as the producer price index (PPI) of agricultural products followed a constant increasing trend in the country over the past few years.”

Nevertheless, Turkey is reportedly implementing measures to revitalise tourism, tackling escalating costs, diversifying holiday experiences and pumping money into infrastructure. Authorities are allegedly working to curb inflation, whilst some are championing specialised tourism sectors such as wellness retreats and medical tourism.

A British tourist currently in the Canary Islands has shared his amazement at the prices of food in local supermarkets – but locals soon told him the complicated reason why

Many Brits are flocking to the Canary Islands as they crown it one of their favourite holiday destination as they drawn to the sun-drenched beaches and delectable cuisine. However, there is also another appealing parts to Brits about this popular tourist destination, which is the cost of things.

When comparing the prices of many products and services in the Canary Islands with those in the UK, the difference is quite considerate. This is something one British holidaymaker just learned as he arrived in Tenerife to spend a few days in the summer sun. Known online as ‘deebolar’, he couldn’t contain himself as he took to his TikTok to share his amazement at Spain’s budget-friendly prices.

“The UK is no longer making sense to me after I’ve seen these Tenerife prices,” he exclaimed to his followers, gobsmacked by supermarket deals like 2-litre fizzy drinks for a mere 80 cents or an 8-litre container of water for just 1.50 euros.

“The UK’s not seeing me again,” he confidently declared.

Showing off his recent haul, he gave a glimpse into his shopping success and how much it had cost him.

“For context, one euro is 85 pence. You’re seeing one euro here for like 2+ litres of Fanta, Coke, or 7Up. I mean, it’s off-brand, but who gives a toss, innit? It’s like 70–80p,” he said.

He then continued: “8 litres of water, 2 litres of Fanta for the mixer. Look at the price: two euros thirty-nine cents. Everything on this table is pretty much £5–£6 at most.”

“I’m telling you, it’s nuts,” he concluded, clearly flabbergasted by the value for money.

While holidaymakers might be stunned by the bargain prices in the Canary Islands, some Spanish TikTok users took to the comment section of the video to highlight the harsh reality behind the cost of living.

“Try live on their wages and it’s a cost of living crisis though.. If you can pattern a UK salary while living abroad, that’s the way,” one user commented.

A second person remarked: “Cheap for you.. Unfortunately Spanish salaries are every day lower because we pay more taxes and prices are increasing..”

Additionally, another comment read: “Come over and work, pay rent, electricity, food, taxes.”

These observations underline how housing costs, heightened by tourism, make life less affordable on the islands, particularly with modest wages. The UK boasts an average annual salary of £41,000 (around €47,500), while Spain sees a lower average of €28,049.94, as per 2023 INE figures.

Notably, the Canary Islands’ average salary is even less at €24,033 a year, surpassing only Extremadura as the region with Spain’s lowest wages.

United States President Donald Trump’s newly announced tariffs of 50 percent on Brazilian imports could drive up beef prices for US consumers.

Unless the White House delays or reverses course, the tariffs are set to take effect on August 1.

After China, the US is the second-largest importer of Brazilian beef. Brazil is currently the fifth-largest source of foreign beef for the US, and its share has grown in the past year, accounting for 21 percent of all US beef imports.

That surge has been driven by domestic supply challenges, including widespread droughts and rising grain costs. In fact, imports doubled in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2024 including because of the threat of upcoming tariffs.

Analysts say should the tariff go into place, it will hit importers of ground beef, commonly used in hamburgers, particularly hard.

“They [US beef importers] will either have to pay the higher cost of Brazilian beef or obtain it from other higher-cost sources. That could lead to higher prices for certain beef products, particularly ground beef and hamburger meat. This comes at a time when the US cattle herd is at the lowest level in many decades, demand for beef is strong, and as a result beef prices are up,” David Ortega, a food economist and professor at Michigan State University, told Al Jazeera.

The 50 percent tariff would bring the rate on Brazilian beef to about 76 percent for the rest of the year, Reuters news agency reported, citing livestock analysts.

Some domestic trade groups, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), have praised the White House for the looming tariffs.

“NCBA strongly supports President Trump holding Brazil accountable with a 50 percent tariff,” NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus said in a statement provided to Al Jazeera. “For many years, NCBA has called for full suspension of imported Brazilian beef due to their abysmal lack of accountability on cattle health and food safety. Brazil’s failure to report cases of atypical BSE [a neurological disease affecting cattle] and their history of [foot and mouth disease] is a major concern for America’s cattle producer.

“A 50 percent tariff is a good start, but we need to suspend beef imports from Brazil so we can conduct a thorough audit and verify Brazil’s claims [of safety and health practices].”

In the 2024 election cycle, almost 95 percent of the political action committee representing the NCBA’s donations went to Republican candidates, according to OpenSecrets.

Rising costs

The tariffs come as the US is already facing a decline in domestic beef production and increased reliance on imported beef. There are already other strains on the US beef market because livestock imports from Mexico are at a standstill following new health concerns — the spread of a flesh-eating parasite called a screwworm. At the same time, imports from Brazil were down in June on the back of the 10 percent tariffs the White House imposed in April across all countries while they each negotiated their trade deal with the US.

“Domestic beef producers may benefit in the short term from reduced competition. However, producers are facing high input costs and weather-related challenges that limit their ability to expand quickly,” Ortega added.

Farmers in the US also have the smallest cattle herds in more than 70 years, and production is expected to decrease further by two percent by the end of the year.

Because of pains in domestic supply, imports doubled in the first five months of the year compared to the same period last year. That began to decline last month as a result of the 10 percent blanket tariffs.

Robert Perosa, president of Brazilian Beef Exporters Associations (ABIEC), an industry trade group, told reporters that the new tariffs would make it  “economically unfeasible” to continue to export to the US market.

The move will raise costs for restaurants across the US.

“Dramatic tariff increases could affect menu planning and food costs for restaurants as they attempt to find new suppliers,” Sean Kennedy, executive vice president of public affairs at the National Restaurant Association, said in a statement provided to Al Jazeera. “As we have said from the outset, our industry relies on a steady supply of imported goods that cannot be produced here in the US, and we urge the Trump administration to pursue policies that will secure fair trade agreements.”

Al Jazeera reached out to the largest fast food restaurant chains in the US, including McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Sonic Drive-In and Jack in the Box, but none responded.

JBS and Marfrig, two of Brazil’s largest beef producers, also did not reply to a request for comment.

Markets respond

Stock markets have been relatively muted in their response to Trump’s tariff announcements this week. At the market close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 0.6 percent, and the S&P 500 is down 0.33 percent for the day. The Nasdaq Composite Index is down 0.2 percent.

JBS, which also has substantial beef production operations in the US, made a $200m  investment earlier this year to expand two facilities in the US. The company’s stock is up 0.4 percent for the day despite the challenges the tariffs will pose to its Brazilian beef business. Marfrig is down 3.98 percent for the day, although this comes as the company postponed a shareholder meeting for the second time for an unrelated pending acquisition of a poultry and pork processor.

Published on
09/07/2025 – 10:23 GMT+2

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US copper prices spiked after US President Donald Trump said he planned to place a 50% tariff on imports of the metal on Tuesday.

Copper futures traded in New York jumped around 13% to $5.69 a pound, a record closing-price, dramatically outpacing gains on copper futures traded in London.

As of around 3.30am EDT on Wednesday, the New York price had dropped to around $5.59, although it remained at a much higher level than before Trump’s announcement.

The president commented on the tariff during a televised cabinet meeting, without giving great detail, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the administration would formalise the decision in the coming days. Lutnick suggested that the duty would come into effect around the end of this month, or in early August.

The development also comes as Trump is nearing his 1 August deadline, before which he has vowed to slap “so-called” reciprocal duties on countries running a trade surplus with the US.

The president has been sending out letters to trading partners, notifying them of tariff rates, and he said that seven more country-specific rates would be announced on Wednesday. So far, the US has reached trade agreements with the UK, China, and Vietnam.

Copper is used in a wide variety of products, meaning the tariff will affect electronics, construction, and industrial machinery, likely to push up inflation across the board.

This comes as Trump is putting pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates. Powell said last week that the Fed would have eased monetary policy by now if not for the new US tariffs, which are sowing uncertainty and risking economic stability.

According to the US Geological Survey, the US imported about 810,000 metric tons of refined copper last year, about half of what it consumed. Chile is the most significant exporter to the US, followed by Canada.

A 50% tariff on the metal would bring the rate in line with the duties already placed on aluminium and steel, which became effective in June.

Although the exact rate was undisclosed, the copper duty itself was not unexpected, as Trump in February ordered a Section 232 investigation into imports of the metal. The probe intends to determine whether Trump has the right to impose the tariffs on national-security grounds.

Trump also said on Tuesday that a 200% tariff on pharmaceuticals was coming “very soon”, but he added that he would give the industry at least a year to adjust.

Nestled almost two hours away from Munich and three hours from Frankfurt, Bamberg in Germany, is one of Europe’s most picturesque, well-preserved, and affordable holiday hotspots.

Tucked away in Upper Franconia, Germany, lies the charming town of Bamberg, a hidden gem that’s a must-visit for fans of beer, Bratwurst, and affordable holiday destinations. Located nearly two hours from Munich and three hours from Frankfurt, this picturesque town boasts a UNESCO World Heritage status and is often hailed as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Nicknamed the “Franconian Rome”, Bamberg is built on seven hills and is steeped in history, with an array of architectural wonders dating back to the Middle Ages. This quaint Bavarian town, home to just under 76,000 residents, seamlessly blends modern life with historic cultural treasures of global significance.

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As you wander through the streets, you’ll discover buildings that have stood the test of time, while the town centre is filled with ornate palaces and medieval castles.

History buffs will be captivated by the stunning 13th-century Bamberg Cathedral, one of Germany’s most famous cathedrals, built between 1211 and 1237.

This late Romanesque and early Gothic landmark is notable for being one of the only papal graves in Germany, housing the marble sarcophagus of Pope Clement II.

Another unmissable attraction is St. Michael’s Monastery, a Baroque church boasting a breathtaking “celestial garden” with over 578 flowers and herbs, as well as a terrace offering a panoramic view of the town.

In addition to its rich history, Bamberg is also celebrated for its lively beer culture, boasting 13 breweries in the town and 60 more in the surrounding area, reports the Express.

Beer enthusiasts can sample the city’s famous hand-crafted brews, including the unique smoked beer, Rauchbier, available at local breweries Schlenkerla and Brauerei Spezial.

Beyond its breweries, Bamberg offers a range of local culinary delicacies, such as Schäuferla, a roasted pork shoulder marinated in a meat stock and dark beer broth, served with potato dumplings and cabbage.

Another standout dish is the blue sausages, Blaue Zipfel, which are boiled in a seasoned stock to create a rich, smoky flavour, typically served with sauerkraut, a pretzel, and a pint of smoked beer.

Travel vlogger Wolters World recently featured Bamberg in his YouTube video, “The Best Cheap European Destinations”, revealing that it’s his “favourite city” to visit in Germany.

He joked that prices in Bamberg have remained unchanged for the past decade, making it a budget-friendly option compared to other German cities.

Visitors can explore the city’s historic landmarks, such as Altenburg Castle, the Old Town Hall, and the 17th-century Neue Residenz palace, with its ornate ceilings, tapestries, and rose garden.

Though it may take a few hours to reach Bamberg by train or flight, the journey is certainly worth it for those who are fans of bratwurst, beer, and history.

Bamberg’s captivating charm and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice for tourists.

A British woman named decided to travel all the way to Foshan in China in order to buy all the furniture she’d need for her future home after hearing it was cheaper than the UK

As the USA issued new trade tariffs on products from across the world at the start of 2025, with China being hit with a 20% tariff, which was an increase from the 10% tariff it had been before, Chinese wholesale sellers took to social media to urge people to shop with them directly.

While these tariffs didn’t directly affect the UK, it didn’t stop British social media users to see the videos that Chinese sellers were making about being able to by luxury products to a fraction of brands’ prices directly from the factories and wholesalers. This includes everything from designer clothes to furniture and home goods.

Doctor Shirley Bekker was one of many viewers who saw these videos on TikTok, and decided to book a spontaneous shopping trip to China in May 2025 in order to buy all the furniture she’d need for her future flat.

As she arrived in Foshan in China, a city known for its high manufacturing output to the world, having 30 towns specialised in particular industries, including furniture, machinery, and beverages, Shirley decided to document her shopping trip on TikTok to show people the big savings she was making.

While Shirley herself hadn’t been convinced that travelling all the way to Foshan to buy furniture would be worth it, she quickly changed her mind when she found her ‘dream’ coffee table.

“It’s built on a solid wood platform, real glass on top, it’s really heavy, really durable, and just looks so luxe,” she said as she showed off the table, which also included wooded geometric details under the glass.

While it looked luxurious and expensive, she revealed that she’d only paid £150 for it, saying it cost her less than her HD frontal weave.

In her next video, she shared that she’d gotten a wooden dining table for £80, as well as customised chairs to go with it that matched the luxurious sofa she’d gotten for £340. She also made sure to get lamps and art to decorate her future how with as well.

While all of these sums do add up quickly, as she got home, Shirley decided to make a presentation to share how much money she’d saved after finding similar items sold in shops around the UK.

Starting off with the £80 wooden dining table she’d bought in China, she’d found an almost identical table being sold in B&Q for £349.99. While the import costs aren’t included in this comparison, Shirley saved £269.99 just from the table alone. Meanwhile, the two chairs she’d gotten for £65 each cost a whopping £990 each if she’d bought them in the UK.

Shirley continued to go through the comparisons for all the different items she’d bought, only to come to the conclusion to how much she’d save.

“So in conclusion, you flew to all the way to China with nothing but a Monzo, Google Translate, and praised hands. You ran around for six days and bought enough stuff to furnish a bedroom, balcony, renovate a bathroom, and have enough dinnerware to host the royal family,” the voiceover said.

It continued: “Had you stayed in the UK and bought all the same things, this little venture would have cost you a grand total of £21,800. But all because you took the plunge and bought it all in China instead, you spent a grand total of £3,690.56.”

While these calculations did not include the shipping costs to get her furniture from China to the UK, Shirley still saved herself a whopping £18,109.04, which will most likely be more than enough to cover the shipping costs.

A British mum decided to check out a supermarket in Switzerland, after she and her family packed up their life in the UK to travel the world, and showed how different the prices of groceries are

We’re all familiar with how much the prices have gone up in British supermarkets with weekly food shops getting more and more expensive but we’ve learnt to accept this and carry on buying the groceries we need. When going on holiday or travelling to a new country, it’s common to look at the prices of everyday items and compare them to the UK.

A family-of-five left the UK to travel the world and have been documenting their journey on TikTok where they are known as Fitch Family Adventures. The mum, who is not named, shared a video giving a tour of a supermarket in Switzerland and showed that the prices are even more expensive than in Britain. Switzerland is generally considered an expensive country, especially for tourists, with the cost of living, including accommodation, food and transport, being significantly higher than in many other European countries.

The Brit mum said: “We are in Switzerland and we’re about to go into the supermarket so I thought I’d show you how much some of the shopping costs here as it is known for being really, really expensive.”

She found a pack of Bio Tomaten Marzanino tomatoes for 4.95 Swiss Francs, equal to £4.52.

Then she had a look at the ready-made salads and found a caesar salad with caesar dressing for 6.80 Swiss Francs, which is £6.20, and another mixed salad with cucumber and red cabbage for 7.20 Swiss Francs, equal to £6.57.

Next, the British tourist spotted a variety of pizzas with toppings like black olives and deli meat for 12 Swiss Francs, which is £10.94.

After this she explored the sweet treats offerings and found a pack of four Munz ladybug chocolates for 4.75 Swiss Francs, equal to £4.33.

There was also a 186g box of Celebrations for 3.95 Swiss Francs (£3.60), a pack of Kinder Bueno chocolate bars for 2.80 Swiss Francs (£2.55), six packs of Smarties priced at 4.75 Swiss Francs (£4.33) and a Toblerone five pack with each bar weighing 100 grams, on sale for 13.20 Swiss Francs (£12.04).

Moving onto the bakery section, the mum saw a pack of crusty bread rolls for 3.10 Swiss Francs (£2.83) which she thought was “not too bad.”

Finally, she checked out the price of a pack of A4 paper, explaining that her children wanted to do some drawing, and found 500 sheets for 11.95 Swiss Francs, equal to £10.90.

One TikTok user asked: “How do people afford to live there?”, to which The Fitch family replied: “We definitely found it difficult to afford things as tourists.”

Switzerland is home to the supermarket chains Migros, Co-op, Denner, Aldi and Lidl but there are also higher end supermarkets, such as Manor Food and Globus.

International moving and relocation company Packimpex explains on its website that salaries in Switzerland in sectors like finance, healthcare and IT are often higher than the European average, leading to increased costs for essentials, as well as luxuries,

It adds: “The Swiss Franc, one of the world’s strongest currencies, further contributes to the high cost of living. This robust currency makes imported goods, which account for a significant portion of the market, more expensive.

“Everyday items such as groceries, clothing, and electronics often cost more than in neighbouring countries due to currency valuation and steep import duties.”

Published on
25/06/2025 – 8:08 GMT+2

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Investors kept an eye on the Middle East on Wednesday as a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel appeared to hold after initial shakiness.

Both sides claimed victory; Iran’s president said Israel had suffered a “historic punishment”, while Israel’s prime minister argued the offensive had removed “the Iranian nuclear threat”.

A new US intelligence report nonetheless found that Tehran’s nuclear programme had only been set back by a few months by US strikes. Washington denied the findings of the leaked report.

Early in Europe, Brent crude had risen around 1.15% to $67.91 a barrel, while WTI was 1.21% higher at $65.15. The prices suggest the market has still not fully calmed after the conflict in the Middle East, with investors continuing to monitor the shaky ceasefire.

US President Trump rebuked both countries for violating the announced ceasefire on Tuesday. 

“Israel, as soon as we made the deal, they came out and they dropped a load of bombs, the likes of which I’ve never seen before, the biggest load that we’ve seen,” he said.

On his social media platform, Truth Social, he wrote: “Israel, do not drop those bombs. If you do, it is a major violation. Bring your pilots home, now!”

Trump claimed that neither Iran nor Israel “know what the f*** they’re doing”.

Stocks, meanwhile, rose modestly on Wednesday. Dow Jones futures rose 0.06% to 43,452.00, while S&P 500 futures gained 0.05% to 6,149.25.

In Asian trading, the Shanghai Composite index climbed 0.44% to 3,435.60, the Nikkei 225 rose 0.31% to 38,910.93, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng jumped 0.78% to 24,364.79, while South Korea’s Kospi was almost flat, rising 0.01% to 3,104.20.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 notched up 0.09% to 8,563.20.

The US Dollar Index was up 0.13% at 97.98 although the currency has still failed to recover from losses seen earlier this year. The euro rose less than 1% against the dollar while the Japanese Yen dropped around 0.12% against its US safe-haven alternative.

“The situation in the Middle East is fluid. While the downside risks have subsided, the situation can change quickly and the balance of risks remains weighted toward higher oil prices,” said Ryan Sweet, Chief US Economist at Oxford Economics, on Tuesday.

The Maldives has seen prices plummet with a five-star luxury holiday to the island now available for hundreds of pounds less than it was this time last year

Dreaming of a lavish escape to the sun-kissed shores of the Maldives? Well, your dream holiday might now be within reach as prices have taken a nosedive over the past year, with reductions of more than a third.

While destinations like Greece and Italy are becoming pricier, this idyllic archipelago has witnessed a staggering 37% drop in costs compared to last year.

A luxurious five-star retreat to Medhufushi Island that would have set you back £1,980 in 2024 is now only £1,239 – that’s a saving of £741.

Betty Bouchier-Hobin, a travel expert from Destination2, commented: “With travel taxes rising and the cost of living still high, it’s a relief to see prices falling somewhere.

“The Med is at peak demand and we’re now seeing four and five-star resorts in the Maldives offering full-board or all-inclusive packages for less than their European rivals.”

“When you factor in exclusive offers such as free child places, it can work out better value overall. The setting speaks for itself with white sands, turquoise seas and world-class snorkelling all year round.”

So if you’re tempted by a jaunt to this renowned paradise, rest assured there’s no chance of boredom, reports the Express.

The Maldives isn’t just about its iconic white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters; there’s plenty more on offer beyond lounging in the sun.

For instance, Sultan Park is a lush tropical oasis complete with fountains, offering a serene spot to meander beneath the shade of leafy trees.

If the gardens don’t tickle your fancy, why not take a wander around the island you’re residing on?

The Maldives are compact enough to explore by foot, and you’ll find an array of bars, restaurants and cafes perfect for ducking into when you need a break from the midday sun.

If it’s sandy shores you’re after, then you’re in for a treat. According to LonelyPlanet, the cream of the crop can be found on the Shaviyani Atoll.

This island is home to numerous stunning beaches as well as an extraordinary underwater art installation that also serves as a coral restoration project, known as the Coralarium.

You can dive beneath the waves to admire the submerged sculptures, or gaze at the section that sits above the waterline from the comfort of the beach.

A HOST of major supermarkets have slashed the price of school uniform ahead of the new academic year.

The cost of getting kids back to school isn’t cheap but you could save some cash on clothes this week.

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Asda, Aldi and Tesco have all dropped prices on their uniform bits or are launching bundle offers with prices starting from £1.50.

We’ve rounded up all the deals below.

Of course, always remember to shop around when buying any product, not least school uniform.

Compare prices via price comparison sites like Trolley, Price Spy and Price Runner to see if you’ve found the best deal on any given item.

The Google Shopping/Product tab will give you a basic indication on whether what you’ve found is well-priced as well.

That said, research by The Sun has found Aldi and Lidl are offering the lowest prices this year.

Asda

Asda has slashed prices on hundreds of school uniform bits with 20% off trousers, shirts and polos.

Prices start from £1.60 for crew neck t-shirts and range up to £16 for five-packs of slim leg boys trousers.

Parents can also buy hoodies for £4, jersey skirts for £5.60 and five-packs of long sleeve tops for £12.

Shoppers on Facebook claim the 20% off offer is running in stores as well.

We have asked Asda if it is available across all stores and what date the offer is running until both online and in-store and will update this story when we’ve heard back.

Aldi

German discounter Aldi is bringing back it’s popular £5 school uniform bundle deal on Sunday (June 29).

The bundle includes two polo shirts, a sweatshirt or cardigan, and a choice of trousers, skirt or cargo shorts – all for a fiver.

Shoppers can’t buy the bundle online as Aldi doesn’t offer a home delivery service.

As with all Aldi Specialbuys, you’ll need to act fast as once they’re gone, they’re gone.

You don’t have to buy the whole bundle and can buy individual uniform items, with prices starting from £1.50.

Sizes are available for kids aged four to 12.

Tesco

Tesco has launched a 25% off sale on its school uniform bits in store and online for Clubcard customers.

You can sign up for a Clubcard for free via the Tesco website or by downloading the app for free on to your smartphone.

The offer is running until June 29, with non-Clubcard prices starting from £3 (£2.25 for Clubcard) for a two-pack of crew neck t-shirt.

Sizes are available for kids aged between four and 16.

If you can’t afford to buy school uniform now, Tesco is re-running the 25% off offer between July 22 and July 27.

Alongside the school uniform deal, shoppers can pick up stationery with prices starting from 25p.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

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Investors reacted to US strikes on Iran over the weekend as Iran and Israel continued to trade missile fire on Monday morning.

The price of Brent crude oil rose around 1.53% to $78.19 a barrel as of around 7.15 CEST, while WTI rose 1.48% to $74.93 a barrel.

On Sunday, US forces attacked three Iranian nuclear and military sites, stating that Tehran must not be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.

President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian said that the country “will never surrender to bullying and oppression”, while Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Moscow for talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Futures for the S&P 500 slipped 0.13% to 6,010.25 and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dropped 0.2% to 42,431.00. Nasdaq futures fell 0.18% to 21,804.50 on Monday morning.

In Asian trading, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index fell 0.19% to 38,331.12, the Kospi in Seoul dropped 0.3% to 3.012,88, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.37% to 8,474.40.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and the Shanghai Composite Index were in positive territory, with respective gains of 0.35% to 23,611.68 and 0.13% to 3,364.29.

The conflict, which flared up after an Israeli attack against Iran on 13 June, has sent oil prices higher linked to Iran’s status as a major oil producer.

The nation is also located on the narrow Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world’s crude oil passes.

Investors are concerned that Tehran might decide to bomb oil infrastructure in neighbouring countries or block tankers from travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.

Shipping company Maersk said on Sunday that it was continuing to operate through the strait, adding: “We will continuously monitor the security risk to our specific vessels in the region and are ready to take operational actions as needed.”

According to vessel tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, two supertankers Coswisdom Lake and South Loyalty U-turned in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday.

The situation now hinges on whether Tehran decides to opt for aggression or a more diplomatic response to US and Israeli strikes.

Iran could attempt to close the waterway by setting mines across the Strait or striking and seizing vessels. Even so, this would likely be met by a forceful response from the US navy, meaning the oil price spike may not be sustained.

Some analysts also think Iran is unlikely to close down the waterway because the country uses it to transport its own crude, mostly to China, and oil is a major revenue source for the regime.

If Tehran did successfully close the Strait, this would cause a wider price spike for transported goods and complicate the deflationary process in the US, potentially keeping interest rates higher for longer.

On Monday morning, Trump also floated the possibility of regime change in Iran.

“If the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn’t there be regime change?” said the US president on Truth Social.

Vice-president J.D. Vance had commented earlier that the administration did not seek regime change in Iran.

Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran’s leader is an “easy target,” sending jitters through risk markets such as cryptocurrencies on Tuesday.

“We don’t want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” He added. Trump also called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”

The market has reacted negatively to the news. Bitcoin is down 1.7% at $105,000, Ethereum is down 2.2% at $2,500, and the total cryptocurrency market cap has dropped 1.3%. Some altcoins, such as Virtuals Protocol, IP, and Pudgy Penguins, are down over 7%.

However, seasoned investors are well aware that dips caused by geopolitical escalations often recover quickly. Put differently, the current low prices could mark a lucrative trading opportunity for investors. But what are the best coins to buy on the dip?

Snorter

That’s why the crypto trader bot sector is growing fast – and it’s why Snorter might be the best coin to buy on the dip. It’s a powerful Telegram-based trading bot that offers automated token sniping, copy trading, dynamic stop-losses, and rug-pull detection.

It supports Solana, Ethereum, BSC, Base, and Polygon, so you won’t miss an opportunity no matter where it launches.

The project is undergoing a presale and has raised $1 million in its opening three weeks.

This early success suggests genuine market interest, which could ultimately lead to long-term gains. Visit Snorter.

Bitcoin Hyper

Bitcoin Hyper is the new Bitcoin layer 2 blockchain built using the Solana Virtual Machine. Bitcoin’s security and Solana’s speed and programmability – that’s Bitcoin Hyper.

One of the most popular crypto sectors is meme coins, but Bitcoin’s meme coin ecosystem is relatively thin, especially considering its $2 trillion market cap. Bitcoin Hyper offers smart contract functionality and a seamless developer environment – alongside low fees and high speeds – hoping to cultivate a new meme coin ecosystem on Bitcoin.

The project also features a staking mechanism, which currently offers a 554% APY. However, this will decrease as the staking pool grows.

Bitcoin Hyper is also undergoing a presale and has raised $1.3 million so far.

With a strong use case, clear market interest, and lucrative staking rewards, it’d be no surprise if $HYPER skyrockets after hitting exchanges. Visit Bitcoin Hyper.

Fartcoin

Fartcoin is a Solana-based meme coin that launched on Pump.fun in Q4 of 2024 and quickly went viral. It peaked in January 2025, and then, after a deep selloff in line with the market-wide crash, it has risen once again.

It now trades at $1.10 with a $1.1 billion market capitalization and a $245 million 24-hour trading volume.

The project soared approximately 7x from its March lows to its local peak in April, massively outpacing most other meme coins.

Since its inception, Fartcoin has consistently outpaced the market average when conditions are bullish. So with prices currently on a dip, this could prove an opportune time to buy.

AB

AB is in an interesting spot. While most cryptocurrencies have dipped this week, AB is up 37%.

The project focuses on blockchain interoperability. It enables users to transfer assets between Ethereum, Solana, and other networks using the AB Connect protocol, and it also features a sidechain for the Internet of Things (IoT) and a main network for decentralized applications.

Like Bitcoin Hyper, its focus on cross-chain interoperability helps it stand out, and this has even caught the eye of Binance.

On June 7, AB was listed on Binance Alpha, a Binance Wallet feature that enables easy buying. This created a liquidity boon for AB, but the real benefit may still be to come. That’s because Binance says that projects listed on Binance Alpha are shortlisted to receive a listing on the main Binance exchange.

 

Best Wallet Token

Best Wallet Token is a new cryptocurrency that’s gaining popularity. As its name suggests, it powers a crypto wallet.

The wallet is called Best Wallet, and it boasts over 500,000 users. It stands out for its wide range of features and multi-chain support, allowing users to store cryptocurrencies from Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Cardano, Solana, and many more networks.

Some of Best Wallet’s features include a cross-chain DEX, a presale aggregator, a derivatives exchange, a staking aggregator, and an NFT gallery.

Users can get more out of the wallet by holding $BEST. It unlocks trading fee discounts, higher staking yields, governance rights, and access to promotions on partner projects.

It’s undergoing a presale and has raised over $13 million.

Best Wallet’s features go well beyond those of competitors like MetaMask and Phantom, yet they’re worth billions of dollars. In other words, $BEST has explosive potential. Visit Best Wallet Token.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide financial advice. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, and the market can be unpredictable. Always perform thorough research before making any cryptocurrency-related decisions.

Published on
18/06/2025 – 8:06 GMT+2

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Asian shares were mixed and oil prices remained high on Wednesday as investors closely tracked the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

US benchmark crude oil was down around 0.43% at $74.52 per barrel in the afternoon in Asia — or the morning in Europe. Brent crude, the international standard, slipped around 0.43% at $76.12, although both WTI and Brent remain historically high on the month.

Crude prices rose more than 4% on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump left a Group of Seven summit in Canada early and warned that people in Iran’s capital should evacuate immediately.

Within about eight hours, Trump went from suggesting a nuclear deal with Iran remained “achievable” to urging Tehran’s 9.5 million residents to flee for their lives. Iran and Israel continued to exchange air strikes on Wednesday.

The fighting has driven prices for crude oil and gasoline higher because Iran is a major oil exporter and it sits on the narrow Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world’s crude passes. Past conflicts in the area have caused spikes in oil prices, though they’ve historically proven brief after showing that they did not disrupt the flow of oil.

Japan, meanwhile, reported that its exports fell in May as the auto industry was hit by Trump’s higher tariffs, with exports to the US falling more than 11%. But Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 jumped 0.78% to 38,837.48.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 1.17% to 23,698.65 while the Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.3% to 3,388.77.

The Kospi in Seoul gained 0.54% to 2,966.20 while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 shed 0.1% to 8,533.10.

On Tuesday, US stocks slumped under the weight of higher oil prices and weaker than expected retail sales in May.

Trump raised the temperature on Israel’s fight with Iran by calling for “Unconditional surrender!” on his social media platform and saying, “We are not going to” kill Iran’s leader, “at least for now”.

The S&P 500 fell 0.8% to 5,982.72 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.7% to 42,215.80. The Nasdaq composite fell 0.9% to 19,521.09.

On early Wednesday morning in the US, S&P futures rose 0.11% to 5,991.50, Dow Jones futures increased less than 1% to 42,245.00, while Nasdaq futures advanced by 0.13% to 21,759.00.

The markets will be looking to the Federal Reserve as it makes a decision on its interest rates today. The nearly unanimous expectation among traders and economists is that the Fed will make no move.

In currency trading early Wednesday, the US dollar fell 0.2% to 144.94 Japanese yen. The euro edged 0.18% higher, to $1.1502.

Crude oil prices jump more than 4 percent amid fears the US may join Israel’s offensive against Iran.

Oil prices have spiked amid fears that the Israel-Iran crisis could spiral into a broader conflict involving the United States.

Brent North Sea Crude and West Texas Intermediate – the two most popular oil benchmarks – rose 4.4 percent and 4.3, respectively, on Tuesday as US President Donald Trump demanded “unconditional surrender” from Tehran.

The benchmarks stood at $76.45 per barrel and $74.84 per barrel, respectively, following the jump.

Oil prices edged up further in early trading on Wednesday, with both benchmarks about 0.5 percent higher as of 03:30 GMT.

US stocks fell on the rising geopolitical tensions overnight, with the benchmark S&P500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declining 0.84 percent and 0.91 percent, respectively.

Israel has bombed multiple oil and gas facilities in Iran since Friday, including the South Pars gasfield, the Fajr Jam gas plant, the Shahran oil depot and the Shahr Rey oil refinery.

While there has been little disruption to global energy flows so far, the possibility of escalation – including direct US involvement in Israel’s military offensive – has put markets on edge.

On Tuesday, Trump ratcheted his rhetoric against Iran, adding to fears that his administration could order a military strike against Iran’s uranium enrichment facility at Fordow.

In a thinly veiled threat against Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Trump said in a Truth Social post that the US knew his location but did not want him killed “for now”.

Iran has the world’s third-largest reserves of crude oil and second-largest reserves of gas, though its reach as an energy exporter has been heavily curtailed by US-led sanctions.

The country produced about 3.99 million barrels of crude oil per day in 2023, or 4 percent of global supply, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

Iran also sits on the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a conduit for 20-30 percent of global oil shipments.

Nearly all of Iran’s oil exports leave via the Kharg Island export terminal, which has so far been spared from Israeli bombing.

“In the context of seeking to destabilize Iran, Israel may choose to strike its oil exports, believing that working to finish off a hostile regime is worth the risk of alienating allies concerned with potential price escalation,” Clayton Seigle, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC, wrote in an analysis on Monday.

“Israeli strategists are likely well aware that Iran’s oil export capacity is quite vulnerable to disruption. Its offshore oil export terminal at Kharg Island accounts for nearly all of its 1.5 million barrels per day average export volume.”