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Cryptocurrency values plunge after Google ad ban

A Bitcoin exchange shop in Poland. Photo: Beata Zawrzel / NurPhoto via Getty Images

The overall cryptocurrency market cap dropped from $372.9 billion to $310.4 billion on Thursday, CNBC reports — largely due to a newly-announced ban from Google on cryptocurrency advertising and a sell-off from Mt. Gox, a collapsed cryptocurrency exchange. Bitcoin, the market's top commodity, fell under $8,000 once again and went as low as $7,715 on Thursday morning.

What they're saying: Scott Spencer, Google's director of sustainable ads, weighed in on the company's decision to CNBC: "We don't have a crystal ball to know where the future is going to go with cryptocurrencies, but we've seen enough consumer harm or potential for consumer harm that it's an area that we want to approach with extreme caution."

Go deeper

Dan Primack, author of Pro Rata
1 hour ago - Economy & Business

Trump blocks banks from limiting loans to gun and oil companies

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Big banks are no longer allowed to reject business loan applicants because of the industry in which they operate, according to a new rule finalized on Thursday by the Trump administration.

Why it matters: Wall Street has curtailed its exposure to industries like guns, oil and private prisons, driven by both public and shareholder pressures. This new rule could reverse that trend.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Ursula Perano
2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Former FDA commissioner: "Reliable drug supply is absolutely critical"

Axios' Caitlin Owens and former FDA commissioner Mark McClellan. Photo courtesy of Axios Events

Having a reliable supply of pharmaceutical drugs throughout America will be "absolutely critical" to boosting affordability in health care during the Biden administration, former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner Mark McClellan said at a virtual Axios Event on Friday.

The big picture: McClellan, who served under President George W. Bush, says drugs having limited supply and limited competition leads to elevated pricing. He considers drug supply to be a national security and public health issue.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
Felix Salmon, author of Capital
4 hours ago - Economy & Business

Americans are still spending money

Source: Census Bureau; Chart: Axios Visuals

Americans spent more money at stores and restaurants in 2020 than they did in 2019 — even in the face of a devastating global pandemic that shut down broad sectors of the economy.

Why it matters: The monthly retail sales report this morning came in well below expectations, and showed consumer spending falling on a seasonally-adjusted basis. Total expenditures were still higher in December 2020 than they were a year previously, however.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow