Crypto Strategic Reserve Rally

And, Philip Morris mulls cigar biz sale.

March 03, 2025

Today is Monday, March 3, 2025.

The Early Bird Index today is 75.09

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Crypto Strategic Reserve Rally

Cryptocurrency prices surged on Sunday after President Trump named Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and XRP as part of the initial United States Strategic Crypto Reserve.

Prices: On Sunday, Bitcoin was up about 8%, Ethereum was up 11%, Solana was up 20%, XRP was up 24%, and Cardano was up 58% (wow!).

Background: Trump pledged to create a strategic reserve for cryptocurrency during the campaign.

Early Bird’s Nest Egg Gains: The new U.S. Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve remains unclear about its specific functions and implementation details.

  • It's unclear how the government will acquire the cryptocurrencies for the reserve.

  • The long-term impact of a national cryptocurrency reserve remains speculative.

Final Thoughts: Bitcoin’s price is still down in 2025.

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Notables

Notable Earnings Today:  Plug Power (Nasdaq: PLUG), GitLab (Nasdaq: GTLB), Sunnova Energy (NYSE: NOVA), NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR), Okta (Nasdaq: OKTA), AST SpaceMobile (Nasdaq: ASTS), ADMA Biologics (Nasdaq: ADMA), Avadel Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: AVDL), GigaCloud Technology (Nasdaq: GCT), Surgery Partners (Nasdaq: SGRY), California Resources Corp (NYSE: CRC), Concentra Group Holdings (NYSE: CON), Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE), Nomad Foods (NYSE: NOMD), Quantum-Si (Nasdaq: QSI), Repay Holdings (Nasdaq: RPAY), Senseonics Holdings (NYSE American: SENS), ThredUp (Nasdaq: TDUP), W&T Offshore (NYSE: WTI).

Notable IPOs Today: N/A.

Notable Equity Crowdfunding Campaigns Ending Today: SunTrain (Republic), Screamers Family Restaurant (Honeycomb), Patio29 Spirits Company (StartEngine), Shoreline Coffee Shop (Honeycomb), Incredible Tiny Homes (StartEngine), X-Silicon (StartEngine).

Notable Economic Events Today: S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (9:45 a.m. ET), ISM Manufacturing PMI / Prices / Employment (10:00 a.m. ET), Construction Spending (10:00 a.m. ET).

Philip Morris Mulls Cigar Biz Sale

As smoke-free products take off, Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) is reportedly considering a change.

Details: Bloomberg reported on Sunday that Philip Morris is considering selling its U.S. cigar business. The company is reportedly seeking over $1 billion for the business.

Background: Philip Morris recently posted better-than-expected financial earnings results. The company experienced significant growth in its smoke-free business.

Final Thoughts: The stock is already up 28% in 2025.

Shell Considers Chemicals Assets Sale

Shell (NYSE: SHEL) is reportedly looking to offload parts of its business.

Details: The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that Shell is exploring a potential sale of its chemicals assets in Europe and the U.S. to focus on its most profitable operations.

Final Thoughts: Shell’s stock is up about 7% in the last 12 months.

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The contents of Early Bird are intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute trade or investment recommendations and they are not financial or legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult licensed professionals for personalized guidance regarding their financial or legal situations.