Daily Digest — 31 May 2026

The ongoing Iran conflict continues to reshape global energy markets, with oil falling 1.7% to \(87 despite concerns that [exports through the Strait of Hormuz may never return to pre-war levels](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/30/oil-exports-through-hormuz-might-not-return-to-levels-before-iran-war.html). The US escalated its economic pressure campaign against Iran, [seizing \)1 billion in Iranian cryptocurrency](https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/05/30/u-s-says-it-seized-about-usd1-billion-in-iranian-crypto-as-pressure-campaign-expands) under “Operation Economic Fury” to restrict Tehran’s access to overseas revenue and banking networks.

Cryptocurrency markets posted modest gains with Bitcoin up 0.6% to \(73,944, while the sector grappled with regulatory enforcement as the [SEC sued a Texas man over a \)12.3 million scheme](https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/05/30/sec-sues-texas-man-over-usd12-3-million-alleged-crypto-scheme-built-on-fake-ai-trading-bots) involving fake AI trading bots. Meanwhile, XRP Ledger proposed new measures to block flash loan attacks that have cost Ethereum DeFi protocols billions.

Technology investment surged as SoftBank announced plans to invest up to €75 billion in French data centers, targeting 5 gigawatts of capacity. Space-themed investments also gained momentum as retail traders rushed into NASA ETFs ahead of SpaceX’s IPO, with $2.6 billion flowing into space investments over two months.

In the UK, former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon defended herself in an emotional BBC interview, saying she’s “serving a sentence for a crime I didn’t commit” regarding the SNP embezzlement scandal. Meanwhile, hundreds were arrested in France as PSG fans celebrated their Champions League victory over Arsenal with widespread unrest.