Crypto World
Pudgy Penguins cards hit Target shelves across the U.S.
Pudgy Penguins has expanded its physical retail push by bringing Vibes Series 3 trading cards to Target stores across the United States.
Summary
- Pudgy Penguins Vibes Series 3 cards are now available at Target stores across the U.S.
- The rollout gives the NFT-born brand more exposure to collectors outside traditional crypto markets nationwide.
- Moonbirds characters and new gameplay features aim to broaden appeal for Vibes trading cards online.
The rollout gives the NFT-born brand more shelf space in a mainstream retail channel.
The launch follows earlier Vibes card releases and builds on the project’s push into toys, games and licensed products. The new set adds more gameplay features, original artwork and characters from the Moonbirds collection.
Cards reach Target shelves
Pudgy Penguins and Vibes TCG said on X that the Vibes Season 3 collection is now available in all Target stores nationwide. The post described the launch as “a new chapter for Pudgy Penguins and Web3.”
The project also shared a VibesChecker tool for buyers to find local Target stock and upload card pulls. The rollout marks the largest retail move so far for the Vibes trading card game.
Vibes is a physical and digital trading card game built around Pudgy Penguins IP. The game lets users collect, trade and compete with penguin characters that have different abilities and rarities.
Brand moves further beyond NFTs
Pudgy Penguins began as an Ethereum NFT collection of 8,888 cartoon penguins in 2021. Since then, the project has tried to turn its characters into a consumer brand through plush toys, cards, games and licensing.
As previously reported by crypto.news, PENGU drew market attention earlier this year as analysts pointed to the strength of the Pudgy Penguins brand beyond short-term NFT trading. The report said the project’s value story had moved beyond the original digital collection.
The Target rollout fits that same strategy. Instead of relying only on NFT markets, Pudgy Penguins is placing its characters in stores where customers may have little direct contact with crypto.
Vibes adds Moonbirds characters
Vibes Series 3 includes characters from Moonbirds, another known NFT collection. The set follows earlier Vibes releases and adds new card types and gameplay mechanics for returning players.
NFT Calendar reported in May that the third set, called Birb & Pengu, would include 195 new cards. It also said the set would introduce “Fits,” a card type used to upgrade character cards during gameplay.
Orange Cap Games developed Vibes in partnership with Pudgy Penguins. The studio says Vibes is both a physical and digital trading card game based on the Pudgy Penguins brand.
PENGU remains tied to consumer push
The rollout comes as Pudgy Penguins continues to connect its token, games and consumer products. CoinGecko data showed PENGU trading near $0.0067, with a market cap of about $425 million at the time of review.
The token sits beside the brand rather than replacing its retail push. Buyers of cards at Target may not need to hold PENGU or own a Pudgy Penguins NFT, which gives the brand a different path to reach new users.
Crypto.news also reported that Pudgy World helped lift attention around PENGU earlier in 2026. The project has used games, merchandise and public brand deals to keep the penguin characters visible outside NFT marketplaces.
The Target card rollout adds another retail channel to that plan. It also shows how some NFT projects are testing physical products as a way to stay relevant after the first NFT market boom.
Crypto World
SpaceX (SPCX) Stock: 5-Year Price Forecast and Valuation Analysis
Key Takeaways
- In 2025, SpaceX recorded $18.7 billion in total revenue, with its Starlink division contributing $11.4 billion
- The Starlink segment delivered $4.4 billion in operating profit during 2025, demonstrating strong margin potential
- Wall Street analysts project an average 12-month SPCX price of $221.20, ranging from $115 on the low end to $401 at the high end
- When weighted by probability, the 2031 target reaches approximately $604, though significant execution challenges remain
- Scenario-based 2031 forecasts span from $64 in bearish conditions to beyond $1,400 in optimistic projections
Valuing SpaceX stock presents unique challenges. The company operates far beyond traditional aerospace boundaries, managing satellite internet services, commercial and government launch operations, defense initiatives, and emerging artificial intelligence ventures.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., SPCX
This multifaceted business model explains the substantial variance in analyst opinions.
Current analyst consensus from MarketBeat places the average 12-month target at $221.20 per share. The most optimistic projection reaches $401, while the conservative estimate stands at $115. This considerable spread illustrates fundamental disagreement about the company’s core identity and trajectory.
Last year, SpaceX generated approximately $18.7 billion in revenue, representing growth from the prior year’s $14 billion. The Starlink satellite internet service accounted for $11.4 billion of total revenues and produced approximately $4.4 billion in operating profit, validating the division’s ability to achieve healthy profit margins.
Neverthstanding these revenue achievements, SpaceX reported a substantial GAAP net loss for 2025. Aggressive capital deployment toward Starship development, AI infrastructure buildout, and launch capability expansion continued to suppress bottom-line profitability.
Primary Growth Catalysts
Three key factors underpin the optimistic long-term investment thesis.
The first driver is Starlink expansion. Continued global subscriber growth positions the service as potentially one of the planet’s dominant connectivity networks.
The second factor involves launch market leadership. SpaceX maintains a commanding position in reusable rocket technology, providing cost efficiencies that traditional aerospace competitors have found difficult to replicate.
The third element centers on AI and data platform development. Market participants increasingly view SpaceX through a technology company lens rather than purely as an aerospace entity. This perception shift has meaningful valuation implications.
Elon Musk has indicated SpaceX might achieve $1 trillion in annual revenue by 2030. Goldman Sachs analysts have reportedly modeled approximately $470 billion for that timeframe, while Morgan Stanley’s projections cluster around $330 billion. Each scenario demands exceptional operational execution.
Five-Year Price Projections
The pessimistic scenario positions SPCX near $64 by 2031. This outcome assumes Starlink and launch services continue expanding, but premium valuation multiples prove unsustainable. AI expenditures remain elevated while margin improvement stalls.
The moderate projection estimates approximately $458 per share. Under this framework, Starlink achieves scale, launch dominance persists, Starshield expands steadily, and AI contributes meaningfully without becoming transformational. Total revenue in this case could approach $250 billion.
The optimistic forecast extends beyond $1,400 per share. This scenario requires SpaceX to successfully construct an integrated global platform spanning satellite communications, launch services, defense systems, and AI infrastructure, generating revenues near $500 billion with substantially improved profit margins.
When applying probability weights across these three scenarios, the composite 2031 target reaches approximately $604.
This figure suggests considerable appreciation potential from current trading levels — though the uncertainty between possible outcomes remains exceptionally wide.
According to MarketBeat’s current analyst tracking, SPCX carries a consensus price target of $221.20, with the most bullish Wall Street analysts setting their sights on $401 per share.
Crypto World
Bitcoin price holds $64K as LAB and AERO lead altcoin gains
Bitcoin recovered above $64,000 over the weekend after Friday’s drop below $62,400, but the wider crypto market still showed limited momentum.
Summary
- Bitcoin reclaimed $64K after Friday’s pullback, but the wider market still showed limited weekend momentum.
- LAB and AERO led altcoin gains, while Ethereum, XRP and HYPE showed weaker momentum Sunday.
- ETF outflows and Hormuz risk kept Bitcoin traders focused on $62K support and $67K resistance.
According to crypto.news market data, Bitcoin traded near $64,166 at press time, up 0.77% over 24 hours.
The move came as traders watched U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks, renewed Strait of Hormuz risk and continued Bitcoin ETF outflows. Total crypto market value hovered near $2.29 trillion, while Bitcoin dominance stayed above 56%.
Bitcoin reclaims $64K after Friday’s pullback
Bitcoin started June under pressure after falling from $73,000 to near $59,100 within five days. Buyers later defended lower levels and helped the asset recover to $64,000 before another rally attempt pushed BTC to $67,200 earlier in the week.
That move faded after the FOMC meeting, and Bitcoin fell below $62,400 by Friday. The weekend rebound lifted the asset to about $64,400 before sellers slowed the move. Bulls now need a clean move above $67,000, while a failure to hold $62,000 would bring $60,000 back into focus.
Large-cap altcoins remain mixed
Most major altcoins moved slowly over the past 24 hours. Ethereum traded near $1,730, while BNB held close to $589. Solana was stronger, rising above $73 as buyers returned.
XRP stayed near $1.15, while Cardano slipped around 1%. Hyperliquid also moved lower after a strong weekly run. Chainlink was almost flat, showing that the weekend bid did not spread evenly across major tokens.
The mixed action shows that traders remain selective. A few tokens found buyers, but the market did not show broad risk-taking across large-cap assets. Bitcoin remains the main guide for market direction.
If BTC holds $64,000 and challenges $67,000 again, large-cap altcoins could see more relief. A rejection would keep the market focused on support levels and short-term liquidity.
LAB and AERO stand out
LAB was the strongest name in the weekend market watch, rising more than 28% on the day. The token traded above $15 after a monthly gain of about 230%, bringing it close to the top 20 altcoins by market value.
AERO also extended its strong week. The token gained about 10% over 24 hours and roughly 50% on the week, helping it enter the top 100 altcoins.

These moves stood out because most of the market stayed flat. The gains looked more like isolated strength than a full altcoin rally. Narrow rallies can reverse quickly if Bitcoin loses support or if liquidity leaves smaller tokens.
For now, LAB and AERO remain the weekend’s clearest winners. Their gains gave traders pockets of activity while the larger crypto market waited for a clearer signal.
Traders watch ETF flows and macro risk
Earlier today, crypto.news reported that Bitcoin was watching ETF outflows and Hormuz risk as two key pressure points. Galaxy Research also said U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs posted $6.35 billion in net outflows over the latest 30-day window.
Macro news may decide the next short-term move. A durable U.S.-Iran ceasefire could ease oil worries and support risk assets. A real closure of the Strait of Hormuz could raise oil prices and pressure crypto again.
ETF flows also remain important. Stronger inflows could support Bitcoin’s next attempt at $67,000, while more outflows would make the rebound harder to sustain.
For now, the crypto market looks stable but uneven. Bitcoin has reclaimed $64,000, LAB and AERO are leading altcoin gains, and traders are waiting for stronger confirmation.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
Crypto World
Japan Pension Fund Considers 1% Allocation to Crypto
A Japanese corporate pension fund that serves roughly 1,200 small and mid-sized businesses plans to earmark about 1% of its assets to cryptocurrency for fiscal year 2026, according to Nikkei.
The Nationwide Business Corporate Pension Fund, based in Okayama, reportedly intends to gain crypto exposure through a passive investment vehicle managed by a major hedge fund that holds multiple crypto assets. The pension fund manages about 21.3 billion yen (approximately $130 million), per the report.
Key takeaways
- The Nationwide Business Corporate Pension Fund plans an allocation of roughly 1% of assets to cryptocurrency for fiscal year 2026.
- Exposure would reportedly be obtained via a passive fund managed by a large hedge fund holding multiple digital assets.
- CoinPost reports the fund’s broader currency mix is 80% yen, 15% US dollars, and 5% other currencies.
- The pension allocation aligns with Japan’s broader push to bring crypto under a regulatory framework closer to traditional financial products.
Japan’s pension sector begins testing crypto exposure
According to CoinPost, the pension fund’s move is part of an effort to diversify its portfolio risk, with crypto added as one potential asset class alongside fiat currencies. While the planned allocation is relatively small, it is notable given the conservative profile typically associated with corporate retirement vehicles—especially in a market where most crypto access has historically been concentrated among retail investors and speculative trading venues.
The proposed approach also matters for how pension funds manage risk. Rather than selecting individual tokens or running active strategies internally, the plan points to a passive fund wrapper—something that could make governance, rebalancing, and operational oversight easier for institutions that are not structured around crypto trading.
Regulatory changes could make allocations easier to justify
The pension development arrives as Japan advances legislation intended to align crypto with mainstream securities rules. On June 11, Japan’s House of Representatives passed a bill that would bring crypto assets under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, subjecting them to a regulatory regime more similar to that applied to conventional financial products.
The legislation is expected to move forward to the House of Councilors. If adopted as anticipated, the path would likely clarify the compliance landscape for exchanges and intermediaries—an issue that becomes critical for institutions considering custodial arrangements, fund structures, and investor protections.
The bill has also been discussed in the context of tax reforms. The reporting notes the potential for a shift toward a 20% flat tax on digital-asset gains from the current maximum of 55%. Any change in the tax burden can alter the incentive structure for long-term participation and may make institutional and wealth-manager participation more predictable.
Broader institutional momentum: from banks to listed crypto players
Crypto’s institutional footprint in Japan is expanding on multiple fronts, suggesting the pension allocation is part of a wider trend rather than an isolated decision.
Earlier, SBI Shinsei Bank reportedly began testing a deposit-linked rewards program that issues vouchers redeemable for Bitcoin, Ether, or XRP, ahead of a planned permanent launch this autumn. While vouchers are not the same as a direct pension allocation, the mechanism reflects growing comfort among regulated financial institutions with distributing crypto-linked value to customers.
In parallel, Metaplanet—described as Japan’s largest publicly listed Bitcoin holder—agreed to acquire Siiibo Securities for 2.1 billion yen on June 12. The company said the acquisition is intended to support the development and distribution of Bitcoin-linked yield products through a newly formed securities arm. The move underscores how public crypto holdings are pushing into regulated product pipelines rather than remaining purely as treasury investments.
What investors should watch next
For markets, the key question is whether Japan’s legislative and product-building momentum translates into broader institutional allocations beyond pilots and small percentages. The pension plan is small relative to the fund’s total holdings, but it could be influential if other conservative retirement investors observe the framework and decide the operational and regulatory risks are manageable. Readers should watch the House of Councilors process for the crypto bill and any further detail on the pension fund’s crypto passive vehicle—particularly how it will handle custodial controls, valuation, and rebalancing once fiscal year 2026 approaches.
Crypto World
Polymarket Accused of Using Fake Winning Bets to Fuel Viral Growth
Polymarket paid mostly college-age creators to stage fake winning bets on copycat versions of its website. A Wall Street Journal investigation found none of the roughly $1.9 million in bets shown across 1,105 videos were real.
The findings run counter to the company’s core pitch. Polymarket settles every real trade on a public blockchain that anyone can audit. Its growth campaign relied on the opposite, staged trades on fake sites that no ledger could verify.
How Polymarket’s Alleged Fake Bets Worked
Real Polymarket trades run on the Polygon blockchain and settle in USDC. Markets resolve through UMA’s permissionless oracle, where anyone can propose or dispute an outcome by posting a $750 bond. Every position is public.
The marketing operation lived entirely off that ledger. The Journal reportedly reviewed 1,105 videos from 10 promoted creators between December and mid-May. Around 70% showed a bet, and none were genuine.
One video showed a creator winning $100,000 after Trump appeared to say the word McDonald’s in January. Trump never said it publicly that month, and the clip was older.
On the real market, public data shows more than 50 accounts made that bet, and all lost.
Many clips were filmed on dummy sites such as poiymarket.com, built to mirror the real platform. Across 118 videos, creators celebrated roughly $900,000 in fabricated wins. The same bets would have lost more than $166,000.
Creators earned about $2,000 to $3,000 a month and were told not to disclose the payments. A hired marketing firm then pushed the clips past 140 million views. The pattern echoes an earlier market resolution dispute that dented user trust.
Scandal Hits During Polymarket’s US Comeback
The timing is awkward. US regulators fined Polymarket $1.4 million in 2022 for running an unregistered market and ordered the winding down of non-compliant trades.
The company later reincorporated in Panama, with its headquarters reportedly a shared law office that also worked with FTX.
Polymarket has since won a regulated US market entry and now wants to bring its exchange onshore.
The fake campaign specifically targeted American users, who can still reach the offshore site through a VPN.
Trust questions are not new. A separate Journal analysis found most users lose money, even as the videos sold easy profit.
Now competing with regulated rival Kalshi, Polymarket said it will audit its promotional content.
That review, which is changing how regulators view its onshore push, may shape the next phase of the prediction market race.
The post Polymarket Accused of Using Fake Winning Bets to Fuel Viral Growth appeared first on BeInCrypto.
Crypto World
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Stock: Can It Reach $1,500 by 2031?
Key Takeaways
- Data center operations now represent AMD’s primary revenue catalyst, powered by EPYC server chips and Instinct AI accelerators
- Market share gains don’t require overtaking Nvidia — capturing a significant portion of explosive AI chip demand is sufficient
- Conservative 2031 projection points to approximately $704, while optimistic scenarios exceed $1,500
- Analyst sentiment remains constructive: 30 Buy recommendations, 12 Hold, 1 Sell — overall Moderate Buy rating
- Current trading levels exceed consensus price targets, suggesting near-term valuation concerns following recent gains
Advanced Micro Devices has emerged as a critical player in the artificial intelligence infrastructure expansion.
The firm’s first-quarter 2026 financial report illustrated this strategic shift unmistakably. Revenues climbed substantially, fueled by robust appetite for EPYC data center processors and Instinct GPU accelerators. The data center segment has displaced gaming and consumer processors as the company’s dominant growth driver.
Shares currently change hands near $537. This valuation reflects significant optimism already embedded in the market price.
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., AMD
The optimistic investment thesis hinges on three critical factors. Cloud hyperscalers increasingly prioritize vendor diversification for AI silicon. AMD has established substantial positioning in server processors following years of systematically capturing territory from Intel. The company’s AI accelerator development timeline positions it as a viable alternative computing platform.
Nvidia maintains commanding leadership in AI acceleration hardware. However, AMD’s success doesn’t require outright victory in this competition. Even a substantial minority position in an explosively expanding market translates to dramatically increased business scale.
Three Potential Trajectories Through 2031
Financial analysts have constructed three distinct scenarios for AMD’s evolution over the next seven years.
Under pessimistic assumptions, AMD expands but struggles to secure adequate AI accelerator adoption. Revenues might approach $70 billion, yet margin compression limits profitability. Applying a 25x earnings multiple yields a stock price near $200.
The middle-ground projection presents more favorable conditions. AMD sustains data center penetration, expands Instinct GPU deployment, and achieves margin improvement. Revenue could reach $120 billion with earnings per share around $22. A 32x valuation multiple supports a price target of approximately $704.
The optimistic scenario envisions transformational success. Should AMD establish itself as the definitive second AI chip platform while simultaneously expanding CPU and enterprise computing presence, revenues might hit $180 billion. With EPS at $40 and a premium valuation, shares could trade beyond $1,500.
Weighting these scenarios by probability generates a blended target near $807 — representing roughly 50% appreciation from current levels, or approximately 8.5% annualized returns.
Current Wall Street Perspective
The analyst community maintains generally favorable views, albeit with important caveats.
AMD presently carries 1 Strong Buy, 30 Buy ratings, 12 Holds, and 1 Sell, per MarketBeat data. The aggregate rating stands at Moderate Buy.
The complication: average analyst price targets fall below AMD’s current market price. This gap suggests analysts appreciate the business fundamentals while believing the stock has outpaced near-term justification following its recent advance.
The Road Ahead for AMD
AMD’s EPYC processor family has systematically captured CPU market share from Intel over consecutive quarters. This provides the company with established data center relationships independent of Instinct GPU revenue contributions.
Executive guidance has previously outlined expectations for sustained multi-year expansion, anchored by data center growth. These projections form the foundation for 2031 valuation models.
For AMD to generate meaningful market outperformance from current levels, execution closer to the bullish scenario appears necessary. The base-case trajectory delivers returns roughly aligned with broader equity market expectations — respectable, but below the outsized gains growth-oriented investors typically seek.
First-quarter 2026 data center revenue established a new company record for quarterly performance.
Crypto World
bulls defend $1.10 as Ripple catalysts grow
XRP price traded near $1.14 on June 21, with the token still locked in a narrow range after failing to clear $1.20.
Summary
- XRP price traded near $1.14 as buyers defended the key $1.10 support zone after weak volume.
- Ripple adoption keeps growing through RLUSD, MXNB, Mastercard settlement links and AI payment tools.
- ETF inflows and low exchange reserves support the rebound case, but whale selling remains under pressure.
According to crypto.news data, XRP showed a 24-hour move of -0.34%, with price action between $1.13 and $1.15.
The token stayed almost flat over seven days but remained down more than 16% over 30 days. Trading volume stood near $872 million, while market value held around $70.97 billion, keeping XRP in sixth place among crypto assets.
The setup remains simple. Bulls need to protect $1.10, while a close above $1.20 would give the market a reason to revisit $1.25 and $1.30.
XRP price stays locked inside a tight range
Last week’s range view has held. XRP buyers pushed toward $1.20, but they did not secure a breakout with strong volume. Sellers also failed to break the $1.10 floor, keeping the token inside the same band.
That makes $1.10 the first level to watch. A clean move below that area could expose $1.05 and then the $1.00 zone.
The upside path also remains clear. XRP needs volume above $1.20 before bulls can target $1.25 and $1.30. Without that confirmation, the move looks more like consolidation than a new trend.
This range still matters. Long periods of flat trading often build pressure, but direction still depends on who wins the range. A breakout without volume would carry less weight than a close backed by stronger spot demand.
Ripple adoption supports the long-term case
Ripple’s ecosystem news gave bulls a stronger utility argument even as price stayed weak. The company has pushed RLUSD into more payment channels and recently backed Flutterwave’s Series E round to support stablecoin adoption in African payments.
Ripple also worked with Bitso on MXNB, a Mexican peso stablecoin on the XRP Ledger. Ripple is expanding RLUSD through Mastercard’s stablecoin settlement network and MXNB-powered cross-border payment infrastructure.
The XRP Ledger also moved deeper into automated payments. Crypto.news reported that Ripple launched the XRPL AI Starter Kit, allowing AI agents to use XRP and RLUSD for payments through the x402 protocol.
This does not guarantee higher prices. It does show that XRP’s utility story is moving beyond retail trading and into payments, stablecoins, settlement and machine-to-machine transfers.
CLARITY Act and reserves shape the catalyst
Regulation remains a key part of the XRP price analysis. As crypto.news reported, the CLARITY Act has cleared committee and now needs Senate votes, with the 60-vote threshold still ahead.
The bill matters for XRP because it could give institutions clearer rules for digital commodities and tokenized settlement. XRP is already being used in tokenized Treasury settlement pilots, but larger adoption still depends on legal certainty.
Supply data adds another layer. Crypto.news reported that XRP exchange reserves fell to a seven-year low near 1.6 billion tokens, down about 50% from October 2025. Low exchange supply can make price more sensitive when demand arrives.
Fund flows are another support point. According to SoSoValue data, XRP-linked products recorded about $10.66 million in weekly net inflows for the week ending June 18, close to $10.68 million in the prior week. Cumulative net inflows rose to about $1.45 billion, while total net assets moved closer to $1 billion.

Still, whale activity keeps risk on the table. As previously reported, whales had distributed more than 30 million XRP in five days, while network activity weakened.
Analysts watch $1.10 and $1.20
Technical analysts remain split. EGRAG CRYPTO described the two-month XRP chart as “E is the battlefield,” pointing to a structure that could support a future breakout if buyers defend the current zone.
The analyst listed much higher cycle targets, including $9.50 to $17.23, with $13 as a main focus. Those targets remain speculative while XRP trades near $1.14 and below the $1.20 breakout area.
For now, the market does not need targets to define the next move. XRP needs to hold $1.10, reclaim $1.20 and then show stronger volume. A failure at $1.10 would keep sellers in control.
ETF flows, lower exchange reserves and Ripple adoption support the rebound case. Whale selling, weak activity and a stalled breakout support the cautious case. XRP is still waiting for a clean trigger.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
Crypto World
Is Strategy BTC-Buying Instrument in Trouble?
Bitcoin (BTC) has fallen roughly 50% since Michael Saylor’s Strategy launched Stretch (STRC), its flagship Bitcoin-funding vehicle, in late July 2025.

BTC/USD monthly chart. Source: TradingView
Key takeaways:
- STRC is acting like a classic Ponzi scheme, argue Peter Schiff and other critics.
- Other analysts disagree, noting that STRC’s drop below the $100 par is due to a leverage wipeout.
Critics say STRC looks like a “classic centralized Ponzi”
STRC was designed to trade near its $100 par value, enabling Strategy to raise capital to buy more Bitcoin. The instrument is now trading at a deep discount, suggesting that the BTC buying channel is under pressure.
On Thursday, STRC fell to a record low of $82.53 before closing at $88.59, still below the $100 par value.

STRC daily chart. Source: TradingView
Launched in July 2025, STRC was designed to trade near par through adjustable dividends, currently 11.5% annualized, with proceeds used primarily to acquire Bitcoin.
The widening discount has pushed STRC’s effective yield above 12.9% and contributed to a pause in at-the-market share issuance. That risks slowing down the capital-raising flywheel behind Strategy’s Bitcoin treasury, which now holds more than 846,000 BTC.
In finance, a “flywheel” is a self-reinforcing business model where growth in one metric directly helps grow another, compounding momentum.
But trading 13% below par has revived criticism of Strategy’s funding model.
Bitcoin critic Peter Schiff has repeatedly described STRC as “a classic centralized Ponzi,” arguing that it depends on Strategy’s ability to raise fresh capital through new share sales or sell Bitcoin to meet obligations.

Source: X/Peter Schiff
Crypto trader DonAlt also questioned STRC’s recent price action, asking why the instrument was “trading like a Ponzi” after its sharp move below par.
Strategy has not directly addressed this in recent statements, instead continuing to present STRC as preferred equity supported by its Bitcoin-focused treasury strategy.
However, the company has moved STRC to a semi-monthly dividend schedule, with payouts now designed to occur twice a month rather than monthly.
Strategy’s Bitcoin buying pace slows as STRC slumps
The pace of Strategy’s Bitcoin accumulation has slowed sharply as STRC trades below par value.
The company added 1,550 BTC for $101 million in the week ending June 8 and another 1,587 BTC for $100 million in the week ending June 15, lifting total holdings to 846,842 BTC.
Those were meaningful purchases, but they were far smaller than Strategy’s weekly buys earlier in 2026.
For instance, in April, Strategy bought 34,164 BTC for $2.54 billion in a single week. In May, it added another 24,869 BTC for roughly $2.01 billion. By contrast, June’s weekly additions have been closer to $100 million each.
The slowdown also coincided with a small but notable 32 BTC sale earlier in June, worth about $2.5 million, to help cover dividend obligations.
Related: Bitcoin price sets $64.5K week-to-date low as Strategy selling worries return
The sale was tiny compared with Strategy’s overall Bitcoin treasury, but it showed that cash obligations can still force limited BTC sales when STRC-led funding becomes less efficient.

STRC-led weekly BTC buying estimates. Source: STRC.LIVE
Analyst says STRC drop is a leverage wipeout
The STRC sell-off looked more like a leverage wipeout than a deterioration in Strategy’s fundamentals, according to Jesse Myers, head of Bitcoin strategy at The Smarter Web Company.
“Strategy is fine,” he said in a Thursday post, adding that the company could pay STRC dividends for 32 years if conditions remain unchanged, and indefinitely if Bitcoin appreciates at roughly 2% annually.
STRC’s long stretch near $99–$100 encouraged investors to use heavy leverage, with some assuming the instrument would stay above $95. Once the price slipped, margin calls and forced selling accelerated the decline.
The discount may also attract income buyers, according to analyst Scott Melker.
In a Sunday post, he noted that STRC’s dividends are based on the $100 liquidation preference, not the market price. At an 11.5% dividend rate, buyers at $90 earn about 12.8%, while buyers at $85 earn roughly 13.5%.

Source: X/Scott Melker
At current prices, STRC offers an effective yield of about 13%. Strategy may announce its next dividend rate on June 30, while retaining other options, including MSTR share issuance and cash reserves, to fund its Bitcoin purchases.
Crypto World
Bitcoin’s Biggest Risk Is Boredom, Not Another Price Crash: CryptoQuant CEO
Bitcoin can survive another price crash as it has done so many times in the past, reassured the CEO of CryptoQuant, Ki Young Ju.
However, he envisions another major threat for the asset – boredom, and he linked it to Strategy’s STRC shares, which have raised some eyebrows in the past few weeks.
Boredom, Not a Crash
If you have followed the cryptocurrency industry for a few (or more) years, you are probably aware of its intense volatility at times. Bitcoin has been the object of some mind-blowing fluctuations, up or down. Of course, the skyrocketing liquidations on the way down are usually the ones people read about, and don’t get me wrong, there have been plenty of instances in which the asset has tumbled by double digits daily. However, it has also risen in the opposite direction violently before.
Naturally, the current market state and the past several months, starting with the early October massacre, the February calamity, and the June crash, are examples of bear-dominated trends. Nevertheless, BTC has managed to withstand all of those and has (for now) returned stronger than before.
Consequently, CryptoQuant’s chief exec didn’t seem too bothered about the potential of another crash. However, he believes boredom could pose a more profound threat, especially if Strategy’s controversial Stretch (STRC) fails to operate as intended.
“Strategy’s STRC structure becomes truly dangerous not when Bitcoin simply crashes, but when Bitcoin spends years moving sideways, and the bear market drags on.”
He added that “long stagnation kills the story,” as BTC can survive another crash if the market still believes in the next leg up. However, weak demand due to stagnation leads to compressed MSTR premium and makes “Saylor’s capital-raising machine much harder to sustain.”
A Reason to Believe
Young Ju further explained that the real challenge for Saylor and his company is not just to keep buying bitcoin, but to give the market “a new reason to believe.”
“After nearly a decade in this industry, I’ve realized Bitcoin’s core has not really changed. What changes every cycle is the story around why BTC price should keep going up. But, most of those stories now feel exhausted.”
He warned that BTC failed to serve as digital gold when it was needed, as it traded like a tech stock. It was supposed to be freedom money built by cypherpunks, but many OGs are now shilling other coins. It also faces the rising threat of advanced quantum computing.
Although he remains a firm believer that “the pool of capital that could flow into Bitcoin is massive,” he noted that the “sense of an inevitable catalyst feels much weaker” now compared to 10 years ago.
“It makes me a little sad to see the ideas that originally pulled me in gradually get consumed and diluted: freedom money, energy money, and institutional adoption.”
The post Bitcoin’s Biggest Risk Is Boredom, Not Another Price Crash: CryptoQuant CEO appeared first on CryptoPotato.
Crypto World
XRP Ledger’s Latest v3.2.0 Update Faces Technical Hurdles Post-Launch
TLDR
- The XRP Ledger’s core server software xrpld v3.2.0 launched June 15, targeting 30–40% memory optimization
- Node operators and developers identified several technical issues via GitHub shortly after deployment
- A node operator experienced complete sync failure post-upgrade despite previous version stability
- Reported issues encompass configuration parsing problems, transaction relay defects, and validator data distribution gaps
- Adoption remains at 26% network-wide; no critical network failures documented
Following the June 15 deployment of xrpld version 3.2.0, the XRP Ledger development community has documented numerous technical issues with the network’s updated core server infrastructure.
The software update promised notable enhancements including performance optimization and a projected 30% to 40% decrease in memory consumption. The release also transitioned the server nomenclature from “rippled” to “xrpld” while incorporating enhanced security protocols.
Yet, shortly following the launch, node administrators and software engineers started documenting problems through the official GitHub issue tracker.
Synchronization Problems and Configuration Glitches
A node administrator documented that their infrastructure running v3.2.0 completely failed to retrieve ledger information following the update. The system maintained connection status but synchronization ceased entirely. Notably, identical hardware performed flawlessly under version 3.1.3. This issue, submitted June 18, awaits resolution.
Another documented problem reveals that configuration files containing inline comments trigger server crashes during initialization. The legacy parsing system fails to properly handle comments in specific parameters, generating a “BadLexicalCast” exception.
Project maintainers have validated multiple reports as legitimate defects requiring technical assessment.
Relay and Validator Network Concerns
Engineers identified a defect affecting transaction propagation mechanisms to network peers. A computational error restricts the number of peers receiving transaction broadcasts, potentially causing insufficient network distribution.
The resource fee tracking mechanism also drew scrutiny. The current implementation only preserves the maximum fee value while discarding previous entries, behavior developers classify as erroneous.
Validator list propagation presented another challenge. Currently, validator metadata transmits exclusively to inbound peer connections while excluding outbound links. This asymmetry affects validator information distribution throughout the network infrastructure.
Developers identified potential unsigned integer overflow vulnerabilities during ledger sequence validation processes. Additional reports highlighted inconsistent transaction routing parameters and compromised node identification when utilizing ephemeral cryptographic keys.
A further report outlined a logical deficiency in ledger state tracking that can strand nodes in undefined states without established recovery procedures.
Current Status Assessment
Presently, none of the documented defects have triggered network-wide service disruptions. The XRP Ledger Foundation alongside open-source development contributors continue examining all submitted reports via the project’s GitHub platform.
Network adoption of version 3.2.0 currently stands at 26%. The substantial majority of nodes continue operating on previous software releases.
The XRP Ledger Foundation has not released official communications or remediation patches at publication time. All identified issues remain under ongoing technical evaluation.
Crypto World
Anthony Scaramucci Eyes Late 2026 Bitcoin (BTC) Surge and Backs Saylor’s Bold Bet
Key Takeaways
- Scaramucci anticipates Bitcoin will begin its upward momentum in Q4 2026 through early 2027
- He dismisses concerns about Michael Saylor and Strategy, calling them financially secure
- Strategy maintains approximately $52 billion in Bitcoin holdings plus $1 billion cash reserves
- Declining retail interest and reduced Google search activity represent bullish indicators in his view
- ETF capital flows and institutional accumulation have created a less volatile cycle compared to previous periods
Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital, told CNBC that Bitcoin remains aligned with its traditional four-year market cycle. He anticipates an upward price movement commencing in late 2026 and extending into the first quarter of 2027.
According to Scaramucci, the current market cycle has exhibited less volatility than previous iterations. Bitcoin experienced approximately 50% retracement from peak levels, significantly less than the 60–70% corrections observed in earlier cycles. He attributes this moderation to sustained ETF capital inflows and growing institutional participation.
“I think Bitcoin starts to rally late in the fourth quarter of 2026 into early 2027,” he said.
Scaramucci identified diminishing market attention as an encouraging development. Search volume for Bitcoin on Google has declined substantially, and retail investor enthusiasm has waned. He characterized this apathy as a pattern that typically emerges near cycle lows rather than market peaks.
He emphasized that Bitcoin’s market remains comparatively modest in size. Consequently, even limited fresh capital entering the market can generate substantial price appreciation. Scaramucci disclosed that he maintains significant personal Bitcoin exposure.
“I still like it. I own a lot of it,” he said.
Strategy’s Position Draws Support From Scaramucci
Scaramucci dismissed criticisms surrounding Strategy’s substantial Bitcoin position. He highlighted Michael Saylor’s access to robust capital markets and a solid financial foundation.
“You have to really understand the mechanisms of the balance sheet to understand that Bitcoin can go a lot lower, and he’s virtually not in trouble,” he said.
Strategy’s Bitcoin treasury stands at approximately $52 billion in current value. This reserve provides coverage for 31 months of dividend payments and interest commitments. The firm additionally maintains $1 billion in liquid cash reserves.
No significant debt obligations come due before 2028. Saylor has stated publicly that Strategy can continue servicing its preferred stock dividends and enhancing shareholder returns as long as Bitcoin appreciates by a minimum of 1.25% annually.
Scaramucci observed that Strategy’s equity continues trading at a premium relative to its underlying Bitcoin reserves. He suggested this premium provides investors with “necessary arbitrage” opportunities that justify the investment thesis.
“I like him. I think he’s going to be right,” Scaramucci said of Saylor.
He further mentioned that recent geopolitical developments and declining energy costs could suppress inflationary pressures. Should this scenario materialize, the Federal Reserve might implement interest rate reductions, potentially benefiting Bitcoin and broader risk assets.
Drawing on nearly four decades of investment experience, Scaramucci characterized the present market conditions as a late-cycle deceleration rather than the conclusion of Bitcoin’s long-term appreciation trajectory.
-
Business7 days agoNo Jackpot Winner as $257 Million Prize Rolls Over to $269 Million Monday Draw
-
Fashion2 days agoWeekend Open Thread: Miami – Corporette.com
-
Crypto World6 days agoZimbabwe Requires Crypto Businesses to Register Annually Under New FIU Regulations
-
Business1 day agoWall Street Week Ahead: Investors see Micron earnings as pulse check of AI rally momentum
-
Entertainment7 days agoMatt Damon’s Viral Sci-Fi Thriller Has Taken Over HBO Max
-
Tech7 days agoAs AI companies race to go public, who else is along for the ride?
-
Business7 days agoAnthropic staff to meet White House officials next week, Axios reports
-
Crypto World1 day agoHIVE shares jump as $220M AI deal speeds Bitcoin mining pivot
-
Crypto World7 days agoBitcoin could crash to $48,000, if this historical pattern is triggered
-
NewsBeat7 days agowhat doctors are seeing in ebike crashes
-
NewsBeat7 days agoWarning of disruption as Cardiff Crossrail works to start
-
NewsBeat7 days agoTributes to former deputy head teacher at Cambridge school among death and funeral notices
-
Entertainment7 days agoKate Middleton Glare Goes Viral After Kids Booed At Royal Event
-
Politics7 days ago“Israel’s” ban on ICRC visits ruled illegal, but Knesset moves to stop them permanently
-
News Videos7 days agoFinancial Accounting | Last Day Revision Strategy and Booster | CMA Inter – June 2026
-
Crypto World7 days agoXRP ETFs Outperform As Bitcoin And Ethereum Funds Extend Outflow Trend
-
Tech6 days agoOver 400 Arch Linux packages compromised to push rootkit, infostealer
-
Business7 days agoInvesco Quality Income Fund Q1 2026 Commentary
-
NewsBeat7 days agoSinger Oliver Tree dies aged 32 in helicopter crash in Brazil
-
Crypto World7 days ago
Market Preview: SpaceX (SPCX) IPO Record, Federal Reserve Meeting, and Iran Nuclear Agreement


You must be logged in to post a comment Login