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Xbox Live Down Now? Xbox Live Suffers Major Outage Monday, Blocking Sign-Ins and Games Across the US Today

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Console Gaming Xbox PS5

Xbox Live suffered a widespread outage Monday, leaving thousands of players unable to sign in, access their game libraries, or even launch single-player titles that shouldn’t require an online connection, according to user reports and Microsoft’s own official status tracking.

A confirmed, officially acknowledged outage

Unlike some earlier, smaller disruptions this year, Monday’s Xbox Live outage was directly acknowledged by Microsoft. Xbox Support posted a statement on X confirming the company was aware of the problem. “We are aware that some users are encountering errors when attempting to sign in, see your game library, or launch games,” Xbox Support said, adding that engineers were actively working to fix the issue. Microsoft’s official Xbox Status page reflected the scale of the disruption directly, showing red “Major Outage” indicators for three separate service categories: Account & Profile, Store & Subscriptions, and Apps & Mobile.

Reports began building before dawn

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Downdetector, the outage-tracking service that aggregates user-submitted reports, first flagged rising complaints about Xbox Network problems around 4:08 a.m. Eastern time Monday, according to reporting on the disruption. A follow-up alert from Downdetector at 9:41 a.m. Eastern showed the issue was continuing to generate significant complaint volume hours later, with total reports surging past 3,200 at points during the morning as players across the United States, Canada and other regions ran into login failures, multiplayer connectivity problems, and difficulty accessing Xbox’s online store and subscription services.

Even offline-style games were affected

One of the more notable aspects of Monday’s outage was its impact on single-player games, which many players assume should function without a live internet connection. According to reporting on the disruption, the outage prevented some users from launching single-player titles entirely, a detail that surprised gamers who expected offline-capable games to remain playable even during a broader network disruption. Reports indicated the outage appeared to affect players in the United States most heavily, with users in parts of Asia reportedly experiencing fewer disruptions.

A gap between user reports and Microsoft’s messaging

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As has occurred during some previous Xbox disruptions, there was a period of inconsistency between what users were experiencing and what Microsoft’s status tools displayed. Some reports noted that, at least for a portion of the morning, Xbox’s official status page continued showing all services as operational even as Downdetector recorded a sharp, rapid spike in complaints, before the status page was updated to reflect the “Major Outage” designations across multiple service categories. That kind of lag between user-reported problems and official acknowledgment has become a recurring point of frustration among players during past Xbox service disruptions.

Part of a rough stretch for gaming platforms

Monday’s Xbox Live outage follows a similar disruption on Sony’s PlayStation Network just last week, which left PS5 users unable to access PlayStation Network services or play games requiring a PSN sign-in for several hours. That PlayStation outage notably occurred just hours after the open beta launch for “Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls,” compounding frustration for players eager to try the new title. The back-to-back outages across two of the industry’s largest gaming platforms have renewed broader conversations among players about the reliability of always-online gaming infrastructure.

Renewed debate over digital game ownership

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The outage has reignited a long-running discussion within the gaming community about the risks of relying on digital storefronts and online authentication for game access. Commentators covering Monday’s disruption noted that server outages capable of blocking access to games players have already purchased raise broader questions about digital ownership, with some suggesting the recurring pattern of outages strengthens the case for maintaining physical game collections as a hedge against future server problems. That debate has been further fueled by other recent industry controversies, including Sony’s decision to discontinue support for certain games and remove previously purchased movies from some users’ accounts without refunds, developments that have collectively heightened consumer wariness about fully digital game libraries.

A pattern of recurring Xbox service issues in 2026

Monday’s outage adds to a string of Xbox Live disruptions that have occurred periodically throughout the year. Earlier disruptions in 2026 included incidents affecting account sign-ins and cloud save syncing, as well as shorter outages tied to specific playback or connectivity issues. The recurring nature of these disruptions has drawn scrutiny from players and industry observers alike, particularly given Xbox’s growing reliance on cloud-connected services across its console, PC and subscription-based Xbox Game Pass ecosystem.

What players can do in the meantime

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During the outage, players experiencing errors were largely left waiting for Microsoft’s engineering teams to resolve the underlying issue, since problems tied to a confirmed platform-wide outage typically cannot be fixed through standard user-side troubleshooting steps like restarting a console or checking a home network connection. Xbox Support indicated it would continue providing updates through its official social media channels and the Xbox Status page as engineers worked to restore full functionality.

Context beyond gaming

Monday’s Xbox outage arrived amid a busier-than-usual period for Microsoft’s gaming division more broadly, including recent announcements around new console-exclusive titles unveiled at the Xbox Games Showcase and continued growth in Xbox Series X|S hardware sales, which reportedly jumped 86% year-over-year in June. That growth in hardware sales has placed additional scrutiny on the reliability of the online services those consoles depend on for much of their day-to-day functionality, including digital purchases, cloud saves, and multiplayer access.

As of Monday, Microsoft had not provided a specific timeline for full service restoration, though the company indicated its engineering teams remained actively engaged in resolving the issue. Players affected by the outage were directed to monitor Xbox’s official status page and the Xbox Support account on X for further updates. Given the scale of complaints and the direct acknowledgment from Microsoft, Monday’s disruption appears to represent one of the more significant Xbox Live outages of the year so far, adding to a broader pattern of high-profile service interruptions affecting major gaming platforms in recent weeks.

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Treasury drops another 84 entries from sanctions lists as part of new review

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Gas prices under scrutiny as Bessent vows to hold retailers accountable

The Treasury Department slashed another 84 people and companies from its sanctions lists on Monday as part of an effort to streamline sanctions programs and make it easier for banks to pursue what it deems the most serious terrorist financing schemes.

Secretary Scott Bessent launched a review in May of its sanctions programs and lists to remove outdated entries and ease compliance burdens on financial institutions.

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He later announced that 76 people and firms had been removed from the 17,000-plus sanctions lists.

A Treasury official said the goal is “to ensure Treasury sanctions remain efficient, sharp, and focused, and to remove bloat left over from previous administrations,” adding that more than 3,000 names were designated in 2024, compared to only 880 in 2017.

BESSENT SAYS TREASURY TRACKED DOWN AYATOLLAH’S ‘MONEY MAN,’PLANS TO EXPOSE LINKED PROPERTIES

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrives for House committee hearing.

The Treasury Department removed another 84 people and companies from its sanctions lists. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images / Getty Images)

“Sanctions are not intended to be a forever tool,” the official said.

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Bessent has repeatedly emphasized the Trump administration’s willingness to impose sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil companies — Rosneft and Lukoil. The Biden administration had been hesitant to take such action over concerns of a further uptick in oil prices after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The second round of removals from the Treasury’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List on Monday includes 36 people who have died and associated listings, 33 Iraq-related entities first designated in 1991 or 1992, seven defunct or outdated narcotics listings related to Colombia and eight disrupted narcotics kingpins.

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also updated listings for 22 people and entities to add or clarify missing key identifiers.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks

Secretary Scott Bessent launched a review in May of its sanctions programs and lists to remove outdated entries and ease compliance burdens on financial institutions. (Krisanne Johnson/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Each removal was made after a review by other federal agencies to ensure that it would not hurt the administration’s foreign policy or national security interests, and names could be reinstated as needed, the Treasury said.

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The review so far has centered on older sanctions entries, which can sometimes leave out identifying information that is now routine for new sanctions, including place and date of birth, unique identification numbers, nationality or gender.

Adding new data should make compliance screening easier for financial institutions, the Treasury said.

OFAC has also identified a small number of duplicate entries on its sanctions lists, the department said, adding that 18 of these sets were resolved with Monday’s removals.

TREASURY INTERCEPTS NEARLY $99M IN FEDERAL PAYMENTS TO DECEASED INDIVIDUALS UNDER TRUMP FRAUD ORDER

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Scott Bessent in Oval Office

The Treasury said each removal was made after a review by other federal agencies to ensure that it would not hurt the administration’s foreign policy or national security interests. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images / Getty Images)

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“To decrease the compliance burden on financial institutions and improve national security outcomes, Treasury is reviewing outdated or hard-to-screen targets,” the Treasury said in an internal document, according to Reuters.

It added that the impact of sanctions should be “measured in terms of effect, impact, and national security benefit, not based on the number of names we put on a list.”

Last month, the Treasury launched a new online portal allowing sanctioned people or companies to request their removal from the list.

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Reuters contributed to this report.

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Develop Global Limited (VTEXF) Q4 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Operator

Thank you for standing by, and welcome to the Develop June 2026 Quarterly Report Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] I would now like to hand the conference over to Mr. Bill Beament, Managing Director. Please go ahead.

William Beament
MD & Director

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Good morning, and thanks for joining us. It’s been an absolutely cracking quarter for Develop on every front. We now have a very well-established pipeline of production and cash flow growth, both in the immediate, medium and longer terms. Basically, we’re now reaping the benefits of the investments we’ve made over the past 2 to 3 years and the hard work by all our teams. The production results at Woodlawn are excellent with recoveries continuing to increase, underpinning record production and record revenue. And the resource growth drilling at Woodlawn is delivering in spades. I’ll talk a little bit more about that in a moment.

At Pioneer Dome, we are in the countdown to first sales of direct shipped ore lithium in the December quarter. Again, the drilling results are a standout with the average grade of the infill drilling program exceeding the resource grade. The potential impact of this on the project’s cash flow is very substantial. The higher the grade, the more money we get per tonne. And we’re very close to a final investment decision on the underground development at Pioneer Dome.

It has also been a highly successful quarter in our mining services division, with a major contract win and the starting of two major contracts. The Bellevue Gold contract finishes this month, and we have plenty of uses for the amazing and highly skilled people and equipment this will free up. I’ll now

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Bitmine Immersion BMNR Stock Surges Over 12% as Company Reports $11.8 Billion in Ethereum and Crypto Holdings

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Bitmine Immersion Technologies

NEW YORK — Shares of Bitmine Immersion Technologies Inc. rose sharply in early trading Monday after the company reported total crypto, cash and related holdings of $11.8 billion, driven by its substantial Ethereum position.

The stock, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker BMNR, was up $1.95, or 12.33 percent, to $17.77 as of 9:45 a.m. Eastern time. Volume was elevated as the market opened. The previous close stood at $15.79.

In a statement released Monday, Bitmine said that as of 7 p.m. Eastern time on July 26 its holdings included 5,787,414 ether tokens valued at $1,948 each according to Coinbase data, 208 bitcoin, a $180 million stake in Beast Industries, a $61 million stake in Eightco Holdings Inc., and $268 million in cash and marketable securities. The combined total reached $11.8 billion.

The company noted that its ether position represents approximately 4.8 percent of the roughly 120.7 million ETH in total supply. Bitmine said it is 96 percent of the way toward its stated goal of holding 5 percent of the ethereum supply, a target it has framed as “the alchemy of 5 percent.” The company has pursued that objective over the past 13 months.

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Chairman Thomas “Tom” Lee said in the update that ether prices had reached a 10-week high. “ETH prices are now reaching a 10-week high and as many technical strategists have highlighted, we believe the next key levels to clear are $2,000 and $2,500 for ETH,” Lee stated. He referenced analysis from adviser Tom DeMark of DeMark Analytics regarding potential near-term targets.

Bitmine also reported continued activity under its previously authorized $4 billion share repurchase program. The company said it bought back 6.1 million shares of common stock in the past week. Since July 1 it has repurchased a total of 11.6 million shares. “With over 11 million shares of common stock repurchased, Bitmine has executed the largest ever common stock buyback for any ETH or Bitcoin Digital Asset Treasury,” Lee said.

Bitmine Immersion Technologies began as a bitcoin mining company that emphasized immersion cooling technology, a method of submerging mining hardware in dielectric fluid to improve heat dissipation and efficiency. In recent periods the firm has shifted its primary focus toward building and managing a large ethereum treasury. It generates revenue largely through staking ethereum on the network and related activities. The company has also developed the Made in America Validator Network, or MAVAN, as an institutional-grade staking platform.

The firm was added to the Russell 1000 large-cap index on June 26. It has reported significant growth in revenue, with one recent quarterly figure reaching $46.5 million, a sharp increase from the prior-year period, driven predominantly by staking income. At the same time, the company has recorded large net losses, reflecting the accounting treatment of digital asset holdings and the volatility inherent in crypto markets.

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Bitmine’s market capitalization has fluctuated with both the price of ethereum and investor sentiment toward corporate crypto treasuries. The stock’s 52-week range has stretched from a low of $12.80 to a high of $71.74. Analysts covering the shares have generally maintained constructive ratings, with consensus price targets in recent reports clustering in the mid-to-high $20s to low $30s, implying substantial upside from current levels according to those forecasts.

The company’s strategy centers on accumulating ethereum as a long-term reserve asset while participating in the network’s staking and broader ecosystem. Lee, who also serves as managing partner and head of research at Fundstrat Global Advisors, has positioned the firm as a public-market vehicle for ethereum exposure. The firm maintains limited bitcoin holdings and smaller “moonshot” investments alongside its core ethereum position.

Market participants watching BMNR have focused on several factors: the pace of additional ethereum accumulation, the scale and timing of share repurchases, the performance of ethereum itself, and the company’s ability to generate sustainable cash flow from staking. The stock’s high beta indicates it tends to move more sharply than the broader market in response to crypto price swings.

In recent weeks the shares have shown periods of strength as ethereum recovered and the company continued to report holdings updates and buyback activity. Earlier in the year the stock experienced significant declines, with one analysis noting a drop of more than 50 percent in the first half of 2026 amid broader crypto market pressure and questions about dilution.

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Bitmine’s leadership has emphasized capital allocation that prioritizes increasing ethereum held per share. The combination of treasury growth and share reduction is intended to create a self-reinforcing effect for shareholders. The firm operates with a lean structure and has transitioned toward an asset-light model centered on digital asset management rather than large-scale proprietary mining expansion.

As of Monday morning the stock’s advance reflected investor reaction to the latest holdings disclosure and the accompanying repurchase figures. Trading remained active in the opening hour. Broader cryptocurrency markets showed mixed but generally constructive tone, with ethereum trading near recent highs.

Investors evaluating the shares continue to weigh the concentrated exposure to a single digital asset against the scale of the treasury, the company’s index inclusion, and its capital return program. The firm’s next updates on holdings, staking performance and repurchase progress will provide additional data points for the market.

Bitmine Immersion Technologies remains one of the more closely followed corporate participants in the ethereum ecosystem. Its Monday announcement and the subsequent move in the stock underscored the tight linkage between the company’s reported asset base and the valuation placed on its shares by public-market investors.

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NEST bets $200K on AI to boost skilled trades workers

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NEST bets $200K on AI to boost skilled trades workers

A facilities management company is investing $200,000 in artificial intelligence to help skilled trades workers become more productive.

New Jersey-based NEST Integrated Facilities Management announced last week that it is partnering with Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia on “The Hawk’s NEST: Building the Future of IFM and Skilled Trades Intelligence.” 

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The initiative will use AI and machine learning to improve technician scheduling, service estimates and operational efficiency.

NEST CEO Rob Almond told FOX Business that the technology is intended to support technicians, not replace them.

“As much as AI can help us with troubleshooting a problem at a job site, the technician still needs to be there,” Almond said.

PALANTIR CEO WARNS US AGAINST EUROPE’S AI REGULATION PATH, URGES TRUMP ADMIN TO NOT BAN OPEN MODELS

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Saint Joseph’s University Haub School of Business Dean Joseph DiAngelo, left, is pictured next to NEST CEO Rob Almond. NEST is investing $200,000 in a new initiative with Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. (NEST Integrated Facilities Management)

NEST coordinates services for more than 60,000 commercial properties across the U.S. and Canada, including stores, banks and restaurants.

Its network includes thousands of independent providers working across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, janitorial services, landscaping and other trades.

NEST said AI could help contractors plan their next stops, locate parts, diagnose problems and complete more jobs.

The tools could also help address the industry’s persistent shortage of skilled workers, according to Almond.

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“It’s severely short,” Almond said of the labor pool. “… It’s not going to go away anytime soon.”

OPENAI DIDN’T REALIZE ITS AGENT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR HACK FOR A WEEK: REPORT

Rob Almond with students at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

Saint Joseph’s University Haub School of Business Dean Joseph DiAngelo, far left, and NEST CEO Rob Almond, far right, pose with students at Saint Joseph’s University. NEST and Saint Joseph’s have worked together for more than a decade. (NEST Integrated Facilities Management)

NEST and Saint Joseph’s began collaborating on AI projects about 18 months ago, building on a relationship that spans more than a decade.

Under the expanded partnership, students, faculty and researchers will use NEST’s operational data to develop tools for technicians, service providers, employees and customers.

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NEST expects the initiative to analyze more than 1 billion data points during its first year.

The goal, Almond said, is to make skilled workers “better, stronger and faster.”

“The human element will never go away,” Almond said.

Almond said more support and awareness are both needed to attract workers to the trades.

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AI INNOVATION IS OUTPACING GOVERNANCE, LEAVING COMPANIES EXPOSED, EQUALAI WARNS

A plumber reaches for a wrench beside a tool bag filled with equipment.

NEST CEO Rob Almond said AI tools could help skilled trades workers become more efficient. (iStock)

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“A career path in the trades is just as good, if not better, than maybe a college career,” he said.

For NEST, the AI investment is aimed at both improving efficiency and easing the pressure created by the labor shortage.

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“Giving these companies… tools that can make them more efficient so they can get to the next job faster and maybe even be a little bit more cost competitive — we’re all in for that,” Almond said.

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Thailand’s Egg Market and the Hidden Cost of Monopoly Power

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Thailand's Egg Market and the Hidden Cost of Monopoly Power

Abstract

  • Thailand’s egg industry has shifted from smallholder farming to a vertically integrated structure dominated by a few large firms controlling over 80 percent of the market. Import quotas for parent stock, originally meant to stabilize supply, have concentrated access to breeding stock and enabled practices that limit competition and raise costs for independent farmers.
  • Domestic consumers, particularly low-income households reliant on eggs as an affordable protein source, face relatively high prices even as Thailand exports eggs cheaply. The author argues for reforms including more transparent allocation of breeding stock, stricter rules against unfair trade practices, stronger institutional governance, and proactive competition policy enforcement.

In economics, few indicators of food security are as simple—and as powerful—as the price of eggs. Affordable, accessible, and nutritious, eggs should be the most democratic source of protein in any society. Yet in Thailand, a single egg tells a far more complex story—one of market power, distorted incentives, and a system that may no longer serve the public interest.

Over the past two decades, Thailand’s egg industry has undergone a profound transformation. What was once a sector consisted of smallholder farmers has gradually evolved into a vertically integrated system, where big large firms control the supply chain—from breeding stock and feed production to distribution and retail. This structural shift has not only changed how eggs are produced, but benefits sharing within the whole system. 

At the heart of the issue lies a seemingly technical policy tool: the import quota for parent stock.

Originally introduced to stabilize supply and prevent price collapses, the quota system has become a powerful regulating access.  In practice, access to breeding stock—the foundation of the entire industry—is concentrated among a small number of firms. The top five players now control more than 80 percent of the market, pushing concentration levels into total market capture.

Such concentration matters because it shapes everything downstream. When a few control the supply of chicks, they gain ability to influence production decisions, input costs, and ultimately retail prices. For independent farmers, the consequences are clear: limited access to chicks, higher production cost and weaker bargaining power. As a result, many are left to take what the market dictated or risk being pushed out of the game. 

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Evidence from the industry suggests that this imbalance is not merely structural, but behavioral. Practices such as bundled sales—where farmers must purchase feed, vaccines, and other inputs alongside chicks—reduce market choice and increase dependency. Meanwhile, price movements among major players can  undermine the very foundation of competitive markets.

The effects are not confined to producers. Consumers, too, are paying the price—literally. Despite being a staple food, eggs in Thailand are often more expensive relative to income than in many other countries. This is particularly troubling given that eggs are a key source of affordable protein for low-income households. When prices are elevated, the burden falls disproportionately on those least able to bear it.

Perhaps the most striking paradox is this: Thailand exports eggs at low prices while domestic consumers pay relatively high ones. This is partly driven by industry mechanisms designed to “manage surplus,” including subsidized exports funded by industry pools. While such measures may help stabilize the market in the short term, they can also create artificial scarcity at home—keeping domestic prices high and reinforcing market power.

From an economic perspective, the costs are substantial. The system generates significant “quota rents”—excess profits derived from restricted access—alongside measurable welfare losses to society. But beyond the numbers lies a deeper concern: the risk of regulatory capture. When industry players exert strong influence over the rules that govern them, public policy can gradually shift away from serving the broader public and toward protecting entrenched interests.
This is not an argument against regulation. On the contrary, effective regulation is essential in agricultural markets. But the objective must evolve—from controlling quantities to ensuring fair competition. Stability should not come at the expense of efficiency, innovation, or equity.

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Reform, therefore, is not about dismantling the system, but about rebalancing it.

First, access to breeding stock must be opened up. A more transparent and competitive allocation mechanism—one that allows cooperatives and new entrants to participate—would reduce barriers at the very top of the supply chain.
Second, unfair trade practices must be addressed head-on. Clear rules against bundling and unfair contracts, backed by enforceable oversight, are essential to restore fairness for farmers.

Third, governance needs to be strengthened. Institutions such as the Egg Board must become more transparent, more accountable, and more representative—incorporating voices from consumers and small producers, not just large firms.

Fourth, unnecessary regulatory burdens should be reduced. Simplifying procedures and cutting red tape can lower costs without compromising food safety.

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Finally, competition policy must be enforced proactively. Waiting for clear violations is not enough in markets where power can be exercised subtly and cumulatively.

Thailand’s egg industry stands at a crossroads. Continuing on the current path may preserve short-term stability, but it risks entrenching inefficiencies and deepening inequality. Reform, by contrast, offers a pathway to a more dynamic, competitive, and inclusive system—one that benefits farmers, consumers, and the economy as a whole.

In the end, this is not just about eggs. It is about whether Thailand is willing to ensure that essential food systems remain fair, transparent, and truly competitive. Because when something as basic as an egg becomes distorted by market power, it is a signal that the system itself needs fixing.

Kamphol Pantakua is a researcher at the Thailand Development and Research Institute (TDRI). Their policy analyses appear in the Bangkok Post on 2 June 2026.

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FCPI ETF: Fighting Inflation With Strong Fundamentals And Moderate Volatility (BATS:FCPI)

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FCPI ETF: Fighting Inflation With Strong Fundamentals And Moderate Volatility (BATS:FCPI)

This article was written by

Fred Piard, PhD. is a quantitative analyst and IT professional with over 30 years of experience working in technology. He is the author of three books and has been investing in data-driven systematic strategies since 2010. Fred runs the investing group Quantitative Risk & Value where he shares a portfolio invested in quality dividend stocks, and companies at the forefront of tech innovation. Fred also supplies market risk indicators, a real estate strategy, a bond strategy, and an income strategy in closed-end funds. Learn more.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of GOOGL either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Bitcoin Hovers Near $65,000, Down Nearly 45% From Record High as Crypto Bear Market Persists This Week

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Bitcoin traded near $65,574 on Monday, up modestly on the day but still deeply entrenched in a bear market that has wiped out nearly half the cryptocurrency’s value since it hit an all-time high just nine months ago.

A modest gain within a much larger decline

Bitcoin rose $233.26, or 0.36%, to $65,574.34 as of early afternoon trading Monday, according to market data. The cryptocurrency opened the day at $65,333.12, roughly 1.6% higher than Sunday’s opening price, before drifting between roughly $64,974 and $65,574 through the morning session. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market value, also gained ground Monday, opening at $1,953.02, up 4.3% from the previous day.

Despite the day’s gains, the broader picture for bitcoin remains grim. According to Fortune’s daily price tracking, bitcoin’s price Monday morning represented an increase of roughly $901 from the previous day but a decline of approximately $54,090 compared with the same point a year earlier, a drop of more than 45% year-over-year.

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A steep fall from October’s record high

Bitcoin reached its all-time high of $126,198.07 on Oct. 6, 2025, a peak that now sits roughly 48% above current trading levels. The decline since that high has unfolded in stages throughout 2026, punctuated by a brutal crash in February that sent the cryptocurrency plunging from more than $80,000 in late January down to around $60,000, before a partial recovery. A separate, sharper leg down occurred in June, when bitcoin suffered a roughly 20.48% monthly drop, extending a broader slide that pushed prices as low as the $58,000 range at points during the summer.

What’s driving the extended downturn

Analysts have pointed to a combination of factors behind bitcoin’s sustained weakness this year, including sizable outflows from bitcoin exchange-traded funds, reduced market liquidity, a stronger U.S. dollar, and generally weak risk appetite among both institutional and retail investors. Crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe, commenting on the market’s technical posture during an earlier leg of the decline, said he was watching for signs of a genuine reversal that had yet to materialize. “I’d prefer to see it revert back with a strong liquidity wick, which hasn’t happened yet,” van de Poppe said, noting that the broader trend remained clearly downward at the time.

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Wall Street’s outlook on bitcoin has grown increasingly divided as the year has progressed. Citi cut its 12-month bitcoin price target to $82,000 from $112,000 earlier this year, citing continued ETF outflows, weak investor interest, and slow progress on U.S. crypto legislation, while setting a bear-case scenario near $53,000. By contrast, Standard Chartered’s Geoffrey Kendrick has maintained a $100,000 year-end target for bitcoin, arguing that the current weakness could ultimately prove to be a buying opportunity if ETF selling pressure eases. Bernstein has gone even further, maintaining a $150,000 year-end target and arguing earlier this year that bitcoin had likely already found its bottom.

Monday’s gains tied to easing geopolitical tensions

The modest uptick in both bitcoin and ethereum prices Monday came as broader financial markets reacted positively to news that the United States had paused airstrikes against Iranian military targets over the weekend, part of a broader push to restore stability following weeks of escalating conflict in the Middle East. That de-escalation lifted risk appetite across a range of asset classes Monday, including stocks and cryptocurrencies, though it remains unclear whether the improved sentiment will prove durable given how volatile the broader conflict has been throughout the year.

A pivotal week ahead for risk assets

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Bitcoin’s price action this week is likely to be shaped by several major catalysts beyond developments in the Middle East. The Federal Reserve is set to conclude a policy meeting this week, with markets closely watching for signals on the future path of interest rates. A dense slate of corporate earnings reports is also due from major companies across the stock market, and how investors treat risk-sensitive assets like cryptocurrency in response to both events is expected to offer clues about whether bitcoin’s recent stabilization can hold or give way to renewed selling pressure.

Financial advisers grow more cautious

The extended downturn has prompted some financial advisers to reconsider their stance on cryptocurrency as an investment class, according to reporting on the shift in sentiment. That caution reflects broader questions within the investment community about how much of bitcoin’s earlier rally was driven by speculative momentum versus durable institutional demand, a debate that has intensified as ETF outflows and weaker spot demand have weighed on prices throughout much of 2026.

A market still enormous despite the decline

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Even after this year’s steep losses, bitcoin remains by far the largest cryptocurrency by market value, with a total market capitalization of roughly $1.33 trillion as of Monday, more than five times larger than Ethereum’s approximately $233 billion market cap. Bitcoin’s history includes far more dramatic swings than the current downturn; the cryptocurrency’s all-time low value was just $0.04865, recorded in July 2010, underscoring how dramatically its value has grown over the past decade and a half even accounting for this year’s sharp pullback from record highs.

With bitcoin trading well below the key $65,600 resistance level that some analysts have identified as critical for any near-term recovery attempt, traders are likely to watch closely for whether the cryptocurrency can build on Monday’s modest gains or whether the broader bearish trend that has defined 2026 reasserts itself. A decisive move above that resistance level could open the door to a push toward $70,000 or higher in the near term, according to some technical forecasts, while a failure to hold current levels could renew pressure toward the low-$60,000s or below, keeping bitcoin’s path forward this summer highly uncertain heading into the Federal Reserve’s policy decision and a heavy stretch of corporate earnings this week.

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Rigetti Computing Stock Surges 12% on Hybrid Quantum Supercomputer Deal With HPE and Pittsburgh Center

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Rigetti Computing Stock Surges 11% as 108-Qubit Cepheus-1 Quantum System

NEW YORK — Shares of Rigetti Computing Inc. climbed more than 12 percent in early trading Monday after the company announced an expanded collaboration to develop a hybrid quantum-classical supercomputing testbed.

The stock rose $1.74, or 12.30 percent, to $15.89 as of 9:49 a.m. Eastern time. Trading volume was active as the market opened. The previous close was $14.15.

In a statement released Monday, Rigetti said it will deliver a 9-qubit Novera quantum computing system to a new testbed at the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center. The project is funded by a $5 million National Science Foundation grant. The effort builds on the company’s existing strategic collaboration with Hewlett Packard Enterprise to commercialize quantum-enabled high-performance computing solutions.

The announcement comes as Rigetti, a developer of superconducting quantum computers, continues to advance its hardware and expand access to its systems. The company has positioned itself as a pure-play participant in the emerging quantum computing sector, which remains in early stages of commercial development.

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Rigetti’s Cepheus-1-108Q system, a 108-qubit modular quantum computer based on its proprietary chiplet architecture, became generally available earlier this year. The system is accessible through the company’s Quantum Cloud Services platform and Amazon Braket. It consists of 12 interconnected 9-qubit chiplets and has reported median two-qubit gate fidelity of 99.1 percent.

In the first quarter of 2026, Rigetti reported revenue of $4.4 million, nearly triple the amount from the year-earlier period. The growth was attributed to increased government and commercial activity. Research and development spending totaled $19.9 million in the quarter. The company ended the period with approximately $569 million in cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments and no debt.

Rigetti is scheduled to report second-quarter results on Aug. 6 after the market close. Analysts project continued revenue growth for the period.

In May, the company signed a letter of intent with the U.S. Department of Commerce for potential funding of up to $100 million over three years to support research and development aimed at scaling superconducting quantum computers. The arrangement could also involve the government taking an equity stake.

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Rigetti has also secured an $8.4 million contract to deliver a 108-qubit system to India’s Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, with deployment planned for the second half of 2026. The company continues work on longer-term milestones, including plans for larger systems in the United Kingdom over the next several years.

Quantum computing seeks to solve certain complex problems more efficiently than classical computers by using quantum bits, or qubits, that can exist in multiple states simultaneously. Commercial applications are still limited, and the technology faces significant technical hurdles related to error rates, scalability and stability. Industry observers generally view widespread practical use as years away.

Wall Street analysts largely maintain constructive ratings on the shares. Consensus price targets in recent reports have centered in the mid-to-high $20s to low $30s, implying substantial upside from current levels according to those forecasts. The stock has experienced significant volatility, with a 52-week range of $12.53 to $58.15.

Investors evaluating Rigetti for the longer term weigh the company’s technological progress and government support against its limited current revenue, ongoing cash burn and the uncertain timeline for broader commercial adoption of quantum computing. The firm’s strong balance sheet provides runway for continued investment in manufacturing capacity, refrigeration systems and architecture improvements.

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The hybrid approach pursued with HPE and the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center reflects a broader industry trend of integrating quantum processors with classical high-performance computing resources. Such testbeds allow researchers to explore practical workflows while hardware capabilities advance.

Rigetti’s modular chiplet design is intended to support scaling to higher qubit counts more efficiently than monolithic approaches. Management has emphasized improvements in fidelity and system performance as key priorities throughout 2026.

The stock’s early Monday advance followed a period of pressure in quantum computing shares earlier in the month, as investors rotated away from high-beta technology names after strong prior gains. Broader market conditions and sentiment toward speculative technology sectors continue to influence trading in the name.

As of mid-morning Monday, Rigetti’s market capitalization stood near $4.7 billion based on publicly traded shares. The company remains focused on executing its technical roadmap while expanding customer access through cloud platforms and on-premise deployments.

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Whether the shares prove a long-term investment depends on the pace of technological milestones, the conversion of research collaborations into sustained revenue, and the overall development of the quantum computing market. Near-term catalysts include the upcoming earnings report and further progress on government-supported projects.

The Pittsburgh collaboration adds another data point to Rigetti’s expanding network of academic and industry partnerships. The delivery of the Novera system is expected to support research into hybrid algorithms and applications that combine quantum and classical computing resources.

In an industry characterized by rapid technical claims and long commercialization horizons, Rigetti’s combination of hardware advancements, cash reserves and public-sector engagement has kept it among the more closely followed pure-play names. Monday’s stock move reflected investor reaction to the latest partnership expansion amid ongoing interest in the sector’s long-term potential.

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