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Big Tech AI Investment Faces Real-World Test in Earnings Week

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Josh Gilbert Market Analyst At Etoro

This editorial note previews a high-stakes earnings week in which Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, Microsoft and Apple report results as the market weighs the returns from AI investments. The companies together account for roughly a quarter of the S&P 500, placing their earnings guidance and cash flow signals in the spotlight for investors. The release frames AI spending as a central growth driver, with cloud, advertising and consumer devices shaping the revenue trajectory. Key themes include Amazon’s AI-enabled AWS growth, Meta’s ad monetization, Alphabet’s cloud demand, Microsoft’s Copilot and Azure, and Apple’s Siri upgrade as an early AI test.

Key points

  • Five major tech firms—Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, Microsoft and Apple—report this week, collectively accounting for about a quarter of the S&P 500.
  • AI-related capex is expected to run near US$700 billion this year, shifting investor focus toward returns in growth, margins and cash flow.
  • Amazon: AWS growth is seen re-accelerating in Q1; 2026 capex outlook of US$200 billion; AI revenue run rate in AWS around US$15 billion.
  • Meta: Q1 revenue around US$56 billion, up about 33% YoY, with AI-enhanced monetization; capex near US$126 billion.
  • Alphabet: Google Cloud ~50% growth in Q1; Anthropic multi-year deal; total revenue around US$107 billion; margins under pressure from a capital-intensive model.

Why it matters

These earnings will test whether AI investments translate into real returns and cash flow, shaping how investors value AI-driven growth. The results may indicate whether capital discipline is returning as AI scales, and how cloud, advertising, and platform initiatives contribute to near-term profitability.

What to watch

  • Returns signals: observe margins and cash flow trends as AI-related spending continues.
  • Cloud platform performance: AWS, Google Cloud and Azure growth rates and demand patterns, including strategic partnerships.
  • AI monetization progress: Meta’s ad targeting and Alphabet’s compute demand supporting AI infrastructure.
  • Apple progress on AI milestones: Siri upgrade timing as an early test of its AI roadmap.

Disclosure: The content below is a press release provided by the company or its PR representative. It is published for informational purposes.

Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, Microsoft and Apple Face AI Test in High-Stakes Earnings Week

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – April 29, 2026: This week marks one of the most consequential earnings periods of the year, with Amazon, Meta, Alphabet and Microsoft reporting on Thursday, followed by Apple on Friday. Together, these five companies account for nearly a quarter of the S&P 500, positioning their results as a key driver of broader market direction.

At the centre of attention is artificial intelligence. Collectively, these companies are expected to spend close to US$700 billion this year to fuel growth, but investor focus is shifting decisively from the scale of investment to the returns it can generate. This earnings cycle represents the first meaningful test of whether the AI trade can continue to justify elevated valuations.

Amazon remains a focal point, having outperformed peers year-to-date. AWS growth is expected to re-accelerate to around 28% in the first quarter, with full-year growth potentially approaching 36% as additional capacity comes online. The company has already flagged a US$15 billion AI revenue run rate within AWS, reinforcing confidence in demand.

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However, capital expenditure remains the key risk. Amazon is expected to reiterate its US$200 billion capex outlook for 2026 — the largest in corporate history. While the business remains relatively efficient compared to other hyperscalers, rising investment has weighed on free cash flow. Any signs of stabilisation or improvement will be critical in shifting sentiment towards capital discipline.

Josh Gilbert Market Analyst At Etoro
Josh Gilbert Market Analyst At Etoro

Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro, commented: “This is the first real stress test for the AI trade. Markets have been willing to support massive investment, but now investors want to see clear returns. Growth, margins and cash flow all need to start moving in the right direction.”

Meta’s investment case is more straightforward, with its core advertising business continuing to fund its AI expansion. First-quarter revenue is expected to rise approximately 33% year-on-year to US$56 billion, with forward guidance pointing to continued strength. AI is already contributing to monetisation, improving both ad targeting and content ranking.

Recent results underline this trend, with Family of Apps ad revenue rising 24% year-on-year, supported by higher ad impressions and pricing. With capital expenditure expected to increase roughly 70% to US$126 billion this year, investors will be looking for continued evidence that AI-driven gains are scaling alongside spend.

Alphabet’s results will offer further insight into the balance between investment and returns. Google Cloud is expected to grow around 50% in the first quarter, supported by strong demand for AI infrastructure and key partnerships, including its multi-year agreement with Anthropic. This deal is emerging as a significant driver of compute demand.

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Total revenue is forecast at US$107 billion, with Search remaining a core contributor. However, margin pressure remains a concern as Alphabet transitions towards a more capital-intensive model. The extent to which cloud growth offsets this pressure will be central to market reaction.

Microsoft enters the week under greater scrutiny following recent share price weakness. Azure growth is expected to remain robust at around 38%, while total revenue is forecast at US$81 billion. As an early leader in AI through its partnership with OpenAI, Microsoft now faces increasing competition, prompting a reassessment of its positioning.

Investor focus will centre on Azure performance and enterprise adoption of Copilot. Strong execution in these areas could reinforce confidence in its AI strategy, while any disappointment may amplify concerns around rising costs and competitive pressures.

Apple stands apart from its peers, with less immediate exposure to the current AI investment cycle. However, it continues to deliver strong underlying performance. Revenue for the quarter is expected to reach US$109.7 billion, driven by sustained iPhone demand, particularly in China, alongside continued growth in Services.

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The company’s substantial cash generation provides flexibility to invest in AI at its own pace. Attention will turn to the upcoming Siri upgrade, which represents an early test of its AI roadmap. Execution here could set the tone ahead of its next iPhone cycle, while any delays may extend investor uncertainty around its long-term AI strategy.

Media Contact:
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About eToro

eToro is the trading and investing platform that empowers you to invest, share and learn. We were founded in 2007 with the vision of a world where everyone can trade and invest in a simple and transparent way. Today we have 40 million registered users from 75 countries. We believe there is power in shared knowledge and that we can become more successful by investing together. So we’ve created a collaborative investment community designed to provide you with the tools you need to grow your knowledge and wealth. On eToro, you can hold a range of traditional and innovative assets and choose how you invest: trade directly, invest in a portfolio, or copy other investors. You can visit our media centre here for our latest news.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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Stable Sea Adds WisdomTree Tokenized Treasury Fund for Corporate Cash

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Stable Sea Adds WisdomTree Tokenized Treasury Fund for Corporate Cash

Treasury management startup Stable Sea has integrated WisdomTree’s tokenized US Treasury money market fund into its platform, in a move aimed at helping businesses generate yield on idle cash.

On Wednesday, Stable Sea said the WisdomTree Government Money Market Digital Fund (WTGXX) is now available on its platform, allowing corporate clients to allocate excess cash to a government-backed fund rather than leaving it in low-yield bank accounts.

Stable Sea provides software that automatically reallocates — or “sweeps” — corporate cash balances into yield-bearing instruments. By integrating WTGXX, the company is extending that functionality to a tokenized fund that settles on blockchain infrastructure.

The product is aimed at businesses and corporate treasury teams seeking more efficient ways to manage liquidity and earn returns on cash reserves.

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Companies access the fund through Stable Sea’s platform, which connects to existing financial systems. Clients are still required to complete onboarding and standard compliance checks, reflecting the regulated nature of the underlying fund.

WTGXX invests primarily in short-term US government securities, such as Treasury bills, and is structured as a money market fund. Its “tokenized” format means ownership shares are recorded onchain, which can enable faster settlement and more automated transactions compared to traditional fund infrastructure.

The fund had total assets of $857.64 million, as of April 28, and offered a daily yield of 3.43%, according to WisdomTree.

WGTXX’s primary holdings. Source: WisdomTree

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Related: WisdomTree gets SEC approval for round-the-clock trading of tokenized MMF

Tokenized money market funds gain traction among institutions

Tokenized money market funds are seeing increased adoption as investors and institutions look for low-risk yield with greater operational flexibility. One of the key selling points is liquidity. 

WisdomTree recently enabled 24/7 trading for its WTGXX fund after receiving approval from the US Securities and Exchange Commission, allowing investors to access and move funds outside traditional market hours.

WGTXX has $857 million in total assets. Source: RWA.xyz

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The use case is also expanding beyond cash management. Franklin Templeton and Binance have partnered to allow tokenized money market funds to be used as off-exchange collateral. Eligible institutions can pledge tokenized fund shares issued via Franklin Templeton’s Benji platform to support trading activity on Binance.

Standard Chartered this week launched a new framework that enables its institutional clients to use BlackRock’s tokenized short-term Treasurys fund as collateral for trading on crypto exchange OKX.

In an email to Cointelegraph following the launch, Richard Baker, CEO and founder of Tokenovate, said StanChart’s move “signals another instance of tokenization’s transition into the heart of core market infrastructure, elevating it from innovation to something structurally transformative.”

Other traditional finance players are entering the market as well. Northern Trust Asset Management recently launched a tokenized share class of its Treasury Instruments Portfolio, marking its entry into blockchain-based fund infrastructure.

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Related: Visa adds Polygon, Base support as stablecoin settlement run rate hits $7B

Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.

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Bitcoin price slips as daily MACD turns bearish at $76K

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Will Bitcoin price drop to $72,000 as a daily MACD bearish crossover prints on FOMC day? - 3

Bitcoin is pulling back from the upper boundary of its ascending channel on Powell’s final FOMC day, with a daily MACD bearish crossover now confirmed and price retreating toward key SMA support. This article breaks down what the daily chart signals, where price could head next, and why the Fed transition to incoming Chair Kevin Warsh adds a fresh layer of uncertainty.

Summary

  • Bitcoin is trading at $75,834 on April 29, down 0.67% on the session, as a daily MACD bearish crossover confirms momentum is shifting.
  • Price has pulled back from the ascending channel’s upper boundary and is now pressing the SMA 20 at $75,685 as immediate support.
  • If the SMA 20 fails, the next floor sits at the SMA 50 near $72,082; a confirmed close above $80,000 invalidates the bearish setup.

Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $75,834 on April 29, down 0.67% on the day, after touching a high of $77,904 before sellers reasserted control heading into the Federal Reserve’s rate decision. The pullback comes as Jerome Powell delivers his final FOMC press conference before his term ends on May 15, and as the daily MACD histogram flips negative for the first time in several weeks, signaling that the momentum driving April’s 21% recovery is beginning to wane.

Daily MACD bearish crossover at descending channel resistance

The daily chart shows Bitcoin navigating two overlapping structures. The ascending channel from the February lows near $59,000, defined by two parallel blue trendlines, remains intact and has framed the entire recovery through April. However, a broader descending channel formed by two red trendlines running from the February highs near $85,000 is capping the macro recovery, with the SMA 200 at $84,423 sitting inside that upper boundary as major overhead resistance.

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Will Bitcoin price drop to $72,000 as a daily MACD bearish crossover prints on FOMC day? - 3

Price tested the upper region of the ascending channel near $78,000 on April 28, then retreated sharply, producing the current session’s high of $77,904 before sliding to $75,834 at the time of writing. The critical technical development on today’s daily chart is the MACD. The MACD line reads at 1,650.21, the signal line at 1,815.33, and the histogram at -165.13, confirming a bearish crossover on the daily timeframe. Crypto analyst Michael van de Poppe said on X that Bitcoin pullbacks ahead of and during FOMC events are typical, but cautioned that a close below $73,000 would signal a deeper correction rather than a routine reset.

Key levels: support, resistance, and price targets

The immediate support is the SMA 20 at $75,685, which price is currently pressing. A daily close below it removes the first dynamic buffer and brings the SMA 50 at $72,082 and the SMA 100 at $72,659 into focus, both of which converge in a tight cluster near the $72,000 to $73,000 zone that analysts identify as the lower boundary of the ascending channel. A confirmed close below $72,000 would break the ascending channel structure and open a retest of the $65,000 to $68,000 range, where heavy on-chain accumulation occurred throughout the Iran-driven correction in Q1 2026.

On the upside, $80,000 remains the primary resistance and the bull-case target that would invalidate the current bearish MACD reading. Above it, the SMA 200 at $84,423 and the upper boundary of the descending red channel represent the macro level bulls must clear for a confirmed structural trend reversal. A confirmed daily close above $80,000 on volume would shift the near-term bias back toward neutral.

ETF flows and derivatives context

According to data tracked by crypto.news, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $89.68 million in net outflows on April 28, breaking an eight-day inflow streak that had totalled $2.43 billion. Bitcoin fell after eight of the last nine FOMC meetings within 48 hours of the decision, per data published by Phemex, with the pattern driven by traders unwinding pre-event long positioning rather than by the rate decision itself. The current setup, where BTC entered the FOMC on a 21% April rally with the Fear and Greed Index near 40, closely mirrors prior setups that produced the sharpest post-meeting declines.

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Powell’s exit and the Warsh uncertainty

This meeting carries an additional layer of uncertainty beyond the rate decision. Powell’s tenure ends May 15, with incoming Chair Kevin Warsh expected to preside over the June 16 to 17 FOMC meeting as his first. As crypto.news reported, institutional flows have proven sensitive to shifts in Fed communication tone throughout 2026, with oil prices near $105 per barrel adding further pressure on rate-cut expectations. Warsh’s hawkish reputation relative to Powell could shift the June dot plot in a direction that tightens the liquidity outlook for risk assets, making the 48-hour post-FOMC window on April 30 and May 1 the critical test for whether this pullback stabilises or extends toward $72,000.

If Bitcoin holds the SMA 20 at $75,685 and reclaims $77,500 on a daily close, the ascending channel remains intact and the bearish MACD crossover may prove to be a temporary signal. A close below $72,082 confirms a deeper correction is underway.

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US Judge Bans Celsius Founder Mashinsky From Any Product Involving ‘Assets’

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US Judge Bans Celsius Founder Mashinsky From Any Product Involving 'Assets'

The Federal Trade Commission settlement decision also ordered Mashinsky to pay the commission $10 million.

U.S. District Judge Denise Cote on April 28 signed off on a $10 million settlement between the Federal Trade Commission and Alex Mashinsky, the founder of collapsed crypto lender Celsius Network, according to court documents.

The settlement permanently bans Mashinsky from promoting or operating any product or service involving the deposit, exchange, investment, or withdrawal of “assets” broadly, which could bar him from financial services beyond crypto.

The stipulated order enters a $4.72 billion monetary judgment against Mashinsky, though his actual cash payment to the FTC is capped at $10 million. That obligation will be considered satisfied if Mashinsky pays an equivalent amount to the Department of Justice under a separate forfeiture order tied to his criminal case, the court filing notes.

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The order also permanently enjoins Mashinsky from misrepresenting any product or service he promotes.

The civil settlement follows Mashinsky’s sentencing last May, when a federal judge ordered him to serve 12 years in prison for fraud and market manipulation — specifically for artificially inflating the price of Celsius’s CEL token while secretly selling his own holdings.

Celsius froze customer withdrawals in June 2022, cratering crypto markets and trapping funds belonging to 1.7 million users before the platform filed for bankruptcy the following month, as The Defiant reported. A former partner had already alleged in 2022 that Celsius was operating a Ponzi scheme, with customer funds used to manipulate CEL’s price — accusations that ultimately proved accurate.

The $4.72 billion judgment reflects the full scope of harm to consumers, even if most of it remains uncollectable.

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This article was written with the assistance of AI workflows. All our stories are curated, edited and fact-checked by a human.

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Bitcoin Drops Under $75K After Fed Decides To Hold Rates: Will Bulls Buy?

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Bitcoin Drops Under $75K After Fed Decides To Hold Rates: Will Bulls Buy?

Bitcoin (BTC) extended its two-day decline on Wednesday after the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes confirmed the Fed’s decision to hold “the target range for the federal funds rate at 3-½ to 3-¾ percent.” 

While the Fed maintains its goal of achieving “maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run,” the FOMC minutes cited the “developments in the Middle East” as factors fueling an environment of “uncertainty” and the Fed stressed its desire to maintain optionality as it evaluates the “risks to both sides of its dual mandate.” 

FOMC minutes with new statements in red. Source: CNBC

The Fed’s hold on rates aligned with market expectations, but Bitcoin remained fragile throughout Chairman Powell’s presser.

Hyblock CEO Shubh Varma described the price action as “the usual sell the news reaction after the FOMC,” but also noted that BTC “quickly recovered to pre-announcement levels within hours, showing strong underlying conviction.” 

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Adding data to back his market view, Varma said, 

“The global bid ask ratio spiked to 0.3 (one of the highest readings), while open interest fell on the price drop. This is classic post-FOMC position squaring and stop-hunt behavior rather than conviction selling.”

BTC/USDT global bid ask ratio. Source: Hyblock

Will support turn back into resistance?

After the FOMC minutes were published, BTC dropped to an intra-day low of $74,937, slightly below the 20-day simple moving average ($75,664) that some traders identified as critical to confirming BTC’s support-resistance flip. 

As reported on Monday by Cointelegraph, following the break above the channel resistance on the daily chart, BTC required consecutive daily candle closes above the trendline, followed by a lower support restest in the $76,500 to $75,500 range. 

BTC/USDT 1-day chart. Source: TradingView

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While all the above have happened, failure to recapture the 20-MA and close above the trendline resistance could be interpreted as a loss of momentum within the bull trend, opening the path for Bitcoin to test the downside boundary of the near-4-month-old channel. 

Related: Bitcoin falls as traders cut risk ahead of FOMC: Will Tradfi, spot ETF volumes bolster $70K support?

Prior to the Chairman Powell’s presser, Glassnode analysts noticed that Bitcoin traders were adding bearish leverage, citing rising open interest after Tuesday’s rally to $79,000, funding remaining neutral and a divergence between the spot and futures market cumulative volume delta (CVD). 

Bitcoin traders turn bearish ahead of FOMC minutes. Source: Glassnode / X

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Additional analysis from Glassnode’s The Week Onchain report depicted Bitcoin’s price action as “trapped below market mean,” where $65,000 to $70,000 act as support, but weak demand prevents the formation of sustainable rallies. 

According to the report, Bitcoin failed to overcome its True Market Mean at $79,000 and a surge in short-term holders’ profit taking, along with margin futures flipping net short, has sapped away Bitcoin’s shorter-term bullish momentum. 

BTC entity-adjusted short-term holder realized profit. Source: Glassnode

While these factors increase Bitcoin’s sensitivity to a sharper downside move, the analysts said institutional flows into the spot BTC ETFs and rising CME open interest have helped to build a “dense accumulation cluster between $65K and $70K.” 

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CME open interest, US spot ETF AUM position change. Source: Glassnode

This article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice or recommendations. All investments and trades carry risk; readers are encouraged to conduct independent research.

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Trader Loses $150,000 on Scam Altman Token After Elon Musk’s Tweet

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Scam Altaman (SCAM) Market Cap

A single Solana wallet lost about $150,000 buying Scam Altman (SCAM) near the top of its launch. The trader sold close to the bottom after SCAM crashed 95% in 24 hours, on-chain analytics firm Bubblemaps reported.

The same address, tagged AuKRRB…L7sN, also dropped roughly $81,000 on UNC and $14,000 on ASTEROID in earlier trades. The three-token streak put combined realized losses at about $245,000 in a single week.

How the Scam Altman Trade Went Wrong

The Scam Altman token launched on Pump.fun this week as Elon Musk’s lawsuit against Sam Altman and OpenAI opened in federal court in Oakland.

Musk spent much of the morning calling the OpenAI chief “Scam” Altman across multiple X posts. Solana traders read the nickname as a tradable meme and raced to mint a token before competitors could.

Within eight hours, SCAM hit a market cap above $10 million on roughly $19.6 million of volume. The peak briefly approached $20 million before sellers stepped in.

Scam Altaman (SCAM) Market Cap
Scam Altman (SCAM) Market Cap. Source: Coingecko

The reversal was equally fast. SCAM shed close to 88% of its value over the next 24 hours. The drop from the highlighted wallet’s entry to its exit reached about 95%.

What Bubblemaps Showed

Bubblemaps shared a post with a visualization of SCAM holders that flagged clusters of interconnected wallets. That pattern often signals insider distribution or coordinated buying on Solana meme coin launches.

The map placed wallet AuKRRB…L7sN inside an active buyer cluster near the top of the chart. Bubblemaps shared a direct map so traders could inspect the wallet relationships themselves.

The same trader’s earlier picks tell a similar story. Wallet AuKRRB…L7sN bought UNC and ASTEROID after each token had already pumped, suggesting late-entry timing on Solana tickers.

A Familiar Pump.fun Cycle

Tokens launched on Pump.fun rarely survive a full trading week. Galaxy Research has argued the meme coin economy rewards bots and snipers, while retail traders absorb most of the losses.

Industry compliance figures put Solana rug pull losses at roughly $500 million in 2024 alone.

SCAM followed the familiar template. A hype-driven launch attracted retail buyers, early holders distributed into the demand, and the chart collapsed within hours.

The token had no whitepaper, no team, and no product. Its only narrative was Musk’s recurring nickname for Sam Altman during the OpenAI trial.

Sam Altman’s existing crypto venture, Worldcoin (now rebranded as World), had no connection to SCAM. The meme coin was an unaffiliated joke trade riffing on the courtroom drama.

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Whether SCAM stabilizes or fades will likely depend on how long the Musk and Altman feud dominates crypto X. For the trader behind AuKRRB…L7sN, the bill has already arrived.

The post Trader Loses $150,000 on Scam Altman Token After Elon Musk’s Tweet appeared first on BeInCrypto.

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Gibraltar Proposes Tokenized Funds Regulation to Bolster Compliance

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Crypto Breaking News

Gibraltar is moving to codify the use of tokenized fund shares within its financial framework, authorizing certain regulated funds to issue shares on distributed ledger technology (DLT) while preserving investor rights. The Protected Cell Companies (Amendment) Bill 2026 would recognize a share token holder as a shareholder with the same rights and obligations as holders of traditional cell shares, linking ownership to asset pools within protected cell companies.

According to Cointelegraph, the proposal would require approval from the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission and targets protected cell companies operating as experienced investor funds. It contemplates blockchain-based share registers for recording ownership, with tokenized shares legally equivalent to conventional share certificates.

Source: Gibraltarlaws.gov.gi

The framework imposes strict custody and transfer controls, restricting access to verified investors and allow-listed wallet addresses, while mandating disclosures on technology risks, cybersecurity, and recovery procedures. Companies would retain control over the underlying infrastructure, keeping the system within a regulated environment rather than an open, permissionless market.

Under the proposal, tokenized shares could be issued and transferred via smart contracts and cryptographic signatures, with blockchain records recognized as valid instruments for ownership, transfer, and recordkeeping under existing company law. The bill must advance through Gibraltar’s legislative process before it can take effect.

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Related developments in the digital-asset regulation space have been highlighted by industry coverage, underscoring a broader shift toward integrating tokenized assets into regulated markets.

Source: Gibraltarlaws.gov.gi

Key takeaways

  • The Protected Cell Companies (Amendment) Bill 2026 would permit tokenized fund shares to be issued on distributed ledger technology, with token holders treated as shareholders under existing rights and obligations.
  • Approval from the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission is required, and the measure targets PCCs operating as experienced investor funds.
  • Ownership records would be maintained on blockchain-based share registers, with tokenized shares legally equivalent to traditional share certificates.
  • Custody and transfer rules would restrict activity to verified investors and allow-listed wallet addresses, alongside mandatory disclosures on technology risk, cybersecurity, and recovery procedures.

Gibraltar’s tokenization framework in context

The bill envisions tokenized shares that are issued and transferred using smart contracts and cryptographic signatures, with blockchain records recognized as valid under current company law. By keeping the underlying infrastructure within a regulated environment, the approach aims to balance innovation with supervisory oversight and investor protection. The measure would not create a permissionless market; rather, it anchors tokenized equity in a governance and custody framework that aligns with established fiduciary and regulatory norms.

As the legislative process advances, the emphasis on verified investor access and technology risk disclosures points to heightened KYC/AML compliance requirements for PCCs leveraging tokenized instruments. The Gibraltar FSC’s involvement signals a tailored, risk-based approach to tokenized fund governance that could influence similar regimes in other jurisdictions contemplating regulated token markets.

Global momentum: tokenized assets in regulated markets

Gibraltar’s contemplated framework sits within a growing global trend of tokenized assets moving from pilot programs to regulated market infrastructure. Several jurisdictions have advanced tokenized securities under robust legal and supervisory regimes:

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  • Switzerland: The regulator (FINMA) approved a crypto fund in 2021 for qualified investors and, in 2025, licensed its first distributed ledger technology trading facility to enable tokenized securities to be traded and settled on regulated infrastructure.
  • Singapore: Project Guardian, initiated in 2022, tested tokenized assets in wholesale markets as part of a broader exploration of DLT-enabled capital markets.
  • Hong Kong: Tokenized government bonds have been issued and expanded since 2023, reflecting active public-sector participation in tokenized finance.
  • Global settlement infrastructure: In 2024, the World Bank issued a Swiss franc digital bond on Switzerland’s SIX Digital Exchange with settlement conducted via central bank digital currency, illustrating central-bank–aligned settlement for tokenized debt instruments.
  • Canada: In March, a pilot successfully issued and settled its first tokenized bond on distributed ledger infrastructure, marking a notable cross-border development in tokenized sovereign-like debt instruments.

These cases collectively illustrate a shift toward regulated environments for tokenized securities and bonds, combining governance frameworks, custody controls, and supervisory oversight to mitigate risk while expanding access to digital-asset markets. Industry observers have highlighted the importance of aligning tokenized offerings with existing corporate and securities law, AML/KYC standards, and cross-border regulatory harmonization. The European Union’s MiCA framework and parallel U.S. regulatory conversations continue to shape how tokenized assets are treated across jurisdictions, with particular emphasis on licensing, disclosure, and custody arrangements intended to preserve financial stability and investor protection.

In the broader policy context, the ongoing evolution of tokenized asset markets is being tracked for potential implications on licensing regimes, banking integration, and cross-border settlement infrastructure. As Gibraltar demonstrates, regulators appear inclined to integrate tokenized instruments within familiar legal constructs, rather than create entirely new regimes for each innovation, thereby facilitating compliance, audits, and enforcement activities for market participants.

Closing perspective: As tokenization moves deeper into regulated markets, ongoing oversight and international coordination will be critical to address unresolved issues in custody, cyber risk, and cross-border transfer of tokenized assets.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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XRP Sees Strong Institutional Momentum in 2026 Amid Price Lag

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

TLDR:

  • Five XRP spot ETFs launched in the US, locking 769M tokens with zero net outflow days in month one.
  • Goldman Sachs holds $153.8M in XRP ETFs, making it the top institutional holder across four funds.
  • XRPL daily transactions hit 3 million on March 15, tripling from mid-2025 averages across key use cases.
  • Ripple’s $50B private valuation and $500M funding round drew top Wall Street and crypto-native firms.

XRP has attracted notable institutional attention in 2026, with five spot ETFs now trading in the United States. Cumulative inflows reached $1.50 billion by early March.

The funds locked over 769 million XRP tokens across combined custody arrangements. JPMorgan forecasts first-year inflows between $4 billion and $8.4 billion. Despite these developments, XRP trades around $1.36, well below its July 2025 high of $3.65.

Institutional Adoption Drives ETF Growth

Goldman Sachs disclosed a $153.8 million spot XRP ETF position in its Q4 2025 13F filing. This makes Goldman the single largest known institutional holder of XRP ETFs.

The allocation spans Bitwise, Franklin Templeton’s XRPZ, Grayscale’s GXRP, and 21Shares’ TOXR. Together, these holdings account for roughly 73% of the top 30 institutional holdings combined.

Ripple entered 2026 at a $50 billion private valuation. This places it among the ten most valuable private companies globally.

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It also stands as the only blockchain-focused firm in that group. The company holds more than 75 regulatory licenses worldwide and has logged over $95 billion in cumulative transaction volume.

A $500 million strategic funding round closed in November, drawing major names from traditional finance. Citadel Securities, Fortress, Pantera, Galaxy Digital, Brevan Howard, and Marshall Wace all participated.

On the same day, Ripple announced a partnership with Mastercard and Gemini. The collaboration focuses on stablecoin-powered credit card payments.

As noted by BSCNews, the registered zero net outflow days in the ETFs’ first month of trading. This points to sustained demand from institutional buyers. The consistency of inflows sets XRP apart from other digital assets in early 2026.

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XRPL Network Activity and Technical Development

Daily transactions on the XRP Ledger reached 3 million on March 15. That figure represents a threefold increase from mid-2025 averages.

AMM pool activity, tokenized assets, and RLUSD-denominated settlement flows drove the growth. The ledger has now processed more than 4 billion transactions since inception.

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Real-world asset tokenization on XRPL has grown to over $474 million. The represented value is approaching $1.5 billion.

This growth reflects broader adoption of the ledger for non-speculative financial use cases. It also positions XRPL as a settlement layer for institutional-grade transactions.

On the technical side, RippleX shipped a node stability patch on March 13. An AI-driven security overhaul followed on March 26.

A four-phase quantum-resistance roadmap targeting 2028 is also underway, with Phase 2 in progress. Lending Protocol and Single Asset Vaults are currently under amendment voting.

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Standard Chartered’s Geoffrey Kendrick has forecast XRP reaching $8 in 2026. He cited ETF flows and regulatory clarity from the CLARITY Act as key drivers.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has predicted XRP capturing 14% of SWIFT volume within five years. Price performance, however, remains the one area yet to reflect the broader momentum.

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Top 3 Meme Coins to Watch in May 2026

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Top 3 Meme Coins to Watch in May 2026

Three meme coins delivered standout gains during April 2026. Dogecoin (DOGE) climbed 13.5%, Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) jumped 53%, and SkyAI rocketed 290% over the month.

The trio reflects three different meme coin strategies. DOGE represents the legacy heavyweight. PENGU is a mid-cap with strong community and intellectual property momentum. SkyAI is the high-velocity artificial intelligence narrative play with explosive price action.

Dogecoin (DOGE) Tests $0.082 Support With Compression Setup

Dogecoin has traded in a downtrend since December 2024, with a secondary peak in September 2025. After several months of weakness, DOGE returned to test the $0.082 zone, which served as support during prior rallies.

The weekly chart now shows green Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) readings and a rising Relative Strength Index (RSI). However, the RSI sits at 43, still below the 50 midline. Bollinger Bands have contracted alongside falling volume, a classic compression signal that often precedes a directional move.

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Bulls would need to flip the $0.10 midline of the Bollinger Bands to confirm a trend change. Above that level, the next resistance sits at $0.14, which aligns with the upper Bollinger Band, the long-term resistance, and the 0.786 Fibonacci retracement. A higher target sits near $0.21 at the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement.

DOGE daily chart / Source: Tradingview

The daily chart adds a near-term layer. X user Eviosionya shared a DOGE/USDT daily chart on Bybit, asking whether a breakout could come “today.” Price at $0.10216 had curved up from a rounded base around $0.0884 and tagged the $0.10500 ceiling that capped April’s range.

A daily close above that ceiling would open a path back toward the $0.11543 supply zone, an outcome that would confirm the weekly compression setup outlined above.

“Breakout today?”

DOGE daily chart / Source: X

Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) Confirms Breakout, Eyes $0.013

Pudgy Penguins printed a clean breakout on the daily chart. Price cleared a multi-month resistance and now retests it as support, marked as the green Support 1 zone near $0.01.

A successful retest opens the path to the next resistance at $0.013, which lines up with the 0.786 Fibonacci retracement and the prior swing highs from January.

The setup mirrors a pattern flagged in BeInCrypto’s previous PENGU technical analysis from April 23, when the token cleared $0.008 and used the same level as a launchpad.

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If the pattern repeats, the 0.5 Fibonacci retracement at $0.0096 should hold as support, driving price into the next resistance area.

Volume printed a sharp spike during the breakout, and both the RSI and MACD remain in healthy bullish territory.

PENGU daily chart / Source: Tradingview

The bullish view found echo on X. CryptoTony shared a Bybit daily chart projecting a path back to the $0.0134 highs, calling PENGU one of the strongest altcoins on his radar.

“$PENGU / $USD – Update One of the strongest Altcoins at the moment. At resistance, but again if we can flip this level then this opens up a solid move to the next highs at $0.0134c?”

PENGU daily chart / Source: X

SkyAI Stretches Higher After 290% April Rally

SkyAI has gone parabolic since February 2026. Recent weekly candles printed gains of 70%, 48%, 4%, and 22%, compounding into a roughly 290% advance over the month and placing the token among April’s top meme coin performers.

Such moves rarely sustain at the same pace, but the weekly structure still looks healthy rather than visibly exhausted.

Two support zones stand out. The immediate floor sits at the reversed 0.618 Fibonacci near $0.16. The stronger structural support sits at the reversed 0.236 Fibonacci near $0.07, a level that previously rejected the price three times before flipping into support. SkyAI tested it on April 20 and bounced.

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If bulls clear the all-time high near $0.255, the next measured target is the 1.272 Fibonacci extension at $0.32.

SKYAI daily chart / Source: Tradingview

A short-term warning came from X user CCally. The 4-hour chart shows SkyAI pushing into the $0.23 to $0.25 supply zone after a vertical impulse with no real pullback, a setup CCally flagged as potentially overextended and at risk of a sharp reversal.

“$SKYAI looking a bit tired up here big impulsive move straight into resistance + no real pullbacks… that’s where traps get set 4H pushing into previous supply around that 0.23–0.25 zone momentum still strong but you can feel it starting to stretch these vertical candles don’t last forever… they snap”

SKYAI 4-hourly chart / Source: X

To Sum it Up

The three setups offer distinct risk profiles for May.

DOGE remains a slow-moving compression trade where a $0.10 reclaim is the key trigger and $0.14 the first measured target. PENGU trades on momentum, with the $0.01 retest holding the trend intact and $0.013 the obvious magnet.

SkyAI carries the highest reward and the highest risk, with bulls eyeing $0.32 if $0.16 holds, and a deeper retest of $0.07 possible if the parabolic structure cracks.

The post Top 3 Meme Coins to Watch in May 2026 appeared first on BeInCrypto.

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Prediction Markets Top $25.7B Monthly Volume, New Report Finds

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Crypto Breaking News

Prediction markets are emerging as one of the most active on-chain applications, driven by a surge in retail participation even as broader crypto markets stay muted. A joint report by Bitget Wallet and Polymarket shows March trading volumes in on-chain prediction markets at $25.7 billion, with more than 80% of users categorized as retail—defined as those trading less than $10,000.

These figures align with data from Dune Analytics, which pegged March trading volume at $23.7 billion, up from $1.9 billion a year earlier. More telling than the raw totals is a shift in user behavior: instead of chasing single, high-profile events, traders are returning more frequently and crossing multiple categories. Average active days per user nearly quadrupled in Q1, rising from 2.5 to 9.9, suggesting deeper and more consistent participation.

Key takeaways

  • March on-chain prediction market volume reached $25.7 billion, with retail users comprising over 80% of participants.
  • Dune Analytics tracks March volume at $23.7 billion, marking a sharp year-over-year increase from $1.9 billion.
  • User engagement is increasing: average active days per user rose from 2.5 to 9.9 in the first quarter.
  • Sports markets led activity at $10.1 billion in the quarter, while political markets accounted for about $5 billion.
  • Industry projections point to rapid growth, with potential volumes of $240 billion annually in 2024 and longer-term upside toward trillions, supported by capital inflows to major platforms.

From episodic bets to a continuous forecast engine

The new findings depict prediction markets evolving beyond event-driven bets into an ongoing system for tracking real-world developments. This transition appears tightly correlated with how crypto wallets serve as primary access points for users, lowering barriers to entry and enabling broader participation across multiple market segments.

Sports betting, in particular, has become a cornerstone of activity. With a steady stream of global events, the sports category generated $10.1 billion in trading volume for the quarter. Political markets also sustained momentum, contributing $5 billion in the same period. The data imply a demand not just for gambling-style bets but for continuous hedging and information discovery tied to real-world outcomes.

Platform dynamics and access: Polygon, wallets, and the centralized-versus-decentralized debate

Among the leading platforms, Polymarket operates directly on-chain via the Polygon network, enabling users to place bets on real-world outcomes without intermediaries. This on-chain approach contrasts with centralized marketplaces such as Kalshi, highlighting a broader spectrum of architectures shaping the space. Polymarket’s Polygon-based model emphasizes user sovereignty and on-chain settlement, aligning with growing demand for transparent, auditable markets.

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The sector’s governance and integrity frameworks have also come into sharper focus. Polymarket has recently updated its governance framework to address risks related to insider trading and market manipulation, reflecting a push toward stronger market integrity as the community scales. Regulatory dynamics, particularly growing acceptance from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, have contributed to this momentum and are expected to influence how other platforms approach compliance and risk controls.

Regulatory momentum, capital inflows, and the race to scale

Regulatory clarity appears to be a meaningful tailwind for on-chain prediction markets. As authorities increasingly engage with the sector, platforms are pursuing stronger governance and transparency measures to align with potential safeguards around market integrity. In parallel, major players in the space have attracted substantial investment. Polymarket and Kalshi, two of the sector’s largest platforms, are reportedly raising significant capital at valuations exceeding $20 billion, underscoring confidence in the long-run viability of prediction markets as a crypto-native financial infrastructure.

The growth narrative is supported by projections from industry observers, who anticipate volumes reaching hundreds of billions annually in the near term. If the trajectory continues, prediction markets could become a persistent engine for on-chain activity, with wallets serving as the primary gateways for a broad user base that engages across sports, politics, economics, and beyond.

Implications for traders, builders, and the broader market

The reported shift toward higher-frequency participation has several practical implications. For traders, the expanding array of accessible, on-chain markets could improve liquidity and price discovery across more event categories. For developers and platform builders, the emphasis on governance and anti-manipulation mechanisms will shape product design, risk controls, and incentive structures as the market matures.

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For investors, the growing demand for on-chain prediction markets may reflect a broader appetite for crypto-native information markets that combine financial payoff with real-world data. The sustained activity in sports and political markets suggests that the ecosystem is expanding beyond novelty use cases, potentially attracting new cohorts of users who perceive these markets as information tools as well as speculative venues.

Looking ahead, observers will be watching regulatory developments, platform governance enhancements, and continued evidence of user growth across more geographies and event types. The sector’s next milestones could include broader regulatory clarity, new funding rounds for leading platforms, and the emergence of additional use cases that leverage the on-chain trust model to deliver real-world forecasting insights.

Sources: Bitget Wallet and Polymarket joint report; Dune Analytics data on March trading volumes; platform governance updates and market coverage on Polymarket and Kalshi; regulatory context from the U.S. CFTC.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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SoFi CEO defends decision to hold guidance steady

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SoFi CEO defends decision to hold guidance steady

Shares of SoFi plunged more than 15% Wednesday after the company declined to raise its full-year outlook — a move CEO Anthony Noto said reflects macro reality, not weakening fundamentals.

“We did not raise the full-year guidance because when we originally gave the full-year guidance, we were anticipating at least two Federal Reserve rate cuts,” he told Jim Cramer. “And now we’re assuming that there will be no rate cuts.”

The digital finance company reported results that were largely in-line with expectations, posting earnings of 12 cents per share and $1.09 billion in net revenue. Despite what Noto described as a “remarkable” quarter — including meeting its “Rule of 40” target for the 18th consecutive quarter — investors focused on the unchanged outlook.

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Noto said the decision underscores a shift in macro assumptions rather than any deterioration in the business itself.

“To raise the bar in an environment that was uncertain on the interest rate front and what’s going on with the Middle East, we just didn’t see it as a prudent thing to do,” he said.

The more cautious stance comes even as SoFi continues to deliver strong growth, including 41% revenue growth and 31% margins, alongside continued gains in members and product adoption. The company also generated more than $1 billion in cash revenue for the second consecutive quarter.

“We’re really hitting on all cylinders,” Noto said.

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