Key Takeaways

• CMG shares declined approximately 3.6% to $32.98 after releasing Q1 results on April 29
• Earnings per share hit $0.24, matching forecasts but declining from $0.29 in the prior-year period
• Quarterly revenue reached $3.09B, edging past expectations with 7.4% annual growth
• Comparable restaurant sales posted a modest +0.5% gain following a challenging 2025
• Wall Street’s average price target stands at $46.23, with projections spanning $35 to $52

Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) delivered its first-quarter financial results on April 29, triggering a negative response from investors. Shares tumbled about 3.6% in subsequent trading sessions, landing near $32.97—significantly beneath the 52-week peak of $58.42.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., CMG

The fast-casual chain posted quarterly revenue of $3.09B, narrowly surpassing the Street’s $3.07B projection and representing a 7.4% increase year-over-year. Earnings per share aligned with consensus at $0.24, though this marked a decline from the $0.29 reported in Q1 2025.

A notable positive: comparable store sales returned to growth territory at +0.5%, offering relief after 2025’s disappointing trends. Company executives highlighted robust demand for protein-heavy offerings and continued strength in digital channels as growth catalysts.

Nevertheless, the Street’s reaction has been decidedly mixed.

Wall Street Remains Divided

Guggenheim reduced its price objective to $35 while maintaining a “neutral” stance, citing mounting pressure on profitability from escalating labor and operational expenses. Wells Fargo lowered its forecast from $50 to $45 but sustained an “overweight” recommendation. Stephens modestly lifted its target to $39 alongside an “equal weight” rating.

Among the bulls, Citigroup elevated its price target to $46, while TD Cowen reaffirmed a “Buy” call. Sanford C. Bernstein projects a $50 valuation with an “outperform” designation.

In total, 23 analysts assign CMG a Buy rating while 12 recommend holding. The average price target of $46.23 suggests substantial upside potential from present levels for investors betting on a turnaround.

Broader projections anticipate full-year 2026 revenue of approximately $13.0B, representing roughly 6.9% expansion. Annual EPS estimates cluster around $1.11, essentially flat compared to trailing twelve-month performance.

Revenue expansion is forecast to moderate to about 9.3% annually through late 2026, down from the 12% compound annual growth rate over the previous five years. This projection aligns closely with the restaurant sector’s anticipated 9.1% growth trajectory.

Options Activity Signals Investor Hesitation

One particularly noteworthy data point following the earnings release: heightened put option volume. Approximately 61,900 put contracts changed hands—roughly 39% above typical daily put activity. Such concentration generally indicates increased hedging activity or outright bearish positioning.

With institutional investors controlling 91.3% of CMG shares outstanding, significant price movements in either direction can accelerate rapidly.

Danske Bank A/S expanded its stake during Q4, acquiring an additional 61,230 shares to reach a total position of 711,117 shares worth approximately $26.3M. Several smaller investment firms also established new positions during Q3.

CMG currently carries a P/E ratio of 30.25, a PEG ratio of 2.02, and a beta of 1.03. The stock trades below both its 50-day moving average of $34.37 and its 200-day moving average of $35.94.

The 52-week trading range spans $29.75 to $58.42, positioning CMG just marginally above its annual low.

TLDR

• Friday’s April employment report expected to show approximately 60,000 new positions created
• Key chip sector results from AMD and Arm Holdings to provide insight into AI momentum
• Major consumer brands like Disney, McDonald’s, and Marriott deliver quarterly updates
• Both S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached new all-time highs heading into the week
• Major technology companies have boosted AI investment plans to approximately $725 billion

Investors face a data-packed week as critical employment figures and a slate of high-profile earnings releases provide fresh insight into economic conditions and corporate performance.

Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite achieved record closing levels on Friday. The S&P 500 advanced nearly 1% over the five-day period, while the Nasdaq climbed 1.1%. Despite Friday’s 0.3% decline, the Dow Jones managed a 0.5% weekly gain.

The previous week’s trading was heavily influenced by technology sector earnings. Among the Magnificent 7 group, five companies delivered quarterly results that generated positive investor sentiment. Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet collectively increased their artificial intelligence investment commitments from $670 billion to roughly $725 billion.

Market analysts note the overall earnings season remains robust. Companies continue delivering results that exceed Wall Street forecasts, while management commentary has proven more optimistic than anticipated considering current economic uncertainties.

April Employment Data Commands Attention

The most significant economic release arrives Friday with the April employment situation report. Current consensus forecasts point to approximately 60,000 new jobs, representing a substantial decline from March’s 178,000 additions.

Recent jobless claims data reached levels not seen since 1969, while ADP’s private sector employment tracking has indicated improving conditions. However, the employment landscape over the previous ten months has shown considerable volatility, making directional assessments challenging.

Federal Reserve policymakers are monitoring these developments carefully. The central bank continues evaluating its interest rate strategy while tracking labor market dynamics and energy market movements related to geopolitical tensions with Iran.

BNP Paribas economist Andrew Husby observes that industries with significant AI exposure have experienced slower workforce expansion rather than outright reductions. He characterizes this dynamic as “growing the labor pie with AI,” indicating that technological advancement is supplementing economic productivity instead of merely displacing human workers.

Ahead of Friday’s main release, additional labor market indicators arrive throughout the week: JOLTS job openings Tuesday, ADP private payroll figures Wednesday, and Challenger job reduction data Thursday.

Chip Sector Results Provide AI Investment Reality Check

April proved exceptional for semiconductor stocks, with the PHLX Semiconductor Index posting its strongest monthly performance since February 2000—surging over 40%. Advanced Micro Devices has soared 70% in the past month ahead of Tuesday’s earnings announcement. Arm Holdings gained 40%, while Lattice Semiconductor advanced 25%.

Lattice Semiconductor opens the semiconductor earnings parade Monday, followed by Advanced Micro Devices Tuesday, and Arm Holdings Wednesday. These reports will illuminate actual chip demand amid accelerating AI infrastructure investments.

AMD recently disclosed pricing adjustments and secured a significant partnership with Meta. Market watchers will scrutinize whether company guidance aligns with the optimistic spending signals from major technology platforms.

Interactive Brokers strategist Steve Sosnick acknowledged the sector’s substantial gains create downside risk, though he noted that sustained positive earnings beats would make short positions difficult to justify.

Consumer Company Results Gauge Spending Patterns

Beyond technology and semiconductors, consumer-focused company earnings will illuminate household spending behavior.

Walt Disney delivers results Wednesday, with attention centered on streaming subscriber trends and theme park attendance. Marriott reports Wednesday and Airbnb Thursday, as hospitality companies navigate elevated airfare costs and fuel prices. United Airlines has indicated travel demand remains healthy but anticipates pricing challenges during the year’s second half.

The quick-service restaurant sector also features prominently. Restaurant Brands, which operates Burger King and Popeyes, reports Wednesday. McDonald’s follows Thursday with Wendy’s concluding Friday. Lower-income consumers have reduced fast-food purchases recently, prompting investors to search for stabilization signals.

Palantir launches the earnings week Monday after market close, with Novo Nordisk and Uber scheduled for Wednesday.

Entering 2026, the global cryptocurrency market remains highly active. Strategy’s $2.57 billion Bitcoin purchase once again highlights institutional investors’ continued interest in the long-term value of Bitcoin. It has also brought greater attention to Bitcoin Cloud Mining and Cryptocurrency Mining among global users.

As Bitcoin and crypto assets become more widely adopted, more users are looking for ways to participate in cryptocurrency mining. However, traditional mining usually requires purchasing mining machines, covering electricity costs, and having the technical ability to maintain equipment. For ordinary users, the entry barrier can be relatively high.

Against this background, Cloud Mining has become a more convenient way to participate. Users do not need to purchase physical mining machines. Instead, they can take part in the mining process of remote data centers through cloud-based hash power contracts. AJC Mining has officially launched a new cloud mining reward contract that supports BTC payments, helping users enter the Bitcoin mining ecosystem more easily.

AJC Mining: A Bitcoin Cloud Mining Platform for Global Users

AJC Mining is a cloud mining platform focused on providing Bitcoin Cloud Mining Platform services. The platform is committed to offering users a simpler and more efficient cryptocurrency mining experience. By combining AI hash rate optimization technology, green energy cloud mining models, and daily profit settlement mechanisms, AJC Mining provides a lower-barrier participation method for beginner and intermediate users.

Compared with traditional Cryptocurrency Mining, AJC Mining’s cloud mining model does not require users to purchase mining machines or deal with electricity, maintenance, cooling, and equipment management. Users only need to select a suitable cloud mining contract, and the system will automatically run the relevant hash power tasks and settle profits according to the contract rules.

Main Advantages of the AJC Mining Platform

AJC Mining offers several key advantages:

No hardware equipment required: Users do not need to purchase expensive mining machines or bear equipment maintenance costs.

Simple and convenient operation: After registering an account, users can select a contract and start cloud mining.

AI hash rate optimization technology: The intelligent system optimizes hash power allocation to improve operating efficiency.

Green energy mining model: The platform focuses on sustainable development and promotes a more environmentally friendly cloud mining approach.

Daily settlement mechanism: Users can view daily mining profits according to the contract rules.

Global service coverage: AJC Mining serves cryptocurrency users across multiple countries and regions.

As a Cloud Mining Platform, AJC Mining aims to provide users with a lower-barrier, automated, and more convenient Bitcoin cloud mining experience.

Why Is Bitcoin Cloud Mining Attracting More Attention?

Traditional Bitcoin mining usually requires professional mining machines, large-scale electricity resources, and continuous operation and maintenance capabilities. Therefore, it is more suitable for mining farms with capital, technical, and facility advantages.

By contrast, Bitcoin Cloud Mining uses a cloud-based hash power rental model, allowing ordinary users to participate in mining more easily.

The core advantage of Cloud Mining is that users do not need to directly manage mining machines or handle complex technical issues. The platform is responsible for machine operation, maintenance, electricity management, and profit settlement. Users participate by purchasing or activating cloud mining contracts.

For new users who want to enter the Cryptocurrency Mining industry, cloud mining provides a relatively simple entry method. Especially as the Bitcoin market continues to attract attention, choosing a stable, transparent, and easy-to-use Bitcoin Cloud Mining Platform has become increasingly important.

How to Join AJC Mining

The process of joining AJC Mining is relatively simple and suitable for new users with no mining experience.

Step 1: Register an Account

Users can register for an account via the official AJC Mining website. New users receive a $15 bonus upon registration.(Click here to register now and claim your trust bonus.)

Step 2: Choose a Cloud Mining Contract

The platform provides various short-term and long-term cloud mining contracts. Users can choose according to their budget, contract period, and profit plan.

Step 3: Start the Contract

After selecting a contract, the system will automatically run cloud-based hash power and settle daily profits according to the contract rules.

AJC Mining Cloud Mining Contract Reference

The aforementioned contracts represent the various computing power plans offered by the platform. Users may select a cloud mining strategy that best suits their individual needs. AJC Mining emphasizes fixed terms, daily settlements, and automated operations, aiming to provide users with a more convenient cloud mining experience.(Click here to view more cloud mining contracts.)

Does Cloud Mining Represent the Future of Cryptocurrency Mining?

As the blockchain industry continues to develop, cloud mining is becoming an important trend in the Cryptocurrency Mining sector. It lowers the barrier for users to participate in Bitcoin mining and allows more ordinary investors to access the mining market online.

The development advantages of Cloud Mining are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. No Need to Purchase Mining Machines

Traditional mining machines are expensive and require additional space, electricity, and maintenance costs. Cloud mining allows users to participate in mining through platform-based hash power, reducing the difficulty of entry.

2. Saves Time and Effort

A Cloud Mining Platform is responsible for technical maintenance, electricity management, and equipment operation. Users do not need professional mining knowledge.

3. More Flexible Contract Choices

Users can choose cloud mining contracts with different periods and scales according to their budget and risk preferences.

4. Supports Green Energy Development

More cloud mining platforms are beginning to use renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable mining models.

Conclusion: Bitcoin Cloud Mining Provides Users with a More Convenient Mining Method

In 2026, as the Bitcoin market continues to gain momentum, Bitcoin Cloud Mining is attracting increasing attention from users. Compared with traditional mining, cloud mining requires no hardware equipment, no electricity maintenance, and no complex technical operation, providing ordinary users with a more convenient path to participate in cryptocurrency mining.

As a Bitcoin Cloud Mining Platform for global users, AJC Mining provides automated and lower-barrier Cloud Mining services through AI hash rate optimization, green energy cloud mining, and daily profit settlement mechanisms.

For users who want to enter the Cryptocurrency Mining field, choosing a stable, transparent, and easy-to-use Cloud Mining Platform is an important step in participating in Bitcoin mining.

Official Website: https://ajcmining.com/
Mobile App Download:https://ajcmining.com/download/

Crypto and AI industry groups are channeling tens of millions of dollars into the 2026 U.S. midterm race as policymakers weigh new rules for digital assets and advancing artificial intelligence. A Politico report, drawing on a Public First survey conducted in April, sketches a landscape where voter skepticism toward both sectors could complicate campaign strategies for candidates accepting industry-linked support.

According to Politico, 45% of Americans say investing in cryptocurrency is not worth the risk, while 44% believe AI is developing too quickly. The same survey found that nearly half of respondents trust traditional banks more than crypto platforms, and about two-thirds want Congress to impose strict regulations or broad oversight on AI. The online poll surveyed 2,035 U.S. adults from April 11–14, with results weighted for age, race, gender, geography and education and a margin of sampling error of ±2.2 percentage points. Politico notes the findings were based on Public First’s methodology.

Key takeaways

• The two industry-aligned super PACs are spending aggressively ahead of the 2026 midterms: Leading the Future, a pro-AI group launched in August 2025, has raised more than $75 million and deployed funds in primaries across North Carolina, Texas, Illinois and New York; Fairshake, backed by Coinbase, Andreessen Horowitz and Ripple, has spent about $28 million in competitive races.
• Lobbying frenemies: both AI and crypto sectors are pouring resources into advocacy, with OpenAI and Anthropic posting record lobbying expenditures in the first quarter of 2026. Crypto policymakers are pushing the CLARITY Act through the Senate, a bill aimed at providing regulatory certainty for digital assets.
• Historical betting patterns: in 2024, Fairshake-affiliated groups spent more than $40 million helping defeat Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, a longtime crypto critic who is up for re-election, underscoring the persistent political battleground around digital assets.
• Voter recognition remains low: just 9% have heard of Leading the Future and 3% recognize Fairshake. Yet observers warn that once voters connect the money to the industries behind it, a backlash could emerge if spending is perceived as unduly influencing policy.

Money in politics: where the dollars flow

Funding dynamics are shifting political ground for technology policy. Leading the Future has moved quickly from launch to a substantial fundraising operation, financing AI-friendly messaging and endorsements in key swing districts. Fairshake, representing the crypto side of the policy debate, has targeted primaries and races where digital asset regulation remains a live issue. The scale of money on both sides signals a broader strategy: shape the regulatory narrative before substantive legislation gains traction in Congress.

Beyond campaign accounts, the lobbying footprint is expanding. The AI camp has been particularly active, with OpenAI and Anthropic reporting record lobbying expenditures in early 2026. In parallel, crypto advocates are pressing lawmakers for clarity on digital-asset rules through legislation such as the CLARITY Act, seeking a standardized framework that market participants can navigate with greater confidence.

The confluence of these efforts matters for investors and builders. Large infusion into political operations can tilt the regulatory debate, potentially accelerating or delaying key policy milestones. While the specific provisions of proposed bills remain under discussion, a clearer regulatory horizon could improve capital markets certainty for digital assets and related technologies.

Voter sentiment and policy expectations

Public attitudes toward crypto and AI appear to resist comfortable alignment with industry interests. The April survey indicates meaningful skepticism about both sectors: 45% view crypto as too risky to justify investment, and 44% feel AI is developing too fast. These percentages sit alongside a substantial demand for oversight: about two-thirds of respondents want Congress to impose strict regulations or broad oversight on AI. The data suggests that support for industry-backed candidates may hinge on perceived regulatory posture rather than broad enthusiasm for the sectors themselves.

Even more telling is how voters connect policy positions to funding sources. In hypothetical matchups, respondents were significantly less receptive to candidates backed by groups pushing looser AI regulations than to those supported by factions advocating tighter tech rules. That dynamic indicates that campaign finance could become a proxy for voters’ comfort with regulatory risk—particularly in districts where technology policy could influence local economic outcomes.

Public awareness remains a watchpoint. Only a small slice of voters recognize these industry groups by name, which means the political impact could be diffuse until money translates into messaging tied to concrete policy proposals. Still, observers caution that visible fundraising activity from crypto- and AI-linked PACs can become a liability if voters interpret it as undue influence in policy decisions.

Regulatory momentum and what to watch next

Regulatory questions sit at the heart of the current debate. Crypto advocates are pushing the CLARITY Act as a means to establish a practical, comprehensive framework for digital assets, aiming to reduce uncertainty that can impede innovation and market growth. AI stakeholders, meanwhile, seek balanced governance that protects consumers while encouraging innovation, reflected in the broad calls for oversight with clear guardrails. The divergence in policy priorities will likely shape committee discussions and potential bipartisan compromises in the coming months.

The political calculus also ties to broader market considerations. For investors, the evolving regulatory conversation could affect product development, fundraising, and strategic partnerships. For users, clearer rules may improve protections and transparency. For builders, regulatory clarity could unlock experimentation within defined boundaries, reducing the risk of abrupt regulatory shifts that disrupt deployment timelines.

Looking ahead, the Senate’s handling of proposed regulatory proposals—especially measures like the CLARITY Act—will be a key barometer. If lawmakers signal a credible path to clarity, markets may respond with greater confidence; if not, uncertainty could persist, preserving volatility around policy milestones and election cycles.

As the 2026 midterms approach, the relationship between political funding, regulatory discourse, and technology deployment remains a live stress test for the crypto and AI ecosystems. Watch how voters interpret the funding narratives, and how lawmakers convert campaign pressure into concrete policy language that shapes the sector for years to come.

TLDR:

• Strategy paused Bitcoin purchases for the first time in weeks, breaking its streak that began in 2020.
• The firm holds 818,334 BTC worth $64.44 billion at an average cost of $75,537, showing a 4.24% gain.
• Michael Saylor confirmed no buys last week via X, signaling a shift toward maximizing Bitcoin yield over volume.
• Analyst Chris Millas identified $STRC as Strategy’s new primary funding tool in its next acquisition phase.

Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, has halted its Bitcoin buying for the first time in weeks. The firm continues to hold 818,334 BTC, valued at approximately $64.44 billion.

This pause draws attention from investors and market watchers alike. Many are now reassessing what this shift means for the company’s broader acquisition strategy going forward.

Strategy Steps Back From Weekly Bitcoin Accumulation

The company confirmed it made zero Bitcoin purchases during the most recent reporting week. This breaks a pattern of consistent buying that has defined Strategy’s treasury operations since 2020.

Michael Saylor acknowledged the pause directly through his weekly post on X. He wrote: “No buys this week. Back to work next week.” The message was brief but carried weight among followers tracking the firm’s every move.

Strategy currently holds its 818,334 BTC at an average acquisition cost of $75,537 per coin. At current market prices, that position reflects an unrealized gain of approximately 4.24%.

The timing of this pause also aligns closely with the company’s Q1 2026 earnings call, scheduled for May 5. Many analysts are watching that event carefully for any updated guidance on future purchases.

Bitcoin’s price showed resilience during the week Strategy stepped back from buying. That alone caught the attention of traders monitoring the asset’s dependency on large institutional flows.

The market continued to function without Strategy’s capital injection. For some, that outcome reinforces confidence in Bitcoin’s broader demand structure.

The pause does not appear to signal a retreat from Bitcoin as a core asset. Rather, observers see it as part of a more deliberate, returns-focused approach to accumulation.

A New Phase Focused on Bitcoin Yield Over Volume

Analyst Chris Millas offered a pointed take on the decision via X. He noted that Strategy chose not to tap its common ATM offering during the week, despite having the opportunity.

He wrote that the company is now entering “a completely new phase,” one centered on maximizing Bitcoin yield rather than accumulating at any price. He also pointed to $STRC as the primary funding mechanism going forward.

This shift moves Strategy away from volume-based buying toward a more calculated return-on-investment model. The focus now rests on the quality of each Bitcoin purchase, not just the quantity.

That approach may result in fewer but more strategically timed acquisitions over time. Investors appear to view this evolution as a constructive development rather than a pullback.

Strategy remains the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin globally. The firm’s next move is widely expected following the upcoming earnings call.

TLDR:

• Stablecoins are now processing cross-border payments faster than any traditional banking system available today.
  
• Merchants are settling transactions in near real-time through crypto-linked cards built on live stablecoin rails.
  
• Traditional payment rails face replacement, not competition, as stablecoins cut fees, speed up settlement, and remove borders.
  
• Developers at MetaMask Builder Nights are focused on scaling what already works, not debating future stablecoin potential.

Stablecoins have moved beyond experimental status and into the backbone of modern payment systems. Cross-border transfers, merchant settlements, and real-time transactions are already running on stablecoin rails today.

The shift is no longer a forecast — it is happening at scale. Developers and builders are now focused on expanding what already works, not proving what might be possible. The infrastructure is live, and the rest of the financial system is catching up.

On-Chain Payments Are Already Moving Real Money

Stablecoins are currently processing cross-border payments faster than traditional banking systems. Merchants are accepting payments through crypto-linked cards, with settlement happening in near real-time.

These are not pilot programs — they are active, functioning payment channels. The volume and speed at which money moves on-chain today marks a clear departure from legacy financial rails.

Traditional payment systems carry well-known friction: slow settlement windows, high transaction fees, and geographic restrictions. Stablecoin rails remove each of those barriers at once.

Transactions settle instantly, costs drop significantly, and access extends across borders without intermediaries. This is not an incremental upgrade to existing infrastructure — it is a structural replacement.

At MetaMask Builder Nights, speakers including SamElfa0 are breaking down how money is actually moving on-chain in the current moment.

As Yaba noted on X: “The question isn’t if stablecoins will power payments. It’s how fast the rest of the system catches up.” That framing reflects where the developer conversation now sits — past the proof-of-concept stage entirely.

Events like MetaMask Builder Nights point to a clear ecosystem alignment around real usage and on-chain capital flows.

Developer focus has shifted toward scaling what already works, rather than debating theoretical applications. The infrastructure is drawing serious builder attention for a concrete reason — it performs.

The Invisible Finance Layer Taking Shape

The most telling sign of stablecoin maturity is that users may soon stop noticing them altogether. People will pay, transfer, and settle without thinking about the underlying rails.

That kind of invisibility is the mark of mature infrastructure — the same way internet users do not think about TCP/IP when sending an email.

This shift toward invisible finance means crypto stops being an asset class people interact with consciously. Instead, it becomes the settlement layer beneath everyday financial activity. The user experience becomes the product, and stablecoins become the silent engine running underneath it.

Stablecoins reached this point by solving real problems for real users, not by waiting for regulatory clarity or institutional permission.

Volume grew organically because the product worked. That growth now forms the foundation of a payment layer with genuine global reach.

The financial system built on stablecoin rails is not arriving — it is already operating. The remaining work is integration, adoption, and scaling what has already proven itself in live market conditions.

The crypto market recap for May 3 centered on U.S. regulation, tokenized securities, venture funding and Bitcoin-focused corporate activity. 

Coinbase reported progress on a key crypto bill, while the NYSE moved closer to tokenized stock trading under a DTC pilot.

Coinbase says CLARITY Act deal clears key hurdle

Coinbase said Senate negotiators reached a compromise on a disputed stablecoin rewards provision tied to the CLARITY Act. The agreement could help the bill move toward a Senate markup after months of delay.

The dispute focused on whether crypto firms and stablecoin issuers can offer rewards to users. Banks argued that yield-like rewards could pull deposits away from lenders, while crypto firms said they need room to reward real platform use.

Coinbase Chief Policy Officer Faryar Shirzad said, “In the end, the banks were able to get more restrictions on rewards, but we protected what matters.” He said crypto platforms kept the ability to offer rewards based on real network and platform activity.

Meanwhile, the reported compromise was negotiated by Senators Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks. The language would ban rewards that work like interest or yield on a bank deposit.

That gives banks part of what they wanted while leaving a path for crypto rewards tied to user activity. The bill’s next step depends on committee support, final rule details and wider political backing.

The SEC has also scheduled a May roundtable tied to the CLARITY Act and digital asset market structure. That meeting adds another policy event for crypto firms watching U.S. rules.

Founders Fund raises record $6B vehicle

Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund closed a new $6 billion fund, marking the largest raise in the firm’s history. The vehicle will focus mainly on late-stage startup investments.

About $4.5 billion came from limited partners, including sovereign wealth funds. Thiel, management and employees contributed the remaining $1.5 billion.

The fund places Founders Fund in a stronger position to compete for large private technology deals. It also shows that major venture firms can still attract capital for mature startups, even as many companies delay public listings.

NYSE files for tokenized securities trading

The New York Stock Exchange filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to allow tokenized versions of eligible securities to trade on its market. The plan would run under DTC’s three-year tokenization pilot.

Eligible tokenized securities must keep the same CUSIP, ticker, rights and privileges as their traditional versions. They would trade on the same order book and follow the same execution priority.

Clearing and settlement would remain through DTC on a T+1 basis. The NYSE also said it is “assessing various methods of tokenization” and may file more proposals if it chooses another structure.

Tether backs Bitcoin merger plan

Twenty One Capital shares rose after hours after Tether backed a merger plan involving Strike and Elektron Energy. The proposal would combine Bitcoin treasury exposure, payments and mining infrastructure.

Strike would add payments and financial services, while Elektron would add mining operations. Tether said the deal could bring together “Mallers’ product, brand, and consumer Bitcoin leadership” with Raphael Zagury’s operating and capital markets experience.

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft’s 2025 revenue climbed to $281.7B with 15% growth, while Azure surpassed $75B in annual revenue
• Google Services delivered a 41.9% operating margin in Q4 2025 under Alphabet
• Wall Street analysts rate Microsoft with 38 Buy recommendations and a consensus price target of $556.15
• Alphabet’s GOOGL attracts 53 analyst ratings with a mean price objective of $397.48
• Analysts generally view Microsoft as offering a more straightforward investment narrative

When evaluating leading technology stocks, Microsoft and Alphabet stand out as dominant forces shaping the cloud computing and artificial intelligence landscapes. However, their investment profiles present distinct characteristics for shareholders to consider.

Microsoft delivered impressive fiscal year 2025 performance, recording $281.7 billion in total revenue—a 15% year-over-year increase. The company’s operating income expanded 17% to reach $128.5 billion. Azure’s cloud platform achieved a significant milestone, generating over $75 billion in revenue with 34% growth.

Microsoft Corporation, MSFT

During its fiscal Q3 2026, Microsoft reported $82.9 billion in revenue, marking an 18% increase. The quarter yielded $38.4 billion in operating income and $31.8 billion in net income.

Microsoft’s competitive advantage lies in its tightly integrated ecosystem. Azure’s expansion drives complementary demand across Office 365, Teams, GitHub, and cybersecurity solutions. The company has successfully woven AI capabilities into existing revenue-generating enterprise products.

This integration creates clearer visibility for financial analysts projecting future performance. Unlike speculative AI investments, Microsoft’s artificial intelligence monetization is demonstrable and current.

Alphabet’s Competitive Position

Alphabet posted solid financial results as well. In Q4 2025, Google Services operating income jumped 22% to $40.1 billion, achieving an impressive 41.9% margin. The company’s search and advertising segments generated $63.1 billion during the quarter, reflecting 17% growth.

Alphabet Inc., GOOGL

By mid-2025, Google Cloud had established an annual revenue trajectory exceeding $50 billion. Company executives highlighted ongoing margin improvements alongside expanding customer adoption.

Alphabet’s diversified assets include YouTube, subscription services, and a robust cash-generation machine. The organization has integrated AI functionality throughout its Search ecosystem, deploying AI Overviews, AI Mode, and enhanced Lens capabilities.

The lingering question for investors centers on whether artificial intelligence will enhance Google’s core Search business long-term or potentially disrupt its traditional revenue model. Market participants are still awaiting definitive evidence.

Wall Street’s Perspective

Microsoft receives a Moderate Buy consensus rating from MarketBeat, supported by 38 Buy ratings, 1 Strong Buy, and 5 Hold recommendations. Analysts project a mean 12-month price target of $556.15.

Alphabet’s GOOGL shares attract coverage from 53 analysts with a consensus target of $397.48. The GOOG share class commands 29 buy ratings, 7 strong buy ratings, and 3 holds, with an average price objective of $362.73.

Both companies enjoy favorable Wall Street sentiment. Microsoft’s investment case appears more transparent, featuring extensive enterprise penetration and clearly accelerating cloud revenue.

Alphabet may attract investors seeking exposure to a more attractively priced tech giant with formidable Search and Cloud franchises, particularly those who believe AI-related concerns are exaggerated.

The fundamental difference: Microsoft has already embedded AI monetization throughout its commercial operations. Alphabet’s complete AI value proposition remains contingent on how its Search business adapts and evolves.

TLDR:

• Aster Chain reached 100 million blocks in under two months, driven by a 50-millisecond block production time. 
• Aster DEX has recorded over $4.49 trillion in total trading volume with 16 million registered users. 
• The network processes all transactions in a fast, private, and completely gas-free on-chain environment. 
• Staking is now live on Aster Chain, with on-chain governance and RWA perp expansion coming very soon. 

Aster Chain has reached 100 million blocks just two months after its Mainnet launch. The Layer 1 network, built exclusively for derivatives trading, operates at a block time of about 50 milliseconds.

That speed allows it to generate tens of thousands of blocks every hour. The milestone reflects strong real-world activity and growing overall adoption since the network first went live.

Speed and Infrastructure Behind the 100 Million Block Milestone

Aster Chain’s block production pace is among the fastest recorded on any Layer 1 network in operation today. At 50 milliseconds per block, the chain processes transactions at a rate that very few blockchain networks can match.

This level of throughput is validated by the 100 million blocks confirmed in under 60 days. Reaching that mark in such a short window shows that the network is handling genuine and consistent transaction load.

All transactions are processed on the network in a fast, private, and gas-free environment. This structure removes the friction typically found in high-frequency trading on most Layer 1 platforms.

Derivatives traders benefit directly from this model, as speed and cost matter most in their daily activity. The chain was built with those specific requirements in mind from the ground up.

A post by @davidbnb68 on X described the milestone and credited the chain’s architecture for enabling it. The post noted that the 100 million block count reflects extremely high block production speed and real-world activity.

It further identified Aster Chain as the core platform behind fast, private, and gas-free transaction processing. The post also pointed out that traders and ASTER holders are paying close attention to developments.

Aster DEX Growth and the Road Ahead for Token Holders

Aster DEX has surpassed 16 million users since launching on the Aster Chain network. Total trading volume on the platform has exceeded 4.49 trillion USD.

Open interest currently sits at approximately 2.1 billion USD. These metrics reflect a steady and active level of participation from traders across the market.

The platform’s gas-free and privacy-focused model has helped position it alongside top perpetual DEXs globally. Aster DEX routes all trades through Aster Chain, giving it a speed and cost advantage over platforms on slower networks. This setup has contributed to consistent volume growth in a relatively short period of time.

Staking is now live on the network, and on-chain governance features are expected to follow soon. The roadmap also covers smart-money tools and expansion into RWA and stock perpetual markets.

ASTER token holders now have an early chance to stake ahead of governance going live. These features are set to add more utility to the ecosystem for both active traders and long-term holders.

Cryptocurrency began in part as an answer to the missteps and abuses of banks during the 2008 financial crisis, but despite existing almost two decades and capturing wide attention, the public hasn’t been sold on that point and still favors the traditional financial system for their financial access, according to new polling commissioned by CoinDesk.

When asked which they trusted more between banks and crypto when it came to financial inclusion, 65% of respondents to an online survey said banks and only 5% favored crypto. Though slightly more than half (52%) agree that the movement is more than a passing fad, 60% think crypto will be a mostly negative force in the economy.

That’s according to 1,000 randomly selected U.S. voters surveyed last week by research firm Public Opinion Strategies. The survey is meant to get a snapshot of public sentiment as crypto and artificial intelligence issues wind their way through Congress, federal regulators and the political campaigns that are steaming toward this year’s congressional midterm elections.

This article is part of a CoinDesk series on voters’ views for the 2026 midterm election.

The sense that banks are safer than crypto comes at a delicate time for the industry, when its lobbyists have been fighting with the bank industry over the crypto sector’s most important policy hope: the Senate’s Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. Banks have argued that stablecoin rewards could compete directly with their own interest-bearing deposit accounts and threaten a migration that could strangle U.S. lending. So far, their argument stalled the Clarity Act for months, though the latest signs suggest the bill may start moving again in the coming days.

Despite some public distrust, crypto has come a long way in a short time to insert itself into the financial life and culture of the U.S. About one in four people say they’ve invested in crypto (27%), though most of them got in at least a few years ago and only 2% say they have more than $10,000 in digital assets.

Whatever information the public is consuming about the industry doesn’t seem to be helping lift their view, with more than half (53%) getting a less favorable impression of the industry in recent news coverage. When they think about crypto, those who like it gravitate most toward the concept of its profitability while those who distrust it focus on the scams associated with the sector.

About 46% of people don’t have anything to do with crypto and say they don’t want to, though that leaves 27% who haven’t yet invested and say they might be open to it. The negative views are most likely to be held by people older than 45, with a sharp rise in distrust the older they get. Males, Republicans and minority groups share the most consistent affinity for crypto, according to the data.

The AI question

Like crypto, AI also gets a heap of distrust from older respondents, though younger people’s views are pretty mixed.

Overall, 55% think the risks of AI technology outweigh its benefits. But the younger demographics, males and Republicans are all a bit more likely to support the advances, as they do in digital assets. And owners of crypto are also much more likely to support the benefits of AI, with 64% saying its pursuit is worth the risks.

While the corporate U.S. has embraced the use of AI in almost all aspects of their business, the new data on public perceptions reveals the negative perception gap that emerging technologies may need to overcome for mass acceptance. The crypto industry has pinned hopes on its eventual inclusion in the U.S. system of financial regulation to lend it wider acceptance and give more comfort to holdouts who worry about its oversight. But that process depends on a sharply divided Congress and the sedate timeline of federal regulators like the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Still, key regulators appointed by crypto-cheering President Donald Trump have pledged to move as quickly as possible to bring digital assets into the mainstream. And key senators have suggested the Clarity Act will finally get the hearing it needs in May, keeping it potentially viable for 2026 passage.

CoinDesk will release data from this survey on Tuesday at Consensus Miami.