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French police bust $1.8M crypto villa scam targeting wealthy couple

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French police bust $1.8M crypto villa scam targeting wealthy couple

French police have arrested two suspected fraudsters accused of stealing about $1.8 million in cryptoassets from a wealthy couple during a fake villa sale after a year-long investigation.

Summary

  • French police arrested a mother and son accused of stealing €1.5 million in crypto during a fake villa sale.
  • Investigators allege the suspects used hidden camera glasses to capture wallet credentials and drain the victims’ funds.
  • The case comes as France reports a continued rise in crypto-related crimes, including kidnappings and extortion.

According to French newspaper Var-Matin, French police from the Gassin–Saint-Tropez gendarmerie arrested a mother and her son on June 25 at a rented villa in Cavalaire-sur-Mer. The pair are accused of orchestrating a sophisticated “rip deal” that targeted a couple from Ramatuelle who had placed their villa, valued at around €10 million (about $12 million), on the market in the spring of 2025.

According to the report, the suspects presented themselves as intermediaries acting for a wealthy Italian buyer and invited the sellers to Milan for negotiations. There, the supposed buyer allegedly offered to pay more than the asking price but required proof that the sellers could cover €1.5 million ($1.8 million) in transaction-related costs through cryptoassets before completing the purchase.

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How the alleged crypto theft was carried out

French investigators said the second meeting in Milan became the turning point in the scheme. According to the Gassin–Saint-Tropez gendarmerie, the suspects asked to verify that the required cryptoassets existed before the transaction proceeded.

Investigators believe the pair secretly obtained the victims’ wallet information by distracting them while using hidden cameras integrated into a pair of glasses to capture sensitive wallet credentials. Authorities alleged the suspects gained access to the account details and private security keys before immediately draining the crypto holdings.

Following what the gendarmerie described as a long and complex investigation, officers identified the suspects despite their use of false identities and their frequent travel across France. The defendants, who reportedly live in the Paris region and have prior criminal records for similar offenses, denied the allegations during police questioning.

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The suspects have been placed under judicial supervision and are scheduled to appear before the Draguignan Criminal Court on Sept. 1. They face charges including organized fraud and failure to justify financial resources.

Meanwhile, French courts have ordered the seizure of three Côte d’Azur properties linked to the suspects with an estimated combined value of €1.9 million pending the outcome of the case.

France faces continued rise in crypto-related crime

Although investigators classified the incident as a classic “rip deal” rather than a violent crypto extortion case, the alleged theft comes as France continues to record a growing number of crimes targeting digital asset holders.

Earlier this week, as reported by crypto.news, French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said authorities had recorded 77 cases involving kidnapping, unlawful detention, extortion or attempted offenses connected to the crypto sector in 2026, up from 45 cases in 2025.

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Nuñez told industry representatives that the incidents were “serious matters” while saying emergency security measures introduced over the past year had started to produce results. He also said roughly 200 people had been arrested following attacks or preventive operations, while 724 industry participants had enrolled in France’s immediate identification platform, an 11% increase.

Separately, crypto journalist Joe Nakamoto previously said, as reported by crypto.news, that France accounts for about 70% of reported physical attacks against crypto holders and their families.

Nakamoto also reported 41 crypto-linked kidnappings in the country so far in 2026, averaging roughly one incident every two and a half days. His figures describe so-called “crypto wrench attacks,” in which criminals use violence, threats, kidnapping, or home invasions to force victims or their relatives to surrender access to digital assets.

While the Ramatuelle case relied on deception instead of physical coercion, investigators say it demonstrates how criminals are adapting traditional real estate fraud schemes to target cryptocurrency owners.

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Bloom Energy (BE) Stock Surges 194% YTD on AI Data Center Power Demand

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BE Stock Card

Key Takeaways

  • Bloom Energy shares have climbed approximately 194% in 2026 and more than 1,100% over the trailing 12 months, currently trading near $271
  • First-quarter 2026 earnings per share reached $0.44, significantly exceeding the $0.12 analyst consensus; revenue totaled $751M, reflecting 130.4% year-over-year expansion
  • The company and Brookfield Asset Management quintupled their AI infrastructure financing arrangement to $25 billion
  • Full-year 2026 EPS outlook was upgraded to a range of $1.85–$2.25; institutional holders control 77% of shares outstanding
  • Wall Street maintains a consensus “Hold” recommendation with a mean price objective of $236.14, trailing the current market price

Bloom Energy (BE) stock is hovering around $271, marking an approximate 194% gain year-to-date and a staggering 1,100%-plus advance from the same period last year. The solid oxide fuel cell manufacturer has emerged as one of 2026’s most explosive equities, propelled by accelerating demand for distributed power solutions serving AI-driven data facilities.


BE Stock Card
Bloom Energy Corporation, BE

Shares began Friday’s session at $271.13. The 52-week trading range spans from $22.81 to $351.28, with the 50-day simple moving average positioned at $280.49 and the 200-day at $190.83. The company’s market capitalization currently stands at approximately $77 billion.

Bloom’s solid oxide technology transforms natural gas into electricity through an electrochemical process that bypasses traditional combustion. These systems can be installed and operational within a three-month window — a compelling advantage over conventional grid infrastructure, which often requires multi-year development timelines.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Antonio Neri has projected that the United States may confront a 19-gigawatt electricity supply deficit by 2028. Data centers are anticipated to drive nearly half of all incremental U.S. power demand through the end of the decade. This emerging supply-demand imbalance represents a structural growth driver for Bloom.

First Quarter Delivers Blowout Performance

Product revenue in Q1 — predominantly energy server shipments — tripled compared to the prior-year period. Consolidated revenue reached $751 million versus the Street’s $539.94 million estimate. Earnings per share landed at $0.44, crushing the consensus forecast of $0.12. Net profit margin registered at 0.25% while return on equity measured 21.05%.

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On the strength of these results, Bloom management elevated full-year 2026 EPS guidance to a band of $1.85–$2.25. The current analyst consensus for the fiscal year sits at $1.34 per share.

In a move that attracted considerable attention, Bloom and Brookfield Asset Management expanded their collaborative AI power financing framework from $5 billion to $25 billion. This fivefold expansion underscores strong visibility into the fuel cell deployment pipeline at hyperscale computing facilities.

Institutional shareholders now account for 77% of outstanding shares. Leonteq Securities AG boosted its stake by 396.3% during the first quarter, acquiring an additional 89,185 shares to reach a total position of 111,687 shares valued at approximately $15.1 million.

Executive Selling and Wall Street Skepticism

Despite the rally, corporate insiders have been reducing holdings. Chief Commercial Officer Aman Joshi offloaded 8,343 shares on July 1 at a price of $300.37, generating proceeds of roughly $2.5 million. Director John T. Chambers divested 55,000 shares in late May at $297.69 per share, totaling more than $16.3 million. Across the past 90 days, insider dispositions have exceeded $59.8 million in aggregate value.

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Wall Street opinion remains divided. Roth MKM maintains a “neutral” stance with a $285 price target. Barclays assigns an “equal weight” rating at $276. TD Cowen holds at $235. BMO Capital Markets offers one of the more constructive views with an “outperform” designation. Zacks Investment Research recently lowered its recommendation from “strong-buy” to “hold.”

The Street consensus settles at “Hold” with an average twelve-month target of $236.14 — approximately 13% beneath current trading levels.

Bloom carries a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.90 and a negative trailing price-to-earnings multiple, reflecting that profitability remains inconsistent despite robust top-line momentum.

BMO Capital Markets reiterated its “outperform” view on June 9, positioning itself among the minority of firms expressing bullish conviction at prevailing valuations.

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Chevron (CVX) Gets Bullish Upgrade: Is This Energy Giant Undervalued?

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CVX Stock Card

Key Takeaways

  • Wolfe Research raised CVX to Outperform, establishing a $210 price target based on underappreciated long-term cash generation
  • Current market assumptions imply Brent crude under $60/barrel, while normalized futures suggest closer to $70/barrel
  • The Uaru development in Guyana is projected to reach a critical free cash flow milestone during late 2026
  • CVX surpassed Q1 expectations with $1.41 earnings per share versus $1.00 consensus, offering a 4.2% dividend
  • Several major institutional holders expanded their CVX stakes throughout Q1 and Q2 2026

Chevron (CVX) advanced 1.6% Thursday following Wolfe Research’s decision to elevate the energy stock to Outperform from Peer Perform, accompanied by a $210 valuation target. Shares began Friday’s session at $169.06, remaining considerably beneath the $214.71 52-week peak.


CVX Stock Card
Chevron Corporation, CVX

According to Wolfe analyst Doug Leggate, fluctuating commodity prices have obscured meaningful enhancements to Chevron’s sustainable cash generation capabilities. He contends the market currently assumes long-term Brent pricing beneath $60 per barrel — significantly lower than the approximately $70 normalized forward pricing curve.

This valuation disconnect, Leggate maintains, presents a compelling entry point.

RBC Capital likewise maintained its Buy stance on CVX this week, contributing to the predominantly optimistic analyst sentiment. The equity currently carries a consensus Moderate Buy recommendation with a mean price objective of $205.71 spanning 26 analysts — comprising 19 Buy, 6 Hold, and 1 Sell ratings.

Mizuho elevated its target from $225 to $230 in late May. Goldman Sachs and UBS both maintain Buy recommendations with targets of $216 and above.

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Guyana Represents the Primary Catalyst

Leggate identifies Guyana as the most significant near-term growth driver. The Uaru development is anticipated to commence operations and achieve a free cash flow turning point during the latter half of 2026, which should bolster CVX’s financial stability even if crude prices remain subdued.

Guyana is also projected to generate sufficient cash to offset the dividend obligations tied to the Hess acquisition — and eventually, Leggate anticipates it becoming Chevron’s largest single source of free cash flow.

This becomes particularly relevant approaching 2033, when the Tengiz partnership in Kazakhstan reaches its contractual conclusion.

Beyond Guyana, Chevron has obtained fresh development rights this year across Venezuela, Libya, and Iraq, with a possible ninth Guyana development phase under consideration. According to Wolfe, these initiatives could sustain production expansion well past 2030.

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Institutional activity has intensified concurrent with analyst upgrades. Peregrine Asset Advisers more than doubled its CVX holdings during Q1, expanding its position by 118.7% to 20,344 shares valued at approximately $4.21 million.

Financial Results and Shareholder Returns

CVX most recently disclosed earnings on May 1st, delivering $1.41 earnings per share compared to consensus expectations of $1.00 — exceeding forecasts by $0.41. Revenue totaled $47.56 billion, representing 2.1% year-over-year growth, though modestly trailing the $51.86 billion analyst projection.

The corporation distributed a quarterly dividend of $1.78 per share in June, translating to a $7.12 annualized payout and a 4.2% yield. The current payout ratio stands at 123.4%.

CVX’s Q2 2026 earnings announcement is slated for later this month, with analysts already identifying it as the next potential stock catalyst.

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The 50-day moving average rests at $183.31 while the 200-day sits at $180.40, with CVX’s present price of $169.06 positioned below both technical indicators.

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Bhutan Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Selloff Talk as BTC Tops $62K

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

TLDR;

  • Bhutan Bitcoin Transfer activity moved 700 BTC worth about $43.75 million to Binance, drawing attention as Bitcoin traded above $62,000.
  • Bhutan-linked wallets still reportedly hold around 1,750 BTC after the latest transfer, keeping the country among watched sovereign crypto holders.
  • A Binance deposit does not always confirm a sale, as large holders may use exchanges for OTC deals, liquidity, or treasury operations.
  • Bitcoin’s move above $62,000 followed renewed buyer interest near $58,000, with traders watching whether support holds again.

The Bhutan Bitcoin tansfer has drawn fresh market attention after government-linked wallets reportedly moved 700 BTC to Binance. The transfer was worth about $43.75 million, based on Bitcoin’s price near $62,500. 

The move came as BTC reclaimed the $62,000 zone after defending support near $58,000. Traders often watch large exchange deposits closely, as they can signal possible selling. 

Still, a transfer to Binance does not always mean immediate liquidation. Large holders may also use exchanges for OTC trading, liquidity planning, or internal treasury movements. Bitcoin traded near $62,500 on Saturday.

Bhutan Bitcoin Transfer Puts Binance Flows Under Watch

The Bhutan Bitcoin transfer involved two separate transactions to the same Binance deposit wallet. The larger transfer moved 634 BTC, valued near $39.6 million. A second transaction moved 66 BTC, worth about $4.12 million.

Together, the transfers brought the total to 700 BTC. That made the activity one of the latest major Bhutan-linked movements tracked by market watchers. Earlier transfers by Bhutan-related wallets also moved large BTC amounts this year.

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The wallets are tied to the Royal Government of Bhutan through Arkham Intelligence labels. As reported previously, Bhutan’s Bitcoin holdings came from government-backed mining operations, rather than criminal seizures. 

After the latest movement, the wallets reportedly still hold about 1,750 BTC. A prior report in June also showed Bhutan-linked wallets holding nearly 1,749.96 BTC after a Binance transfer. That earlier transfer moved 533 BTC, worth about $34.5 million at the time.

BTC Selloff Risk Rises as Bitcoin Reclaims $62K

Bitcoin is recovering from recent pressure trading near $62,555, with daily volume above $21 billion. The price rebound followed two defenses of the $58,000 area. That level has turned into a key short-term support zone for traders. Buyers stepped in near that range, while short liquidations helped fuel the recovery.

Meanwhile, macro data added another layer to the move. Softer U.S. labor figures supported expectations that the Federal Reserve may stay less aggressive. Risk assets often respond to that shift, especially when liquidity hopes improve.

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Still, large BTC exchange deposits can unsettle traders. A government-linked transfer may raise concerns about supply hitting the market. At the same time, exchange movement alone does not prove a sale.

For now, traders are watching Binance flows, BTC volume, and the $58,000 support zone. A clean hold above $62,000 could keep buyers active. A sharp reversal may bring attention back to the latest Bhutan-linked wallet activity

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Bitcoin is Close to Sealing a Key “W”-Shaped Reversal Pattern, Notes John Bollinger

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Bitcoin is Close to Sealing a Key "W"-Shaped Reversal Pattern, Notes John Bollinger

Bitcoin (BTC) is completing a “perfectly fractal” reversal pattern that a well-known analyst hopes could end the bear market.

Key points:

  • Bitcoin is on the final leg of what could become a major “W”-shaped reversal pattern.
  • John Bollinger suggests that its success could “break” the downtrend in place since October 2025.
  • Institutional interest slowly returns as newly reclaimed $60,000 holds.

John Bollinger hints BTC price “W” reversal could break bears

In X posts on Friday, John Bollinger, creator of the Bollinger Bands volatility indicator, eyed a “W”-shaped double bottom on BTC/USD.

“$BTC has seen a series of bullish patterns broken, evidence of the power of the downtrend,” he commented

“Will this ‘W’ be the one that breaks the trend?”

“W”-shaped reversals involve two swing lows with a rejected rebound in between, with price ultimately breaking through that rejection level to form a new uptrend.

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Bollinger uploaded a chart showing how neatly the current setup aligns with the lower band of the Bollinger Bands indicator on daily time frames.

“Note that it is perfectly fractal. The are small ‘w’s at the nadirs and a small ‘m’ at the apex,” he added, also pointing to a “W” on the weekly chart.

BTC/USD one-day chart with Bollinger Bands. Source: John Bollinger/X

Bollinger has been bullish on BTC for some time. In early May, he revealed a new long position via his Bitcoin investment vehicle.

As Cointelegraph reported, an increasing number of price indicators are flashing signals not seen since the last bear market in 2022. Despite this, market participants broadly believe that the next macro bottom is still to come and is due in Q3 or later.

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Bitcoin ETF inflow comes amid major supply “absorption”

Continuing, analyst Axel Adler Jr., a contributor to onchain analytics platform CryptoQuant, stressed the significance of re-emerging institutional buyer interest.

Related: Bitcoin price tags $62.3K nine-day high after global stocks hit historic record

On Friday, the US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) saw their first net inflows in ten days.

“Bitcoin is in the late stage of the bear cycle, but the ETF segment has for the first time signaled that the pressure is easing,” he summarized on X.

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US spot Bitcoin ETF netflows. Source: Axel Adler Jr./X

Trader Daan Crypto Trades acknowledged that while the $220 million inflows were “not massive,” they could have implications for BTC price support going forward.

“Also good to note how price has been holding this ~$60K region regardless of the many outflows. That will become meaningful if price does bounce further into next week as it means a lot of absorption has taken place,” he told X followers.

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Top Technology Dividend Champions for July 2026: Microsoft (MSFT), Broadcom (AVGO), and Qualcomm (QCOM) Stand Out

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MSFT Stock Card

Key Highlights

  • Three premier technology dividend stocks emerge as standouts for July 2026 investors
  • Each company demonstrates significant artificial intelligence market penetration while maintaining shareholder distributions
  • Microsoft boasts over twenty consecutive years of dividend growth backed by exceptional free cash flow generation
  • Broadcom’s strategic VMware purchase enhanced its portfolio with predictable software-based revenue streams alongside AI silicon capabilities
  • Qualcomm diversifies revenue channels beyond mobile handsets into vehicles, artificial intelligence platforms, and edge infrastructure

The technology sector’s reputation once centered exclusively on capital appreciation rather than income generation. This paradigm has fundamentally shifted. Today’s leading technology enterprises produce such substantial cash reserves that they simultaneously pursue aggressive expansion while distributing increasing shareholder payments. Three exceptional opportunities deserve investor attention this July.

Microsoft Dominates Through Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing

Microsoft represents one of the planet’s most financially robust corporations. Through its Azure cloud computing infrastructure, Microsoft 365 productivity ecosystem, and strategic OpenAI partnership, the company occupies a central position within the artificial intelligence revolution.


MSFT Stock Card
Microsoft Corporation, MSFT

Despite massive capital allocation toward AI data center infrastructure, the enterprise continues producing exceptional free cash flow volumes. These cash reserves support both dividend distributions and aggressive stock repurchase programs.

For more than twenty consecutive years, Microsoft has increased its quarterly dividend payment. Management maintains a prudent payout ratio, preserving substantial capacity for future increases. While the current yield remains moderate, the powerful combination of consistent dividend escalation and capital appreciation potential creates an attractive long-term investment proposition.

Broadcom Capitalizes on AI Silicon and Enterprise Software

Broadcom has emerged as a semiconductor industry leader. The company provides advanced networking components, customized AI accelerators, and connectivity technologies powering the world’s largest hyperscale data centers.

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AVGO Stock Card
Broadcom Inc., AVGO

The transformative VMware acquisition introduced substantial recurring subscription-based software revenues. This strategic move enhances business model diversification while strengthening predictable long-term cash flow generation.

Broadcom maintains an impressive history of consecutive dividend increases while simultaneously funding significant growth initiatives. Few semiconductor manufacturers can match its dual achievement of expanding profitability alongside accelerating shareholder returns. Investors seeking artificial intelligence market exposure combined with expanding income streams will find Broadcom particularly compelling.

Qualcomm Diversifies Beyond Mobile Device Markets

Qualcomm established its industry leadership through wireless communication chips powering smartphones worldwide. The company now aggressively pursues automotive electronics, edge computing platforms, personal computer processors, and AI-optimized data center infrastructure.


QCOM Stock Card
QUALCOMM Incorporated, QCOM

Executive leadership has articulated ambitious expansion plans for its emerging AI data center segment, establishing a promising long-term revenue channel beyond traditional wireless communications.

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Qualcomm delivers consistently strong free cash flow performance. With over two decades of uninterrupted dividend increases and ongoing share repurchase activity, the stock currently trades at attractive valuation multiples relative to technology sector peers. This combination enhances appeal for income-oriented investors.

Determining the Optimal Investment Choice

Each equity offers distinctive advantages.

Microsoft provides unparalleled financial stability and deeply entrenched enterprise customer relationships. Broadcom delivers accelerated dividend growth fueled by surging AI infrastructure demand. Qualcomm presents reasonable valuation metrics alongside multiple expansion opportunities.

Holding positions across all three companies creates diversified exposure spanning cloud computing, semiconductor manufacturing, wireless technologies, automotive electronics, and enterprise software solutions—capturing several technology sector growth leaders while mitigating concentration risk.

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Concluding Perspective

Technology sector dividends have evolved from negligible considerations to strategic priorities. Microsoft, Broadcom, and Qualcomm have each constructed business models generating the substantial cash flow volumes required to sustain rising dividend payments indefinitely.

Each organization pursues artificial intelligence opportunities through distinct strategic approaches. Each maintains balance sheet strength sufficient to continue rewarding shareholders throughout economic downturns.

For long-term investors seeking simultaneous income generation and capital appreciation within unified portfolios, these three corporations represent the most compelling opportunities currently available in the technology sector.

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Revolut Plans August USDT Delisting, Citing Regulatory and Risk Issues

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Crypto Breaking News

UK-headquartered fintech Revolut has informed some users that it will remove support for the Tether USDT stablecoin, with restrictions beginning in July and a full delisting scheduled for the end of August 2026. The bank said the change is driven by “regulatory and risk considerations,” while it also outlined how remaining USDT balances will be handled.

According to a customer notice reviewed by Cointelegraph, Revolut will stop letting users buy USDT starting July 6, 2026. Deposits will no longer be supported after July 30, 2026, and any incoming USDT transfers after that date will be rejected. Revolut’s final step is a full delisting by Aug. 31, 2026, after which it will automatically convert any remaining USDT into the user’s base currency at the exchange rate for that day.

Key takeaways

  • Revolut will restrict USDT purchases from July 6, 2026, with full delisting set for Aug. 31, 2026.
  • USDT deposits will end July 30, 2026, and transfers made afterward will be rejected.
  • Unsold USDT after August will be automatically converted to users’ base currency using that day’s exchange rate.
  • The company cites “regulatory and risk considerations” but does not specify which regulatory framework triggered the decision.
  • The move fits a broader pattern of stablecoin access being reduced by European crypto service providers under MiCA.

Revolut’s timeline for USDT removal

Revolut’s notice divides the process into three practical phases for users. First, new USDT purchases will stop on July 6, 2026. Second, USDT deposits will cease on July 30, 2026, meaning users will not be able to add fresh USDT into Revolut accounts from that point onward. Third, if any USDT remains after the Aug. 31, 2026 delisting deadline, Revolut will convert those remaining holdings into a user’s base currency at the prevailing daily exchange rate.

That structure is important for anyone holding or planning transfers: the ability to receive USDT stops roughly a month before the complete delisting, and conversion happens automatically if the asset is still on-platform. In other words, even users who do nothing between the end of deposits and the end of August should expect their USDT exposure to be removed from Revolut.

Regulatory pressure in Europe, without a clear jurisdiction answer

The notice, seen by Cointelegraph, frames the USDT delisting as the result of “regulatory and risk considerations.” However, Revolut did not clarify whether its delisting applies globally or only to particular jurisdictions.

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For users, that ambiguity matters. Many regulated crypto service providers in Europe have adjusted product offerings in response to the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regime, but the scope of those adjustments can differ by region. Cointelegraph said it reached out to Revolut to ask which jurisdictions are affected and for clarification on the scope of its crypto offering, but did not receive a response by publication.

Revolut’s own regulatory status appears to be intertwined with the European framework. Cointelegraph reported that Revolut was granted a MiCA license as a crypto asset service provider (CASP) in November 2025, citing the ESMA register. The license was reportedly issued by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), according to ESMA’s published information.

Why MiCA-era stablecoin compliance keeps reshaping access

The Revolut decision echoes a broader European trend. Cointelegraph noted that other exchanges, including Coinbase, began delisting USDT in Europe in 2024 to align with MiCA requirements. The underlying issue is that MiCA imposes rules on crypto asset service providers and expects stablecoin issuers that serve those markets to meet particular compliance expectations.

In this case, Cointelegraph also referenced reporting that Tether has refused to comply with MiCA. As Cointelegraph described, USDT has been gradually delisted by CASPs in Europe since late 2024, with the issuer’s stance contributing to the access reductions.

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Tether’s leadership has criticized MiCA in public. Cointelegraph reported that CEO Paolo Ardoino has repeatedly argued that aspects of the framework are flawed, including reserve-related requirements applicable to certain stablecoin issuers—requirements that involve holding a portion of reserves with EU credit institutions. Cointelegraph also noted Ardoino’s remarks in a May 2025 interview criticizing the legislation as “very not well thought.”

The tension is straightforward: stablecoins may be widely used by traders and payment-oriented users, but the ability of regulated intermediaries—exchanges, platforms, and banks—to offer those tokens can depend on how the stablecoin issuer interacts with the relevant rule set.

Stablecoin scale remains large even as on-ramps shrink

Even as access is tightened by certain regulated providers, USDT remains a major part of the crypto ecosystem. Cointelegraph stated that USDT is the third-largest crypto asset by market capitalization after Bitcoin and Ether, citing a market value of $184 billion at the time of publication. It also referenced CoinGecko data for broader ranking context, stating Circle’s USDC has a market cap of about $73 billion and is positioned as the fifth-largest crypto asset according to CoinGecko.

For investors and active users, the key question is less whether USDT exists in the market and more how easily it can move through mainstream channels. When banks and fintech platforms reduce purchase options, stop deposits, or delist stablecoins entirely, users may be pushed toward alternative routes such as on-exchange trading, self-custody, or different regulated products—each with different costs, user experience, and risk profiles.

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In that environment, Revolut’s move is likely to be viewed as another step in the “stablecoin access” tightening cycle in Europe: even where a platform holds a relevant MiCA authorization, its product lineup can still shift if it determines the compliance and risk picture for a specific issuer is not acceptable under its operating requirements.

Users affected by Revolut’s notice should watch the cut-off dates closely—particularly July 30 for incoming deposits and Aug. 31 for automatic conversion. What remains uncertain is the exact geographic scope of Revolut’s action, and whether further stablecoin adjustments will follow as Europe continues to implement and enforce MiCA requirements.

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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2026 FIFA World Cup boosts prediction market volumes

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Prediction markets will grow to $1 trillion by 2030, Bernstein says

In this photo illustration, Apps for online prediction market sites are shown on an electronic device on Feb. 25, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

Scott Olson | Getty Images

The 2026 FIFA World Cup was forecast to be the biggest gambling event in history. For prediction market platforms, that’s led to soaring trading volumes in June. 

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Kalshi saw more than $31 billion in notional volume during the month, a more than 70% increase from May’s total of $17.9 billion, according to user collected data on Dune Analytics. The platform has consistently managed volume over $1 billion daily since the soccer tournament began on June 11. 

Polymarket’s international event contract exchange set a new record high in monthly volume, with notional trading exceeding $10.8 billion in June. That reverses a downtrend in April and May, when volume fell

Meanwhile, Polymarket’s U.S. platform did north of $3.5 billion in notional volume during the month, up from $1.77 billion in May. 

Team USA Monday

Team USA is set to play Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday night. More than $64 million on Kalshi and $122 million on Polymarket has been traded on whether the U.S. will win the tournament, though odds of that happening are just 4.3% and 3%, respectively, on each platform.

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World Cup enthusiasm has given a jolt to prediction market platform Rothera, a joint venture between Susquehanna International Group and Robinhood. Rothera debuted in June, when Robinhood began routing certain World Cup contracts on its brokerage to the platform. 

Rothera saw $2 billion in notional trading volume during the month, and now accounts for 7% of U.S. prediction market volume, according to Bank of America. 

All platforms leaned into the World Cup to boost traffic. Polymarket launched a competition to reward up to $2 million to whoever can craft a perfect World Cup knockout round bracket. On the Apple app store, Kalshi boasted that users can “Trade the World Cup” in the title of its mobile platform. 

Heightened open interest — the total number of active, unsettled contracts on the platforms — may also reflect World Cup excitement. Kalshi open interest is now above $1 billion. Polymarket open interest is just under $400 million — elevated, but about where its international platform has been for the last few months.

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Sports were the focus last month for event contract exchanges, but how the platforms handled the surge in volume may be a sign of how they manage other contract topics in the future. 

Asaf Meir, CEO at Solidus Labs — a market integrity company that has a partnership with Kalshi — said the World Cup is a key moment for platforms as both regulators and institutions are eying how they perform. 

Outside observers are asking, “Is it safe enough? Is it mature enough? Does it have enough volume?,” Meir said. “The World Cup is such a huge pressure test to see whether indeed prediction markets are able to deliver their word on maintaining a level playing field for all investors for a long period of time in a sustained high-volume environment.”

Disclosure: CNBC and Kalshi have a commercial relationship that includes customer acquisition and a minority investment.

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Intel (INTC) Stock Soars: HSBC Sets Wall Street’s Highest Price Target at $200

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INTC Stock Card

Key Takeaways

  • HSBC upgraded Intel’s price target from $100 to $200 — the highest on Wall Street — maintaining a Buy rating
  • Analyst Frank Lee boosted 2026 server CPU shipment projections to 25% YoY growth and 2027 to 30%
  • Intel’s EMIB packaging tech could deliver significant advantages as TSMC faces capacity constraints until late 2027
  • Apple and Terafab confirmed as foundry partners; negotiations underway with Google and NVIDIA
  • INTC shares opened Friday at $120.35; trading range over past year spans $18.97 to $142.35

Intel (INTC) received a significant endorsement this week when HSBC analyst Frank Lee established a new Wall Street high price target of $200 for the semiconductor giant, effectively doubling the firm’s prior $100 target while maintaining its Buy recommendation.


INTC Stock Card
Intel Corp., INTC

Shares of INTC began Friday’s trading session at $120.35. The chipmaker’s stock has fluctuated between a 52-week low of $18.97 and a high of $142.35, with the 50-day moving average currently positioned at $115.64.

According to HSBC’s Lee, Intel stands “well positioned to deliver upside” to its 2026 and 2027 server CPU shipment forecasts, primarily fueled by strategic internal foundry capacity realignment.

The analyst revised his 2026 server CPU shipment growth projection upward from 20% to 25% on a year-over-year basis. This adjustment places his DCAI revenue forecast at $24.1 billion, representing approximately 4% above the current Wall Street consensus.

Lee’s optimism extends even further into 2027, where he elevated his shipment growth projection from 20% to 30% year-over-year, contending that market analysts continue to undervalue Intel’s expansion trajectory for that timeframe.

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Foundry Business Gains Traction

Lee emphasized that Intel’s foundry story is showing meaningful improvement. The company’s EMIB — Advanced Embedded Multi-die Interconnect Bridge — technology represents a potential catalyst for “material upside” within the foundry division.

Given that TSMC’s expanded 3nm production capacity won’t be available until the latter half of 2027, Lee observes that customers are actively seeking alternative foundry solutions. Intel is positioning itself as a leading contender.

Apple and Terafab have already committed as Intel foundry clients. Active discussions are underway with Google and NVIDIA. Lee highlighted that Intel’s EMIB technology can accommodate up to 12x reticle size, substantially exceeding CoWoS-S which maxes out at 3.3x — positioning it as a compelling alternative while TSMC CoWoS capacity remains constrained.

Institutional Ownership Remains Robust

Institutional investors currently control 64.53% of INTC shares. QRG Capital Management increased its stake by 29.2% during Q1, concluding the quarter with 485,549 Intel shares worth approximately $21.4 million.

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Norges Bank established a fresh position valued at more than $2.2 billion in Q4. Vanguard maintains ownership of over 404 million Intel shares worth nearly $14.9 billion. Capital Research Global Investors expanded its holdings by 285.9% during Q4.

Intel’s Q1 2026 financial results significantly exceeded Wall Street projections — delivering $0.29 earnings per share versus the consensus forecast of $0.01. Revenue reached $13.58 billion, surpassing the $12.32 billion estimate and representing 7.4% year-over-year growth.

Jim Cramer recently identified Intel as his top stock pick, highlighting CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s transformation strategy and identifying three key growth drivers for the corporation.

The current consensus analyst rating for INTC stands at “Hold” with an average price target of $96.69 — significantly below the stock’s current trading level. The rating breakdown includes two Strong Buy recommendations, 15 Buy ratings, 28 Hold ratings, and four Sell ratings.

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Intel has issued Q2 2026 EPS guidance of $0.20, while the full-year analyst consensus projects $0.63 EPS.

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Himax Technologies (HIMX) Stock: Could Apple and Nvidia Be Secret Partners Behind AI Glasses Push?

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Key Takeaways

  • Himax Technologies currently trades at $13.16, approximately 45% under the analyst consensus price target of $23.70
  • Shares plummeted more than 45% over the last month following a nearly 66% surge in the preceding 90-day period
  • Company forecasts “substantial” revenue expansion from AI and augmented reality glasses in coming years
  • A major brand partner has integrated Himax’s WiseEye technology into smart glasses, with volume manufacturing slated for late 2026
  • Industry research points to Apple and Nvidia as potential unnamed anchor clients

Himax Technologies ($HIMX) currently sits at $13.16 per share, representing a decline exceeding 45% throughout the previous month. This retreat follows an impressive rally that pushed shares up nearly 66% during the prior three-month window.


HIMX Stock Card
Himax Technologies, Inc., HIMX

The recent selloff hasn’t deterred Wall Street analysts, whose consensus fair value estimate stands at $23.70 — implying roughly 45% upside from current levels. However, a contrasting discounted cash flow analysis from Simply Wall St suggests intrinsic value could be as low as $2.32 per share.

This dramatic valuation discrepancy keeps the investment debate very much in play.

Bullish investors focus primarily on one catalyst: AI-powered smart glasses. Himax produces ultra-low-power artificial intelligence chips and micro display technology — specialized components that remain difficult to source and essential for battery-efficient smart eyewear functionality.

During the company’s Q1 2025 earnings discussion, CEO Jordan Wu revealed that “a leading brand has adopted our WiseEye for its smart glasses,” noting that high-volume production should commence later this year. Wu added that additional major brands are anticipated to join the ecosystem.

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Research analysis from Hunterbrook Media and Citrini Research, examining patent filings, supply chain patterns, and capital allocation trends, indicates these undisclosed partners may include Apple and Nvidia. Neither technology giant has publicly acknowledged such arrangements.

Current Financial Performance

Revenue has contracted on a year-over-year basis for multiple consecutive quarters, while net profit margins hover around 4%. These metrics don’t paint the picture of a traditional growth story.

Yet management has provided guidance calling for 10% to 13% sequential revenue expansion in Q2, which would simultaneously represent a return to positive year-over-year comparisons. The company also anticipates improved gross margin performance, potentially flowing through to enhanced bottom-line profitability.

Himax recently introduced its HE Series indirect Time-of-Flight depth decoder integrated circuits — a novel 3D sensing solution that OFILM has already incorporated into robotics applications.

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The firm’s co-package optics (CPO) development represents another strategic initiative, focused on enabling ultra-fast data transmission for AI-driven data centers and advanced computing environments.

Industry Competition and Positioning

Meta Platforms currently dominates the commercial smart glasses market. The social media giant unveiled a fresh product range in June with entry-level pricing at $224. Meanwhile, Apple, Alphabet, and Amazon are each developing proprietary versions incorporating augmented reality capabilities.

The investment case for Himax rests on its position as a cross-platform component provider, supplying multiple competitors rather than depending on a single platform winner.

The company’s market capitalization currently registers at $2.3 billion. Its 52-week trading range spans from $6.85 to $25.09, underscoring significant price volatility.

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Himax confronts genuine operational risks. Geopolitical trade friction, tariff implementation, and inconsistent customer ordering patterns could pressure profit margins and earnings projections. The substantial gap between cash flow-based valuations and earnings-based models creates analytical uncertainty — both frameworks cannot simultaneously prove accurate.

According to its latest quarterly disclosure, Himax anticipates revenues from AI and AR glasses applications will expand substantially throughout the coming years, with mass manufacturing from at least one significant brand partner launching in late 2026.

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Credo Technology (CRDO) Stock Surges Nearly 19% Post-Earnings: Should You Still Invest?

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Quick Summary

  • CRDO shares have rallied 18.8% following its latest quarterly earnings, significantly outpacing the S&P 500
  • Fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue jumped 157% year-over-year to $437 million, surpassing analyst forecasts
  • Non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.16 exceeded the Street’s $1.03 estimate by 12.6%
  • Company projects revenue growth exceeding 80% for fiscal 2027, anticipating optical segment sales above $600 million
  • Wall Street consensus reflects a Buy rating with a mean price target of $263.11

Credo Technology Group (CRDO) has gained 18.8% following its most recent quarterly report, trading at $241.91 as of Friday’s market open. The performance significantly outpaced the broader S&P 500 during the comparable period.


CRDO Stock Card
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd, CRDO

The company’s fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 performance drove the rally. Revenue reached $437 million, representing a 157% year-over-year increase and exceeding the Street’s $430.1 million expectation. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share registered at $1.16, topping the $1.03 consensus by 12.6%.

Executives highlighted a notable milestone: fourth-quarter revenue by itself surpassed the company’s complete fiscal 2025 annual revenue. This demonstrates the velocity at which AI infrastructure expansion is flowing through CRDO’s pipeline.

Full fiscal 2026 revenues exceeded $1.3 billion, representing more than a tripling from the prior year. Four hyperscale customers individually represented at least 10% of overall revenue, with the leading three accounting for 34%, 27%, and 16% respectively.

Non-GAAP gross margin registered at 68.3% during the quarter, improving from 67.4% in the year-ago period. Net margin climbed to 51.9%, while free cash flow achieved a company record of $177.5 million. The quarter concluded with $1.4 billion in cash and short-term investments on the balance sheet.

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For first-quarter fiscal 2027, management provided revenue guidance of $465–$475 million. Looking at the full year, the company projects revenue expansion exceeding 80%, with optical segment revenues anticipated to cross $600 million.

Optical Segment Emerges as Key Growth Driver

The company’s optical business expansion is being accelerated by its Dust Photonics acquisition. This transaction introduces silicon photonics PIC capabilities and expands the product lineup with 800G and 1.6T offerings, while 3.2T solutions remain under development.

Executives anticipate ZeroFlap optics, silicon photonics PICs, and optical DSPs will each generate revenue exceeding $100 million during fiscal 2027.

Analyst projections have experienced significant upward revisions over the past month. The consensus earnings per share forecast has increased 18.12% since the earnings announcement. Zacks assigns CRDO a Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating.

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Institutional Holdings and Insider Transactions

Regarding institutional positioning, Vanguard, State Street, and Geode each expanded their holdings during the fourth quarter. Alliancebernstein increased its position by 66% in the second quarter. Institutional ownership currently represents 80.46% of shares outstanding.

Insider transactions have attracted some market attention. CFO Daniel W. Fleming divested 40,000 units on June 11 at an average price of $249.48, generating approximately $9.98 million. The transaction occurred through a pre-established Rule 10b5-1 trading plan designed to satisfy tax liabilities related to equity compensation vesting. CTO Chi Fung Cheng sold 27,500 units during April through a comparable arrangement.

Representative Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. also reported a disposition valued between $1,001 and $15,000 in CRDO on June 30.

The Street maintains a predominantly bullish stance. Evercore launched coverage with an Outperform rating and $325 price target on June 22. JPMorgan elevated its target to $250 while maintaining an Overweight rating.

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The consensus price target stands at $263.11 across 19 covering analysts, with 17 carrying Buy or Strong Buy recommendations and two at Hold.

CRDO’s 52-week range spans from $86.49 to $308.67.

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