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Kalshi lands FIFA World Cup spotlight through ADI Predictstreet deal

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Kalshi lands FIFA World Cup spotlight through ADI Predictstreet deal

Kalshi has secured World Cup branding exposure through a strategic partnership with ADI Predictstreet, FIFA’s official prediction market partner for the 2026 tournament.

Summary

  • Kalshi will receive FIFA World Cup branding exposure through its partnership with ADI Predictstreet.
  • The agreement expands Kalshi’s sports strategy as trading volume tops $1 billion per day.
  • The deal comes as Kalshi pursues a $40 billion valuation and challenges Illinois’ licensing law.

According to Kalshi, the agreement will place the company’s branding alongside ADI Predictstreet across stadium, television, and digital coverage beginning with the FIFA World Cup knockout stage. Although Kalshi is not an official FIFA partner, the arrangement gives the prediction market operator visibility at the tournament while ADI Predictstreet retains its official designation.

The companies said the relationship extends beyond tournament marketing. Kalshi will support the continued expansion of markets available on ADI Predictstreet’s platform as the partnership develops after the World Cup.

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Why is Kalshi increasing its presence in sports?

The World Cup agreement adds to a series of football-focused partnerships announced by Kalshi in recent months. According to the company, it has also partnered with the Argentine Football Association, the Croatian Football Federation, Luka Modric, and Men in Blazers as it increases its presence around major sporting events.

At the same time, trading activity on the platform has continued to accelerate. Kalshi said daily trading volume surpassed $1 billion last week during heightened World Cup engagement across prediction market platforms.

Bank of America estimated that Kalshi accounts for roughly 89% of measured U.S. prediction market volume, placing it well ahead of other regulated competitors.

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Commenting on the partnership, ADI Predictstreet Chief Executive Dimitrios Psarrakis said combining Kalshi’s market reach with ADI Chain’s infrastructure would introduce regulated prediction markets to more users worldwide.

Kalshi Chief Executive Tarek Mansour described the FIFA World Cup as an opportunity to increase awareness of the platform while encouraging more fan participation through prediction markets.

According to FIFA, ADI Predictstreet became the governing body’s first official prediction market partner in April before launching its Gibraltar-licensed platform ahead of the tournament. The service currently focuses on football-related markets and plans to expand into news, technology, entertainment, culture, and other real-world events.

The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup features 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, creating one of the largest global audiences for sports-related prediction products.

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What else is shaping Kalshi’s expansion?

The World Cup partnership comes as Kalshi continues expanding both commercially and legally.

Earlier this week, the company filed a federal lawsuit challenging Illinois Senate Bill 3019, arguing that the state cannot require separate licenses for federally regulated sports event contracts. In its complaint, Kalshi said the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has exclusive authority over its contracts under the Commodity Exchange Act and argued that complying with Illinois’ licensing system would conflict with its obligation to operate a single national market.

Separately, Kalshi has entered discussions to raise fresh capital at a valuation of about $40 billion, according to reports. If completed, the financing would represent an 82% increase from the company’s $22 billion valuation during its $1 billion funding round in May, which included Coatue, Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Morgan Stanley.

The latest developments also coincide with increased attention on the prediction market sector. Earlier this week, U.S. senators urged the CFTC to investigate Polymarket over allegations that it used deceptive advertising to reach American users despite restricting access in the country. The lawmakers also questioned whether the federal regulator has sufficient authority and resources to oversee prediction markets while continuing to argue that federal law preempts state regulation. 

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Crude Oil Volatility Intensifies as US Retaliates Against Iran Near Hormuz Strait

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Brent Crude Oil Last Day Financ (BZ=F)

TLDR

  • Brent crude plunged more than 4% to approximately $72 per barrel Friday; WTI declined 3% to roughly $69
  • Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz climbed to the highest volume since conflict escalated in late February
  • An Iranian attack drone targeted a Singapore-flagged container vessel on Thursday
  • US forces retaliated Friday with strikes against Iranian drone storage facilities, missile depots, and radar installations
  • Crude prices staged a partial comeback in late Friday trading following confirmation of American military action

Crude oil markets experienced dramatic volatility on Friday, plunging in early trading before staging a recovery after the United States conducted military operations against Iranian targets in response to a drone assault on a commercial ship navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude tumbled over 4% during regular trading hours, settling near the $72 per barrel level. West Texas Intermediate experienced a roughly 3% decline to approximately $69 — marking its first closing price beneath $70 since the Iran conflict intensified in late February. Both benchmark grades have now surrendered approximately 25–27% of their value during the past month.

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Brent Crude Oil Last Day Financ (BZ=F)
Brent Crude Oil Last Day Financ (BZ=F)

The initial selloff occurred as maritime traffic navigating through the Strait of Hormuz climbed to its most robust levels since hostilities commenced. This development alleviated concerns regarding potential oil supply interruptions and applied downward pressure on crude valuations.

Factors Behind the Crude Selloff

Washington and Tehran finalized a 60-day memorandum of understanding during the previous week, temporarily halting active conflict. The agreement incorporates provisions for restoring commercial shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz, alongside nuclear negotiations contingent upon sanctions relief.

As maritime vessels resumed more normal transit patterns through the strategic waterway, market participants reduced the conflict-related risk premium that had accumulated in oil futures.

Dennis Kissler, senior vice president at BOK Financial, cautioned on Thursday that the price correction might be excessive. “While the Strait of Hormuz is moving oil, there still exists the possibility of mines in the area as well as rogue Iranian militia continuing to make threats on shipping lanes,” he said. “The latest sell-off in prices is likely overstating the true near-term fundamentals,” he added.

The Drone Attack That Shifted Market Sentiment

On Thursday, Iran launched an attack on the Singapore-flagged container vessel Ever Lovely using what American officials characterized as a one-way attack drone. The commercial ship suffered damage during its passage through the strait.

President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the assault on Friday. “I don’t like the fact that they took a shot,” he told reporters. “They shouldn’t be doing that.”

US Central Command announced that American military aircraft targeted Iranian missile storage locations, drone facilities, and coastal radar systems on Friday. The command characterized the operation as a “powerful response to yesterday’s attack.”

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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed its forces “successfully repelled the attack.”

The military exchange generated renewed uncertainty about the sustainability of the ceasefire arrangement. Trump had previously indicated he would authorize resumed military operations if Iran breached the agreement’s provisions.

Notwithstanding the strikes, commercial shipping maintained its movement through the strait on Friday. Central Command confirmed it would continue facilitating safe passage coordination for commercial maritime traffic.

An outstanding issue involves whether Iran will implement transit fees for vessels passing through Hormuz. Oman informed European officials that certain tolls might eventually be imposed — a matter of continuing dispute between Washington and Tehran.

Crude oil prices climbed back above session lows in late Friday trading after confirmation of the US military strikes.

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Tech Selloff Ends Two-Week Rally as AI Doubts and Inflation Data Rattle Markets

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Nasdaq 100 Sep 26 (NQ=F)

TLDR

  • The Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2% Friday, marking its fifth consecutive session of losses, while the S&P 500 also retreated, with both indices recording weekly declines of more than 4% and nearly 2% respectively.
  • Reports from the New York Times indicating OpenAI could postpone its public offering to 2027 intensified selling pressure in technology shares.
  • Chip stocks experienced significant weakness following concerns about escalating memory and storage expenses after Apple increased pricing on MacBook and iPad products.
  • Expectations of potential Federal Reserve interest rate increases strengthened following robust May Personal Consumption Expenditures data that sustained prospects for tighter policy.
  • The Dow Jones outperformed competing indices with a modest weekly advance below 1%, benefiting from reduced technology sector allocation.

American equity markets experienced turbulence throughout the week, with technology shares bearing the brunt of investor anxiety. The Nasdaq Composite extended its losing streak to five consecutive sessions on Friday, settling 0.2% lower. The S&P 500 also registered modest losses. Both benchmarks concluded the week with substantial declines.

Nasdaq 100 Sep 26 (NQ=F)
Nasdaq 100 Sep 26 (NQ=F)

The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed a modest 56 points, representing a 0.1% decline on Friday. Despite the daily loss, the blue-chip index managed to secure a weekly gain of less than 1%. The Dow’s limited technology sector representation provided insulation from the broader selloff.

Artificial Intelligence Skepticism Fuels Market Weakness

Market participants have adopted a more cautious stance toward artificial intelligence investments. The sector confronted multiple headwinds this week, including questions about token economics and free cash flow generation, alongside intensifying competition from budget-friendly AI alternatives and Chinese rivals.

A New York Times article amplified the negative sentiment. The publication reported that OpenAI might delay its much-anticipated initial public offering from 2026 to 2027. This development dampened enthusiasm across the broader technology landscape.

Mizuho’s Daniel O’Regan, an analyst covering the sector, captured the prevailing sentiment. “Feels like every time I open Bloomberg or the WSJ there’s another negative AI headline,” he noted. He suggested the relentless stream of unfavorable coverage would likely continue unsettling individual investors.

Semiconductor manufacturers faced particularly acute pressure. Apple’s recent decision to increase prices on MacBook and iPad devices highlighted rising memory and storage component costs. Micron, a leading chipmaker, delivered solid quarterly results but cautioned that cost pressures would persist.

Hot Inflation Reading Revives Rate Hike Speculation

The Federal Reserve’s favored inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures index, registered an elevated reading for May. This data point reinforced the possibility that the central bank might implement a rate increase this year, creating additional headwinds for growth-oriented and technology stocks.

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Elevated interest rates typically present challenges for technology companies, whose valuations depend heavily on discounted future earnings projections. Any indication of potential borrowing cost increases disproportionately affects these securities compared to other market segments.

Nevertheless, not all indicators painted a bearish picture. Market breadth metrics remained constructive. Approximately two-thirds of S&P 500 constituents continued trading above their 200-day moving averages at week’s end.

David Donabedian, a senior investment strategist at CIBC Private Wealth, characterized the week’s price action as a recalibration rather than a structural breakdown. He observed that defensive sectors including health care, real estate, and consumer staples demonstrated resilience, while industrials and technology absorbed the heaviest losses.

Oil prices also retreated during the week. Brent crude declined to approximately $72 per barrel while West Texas Intermediate traded near $69. Shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz persisted despite an incident involving a container vessel, alleviating some supply concerns. The United States and Iran reached agreement on a 60-day ceasefire, though regional tensions persist.

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Investors now turn their attention to a holiday-shortened trading week ahead. The June employment situation report arrives Thursday and will receive close scrutiny for additional insights regarding economic momentum and monetary policy trajectory.

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SpaceX (SPCX) Stock Set for Nasdaq 100 Entry on July 7 Following Turbulent Debut Week

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SPCX Stock Card

Key Takeaways

  • SpaceX receives Nasdaq 100 inclusion effective July 7, carrying less than 1% index weighting and potentially generating $7.3 billion in passive investor demand
  • The stock tumbled 17.2% during its inaugural trading week, reducing market capitalization from over $2.5 trillion to approximately $2 trillion
  • Shares currently hover around the $135 initial public offering price after dipping beneath the $150 debut level
  • The aerospace company completed a $25 billion bond offering that attracted $90 billion in demand, though the debt has accumulated roughly $305 million in unrealized losses
  • Company insiders offloaded $1.2 million worth of shares during the previous three months without any recorded purchases

SpaceX (SPCX) concluded its inaugural trading week as a publicly traded entity at $153.23, representing a 17.2% decline from its market debut. This downturn compressed the company’s valuation from a zenith exceeding $2.5 trillion to roughly $2 trillion.


SPCX Stock Card
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., SPCX

Shares commenced trading at $150 and surged to $225.64 before experiencing a sharp reversal. The stock currently trades marginally above its $135 offering price — a critical threshold that market participants are monitoring intently.

Notwithstanding the challenging debut week, a significant market event looms. Nasdaq announced Friday that SPCX will enter the Nasdaq 100 index effective July 7. The aerospace manufacturer meets Nasdaq’s accelerated eligibility criteria, which permits recently public companies to qualify for index membership soon after listing.

Market analysts project the index inclusion may compel passive investment vehicles to acquire approximately $7.3 billion in SPCX shares. This purchasing pressure originates from both Nasdaq 100 and Russell index additions. The company’s allocation within the Nasdaq 100 will represent less than 1% of total index composition.

This wave of passive capital inflows might deliver short-term price stability. However, the company’s underlying financial metrics present a more nuanced picture.

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Recent Debt Offering Raises Eyebrows

On Tuesday, SpaceX executed a $25 billion bond transaction. The offering generated approximately $90 billion in investor interest and was expanded from an original $20 billion target. Initial reception appeared robust.

Nevertheless, the bonds have underperformed since issuance. Bloomberg data indicates the debt has generated paper losses approaching $305 million when measured against comparable US Treasury securities.

Certain Wall Street observers are questioning the rationale behind a massive debt raise immediately following one of history’s largest initial public offerings. The consecutive capital-raising activities have sparked market skepticism.

Ludovic Subran, chief investment officer at Allianz, commented during the FT Global Insurance Summit that the SpaceX transaction demonstrates markets transitioning “from a stretched boom into bubble territory.”

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Financial Metrics Raise Red Flags

SpaceX registers a GF Score of merely 12 out of 100, indicating subpar performance across profitability and balance sheet strength metrics. The enterprise reported a net margin of -26.44% alongside an operating margin of -11.05%.

The company’s price-to-sales ratio stands at 79.15 — an elevated valuation multiple that embeds expectations of substantial future expansion.

Corporate insiders divested $1.2 million in equity over the preceding three-month period. Zero insider acquisitions were documented during this timeframe.

In separate developments, the Financial Times disclosed SpaceX is evaluating a direct-to-consumer mobile service leveraging Starlink’s satellite-to-phone technology. This initiative would position the company as a retail wireless provider in direct competition with traditional telecommunications carriers.

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OpenAI has reportedly postponed its own public listing plans, a decision market observers interpret as evidence of waning investor appetite for artificial intelligence-related equities.

SpaceX’s official Nasdaq 100 membership becomes effective July 7.

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OpenAI’s GPT-5.6 Models Sol, Terra, and Luna Stir Crypto Conversations Despite No Blockchain Connection

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

Key Takeaways

  • OpenAI introduced a restricted preview of the GPT-5.6 family featuring three models: Sol, Terra, and Luna
  • These names echo Solana’s SOL token and the infamous Terra/Luna blockchain that imploded in 2022
  • According to OpenAI, the naming convention represents different performance levels with no cryptocurrency connection
  • Sol serves as the premium tier, Terra functions as the intermediate option, and Luna operates as the budget-friendly choice
  • Government officials requested OpenAI maintain limited access during the initial rollout phase

On Thursday, OpenAI revealed its GPT-5.6 model lineup, introducing three distinct tiers branded as Sol, Terra, and Luna. The naming choices immediately triggered discussions throughout cryptocurrency communities due to obvious parallels with prominent blockchain initiatives.

Sol corresponds to the trading symbol for Solana, currently ranking among the top cryptocurrencies by total market capitalization. Meanwhile, Terra and Luna reference a blockchain platform that catastrophically failed in 2022, erasing approximately $60 billion in investor holdings.

OpenAI explicitly stated the naming scheme carries zero connection to cryptocurrency projects. According to the organization, these designations simply distinguish varying capability levels within the model architecture.

Breaking Down the Model Capabilities

Sol represents the premium offering, engineered for computationally intensive operations. Terra occupies the middle ground, delivering performance comparable to the earlier GPT-5.5 version while costing 50% less. Luna serves as the budget tier, prioritized for rapid processing and minimal expense.

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The Sol variant introduces enhanced “max” and “ultra” reasoning capabilities. Its ultra configuration deploys multiple cooperative sub-agents to accelerate complex problem-solving workflows.

OpenAI highlighted that Sol achieves record performance on Terminal-Bench 2.1, a specialized evaluation measuring command-line programming proficiency. The company also reported advances in biological research applications and cybersecurity operations.

Regarding security applications, OpenAI confirmed Sol assists in vulnerability identification and remediation. However, the company emphasized the model remains below the “Cyber Critical” threshold defined in its internal safety protocols, preventing autonomous generation of complete working exploits.

Controlled Rollout and Security Validation

This deployment doesn’t constitute a general public launch. OpenAI characterized it as a “limited preview” accessible exclusively to select vetted partners. The organization continues conducting comprehensive safety evaluations before expanding availability.

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White House representatives allegedly requested OpenAI maintain restricted distribution while federal agencies finalize a forthcoming cybersecurity executive order structure.

OpenAI dedicated more than 700,000 GPU computation hours to automated adversarial testing, systematically probing for model vulnerabilities prior to release. Additionally, human security specialists conducted manual assessments exploring potential misuse scenarios.

The company explained its multi-layered defense approach incorporates model-embedded protections, live content filtering systems, and user account-level surveillance mechanisms.

API access pricing starts at $5 per million input tokens and $30 per million output tokens for Sol. Terra costs $2.50 input and $15 output per million tokens. Luna operates at $1 input and $6 output rates.

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OpenAI additionally confirmed plans to deploy Sol on Cerebras infrastructure this July, targeting throughput speeds reaching 750 tokens per second.

The organization projects broader ChatGPT and API integration for all three models within the next several weeks.

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Ripple (XRP) Boosts Global Blockchain Adoption With Over $70M in Donations

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Blockchain payments company Ripple has released its 2025 Annual Impact Report, detailing support for education, financial inclusion, sustainability, and humanitarian programs. Since 2018, the company has donated more than $250 million, including over $70 million contributed in 2025.

The report also highlighted how Ripple’s blockchain tools, including the XRP Ledger and the RLUSD stablecoin, supported projects focused on economic opportunity and financial access. These efforts included programs in emerging markets, microfinance, and humanitarian aid through partnerships with nonprofit organizations.

Ripple Expands Its Global Impact

Ripple committed $25 million in RLUSD to support underserved U.S. small business owners and career programs for military veterans. The company also helped partners deploy $53.6 million and supported nearly 12,000 water and sanitation loans through Water.org.

Several non-profit partners described Ripple’s funding as long-term support rather than one-time donations. The International Rescue Committee also continued exploring stablecoins as a tool for delivering faster cash assistance during humanitarian emergencies.

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The report also outlined Ripple’s support for blockchain research and education through its University Blockchain Research Initiative. Now in its seventh year, the program spans 62 universities, has awarded $74 million since 2018, and supported 198 XRPL projects in 2025.

Research funded through the initiative covered stablecoins, tokenized real-world assets, decentralized finance infrastructure, cryptographic security, interoperability, artificial intelligence governance, and blockchain applications. Some projects focused on quantum-resistant improvements for the XRP Ledger, privacy technologies, and tools to detect price manipulation in decentralized finance markets.

Progress Across Climate and Community Initiatives

Ripple’s report highlighted its environmental efforts through blockchain-based climate projects. The company said it has invested $31 million in climate initiatives and retired 1,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent through sustainable aviation fuel credits in 2025. It also plans to retire 93,000 tonnes by 2030.

Beyond environmental initiatives, Ripple said employee participation reached its highest level since the program began. About 80% of employees joined volunteering and donation efforts, supporting 544 nonprofit organizations while raising $550,000 for charitable causes.

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Alongside these social and environmental efforts, Ripple highlighted broader blockchain adoption through its programs. The firm said active users increased 37% and transactions rose 113% year over year. Tokenized real-world assets on the XRP Ledger expanded from $24.7 million to $568 million during 2025, while total network transactions surpassed 3.8 billion.

The post Ripple (XRP) Boosts Global Blockchain Adoption With Over $70M in Donations appeared first on CryptoPotato.

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Aave Advances Automated AAVE Buyback Overhaul With Aavenomics 3.0

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Aave Advances Automated AAVE Buyback Overhaul With Aavenomics 3.0


Aave founder Stani Kulechov previewed Aavenomics 3.0 on X Thursday, a tokenomics overhaul that would replace the protocol’s existing discretionary buyback program with an automated, non-discretionary on-chain mechanism funded by all protocol and GHO revenue. The announcement came as Kulechov… Read the full story at The Defiant

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Cathie Wood snaps up $25.5M in Coinbase, SpaceX and Circle shares

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Cathie Wood doubles down on Bitcoin with bold $1.25M prediction

Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest has expanded its positions in Coinbase, SpaceX, Circle, Bullish, and Robinhood by purchasing about $25.54 million worth of shares on Friday across several of its exchange-traded funds.

Summary

  • Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest bought $25.54 million worth of Coinbase, SpaceX, Circle, Bullish, and Robinhood shares.
  • Coinbase led the purchases with a $10.19 million investment, followed by $7.01 million in SpaceX and $5.79 million in Circle.
  • The latest buys extend ARK’s recent accumulation of crypto-linked stocks as Wood continues to downplay persistent inflation concerns.

According to ARK Invest’s latest daily trade disclosure, Coinbase accounted for the firm’s largest purchase by value. The investment manager bought 68,366 Coinbase shares through the ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK), ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW), and ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF). Based on the stock’s Friday closing price of $149.06, the purchase was valued at roughly $10.19 million.

SpaceX ranked second among the day’s acquisitions. Across ARKK, ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ), ARKW, and ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX), the firm purchased 45,728 shares worth about $7.01 million using the company’s closing price of $153.23.

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Circle Internet Group was another major addition. According to the disclosure, ARK acquired 78,756 Circle shares through ARKK, ARKW, and ARKF, with the purchases valued at approximately $5.79 million based on the stock’s $73.57 close.

The buying continued with smaller additions to Bullish and Robinhood. ARK purchased 57,511 Bullish shares valued at around $1.34 million and another 12,269 Robinhood shares worth about $1.21 million, using Friday’s closing prices of $23.29 and $98.69, respectively.

Latest purchases extend a week of aggressive buying

The latest transactions follow several rounds of buying earlier in the week, when ARK increased its exposure to many of the same companies after their share prices declined.

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As previously reported by crypto.news, the investment firm bought 9,014 Coinbase shares, 9,264 Circle shares, 9,136 Bullish shares, and 35,023 Robinhood shares after all four stocks finished Thursday’s session in negative territory. Coinbase fell 5.06%, Circle lost 3.06%, Robinhood declined 3.83%, and Bullish dropped 6.77% during that trading session.

Separately, ARK disclosed another purchase of 111,799 Coinbase shares earlier this week, valued at about $18 million. During the same period, the firm also increased its exposure to SpaceX by acquiring 210,121 shares worth roughly $32.5 million across four ETFs.

According to ARK Invest, the firm’s exchange-traded funds follow a portfolio policy that limits any individual holding to no more than 10% of a fund. As stock prices move, positions are periodically adjusted to keep allocations within those limits.

Wood continues backing crypto-linked companies despite macro concerns

The latest investments also come as Wood has maintained a constructive outlook on financial markets despite growing concerns about inflation and monetary policy.

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As crypto.news previously reported, Wood said investor meetings across Asia and Europe showed that many market participants expect inflation to remain persistent and believe the Federal Reserve may need to tighten policy further. She argued the data point in a different direction.

In a series of posts on X, Wood said underlying inflation is close to disappearing when measured through unit labor costs. Using first-quarter figures, she noted that U.S. productivity increased about 3% year over year while compensation per hour rose roughly 3.5%, leaving implied underlying inflation at around 0.5%.

Wood also cited data from Truflation, saying the platform’s real-time inflation gauge has fallen from about 11% in 2022 to 1.8%, while its core inflation measure has eased to 1.4%. Her comments contrast with market expectations for a possible 25-basis-point Federal Reserve rate increase in September following May’s 4.2% U.S. consumer price inflation reading.

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Tether Surpasses Ethereum as ETH Drops Toward $1.5K

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Crypto Breaking News

Tether’s USDt has flipped Ether (ETH) into the second spot by market capitalization after a sharp selloff pushed ETH to its lowest level of the year. The rotation underscores a broader theme playing out across crypto: during volatility, traders and institutions increasingly gravitate toward stablecoins for liquidity and risk management.

On Friday, ETH’s market value fell below $185 billion following a 5.2% drop over 24 hours, taking the token down to around $1,510 on Coinbase, according to TradingView. That decline allowed USDt—reported at roughly a $186 billion market cap—to overtake ETH. As Cointelegraph reported, Bitrue Research Institute’s research lead Andri Fauzan Adziima said the stablecoin move “highlights how the market still favors stability over ETH’s volatility right now.”

Key takeaways

  • USDt surpassed ETH in market capitalization as Ether slid to about $1,510 on Coinbase after a 5.2% daily drop, per TradingView.
  • Analysts interpret the flip as a sign that stablecoins remain preferred during volatility, even when the broader crypto market is shifting.
  • Stablecoins represent nearly 15% of total crypto market capitalization, reflecting continued demand for reliable liquidity.
  • Ether’s weakness is occurring alongside notable Ethereum Foundation staffing and leadership changes, even as new development initiatives take shape.

Why USDt taking the crown matters

When a stablecoin climbs in market cap during a drawdown, it’s rarely just a one-day anomaly. Stablecoins are often used as the “settlement layer” for trading and transfers—meaning their growth can signal that market participants are prioritizing capital preservation and fast execution over exposure to higher-volatility assets.

Andri Fauzan Adziima of Bitrue Research Institute framed the shift in exactly those terms, suggesting the market’s current preference for stability is outweighing ETH’s relative volatility. That perspective aligns with how market infrastructure typically behaves: deeper stablecoin liquidity can support higher trading activity and lower friction for entering and exiting positions across venues.

Stablecoin momentum and “cycle-independent” demand

The USDt/ETH flip comes amid ongoing stablecoin expansion. Cointelegraph pointed to accelerating stablecoin growth that now accounts for almost 15% of total crypto market capitalization. The article also notes that while stablecoin supply contracted by more than 30% during the last bear market, the latest cycle is different—stablecoin issuance and usage are reaching new highs.

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In comments shared on Thursday, 21Shares argued that the current pattern is evidence that stablecoins are becoming one of crypto’s defining use cases and that demand increasingly does not depend on the market cycle. The firm’s statement said: “To us, that is the strongest evidence yet that stablecoins are one of crypto’s defining use cases – demand that no longer depends on the cycle.”

From a practical standpoint, that “cycle-independence” claim matters because it implies stablecoins can remain a structural part of crypto market activity even when risk appetite fades. And as liquidity deepens, more participants can trade with tighter spreads and faster settlement—an environment that can benefit both traders and builders who rely on stablecoin rails for recurring activity.

Ethereum under pressure, with ecosystem shifts underway

Ether’s decline isn’t happening in isolation. The article ties the selloff to a broader stretch of weakness, noting that ETH prices returned to crucial support levels last seen in October 2023 and April 2025. That matters for investors because repeated visits to long-term support can act as a decision point: buyers often step in to defend key ranges, but persistent failures can also accelerate downside.

At the same time, Ethereum’s institutional and organizational landscape has been changing. Cointelegraph cited multiple executive departures as well as a 20% workforce reduction at the Ethereum Foundation. Those internal moves can influence how quickly priorities shift, how quickly research and engineering programs move from roadmap to execution, and—importantly for market participants—how confidence forms around Ethereum’s near-term narrative.

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Still, the article highlights a compensating development: a new nonprofit organization called Ethlabs was launched this week by key EF developers and researchers, with backing from ether treasuries Bitmine and Sharplink. The existence of a new entity doesn’t automatically resolve market concerns, but it does signal that ecosystem stakeholders are continuing to organize around Ethereum development rather than stepping away during turbulence.

Not all players are waiting: accumulation and cross-asset rotations

While the USDt flip is a bearish signal for ETH relative performance, the article also points to pockets of support at lower prices. Ether treasury company Sharplink reportedly bought the dip on Thursday, making its first purchase in eight months and acquiring 5,000 ETH. Separately, Bitmine—chaired by Tom Lee—has also been accumulating, adding 76,881 ETH last week, the article notes, referencing its broader bear-market accumulation efforts.

Beyond Ethereum, the stablecoin narrative isn’t unique to USDt. Cointelegraph also reports that Circle’s USDC flipped Ripple’s XRP in market capitalization as XRP retreated toward $1, a level described as its lowest since November 2024. The article gives market caps of $64 billion for XRP versus $73.6 billion for USDC, reinforcing the idea that in periods of weakness for specific assets, stablecoins can keep gaining share.

Circle’s USDC reached a $73.6 billion market capitalization in the comparison cited, while XRP fell back toward $1 and a $64 billion market cap.

For traders, these cross-asset rotations often become a liquidity story as much as a price story: stablecoins can act as a consistent “base” for risk management and positioning, while assets like ETH and XRP can experience sharper drawdowns when sentiment deteriorates.

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Looking ahead, the market will likely watch whether ETH can defend its identified support zones and whether stablecoin growth continues to outpace broader crypto assets—especially in the face of ongoing Ethereum ecosystem changes. If USDt’s market cap lead holds during subsequent sessions, it may signal that “stability premium” demand is becoming increasingly persistent rather than reactive.

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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Garrett Jin Launches Massive $21.7M Short Position on Zcash (ZEC) via Hyperliquid

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

Key Takeaways

  • Prominent crypto trader Garrett Jin has initiated a $21.73M short position on Zcash via Hyperliquid at an entry price of $418.90
  • Approximately $4.93M of the total order has been executed, leaving $16.8M unfilled
  • Complete execution would position Jin as the platform’s largest ZEC position holder
  • Jin’s previous two Zcash trades generated combined profits of $11.66M
  • Simultaneously, his 1,268 BTC long position entered at $76,117 faces unrealized losses exceeding $20M

Prominent cryptocurrency trader Garrett Jin has initiated a substantial short position targeting Zcash on the Hyperliquid decentralized trading platform. The position, valued at $21.73 million, carries an entry price of $418.90 per ZEC token.

Blockchain analytics expert Yujin first identified and reported the transaction. Initial data showed that $4.93 million worth of the position had been successfully executed, while the bulk—$16.8 million—remained in the order book awaiting fulfillment.

Potential Impact on Hyperliquid’s Zcash Market

Should the entire order reach completion, Jin’s position would establish him as the dominant Zcash trader on the Hyperliquid platform. This concentration represents significant individual market exposure within the exchange’s ecosystem.

On-chain monitoring service Lookonchain verified the details of Jin’s position. Their analysis revealed the active short employs 2x leverage across 11,780 ZEC tokens, representing approximately $4.92 million in value at the moment of documentation.

Lookonchain’s research also highlighted Jin’s successful track record with Zcash trading. His two preceding ZEC positions collectively yielded profits totaling $11.66 million.

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This newest short position continues Jin’s established strategy of betting against Zcash price appreciation. His current wager anticipates ZEC values declining from the $418 threshold.

Bitcoin Long Position Faces Significant Drawdown

Contrary to his Zcash success, Jin’s Bitcoin holdings present a contrasting narrative. He maintains a leveraged long position comprising 1,268 BTC with an average entry point of $76,117 per token.

This Bitcoin trade currently shows substantial negative performance. The unrealized deficit on this position approximates $20.09 million based on recent market data.

Bitcoin’s market price stood around $60,411 during the reporting period, creating a considerable distance from Jin’s $76,117 entry level. This substantial price differential explains the magnitude of unrealized losses.

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Taken together, these positions illustrate contrasting outcomes. While Jin has demonstrated profitability through Zcash short strategies, his more substantial Bitcoin wager continues accumulating losses.

Market observers closely monitor Jin’s trading activity due to the considerable capital involved in his transactions. Blockchain analysts including Lookonchain and Yujin systematically document his positions as they materialize on Hyperliquid’s platform.

The $21.73 million Zcash short position remains partially unfilled. Traders following Jin’s activities continue monitoring whether he will complete the full order execution.

Zcash traded at $407.65 during this reporting window, positioning slightly beneath Jin’s $418.90 short entry level. This price differential currently generates modest unrealized gains on the position.

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However, his Bitcoin long exposure presents the more pressing challenge. With unrealized losses surpassing $20 million, it constitutes substantial downside risk within his active trading portfolio.

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Crypto World

Ripple’s Brad Garlinghouse Slams Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin Strategy as ‘Financial Engineering’

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

Key Takeaways

  • Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s CEO, has publicly condemned Strategy’s approach to funding bitcoin acquisitions through preferred shares
  • Garlinghouse labeled the strategy as unsustainable “financial engineering” lacking long-term value creation
  • STRC preferred shares plummeted to an all-time low, sinking 25% beneath their $100 par value
  • Strategy’s common shares fell to their weakest point since February 2024, settling near $82
  • Industry analysts at CryptoQuant recommended Strategy halt bitcoin acquisitions and focus on cash reserve restoration

Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, maintains his optimistic outlook on bitcoin. However, he has voiced sharp concerns about Michael Saylor’s acquisition methodology.

During a Friday appearance on CNBC, Garlinghouse took aim at Strategy’s practice of issuing preferred shares to generate capital for bitcoin investments. He characterized this approach as “financial engineering” and argued it has inflicted damage across the cryptocurrency sector.

“Financial engineering does not drive long-term value,” Garlinghouse stated. “Team Michael Saylor wasn’t focused on the right stuff and that has hurt the overall market.”

As the head of Ripple, the organization responsible for XRP—a digital asset competing with bitcoin—Garlinghouse clarified that his concerns target the funding mechanism rather than bitcoin itself.

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Strategy’s Funding Mechanism Explained

Over the past twelve months, Strategy has relied on preferred share issuances to finance its bitcoin accumulation strategy. The STRC preferred stock offers an 11.5% annual dividend yield and was intended to maintain a value close to $100.

However, Thursday saw STRC crash to unprecedented lows, plunging as much as 26% below its designated $100 par value. Garlinghouse characterized this decline as a “damning indictment” of the company’s approach.

Strategy’s common equity also experienced significant deterioration, reaching levels not seen since February 2024. Shares settled around $82 on Friday. Meanwhile, bitcoin dropped below $59,000 during the trading week.

When STRC trades substantially below $100, Strategy loses the practical ability to issue additional shares and continue bitcoin purchases. The company has suspended this activity temporarily.

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Expert Analysis and Recommendations

CryptoQuant published research this week recommending that Strategy suspend bitcoin buying operations and prioritize strengthening its cash position. According to the firm’s analysis, the financial buffer supporting STRC’s dividend obligations has eroded dramatically—from over seven years of coverage down to approximately 14 months.

Benchmark-StoneX analyst Mark Palmer challenged the most pessimistic assessments. He acknowledged that Strategy’s funding mechanism has become “less efficient” but maintains it remains functional. Palmer dismissed comparisons between STRC and completely failed financial instruments.

Pressure on Strategy’s business model has intensified throughout the week. The dual challenge of declining bitcoin valuations coupled with STRC’s deterioration has created a challenging operational environment.

Garlinghouse’s public criticism adds significant weight to mounting questions surrounding the sustainability of Strategy’s preferred-share framework. He directly connected the model’s shortcomings to bitcoin’s recent descent below $59,000.

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His fundamental position emphasizes that enduring value in cryptocurrency emerges from practical utility rather than sophisticated financial arrangements.

As of Friday’s close, STRC remains significantly below its $100 par value, while Strategy’s common stock continues trading near multi-year lows.

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