Blockonomi

TLDR:
Lazarus Group wallets moved over $30M through Hyperliquid’s HyperUnit as of August 31.
ZachXBT linked the same wallets to $61M in stolen funds back in 2024.
Funds reached KuCoin, LBank, Kraken, and unlabeled Tron-based services after bridging.
Kraken parent Payward is in talks with Hyperliquid Labs for regulated US access.
Lazarus Group-linked wallets have moved more than $30 million through Hyperliquid, blockchain researcher Emmett Gallic reported.
The OFAC-sanctioned North Korean hacking group routed the funds through the platform’s HyperUnit service as recently as August 31.
The disclosure arrives while U.S. policymakers and Kraken’s parent company pursue a regulated pathway for Hyperliquid to enter American markets.
The timing places sanctioned wallet activity alongside efforts to bring the exchange under formal U.S. oversight.
Sanctioned Wallets Active on Hyperliquid
Gallic identified the wallets as belonging to the Lazarus Group, a hacking collective sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The addresses funneled Bitcoin into Hyperliquid before converting it into Ethereum and Solana. Funds were then bridged across Tron, Solana and Ethereum networks.
The same wallet cluster was previously flagged by researcher ZachXBT in 2024. That earlier investigation linked the addresses to $61 million in stolen funds. The 2024 identification gives the current activity added weight, since the wallets were already under watch.
From Hyperliquid, the converted assets moved to several centralized exchanges. Recipients included KuCoin, LBank and Kraken, plus a number of unlabeled Tron-based services. Distributing funds across multiple platforms is a common method used to obscure the destination of illicit proceeds.
Gallic posted the findings on X, stating the addresses had been actively moving funds through Hyperliquid as recently as the day before his post. He cited ZachXBT’s 2024 identification as the basis for attributing the wallets to the Lazarus Group.
Addresses linked to OFAC Sanctioned Lazarus Group (North Korea) have been actively moving $30M+ through Hyperliquid (HyperUnit) as recent as yesterday.@zachxbt identified these addresses as Lazarus Group in 2024 linked to $61M in stolen fundshttps://t.co/RNJ4NMBrxA pic.twitter.com/CvivPLVnEL
— Emmett Gallic (@emmettgallic) August 31, 2026
Regulated U.S. Entry Advances in Parallel
The wallet movements surfaced as Hyperliquid pursues formal access to U.S. markets. President Donald Trump said in August that CFTC Chairman Mike Selig was working on a compliant pathway for Hyperliquid. The announcement signaled direct federal engagement with the platform’s U.S. prospects.
Separately, Kraken parent company Payward is reportedly in advanced talks with Hyperliquid Labs. The discussions center on letting U.S. users trade a subset of Hyperliquid-linked perpetual futures.
Regulated exchange and clearinghouse Bitnomial would support the structure, subject to regulatory approval.
Coin Bureau reported that HYPE rose nearly 50%, climbing from $57 to $84, following news of the U.S. talks. The account referenced Bloomberg’s report that Payward, which holds CFTC licensing, could bring on-chain perpetual futures to American traders for the first time.
HUGE: $HYPE surges nearly 50% from $57 to $84 as Hyperliquid reportedly advances talks to enter the US market.
Kraken's parent company Payward, which holds CFTC licensing, is in discussions to bring on-chain perpetual futures to American traders for the first time, per… https://t.co/tagav8tmFy pic.twitter.com/VVDAHbcmMa
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) August 31, 2026
A “Kraken HIP-3 test DEX” was also reportedly spotted on Hyperliquid’s testnet two weeks earlier. The test deployment included permission controls that could support U.S. compliance needs. Coin Bureau noted HYPE gained another 5% following the Bloomberg report on the talks.
The post Lazarus Group-linked Wallets Moves $30M+ via Hyperliquid Ahead of US Regulatory Push appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:
94% of Argentina’s peso crypto trading volume now flows into dollar-pegged stablecoins.
About one in five Argentines use crypto, among the highest adoption rates in Latin America.
Contractor USDC pay and inflation both eased to roughly a fifth of their 2024 peaks by July 2026.
Lemon wallet downloads rose every quarter even as monthly inflation fell from 25.5% to 2.1%.
a16z Crypto data show that 94% of peso-denominated crypto trading volume in Argentina now flows into stablecoins. That is the highest such share among major currencies tracked by Artemis.
The finding comes from a16z crypto’s latest look at Latin American crypto adoption, published August 30, 2026. About one in five Argentines use crypto, one of the highest rates in the region.
Downloads of the country’s 15 leading crypto apps climbed 93% year over year in 2024. That points to a shift from short-term inflation hedging toward habitual stablecoin use.
A History Rooted in Distrust of the Peso
Argentina’s preference for dollars over its own currency predates the rise of stablecoins by decades. In 2001 and 2002, the government froze bank deposits.
It forcibly converted dollar accounts into pesos through Decree 214/2002. When the currency peg later collapsed, the exchange rate moved from one peso per dollar to nearly four. That shift erased about three-quarters of the peso’s dollar value.
That crisis left many Argentines wary of banks and the peso itself. Households grew accustomed to holding savings in physical dollar bills outside the financial system. This habit later shaped how people approached stablecoins once digital options became available.
Stablecoins gained momentum after Argentina reintroduced currency controls in 2019. Within months, officials capped individual dollar purchases at $200 per month.
Eligibility rules also shut out many residents entirely. Dollar-pegged stablecoins offered a workaround outside the restricted official market.
By 2023, capital controls had pushed the gap between official and parallel exchange rates above 100%, a16z crypto’s analysis noted. Stablecoins traded around the clock and sat outside those controls.
That made them attractive during that stretch. As Flores put it in the report, “buying crypto means buying dollars” in Argentina.
Stablecoin Use Persists as Inflation Cools
a16z crypto also points to stablecoins becoming a growing part of contractor pay during Argentina’s inflation spike. Year-over-year inflation reached 289% in April 2024.
Over that same period, the share of Argentina-based contractors paid in USDC rose, based on payroll data from Deel.
Deel figures indexed to January 2024 show contractor USDC pay and inflation moving together for a time. As of July 2026, both metrics were holding near one-fifth of their earlier peaks, the report found.
Exchange rate gaps that once made digital dollars pricier than official ones have also narrowed. Argentina lifted most restrictions on buying dollars in April 2025, and official and parallel rates converged. As of August 28, 2026, a digital dollar cost about 4% more than one bought through the official market.
Even as inflation falls and dollar purchases grow easier, usage tied to stablecoins has not faded, according to a16z crypto. Downloads of Lemon, one of Argentina’s largest crypto wallets, rose every quarter.
This happened even as monthly inflation dropped from 25.5% to 2.1%. Stablecoins now look less like a hedge and more like an everyday habit.
The post Argentina’s Peso Crypto Trading Goes 94% Stablecoins, a16z Finds appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:
Musk tied Tesla’s Bitcoin payment return to miners reaching roughly 50% clean energy usage.
Tesla still holds 11,509 BTC worth roughly $386 million despite halting BTC payments in 2021.
Bitcoin mining’s clean energy share has reportedly passed the 50% level Musk once requested.
Musk has voiced support for Dogecoin and Ethereum, showing a wider crypto interest beyond BTC.
Bitcoin sits at the center of a lingering question surrounding Tesla and Elon Musk. Tesla suspended direct BTC payments in 2021 over mining energy concerns.
Musk said the company would reconsider once miners reached roughly 50% clean energy usage. That figure has reportedly been surpassed in recent research. Still, Tesla has given no confirmation that Bitcoin payments will return.
Why Tesla Paused Bitcoin Payments in the First Place
Crypto Patel, a commentator, laid out the background behind Musk’s Bitcoin decision on social media. Tesla accepted Bitcoin briefly in early 2021 before halting the option.
Musk cited the environmental cost of Bitcoin mining as the main reason. Fossil-fuel-heavy mining operations drew the most criticism at that time.
ELON MUSK’S BITCOIN VISION: WILL TESLA ACCEPT bitcoin:native AGAIN?
Elon Musk’s Bitcoin stance is more nuanced than simply bullish or bearish.
In 2021, Tesla stopped accepting #BTC over concerns about Bitcoin mining’s fossil-fuel usage. Musk later said Tesla would resume… pic.twitter.com/yinI7HsY4s
— Crypto Patel (@CryptoPatel) August 31, 2026
Musk’s condition for resuming Bitcoin payments was narrow and measurable. He asked for close to 50% clean energy use among miners. He also wanted that clean energy share to keep trending upward. This made his position about mining practices rather than Bitcoin as a concept.
That distinction is often missed when people summarize Musk’s Bitcoin stance. He did not reject Bitcoin outright as a currency or technology.
His objection centered on carbon intensity tied to proof-of-work mining. Cleaner mining, in his framing, could remove that objection over time.
Some data now suggests Bitcoin mining’s clean energy share has passed 50%. That would technically satisfy the number Musk gave back in 2021.
However, meeting a stated threshold does not guarantee a policy change. Tesla has stayed silent on any plan to reinstate Bitcoin payments.
What Tesla’s Bitcoin Holdings Reveal About Musk’s Position
Tesla never sold off its Bitcoin holdings after pausing payment acceptance. The company’s Q2 2026 SEC filing listed 11,509 BTC on its books.
That position carried an acquisition cost of roughly $386 million. Holding Bitcoin as a reserve asset differs from accepting it at checkout.
Keeping Bitcoin through years of price volatility points to a longer view. Rejecting Bitcoin payments and abandoning Bitcoin as an asset are separate decisions.
One choice involves daily transaction infrastructure and customer-facing systems. The other reflects treasury strategy and long-term balance sheet exposure.
Musk’s public comments on cryptocurrency have also extended beyond Bitcoin. He has been associated with both Dogecoin and Ethereum at different points.
This points to a broader interest in digital assets generally. Even so, his support does not appear to treat every coin the same way.
The core question remains whether Tesla will act on Musk’s original condition. Bitcoin mining has grown cleaner and payment infrastructure has continued to improve.
Musk set his benchmark in 2021 without a fixed return date attached. Until Tesla makes an announcement, Bitcoin payments at Tesla remain an open question.
The post Will Tesla Bring Back Bitcoin Payments? Musk’s Vision Explained appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
Hyperliquid could enter the U.S. perpetual futures market through a proposed partnership involving Payward and Bitnomial.
Payward has presented the planned structure to the CFTC, but the arrangement still requires final regulatory approval.
Bitnomial could offer registered U.S. users selected crypto perpetual contracts linked to Hyperliquid markets.
Payward acquired Bitnomial earlier in 2026 for up to $550 million, gaining access to its regulated U.S. derivatives infrastructure.
Former SEC counsel Ashley Ebersole said regulatory changes involving custody and order routing could take 10 to 12 months.
Hyperliquid could move closer to offering perpetual futures to U.S. traders through a proposed partnership involving Payward, the parent company of Kraken, and Bitnomial. Bloomberg reported that Payward has presented the structure to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, while the plan still awaits final regulatory approval.
Under the proposal, Bitnomial would give registered U.S. users access to selected crypto perpetual contracts tied to markets on Hyperliquid’s decentralized exchange and Layer 1 blockchain. Payward gained control of Bitnomial earlier this year in a deal valued at up to $550 million.
Hyperliquid Plan Targets U.S. Perpetual Futures
Bitnomial operates within the U.S. derivatives market under CFTC oversight. Its business includes exchange, clearing, and brokerage services, which gives Payward a regulated route for expanding crypto derivatives access.
The planned structure would not bring Hyperliquid directly into the U.S. market without regulatory review. Former SEC senior counsel Ashley Ebersole said both the SEC and CFTC may need to revise interpretive rules covering custody and order routing before such a model can move forward.
Ebersole said the process could take at least 10 to 12 months, even if regulators moved quickly. He now serves as co-founder and chief legal officer at real-world asset platform tx.
The wider policy debate has also moved toward perpetual contracts. The Hyperliquid Policy Center recently asked the SEC and CFTC to align their treatment of the products and create clearer rules for firms seeking to offer them in the United States.
U.S. Regulators Expand Perpetual Futures Review
The CFTC has already opened the door to more crypto perpetual products. In May, the agency allowed KalshiEX and Coinbase to list crypto perpetual futures. It later sought public comment on crude oil perpetual contracts and round-the-clock trading.
President Donald Trump also mentioned Hyperliquid during a recent press conference, saying CFTC Chair Michael Selig was working on a compliant path for the platform. A CFTC spokesperson later said the agency wants financial innovation to develop within the United States.
Hyperliquid’s native HYPE token was trading near $84.25, up about 1.3% over 24 hours. The token reached a record above $86 last week and has gained more than 85% over the past year. The proposed U.S. arrangement remains subject to regulatory approval, and no launch date has been announced.
The post Hyperliquid Targets Regulated U.S. Perpetual Futures Access appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
OpenSea has added full Solana NFT trading support, allowing users to buy, sell, and trade Solana-based collectibles.
The rollout builds on OS2, which already supported Solana fungible tokens before adding NFT functionality.
Solana becomes OpenSea’s first non-EVM network for NFT trading since its earlier 2022 beta ended.
Users can now access collections such as Mad Lads, Claynosaurz, BoDoggos, Collector Crypt, and Phygitals.
OpenSea is expanding its multi-chain strategy as the broader NFT market continues to operate well below its 2021 and 2022 trading peaks.
OpenSea has expanded its marketplace by adding support for Solana NFT trading, giving users access to buy, sell, and trade digital collectibles issued on the Solana blockchain. The move brings Solana NFTs back to OpenSea after an earlier beta launch failed to gain strong market share. The latest integration runs on OS2, OpenSea’s rebuilt multi-chain platform. The company had already added Solana fungible token trading in April 2025 and said NFT support would follow.
OpenSea Adds Solana NFT Trading to OS2
OpenSea first tested Solana NFTs in April 2022. That beta covered about 165 collections, but Solana-focused marketplaces such as Magic Eden and Tensor handled most trading activity across the network.
The new rollout gives OpenSea users access to Solana collections including Claynosaurz, Mad Lads, BoDoggos, Collector Crypt, and Phygitals. Solana also becomes OpenSea’s first non-EVM network for NFT trading since the earlier beta ended.
OpenSea completed the public rollout of OS2 in May 2025. The platform supports NFTs and fungible tokens across more than 19 blockchain networks, shifting the marketplace toward a wider on-chain trading model.
Its supported networks include Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Avalanche, Base, Monad, Sei, and Berachain. Solana adds a different blockchain design to that list and broadens the range of assets available to users.
Solana Returns as NFT Competition Changes
The Solana NFT market has also changed since OpenSea’s first attempt. Magic Eden recently closed its Bitcoin and EVM marketplaces as it shifted more attention back to Solana, while Tensor remains active in the ecosystem.
OpenSea enters that market as wider NFT trading remains far below its 2021 and 2022 peaks. Monthly marketplace volumes now stand at a few hundred million dollars, compared with billions during the earlier boom.
Several NFT platforms have reduced or ended operations as trading activity weakened. Binance closed its centralized NFT service in June, while Nifty Gateway, Kraken NFT, and X2Y2 have also shut their marketplaces.
OpenSea’s Solana rollout follows changes to its wider business. The company also moved beyond NFTs by supporting fungible tokens and has discussed a future SEA governance token, although that launch has faced delays.
The company said OS2 aims to bring several types of on-chain assets into one interface, giving traders access to collectibles and tokens without switching across multiple separate marketplace products.
The post OpenSea Adds Solana NFTs as Market Competition Shifts appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
Apple stock fell 1.8% on Monday as John Ternus prepares to succeed Tim Cook as CEO.
Ternus will inherit a company valued at nearly $5 trillion, making future growth a key investor focus.
Apple sold about 72 million iPhones when Cook became CEO, compared with an estimated 255 million this year.
Apple returned more than $1 trillion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks during Cook’s tenure.
Artificial intelligence and Siri development are expected to rank among Ternus’s main priorities.
Apple (AAPL) stock fell 1.8% on Monday as John Ternus prepares to replace Tim Cook as chief executive. The leadership change comes as Apple approaches a $5 trillion valuation and faces pressure to find new sources of growth beyond the iPhone and services. Investors are watching how the transition may affect strategy, spending and products.
Apple Stock Falls as Leadership Changes
Ternus will inherit a company that expanded sharply under Cook. Apple sold about 72 million iPhones when Cook became CEO. Counterpoint Research now estimates the company will sell about 255 million units this year.
Cook also expanded Apple’s services business and maintained a steady product cycle. During his tenure, Apple returned more than $1 trillion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. The stock has gained more than 2,200% since he took charge.
Ternus will face immediate pressure to strengthen Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy. The company has announced new Siri features that aim to handle more tasks. Early testing showed that some responses remained slower than those from rival assistants.
Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman said Apple must identify the next major computing platform after smartphones. He noted that users already access services such as ChatGPT and Claude through Apple devices, giving the company a strong position in consumer AI.
Valuation and Supply Chain Risks Remain
Apple stock trades at about 33 times next year’s earnings, compared with roughly 20 times for the S&P 500. Apple’s earnings growth is also running at about half the pace of the broader market, increasing attention on its valuation.
The company also faces rising supply chain costs. AI companies are competing for memory, storage and logic chips, which can lift component prices. Apple still depends heavily on China for production while US-China trade tensions remain a risk.
Apple continues to draw demand from its core products. The iPhone 17 Pro has benefited from camera and battery upgrades. Mac demand has also improved as Apple-designed chips support large language models directly on devices.
A foldable iPhone is expected to feature in Ternus’s first major iPhone launch event. IDC estimates the device could capture 40% of the foldable smartphone market by the end of 2027. Ternus will also oversee Apple’s search for new products as competition in AI and consumer hardware increases.
The post Apple Stock Slips as CEO Transition Puts AI Strategy in Focus appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
Tesla stock rose Monday as investors prepared for the Cybercab launch event in Austin on Thursday.
The Cybercab is a two-seat autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals and uses Tesla’s AI4 computer.
Elon Musk previously said the Cybercab could cost about $30,000, though prediction markets see limited odds of that price.
Tesla plans to add the Cybercab to its Austin Robotaxi fleet, which has operated since June 2025.
Tesla stock trades above its 20-day and 50-day moving averages, showing stronger short-term momentum.
Tesla (TSLA) stock rose Monday as investors prepared for the company’s Cybercab launch event in Austin, Texas, on Thursday. Tesla has promoted the invite-only event on X, where it shared an image showing the vehicle’s silhouette and said the launch countdown had entered its final stage.
Tesla Stock Gains Ahead of Cybercab Event
The Cybercab is a two-seat autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals. Tesla designed it to use the company’s AI4 computer for driverless operation. The company first presented a concept version in October 2024, when 20 prototypes carried guests during a Tesla event.
Tesla plans to add the Cybercab to its Robotaxi service in Austin. That service has operated since June 2025. The launch gives investors another look at Tesla’s effort to expand beyond electric vehicle sales and build a larger autonomous transport business.
Investors are watching the expected Cybercab price. Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously said the vehicle could cost about $30,000. Prediction markets currently give an 18% chance that the final price will come in at $30,000 or lower.
Tesla has also said Cybercab will not be its only vehicle built for autonomous ride services. The company has cited the Robovan as another model planned for the future. No confirmed launch date has been announced for that vehicle.
Tesla Stock Technical Levels Draw Attention
Tesla stock now trades about 7% above its 20-day moving average and around 1.4% above its 50-day average. The move follows a recovery from the stock’s July low and shows stronger short-term trading activity.
However, shares remain about 4.3% below the 100-day moving average and nearly 9% below the 200-day average. The 20-day average also remains under the 50-day average. In April, the 50-day average moved below the 200-day average.
The MACD line has moved above its signal line, while the histogram has turned positive. Those readings show that recent selling pressure has eased. They do not confirm a full trend reversal because longer-term moving averages remain above the share price.
Resistance stands near $366.50, where previous rebounds have slowed. Support sits near $297.50, close to Tesla’s 52-week low. Traders may watch those levels closely as the Cybercab event approaches and Tesla stock reacts to new details on pricing, production plans, and broader future robotaxi expansion.
The post Cybercab Countdown Begins as Tesla (TSLA) Stock Tests Resistance appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
Amazon stock remains near record levels after reaching a new all-time high following second-quarter results.
AWS revenue rose 36.7% year over year to $42.2 billion, while backlog climbed to $496 billion.
AWS generated $16.6 billion in operating income and reached an annualized revenue run rate of about $169 billion.
Amazon’s custom chip and AI-related businesses each surpassed a $25 billion annualized revenue run rate.
Advertising revenue increased 26% year over year to $19.8 billion, supported by Sponsored Products, Prime Video, and live sports.
Amazon (AMZN) stock remains close to record levels after Amazon reported its second-quarter results and reached a new all-time high. Shares later eased from that peak, but the company’s core businesses continued to post strong growth across cloud computing, advertising, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence services.
Amazon also continued heavy spending on AI infrastructure. Strong operating results helped support that investment plan as the company expanded data centers, chips, automation, and cloud capacity.
Amazon Stock Supported by AWS Growth
Amazon Web Services generated $42.2 billion in second-quarter revenue, up 36.7% from a year earlier. AWS growth accelerated for a fifth straight quarter, while revenue increased by more than $4.6 billion from the previous quarter.
AWS backlog reached $496 billion and grew at a triple-digit rate from a year earlier. The business now has an annualized revenue run rate of about $169 billion as customers move more workloads to cloud services.
AWS also produced $16.6 billion in operating income during the quarter, while its revenue growth accelerated for the fifth consecutive quarter, according to management at Amazon.
Amazon’s custom chip business exceeded a $25 billion annualized revenue run rate and grew at a triple-digit pace. AI-related revenue also moved above $25 billion as customers increased spending on computing power and AI services.
Demand for Amazon’s Graviton processors also increased. Revenue commitments for the platform nearly tripled from the previous quarter, while Graviton5 adoption continued to grow among large AWS customers.
Advertising Revenue Keeps Expanding
Amazon’s advertising revenue reached $19.8 billion in the second quarter, rising 26% from a year earlier. Sponsored Products remained the company’s largest advertising format and continued to support growth across its retail platform.
Amazon also expanded advertising through Prime Video, live sports, Alexa+, and shopping tools. These services give brands more ways to reach consumers across Amazon’s digital platforms.
Amazon continued to improve its e-commerce network by placing inventory closer to customers and reducing package travel distances. The company also cut handling steps and improved package consolidation to control delivery costs.

Automation remains part of that strategy. Amazon expects to more than double its fleet of robotic arms, which could increase warehouse productivity as order volumes grow. Together, cloud growth, advertising gains, AI spending, and fulfillment improvements remain central to the current Amazon stock story.
The post Amazon (AMZN) Stock Pulls Back, but One Growth Engine Is Accelerating appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
GameStop Q2 profit surges as strong eBay gains offset a sharp decline in revenue.
GameStop expects Q2 net income of $290M to $310M despite a steep sales decline.
eBay gains contribute about $238M to GameStop’s preliminary quarterly profit.
GameStop records a $75M loss tied to digital assets and related receivables.
GME stock rises 2.61% to $18.34 as traders digest the preliminary Q2 update.
GameStop reported preliminary second-quarter figures showing stronger profits despite a sharp year-over-year decline in net sales. The company benefited substantially from gains tied to its large eBay investment during the quarter. Meanwhile, GME stock traded at $18.34, gaining 2.61% after recovering from an earlier decline.
GameStop Corp., GME
GameStop Q2 Sales Fall as Operating Income Improves
GameStop expects second-quarter net sales between $780 million and $800 million for the 13 weeks ended August 1. By comparison, the retailer generated $972.2 million during the corresponding quarter one year earlier. Therefore, preliminary figures indicate revenue declined by at least $172 million from the previous year’s level.
GameStop linked the sales decline partly to Nintendo Switch 2 sales recorded during the comparable prior-year quarter. Planned store closures also reduced the company’s sales base during the latest reporting period. Furthermore, the divestiture of its French operations removed another source of revenue from the company’s results.
However, operating income moved sharply higher despite the weaker sales performance. GameStop expects operating income between $150 million and $170 million, compared with $66.4 million one year earlier. That range represents more than twice the operating profit reported during the previous year’s second quarter.
eBay Investment Drives GameStop Net Income Higher
GameStop expects second-quarter net income between $290 million and $310 million based on its preliminary unaudited financial information. The retailer reported $168.6 million in net income during the same quarter last year. Consequently, the expected result represents a substantial year-over-year increase despite lower revenue.
A large portion of the quarterly profit came from GameStop’s financial exposure to eBay. The company recorded about $238 million in net gains from its eBay derivative asset and equity investment. GameStop converted the previously disclosed derivative position into a direct eBay equity holding during the quarter.
By August 1, GameStop owned approximately 43.4 million shares of eBay common stock. Those shares carried a fair value of about $4.947 billion at the quarter’s close. Therefore, eBay now represents a significant asset within GameStop’s broader investment portfolio.
Digital Asset Losses Offset Some Gains as Cash Declines
GameStop also recorded approximately $75 million in losses from digital assets and related receivables during the second quarter. Those losses partially reduced the substantial gains generated through the company’s eBay position. Even so, preliminary net income remained well above the level reported one year earlier.
The company’s cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities also declined significantly from the previous year’s second-quarter balance. GameStop expects those assets between $5.050 billion and $5.070 billion as of August 1. The company held approximately $8.694 billion in the same category at the previous year’s second-quarter close.
The conversion of GameStop’s eBay derivative position into direct shares contributed to the decline in reported liquid assets. Meanwhile, GameStop released the preliminary figures alongside amendments involving its convertible notes exchange. The company plans to publish complete second-quarter financial results on September 8, 2026.

The post GameStop (GME) Stock: eBay Gains Lift Q2 Profit as Revenue Falls Year Over Year appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
AMD and Cisco power HUMAIN’s live AI infrastructure rollout across Saudi Arabia.
HUMAIN brings AMD-powered AI capacity online for customers across Saudi Arabia.
AMD, Cisco and HUMAIN target a 250 MW Saudi AI expansion beginning in 2027.
Saudi Arabia adds new AI capacity as AMD and Cisco systems enter production.
AMD, Cisco and HUMAIN aim to scale Saudi AI infrastructure to 1 GW by 2030.
AMD expanded its Saudi Arabia presence as new computing infrastructure entered production with Cisco and HUMAIN. AMD shares traded at $469.13, up 0.76%, after recovering from an earlier intraday decline. The launch gives HUMAIN new computing capacity for customers across Saudi Arabia and other markets.
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., AMD
AMD Cisco and HUMAIN Bring Saudi AI Infrastructure Online
HUMAIN now operates infrastructure built around AMD Instinct MI355X graphics processors and AMD EPYC server processors. Cisco supplies the networking layer through its Silicon One platform, N9000 systems, and 800G optical technology. Together, the companies created a high-speed computing environment for training models and running large inference workloads.
The production system gives HUMAIN a platform for delivering graphics processing capacity as a service. Cisco designed the network for low latency, scale, and stable operation across demanding computing workloads. AMD provides the processors and software foundation needed to support large data workloads and complex computing tasks.
The deployment also advances the broader partnership between AMD, Cisco, and HUMAIN in Saudi Arabia. Previously, the companies outlined plans to build large computing facilities through a joint venture. The live system now provides an operating base for that wider expansion across the Kingdom.
Partners Target 250 MW Expansion From 2027
AMD, Cisco, and HUMAIN plan to add up to 250 megawatts of new computing infrastructure. The partners plan to start deployment in 2027 using AMD Instinct MI400 Series graphics processors. They also plan to use AMD EPYC processors, ROCm software, and Cisco networking across the expanded facilities.
The companies expect the first new capacity to enter service during the second half of 2027. Customer demand will guide the pace of expansion as HUMAIN adds more computing resources. Meanwhile, the joint venture remains focused on building up to one gigawatt of infrastructure by 2030.
That target would create a much larger computing base for Saudi Arabia’s growing digital economy. It would also increase local access to advanced processing resources for enterprises, research groups, and developers. Therefore, the project links near-term production capacity with a longer infrastructure buildout across the country.
Saudi Platform Supports Sovereign Computing Strategy
The partners designed the platform for organizations that want local control over data and computing operations. Governments and enterprises can use locally operated infrastructure while keeping more control over deployment and governance. Research groups and developers can also access large-scale computing resources without relying entirely on overseas facilities.
The system combines open software, high-performance processors, and interoperable networking within a locally operated environment. This structure gives customers more flexibility when they adapt models for language, business, or regulatory needs. It also supports centralized network control as HUMAIN expands capacity across additional facilities.
Saudi Arabia has increased spending on computing infrastructure as it develops broader digital and technology industries. HUMAIN plays a central role in that strategy by building local systems and offering computing services. The launch expands AMD’s regional role, gives Cisco another networking deployment, and adds active capacity for HUMAIN.

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TLDR
Papa Johns launches Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza with 30% more pepperoni nationwide.
Large Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza starts at $12.99 across participating U.S. stores.
PZZA stock trades at $23.63, down 0.40%, as Papa Johns expands its menu lineup.
The new pizza uses six-ingredient dough, signature sauce, and extra pepperoni.
A $15.99 bundle pairs the Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza with a two-liter Pepsi drink.
Papa John’s International, Inc. expanded its menu with an Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza aimed at customers seeking a heavier topping portion. PZZA stock traded at $23.63, down 0.40%, as the company introduced the new nationwide menu option for customers. The launch adds another value-focused product while keeping Papa Johns’ established dough, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni formula largely intact.
Papa John’s International, Inc., PZZA
Papa Johns Adds 30% More Pepperoni
The Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza carries 30% more pepperoni than the chain’s standard large pepperoni pizza available nationwide. Papa Johns built the product around a larger topping portion without changing the basic elements customers already know well. The company designed the launch for customers who prefer pepperoni-heavy pizzas and familiar flavors from the existing core menu.
Papa Johns uses its original dough, which the company makes with six simple ingredients and serves fresh daily. It adds signature pizza sauce and a Parmesan-Romano cheese blend before layering the increased pepperoni portion across the pizza. The company finishes the pizza with classic Italian seasoning, adding another familiar element to the new menu item.
The pepperoni contains no artificial colors or MSG, consistent with Papa Johns’ stated approach to ingredient quality standards. The specialty cheese blend adds another layer beyond the mozzarella commonly associated with the company’s regular pizza range. The launch therefore expands an established product category instead of introducing a separate format or unfamiliar menu concept for customers.
Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza Starts at $12.99
Papa Johns priced a large Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza from $12.99 at participating restaurants across the United States. The company also introduced a bundle starting at $15.99 for customers seeking a pizza and beverage combination nationwide. That package includes one large Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza and a two-liter Pepsi, giving customers another fixed-price ordering choice.
The rollout gives Papa Johns another promotional product as major restaurant chains compete for traffic and repeat customer orders. Menu launches can support customer interest because pricing, portion size, convenience, and familiar products often shape restaurant purchasing decisions. Papa Johns combines extra pepperoni with straightforward pricing, which keeps the product proposition simple across its domestic restaurant locations.
Customers can order the new pizza through Papa Johns restaurants, its website, or the company’s mobile application directly. Those ordering channels already support the chain’s delivery and carryout operations, so the launch requires no separate purchasing system. The broad availability also allows Papa Johns to promote the pizza through both physical restaurants and established digital ordering channels.
Papa Johns Builds on Global Pizza Operations
Papa Johns started in 1984 and has developed into the world’s third-largest pizza delivery company by restaurant count globally. The business operates approximately 6,000 restaurants across about 50 countries and territories through company-owned and franchised locations worldwide. That footprint gives major menu launches access to a large customer base and an established international restaurant network immediately.
The company has long used ingredient standards as a central part of its broader brand and product strategy. Papa Johns makes its original dough with six ingredients and uses it fresh rather than frozen across its restaurant operations. It also uses mozzarella cheese, vine-ripened tomato sauce, and meats that the company says contain no added fillers.
Papa Johns previously removed artificial flavors and synthetic colors from its entire food menu across its national delivery business. The company maintains co-headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, and Louisville, Kentucky, while its shares trade publicly on Nasdaq under PZZA. The Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza adds another core-menu option as Papa Johns continues using familiar ingredients to drive nationwide product launches.

The post Papa John’s International, Inc. (PZZA) Stock: Delivers More for Pepperoni Lovers With Ultimate Pizza Meta description: Papa Johns launches the Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza with 30% more pepperoni, starting at $12.99, as PZZA stock trades at $23.63 after a 0.40% decline today. Subtitle: Papa Johns expands its nationwide menu with a pepperoni-heavy pizza and a $15.99 meal bundle. TLDR: Papa Johns launches Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza with 30% more pepperoni nationwide. Large Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza starts at $12.99 across participating U.S. stores. PZZA stock trades at $23.63, down 0.40%, as Papa Johns expands its menu lineup. The new pizza uses six-ingredient dough, signature sauce, and extra pepperoni. A $15.99 bundle pairs the Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza with a two-liter Pepsi drink. Papa John’s International, Inc. expanded its menu with an Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza aimed at customers seeking a heavier topping portion. PZZA stock traded at $23.63, down 0.40%, as the company introduced the new nationwide menu option for customers. The launch adds another value-focused product while keeping Papa Johns’ established dough, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni formula largely intact. Papa Johns Adds 30% More Pepperoni The Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza carries 30% more pepperoni than the chain’s standard large pepperoni pizza available nationwide. Papa Johns built the product around a larger topping portion without changing the basic elements customers already know well. The company designed the launch for customers who prefer pepperoni-heavy pizzas and familiar flavors from the existing core menu. Papa Johns uses its original dough, which the company makes with six simple ingredients and serves fresh daily. It adds signature pizza sauce and a Parmesan-Romano cheese blend before layering the increased pepperoni portion across the pizza. The company finishes the pizza with classic Italian seasoning, adding another familiar element to the new menu item. The pepperoni contains no artificial colors or MSG, consistent with Papa Johns’ stated approach to ingredient quality standards. The specialty cheese blend adds another layer beyond the mozzarella commonly associated with the company’s regular pizza range. The launch therefore expands an established product category instead of introducing a separate format or unfamiliar menu concept for customers. Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza Starts at $12.99 Papa Johns priced a large Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza from $12.99 at participating restaurants across the United States. The company also introduced a bundle starting at $15.99 for customers seeking a pizza and beverage combination nationwide. That package includes one large Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza and a two-liter Pepsi, giving customers another fixed-price ordering choice. The rollout gives Papa Johns another promotional product as major restaurant chains compete for traffic and repeat customer orders. Menu launches can support customer interest because pricing, portion size, convenience, and familiar products often shape restaurant purchasing decisions. Papa Johns combines extra pepperoni with straightforward pricing, which keeps the product proposition simple across its domestic restaurant locations. Customers can order the new pizza through Papa Johns restaurants, its website, or the company’s mobile application directly. Those ordering channels already support the chain’s delivery and carryout operations, so the launch requires no separate purchasing system. The broad availability also allows Papa Johns to promote the pizza through both physical restaurants and established digital ordering channels. Papa Johns Builds on Global Pizza Operations Papa Johns started in 1984 and has developed into the world’s third-largest pizza delivery company by restaurant count globally. The business operates approximately 6,000 restaurants across about 50 countries and territories through company-owned and franchised locations worldwide. That footprint gives major menu launches access to a large customer base and an established international restaurant network immediately. The company has long used ingredient standards as a central part of its broader brand and product strategy. Papa Johns makes its original dough with six ingredients and uses it fresh rather than frozen across its restaurant operations. It also uses mozzarella cheese, vine-ripened tomato sauce, and meats that the company says contain no added fillers. Papa Johns previously removed artificial flavors and synthetic colors from its entire food menu across its national delivery business. The company maintains co-headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, and Louisville, Kentucky, while its shares trade publicly on Nasdaq under PZZA. The Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza adds another core-menu option as Papa Johns continues using familiar ingredients to drive nationwide product launches. appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:
Tenon Medical closes a $3M placement as TNON drops 4.79% to $4.7606 in trade.
One institutional backer receives shares plus warrants for 1.06M more shares.
Five-year warrants carry a $5.02 exercise price and can add future capital.
The $3M gross raise exceeds Tenon’s reported June cash position of $1.677M.
New shares and warrant exercises could expand TNON’s outstanding share count.
Tenon Medical fell 4.79% to $4.7606 after the company closed a $3 million private placement. The financing brings fresh capital, but it also creates significant potential dilution through new shares and long-dated warrants. The deal gives Tenon more cash flexibility as the medical device company manages a relatively limited balance-sheet position.
Tenon Medical, Inc., TNON
Tenon Medical Completes $3 Million Institutional Financing
Tenon Medical sold 597,610 common shares, or pre-funded warrants, to one institutional backer under the completed private placement. The transaction also included warrants allowing the buyer to purchase up to 1,058,517 additional common shares over time. As a result, the financing combines immediate equity issuance with a larger pool of potential future shares.
Tenon set the combined offering price at $5.02 for each common share and accompanying warrants issued under the agreement. Each pre-funded warrant package carried a combined effective price of $5.019 under the securities purchase agreement. The pre-funded warrants require only a $0.001 exercise price before conversion into common stock.
The company expects approximately $3 million in gross proceeds before placement fees and other estimated transaction costs. WallachBeth Capital served as the exclusive placement agent and arranged the transaction with the single institutional backer. Tenon will receive less than the stated gross amount after the company pays financing-related expenses and placement fees.
Five-Year Warrants Expand Potential Share Dilution
Tenon issued warrants covering up to 1,058,517 common shares alongside the securities sold in the private placement. Those warrants became immediately exercisable at $5.02 per share and remain valid for five years from issuance. Future exercises could bring additional cash into Tenon, but they could also increase the company’s outstanding share count.
The initial 597,610 shares already represent new equity exposure unless Tenon uses pre-funded warrants instead of common stock. The accompanying warrants create another layer of potential issuance throughout the five-year exercise period. That structure can reduce existing shareholders’ percentage ownership if holders exercise the securities and receive additional common shares.
Tenon also agreed to customary registration rights covering the issued shares and securities underlying both warrant structures. The company sold the securities through exemptions from federal registration requirements under applicable United States securities laws. Resales will require an effective registration statement or another available exemption before holders can legally resell those securities domestically.
Financing Adds Cash After Limited June Balance
Tenon reported $1.677 million in cash and equivalents at June 30, 2026, before completing the latest financing. The $3 million gross raise therefore exceeds the company’s reported quarter-end cash position by a wide margin. Even so, placement fees and offering costs will reduce the amount of fresh capital available for operating needs.
The June cash balance represented about 55.3 days of the company’s last reported quarterly operating cash use. The private placement gives Tenon additional liquidity while the company continues funding medical device operations and commercialization work. The transaction also follows earlier capital-market activity that increased the company’s access to additional equity financing during 2026.
Tenon develops medical devices for patients with certain sacro-pelvic disorders and depends on capital to support continued commercial expansion. Its financing structure now includes new shares, pre-funded warrants, and five-year warrants tied directly to the latest placement. Future registration filings and warrant exercises will show how much additional dilution ultimately reaches Tenon’s outstanding common stock.

The post Tenon Medical (TNON) Stock: Institutional Investor Backs $3M Financing Deal appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
Nvidia invests $3.5B in MediaTek to expand custom AI chips and data centers
Nvidia strengthens its AI strategy by backing MediaTek’s custom chip business
NVIDIA stock trades near $220 as Nvidia expands its AI infrastructure strategy
MediaTek gains Nvidia technology to build custom chips for cloud and AI firms
Nvidia expands its ecosystem as custom chips gain ground among cloud firms
Nvidia is expanding its AI infrastructure strategy through a $3.5 billion investment in Taiwanese chipmaker MediaTek. The deal combines MediaTek’s custom chip expertise with Nvidia’s networking technology for large data centers worldwide. Meanwhile, NVIDIA stock traded at $219.64, up 0.96%, after recovering from about $216.50 during trading.
NVIDIA Corporation, NVDA
Nvidia Expands Custom Chip Strategy
The investment gives MediaTek access to Nvidia’s NVLink Fusion platform for advanced custom chip development. Through the partnership, MediaTek can design specialized chips for cloud providers and AI companies using Nvidia infrastructure. Therefore, Nvidia can support custom silicon while retaining a central role in modern data center systems.
Major cloud providers and AI companies are developing internal chips to reduce reliance on Nvidia GPUs. However, Nvidia’s partnership with MediaTek connects custom processors with its existing networking and computing infrastructure. This approach lets Nvidia benefit from changing chip demand while expanding its broader technology ecosystem.
MediaTek expects its custom data center chip business to generate $2 billion in revenue during 2026. Nvidia’s investment can help MediaTek expand that business and reach more data center customers across global markets. The partnership also gives Nvidia another route into markets demanding specialized processors for specific workloads.
Nvidia Strengthens NVLink Fusion Ecosystem
NVLink Fusion allows third-party chips to communicate with Nvidia systems at high speeds across data center infrastructure. Consequently, customers can combine custom processors with Nvidia technologies while maintaining a common platform. This system supports Nvidia’s broader rack-scale strategy across computing, networking, and connected infrastructure.
Nvidia recently expanded its relationship with Amazon Web Services through a separate NVLink Fusion partnership. AWS plans to deploy an additional two million Nvidia GPUs and integrate the networking technology across its infrastructure. Together, these moves extend Nvidia’s platform beyond standalone graphics processors into broader systems.
The strategy also addresses rising demand for custom silicon among cloud companies and AI laboratories. Instead of competing directly with every custom chip, Nvidia can connect those processors to its infrastructure. This model can preserve demand for Nvidia networking and data center products as chip designs diversify.
Nvidia Extends Partnerships Across Computing Markets
The MediaTek agreement also covers desktop systems, consumer computers, and software-defined vehicles. Both companies will continue working on Nvidia’s DGX Spark and RTX Spark platforms for developer and consumer computing. They will also develop vehicle platforms combining MediaTek automotive systems with Nvidia computing technologies.
MediaTek brings experience across smartphones, smart homes, automobiles, and wireless communications to the expanded relationship. Meanwhile, Nvidia gains another strategic partner with established expertise in specialized chip design and commercial relationships across the sector. The partnership therefore broadens Nvidia’s reach as computing workloads spread across more markets.
For NVIDIA stock, $220 remains key resistance, while $217.55 marks important support during renewed selling pressure. The partnership adds a strategic development alongside Nvidia’s strong intraday price recovery. Consequently, Nvidia continues expanding its infrastructure strategy while adapting to the growing demand for custom chips.
The post Nvidia (NVIDIA) stock: Expands AI Strategy With $3.5 Billion MediaTek Investment appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
Broadcom launches TrueSource to strengthen enterprise open source security.
TrueSource combines verified builds, security patches, and enterprise support tools.
Spring Enterprise adds human-reviewed security fixes across key dependencies.
Trusted Artifacts extends secure builds across Java, Python, Node.js ecosystems.
Data Services brings verified support to PostgreSQL, MySQL, RabbitMQ, and Valkey.
Broadcom launched TrueSource, a new enterprise portfolio focused on secure and commercially supported open source software. The platform combines verified software builds, security tools, deployment support, and engineering oversight across several major ecosystems. Broadcom stock traded at $370.64, up 0.50%, after recovering from an earlier intraday decline.
Broadcom Builds TrueSource Around Verified Software
TrueSource combines Spring Enterprise, Trusted Artifacts, and Data Services under one enterprise open source security framework. Broadcom designed the portfolio around verified builds, direct remediation, security visibility, and support from experienced engineers. The company targets organizations that depend heavily on open source software across applications and infrastructure.
Broadcom engineers select libraries against reference architectures before building and verifying them for enterprise deployment. The company also contributes fixes upstream, keeping maintainers involved in remediation and long-term software support. Meanwhile, automated tools scan customer repositories and recommend lower-risk paths for applying security updates.
Eligible customers can also receive early remediation for vulnerabilities that have not reached public disclosure. Critical infrastructure organizations can access dedicated patch insights and mitigation guidance through a separate program. Broadcom presents the approach as an alternative to relying entirely on automated patch generation.
Spring Enterprise Expands Broadcom Security Coverage
Spring Enterprise provides curated Spring releases from the team responsible for maintaining the widely used Java framework. Broadcom combines automated vulnerability scanning with manual engineering review before releasing security fixes to customers. The service also supports maintained release lines, helping organizations address vulnerabilities without unnecessary software changes.
Coverage extends beyond Spring into more than 5,000 verified Java libraries across supported dependency trees. Those dependencies include Apache Tomcat, Kotlin, and other components used across enterprise Java applications. Broadcom also prepares fixes across supported Spring versions before public vulnerability disclosures become available.
Customers can receive security-only patches without adopting broader point releases that may require additional testing. This option can shorten remediation cycles when teams need one security fix without unrelated application changes. Broadcom expanded this work as Spring reported a sharp increase in monthly security advisories.
Trusted Artifacts and Data Services Extend TrueSource
TrueSource Trusted Artifacts expands Broadcom’s secure build model across Java, Python, Node.js, and container software. The service uses clean-room builds and includes hardened container images from the Bitnami Secure Images catalog. Broadcom applies internal engineering processes to scan, fix, and maintain commonly used open source packages.
TrueSource Data Services extends the portfolio to PostgreSQL, RabbitMQ, MySQL, and Valkey enterprise data engines. Broadcom combines validated distributions with deployment automation, operational support, and security visibility for those workloads. The service also covers related extensions, Operators, and Helm Charts used in enterprise deployments.
Broadcom has increased its software supply chain security focus as businesses expand open source adoption. The company uses automated scanning while keeping engineers responsible for final patches, reviews, and validation. Spring Enterprise, Trusted Artifacts, and Data Services are available through tiered site licensing options.

The post Broadcom (AVGO) Stock: New TrueSource Portfolio Targets Secure Open Source Software appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
Paramount extends WBD-linked debt offers through September 11 ahead of closing.
PSKY rises 1.33% to $11.02 after recovering from earlier intraday weakness.
Tender participation reaches 66.28% while exchange offer participation hits 75.48%.
Paramount plans debt settlements around the closing of its proposed WBD acquisition.
Debt offers cover WBD notes with maturities stretching from 2027 through 2052.
Paramount Skydance Corporation extended key debt offers tied to its planned Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition through September 11, 2026. The company aims to align the debt settlement process with the proposed transaction’s closing schedule. PSKY traded at $11.02, gaining 1.33% after recovering from earlier weakness during the session.
Paramount Skydance Corporation Class B Common Stock, PSKY
Paramount Extends Tender and Exchange Offer Deadlines
Paramount moved the expiration deadline for its tender and exchange offers to 5:00 p.m. New York time on September 11. The offers cover selected notes issued by Discovery Global Holdings and Discovery Communications. Paramount may extend the deadline again if the acquisition timetable requires a later settlement.
The company currently expects settlement to occur during the third quarter of 2026. However, Paramount intends to match settlement timing with the WBD acquisition closing or a date immediately afterward. Eligible noteholders may withdraw valid tenders before the extended expiration deadline.
Paramount had already extended the offers several times between June 12 and August 24. Those extensions gave noteholders more time while the acquisition process continued toward closing. The latest move keeps the debt restructuring process linked to Paramount’s wider transaction plan.
Tender Participation Reaches High Levels
By August 28, holders had tendered about 66.28% of eligible tender offer notes. Meanwhile, holders had tendered about 75.48% of eligible exchange offer notes by the same deadline. Paramount said ongoing extensions could change the final participation levels before the offers close.
The tender offer includes Discovery Communications’ 3.950% senior notes due in 2028. It also includes Discovery Global Holdings’ 3.755% senior notes due in 2027. The exchange offers cover several additional debt series with maturities ranging from 2029 through 2052.
Eligible dollar-denominated notes total several billion dollars across the listed series. The program also includes euro-denominated Discovery Global Holdings notes due in 2030 and 2033. Paramount plans to issue new notes to qualifying holders who participate in the exchange offers.
Debt Offers Support Planned WBD Acquisition
Paramount launched the debt offers as part of preparations for its proposed Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition. The company designed the offers to address selected WBD issuer debt before the transaction closes. That process could simplify portions of the combined company’s financing structure after completion.
Paramount alone makes the offers, while WBD and its debt issuers do not manage them. Each offer operates separately, and Paramount may amend, extend, terminate, or withdraw individual offers when conditions allow. The company can also waive certain offer conditions within applicable legal requirements.
The exchange offers rely on exemptions from federal securities registration requirements. Only qualified institutional buyers and eligible non-U.S. persons may participate after completing required eligibility procedures. Paramount continues to manage the debt process as it works toward completing the proposed WBD acquisition.

The post Paramount Skydance Corporation (PSKY) Stock: Debt Offers Extended Ahead of WBD Acquisition appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:
ICE has agreed to invest in tZERO’s latest funding round as part of a new set of agreements.
tZERO’s patent portfolio spans 23 patent families and 103 patents covering token lifecycles.
ICE will license tZERO’s blockchain patents for use in its new Digital Trading Platform build.
tZERO is expected to seek approval as a digital transfer agent on ICE’s NYSE-linked platform.
Intercontinental Exchange has signed agreements with tZERO to build infrastructure for a planned NYSE-affiliated tokenized securities platform. The deal covers digital transfer-agent and broker-dealer systems designed to support on-chain settlement.
ICE will also invest in tZERO’s latest funding round. In exchange, ICE gains a license to tZERO’s blockchain patent portfolio.
ICE and tZERO Outline Roles for Tokenized Securities Platform
The two firms signed a memorandum of understanding covering tZERO’s role as a design partner.
tZERO will help shape transfer-agent and broker-dealer infrastructure for ICE’s Digital Trading Platform. That platform is being developed under ICE’s NYSE affiliation to support tokenized securities trading and settlement. The arrangement positions tZERO as an early technical partner rather than a simple vendor.
ICE’s investment in tZERO comes as part of the company’s latest financing round. Terms of the investment were not disclosed in the announcement.
Alongside the funding, ICE receives a license to use tZERO’s patent portfolio across the Digital Trading Platform and other applications. That license extends beyond the platform itself to future blockchain use cases at ICE.
tZERO’s patent holdings span 23 patent families and 103 individual patents. They cover compliance-aware transfer logic and upgradeable smart contract frameworks.
The portfolio also includes tools for corporate-action handling and broker-dealer identity interoperability. Those components are meant to support the full lifecycle of a security token, from issuance through settlement.
Michael Blaugrund, ICE’s vice president of strategic initiatives, said tZERO’s regulated infrastructure experience supports the exchange’s digital transfer agent program.
Alan Konevsky, tZERO’s chairman and chief executive, called the partnership a step forward for the firm’s infrastructure-as-a-service business. He described the tie-up as an extension of years spent building regulated tokenization technology.
ICE Taps tZERO to Help Build Infrastructure for NYSE-Affiliated Tokenized Securities Platform
ICE and tZERO have entered into agreements to develop infrastructure for ICE’s planned NYSE-affiliated tokenized securities platform. tZERO will help design digital transfer-agent and… pic.twitter.com/2yatUmnsz3
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) August 31, 2026
Standards Work and Collateral Use Cases Move Forward Next
Under the memorandum, ICE plans to consult with tZERO on standards for digital transfer agents and tokenization agents. Those standards would also apply to broker-dealer subscribers operating on the Digital Trading Platform.
Regulatory and technology requirements still need to be met first. ICE has not set a public deadline for finalizing those standards.
tZERO is expected to seek designation as an approved digital transfer agent for the platform. That designation would also cover its role as a subscriber, pending regulatory sign-off. No timeline for approval was included in the announcement.
Approval would let tZERO operate directly within ICE’s new tokenized trading infrastructure.
ICE and tZERO will separately evaluate using tZERO’s tokenized assets for collateral management. That use case would extend across ICE’s clearing houses and other affiliated entities.
The companies did not specify which asset classes are under consideration. Collateral use would mark a further application of tokenized assets beyond trading and settlement.
The agreements mark tZERO’s deepest tie yet to a major exchange operator. tZERO has spent years building regulated infrastructure for tokenized securities markets.
The ICE partnership extends that infrastructure toward public equities trading. Both companies framed the deal as an early step rather than a finished product.
The post NYSE Parent ICE Taps tZERO for Tokenized Stock Infrastructure appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
Nvidia announces a $3.5 billion convertible bond investment in MediaTek to strengthen its AI infrastructure network
Crude oil surged more than 2% past the $90 mark following U.S. military strikes on Iranian facilities
PG&E shares tumbled approximately 18% as California wildfire liability concerns resurface
GameStop stock gained ground even after projecting quarterly sales between $780 million and $800 million, down from last year
Market participants are preparing for Broadcom’s upcoming earnings release and Friday’s employment data
Markets opened the week with notable individual stock movements and heightened geopolitical developments affecting energy commodities.
Nvidia Strengthens AI Position Through MediaTek Partnership
Nvidia has committed $3.5 billion to MediaTek via convertible bonds. This arrangement grants MediaTek’s client base access to Nvidia’s advanced NVLink Fusion platform.
The partnership extends across multiple sectors including AI-powered personal computers, automotive applications, and data-center semiconductor solutions.
This move represents Nvidia’s continued effort to diversify beyond its core GPU business. Through strategic alliances, the company is constructing a comprehensive AI infrastructure that extends its technological influence.
The collaboration underscores the accelerating integration of AI capabilities across diverse hardware categories and computing environments.
Crude Prices Surge Following U.S. Military Strike on Iran
Oil prices experienced significant gains after U.S. military operations targeted Iranian installations on Larak Island. Brent crude advanced over 2%, pushing back above the $90 threshold.
Market focus immediately shifted to potential supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global petroleum shipments.
Supply constraints in this region could drive energy costs substantially higher. Elevated crude prices present headwinds for manufacturing and logistics sectors, while potentially complicating the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions regarding interest rate reductions.
PG&E Shares Tumble on California Wildfire Concerns
PG&E experienced a dramatic decline of roughly 18% during Monday’s session, marking one of the most significant individual stock selloffs.
The sharp downturn followed heightened investor anxiety over potential wildfire-related liabilities throughout California. Utility providers face substantial financial exposure from major fire incidents through litigation and insurance claims.
The selloff created ripple effects across the utilities sector more broadly. Market observers are monitoring developments regarding PG&E’s actual financial risk exposure from recent fire activity.
GameStop Advances Despite Revenue Decline Forecast
GameStop projected second-quarter revenues ranging from $780 million to $800 million. This represents a significant decrease from the $972.2 million recorded during the comparable period in the prior year.
The revenue contraction stems from ongoing retail location closures and the company’s withdrawal from the French market.
Counterintuitively, shares appreciated following the announcement. Market participants responded positively to management’s plan to deploy cash reserves toward retiring a portion of a $1.4 billion debt restructuring. This strategic move could minimize future equity dilution concerns.
Broadcom Results and Employment Data Loom Large
Investors are preparing for two consequential market catalysts. Broadcom will release quarterly earnings, while Friday delivers the August employment situation report.
Broadcom attracts significant attention due to its central position in AI infrastructure development, spanning custom accelerator chips and advanced networking solutions. The company’s financial performance will offer critical insights into whether technology sector AI capital expenditures maintain momentum.
Economic forecasters anticipate approximately 55,000 net job additions for August, following July’s unexpectedly weak performance. Robust employment growth could reinforce expectations for additional Federal Reserve rate hikes. Conversely, disappointing figures might diminish those concerns.
These upcoming developments are positioned to influence market sentiment through week’s end.
The post Market Movers Today: Nvidia (NVDA), PG&E (PCG), GameStop (GME), and Crude Oil Rally appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
ChatGPT’s advertising platform has achieved a $1 billion annualized revenue run rate in approximately 200 days of operation
The advertising system is currently operational across more than 40 nations, with self-service capabilities rolling out to India, Europe, MENA region
Advertisements display to free-tier users and Go plan subscribers, featuring transparent labeling without conversation data access
The AI giant projects $2.5 billion in advertising revenue for this fiscal year while maintaining a trajectory toward $40 billion in overall annualized revenue
Second quarter 2026 revenue reached $6.7 billion as the organization prepares for its anticipated 2027 public offering
On Monday, OpenAI announced that its advertising division within ChatGPT has achieved a $1 billion annualized revenue run rate. The firm positioned this achievement as evidence of revenue diversification as it approaches a potential public market debut.
OPENAI ADS HIT $1B ANNUALIZED REVENUE
OpenAI says its ad business reached the milestone roughly 200 days after launch. ChatGPT Ads are now available in 40+ countries, with self-service buying expanding today across India, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
Ads currently… pic.twitter.com/QLhDgSTLyY
— Wall St Engine (@wallstengine) August 31, 2026
This advertising vertical has been operational for approximately 200 days. It complements the company’s existing revenue channels, which include enterprise licensing agreements, direct consumer subscriptions, and pay-as-you-go API services.
The company initiated ad testing within ChatGPT across the United States in February. This strategic decision attracted scrutiny from competitor Anthropic, which featured OpenAI’s advertising strategy prominently in its inaugural Super Bowl marketing effort.
Global Expansion Reaches Over 40 Markets
The ChatGPT advertising platform has expanded its presence to over 40 countries worldwide. This week, OpenAI activated its self-service advertising infrastructure for marketing professionals across India, European markets, the Middle East, and North African territories.
OpenAI introduced advertising capabilities in India during the previous week, targeting one of ChatGPT’s most significant user bases. The initial launch featured fifty brand partners, supported by major agency collaborations with WPP and Omnicom. Indian advertisers will gain access to a self-service ad management platform on September 4, requiring a minimum daily investment of approximately $7.60.
Promotional content surfaces for individuals using the no-cost tier and those subscribing to the Go membership level. The company emphasized that advertisements carry clear identification and do not influence ChatGPT’s response generation process. Marketing organizations cannot access users’ confidential conversation histories.
Earlier this year, the organization implemented cost-per-click payment structures. This pricing innovation provides advertisers with an alternative billing mechanism that charges exclusively for user clicks, supplementing the established cost-per-thousand-impressions framework. OpenAI simultaneously eliminated its $50,000 minimum spending threshold when democratizing access to its self-service Ads Manager platform for all American businesses.
Revenue Trajectory and Public Market Timeline
OpenAI has established an advertising revenue objective of $2.5 billion for the present fiscal year. The organization maintains momentum toward surpassing $40 billion in total annualized revenue, representing approximately double its performance rate from late 2025.
During Q2 2026, OpenAI generated $6.7 billion in revenue, marking an increase from the previous quarter’s $5.7 billion.
The organization recorded a $38.5 billion net loss during 2025 against $13.07 billion in revenue. Currently advancing toward its scheduled 2027 initial public offering, the company faces mounting expectations to validate its $852 billion valuation before potential investors.
OpenAI outlined that upcoming initiatives will deliver advertising capabilities to additional geographic markets while introducing innovative ad formats, purchasing mechanisms, and analytics capabilities. The organization indicated plans to develop additional pathways for commercial entities to engage with users throughout the ChatGPT platform.
The post ChatGPT Advertising Revenue Reaches $1 Billion Milestone in Under Seven Months appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
The crypto infrastructure collaboration between Coinbase and Webull now includes Canada
Webull Canada Crypto Limited will utilize Coinbase for custody solutions and liquidity provision
The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) oversees Webull Canada’s operations
Canadian crypto ownership has surged to 25% from 10% in 2023
Digital assets on Webull Canada do not qualify for CIPF insurance coverage
The digital asset exchange Coinbase and brokerage platform Webull have revealed plans to expand their infrastructure collaboration into the Canadian market. This development builds upon their existing partnerships across the United States, Brazil, and Australia.
JUST IN: Coinbase signs crypto infrastructure deal with Webull in Canada. pic.twitter.com/TeLyTMgpJx
— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) August 31, 2026
The arrangement positions Coinbase as the primary infrastructure provider for Webull Canada Crypto Limited. Canadian Webull users will benefit from Coinbase’s liquidity networks and secure custody solutions through this collaboration.
Webull Canada Crypto Limited operates under the oversight of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). The entity maintains membership in the Canadian Investor Protection Fund as well.
That said, digital currency holdings managed via Webull Canada fall outside CIPF insurance parameters. The service provides execution-only cryptocurrency trading capabilities.
Throughout Canada’s provinces and territories, Coinbase Canada holds Restricted Dealer registration status. This regulatory framework enables the company to facilitate the partnership’s Canadian operations.
According to Michael Constantino, CEO of Webull Canada, the collaboration equips the platform with robust infrastructure capable of meeting client expectations for scale and dependability. He emphasized that cryptocurrency has emerged as an increasingly significant component of Canadian investment portfolios.
Surging Canadian Crypto Adoption
Data from an Ontario Securities Commission survey reveals that cryptocurrency ownership among Canadians has reached 25% of the population. This represents a dramatic increase from the 10% figure recorded in 2023, illustrating rapid market penetration.
The timing of this expansion aligns with rising demand. Webull aims to capture Canadian investors seeking cryptocurrency access within a regulated brokerage framework.
Coinbase’s Crypto-as-a-Service infrastructure serves as the foundation for these services. The same technology platform supports Webull’s digital asset offerings across its international markets.
Both companies emphasized their commitment to providing cryptocurrency access through compliant and dependable infrastructure. They characterized the partnership as contributing to the broader evolution of digital finance for emerging investor demographics.
Market Response
Equity markets reflected the announcement with modest movement. Webull shares declined 1.3% while Coinbase dropped 0.5% during Monday morning trading sessions.
Coinbase operates as a publicly listed entity on major stock exchanges. Webull functions as an international brokerage that has steadily diversified its service offerings in recent periods.
The Canadian market entry represents another milestone in Coinbase’s approach of enabling cryptocurrency services for partner platforms beyond direct retail customer engagement.
Through this partnership, Webull Canada gains access to Coinbase’s extensive liquidity pools and secure infrastructure architecture. The firms indicated this arrangement aims to enhance the overall cryptocurrency experience for Canadian Webull clients.
Canada joins an expanding roster of international markets where these two companies collaborate on digital asset service delivery.
The post Coinbase (COIN) and Webull Bring Crypto Services to Canada Through Strategic Partnership appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways
Shares of IBM have declined 19% since July 14 following disappointing second-quarter results that fell short of revenue projections.
Susquehanna’s James Friedman lifted his price target from $225 to $235 while maintaining a Neutral stance on the stock.
The company’s quantum computing operations are drawing increased interest, though they contribute minimal revenue at present.
An IBM senior executive offloaded $5.75 million in company shares on August 26.
The upcoming Quantum World Congress in September could serve as an important catalyst for investor sentiment.
Trading commenced Monday with IBM shares at $235.78, hovering near the 52-week floor of $199.19 and significantly beneath the 52-week peak of $332.46. The stock has shed 19% of its value since July 14, a period during which the S&P 500 climbed 2.1%.
The decline began with a historic single-session drop following IBM’s pre-announcement of second-quarter results. While the company delivered earnings of $2.93 per share that aligned with expectations, revenue came in at $17.16 billion—missing the $17.46 billion Wall Street consensus. Year-over-year revenue growth registered a modest 1.1%.
A contributing pressure point has been clients reallocating capital toward artificial intelligence infrastructure, diverting funds from IBM’s conventional product portfolio.
Quantum Computing Takes Center Stage
As legacy business segments encounter headwinds, IBM’s quantum computing arm has emerged as a focal point for investors. Susquehanna’s James Friedman drew attention to IBM’s purchase of HRL Laboratories and its collaboration with the Commerce Department to establish Anderon, an independent quantum chip manufacturing facility.
The tech giant has invested in quantum computing research for more than two decades and has played a role in significant scientific achievements. However, the unit remains revenue-light, and widespread commercial adoption hinges on technological breakthroughs anticipated within this decade.
Friedman elevated his IBM price objective to $235 from $225 while retaining his Neutral outlook. He identified the annual Quantum World Congress scheduled for late September as a potential near-term catalyst for heightened technology sector interest.
Additional factors he noted include a revitalized software strategy within IBM’s consulting division under new leadership, constrained Red Hat expansion due to easing server supply bottlenecks, and a mainframe revenue timing issue—where 40% of delayed Q2 transactions closed early in the third quarter.
Executive Stock Sale and Institutional Activity
Senior Vice President Robert David Thomas divested 25,000 IBM shares on August 26 at an average price of $230.32, generating proceeds of $5.76 million. This transaction reduced his stake by 34.34%, leaving him with 47,800 shares remaining.
Meanwhile, multiple institutional investors expanded their positions throughout the second quarter. New Republic Capital boosted its holdings by 144%, and Daiwa Securities Group grew its position to 251,572 shares valued at $70.7 million.
Institutional investors and hedge funds collectively control 58.96% of IBM’s outstanding shares.
Analyst consensus on IBM stands at “Moderate Buy” with a mean price target of $265.40. The stock has garnered sixteen Buy recommendations, eleven Hold ratings, and one Sell rating. Barclays maintains an Overweight rating with a $262 price objective, while JPMorgan also carries an Overweight designation with a $250 target.
IBM’s upcoming quarterly dividend payment of $1.69 per share is slated for September 10.
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