Captain

Farooq Malik, CEO of Rain, announced that the company’s stablecoin payment system has now reached over 100,000 merchants through various partnerships, including integrations with Visa. Malik highlighted that many of these merchants are unaware that their transactions are facilitated by Rain’s stablecoin platform, underscoring the widespread adoption of the technology.
Rain’s stablecoin payments enable merchants to accept digital currencies with ease, offering different settlement options. Transactions settled via the Visa network typically take about three days to process, while merchants opting for direct stablecoin settlement can receive funds on the same day, providing faster liquidity and convenience.
The company recently completed a $250 million funding round, reflecting investor confidence in its approach to bridging traditional payment networks with blockchain-based stablecoins. This funding aims to further expand Rain’s infrastructure and merchant network, as well as enhance user experience and payment speed.
Malik’s remarks suggest that Rain is making significant strides in integrating stablecoins into everyday commerce, with the goal of transforming how digital currencies are used for retail payments. The rapid growth in merchant acceptance indicates a shift toward mainstream adoption of stablecoins in the global payments ecosystem. #Rain #Stablecoin #DigitalPayments

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has issued a warning regarding the impact of negative perceptions of data centers on Sen. Jon Husted's chances of winning a crucial Ohio Senate seat. According to Axios, the NRSC's private memo, titled "Ohio Data Center Risk," highlights how Democrats have made data centers a central issue in their campaign against Husted, potentially influencing voter perceptions.
The memo argues that these negative views are actively hurting Husted's campaign and suggests that if he loses the race, it could have broader implications for politicians across the country. The NRSC is concerned that the campaign against data centers is becoming a significant obstacle, with opponents framing them as environmentally unfriendly or disruptive to local communities.
The warning reflects the broader political debate surrounding data centers, which are vital for supporting cloud infrastructure, AI development, and digital economy growth. Despite their importance to technological progress, data centers often face local opposition due to concerns over energy consumption, noise, and environmental impact. The memo indicates that this opposition is being weaponized politically in Ohio, a key battleground state.
The NRSC's concern underscores how technological infrastructure issues can influence electoral outcomes, especially in closely contested races. The outcome of the Ohio Senate race could serve as a bellwether for how data center development and environmental concerns are shaping political campaigns nationwide. #Ohio #DataCenters #Election2026

Private equity firm EQT AB is reportedly considering the sale of its English language education businesses in Vietnam, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg. The potential divestment reflects a strategic review by EQT of its portfolio in the education sector amid changing market dynamics and regional opportunities.
The businesses under consideration include a network of English language schools that have been operating in Vietnam, a country where demand for English education continues to grow due to ongoing economic development and increased foreign investment. The sale could involve a full or partial transfer of ownership, depending on market conditions and buyer interest.
EQT has not publicly announced any definitive plans regarding the sale, and discussions could still be at an early stage. The company’s evaluation of its Vietnam assets aligns with broader industry trends where private equity firms reassess their holdings in education, especially in emerging markets with high growth potential but also complex regulatory environments.
The outcome of this process could shape the future landscape of English education providers in Vietnam, as new investors may seek to capitalize on the country’s expanding middle class and demand for language skills. EQT’s moves in this sector will be closely watched by industry observers, reflecting strategic shifts in private equity approaches to education investments across Asia. #EQT #Vietnam #EducationSector

Geoffrey Mansfield, a veteran in the energy sector, has resigned from his position as the global desk lead for low-carbon fuels trading at Shell Plc after 26 years with the oil major, according to Bloomberg. The departure marks a significant change in Shell's strategic focus on low-carbon energy sources and trading activities.
A person familiar with the matter confirmed that Mansfield stepped down from his role, although no official reasons were disclosed. His resignation comes amid a broader shift in the energy industry, where traditional oil companies are increasingly investing in renewable and low-carbon solutions, yet face internal and external challenges in balancing these new initiatives with core fossil fuel operations.
Mansfield’s extensive experience in the industry and his leadership role in low-carbon fuels trading made him a key figure in Shell’s efforts to pivot toward more sustainable energy markets. His departure could signal a restructuring or realignment within Shell’s trading division as the company navigates evolving market demands and regulatory pressures.
The timing and reasons behind Mansfield’s decision remain unclear, but industry observers suggest it reflects ongoing strategic adjustments within Shell as it grapples with the transition to a low-carbon future. His resignation highlights the ongoing changes and uncertainties facing legacy energy companies in a rapidly transforming energy landscape. #Shell #LowCarbonFuels #EnergyTransition

Protests have erupted once again in Libya's capital following the country's third widespread blackout in just two days, according to Bloomberg. The outages have significantly impacted daily life, fueling public anger over the deteriorating state of basic services in the energy-rich nation.
The persistent power failures have led to renewed demonstrations in Tripoli, with residents expressing frustration over the ongoing infrastructure crisis. Many affected citizens have taken to the streets to demand urgent action from authorities to restore electricity and improve the country's failing energy system.
These outages highlight the broader challenges Libya faces in maintaining stable energy supplies amid political instability and economic difficulties. The repeated blackouts have underscored the urgent need for substantial investments and reforms in the country's infrastructure to prevent further disruptions and restore public trust.
The situation continues to escalate as protesters call for government accountability and immediate measures to address the crisis. The recurring outages and protests reflect deep-seated issues in Libya's governance and infrastructure, which remain critical hurdles to stability and development. #Libya #Blackout #Protests

Wang Haojun, CFO of Pony.ai, revealed that the company's overseas deployment plan for Robotaxis has now exceeded 4,000 vehicles. The company, which recently announced a collaborative effort with Uber, plans to deploy more than 2,000 vehicles across five key European cities, marking a significant expansion of its autonomous ride-hailing fleet.
Wang expressed confidence that Pony.ai will surpass its revenue target for Robotaxi services in 2026, emphasizing steady progress toward deploying 3,500 Robotaxis in over 20 cities globally. This ongoing expansion highlights the company's aggressive growth strategy and its focus on establishing a strong presence in Europe, where autonomous mobility is increasingly gaining support and infrastructure.
The partnership with Uber aims to accelerate deployment efforts and improve the scalability of Pony.ai’s autonomous fleet in Europe. With the combined deployment of thousands of Robotaxis, the companies are working toward creating a more extensive and integrated autonomous mobility network that could reshape urban transportation.
Wang’s positive outlook underscores Pony.ai’s commitment to technological advancement and market penetration, as it aims to lead in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle industry. The deployment expansion also signifies a broader industry trend of increasing acceptance and deployment of autonomous taxis in major cities worldwide. #PonyAI #Robotaxi #AutonomousVehicles

A whale has significantly increased its stake in ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), holding the position for 24 days after first opening it on July 26. The whale's holdings have grown from 2,390,881.4 shares to 2,900,641 shares, reflecting an additional investment in the company.
The current value of the whale's position is approximately $24.52 million, with an unrealized profit of about $5.65 million. The whale has paid roughly $4.044 million in funding fees for maintaining this position, indicating active management and a strong confidence in CXMT’s future prospects.
This holding accounts for roughly 37.2% of the open interest in the pair, although it remains well below the level that would pose a dominant influence. The increase in shares suggests the whale's optimistic outlook on CXMT, particularly given the company's role in the memory chip industry and the ongoing demand for semiconductor components.
The sustained position and recent addition highlight a strategic move by the investor, reflecting their view that CXMT's stock has growth potential despite the volatile market environment. The position's size and profitability underscore the importance of institutional and high-net-worth investor activity in the memory chip sector. #ChangXinMemory #CXMT #WhaleActivity

Kuaishou (01024.HK) announced its revenue for the second quarter of 2026, reaching 35.535 billion yuan, according to Jin10. This marks a slight increase compared to the 35.046 billion yuan reported in the same period last year, demonstrating steady growth amid a competitive digital content landscape.
The company’s revenue growth reflects continued user engagement and monetization efforts across its short-video and live-streaming platforms. Despite challenges faced by the broader tech sector, Kuaishou has maintained its revenue trajectory through advertising, e-commerce, and other value-added services.
Market analysts interpret the results as a positive signal of the company's resilience and ability to adapt to changing consumer behaviors, especially as the digital entertainment market becomes increasingly saturated. Kuaishou’s ability to sustain growth in revenue highlights its strong user base and diversified monetization strategies.
Looking ahead, Kuaishou is expected to continue investing in content innovation and platform enhancements to further boost user engagement and revenue streams. The company's performance in Q2 suggests it remains a key player in China's social media and digital content industry. #Kuaishou #Q22026Revenue #DigitalContent

The Saudi Exchange announced that trading activities would resume at 10:30 a.m. local time on August 19, after an unexpected technical glitch earlier in the day caused a temporary suspension. The exchange confirmed that all functions have now returned to normal following the disruption.
The technical issue, which was not specified in detail, prompted authorities to halt trading to ensure market stability and security. After addressing the problem, the exchange assured market participants that normal operations would recommence at the designated time.
This incident highlights the importance of robust technical infrastructure in maintaining continuous trading operations, especially in a major financial hub like Saudi Arabia. The exchange's quick response and communication aimed to minimize impact on traders and investors.
Market observers noted that such disruptions, while rare, underscore the need for ongoing technological upgrades and contingency planning in financial markets. The Saudi Exchange emphasized its commitment to providing a reliable trading environment and will continue to monitor and improve its systems to prevent future incidents. #SaudiExchange #MarketStability #TradingUpdate

The euro area’s current account surplus expanded in June, according to the European Central Bank, driven mainly by increases in primary income such as dividends, wages, and direct investment flows. Seasonally adjusted, the surplus rose to 35.1 billion euros from 25.8 billion euros in May, indicating a stronger external position for the region during that month.
Unadjusted data shows an even larger surplus of 46.9 billion euros, reflecting a significant inflow of funds into the euro area. Despite fluctuations in other components, the primary income growth has been a key factor in boosting the overall surplus, highlighting the region’s ongoing attractiveness to foreign investors and the strength of its income-generating assets.
This widening surplus suggests that the euro area continues to benefit from robust income flows, even amid varying global economic conditions. The surplus indicates a net inflow of funds, which can support currency stability and influence monetary policy considerations for the European Central Bank.
While the surplus growth underscores resilience in the euro area's external sector, analysts note that external factors such as global investment trends and geopolitical developments could continue to impact the current account balance in the coming months. #EuroArea #CurrentAccount #EuropeanEconomy

South Africa's annual inflation rate slowed more than expected in July, according to Bloomberg, providing support for the central bank’s decision to hold interest rates steady. The data indicates that inflationary pressures are easing, which may influence monetary policy amid ongoing economic uncertainties.
The latest figures show that inflation slowed to a level that suggests a more cautious approach to rate adjustments. This development gives the South African Reserve Bank room to pause and evaluate the economic fallout from recent geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing fallout from the Iran conflict, before making further moves.
Analysts point out that the slowdown in inflation supports the case for maintaining current interest rates, allowing policymakers to assess how external factors, such as global oil prices and geopolitical developments, continue to influence inflation dynamics. The decision to keep rates unchanged would aim to strike a balance between supporting growth and controlling inflation.
The softer inflation reading reflects a potential easing of price pressures across key sectors, which could bolster consumer confidence and stabilize the economy. However, officials remain cautious about external shocks that could impact inflation and growth prospects in the coming months. #SouthAfrica #Inflation #MonetaryPolicy

Topwin Chuangyi (Shenyang) Semiconductor Equipment Co., Ltd., backed by Topwin Technology, has significantly increased its registered capital from 500 million yuan to approximately 3.36 billion yuan, representing an increase of about 572%. This capital boost was reported by Jin10 and marks a major expansion for the company within the semiconductor equipment sector.
The substantial increase in registered capital indicates a strong commitment and confidence from its investors, likely aimed at supporting increased production capacity, research and development, or other strategic initiatives to strengthen its position in the semiconductor supply chain. The move also reflects broader industry trends of ramping up domestic capabilities amid global supply chain tensions.
This capital injection positions Topwin Chuangyi as a more prominent player in the semiconductor equipment industry, which is increasingly vital as countries push for technological independence and advanced manufacturing capabilities. The company’s growth is aligned with broader national efforts to bolster the semiconductor ecosystem, especially in regions like Shenyang, known for its industrial base.
By expanding its registered capital so dramatically, Topwin Chuangyi aims to accelerate its development projects and possibly expand into new markets or product lines. This move underscores its ambition to become a key contributor to China’s semiconductor manufacturing ambitions and technological self-sufficiency. #Semiconductors #China #IndustrialGrowth

Japan's holdings of U.S. Treasuries decreased by approximately $26.4 billion in June, dropping from $1.1431 trillion at the end of May to $1.1167 trillion, according to data from the U.S. Treasury Department. Despite this decline, Japan remains the largest overseas holder of U.S. Treasuries, maintaining a significant position in the global debt market.
The overall foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries also declined during the same period, falling from $9.371 trillion in May to $9.299 trillion in June. This represents a reduction of about $72 billion, reflecting a broader retreat by international investors from U.S. debt assets.
In addition, foreign official holdings, which include central banks and government agencies, dropped by roughly $70 billion, totaling $3.778 trillion at the end of June. This retreat by official sector buyers indicates a shift in global appetite for U.S. debt, possibly influenced by changing monetary policies, currency considerations, or geopolitical factors.
The data suggests a cautious stance among international investors regarding U.S. Treasuries, as a combination of economic uncertainties and strategic reallocations influence their holdings. The ongoing decline highlights the dynamic nature of global debt portfolios and the evolving relationship between U.S. debt and international capital flows. #USTreasuries #Japan #GlobalDebt

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has voiced strong skepticism about Goldman Sachs' recent estimate that the global space economy will reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, describing it as "too conservative." Musk highlighted that the potential market could be much larger, driven by advancements in reusable rockets, satellite networks, and orbital computing technology.
On X, Musk responded to a user’s post referencing Goldman Sachs' latest projection by writing, "It will be much bigger." His comments suggest that the current estimates may significantly underestimate the true scale of growth in the space industry, especially as technological innovations continue to lower costs and expand capabilities.
Musk’s assertion underscores his belief that the space economy is poised for explosive growth, fueled by ongoing developments in reusable rocket technology that reduce launch costs, and the expanding deployment of satellite constellations for global internet coverage. He envisions a future where orbital computing and space-based infrastructure become central to the digital economy, creating a market far beyond current projections.
This outlook aligns with Musk’s broader vision of making space more accessible and economically viable, emphasizing that the true market potential lies in the integration of space-based services with terrestrial digital networks. His comments add to the ongoing debate about the future of the space industry and its role in the global economy. #SpaceEconomy #ElonMusk #SpaceX

Shanjing has introduced its new Loomos L1 AI glasses at an initial price of 2,699 yuan, marking its return to the market after the company halted and fully refunded its first AI glasses model, the A1, following widespread complaints. The A1, which was priced at 999 yuan, was sold out prior to the product issues coming to light.
The company stated that it invested millions of yuan to rebuild the underlying system of the new model, addressing previous concerns and improving overall performance. The Loomos L1 now features a dual-chip design, which is intended to enhance processing power and stability, aiming to deliver a better user experience.
This comeback comes after the earlier A1 model faced significant product complaints that led to the halting of sales and complete refunds for customers. Despite the challenges, Shanjing’s decision to relaunch with a more advanced version signals its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in the competitive AI glasses market.
The new Loomos L1 is positioned as a premium option in the segment, with a focus on improved hardware and software integration. The company’s efforts to rebuild its product demonstrate a strategic move to regain consumer trust and establish a stronger foothold in the emerging AI wearable industry. #Shanjing #AIGlasses #LoomosL1

U.S. installed capacity for clean energy has reached a record high this year, despite ongoing policy pushback from the previous Trump administration aimed at weakening renewable energy development. According to data from S&P Global Energy, the new capacity added is expected to hit approximately 45 gigawatts, marking about a 25% increase over the peak set in 2024.
This surge in clean energy capacity reflects a significant shift in the U.S. energy landscape, driven largely by soaring power demand and the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions. Analysts note that even with political efforts to curb renewable initiatives, market forces and technological advancements have continued to propel growth in the sector.
The record growth highlights the resilience of the renewable energy industry amid policy uncertainties. It indicates that investments in solar, wind, and other clean energy sources are continuing to accelerate, supported by strong economic and environmental incentives. This trend is seen as a positive sign for the broader transition toward a low-carbon energy system in the United States.
Despite political challenges, the momentum behind renewable energy expansion remains robust, with industry experts emphasizing that the long-term outlook for clean energy remains optimistic. The increasing capacity underscores the importance of sustainable solutions in meeting future energy needs and combating climate change. #CleanEnergy #Renewables #USEnergy

UK consumer prices have increased to their highest level in four months, driven largely by a rise in energy bills, according to Bloomberg. The recent data signals a return to inflationary pressures after a period of relative stability, impacting household finances and economic outlook.
Matt Bunny of Bloomberg Economics provided details indicating that the surge in energy costs has played a significant role in elevating overall consumer prices. The increase in energy bills has ended a brief period of relief for British households, who had experienced some easing in inflation earlier this year.
The rise in inflation comes amid broader concerns about rising living costs and monetary policy responses. The increase in energy bills is attributed to factors such as global energy market fluctuations and supply chain issues, which continue to influence prices across the UK.
Economists are closely monitoring these developments, as higher inflation may lead to adjustments in interest rates and impact consumer spending and economic growth in the coming months. The recent uptick underscores ongoing challenges in balancing inflation control with economic stability. #UK #Inflation #EnergyPrices

A UAE official has publicly denied reports suggesting that the country is providing financial facilitation for Iran, according to Jin10. The official emphasized that such claims are untrue and do not reflect the country’s policies or actions.
The reports, which circulated recently, alleged that the UAE was involved in offering certain financial services or support that could benefit Iran. However, the official clarified that the UAE remains committed to its international obligations and has not engaged in any activities that would facilitate Iran's financial transactions in a manner contrary to regulations.
This denial comes amid heightened scrutiny of financial and diplomatic relations in the region, especially considering the geopolitical tensions involving Iran. The UAE has maintained a stance of neutrality and adherence to international sanctions and agreements, reaffirming that it does not support any activities that could undermine those frameworks.
The official statement aims to dispel misinformation and reassure international partners and markets that the UAE is committed to transparent and compliant financial practices. The situation underscores the importance of verified information in maintaining regional stability and trust in financial operations. #UAE #Iran #FinanceNews

Australia’s government has firmly rejected the proposal from the far-right One Nation party to cut cigarette taxes by 75%, citing concerns over public health and the potential rise in smoking rates. The proposal aimed to lower cigarette prices significantly, with the stated goal of reducing crime related to illegal tobacco markets by making legal cigarettes more affordable.
The government’s response emphasized that it will instead ramp up efforts to combat the influx of illegal tobacco flooding the country. Officials stated that tackling illicit tobacco trade remains a priority, as it undermines public health policies and results in substantial revenue losses. The government reaffirmed its commitment to enforce existing regulations and strengthen border controls to prevent illegal shipments.
This disagreement highlights ongoing debates within Australia about balancing public health initiatives against economic and social concerns. While some political factions advocate for tax reductions to ease financial burdens, the government maintains that such measures could exacerbate health issues and contribute to increased crime rates associated with unregulated tobacco markets.
By rejecting the tax cut proposal, Australia continues to prioritize anti-smuggling efforts and aims to protect its public health framework. The decision underscores the government’s stance that addressing illegal tobacco supply chains is essential for maintaining effective regulation and safeguarding communities from associated criminal activities. #Australia #TobaccoTax #IllegalTrade

Seoul city government has announced a comprehensive urban development plan aimed at transforming all sidewalks across the city into continuous shaded walkways by 2028. This initiative is part of Seoul’s broader efforts to combat the rising temperatures associated with extreme heat waves, which have become a persistent challenge in recent years.
The plan was unveiled by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon during a news conference, where he emphasized that citizens should have the right to walk on shaded streets, especially during the hottest parts of the day. The project involves installing shading structures and canopies along sidewalks to provide relief from the sun’s heat, creating a cooler and more comfortable urban environment.
Heat waves are no longer brief discomforts but are increasingly becoming a long-term concern for urban populations. Seoul’s move to install shaded walkways reflects a proactive approach to urban climate adaptation, aiming to improve public health and quality of life while also mitigating the urban heat island effect.
The city’s strategy will include designing the shaded walkways to blend with existing urban infrastructure and ensure accessibility for all citizens. The initiative demonstrates Seoul’s commitment to sustainable urban planning and climate resilience, setting an example for other cities facing similar heat-related challenges. #Seoul #UrbanDevelopment #ClimateResilience