Blockonomi

TLDR
CLS stock rebounds 9.17% after hours, reversing a 5.14% regular-session drop.
Celestica Q3 revenue surges 83% to $5.83 billion as cloud infrastructure expands.
Adjusted earnings jump 109% to $3.30 per share, with margins reaching 8.5%.
Celestica raises its 2026 revenue outlook to $21 billion and EPS to $11.55.
Celestica targets $40 billion in 2027 revenue as AI infrastructure demand grows.
Celestica Inc. (CLS) shares surged after hours Monday after the company reported an 83% jump in third-quarter revenue. Sales reached $5.83 billion, while adjusted earnings per share more than doubled. CLS gained 9.17% to $268.99 after regular trading ended, reversing an earlier decline.
Celestica Q3 Earnings Drive After-Hours Rebound
During regular trading, Celestica stock fell 5.14% to $246.65, shedding $13.36 before its earnings announcement. The subsequent rally followed results for the quarter ending September 30, 2026. Revenue climbed from $3.19 billion in the comparable 2025 quarter.
Adjusted earnings reached $3.30 per diluted share, compared with $1.58 in the prior-year quarter. Meanwhile, GAAP earnings increased to $3.26 per diluted share from $2.31 a year earlier. Adjusted earnings per share grew 109% year over year.
Celestica reported an 8.5% adjusted operating margin, up from 7.6% in the comparable quarter. However, its GAAP operating margin declined to 7.9% from 10.2% last year. A completed public offering raised $3.45 billion in gross proceeds.
Celestica Raises 2026 Revenue and Earnings Forecasts
Following the quarterly results, Celestica increased its full-year revenue outlook to $21 billion from $20.5 billion. It also raised its adjusted earnings forecast to $11.55 per share from $11.30. Management linked the increases to recent results and stronger fourth-quarter demand.
For the fourth quarter, the company projected revenue between $6.275 billion and $6.575 billion. It expects adjusted earnings of $3.37 to $3.57 per diluted share during that period. Its guidance assumes an 8.7% adjusted operating margin at the forecast midpoint.
Celestica reduced its 2026 free cash flow forecast to $460 million from $600 million. The company attributed the revision to working capital investments supporting faster expansion next year. Its previous forecast for a full-year adjusted operating margin of 8.4% remains unchanged.
AI Infrastructure Demand Supports 2027 Expansion Plans
Celestica expects 2027 revenue to reach $40 billion, representing 90% growth over its updated 2026 target. The company also forecasts adjusted earnings of $21.50 per share for next year. It targets a 9.0% adjusted operating margin, which would set another company record.
Celestica plans capital spending between $1.5 billion and $2 billion during 2027. Its growth strategy centers on equipment and infrastructure for large cloud operators and advanced AI developers. Management also indicated that customer demand projections for 2028 exceed current expectations for 2027.
Celestica operates two segments: Connectivity and Cloud Solutions, and Advanced Technology Solutions. Its cloud business includes networking, servers, and storage products, while other operations serve aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. The updated forecasts reflect greater capacity needs as customers expand their orders.

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TLDR
SpaceX (SPCX) stock falls 0.40% to $146.90 before a 0.30% after-hours rebound.
SpaceX secures $40 billion in GPU financing led by Apollo and Goldman Sachs.
Nvidia Vera Rubin chips will expand Grok computing and data center capacity.
SpaceX expects GPU leasing to begin in the first half of 2027 under its deal.
Rising debt costs and GPU depreciation put pressure on specialized cloud firms.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SPCX) stock declined 0.40% to $146.90, shedding $0.59 before recovering 0.30% to $147.34 after hours. The decline came as SpaceX announced a $40 billion financing agreement to acquire Nvidia GPUs for its computing operations. The agreement will support Grok development and expand the company’s data center infrastructure through its xAI business.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., SPCX
SpaceX Secures $40 Billion Financing for Nvidia GPUs
SpaceX arranged the financing through a master finance lease involving Apollo Global Management and Goldman Sachs. Apollo and Goldman Sachs led the financing commitments, while Goldman Sachs served as the structuring agent. Affiliates of BlackRock, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, and KKR also participated in the transaction.
Under the agreement, an Apollo-managed entity will purchase Nvidia Vera Rubin GPUs and related equipment for SpaceX. SpaceX will lease the hardware through separate tranches, with each lease lasting approximately five to 5.25 years. The company will make quarterly payments covering principal and a fixed annual financing rate.
The financing structure also requires rent equal to 5% of each tranche’s financed cost. SpaceX expects to complete the agreement before year-end, with equipment leasing scheduled to begin during the first half of 2027. The company described the arrangement as the largest committed GPU financing transaction to date.
Grok Expansion Drives SpaceX Data Center Investment
SpaceX plans to deploy the Nvidia processors across infrastructure supporting Grok and other xAI computing requirements. The equipment will provide additional capacity for training models and processing requests as computing demand expands. Furthermore, the investment supports terrestrial data center development alongside the company’s longer-term orbital computing plans.
SpaceX absorbed xAI in February, combining its space operations with the artificial intelligence business. The integration brought Grok development and computing infrastructure under the company’s broader investment strategy. Meanwhile, Starlink subscriptions and rocket launches continue generating revenue outside the data center business.
Moody’s assigned SpaceX a Baa1 investment-grade rating in June, strengthening its position in credit markets. Elon Musk subsequently warned that lenders had restricted financing access for companies dependent on AI data center revenue. He also predicted consolidation among specialized cloud providers facing tighter borrowing conditions.
AI Financing Pressures Raise Questions About GPU Economics
The SpaceX agreement follows a $36 billion structured financing transaction supporting GPU purchases for Anthropic. Apollo and Blackstone led that earlier arrangement, which involved Broadcom and equipment leasing commitments. Consequently, large technology infrastructure projects continue attracting financing despite growing concerns about hardware values.
CoreWeave illustrates the financial pressure facing specialized GPU cloud providers as borrowing costs increase. Its shares declined approximately 30% between September 30 and October 16, while its debt approached $50 billion. Meanwhile, its unsecured bonds yielded approximately 15% in mid-October, reflecting expensive financing conditions.
GPU depreciation presents another challenge because computing hardware can lose value before financing agreements expire. CoreWeave recorded nearly $1.4 billion in depreciation and amortization against approximately $2.6 billion in second-quarter revenue. Venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya also expects unused computing capacity and industry consolidation during 2027.

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TLDR
Vertex launches Sōl to connect tax reporting, audit records, and AI decisions.
VERX stock slides 1.49% to $15.16 following the launch of its Vertex Sōl platform.
Vertex Sōl gives tax teams greater control over AI recommendations and decisions.
A Vertex survey finds 81% demand full visibility before adopting compliance AI.
New tools link tax calculations, e-invoicing, reporting, and audit records.
Vertex, Inc. (VERX) has introduced Vertex Sōl, a new platform that connects tax compliance processes through artificial intelligence. The system combines tax decisions, regulatory intelligence, reporting, and audit records within a unified framework. Meanwhile, VERX stock fell 1.49% to $15.16, losing $0.23 after recovering from an intraday low near $14.87.
Vertex, Inc., VERX
The launch expands Vertex’s technology portfolio as businesses seek greater control over automated tax operations. Vertex Sōl connects compliance activities across individual transactions, from initial tax calculations through reporting and audits. Tax departments can identify potential errors earlier and manage supporting records through one system.
Vertex Sōl Brings AI Into Tax Compliance Operations
Vertex Sōl integrates tax determination, electronic invoicing, regulatory reporting, and audit preparation into a connected workflow. The platform maintains transaction records throughout each compliance stage, reducing the need for separate documentation processes. Furthermore, Vertex Intelligence supports the system with regulatory information, tax expertise, explanations, and recommendations.
The company designed the platform to give tax professionals direct control over automated decisions. Teams can review recommendations, approve actions, and reverse decisions when necessary. This structure allows businesses to adjust automation levels according to internal policies and compliance requirements.
Vertex serves a customer base that includes more than 60% of Fortune 500 companies. Its existing tax solutions support businesses that manage complex transactions across different regulatory environments. The new platform extends those services by connecting tax calculations with documentation and audit requirements.
Vertex Survey Highlights Demand for AI Oversight
Vertex introduced the platform as enterprises examine the risks and benefits of automated compliance systems. A company-commissioned survey questioned 402 tax and compliance software decision-makers across the United States and Germany. Emerald Research Group conducted the research to assess expectations surrounding artificial intelligence in compliance operations.
The survey found that 81% of respondents required full visibility into automated decisions before adopting AI compliance tools. Respondents also wanted the ability to override or reverse automated actions at any time. These findings highlight the importance of transparency and human control in regulated financial operations.
Vertex Sōl addresses these requirements through adjustable automation settings and decision records. Tax departments can choose whether the system recommends actions, assists employees, or operates within established controls. Meanwhile, its recordkeeping functions allow teams to trace decisions back to their original transactions.
Vertex Expands Compliance Capabilities Across Tax Workflows
Vertex Sōl supports several activities that tax departments handle throughout the reporting cycle. When regulations change, the platform connects updated requirements with relevant transactions and identifies potential compliance impacts. Tax professionals can then review the information before making operational changes.
Before filing, the system identifies relevant issues and provides recommendations within company-defined controls. During audits, it helps teams organize notices, gather supporting documents, and identify missing information. These functions connect routine compliance work with the evidence businesses need during regulatory reviews.
Industry research firm IDC identifies governance and traceability as important requirements for enterprise compliance technology. Its assessment emphasizes the need to explain automated actions and connect them with original tax decisions. Vertex’s latest launch reflects that direction while extending its existing compliance software capabilities.

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TLDR:
Santiment counted 59.95 million non-empty Bitcoin addresses on October 26, down 30,000 since October 16.
BTC touched $79,332 on Monday before trading near $80,000, with resistance marked at $82,000–$82,500.
Ali Martinez flagged a four-hour channel breakdown, identifying $72,500 as a potential buying area for BTC.
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs lost $635.6 million on October 22 and $137.9 million on October 23, Farside said.
Bitcoin’s loss of 30,000 funded wallets has created a market paradox, as declining retail participation coincides with mounting warnings of another selloff. Consequently, the contrasting signals raise questions about whether investors are witnessing seller exhaustion that could establish a market bottom or continued weakness pointing to further losses.
Santiment reported October 26 that Bitcoin had approximately 59.95 million non-empty addresses, down 30,000 since October 16. Its findings suggest discouraged smaller holders may be withdrawing after prolonged stagnation. The count measures funded blockchain addresses, rather than individuals, making it an indirect indicator of shifts in retail behavior.
Bitcoin’s Falling Wallet Count May Signal A Bottom
Bitcoin has lost roughly 30K non-empty wallets since October 16th, bringing the total back down near 59.95M. This may sound alarming, but it doesn’t necessarily signal declining utility. After weeks of stagnant $BTC price… pic.twitter.com/vI2kJHhGEf
— Santiment Intelligence (@SantimentData) October 26, 2026
Yet BTC traded near $80,000 on Monday after touching roughly $79,332. That decline leaves price analysis confronting two competing readings: seller exhaustion and a weakening technical structure. BTC must also contend with resistance around $82,000, while another chart assessment identifies a buying area substantially lower.
30,000 Bitcoin Wallets Lost as $80,000 Bottom Faces Test
Santiment describes shrinking retail participation as a potential contrarian signal. Historically, recoveries can follow periods when impatient holders abandon positions, reducing speculative enthusiasm. However, a wallet is not an investor.
One person may control several addresses, meaning Bitcoin address losses cannot establish precisely how many people sold. Santiment’s October 9 price analysis showed the opposite trend.
At that point, addresses holding less than 0.01 BTC were increasing despite weaker markets. The firm then viewed continued retail buying as an obstacle to recovery. By October 26, its price analysis highlighted falling wallet numbers instead. For BTC, the immediate reference is $80,000.
Stabilization there, followed by a move beyond $82,500, would strengthen the firm’s proposed bottoming interpretation. Conversely, a sustained break below $79,000 would leave that interpretation unsupported. Bitcoin still needs observable buying demand rather than address counts alone.
BTC Channel Breakdown Puts $72,500 in Focus Amid ETF Outflows
Beyond the on-chain signals, technical indicators reinforce concerns about further downside. Ali Martinez’s price analysis shows BTC breaking below a rising channel on the four-hour chart, disrupting its previous pattern of higher lows.
BITCOIN APPROACHES BUY ZONE
Bitcoin appears to have broken below a rising parallel channel on the 4-hour chart.
As long as $82,000 holds as resistance, $BTC could continue correcting toward $72,500.
That’s where I’ll be looking for the next buying opportunity. pic.twitter.com/lHnB4XnUhS
— Ali Charts (@alicharts) October 26, 2026
Consequently, Martinez identifies $82,000 as resistance and $72,500 as a potential buying area, approximately 9% below Monday’s Bitcoin price. Meanwhile, institutional positioning adds another dimension to the market’s uncertainty.
Glassnode reported on October 21 that U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF holders had an average entry price near $81,500. Corporate treasuries, by comparison, held an average purchase price around $80,200.
Furthermore, Glassnode’s price analysis identified the True Market Mean near $77,600, providing another reference below $80,000 without confirming further losses. Recent institutional flows also highlight the challenges facing a sustained recovery.
According to Farside Investors, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $635.6 million in outflows on October 22, followed by another $137.9 million on October 23. Against this backdrop, BTC price analysis centers on reclaiming $82,000–$82,500 or extending losses below $79,000.
Adding to the uncertainty, the Federal Reserve’s October 28 policy decision presents another near-term market catalyst. Until resistance is reclaimed, this price analysis leaves Bitcoin without a confirmed bottom, while BTC remains exposed to the lower support levels identified by analysts.
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TLDR
Quantum Cyber stock tumbles 13.85% to $0.8701 despite its QuantumCT presentation.
Quantum Cyber introduces antenna research at QuantumCT’s Phase 3 industry event.
Magnetic navigation leads Quantum Cyber’s roadmap for satellite-limited settings.
QuantumCT brings Yale, UConn and industry together to advance quantum sensing.
The presentation brings no research award, funding deal, or procurement contract.
Quantum Cyber N.V. presented its antenna technology at a Connecticut event focused on quantum sensing and commercial applications. The company outlined potential uses in navigation, communications, and energy harvesting during QuantumCT’s Phase 3 gathering. Meanwhile, QUCY stock plunged 13.85% to $0.8701, losing $0.1399 as selling pressure pushed shares toward session lows.
Quantum Cyber N.V., QUCY
Quantum Cyber Presents Antenna Technology at QuantumCT Event
Quantum Cyber participated in the QuantumCT Phase 3 Pilot Collaboration RFP Convening on October 16, 2026. The event took place in New Haven, Connecticut, bringing together academic researchers and technology companies. Participants explored opportunities to develop quantum sensing systems through joint research and industry partnerships.
Nadab Akhtar and William Skidd delivered the company’s presentation during the industry discussion session. Skidd serves as Chief of Staff at Project LightShift and joined Akhtar in explaining the antenna research. Their presentation highlighted possible commercial applications and technical development priorities within the emerging quantum sensing sector.
QuantumCT organized the gathering to launch its Phase 3 request for proposals process. The program connected researchers with industry specialists to address technical challenges and identify possible development projects. Furthermore, speakers examined how quantum sensing technologies could support practical applications across different industries.
Quantum Cyber Targets Magnetic Navigation Technology
Quantum Cyber identified magnetic navigation, or MagNav, as the first milestone in its proposed commercial development roadmap. The technology aims to support positioning and navigation when conventional satellite systems become unavailable or unreliable. Such capabilities could serve defense operations and other environments with limited access to satellite navigation.
The company also discussed longer-term research opportunities involving quantum communications and energy harvesting. These applications could expand the potential uses of its antenna research beyond navigation systems. The company must complete further engineering, testing, and validation before establishing their practical capabilities.
The presentation connected the company’s antenna research with broader developments in quantum sensing. Quantum-based technologies use physical properties to measure environmental conditions and support specialized detection systems. Quantum Cyber plans to explore potential applications as researchers continue developing the underlying technology.
QuantumCT Phase 3 Program Supports Research Collaboration
QuantumCT operates through a public-private partnership involving Yale University, the University of Connecticut, and Connecticut’s state government. The initiative supports quantum technology research, commercialization, and adoption through cooperation between academic institutions and businesses. Its Phase 3 process encourages proposals addressing specific technical challenges and potential commercial applications.
During the gathering, previously awarded project teams presented their work alongside invited academic and industry speakers. Participants also reviewed proposal requirements, evaluation criteria, and timelines for the new funding process. Breakout discussions and networking sessions provided further opportunities for technical exchanges and possible partnerships.
Quantum Cyber’s Connecticut operations give the company an existing connection to the state’s technology sector. Nevertheless, its participation represented an opportunity to present research rather than secure a formal project agreement. QuantumCT did not award the company funding, approve procurement, or establish a funded research collaboration through this presentation.

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TLDR
Seagate Technology shares rose 3.92% to $655.19 following a key storage milestone.
Microsoft Azure qualified Seagate’s HAMR and SMR drives with Broadcom infrastructure.
Seagate’s Mozaic drives became the first SMR drives on Broadcom’s approved list.
Broadcom connectivity helps data centers manage larger fleets of hard drives.
HAMR and SMR integration supports higher storage density for cloud and AI workloads.
Seagate Technology (STX) stock climbed 3.92% to $655.19, gaining $24.70 during Monday’s trading session. The advance followed a major storage technology milestone involving Microsoft Azure and Broadcom. The development strengthens Seagate’s position in high-capacity storage infrastructure for artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Seagate Technology Holdings plc, STX
The stock experienced strong late-morning buying, which pushed shares toward intraday highs before a modest afternoon pullback. Meanwhile, Seagate announced expanded compatibility between its advanced hard drives and Broadcom’s storage connectivity systems. Microsoft Azure also completed qualification testing, confirming the configuration’s suitability for large-scale data centers.
Seagate Technology Expands Storage Compatibility With Broadcom
Seagate Technology announced that its Mozaic drives achieved a significant interoperability milestone through Broadcom’s host bus adapter infrastructure. The drives combine heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) with shingled magnetic recording (SMR) technology. Consequently, Seagate became the first manufacturer to secure Broadcom’s approved vendor status for SMR drives.
Broadcom’s host bus adapter connects servers with storage devices and supports communication across large hard drive networks. The technology allows data center operators to connect, identify, and manage extensive storage systems more efficiently. Furthermore, the expanded compatibility provides another deployment option for organizations managing increasing data storage requirements.
Seagate developed its Mozaic platform to improve storage density while supporting continued increases in hard drive capacity. HAMR technology enables higher recording density, while SMR organizes data tracks more tightly within each drive. Together, these technologies help data centers expand storage capacity without proportionally increasing physical infrastructure requirements.
Microsoft Azure Completes Qualification of Seagate Storage Technology
Microsoft Azure Storage completed qualification of Broadcom’s host bus adapter with Seagate’s HAMR and SMR drive configuration. The qualification demonstrates compatibility between the technologies within the demanding operating conditions of hyperscale data centers. As a result, the milestone establishes a practical foundation for broader deployment across large storage environments.
Microsoft’s validation also addresses important requirements involving infrastructure management, storage density, and operational efficiency. Large cloud platforms depend on reliable connections between servers and thousands of storage devices. Therefore, successful qualification supports the integration of higher-capacity drives into established data center architectures.
The collaboration also highlights the growing importance of coordinated development between storage manufacturers and cloud infrastructure providers. Seagate contributes advanced recording technology, while Broadcom supplies the connectivity systems required for large storage deployments. Microsoft Azure provides hyperscale qualification experience, supporting the configuration’s readiness for demanding cloud storage applications.
AI and Cloud Expansion Supports Seagate Storage Development
Artificial intelligence applications and cloud services continue to generate substantial amounts of data across enterprise and hyperscale environments. This growth increases demand for storage systems that combine higher capacity with manageable operating costs. Consequently, infrastructure providers continue seeking technologies that improve storage density without significantly increasing energy consumption.
Seagate’s latest development addresses these requirements through improvements in drive capacity and connectivity compatibility. Its HAMR technology supports greater recording density, while SMR offers additional capacity benefits for suitable workloads. Broadcom’s infrastructure helps organizations manage larger drive fleets through established server connectivity systems.
The Microsoft Azure qualification adds another commercial milestone to Seagate’s broader high-capacity storage strategy. The development connects Seagate’s recording technology with infrastructure that major cloud operators already use. Meanwhile, STX shares advanced 3.92% as the company highlighted its expanding role in AI and cloud storage infrastructure.

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TLDR
Meta targets up to $95 billion in equity financing to fund its AI expansion plans
Initial offerings include common and preferred stock worth $35 billion combined
Nvidia, AMD and Broadcom express interest in buying up to $5 billion in Meta shares
Meta plans a further $60 billion stock sale program starting no earlier than 2027
Fresh capital will support Muse, Meta’s family of apps and computing infrastructure
Meta Platforms plans to raise up to $95 billion to fund its artificial intelligence expansion. META stock traded at $643.16, up 0.08%, after an earlier decline. The financing plan combines an initial public offering package with a program for later stock sales.
Meta Platforms, Inc., META
Meta Launches $35 Billion in Stock Offerings
Meta has launched $35 billion in offerings through common stock and mandatory convertible preferred securities. The package comprises about $22.5 billion in Class A common stock and $12.5 billion in preferred stock. Together, these offerings form the first stage of the company’s equity financing plan.
The preferred portion uses depositary shares representing Series A mandatory convertible preferred stock. These securities differ from common shares because their terms require conversion into common equity. Meanwhile, the common stock portion provides a separate route for participation in the initial financing.
Meta also plans an at-the-market stock sale program worth up to $60 billion. The company expects that program to begin no earlier than the first quarter of 2027. This second component accounts for the remaining amount within the announced fundraising ceiling.
Nvidia AMD and Broadcom Consider Share Purchases
Nvidia, AMD and Broadcom have expressed interest in purchasing shares through the initial offerings. Their combined potential purchases total up to $5 billion, rather than that amount for each company. All three companies already supply chips for Meta’s expanding computing operations.
The companies’ stated interest does not represent a completed purchase of Meta shares. Therefore, the announced amount describes potential participation rather than capital already delivered through those purchases. Meta disclosed their interest alongside the details of its initial common and preferred stock offerings.
The proposed participation connects Meta’s financing plans with companies supplying hardware for its computing infrastructure. However, the announcement identifies equity purchases, and it does not describe new chip supply agreements. The fundraising details therefore concern ownership securities and capital, rather than additional hardware orders.
Capital Supports Muse and Infrastructure Development
Meta plans to use the proceeds across its core business and emerging artificial intelligence opportunities. Those activities include its family of applications, the Muse AI agent, and infrastructure development. The company continues to expand computing capacity alongside its work on consumer artificial intelligence products.
The Facebook parent operates social applications while increasing spending on infrastructure for artificial intelligence. Its financing approach also includes operating cash flow, investment-grade debt, and strategic partnerships. Equity capital joins those funding sources as Meta advances its expansion plans.
The announcement sets fundraising targets and describes securities for sale, rather than confirming proceeds. Consequently, the full $95 billion remains a planned maximum across separate financing components. The initial offerings and later program follow different schedules within that plan.
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TLDR
LKFN stock climbs 3.44% to $60.40 after the bank reports record Q3 earnings.
Quarterly net income rises 9% to $28.9M as diluted EPS reaches a record $1.14.
Revenue increases 6% to $73M while net interest income grows 8% year over year.
Total loans expand 8% to $5.68B as core deposits rise 3% to $6.05B in Q3 2026.
Lakeland lifts its quarterly dividend 4% to $0.52 and continues share buybacks.
Lakeland Financial Corporation (LKFN) stock gained 3.44% to $60.40 as the bank reported record third-quarter earnings. Net income increased 9% to $28.9 million, while quarterly revenue climbed 6% to $73 million. Strong loan growth, higher net interest income, and improved lending margins supported the company’s financial performance.
Lakeland Financial Corporation, LKFN
The parent company of Lake City Bank reported diluted earnings per share of $1.14, up 11% from $1.03. Meanwhile, net income increased from $26.4 million in the corresponding quarter of 2025. Sequentially, earnings rose by $417,000 from $28.4 million in the second quarter.
For the first nine months of 2026, net income reached $83.8 million, representing 14% annual growth. Diluted earnings per share increased 16% to $3.31 from $2.85 during the comparable period. Furthermore, nine-month revenue climbed 7% to $213.6 million, reflecting continued growth across the banking business.
Lakeland Financial Reports Higher Revenue and Lending Margins
Lakeland Financial recorded third-quarter net interest income of $60.7 million, an 8% increase from $56.1 million. The bank also improved its net interest margin to 3.58%, compared with 3.50% one year earlier. Lower deposit costs helped strengthen lending profitability despite reduced yields on earning assets.
Funding costs declined 24 basis points to 2.13%, while earning asset yields fell 16 basis points to 5.71%. Consequently, the bank expanded its interest margin as deposit pricing adjustments outpaced changes in asset yields. Compared with the second quarter, net interest income increased 4% from $58.3 million.
The bank also reported improved profitability ratios during the quarter. Return on average equity increased to 14.88% from 14.60%, while return on average assets reached 1.59%. Meanwhile, nonperforming loans represented 0.32% of total loans, compared with 0.36% one year earlier.
Loan Growth Supports Lakeland Financial’s Quarterly Performance
Lakeland Financial expanded its total loan portfolio by 8% annually to $5.68 billion at September’s end. Commercial and industrial lending contributed $187.4 million in additional balances, representing 12% growth. Meanwhile, commercial real estate and multifamily residential loans increased $117.6 million, or 4%.
Consumer mortgage lending also strengthened, with balances rising $83.2 million, or 16%, from the previous year. During the quarter, commercial loan originations reached approximately $525 million, exceeding loan repayments of $443 million. Core deposits also increased 3% annually to $6.05 billion, supporting the bank’s expanding lending operations.
The bank maintained total capital equal to 15.56% of risk-weighted assets, exceeding the 10% regulatory requirement. However, unrealized securities losses increased to $213.9 million as Treasury yields rose during the quarter. Lakeland also repurchased 41,550 shares for $2.4 million and retained $14.6 million under its existing authorization.
Lakeland Financial Maintains Dividend and Shareholder Returns
Lakeland Financial approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share, representing a 4% annual increase. The company scheduled payment for November 5, 2026, following the October 25 shareholder record date. Its nine-month dividend payout ratio declined to 47.1% from 52.6% a year earlier.
The bank operates through Lake City Bank and serves commercial and consumer customers across its Indiana banking markets. Its lending operations include commercial credit, real estate financing, agricultural loans, and residential mortgages. Continued expansion across these segments supported its third-quarter earnings and revenue growth.
The company also maintained its share repurchase program through April 30, 2027. Since April 2025, Lakeland has repurchased 787,166 shares for approximately $45.4 million under the current authorization. The latest results combined stronger lending activity, improved interest margins, and continued capital distributions to shareholders.

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TLDR
Strategy stock declined Monday as the company paused Bitcoin purchases during the previous week.
Strategy repurchased 2,068,459 STRC preferred shares for $204.9 million using cash.
The company maintained 848,517 BTC, acquired for $64.02 billion at an average of $75,446.
Strategy reported $4.83 billion in dollar reserves and $242.4 million in additional cash.
Bitcoin traded near $80,000 ahead of the Federal Reserve’s October 28 interest rate decision.
Strategy stock fell Monday after the Bitcoin treasury company skipped coin purchases and repurchased preferred shares. Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ: MSTR) disclosed the transactions in an October 26 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
From October 19 through October 25, Strategy bought or sold no Bitcoin. It sold no shares through its at-the-market program.
Strategy Spends $204.9 Million on STRC Shares
Strategy repurchased 2,068,459 STRC preferred shares for $204.9 million. The company funded the buyback with cash, not new share sales. STRC stands for Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Stretch Preferred Stock.
It has $956.8 million left for preferred-share repurchases and $1 billion for common shares. Strategy bought back no common shares last week. It reported no STRF, STRK or STRD buybacks during the period.
Bitcoin Holdings Remain Unchanged
Strategy held 848,517 Bitcoin on October 25 after spending $64.02 billion. Its average purchase price was $75,446 per coin, including related fees.
A separate report on Bitcoin exchange inflows showed Binance’s 30-day average whale inflows falling from $5.9 billion to $3.8 billion. Retail inflows also rose. Those figures concern the wider Bitcoin market, not Strategy’s trades.
Strategy’s $4.83 billion reserve supports preferred dividends and debt interest. The company held another $242.4 million for treasury operations. It financed the STRC buyback from that cash.
Strategy Stock Falls With Bitcoin Near $80,000
Strategy stock traded around $142 at midday Monday, below Friday’s $146.01 close. The shares often follow Bitcoin because cryptocurrency holdings dominate Strategy’s assets.
Bitcoin traded near $80,000 after slipping below that level over the weekend. A Bitcoin price outlook identified resistance near $82,000 and downside pressure below $79,000. These remain analyst scenarios.
The filing gave no date for Strategy’s next Bitcoin purchase. It detailed weekly activity without announcing any change to the company’s broader treasury policy.
Markets Await Federal Reserve Decision
The Federal Reserve announces its next rate decision Wednesday, October 28. A Reuters poll of 100 economists expects unchanged rates this month and another increase in December.
A weekly crypto market calendar lists the Fed meeting alongside inflation data and economic growth figures. Traders will follow those releases for changes in borrowing costs and risk appetite.
Strategy plans to report quarterly earnings on October 29. Its latest update gives no timeline for fresh Bitcoin purchases. Monday’s filing instead records the preferred-share buyback and unchanged Bitcoin reserves.
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TLDR
NVIDIA stock climbed 3.1% to $217.56 during Monday morning trading as investors assessed new AI spending developments.
SpaceX announced a binding $40 billion financing commitment for NVIDIA Vera Rubin processors, with deliveries expected in 2027.
Anthropic filed for a public listing, while Morgan Stanley raised its projected US data center power shortfall to 38 gigawatts.
Meta announced approximately $35 billion in share offerings and a potential $60 billion additional sale program.
Cadence introduced NVIDIA-powered chip design tools, while NVIDIA participated in Higgsfield’s latest funding extension.
NVIDIA (NVDA) stock rose 3.1% on Monday, October 26, reaching $217.56 in morning trading after opening at $213.08. The chipmaker advanced as investors reviewed AI spending plans, a major processor financing agreement, and Anthropic’s filing for a public share offering.
NVIDIA Stock Climbs Following SpaceX Agreement
SpaceX announced a binding commitment for approximately $40 billion in financing leases covering NVIDIA Vera Rubin processors and related equipment. Apollo manages the financing entity. SpaceX expects the agreement to close before year-end, with equipment deliveries starting in the first half of 2027.
Anthropic separately filed a registration statement with US regulators for a planned stock market listing. Its Anthropic IPO filing disclosed substantial computing commitments, including agreements involving NVIDIA. The filing does not yet set a share price or offering date.
Morgan Stanley Raises Data Center Estimates
Morgan Stanley increased its projected US data center power shortfall for 2026 through 2028 to 38 gigawatts, compared with 33 gigawatts previously. The bank now estimates total demand at 116 gigawatts and continues to favor NVIDIA among semiconductor stocks.
The revised forecast concerns electricity needs rather than confirmed chip orders. Data centers require power to operate processors, cooling systems and other equipment. AMD and Broadcom shares rose during Monday’s session, alongside gains across the wider chip sector.
NVIDIA Partnerships Reach Chip Design and Video
Cadence Design Systems introduced Maestro, a suite of AI tools for chip design that uses NVIDIA’s open Nemotron technology. The announcement followed a recent NVIDIA Vera server launch by Super Micro Computer, which targets large-scale AI computing operations.
NVIDIA participated in a funding extension for Higgsfield, an AI video creation company. Higgsfield announced the investment on October 23 alongside new funding from TCV. The company uses NVIDIA hardware and software to produce video and images for business customers.
Meta Funding Adds to AI Spending Plans
Meta launched approximately $35 billion in share offerings and outlined a possible $60 billion sale program for 2027. NVIDIA, AMD and Broadcom expressed nonbinding interest in buying up to $5 billion of Meta shares combined. NVIDIA’s earlier stock advance reflected similar attention to data center demand.
The Nasdaq gained 1.3%, while the S&P 500 rose 1% and the Dow added 0.5% during the reported session. Investors also awaited major technology earnings and the Federal Reserve’s policy decision later this week. NVIDIA shares traded between $212.61 and $217.75 intraday.
The post NVIDIA (NVDA) Stock Rises 3%: What Is Fueling the Rally? appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
Tesla stock climbed 6.52% to $396.43 as merger discussions and a Barclays upgrade drew investor attention.
Tesla and SpaceX formed independent committees to review a possible merger, but neither company has agreed to terms.
Tesla reported $28.05 billion in third-quarter revenue, while operating income declined 56% year over year.
Latvia approved Tesla’s supervised Full Self-Driving system, extending its authorized European coverage.
Analysts identified $406.71 as a potential upper trading boundary, with downside risk remaining below $369.42.
Tesla (TSLA) stock rose 6.52% to $396.43 on Monday, October 26, during a rally tied to merger talks and analyst upgrades. Shares traded near their session high, although some short-term indicators showed weaker momentum. Friday’s closing price was $372.22.
Tesla Stock Gains After Barclays Upgrade
Barclays raised its Tesla rating to Overweight from Equal Weight on Monday. Analyst Dan Levy increased his price target to $450 from $370, citing the company’s car business, robotaxi progress, and a possible SpaceX merger. He expects a deal to carry a premium for shareholders.
The upgrade followed a volatile week for Tesla shares. Investors continued assessing the electric vehicle maker’s results alongside questions about future spending and closer ties with Elon Musk’s rocket company.
Musk said independent committees at both companies are examining a possible Tesla-SpaceX merger. He supports the proposal but has stepped away from committee talks because of conflicting interests. Musk cited chips, robotics and connectivity as opportunities.
No agreement exists, and both boards must review any proposed terms. Musk said approval would require support from holders of half of Tesla’s outstanding shares, presenting another obstacle. SpaceX would need separate corporate approvals.
Tesla Earnings and European Expansion
Tesla reported $28.05 billion in third-quarter revenue and adjusted earnings of $0.48 per share. Free cash flow reached $1.53 billion, although operating income fell 56% from the previous year. The company delivered 486,532 vehicles in the quarter.
Its third-quarter earnings report showed growing driver-assistance subscriptions despite softer profits. Separately, Latvia approved Tesla’s supervised Full Self-Driving system, becoming the tenth European Union country to grant authorization. Drivers must still supervise the system.
Tesla traded above its 20-period average of $379.20 and 50-period average of $370.78. Its 200-period average stood at $386.29, while the Ichimoku Kijun support level was $377.07.
However, an hourly RSI reading of 43.9 pointed to weaker buying pressure. Other readings favored sellers, while MACD remained neutral, according to Traders Union’s technical assessment. This contrasts with Monday’s share-price advance. Tesla is also pursuing Semi truck production and AI chip investments. These projects form part of its wider expansion as investors examine costs and earnings.
The post Tesla (TSLA) Stock Surges 6.52%: Can It Break Above $406? appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
Verizon stock falls 3.15% to $43.25 despite stronger third-quarter earnings.
Verizon posts $34.3B in quarterly revenue as service sales climb 2.9% annually.
Postpaid phone additions surge above 820% to 406,000, a new five-year Q3 high.
Verizon raises adjusted EPS guidance to 5.04–5.06 for the full year 2026.
Verizon signs a $2B-plus AWS agreement to expand distributed AI computing demand.
Verizon stock fell 3.15% to $43.25 despite stronger quarterly revenue and another increase in annual guidance. The shares lost $1.41 as selling erased early gains and pushed trading toward session lows. Meanwhile, Verizon reported $34.3 billion in revenue and stronger subscriber growth during the third quarter of 2026.
Verizon Communications Inc., VZ
Verizon Stock Falls Despite Higher Customer Additions
Verizon added 406,000 postpaid phone customers during the quarter, an increase exceeding 820% from last year. That marked its strongest third-quarter performance in five years. Verizon stock nevertheless declined as the company disclosed better customer growth and lower churn.
The company added 137,000 postpaid accounts, its best quarterly result in over a decade. Overall postpaid phone churn improved four basis points to 0.94%, while consumer churn reached 0.87%. At the same time, promotional acquisition costs fell 41%, reflecting reduced spending on customer incentives.
Broadband net additions reached 314,000, including 159,000 fixed wireless customers and 155,000 fiber subscribers. Verizon ended the quarter with 17.4 million broadband connections and maintained its fiber expansion targets. These additions supported service growth, although shares remained under pressure during the session.
Verizon Stock Slides as Earnings and Cash Flow Grow
Total operating revenue rose 1.5% annually to $34.3 billion, supported by expanding mobility and broadband services. Those services generated $23.5 billion, up 2.9%, while equipment revenue declined 9% following fewer upgrades. Verizon stock moved lower despite the improvement in its core service business.
Quarterly net income increased 5.2% to $5.3 billion, while adjusted EBITDA rose 8% to $13.8 billion. The EBITDA result set a company record, and its adjusted margin improved to 40.2%. Meanwhile, adjusted earnings per share climbed 8.3% to $1.31, against reported earnings of $1.25.
Operating cash flow reached $11.5 billion, while free cash flow increased 12.1% to $7.8 billion. Over nine months, Verizon generated $18 billion in free cash flow and returned $12.8 billion to shareholders. The company also reduced net unsecured debt to $123.7 billion, although Verizon stock still posted losses.
Verizon Stock Declines Following Guidance Increase and AWS Deal
Verizon raised its annual postpaid phone additions forecast to between 1.1 million and 1.2 million. It also increased adjusted earnings guidance to $5.04–$5.06 per share after its stronger quarterly performance. This marked the third consecutive quarterly guidance increase, even as Verizon stock traded lower.
The company now expects annual free cash flow growth approaching 12%, compared with its previous 9%–10% forecast. It also projects operating cash flow growth of 3.5%–5% and maintains capital spending plans of $16–$16.5 billion. Verizon stock therefore faces a contrast between higher company forecasts and its latest trading decline.
Verizon signed an AWS agreement exceeding $2 billion to support distributed computing for advanced AI workloads. The framework uses Verizon’s network infrastructure to support growing business computing demands. Shares finished lower despite the agreement and stronger financial targets.

The post Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) Stock: Drops as Revenue Hits $34.3B and Guidance Rises appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
Meta announced $35 billion in stock offerings and plans a separate $60 billion share sale program for 2027.
Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom expressed interest in purchasing up to $5 billion of Meta shares combined.
Third-quarter revenue increased 26% to $64.6 billion, while free cash flow turned negative.
Piper Sandler maintained its $850 Meta price target, while Bank of America retained its $845 target.
Meta shares recovered from early trading losses, but rising AI infrastructure costs remain a concern for investors.
Meta shares swung between losses and gains Monday after the company announced a $35 billion stock offering to fund artificial intelligence projects. The stock fell nearly 2% early before turning slightly positive by late morning, following last week’s decline.
Meta Shares Recover as Company Plans Stock Sale
Meta plans to offer $22.5 billion in Class A common shares and $12.5 billion in securities linked to convertible preferred stock. The company expects to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including its AI expansion.
It separately plans a share sale program worth up to $60 billion after its new nonvoting Class C stock begins trading in early 2027. Meta has not finalized that program, and its actual fundraising could fall short.
Chipmakers Nvidia, AMD and Broadcom have expressed interest in buying up to $5 billion of Class A shares combined. Their proposed participation comes as Meta builds more data centers and expands its computing capacity.
Quarterly Revenue Growth Meets Higher AI Costs
Meta reported third-quarter revenue of $64.6 billion, up 26% from a year earlier. A report on Meta’s earnings covered stronger advertising sales and new Muse AI models.
The company earned $3.83 per share under standard accounting rules. Excluding a $9.89 billion legal settlement charge, earnings would have reached $7.40 per share. Fourth-quarter revenue guidance stands at $73 billion to $76 billion.
Meta set its full-year capital spending forecast for 2026 at $135 billion to $145 billion. Third-quarter spending reached $34.91 billion, while free cash flow fell to negative $2.12 billion, compared with positive cash flow last year.
Analysts Assess Meta Shares and AI Funding
Other technology companies continue expanding computing facilities. Applied Digital’s Texas data center agreement involves a 51% stake in a planned 50-megawatt project, showing continued investment across the sector.
Piper Sandler analyst Thomas Champion said Meta’s fundraising plan could reduce uncertainty about financing. His firm maintains an Overweight rating and an $850 price target. Bank of America retains a Buy rating and an $845 target.
Meanwhile, Hyperscale Data’s Michigan AI project targets initial operations in December. Its expansion reflects the broader race to secure computing capacity, even as Meta investors question rising costs. Meta shares remain below levels seen before the earnings sell-off.
The post Meta Shares Recover, but a $60B AI Stock Plan Looms appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:
Anthropic filed for a Nasdaq IPO on October 26, as the reported $100B fundraising figure remains unconfirmed.
Anthropic recorded $16.3B in first-half revenue and an $80.7B loss, including $72.4B in noncash charges.
Computing deals include up to $120.5B with SpaceXAI and Nvidia and up to $114.5B with Google through 2033.
Amazon and Google handled 47% of 2025 marketplace sales; Anthropic’s seven founders would hold 50.1% of votes.
Anthropic filed its S-1 registration statement on October 26, advancing plans for a Nasdaq listing under ticker ANT. The filing pairs surging revenue with an $80.7 billion loss, largely from noncash revaluations.
The proposed offering could raise $100 billion and value Anthropic between $1.5 trillion and $2 trillion, according to reported estimates. However, neither figure is established in the filing, and the Nasdaq offering has no disclosed share count or price.
BREAKING: Anthropic officially files its S-1 registration statement for an IPO, seeking to list on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol $ANT.
FULL SUMMARY OF ANTHROPIC'S S-1 FILING:
1. Anthropic posted H1 2026 revenue of $16.3 billion with a net loss of $80.7 billion
2.…
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) October 26, 2026
Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley lead Anthropic’s offering. A Nasdaq debut during the week of November 16 remains a reported target, not a confirmed timetable. That distinction matters as investors assess the gap between headline losses and actual operating performance.
Anthropic’s $80.7B Loss Includes $72.4B in Noncash Charges
Anthropic generated $16.3 billion in revenue during the first half of 2026, compared with approximately $1.2 billion a year earlier. However, its net loss jumped from $13 billion to $80.7 billion over the same periods.
About $72.4 billion reflected noncash revaluations of convertible notes and related instruments, mainly tied to rising company valuations. Those accounting charges explain most of the headline deficit without representing equivalent cash spent on operations.
The underlying operating loss narrowed to $693 million from $2.14 billion, even as computing and infrastructure costs reached approximately $8.95 billion. By September 30, more than 11,900 customers each generated at least $100,000 in trailing annual revenue.
For prospective Nasdaq shareholders, the contrast is central: fast-growing enterprise demand accompanies expensive infrastructure needs and an enormous accounting loss.
Compute Deals and 50.1% Founder Control Shape Nasdaq IPO
Anthropic disclosed computing commitments of up to $120.5 billion involving SpaceXAI and Nvidia, alongside $114.5 billion with Google through 2033. Meanwhile, Amazon agreements involve at least $110 billion through 2036, with additional equipment leasing arrangements involving Broadcom.
These partnerships also influence revenue. Amazon and Google accounted for 47% of 2025 sales through cloud marketplaces, while simultaneously serving as investors, suppliers and competitors.
However, these long-term obligations contrast with usage-based customer payments, creating financing risks if growth slows. Consequently, Anthropic warned that additional funding could become necessary sooner than expected, while cash dividends remain unlikely.
Beyond financing, governance presents another consideration. The seven co-founders would retain 50.1% voting control, limiting outside shareholder influence. Meanwhile, a proposed Public Benefit Fund could receive 5% of shares, subject to approval.
Additionally, the filing highlights catastrophic AI risks, including manipulation, concealed information and resistance to shutdown. These disclosures place the prospective Nasdaq listing under scrutiny over spending commitments, governance and technological risks.
The post Anthropic Files for $100B IPO, Reveals Stunning $80.7B Loss as Nasdaq Debut Nears appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:
Aviva Investors launched a tokenized share class of its £22 billion Sterling Liquidity Fund on XRPL.
It is the firm’s second tokenized fund, after the USD Liquidity Fund launched in July 2026.
Both tokenized share classes hold over £86 million, including Aviva’s £50 million Sterling investment.
The digital twin model keeps the off-chain fund intact while holdings are represented on-chain.
Aviva Investors has launched a tokenized share class of its Sterling (GBP) Liquidity Fund on the XRP Ledger. The fund is the firm’s largest, with about £22 billion in assets under management, according to the announcement.
The move follows the July launch of a tokenized USD Liquidity Fund. Aviva Investors and Ripple announced the development on October 26, 2026. The firm is now one of the largest providers of tokenized money market funds in Europe.
Aviva Investors Adds Sterling Fund to Tokenized Lineup
Ripple shared the news on X. The post described the launch as an expansion of the firm’s tokenized fund offering.
Big news as Aviva Investors announces the launch of a tokenized share class of the Aviva Investors Sterling (GBP) Liquidity Fund on the XRP Ledger.
The Sterling (GBP) Liquidity Fund is Aviva Investors’ largest fund at around £22 billion in assets under management, and this move…
— Ripple (@Ripple) October 26, 2026
The share class is the second tokenized offering from the firm. It follows the tokenized USD Liquidity Fund, which launched in July 2026.
Meanwhile, the fund is an Ireland-domiciled UCITS money market fund launched in 2002. It targets low-risk returns and daily liquidity through high-grade, short-term UK Sterling debt instruments.
Together, the two tokenized share classes hold more than £86 million (116million) in investments.Aviva invested £50million (66 million) in the new Sterling share class.
Mark Versey, CEO of Aviva Investors, commented on the expansion. He said, “We believe tokenised funds can increase efficiency and ultimately lead to improved client outcomes.”
Versey also said the expansion “shows our clear intent to be a leader in this area.” He called the partnership with Ripple vital to these efforts.
Digital Twin Model and XRP Ledger Infrastructure
The fund uses a digital twin model. This approach adds a digital access layer where holdings can be represented on-chain. The existing off-chain fund structure remains intact.
Investors receive the same investment objective, risk profile, liquidity characteristics, and regulatory protections as the conventional fund. Eligible investors with digital wallets can access the new share class.
The Bank of New York Mellon holds all assets as the fund’s custodian. In addition, the structure is designed to operate within existing regulatory frameworks.
Komainu, a regulated institutional digital asset custodian, again supported the launch. Licuido, a digital infrastructure platform that enables asset managers to tokenize and trade real world assets, also provided support. The firms also backed the earlier launch of the USD share class.
The XRP Ledger lets Aviva Investors issue and manage the share class through fast, secure, low-cost transactions. Since 2012, the network has processed more than 4 billion transactions.
It supports nearly 8 million active wallets and 130+ independent validators. Nigel Khakoo, Senior Vice President of Trading and Markets at Ripple, also commented. He said, “Markets are moving to 24/7 access and settlement is moving to real-time, always-on rails.”
Khakoo described Ripple as the bridge between traditional and digital finance. He added that the XRP Ledger is “bringing the compliance, privacy and security features needed by institutions.”
The post Aviva Investors Launches Tokenized Sterling Liquidity Fund on XRP Ledger appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
ECB board member Piero Cipollone says the digital euro would reduce Europe’s reliance on non-European payment companies.
A pilot using real transactions by ECB and national central bank staff will start in 2027.
The digital euro could launch as early as 2029 if EU lawmakers approve the regulation this year.
There will be limits on how much people can hold, but no limits on payments. Offline payments will also be possible.
Banks will distribute the digital euro, and the ECB will not open accounts for individuals.
European Central Bank Executive Board member Piero Cipollone says the digital euro could give Europe more control over how its people pay. He made the comments in an interview with Italy’s Milano Finanza, which the ECB published on October 24.
Cipollone said payments are a key part of Europe’s economy. “If the payment system stops working, the economy stops working,” he said.
Why the ECB Wants a Digital Euro
Today, the public can only use central bank money in the form of cash. Cipollone said the digital euro would fill that gap online, where banknotes cannot be used.
He pointed to Italy as an example. Online payments there grew from 6% of all payments in 2019 to 24% in 2024.
Most of those online payments are made by card. Cipollone said two thirds of these card payments run through non-European card schemes.
“In recent years Europe has learned that, for some essential services, we cannot rely only on third parties,” he said. He compared payments to energy and defense but did not name specific companies.
He added that sovereignty does not mean shutting others out. “It means having the power to choose,” he said.
Cipollone also said small shops can pay fees up to four times higher than large businesses. He said legal caps on costs under the digital euro should help lower those fees.
How the Digital Euro Would Work and When It Could Launch
There will be a limit on how much digital euro a person can hold in a wallet. There will be no limit on spending, since larger payments can pull the rest from a linked bank account.
The digital euro will also work offline. Two devices can be tapped together to pay during a power cut or in areas with weak internet.
Cipollone said offline payment details would stay between the buyer and the seller, much like cash. People will be able to use the digital euro through their bank’s app or a standard Eurosystem app.
The ECB will not open accounts for individuals. Banks and other approved firms will distribute the digital euro and manage customer relationships.
The system will run on infrastructure built only by European providers. Cipollone said cash will continue to exist alongside the digital euro.
A pilot using real transactions by ECB and national central bank staff will begin in 2027. So far, 36 market operators, including seven from Italy, are helping with preparations, and the ECB is inviting e-commerce and mobile commerce firms to join.
The ECB Governing Council can only make a final decision after lawmakers in Brussels finish talks on the regulation. If the regulation is approved this year, the digital euro could launch as early as 2029.
“We hope that the regulation will be adopted by the end of the year, enabling the ECB’s Governing Council to issue a formal decision on issuance,” Cipollone said.
The post ECB’s Cipollone Says Digital Euro Pilot Will Start in 2027 appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
Crypto hardware wallet maker Keystone confirmed that an unauthorized third party accessed customer shipping data, including names, contact details, and addresses.
Keystone said it blocked access, fixed the vulnerability, and is emailing affected customers, but it has not said how many people were hit.
Security researcher Taylor Monahan warned that leaked addresses could expose crypto holders to physical attacks and kidnappings.
CertiK recorded 52 verified wrench attacks in the first half of 2026, up 33% from the same period last year.
Some customers who bought devices over two years ago received breach notices, raising questions about Keystone’s 180-day data deletion policy.
Crypto hardware wallet maker Keystone has disclosed a security breach that exposed customer shipping information. The company apologized to users in a post on X over the weekend.
We owe you an apology.
On October 20, we detected unauthorized access to our official website. After verifying API activity with Shopify, we confirmed on October 23 that a third party obtained customer shipping information. You trusted us with those details, and we're sorry we…
— Keystone Hardware Wallet (@KeystoneWallet) October 24, 2026
Keystone said it detected suspicious activity earlier in the week. On Friday, after reviewing API activity with Shopify, it confirmed that an unauthorized third party had accessed customer data.
The exposed information includes names, contact details, shipping addresses, and order details such as items bought and prices paid.
“We’ve blocked access, fixed the vulnerability, opened an investigation, and are emailing affected customers,” the company said. Keystone did not say how many customers were affected.
“We owe you an apology. You trusted us with those details, and we’re sorry we didn’t keep them safe,” the company wrote.
Researchers Warn of Physical Attack Risks
Keystone warned that the leaked data could be used for targeted phishing attacks. Security researcher Taylor Monahan raised a different concern.
Monahan said the real danger of leaked shipping addresses is physical assault and kidnapping, not phishing. Attackers could use the data to find where wallet owners live.
Once again reminding the hardware wallet retards that the risk that becomes real when you leak people’s SHIPPING INFORMATION is not phishing. It’s fucking PHYSICAL ASSAULTS AND KIDNAPPINGS. https://t.co/TbSaHpE6XJ
— Tay (@tayvano_) October 24, 2026
These crimes are often called “wrench attacks.” They involve using threats or violence to force crypto holders to hand over their assets.
Blockchain security firm CertiK recorded 52 verified wrench attacks worldwide in the first half of 2026. That is up 33% from 39 in the same period last year.
AMBCrypto reported 122 crypto-related physical attacks across 31 countries so far in 2026, with France as the main hot spot. Chainalysis estimated losses from such attacks at over $100 million as of August.
The Keystone breach follows other security problems in the sector. These include a Ledger supply chain attack worth over $100 million, a $116 million Coldcard exploit, and a Trezor data breach in August.
Zach Herbert, founder of Foundation wallet, said he “largely” agrees that “hardware wallets are dead.” He said the answer is an ultra-secure, open architecture hardware security platform.
Questions Over Keystone’s Data Retention Policy
The breach has also raised questions about how long Keystone keeps customer data. In a 2023 blog post, the company said it had cut its data retention period to 180 days.
However, some customers said they received breach notices for devices bought more than two years ago. This suggests some older order records may not have been deleted as promised.
An X user called “OG DEGEN” said a scammer posing as law enforcement called them about a fraud case. The user believes the caller got their details from a Keystone order placed in 2024.
“I think their plan was to convince me that my private keys had been exposed and then send me a phishing link to supposedly reset them,” the user wrote.
Another X user, trintaetres, also said they got the email notice despite buying a device over two years ago.
Cointelegraph asked Keystone how data from older purchases was exposed and how many customers were affected. The company had not responded by publication time.
The post Keystone Hardware Wallet Hack Leaks Customer Names and Home Addresses appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
Canada’s proposed stablecoin rules, published Oct. 24, would let covered holders redeem any amount with no minimum.
Issuers would have to complete redemptions within three business days, with fees capped at 1%.
Issuers could set daily limits if reserve-asset markets face a liquidity shortfall.
Circle currently limits direct USDC redemption to institutions with a Circle Mint account.
A 60-day consultation is underway, and the rules are expected to take effect in fall 2027.
Canada has proposed new rules that would let small stablecoin holders cash out directly with issuers. The plan sets no minimum redemption amount and caps fees at 1%.
The proposal was published on Oct. 24. It adds operating details to the Stablecoin Act, which received royal assent on March 26 but has key parts not yet in force.
What the Proposed Rules Would Require
Under the plan, issuers would normally have to complete a redemption within three business days. The government says this window allows time for reserve securities to settle and for processing.
A small balance would no longer be a valid reason to reject a covered request. Holders could redeem any amount.
The Act requires payment at par, or face value, in the currency the stablecoin tracks. For USDC, that means U.S. dollars, so a Canadian holder wanting Canadian dollars would need a separate conversion arrangement.
The 1% fee is a ceiling, not a set rate. Issuers would need to give at least seven days’ notice on their website before adding or raising fees.
Issuers could set daily redemption limits in one case. That applies when a shortage of liquidity in the markets where reserve assets trade stops them from meeting all requests. The 1% fee cap would still apply during those limits.
Reserves would have to at least equal the value of outstanding stablecoins. Allowed assets include demand deposits, short-term government debt, qualifying money-market funds and certain overnight repurchase agreements.
Reserves would be kept separate from claims by the issuer’s and custodian’s creditors. However, issuers could not claim their tokens are insured bank deposits.
How Circle’s Current Terms Compare
Circle’s USDC terms for holders outside the European Economic Area were updated on Oct. 15. They make direct redemption depend on having a Circle Mint account in good standing.
Circle Mint serves institutions and registered distributors. It excludes individuals using it for personal purposes and requires identity and sanctions checks.
Approved institutions must also link a verified bank account in their own name. Without such an account, a holder cannot send tokens to Circle and ask for a bank payout.
Whether USDC would fall under Canada’s rules is still unclear. The Act covers domestic and foreign issuers whose stablecoins are available to buyers in Canada, based on where a buyer lives or does business.
The Governor of the Bank of Canada could also grant exemptions where provincial or foreign rules are substantially similar. Future registration or exemption decisions will matter for Circle’s case.
Existing issuers that apply within 30 days of the start date could keep issuing until their registration is decided. This relief would not pause their redemption duties.
The consultation will run for 60 days from the Oct. 24 publication date. The government plans for the rules to take effect in fall 2027.
The post Canada Proposes Stablecoin Redemption Rules With 1% Fee Cap appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
BNB Chain plans a new Layer 1 blockchain that will run alongside BNB Smart Chain without a new token.
BNB will be used for gas fees, staking and governance on the new network through a native bridge.
The network targets 200-millisecond blocks and pre-confirmations in about 20 milliseconds.
A public testnet is planned for the end of 2026, with mainnet targeted for early 2027.
Binance founder CZ responded to the plan with the phrase “Multiple chains, one coins.”
BNB Chain has shared plans for a new high-performance Layer 1 blockchain that will run alongside BNB Smart Chain. The network will not launch a new token and will use BNB instead.
The project is currently called New L1 and does not have an official name yet. Its updated technical documents were published on October 22.
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, responded to the plan with the phrase “Multiple chains, one coins.” His comment pointed to the decision to keep BNB as the only token.
How New L1 Will Work Alongside BSC
BNB Smart Chain, or BSC, will keep supporting its current decentralized finance apps, trading platforms and other services. The new network will handle transactions that need faster processing.
The two chains will connect through a native bridge that is still being built. Users will be able to move BNB from BSC to the new network, where it will pay for transaction fees.
Staking BNB on the new chain will create govBNB at a one-to-one ratio. These tokens cannot be transferred and give holders voting rights in the network’s governance system.
The network aims to produce a new block every 200 milliseconds. It also targets transaction pre-confirmations in about 20 milliseconds.
A pre-confirmation shows that a transaction is likely to be included, but it can still be reversed. Apps handling transfers that cannot be undone must wait for final settlement.
An upgraded version of the Parlia consensus system aims to lock in transaction order in under one second. The chain separates ordering from execution, so validators can agree on blocks without waiting for every transaction to finish.
A feature called Multi-Lane will reserve processing space for certain types of transactions. These include high-frequency trading, order books and payments.
Existing Solidity smart contracts will work on the new chain. However, some Ethereum features, including certain transaction types and RPC methods, will not be supported.
The design includes built-in account abstraction, which allows sponsored fees and batched transactions. It also offers an optional privacy pool that hides the sender, recipient and amount of a transfer.
Launch Planned for Early 2027
The plan follows growth in tokenized financial products on BNB Chain. An October 23 report found the network processed about $25.6 billion in tokenized stock transactions in the third quarter.
Network revenue rose 54% to $54.2 million during the quarter. The chain recorded 1.51 billion transactions and about 1.8 million tokenized equity holders.
The August 25 Pasteur hard fork also changed how BSC builds blocks. Controlled tests showed throughput rising from 1,237 to 2,324 transactions per second, though live results may differ.
New L1 currently runs on an internal development network with multiple validators. A public testnet is planned for the end of 2026, with a mainnet launch targeted for early 2027.
The bridge is not finished, and the privacy system still needs security audits. The documents warn that the current privacy pool should not be used with real funds.
BNB traded at around $740 at press time, up more than 2% over the past seven days.
The post BNB Chain Plans New Layer 1 Blockchain With No New Token appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
A Hyperliquid trader says their wallet was flagged as high risk after a friend repaid a loan using funds from HTX.
The trader says they never used HTX and did not know about the exchange’s sanctions problems.
Another user says three of their wallets were restricted in June and they could not claim Kinetiq Season 2 rewards.
The UK sanctioned Huobi Global S.A. on May 26, and officials later said HTX is covered under ownership rules.
Hyperliquid has not publicly explained which transaction or screening rules caused the latest flag.
A Hyperliquid trader says their wallet was flagged as high risk after receiving a loan repayment that came from crypto exchange HTX. The case has raised questions about how sanctions screening affects people who never used a sanctioned platform.
In an October 25 post on X, the trader known as x256.hl said they lent a friend several thousand dollars months ago. The friend later repaid the money from HTX, formerly known as Huobi.
Ok, so now I know what happened.
A few months ago, I lent a friend a few grand. He paid me back from Huobi (HTX), which I didn’t even know at the time. I’ve never used Huobi myself, and he had no idea the exchange had any sanctions issues either.
Now my Hyperliquid wallet is… https://t.co/xKXryCceTt
— x256.hl (@x256xx) October 25, 2026
The trader said they had never used HTX and did not know about its sanctions problems. Their friend reportedly did not know either.
The user also asked whether small transfers from HTX to other Hyperliquid wallets could get those addresses flagged. No automatic ban mechanism of this kind has been confirmed.
Other Hyperliquid Traders Report Similar Restrictions
Another Hyperliquid user, @0xasrequired, replied that they faced similar problems after interacting with HTX. They pointed to an earlier X article describing how three of their wallets were blocked from Hyperliquid’s official frontend in June.
https://t.co/pHvyfJuJID
— as required. (@0xasrequired) June 10, 2026
Two wallets were flagged on June 2 and a third on June 5. The trader said the wallets held 99.5% of their net worth.
Their Hyperliquid history reportedly included more than $210 million in trading volume. They said they also paid over $60,000 in trading fees and $50,000 in builder fees.
The trader could still reach Hyperliquid through other interfaces. However, they said losing the official frontend could stop them from signing terms needed for future airdrop claims.
In the latest exchange, @0xasrequired said they could not claim Kinetiq Season 2 rewards despite ranking in the top 150. The original complainant said they did claim their Kinetiq rewards, even though the HTX-linked transfer happened before the final snapshot.
UK Sanctions on HTX Led to Wider Screening
The restrictions trace back to May 26, when the United Kingdom sanctioned Huobi Global S.A. British authorities accused the company of providing financial services tied to Russia-linked entities, including A7 and Garantex.
HTX argued the sanctions did not apply to its exchange because Huobi Global S.A. was a separate legal entity. UK officials later said they considered HTX covered under ownership rules.
Other platforms soon acted. In June, FixedFloat held Huobi-linked funds for extra checks, while Kraken and OKX warned users about HTX transfers. In August, Binance announced transaction limits involving HTX and 10 other platforms.
Blockchain investigator ZachXBT criticized how ordinary users with HTX-linked wallets were being treated.
In June, @0xasrequired said talks with Blockaid, Chainalysis and TRM showed these firms supply data and risk scores, while each platform decides which wallets to restrict. The trader claimed Hyperliquid named Chainalysis as its screening provider, though this has not been independently confirmed.
The trader said their wallets passed checks from GoPlus Security and Blockaid but were still restricted on Hyperliquid. They also described separate restrictions on GRVT and OpenSea.
In another case, Hyperliquid user Maxime said their wallet was wrongly flagged after receiving a $0.02 transfer tied to a suspicious address. Their frontend access was later restored.
In the June case, @0xasrequired said they opened a Discord support ticket and got a first reply from Hyperliquid co-founder iliensinc, but no final resolution. As of the latest complaint, Hyperliquid has not publicly explained which transaction or screening rules triggered the new flag.
The post Hyperliquid Traders Report Wallet Flags After HTX Transfers appeared first on Blockonomi.