Blockonomi

Key Highlights
Shares of BTCT skyrocketed 54% during Monday’s premarket session following news that its Georgia mining site has finished construction.
The Georgia facility, operating at 10 megawatts, is nearing “deployment readiness” with anticipated launch within the next two months.
Upon full deployment, the location can accommodate up to 900,000 TH/s of theoretical hashing power.
The company continues executing its “dual-engine” approach, expanding both cryptocurrency mining operations and artificial intelligence computing infrastructure.
Bitcoin experienced approximately 1% gains, reaching $78,500 during Monday’s morning session.
Shares of BTC Digital (BTCT) experienced a dramatic 54% surge during Monday’s premarket hours following the company’s announcement that its Georgia-based cryptocurrency mining facility has completed construction.
The impressive stock movement coincided with Bitcoin (BTC) climbing approximately 1%, with the leading cryptocurrency trading around $78,500 on Monday morning.
According to the company, the Georgia facility is now approaching “deployment readiness.” Management anticipates beginning machine deployment and commencing digital asset mining operations within roughly two months, subject to power interconnection completion timelines.
With a 10-megawatt operational capacity, the site is engineered to accommodate up to 900,000 terahashes per second of theoretical computational power once fully deployed.
This capacity projection is based on BTC Digital’s intended deployment of high-efficiency mining equipment. However, the final number of machines installed and actual computing power achieved will vary depending on multiple variables.
These variables encompass energization timelines, specific mining equipment models selected, energy efficiency metrics, network difficulty adjustments, cryptocurrency valuations, and overall market dynamics.
Rather than deploying all equipment simultaneously, BTC Digital indicated it will roll out machines “progressively based on market conditions.”
Pursuing a Dual-Engine Approach
BTC Digital is advancing what management describes as a “dual-engine” growth strategy. This approach involves simultaneously expanding its cryptocurrency mining business while developing artificial intelligence computing infrastructure services throughout North America.
Company leadership emphasized that both business segments leverage overlapping competencies in power acquisition, data center construction, and equipment deployment.
“We will continue to sustain the development of our cryptocurrency computing business so as to fully leverage the company’s existing advantages in power resources, infrastructure construction, and computing operations,” BTC Digital’s management said.
The completed Georgia installation represents a component of BTC Digital’s broader strategy to strengthen its computing infrastructure presence throughout the United States.
Expanding American Operations Through Georgia Facility
When the facility becomes operational, it will enhance BTC Digital’s portfolio of self-managed infrastructure assets within the United States.
The company’s business activities span cryptocurrency mining operations, mining facility construction, data center management, and associated services.
Beyond traditional mining, BTC Digital is actively building AI computing infrastructure and service offerings across North America, positioning this vertical as a complementary growth channel alongside its established mining operations.
Company leadership characterized the Georgia facility’s completion as a crucial milestone in establishing what they termed a “more diversified and resilient business foundation for long-term growth.”
BTCT stock was trading up 54% premarket on Monday, August 24, 2026.
The post BTC Digital (BTCT) Stock Rockets Over 50% Following Georgia Facility Completion appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:
Strategy increased its USD Reserve to $5.10 billion and added a new $1.59 billion cash pool.
The company repurchased $136.4 million of STRC preferred stock during the latest reporting week.
Strategy sold 18.26 million MSTR shares to fund reserves, cash and the STRC repurchase.
Its Bitcoin holdings remained at 840,447 BTC, representing nearly 4% of total Bitcoin supply.

Strategy strengthened its balance sheet this week, boosting cash reserves and continuing its bitcoin-focused capital program.
The company disclosed the update in a Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 24, 2026. Strategy raised its USD Reserve to $5.10 billion and established a new $1.59 billion USD Cash pool.
The firm also repurchased $136 million of its STRC preferred stock. As of August 23, 2026, Strategy holds close to 4% of the total bitcoin supply with near-zero net leverage.
Strategy Adds USD Cash to Its Capital Framework
Strategy introduced USD Cash as a new layer within its Digital Credit Capital Framework. The pool is a separately designated source of U.S. dollar liquidity.
Management may use it for bitcoin purchases, preferred dividend payments, and interest on outstanding debt. The funds can also support stock buybacks or convertible note repayments.
The existing USD Reserve policy stays unchanged under the update. That reserve remains earmarked specifically for preferred stock dividends and debt interest.
USD Cash is designed to work alongside it rather than replace it. Strategy first outlined the broader framework in a filing on June 29, 2026.
The company said the added flexibility should help it react faster to market shifts. This includes potential dislocations in bitcoin prices or in the trading of Strategy’s own securities.
As of August 23, the USD Reserve stood at $5.10 billion. The new USD Cash balance reached $1.59 billion during the same period.
Strategy shared the figures through its official channel on X, formerly Twitter. The company wrote that it had increased its USD Reserve, added USD Cash, and repurchased $136 million of STRC.
Strategy increased USD Reserve to $5.10B, established additional USD Cash of $1.59B, and repurchased $136M of $STRC. As of 8/23/26: Strategy holds ~4% of Total BTC Supply and has ~0% Net Leverage. $MSTR https://t.co/POGGIVBZDK
— Strategy (@Strategy) August 24, 2026
The post also noted the firm’s roughly 4% share of total bitcoin supply. Net leverage across the balance sheet remained close to zero.
ATM Sales and Repurchase Activity Continue
Strategy’s at-the-market program saw activity in its Class A common stock during the week. The company sold 18,261,118 MSTR shares under the ATM between August 17 and August 23.
Proceeds from those sales were split across three purposes. Roughly $136.4 million funded the STRC repurchase noted above.
Another $300 million from the common stock sales went toward increasing the USD Reserve. The remaining proceeds were directed into the new USD Cash account.
No shares were sold under the STRF, STRK, or STRD preferred stock programs this period. Availability under those programs ranged from roughly $1.6 billion to $19.7 billion.
On the buyback side, Strategy repurchased 1,431,212 shares of STRC stock for $136.4 million. That leaves $516.6 million available under the Digital Credit Securities Repurchase Program for preferred shares.
No MSTR common stock was repurchased during the week. The company still has $1.0 billion available under its separate MSTR buyback program.
Bitcoin holdings remained unchanged this week, with no purchases or sales recorded. Strategy’s total holdings stand at 840,447 BTC.
The average purchase price across all holdings is $75,385 per coin. The company continues to publish weekly updates through its investor dashboard at strategy.com.
The post Strategy Raises $5.1B Reserve as Bitcoin Holdings Near 4% of Supply appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
The chipmaker is exploring participation in an AI search startup funding round that could exceed $30 billion in valuation
This financing would represent a valuation jump exceeding 50% compared to Perplexity’s prior raise approximately 12 months earlier at roughly $20 billion
Annual revenue at Perplexity has exploded beyond $750 million, tripling from under $250 million earlier this year
A significant portion of growth stems from Perplexity Computer, an AI-powered automation tool for workplace tasks
The graphics chip giant already holds a stake in Perplexity, joining other investors like Jeff Bezos and SoftBank (SFTBY)
Nvidia (NVDA) is exploring opportunities to either spearhead or join a fresh capital injection into AI search platform Perplexity, potentially valuing the enterprise above $30 billion, as detailed in The Information’s Sunday coverage.
Sources indicate the financing could reach several billion dollars in size. The transaction remains unfinalized as negotiations continue between parties.
Should the financing materialize at the cited valuation, Perplexity would achieve a premium exceeding 50% above its previous capital raise conducted approximately one year prior, which established a $20 billion company worth.
The semiconductor giant already maintains an ownership position in Perplexity, making this potential transaction an expansion of their current partnership rather than an initial connection.
This past July, Perplexity announced plans to deploy Nvidia’s latest Vera CPUs for powering its AI agent infrastructure, signaling strengthening business alignment between both entities.
The startup’s investor roster also features prominent names including Amazon (AMZN) founder Jeff Bezos alongside Japan-based SoftBank Group (SFTBY).
Triple-Digit Revenue Growth Accelerates
On an annualized basis, Perplexity’s revenue has surpassed $750 million, a dramatic acceleration from the sub-$250 million figure recorded when the year began. This represents triple-digit percentage growth achieved in less than 12 months.
A meaningful contributor to this expansion has been Perplexity Computer, the company’s cloud-native AI assistant designed to streamline repetitive professional workflows.
This offering represents Perplexity’s strategic evolution from pure AI-enhanced search capabilities toward sophisticated agent technology that manages intricate task sequences.
The dramatic revenue acceleration provides clear justification for why institutional investors are prepared to support a substantially elevated valuation compared to previous rounds.
Strategic Implications for Nvidia
For the Santa Clara-based chipmaker, additional capital deployment into Perplexity would strengthen its presence throughout the AI software landscape, complementing its dominant position in semiconductors and computing infrastructure.
Nvidia stock (NVDA) traded approximately 0.98% lower at publication time.
The corporation has executed numerous strategic capital allocations into emerging AI ventures as part of efforts to sustain influence across every layer of the AI technology stack, spanning foundational computing power through end-user applications.
Perplexity aligns well with this investment thesis as a rapidly scaling AI service experiencing broadening enterprise acceptance.
According to The Information’s reporting, individuals familiar with the deliberations provided details, though neither Nvidia nor Perplexity has issued official statements confirming the funding round or specific terms.
The most verifiable metric emerging from these discussions remains Perplexity’s annualized revenue figure exceeding $750 million.
The post Nvidia (NVDA) Stock Eyes Major Stake in Perplexity as Valuation Soars Beyond $30B appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways
Bernstein reaffirmed its Outperform rating on Circle with a $140 price target, representing approximately 59% potential gain from the $87.98 closing price
USDC’s circulating supply increased by $1.7 billion within one week following nearly half a year of stagnant growth
The analyst firm believes Circle’s expansion trajectory remains independent of whether the CLARITY Act receives Congressional approval in September
Stablecoin transaction volume, when adjusted for market-making activity, reached a $17 trillion annualized run rate as of July 2026
Circle’s Agent Stack platform now supports over 900 paid services, with USDC accounting for 99.3% of x402 agent payment settlement volume
Bernstein analysts continue to back Circle Internet Group (CRCL) with an Outperform rating and $140 price objective, maintaining their bullish stance despite ongoing questions surrounding the CLARITY Act’s legislative fate. This valuation suggests approximately 59% appreciation potential from Circle’s latest closing price of $87.98. During current trading sessions, CRCL shares were changing hands at $89.20, reflecting a gain of roughly 1.4%.
According to the research report dated August 24 and authored by analyst Gautam Chhugani, Circle’s business momentum doesn’t rely on whether lawmakers approve the proposed U.S. cryptocurrency market structure legislation in September.
The company delivered second-quarter revenue of $701 million, representing a 7% increase compared to the prior year period, though falling marginally short of Wall Street projections. Circle reported net income of $48 million alongside earnings per share of $0.18, surpassing analyst consensus estimates.
USDC Circulation Expands Following Extended Plateau
Following an extended period of approximately six months with minimal change, USDC’s total supply expanded by approximately $1.7 billion within just seven days. Bernstein interprets this development as evidence that user adoption has regained momentum.
The research firm calculates that USDC powers roughly 80% of decentralized exchange trading activity and DeFi transaction volumes. When filtering out automated trading bots and high-frequency transactions, adjusted stablecoin payment volume reached approximately $11 trillion during 2025 and tracked toward a $17 trillion annualized rate through July 2026. This marks an increase of about 60% year-over-year.
Circle secured authorization from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency this past July to create Circle National Trust, operating as a federally supervised national trust bank. This development may ultimately position USDC reserve holdings under federal regulatory oversight.
Standard Chartered introduced direct USDC creation and redemption capabilities for its institutional client base. An additional integration with Fireblocks enables institutions to administer USDC holdings and channel payments into local currencies via Circle’s Payments Network, which achieved $14.7 billion in annualized transaction throughput at the conclusion of Q2.
AI Agent Payments Create New Growth Opportunity for USDC
Bernstein highlighted machine-to-machine payment infrastructure as an emerging component of USDC’s growth narrative. Circle introduced Agent Stack in May, providing software agents with capabilities to maintain asset balances and execute programmable transactions.
By the second quarter, Agent Stack had attracted more than 900 paid service integrations, with USDC capturing 99.3% of all x402 agent payment settlement activity. Independent research from Keyrock documented AI agents processing $73 million across 176 million separate transactions during a 12-month period, with USDC facilitating 98.6% of those payment flows.
Regarding regulatory developments, Bernstein suggested that if the CLARITY Act fails to pass on September 15, the SEC and CFTC would likely issue regulatory guidance rather than creating operational obstacles for Circle.
On the competitive landscape, Mizuho downgraded Circle to Underperform during July with a $50 price objective, expressing concerns about profit margin compression from Open USD’s collaborative framework. Circle President Heath Tarbert countered these concerns by emphasizing USDC’s superior liquidity position and established integration ecosystem.
Circle’s partnership pipeline continues expanding. Its collaboration with Japan’s JCB explores potential USDC applications in corporate treasury operations and merchant payment systems. Strategic relationships with Kakao and Toss are investigating stablecoin deployment opportunities in South Korea. USDC also joined BNY’s Digital Asset Custody platform this past June.
Bernstein’s prior price target for Circle stood at $190.
The post Circle (CRCL) Stock Price Target Holds at $140 as Bernstein Sees 59% Rally Potential appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
Strategy introduced a “USD Cash” liquidity pool under its Digital Credit Capital Framework, distinct from the current USD Reserve.
The firm generated $2.01 billion through ATM equity sales from August 17-23, offloading 18.26 million Class A shares.
From the capital raised, $300 million was allocated to the USD Reserve while $136.4 million went toward STRC preferred stock buybacks.
As of August 23, Strategy’s bitcoin position stands at 840,447 BTC, purchased at an average cost of $75,385 per coin, representing approximately $63.36 billion in total.
The company made no bitcoin transactions during the week; MSTR shares climbed roughly 6% following the disclosure.
Strategy has introduced a fresh liquidity mechanism dubbed the “USD Cash” pool under its Digital Credit Capital Framework, as disclosed in an SEC filing dated August 24, 2026.
This USD Cash pool represents a distinct U.S. dollar reserve that company leadership can deploy for bitcoin acquisitions, preferred dividend payments, debt servicing, share buybacks, or convertible note redemptions.
According to the filing, this new pool provides executives with enhanced operational agility to navigate changing market dynamics, including volatility in cryptocurrency or equity markets.
The company’s original USD Reserve framework continues unchanged and remains dedicated to covering preferred stock distributions and interest obligations.
As of August 23, Strategy disclosed a USD Reserve position of $5.10 billion alongside a USD Cash balance of $1.59 billion. Both amounts include proceeds from ATM transactions that were pending settlement.
Company Secures $2.01 Billion via ATM Offering
From August 17 through August 23, Strategy completed the sale of 18,261,118 Class A common shares via its at-the-market distribution program, securing net proceeds of roughly $2.01 billion.
From these funds, the company directed $300 million toward the USD Reserve, allocated $136.4 million for STRC preferred share repurchases, and deposited the remaining balance into the newly established USD Cash account.
The company did not issue any preferred shares during this timeframe.
MSTR shares responded positively, advancing approximately 6% after the news broke, reaching around $119.25 during Monday’s session.
No Change in Bitcoin Position
Strategy did not execute any bitcoin purchases or disposals during the week concluded August 23.
The firm’s aggregate bitcoin treasury remains at 840,447 BTC, obtained at an average acquisition price of $75,385 per unit. The cumulative purchase cost totals roughly $63.36 billion.
Throughout this same window, Strategy bought back 1,431,212 units of STRC preferred stock for $136.4 million through its Digital Credit Securities Repurchase Program.
According to the filing, $516.6 million in capacity remains available under that buyback authorization.
An additional $1.0 billion repurchase authorization for MSTR common stock also remains active.
The absence of new bitcoin additions this week represents a break from the company’s typically aggressive accumulation approach.
Bitcoin itself registered gains of approximately 1.36% as of Monday morning trading.
The post Strategy (MSTR) Stock Surges 6% Following $2.01B Capital Raise and New Cash Pool Launch appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
Shares of Nucor jumped 2.6% during pre-market hours to reach $250, bouncing back from recent tariff-related selling pressure
The stock retreated from its 52-week peak of $280.11 following news of a potential US-Canada trade agreement that might reduce Canadian steel tariffs to 25%
Second quarter 2026 profits reached $1.16 billion, translating to $5.04 per diluted share, a significant increase from $2.60 per share last year
Company leadership provided optimistic guidance for third quarter 2026 consolidated earnings
Steel imports into the US are currently tracking approximately 30% lower than the previous year, bolstering domestic pricing strength
Shares of Nucor (NUE) advanced 2.6% during Monday’s pre-market session, reaching the $250 mark as investors stepped back in after a notable retreat from the stock’s 52-week peak of $280.11.
The selloff began on August 19 following reports of a preliminary trade agreement between the United States and Canada. Under the proposed terms, tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum shipments would be reduced to 25%, sparking concerns about heightened import competition and potential downward pressure on US steel pricing.
The news pushed NUE shares into the mid-$240 territory within just a few days.
Monday’s early-session recovery indicates market participants may be reassessing the actual impact of the proposed trade deal. After declining to key technical support zones, certain investors apparently viewed the pullback as a buying opportunity.
Nucor’s second quarter 2026 financial performance provided substantial support for that view. The steelmaker reported profits of $1.16 billion, equivalent to $5.04 per diluted share, representing a substantial increase from the $2.60 per share recorded in Q2 2025. Such dramatic year-over-year growth commands attention.
Robust Financial Performance and Forward Guidance Support Recovery
Company executives also indicated expectations for improved consolidated earnings in the third quarter, offering investors a concrete near-term catalyst for optimism despite ongoing trade policy ambiguity.
Wall Street analysts maintain a generally positive stance on NUE. The consensus price target range sits meaningfully above current trading levels, providing additional justification for value-oriented buyers.
The fundamental backdrop for American steel manufacturers remains comparatively favorable. Year-to-date steel imports into the United States are tracking roughly 30% below comparable prior-year figures. This reduction stems directly from Section 232 tariffs, which have maintained elevated domestic steel prices and provided US producers with significant pricing leverage.
Nucor has emerged as a primary beneficiary of these favorable market conditions.
Trade Policy Uncertainty Persists, Though Market Shows Resilience
The potential US-Canada trade agreement does create an element of uncertainty. Should Canadian steel tariffs decrease to 25%, increased Canadian material could enter the American market, potentially affecting pricing structures.
However, market participants don’t seem to be anticipating a catastrophic outcome at this juncture.
Nucor’s pre-market advance also diverged from broader equity market movements. The S&P 500 edged slightly lower in early action, while the Nasdaq showed modest declines as well. The gains in NUE represented a sector-focused development rather than broad market strength.
Wall Street analysts continue to express confidence in the stock, with price objectives positioned well above present trading levels.
The latest development centers on the pre-market bounce to $250, fueled by investors returning near technical support zones, impressive Q2 financial results, encouraging Q3 guidance, and a domestic steel environment that continues to derive benefits from Section 232 tariff protections.
The post Nucor (NUE) Stock Rebounds 2.6% in Pre-Market Trading Following Tariff Concerns appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:
Fasset raised $68M led by SBI Group, reaching a $1 billion valuation.
Total 2026 funding hits $119M after a $51M round closed in May.
Fasset processes over $40 billion in annualized volume across 125 countries.
SBI Remit access gives Fasset reach across roughly 470,000 global locations.

Fasset, a stablecoin-powered digital bank, has raised $68 million in a funding round led by Japan’s SBI Group. The round values the company at $1 billion, just three months after its previous financing.
Fasset’s total funding for the year now stands at $119 million, following a $51 million raise in May that included backing from Speedinvest and other strategic investors.
Fasset Expands Stablecoin Infrastructure With Fresh Capital
Fasset operates a financial platform that allows consumers and businesses to hold, send, spend, and invest across currencies and assets.
The company uses stablecoins as part of its settlement infrastructure. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Fasset said it processes more than $40 billion in annualized transaction volume across 125 countries.
CEO Mohammad Raafi Hossain told CoinDesk that revenue has grown roughly six-fold year over year. The company has remained profitable for 12 consecutive months, though exact revenue and profit figures were not disclosed.
Most revenue has come from institutional and retail businesses, including growing stablecoin payments and settlement activity.
Cards and bank accounts have also started contributing new revenue streams, according to Hossain. Fasset’s business runs on OWN Network, a proprietary Ethereum Layer 2 built on Arbitrum.
The network connects banks, telecom companies, payment firms and liquidity providers across more than 100 banking corridors.
Stablecoins often serve as a behind-the-scenes settlement layer on the platform, even when customers do not directly send them.
“Customers interact with stablecoins at many different points on our platform,” Hossain said. He noted they might be moving between a bank account, a payment product, or another asset entirely.
SBI Partnership Deepens Fasset’s Reach Across Asia
The new funding round strengthens Fasset’s relationship with SBI Group and opens access to its broader financial network. SBI has become one of the more active traditional finance groups in digital assets.
Its portfolio includes investments in Ripple, Circle and DeFi lender Morpho, along with ownership of liquidity provider B2C2.
Fasset already works with SBI Remit, which gives it access to a remittance network spanning roughly 470,000 locations.
That network also enables bank-account transfers to about 200 countries, Hossain said. “Together, we want to connect more corridors and financial rails across Japan, Asia and other emerging markets,” he said.
Neither company has named specific new products or corridors resulting from the partnership. Hossain said the opportunity lies in combining Fasset’s infrastructure and distribution with SBI’s regulatory expertise. SBI’s portfolio of financial companies could also support that expansion effort.
The fresh capital will additionally fund the growth of Own Network and Fasset’s AI-driven routing systems. These systems direct transactions across payment rails, currencies, and liquidity providers. Routing decisions are based on cost, speed, and availability across the network’s corridors.
The post Stablecoin Neobank Fasset Hits $1 Billion Valuation After $68M SBI-Led Funding Round appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
SPCX shares declined 1.9% during premarket hours Monday, trading at $135.28
The company achieved 100 launches in 2026 during the weekend following two additional Starlink deployments
Starlink’s subscriber base reached 12 million by Q2’s end, generating $4.3 billion in quarterly revenue
Six Raptor engines underwent successful static fire testing on Starship’s upper stage on Aug. 21
The upcoming Starship Test 14, anticipated in September, may demonstrate the vehicle’s first stable orbital achievement
Shares of SpaceX experienced a modest 1.9% decline in premarket sessions Monday, trading at $135.28—barely above the company’s $135 IPO price point. This slight retreat occurred despite a particularly active weekend for the aerospace manufacturer.
The company successfully executed two separate Starlink deployment missions during the weekend. One Falcon 9 rocket departed Cape Canaveral carrying 29 satellites, while a second launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base delivered 27 Starlink satellites to orbit.
These consecutive launches propelled SpaceX beyond a significant threshold: its 100th orbital mission of 2026. For context, the company reached this same benchmark slightly later in 2025, ultimately completing 170 launches that year—representing over half of all worldwide orbital attempts.
Starlink’s Continued Expansion
The satellite internet service concluded Q2 with approximately 12 million paying customers. Quarterly revenue climbed to $4.3 billion, representing substantial growth from the $2.6 billion recorded in the same period last year.
The division’s adjusted EBITDA reached $2.6 billion for the quarter, up from $1.6 billion in Q2 2025. These figures underscore the expanding market penetration of SpaceX’s satellite broadband offering.
Upcoming Starship Test 14 Milestone
SpaceX successfully conducted a static fire examination of six Raptor engines mounted on Starship’s upper stage on Aug. 21. These stationary firing tests represent routine pre-launch verification procedures.
The Super Heavy booster has yet to undergo its own static fire examination. This testing phase is anticipated before the integrated launch attempt, positioning Starship Test 14 for a September timeframe.
Investors are monitoring Test 14 with considerable interest. The flight test is projected to demonstrate Starship’s first successful achievement of stable Earth orbit.
The company aims to initiate commercial payload deployments using Starship by the end of 2027. Elon Musk has additionally highlighted Starship as essential for launching AI data centers into orbit, positioning SpaceX advantageously in the artificial intelligence infrastructure market.
In a separate announcement on Aug. 21, Musk revealed SpaceX’s ambitious target of exceeding 30 daily launches by 2030—equivalent to approximately 10,000 annual missions. This objective substantially surpasses the U.S. government’s own projection of 1,000 yearly launches by 2030, and dwarfs the FAA’s earlier estimate of 385 launches.
SpaceX has not provided a response to inquiries regarding its Starship testing schedule.
The post SpaceX (SPCX) Stock Dips as Company Prepares for Critical Starship Test 14 in September appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways
Equity futures declined Monday as technology shares led losses with investors anticipating Nvidia’s quarterly results on Wednesday
Alibaba plummeted following the announcement of a $10.4 billion equity offering to support AI infrastructure investments, compounded by Michael Burry’s disclosed exit
Samsung’s shares tumbled 9% in Seoul after revealing a $79 billion buyback program that failed to meet investor expectations
Steel Dynamics and Nucor rallied following the breakdown of U.S.-Canada trade negotiations, eliminating concerns about potential tariff reductions on steel
XPeng disappointed with Q2 results below estimates, while Applied Optoelectronics plunged 13% on shareholder dilution worries from a $600 million equity plan
U.S. equity markets kicked off the week with a cautious tone Monday as futures trended downward while investors braced for several critical events in the coming sessions.
Technology shares bore the brunt of selling pressure, with market participants positioning ahead of Nvidia’s highly anticipated quarterly earnings scheduled for Wednesday’s after-hours session.
Alibaba Tumbles Following Major Equity Offering and Burry Disclosure
Alibaba experienced significant selling pressure after the Chinese technology giant unveiled plans for a $10.4 billion share placement designed to finance its artificial intelligence expansion strategy.
The equity offering, targeted at international investors excluding U.S. participants, was priced at HK$112.70 per share. This represented a meaningful markdown from Friday’s closing level of HK$123.
Shares in Hong Kong plunged 8.5% during Monday’s session, while U.S.-listed American depositary receipts declined approximately 2%.
Notable investor Michael Burry intensified the negative sentiment by revealing he had completely divested his Alibaba holdings, redeploying capital into competitor JD.com instead.
Burry articulated his opposition to the dilutive share offering and projected continued deterioration in Alibaba’s return on invested capital as AI expenditures accelerate. He indicated he would only reassess the investment opportunity following a roughly 50% price decline from current levels.
Memory chip manufacturers also faced headwinds. Micron and Western Digital retreated, alongside semiconductor peers including Intel and Marvell Technology.
Applied Optoelectronics collapsed 13% following its announcement of a potential $600 million at-the-market common stock offering program, triggering shareholder dilution anxiety.
XPeng delivered second-quarter financial results that fell short across key metrics. The electric vehicle manufacturer generated $2.91 billion in revenue alongside a non-GAAP loss of $0.19 per share, both trailing Wall Street consensus. Vehicle deliveries stagnated year-over-year at 103,295 units.
Steel Sector Rallies as U.S.-Canada Negotiations Break Down
Steel Dynamics surged approximately 6% Monday following the weekend collapse of trade discussions between Washington and Ottawa.
Nucor similarly advanced more than 3%. Both securities had retreated last week amid speculation that an agreement might reduce tariff barriers on Canadian steel and aluminum exports.
The negotiation breakdown eliminated this overhang, propelling steel equities higher as the new trading week commenced.
Samsung Electronics plummeted 9% in Seoul trading after unveiling plans for stock repurchases totaling up to $79 billion. The initiative underwhelmed investors who had anticipated more substantial capital returns from the global memory chip leader.
Alvotech stood among the session’s few gainers, climbing 3% following Bank of America’s initiation of coverage with a Buy recommendation and $7 price objective.
The broader market maintains its attention on Nvidia’s Wednesday earnings release, which analysts expect will significantly influence technology sector sentiment throughout the remainder of the week.
The post Market Movers: Alibaba (BABA) Plunges on Share Offering While Steel Stocks Rally Monday appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways
Shares of Micron declined approximately 3.5% during Monday’s premarket session amid a broader tech selloff
Chinese memory chipmaker Yangtze Memory Technologies (YMTC) submitted paperwork for a $4.9 billion initial public offering on the Shanghai exchange
In the NAND flash segment, YMTC expanded its market presence from 8% to 13% within twelve months, approaching Micron’s share
Wall Street anticipates Micron’s upcoming earnings announcement around Sept. 22, forecasting revenue of $50.78B
The consensus rating among Wall Street analysts remains Buy, with a mean price target of $1,525
Shares of Micron Technology experienced a decline of roughly 3.5% during Monday’s premarket session, trading near $933, as market participants reduced exposure to volatile technology equities. Futures tied to the Nasdaq declined 0.52% while S&P 500 futures retreated 0.13%, creating downward pressure on growth-oriented stocks throughout the market.
The decline coincided with an announcement from China’s Yangtze Memory Technologies, commonly referred to as YMTC, which submitted documents for a $4.9 billion public listing on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. This development introduced additional competitive concerns to an already uncertain trading session for semiconductor stocks.
YMTC specializes in NAND flash memory products, a segment representing approximately one-quarter of Micron’s overall sales. The remainder of Micron’s operations concentrate on DRAM technology, an area where YMTC currently has no presence. This division reduces the immediate competitive overlap between the two companies.
However, recent market dynamics warrant attention. Data from Counterpoint Research indicates YMTC expanded its NAND market position from 8% to 13% within a single year. This performance brings the Chinese manufacturer nearly on par with Micron within this particular product category.
YMTC disclosed first-quarter sales of approximately $7 billion. In comparison, Micron’s latest quarterly revenue reached $41.5 billion, maintaining a substantial differential. Nevertheless, YMTC intends to allocate IPO funding toward manufacturing capacity enhancements, potentially narrowing this revenue distance over time.
Trade policies implemented by Western nations provide Micron with some protection, preventing Chinese manufacturers from distributing domestically produced semiconductors to Western markets. However, these regulatory frameworks remain subject to geopolitical changes, preventing Micron from viewing them as guaranteed long-term barriers.
Strategic Emphasis on High-Bandwidth Memory
During presentations at the Hot Chips conference held Sunday at Stanford University in California, Micron leadership discussed the company’s direction regarding high-bandwidth memory technology, commonly known as HBM, which represents the specialized DRAM utilized in artificial intelligence computing systems.
Micron has prioritized HBM development as its principal differentiator against Chinese competitors. Production of individual HBM units demands approximately triple the wafer manufacturing capacity compared to conventional memory products, creating supply constraints that support elevated pricing throughout the industry.
The critical challenge for Micron involves maintaining technological leadership over South Korean competitors Samsung and SK Hynix in advanced HBM generations. Success in this arena would diminish the strategic impact of Chinese market entrants.
Wall Street’s Current Perspective
Micron’s upcoming earnings release represents the next significant event for shareholders, with the announcement anticipated around Sept. 22. Analyst consensus projects earnings of $31.26 per share, a substantial increase from $3.03 during the comparable quarter last year. Revenue estimates stand at $50.78 billion, versus $11.31 billion in the prior-year period.
The equity maintains a Buy consensus among covering analysts. New Street Research elevated its rating to Buy on Aug. 14, establishing a $1,250 price objective. Citigroup reaffirmed its Buy stance on Aug. 7, while reducing its target to $1,150. KeyBanc sustained an Overweight rating in July, simultaneously increasing its target to $1,750.
From a technical perspective, Micron trades 64.1% above its 200-day moving average of $571.10. The stock faces resistance near the $1,012 level, with support identified around $891.50.
The Relative Strength Index for Micron currently registers at 54.90, a neutral measurement suggesting potential consolidation rather than overextended conditions.
The post Micron (MU) Stock Slides 3.5% as Chinese Rival YMTC Pursues Massive IPO appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways
Q2 net profit for PDD Holdings reached RMB27.18 billion ($4.04 billion), representing a 12% year-over-year decline despite surpassing analyst projections of RMB24.40 billion.
The company generated RMB112.4 billion ($16.6 billion) in revenue, marking an 8% year-over-year increase but falling short of the RMB113.9 billion forecast.
Earnings per share (adjusted) of RMB19.33 exceeded consensus estimates of RMB18.35.
European Union regulators imposed a fine exceeding $230 million on Temu for inadequate safeguards against illegal product listings.
PDD’s American Depositary Receipts have declined over 20% during 2026, with analysts at Deutsche Bank highlighting concerns over shareholder value and transparency issues.
On Monday, PDD Holdings unveiled its second-quarter 2026 financial results, revealing a year-over-year net profit contraction of 12% even as the e-commerce giant managed to exceed modest analyst forecasts. The company’s shares have faced sustained selling pressure throughout the year, trading more than 20% below where they started 2026.
The quarter delivered net profit of RMB27.18 billion ($4.04 billion), topping Wall Street’s consensus projection of RMB24.40 billion. Total revenue hit RMB112.4 billion ($16.6 billion), representing an 8% gain compared to the same quarter last year, though marginally missing the anticipated RMB113.9 billion target.
On a per-share basis, adjusted earnings of RMB19.33 per ADS surpassed expectations by RMB0.98, compared to the consensus figure of RMB18.35.
$PDD HOLDINGS Q2’26 EARNINGS HIGHLIGHTS
Revenue: RMB112.4B (Est. CN¥116.35B) ; +8% YoY
Adj. EPS: RMB19.33 (Est. CN¥18.22)
Adj Oper Profit: RMB29.1B (Est. CN¥27.12B) ; +5% YoY
Adj Net Income: RMB28.5B (Est. CN¥27.19B) ; -13% YoY
Segment Revenue:
Online… pic.twitter.com/BmEWl47hsv
— Wall St Engine (@wallstengine) August 24, 2026
The company’s adjusted operating profit advanced 5% year-over-year to RMB29.1 billion. Meanwhile, adjusted net income attributable to ordinary shareholders decreased 13% to RMB28.5 billion, down from RMB32.7 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.
Revenue from transaction services jumped 13% year-over-year, reaching RMB54.7 billion. Online marketing services revenue saw modest growth, climbing to RMB57.6 billion from RMB55.7 billion in the prior-year period.
Total operating expenses increased 13% to RMB36.6 billion, primarily fueled by elevated sales and marketing expenditures, which expanded to RMB29.7 billion from RMB27.2 billion a year earlier.
Cash flow from operations strengthened during the quarter, with PDD generating RMB25.7 billion compared to RMB21.6 billion in Q2 2025. The company maintained a strong balance sheet with cash and short-term investments totaling RMB456.4 billion ($67.3 billion) at quarter-end.
Platform Investment and Merchant Initiatives
PDD highlighted expanded ecosystem investments throughout the quarter, with VP of Finance Jun Liu emphasizing the organization’s focus on “helping merchants thrive and strengthening the broader industry ecosystem.” These efforts represent part of a broader strategy to retain sellers who might otherwise migrate to competing platforms.
Co-chairman and co-CEO Jiazhen Zhao reinforced the company’s regulatory posture, stating: “We view compliance as a fundamental priority and are fully committed to safeguarding consumer rights and building lasting trust.”
Mounting Regulatory and Market Challenges
The quarterly results arrive amid intensifying challenges on several fronts. Emerging competitors in the livestreaming and social commerce sectors, particularly ByteDance’s Douyin platform and Xiaohongshu, have been steadily capturing market share from established e-commerce operators like PDD.
From a regulatory perspective, European Union authorities levied a penalty exceeding $230 million against Temu, citing insufficient measures to prevent illegal products from appearing on the marketplace. This sanction represents another addition to the company’s expanding roster of regulatory obstacles in international markets.
In research published before the earnings release, Deutsche Bank analysts suggested that PDD’s “fundamentals haven’t yet bottomed out,” citing concerns about a “consistent lack of shareholder returns” alongside “insufficient disclosure transparency.”
The investment bank further noted that increasingly stringent reporting requirements continue to create headwinds for PDD’s revenue growth trajectory.
After touching a 2026 low point in June, PDD shares have recovered modestly. Nevertheless, the company’s ADRs continue to trade down more than 20% year-to-date as earnings were announced.
The post PDD Holdings (PDD) Stock Struggles Despite Beating Q2 Earnings Expectations appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways
Moderna’s share price rocketed 177% in one trading session following positive Phase 3 trial data for its customized mRNA melanoma vaccine that decreased cancer recurrence rates.
This single-day rally represents the biggest percentage gain for any S&P 500 constituent in over twenty years.
The biotech company’s valuation soared from approximately $25 billion to nearly $60 billion following the clinical announcement.
Market experts caution that investor enthusiasm may be outpacing fundamental business prospects, with revenue forecasts suggesting low single-digit billions annually through 2032.
Primary challenges include expensive personalized manufacturing processes, potential European pricing constraints, and uncertainty regarding efficacy across different cancer types.
Shares of Moderna experienced an unprecedented 177% surge this past Wednesday following the announcement of successful Phase 3 clinical trial outcomes for its personalized mRNA melanoma vaccine, developed in collaboration with pharmaceutical giant Merck. This extraordinary single-session performance marks the most significant one-day percentage increase for any S&P 500 member company in more than two decades.
The company’s valuation rocketed from approximately $25 billion to approaching $60 billion within hours of trading. When combined with corresponding gains at Merck and BioNTech—which is advancing its own personalized mRNA oncology vaccine—the collective market capitalization increase across these three companies exceeded $80 billion over just several trading days.
The clinical data demonstrated that melanoma patients receiving the individualized vaccine in combination with Merck’s immunotherapy drug Keytruda experienced significantly lower rates of cancer recurrence versus patients treated with Keytruda as a standalone therapy. This breakthrough represents the first time a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine has achieved positive results in a late-stage clinical trial.
The therapeutic approach functions by sequencing a patient’s tumor tissue, detecting up to 34 unique genetic mutations, and programming the immune system to recognize and attack those specific targets. In clinical practice, typically only two to three of these mutations generate a robust immune response. Melanoma, characterized by its elevated mutation burden and responsiveness to immunotherapy interventions, serves as an ideal candidate for this personalized treatment strategy.
Analysts Express Valuation Concerns
Despite the market euphoria, not all observers share the optimistic outlook.
Daina Graybosch, an analyst at Leerink Partners, forecasts that the treatment could achieve low single-digit billions in yearly revenue by 2032. Even under an optimistic scenario where the vaccine reaches peak annual sales of $10 billion for the Moderna-Merck collaboration, this would theoretically justify approximately $40 billion in combined market capitalization increase for both partners. The market delivered more than that increment in just one trading session.
Luca Issi, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets, observes that current market pricing appears to assume the vaccine will replicate the broad success of blockbuster immunotherapies like Keytruda or Opdivo, which demonstrated efficacy across numerous cancer indications. However, the personalized vaccine may ultimately prove effective only in a limited subset of tumor types.
The additional cancer types that Moderna and Merck intend to pursue present substantially more complex therapeutic challenges. Kidney cancer typically exhibits fewer targetable mutations. Bladder cancer features a tumor microenvironment more resistant to immune activation. Pancreatic cancer has historically shown minimal response to immune-based treatment approaches.
Production Economics Present Significant Obstacles
Unlike conventional pharmaceuticals produced in standardized large-scale batches, this vaccine requires individual customization for every patient. The process involves surgical tumor removal, tissue sequencing at specialized facilities, and custom mRNA vaccine manufacturing. This personalized production model carries substantial cost implications.
Based on pricing benchmarks from comparable personalized therapies, the complete treatment regimen could approach $300,000 per patient. This price threshold creates considerable resistance in European healthcare markets, where national health systems exercise aggressive price negotiation leverage. Additionally, previous Trump administration proposals to benchmark U.S. pharmaceutical pricing against international reference prices could further constrain domestic pricing flexibility.
According to Graybosch’s analysis, gross profit margins might range between 50% and 80% during the initial commercial phase. These margins fall significantly below the 90%-plus profitability levels characteristic of conventional pharmaceutical products.
Moderna has consistently traded on forward-looking narratives rather than current fundamentals. Industry analysts suggest that the more substantial long-term commercial opportunity may ultimately involve deploying mRNA technology for cancer prevention in high-risk patient populations before malignancies develop. That application, however, remains in early research stages.
Moderna’s market capitalization reached approximately $60 billion by week’s end, representing more than a doubling from the roughly $25 billion valuation prior to Wednesday’s clinical announcement.
The post Moderna (MRNA) Stock Skyrockets 177% on Melanoma Vaccine Breakthrough – Can It Last? appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:
USDT adoption is rising in Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia and Turkey, Tether’s CEO confirmed.
Brian Armstrong says stablecoins let residents hold stronger currencies without relocating abroad.
Crypto card spending hit $1.04 billion in July 2026, tripling from the previous year.
Stablecoins powered over 70% of 10 million crypto card transactions recorded in July 2026.
Stablecoins are becoming a practical tool for residents in high-inflation countries seeking to protect savings and manage daily trade.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said people in nations with volatile currencies can now hold stronger global fiat currencies like the US dollar from anywhere.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino confirmed that USDT adoption is rising across Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia and Turkey, as households and businesses turn to stablecoins for domestic trade, cross-border payments and inflation protection.
Stablecoins Offer An Alternative To Cash Hoarding
Armstrong explained that residents of countries facing steep inflation or unstable currencies once had limited options.
Many either moved abroad or hoarded physical cash to preserve their savings. Stablecoins now give people a simpler path to hold stronger currencies without relocating.
Writing on X, Armstrong said crypto “gives people a way out” of unstable financial systems. He added that residents can now hold stronger currencies “far far easier, from anywhere in the world.” His comments frame digital dollars as a practical alternative to physical cash storage.
Crypto gives people a way out.
Many countries suffer from high inflation, or volatile currencies. The only way most residents used to be able to escape was to move, or hoard cash.
Now stablecoins let them hold stronger global fiat currencies, like USD, far far easier, from…
— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) August 23, 2026
Ardoino echoed similar points while addressing Tether’s growing footprint in developing markets. In his own post on X, he said several developing economies are “heavily relying on USDT” for both internal and foreign commerce. He called Tether’s financial inclusion mission “more important than ever” today.
The Tether CEO pointed to dollar shortages and financial restrictions as key drivers behind this shift. Local currency devaluation continues to push residents toward dollar-backed digital assets. Stablecoins offer a workaround where traditional banking access remains limited.
USDT Adoption Expands Across Several Developing Economies
Ardoino detailed specific use cases for USDT across the four countries mentioned in his statement on X. In Venezuela, the stablecoin supports import and export settlements amid ongoing currency pressure. Bolivia has seen USDT used for commercial transactions as dollar access tightens.
Several developing Countries's economies are heavily relying on USDT, for both internal and foreign commerce.
Today, Tether's mission of financial inclusion, is more important than ever.
— Paolo Ardoino (@paoloardoino) August 23, 2026
Argentina shows heavy reliance on peer-to-peer trading involving USDT, according to Ardoino’s remarks. Turkish users increasingly apply the stablecoin as a hedge against currency depreciation. These patterns reflect broader dollar demand across regions with unstable monetary policy.
Beyond individual use cases, transaction data points to wider stablecoin integration into everyday finance. Crypto card spending reached $1.04 billion in July 2026, tripling from the previous year. Stablecoins powered more than 70 percent of the 10 million transactions recorded during that period.
This volume suggests stablecoins are moving beyond speculative trading into routine financial activity. Cross-border payments, retail purchases, and savings preservation now sit among common applications.
Tether’s leadership frames this growth as part of a longer-term financial inclusion effort, particularly across regions facing currency instability and restricted dollar access.
The post Armstrong: Stablecoins Give High-Inflation Nations “A Way Out” appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
Nevada’s Transportation Authority granted autonomous vehicle permits to Tesla, Waymo, and Aviari on Friday
Tesla received authorization to operate up to 5,000 robo-taxis across Nevada within the coming 12 months
Waymo and Aviari were granted permits for 1,000 autonomous vehicles apiece
Tesla shares surged 5.1% on Friday, though the stock has declined 19% year-to-date, currently trading near $362
Following the permit approval, Citizens analyst Andrew Boone maintained a Market Perform rating on Tesla
Tesla received significant regulatory approval on Friday as Nevada’s Transportation Authority voted unanimously to grant commercial robo-taxi permits to Tesla, Alphabet’s Waymo, and Aviari.
EXCLUSIVE: Tesla has just officially received approval for its full Autonomous Vehicle Network Company permit in Nevada, clearing the way for Tesla to launch a paid public Robotaxi service in Las Vegas.
This officially allows @Tesla to deploy up to 5,000 robotaxis over the next… pic.twitter.com/DPs5UtUlrE
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) August 20, 2026
Among the three companies, Tesla secured the most substantial permit. The electric vehicle manufacturer can now deploy up to 5,000 fully autonomous vehicles throughout Nevada’s roads during the next 12-month period. Meanwhile, both Waymo and Aviari obtained authorization for 1,000 vehicles each.
On Friday, Tesla shares climbed 5.1%. However, during Monday’s premarket session, the stock dipped 0.2% to $362.07. Entering this week, TSLA has experienced a 19% decline for the year.
The electric vehicle maker initially rolled out its robo-taxi service in Austin, Texas during June 2025. Progress since the launch has been gradual. The autonomous taxi service is presently operational in select cities, including Dallas and Houston.
This Nevada authorization represents one of Tesla’s largest single-market robo-taxi approvals to date. While securing the permit marks an important milestone, the actual deployment of 5,000 autonomous vehicles presents a separate challenge.
Why Tesla Has an Advantage in Autonomous Taxi Services
Tesla possesses several meaningful competitive advantages in this space. The automaker has operated its autonomous driving technology across hundreds of thousands of its vehicles for multiple years. Additionally, since Tesla manufactures its own vehicles, the company can expand robo-taxi operations more rapidly and cost-effectively compared to rivals who must purchase vehicles from external suppliers.
Despite these strengths, Citizens analyst Andrew Boone maintained a Market Perform rating on Tesla after the announcement. With a P/E ratio of 336.4 and a market capitalization approaching $1.43 trillion, InvestingPro data suggests the stock trades above its Fair Value.
GLJ Research maintained its Sell rating on Tesla, citing a second-quarter operating margin of merely 1.4% and negative free cash flow totaling $1.1 billion.
TD Cowen retained its Buy rating, emphasizing Tesla’s strong position within the autonomous vehicle sector.
Additional Tesla Developments
Tesla also announced a recall affecting nearly 3 million vehicles in China, set to begin September 25. The recall encompasses the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X due to emergency door release handles that may be difficult to locate during emergencies. Tesla will address the problem through warning labels and an over-the-air software update.
In business developments, Tesla has formed a partnership with Einride to introduce 500 Tesla Semi trucks for Amazon throughout North America.
Nevada also granted Uber authorization for 1,000 autonomous vehicles via its partnerships with Motional and Zoox. Last week, Uber launched its inaugural European autonomous ride service in Zagreb, utilizing Pony.ai drivers and Verne-owned vehicles. Citizens maintains a Market Outperform rating on Uber with a $100 price target, anticipating significant autonomous supply growth on the Uber platform during Q4 2026 and throughout 2027.
Tesla’s Austin-based robo-taxi service is scheduled to become publicly available in August.
The post Tesla (TSLA) Stock Surges 5% Following Nevada’s 5,000 Robo-Taxi Authorization appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
SDOT shares climbed 56.16% Friday, ending at $13.18 after reaching an intraday peak of $19.90
The company eliminated all February debentures, settling $1.08 million in obligations through equity exchanges priced at $8 per share
TradeOS, Sadot’s AI-powered trading platform, executed its initial commercial deals in July, producing approximately $1 million in preliminary gross revenue
Following a 1-for-20 reverse split in May, the reduced float has amplified volatility and price movement sensitivity
The company achieved conditional Nasdaq compliance, temporarily avoiding delisting risk
Shares of Sadot Group finished Friday’s session at $13.18, marking a 56.16% increase on exceptionally heavy volume of 18.89 million shares. The stock reached an intraday peak of $19.90 during the session before retreating to surrender approximately one-third of the day’s gains. The rally added roughly $6.3 million to the company’s market capitalization.
Following market close, the company disclosed plans to eliminate $543,478 in outstanding debt through the issuance of 67,936 shares priced at $8 each. This conversion price represents a 39% discount to Friday’s closing level, presenting a potential headwind for the stock’s momentum.
Throughout August, Sadot completed three separate equity swap agreements, issuing a combined 134,813 shares—approximately 10.2% of its most recently reported total of 1.32 million shares—to fully retire February debenture obligations. The aggregate principal eliminated through these transactions totaled $1.08 million.
The post-market disclosure isn’t the sole obligation linked to the $8 reference level. An additional $4 million senior secured convertible note saw its conversion price adjusted to $8 per share during previous restructuring efforts. The company also maintains access to an equity purchase agreement enabling share sales up to $100 million.
Financial statements for the quarter ending June 30 revealed cash holdings of merely $124,000, representing a decline from $653,000 at year-end. Current liabilities totaled $13.8 million against current assets of $194,000, creating a negative working capital position of $13.6 million. The company reported zero revenue for Q2. The $35.2 million profit recorded during the period stemmed from a deconsolidation accounting gain rather than operational performance. Adjusted EBITDA reflected a $3.3 million loss.
TradeOS Platform Launches
Sadot’s strategic shift toward AI-powered commodity trading advanced in July as its TradeOS platform executed initial commercial transactions. Preliminary gross revenue from these early trades totaled approximately $1 million, though management indicated this amount will not materially impact anticipated Q3 financial results.
TradeOS functions as an integrated commodity trading and risk management solution. The company also completed acquisition of TradeIQ intellectual property to incorporate AI-driven analytical models into its trading framework. CEO Haggai Ravid acknowledged that “significant work ahead” remains regarding balance sheet improvement and maintaining Nasdaq listing standards.
Share Structure and Listing Status
Implementation of a 1-for-20 reverse stock split in late May substantially reduced the tradable float, which accounts for the stock’s susceptibility to dramatic price swings on relatively modest trading activity.
The company recently achieved conditional compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum stockholders’ equity standard, temporarily resolving the immediate delisting concern. Sustained compliance hinges on the next quarterly report.
Settlement share sales are limited to 15% of daily average trading volume. Beneficial ownership is capped at 4.99%, or alternatively 9.99% with advance notification. A Nasdaq exchange cap of 19.99% also applies.
Analyst coverage remains sparse. According to MarketBeat, only one analyst maintains a rating on the stock—a Sell recommendation—with no established consensus price target.
During the upcoming week, investors will monitor whether Friday’s elevated trading activity persists as the 67,936 newly issued settlement shares begin trading.
The post Sadot Group (SDOT) Stock Jumps 56% Following Debt Clearance and AI Platform Launch appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
US crypto ETFs outside Bitcoin and Ethereum pulled in nearly $90 million last week.
XRP funds led the group with $39.78 million in new inflows, their best week since May.
Solana funds added $28.34 million, marking an eighth straight week of gains.
Hyperliquid ETFs grew after a White House meeting raised hopes for US market access.
Bitcoin and Ethereum funds still dominated, pulling in a combined $2.61 billion for the week.
US listed crypto funds outside Bitcoin and Ethereum took in almost $90 million last week. The money flowed into XRP, Solana, Chainlink and Hyperliquid products as prices for these tokens climbed.
The gains came as a broader crypto rally pushed investors to look past the two largest digital assets. Newer funds tied to smaller tokens kept extending their streaks of positive weekly inflows.
XRP funds brought in $39.78 million, the strongest weekly total since mid May. That was the sixth straight week of gains for these funds, adding up to about $72 million over that stretch.
Solana funds followed with $28.34 million. This marked an eighth consecutive positive week for Solana products.
XRP and Solana Extend Winning Streaks
Cumulative inflows into XRP funds since launch have now reached roughly $1.55 billion. Weekly trading volume also hit a record $271.74 million.
The price of XRP jumped about 50% during the week, reaching as high as $1.60. It later slipped back to around $1.49.
Solana funds have pulled in about $56.3 million over their eight week run. Total inflows since launch stand near $1.19 billion.
Solana’s price rose close to 24% and briefly traded above $100 for the first time since February. It later dropped back to about $93.
Hyperliquid and Chainlink Gain Ground
Hyperliquid funds added $3.89 million, a third straight week of gains. Over that three week span, inflows reached nearly $10 million.
Total inflows into Hyperliquid products now stand near $287 million, with assets held in the funds topping $350 million. The token’s price hit a record near $82 before falling back to $79.
President Donald Trump met with crypto executives at the White House on August 19. During that meeting, he discussed a path for Hyperliquid to operate legally in the US and asked Congress to move forward on crypto market rules.
Chainlink funds saw their strongest week since launch, taking in $13.35 million. That brought cumulative inflows to about $142 million.
Chainlink’s price rose 22% during the week and touched $12 for the first time since January. It later eased to $11.40.
Smaller funds also saw activity. Avalanche products took in $1.3 million, Hedera funds added $848,000, and Dogecoin funds brought in $654,416.
Bitcoin and Ethereum funds still made up most of the week’s activity. Bitcoin funds pulled in $1.92 billion, while Ethereum funds added $697 million.
Combined, Bitcoin and Ethereum funds took in $2.61 billion, their strongest week since October 2025. That total dwarfed the nearly $90 million that flowed into the smaller altcoin funds.
Even so, the streaks of inflows into XRP, Solana, Chainlink and Hyperliquid funds continued for another week. Prices for all four tokens moved higher during the same stretch.
The post Crypto Funds Beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum See Inflow Streaks Extend appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
On August 24, Shein initiated its Hong Kong public offering, pricing shares between HK$47.60 and HK$49.50 with a potential raise of $1.77 billion
The company’s IPO valuation sits at approximately $27 billion—a dramatic 70% decline from the $98.2 billion peak achieved in 2022
First-quarter 2026 revenue expanded by a mere 1.1%, while the company recorded a $99 million net deficit
Major investors including General Atlantic, Tiger Global, and Tencent pledged $383 million as cornerstone backers
Shares will commence trading on September 1, marking Hong Kong’s biggest IPO this year
On Monday, August 24, Shein kicked off its highly anticipated Hong Kong initial public offering, putting approximately 280 million Class B shares on the market with a price range of HK$47.60 to HK$49.50 per share. The company aims to secure up to HK$13.86 billion, equivalent to approximately $1.77 billion.
Chinese-founded fast-fashion retailer Shein has launched bookbuilding for its Hong Kong IPO, aiming to raise up to $1.8 billion.
The company is expected to price the IPO by Aug. 31 and begin trading in Hong Kong on Sept. 1.
Source: Reuters https://t.co/HwYVOalDOQ
— Wall St Engine (@wallstengine) August 23, 2026
This listing pegs the online fashion giant at around $27 billion—a remarkable decline from the towering $98.2 billion valuation the company commanded during a private financing round back in 2022.
The final share price will be determined on August 31, with official trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange commencing September 1.
Years of Roadblocks Before Going Public
This offering represents the culmination of multiple unsuccessful listing attempts over recent years. Shein initially pursued a U.S. public debut but encountered intense examination regarding its Chinese manufacturing network and workforce conditions. The company subsequently explored a London listing, where both regulatory hurdles and political opposition derailed its plans.
In July 2025, Shein submitted a confidential application for a Hong Kong listing, ultimately securing clearance from Chinese securities authorities in July 2026.
Established in China in 2012, the retailer relocated its official headquarters to Singapore in 2021. Despite this move, its production infrastructure continues to rely predominantly on Chinese facilities, creating vulnerability to shifting trade regulations and international tensions.
Decelerating Expansion and Mounting Expenses
The company’s revenue trajectory shows a concerning deceleration pattern. Growth registered 41.1% in 2023, decreased to 20.7% in 2024, and slipped further to 8% in 2025. The opening quarter of 2026 saw growth collapse to a mere 1.1%.
Total 2025 revenue hit approximately $41.85 billion, yet net profit declined 38.7% to $2.06 billion. The first quarter of 2026 delivered a $99 million loss—a stark reversal from the $395 million profit generated in the corresponding period of 2025.
The elimination of America’s de minimis exemption, previously permitting duty-free entry for shipments valued under $800, severely impacted operations. U.S. revenue contracted 14.3% in Q1. Additional European import levies compound these challenges.
Company filings note “significantly higher level of duties and taxes” across American markets, with Chinese-manufactured goods now facing tariff rates spanning 10% to 87.5%.
Approximately $80 million has been earmarked for pending legal matters and regulatory compliance. Active investigations include an FTC inquiry, an EU Digital Services Act examination, and data protection proceedings in both France and Ireland.
Strategic Backers and Capital Deployment
Cornerstone investors have collectively pledged roughly $383 million to the offering. This group features Boyu Capital, General Atlantic, Tiger Global, Tencent, Greenwoods, UBS Asset Management, and Taikang Life.
Management intends to allocate approximately 80% of raised capital toward technological advancement, encompassing artificial intelligence capabilities, data analytics infrastructure, inventory management systems, and supply chain modernization.
This represents Hong Kong’s largest new equity offering in 2026, eclipsing the $751 million Momenta Global listing from July. Year-to-date, Hong Kong markets have generated roughly $41 billion through listings—a record-breaking performance exceeding double the equivalent 2025 period.
Shein maintains operations across approximately 160 nations worldwide. The September 1 market debut will serve as a critical benchmark for the company’s ability to navigate evolving trade frameworks and regulatory environments.
The post Shein’s Hong Kong IPO Prices at $27B Valuation—A 70% Plunge from 2022 Heights appeared first on Blockonomi.

Quick Summary
AAOI shares plummeted more than 10% in after-hours trading following the unveiling of a $600 million at-the-market share program
Raymond James and Needham will manage the sale, with funds allocated toward paying down debt, operational capital, and infrastructure investments
Investor sentiment turned negative in the wake of the disclosure
Industry peers Coherent and Lumentum delivered robust fourth-quarter earnings and optimistic forward guidance recently
Deutsche Bank and multiple institutional players established fresh stakes in AAOI throughout the second quarter
Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI) experienced a sharp decline exceeding 10% during overnight trading sessions late Sunday following the company’s disclosure of a $600 million at-the-market equity program, triggering apprehension about potential shareholder dilution.
Shares commenced Monday’s session at $124.82, representing a significant retreat from prior trading levels. The company maintains a market capitalization of $10.56 billion, with shares trading in a 52-week band between $18.50 and $233.67, alongside a volatility beta of 3.76.
Regulatory filings detailing the share program were submitted following Friday’s market closure. The sale will be executed through Raymond James and Needham, with capital designated for general corporate applications, encompassing debt reduction, operational funding, and capital investments.
Market sentiment among retail participants shifted decidedly negative in the immediate aftermath of the disclosure. Trading communities remain divided on whether this fundraising initiative signals underlying weakness or represents a strategic maneuver to capitalize on the optical networking industry’s current expansion phase.
Solid Financial Performance Overshadowed
AAOI unveiled its quarterly results on August 6, delivering earnings per share of $0.06, surpassing analyst projections of $0.02 by $0.04. Total revenue reached $191.92 million, marginally exceeding the $190.48 million forecast, representing an 86.3% surge compared to the prior year.
Management provided third-quarter 2026 EPS guidance spanning $0.11 to $0.26. Wall Street analysts collectively anticipate full-year earnings of $0.55 per share.
Although the quarterly performance was respectable, the equity program announcement unnerved shareholders already concerned about recent insider transactions. CEO Thompson Lin divested 59,000 shares on June 12 at $166.53 per share, representing a 4.33% decrease in his holdings. Executive David Kuo simultaneously sold 29,227 shares at an identical price point. Collectively, company insiders have offloaded 329,204 shares valued at more than $56 million across the past three months.
Institutional Buyers Continue Accumulating
However, not all investors are retreating. Deutsche Bank initiated a fresh position in AAOI throughout the second quarter, acquiring 50,726 shares valued at roughly $7.52 million. Rice Hall James and Associates established a stake worth $8.26 million, while Greenwoods Asset Management secured holdings totaling $7.93 million.
Institutional ownership currently comprises 61.70% of outstanding shares.
Wall Street analyst perspectives remain divided. Rosenblatt maintains a Buy recommendation with a $220 price objective. Needham reduced its target from $220 to $190 while preserving its Buy stance. Raymond James reaffirmed an Outperform rating with a $178 target. B. Riley holds a Neutral position, and Weiss Ratings downgraded the equity to Sell.
The aggregate analyst rating stands at Hold, with a mean price target of $139.40.
Industry competitors Coherent and Lumentum each published better-than-anticipated fourth-quarter results accompanied by constructive forward outlooks during the previous week, providing additional perspective on broader sector dynamics even as AAOI’s offering generated market unease.
Technical indicators show AAOI’s 50-day moving average at $127.73, with the 200-day average positioned at $125.42. The company operates with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12 and maintains a current ratio of 2.78.
The post Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI) Stock Tumbles 10% Following $600M Share Sale Announcement appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
SoftBank is preparing to issue 1 trillion yen ($6.3 billion) in retail bonds, marking the largest such offering ever from a Japanese company.
The bonds will have a seven-year maturity with an initial interest rate guidance between 4.3% and 4.9%, with definitive terms scheduled for September 4.
Shares of SoftBank declined 2.6% to 5,118.0 yen in response to the bond sale disclosure.
The firm has already pledged over $60 billion toward OpenAI-related ventures and continues to build out data center infrastructure.
This bond offering represents almost double SoftBank’s prior record issuance of 600 billion yen from April 2025.
SoftBank experienced a 2.6% stock decline to 5,118.0 yen on Monday following its disclosure of plans to secure 1 trillion yen, approximately $6.3 billion, via a retail bond issuance.
This transaction represents Japan’s largest retail bond sale on record and is roughly twice the magnitude of SoftBank’s prior benchmark offering—a 600 billion yen bond placement finalized in April 2025.
Targeted at retail participants, the seven-year notes feature a preliminary interest rate corridor of 4.3% to 4.9%. The company anticipates finalizing the coupon rate by September 4.
The subscription window will open September 7 and close September 16, with issuance scheduled for September 17 and maturity dated September 16, 2033.
To finance its expanding artificial intelligence initiatives, SoftBank has employed a diversified funding approach combining debt instruments, bond issuances, and portfolio liquidations. Recent asset sales have included positions in Nvidia and T-Mobile to generate liquidity.
The Japanese conglomerate has allocated upwards of $60 billion toward OpenAI while simultaneously accelerating data center buildout to accommodate surging computational requirements.
Previous media coverage suggested SoftBank was examining the possibility of a margin loan collateralized by its OpenAI holdings, although no formal arrangement has materialized.
Financing Artificial Intelligence Ambitions
This bond transaction forms a critical component of SoftBank’s comprehensive capital strategy as it intensifies its commitment to artificial intelligence infrastructure development.
The magnitude of this fundraising effort underscores the substantial capital requirements SoftBank is managing. Securing $6.3 billion through a single bond placement represents a significant financial maneuver, even for an enterprise of this scale.
SoftBank’s initiative is part of a broader trend. Throughout Asia, technology enterprises are ramping up capital expenditures on AI-related infrastructure.
Broader Asian Market Dynamics
On Sunday, Chinese technology behemoth Alibaba unveiled a $10.2 billion equity placement aimed at financing what the company describes as comprehensive AI infrastructure development.
The simultaneous capital-raising activities from SoftBank and Alibaba underscore the substantial investment flows currently channeling into artificial intelligence throughout the region.
For SoftBank specifically, this retail bond sale provides access to fresh capital from individual investors, enabling the company to support its OpenAI obligations without immediately liquidating additional portfolio holdings.
The indicative coupon range of 4.3% to 4.9% will need to prove sufficiently attractive to draw adequate retail investor participation throughout the September 7-16 subscription period.
Management plans to announce the definitive coupon rate and final offering terms on September 4, prior to the bonds’ September 17 settlement date.
The post SoftBank (SFTBY) Shares Decline Following Record-Breaking $6.3B Bond Offering Announcement appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways
Pre-market gains for Nvidia shares follow reports showing AI server costs climbing over 15% for configurations featuring Vera Rubin and Grace Blackwell processors
Memory component shortages from manufacturers including Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are the primary cause of escalating prices
The company’s fiscal Q2 financial results arrive Wednesday, August 26, with analyst consensus forecasting $92.2 billion revenue and $2.09 earnings per share
NVDA shares declined following both 2026 quarterly announcements despite surpassing expectations, falling 9.39% post-February and 5.52% after May releases
Complete analyst consensus shows 26 Buy ratings with an average target price of $301.82, representing approximately 40% potential appreciation
Shares of Nvidia experienced modest pre-market appreciation on Monday, August 24, advancing approximately 0.09%. The uptick followed industry reports indicating major technology firms are encountering price increases exceeding 15% for artificial intelligence server systems.
These cost elevations specifically impact configurations incorporating Nvidia’s Vera Rubin and Grace Blackwell processor architectures. The precise magnitude of price adjustments varies based on specific chip models and memory specifications selected.
High-bandwidth memory expenses represent the primary catalyst for these pricing adjustments. Continued supply constraints for advanced memory modules are elevating costs throughout the AI infrastructure sector. Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron constitute the principal suppliers experiencing these capacity limitations.
Manufacturing partners have commenced informing clients about the impending cost adjustments. Major cloud infrastructure providers including Microsoft, Alphabet’s Google, and Oracle are among the enterprise customers anticipated to absorb these higher expenses.
From Nvidia’s perspective, this pricing development signals robust market demand and substantial negotiating leverage. Technology companies continue investing heavily in data center expansion despite facing elevated acquisition costs.
Fiscal Q2 Results Arriving Wednesday
Market attention centers on Nvidia’s upcoming fiscal second-quarter financial disclosure scheduled for Wednesday, August 26. Analyst projections anticipate approximately $92.2 billion in quarterly revenue, representing nearly 95% year-over-year growth, alongside adjusted earnings per share of $2.09.
Nvidia has consistently exceeded analyst projections across its previous 14 consecutive quarterly reports. However, this impressive performance streak hasn’t prevented post-announcement selloffs. Shares retreated 9.39% during the two trading sessions following February’s disclosure and declined 5.52% over nine sessions after the May announcement.
This recurring dynamic presents a challenging scenario for market participants. Exceptional financial performance has proven insufficient to maintain share price momentum near-term, prompting speculation about Wednesday’s requirements for sustained investor enthusiasm.
Analyst Sentiment Remains Bullish
Notwithstanding post-earnings price fluctuations, Wall Street maintains overwhelmingly positive sentiment toward Nvidia. TipRanks data shows all 26 tracked analysts currently assign Buy ratings to NVDA as of August 24.
The consensus 12-month valuation target stands at $301.82, implying potential appreciation of approximately 40% from present trading levels.
Since February’s earnings announcement, Nvidia shares have appreciated roughly 9.80%. Conversely, the stock has declined 3.92% since May, illustrating that the artificial intelligence-fueled appreciation witnessed in prior periods no longer occurs automatically.
Recent corporate developments include Nvidia’s participation in a $500 billion infrastructure funding memorandum of understanding, while August 23 reports suggested potential investment in Perplexity at a $30 billion company valuation.
Wednesday’s quarterly disclosure represents the next critical assessment point for evaluating Nvidia’s current market position and future trajectory.
The post Nvidia (NVDA) Stock Climbs on 15% AI Server Price Surge Ahead of Earnings appeared first on Blockonomi.