Blockonomi

TL;DR
Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $233.13 million in net inflows on July 30.
BlackRock’s IBIT led all Bitcoin funds with $183 million in fresh investments.
Spot Ethereum ETFs added $13.29 million, driven by BlackRock’s ETHA.
ETF assets remain resilient despite Bitcoin trading below recent highs.
Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) extended their positive streak on July 30, attracting $233.13 million in daily net inflows as institutional investors continued allocating capital to regulated Bitcoin investment products.
According to SoSoValue data, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) dominated the session with $183 million in net inflows, accounting for the majority of the day’s capital entering U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs. Meanwhile, spot Ethereum ETFs also remained in positive territory, recording $13.287 million in total net inflows. BlackRock’s ETHA led Ethereum products with $16.242 million, offsetting modest outflows elsewhere.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs Record $233 Million in Net Inflows on July 30
On July 30 (ET), spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded total net inflows of $233 million, led by BlackRock’s IBIT with $183 million in net inflows. Spot Ethereum ETFs recorded total net inflows of $13.2871 million, led by… pic.twitter.com/D7aEe6IiRW
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) July 31, 2026
Bitcoin ETFs Continue to Draw Institutional Capital
The latest inflow pushed the cumulative assets held by U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs to approximately $78.76 billion, highlighting continued institutional participation despite recent market volatility.
Although Bitcoin has pulled back from recent highs, investors continue to view ETF products as one of the preferred vehicles for gaining regulated exposure to the cryptocurrency market. BlackRock’s IBIT has consistently remained among the strongest-performing funds in terms of daily subscriptions since the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs.
Ethereum funds also maintained positive momentum, suggesting institutional interest extends beyond Bitcoin as investors gradually diversify exposure across digital assets.
After several weeks of mixed activity and persistent outflows during portions of 2026, July 30 marked a notable return of buying interest, with $233.13 million flowing into Bitcoin ETFs.
Data highlights that ETF assets have remained relatively resilient even as Bitcoin trades around $64,800, well below the peaks reached during late 2025. Total net assets currently stand near $78.76 billion, suggesting many investors have maintained long-term positions instead of exiting during recent price weakness.
Institutional Demand Remains a Key Market Driver
Since their launch, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have become one of the largest sources of demand for Bitcoin, regularly absorbing hundreds of millions of dollars during periods of strong investor confidence.
Large inflow days have frequently coincided with renewed bullish sentiment, while extended outflow periods have often accompanied broader market corrections. The latest figures suggest institutional investors remain willing to add exposure despite ongoing price consolidation.
For Ethereum, continued positive ETF flows also reinforce growing acceptance among traditional investors, although demand remains considerably smaller than that seen in Bitcoin products.
As ETF participation continues to influence liquidity and market sentiment, investors will closely watch whether July 30’s inflows mark the beginning of another sustained accumulation phase.
The post Spot Bitcoin ETFs Attract $233M in Fresh Inflows as BlackRock’s IBIT Leads Demand appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:
Binance ETH stablecoin netflow fell 518% weekly, 347% monthly, 728% quarterly baseline.
ETH staking rate rose steadily from 33.44% to 33.90%, signaling gradual asset lock-up.
Weekly network fees burnt jumped 48% but remain 54% below the 90-day average level.
A daily close above $2,150 is needed to confirm a bullish structure reversal for ETH.
Ethereum traded between $1,840 and $1,953 over the past two weeks. It now sits near $1,908. The network’s staking rate climbed steadily from 33.44% to 33.90%.
This points to gradual asset lock-up. Stablecoin liquidity on Binance recorded one of the largest structural shifts among 148 tracked metrics.
It fell sharply across weekly, monthly, and quarterly baselines. This reversal, paired with a weaker Coinbase premium, suggests a transitional phase for Ethereum’s market structure.
Binance Stablecoin Netflow Marks a Sharp Reversal
Ethereum’s stablecoin netflow on Binance fell 518% week-over-week, marking a sharp reversal. Compared with its monthly baseline, the metric dropped 347%. Against the quarterly baseline, the decline reached 728%, one of the widest structural moves tracked.
Source: Cryptoquant
Binance remains the deepest venue for Ethereum stablecoin settlement, making its order book closely watched. Because large flow shifts tend to appear there first, this reversal offers an early signal.
Analysts monitoring liquidity often treat Binance data as a leading indicator for broader market repositioning.
The scale of this shift stands out among 148 metrics tracked across the market. Such structural moves rarely occur in isolation and often coincide with other exchange trends. Traders watching Ethereum’s stablecoin flows may view this as an early warning sign.
Exchange Flows and Coinbase Premium Signal Caution
Aggregate exchange netflow for Ethereum stayed negative on most days recently. The Coinbase premium index also slipped further, reaching negative 0.12.
This combination may point to softer US spot demand relative to the broader market. This pattern often precedes short-term price consolidation for major assets.
Weekly transaction fees burnt on the Ethereum network rose roughly 48%. Despite that increase, fees remain about 54% below their 90-day average. This gap suggests network activity has not fully recovered to prior levels.
Large-holder exchange activity, tracked through top-ten inflow and outflow data, is trending lower. This decline appears across weekly, monthly, and quarterly windows alike.
Reduced large-holder participation on exchanges often reflects lower short-term trading interest. This trend may indicate reduced appetite for near-term repositioning among whales.
Technical Structure Points to Key Resistance Levels
Ethereum recently filled a fair value gap between $1,954 and $1,892, according to Crypto Patel. Price continues recovering from June lows, though the higher timeframe structure remains bearish.
The current rally is testing a previously respected bearish order block. Crypto Patel’s analysis, shared on social media platform X, frames the current rally as corrective.
Ethereum Just Filled A Key FVG: Is A Massive Rejection Coming?$ETH continues to recover from the June lows, but the HTF structure remains bearish until key resistance is reclaimed.
Price has fully rebalanced the nearby FVG $1,954–$1,892
The current rally is testing a… https://t.co/mQrdtRJrCY pic.twitter.com/SQEcXsmmQY
— Crypto Patel (@CryptoPatel) July 28, 2026
A daily close above $2,150 would be needed to confirm a bullish structure shift. Failure to reclaim that level could send Ethereum back toward $1,700. The $1,500 level remains the major downside liquidity target if selling resumes.
The $2,046 to $1,975 range stands as the primary bearish order block on the daily chart. As long as Ethereum trades below $2,150, the recovery looks corrective rather than a confirmed reversal.
Traders are watching this zone closely for the next directional move. A break below current support could reopen prior liquidity zones downward.
The post Ethereum’s Stablecoin Liquidity Pulls Back on Binance as Fees Rebuild appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:
Strategy posted an $8.22 billion net loss in Q2 2026 from bitcoin fair value changes.
Bitcoin holdings reached 843,775 BTC as of July 26, up 25% year to date in 2026.
Convertible debt fell to $6.71 billion after Strategy repurchased notes at a discount.
USD Reserve grew to $3.75 billion, covering over 2.1 years of dividend obligations.
Strategy reported an $8.22 billion net loss for the second quarter of 2026, driven by fair value changes tied to its bitcoin holdings.
The company now holds approximately 843,775 BTC as of July 26, 2026, up 25% year to date. Despite the loss, Strategy strengthened its balance sheet and reduced debt during the period.
Q2 Loss Tied to Bitcoin Price Decline
Strategy posted a net loss of $8.22 billion for the second quarter of 2026. This compares with net income of $10.02 billion for the same period a year earlier. The swing reflects unrealized fair value changes on the company’s digital asset holdings.
Operating loss for the quarter reached $8.33 billion, compared to $14.03 billion in operating income a year prior. This figure includes an unrealized loss on digital assets of $8.32 billion. The prior-year quarter had recorded a $14.05 billion unrealized gain on the same holdings.
Net loss per common share on a diluted basis was $24.45 for the quarter. This compares with net income of $32.60 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2025. Net loss attributable to common stockholders totaled $8.62 billion after preferred dividends.
Strategy announces Q2 2026 results:
– Increased $BTC Holdings by 11%
– Reduced Convertible Debt by 18%
– Increased USD Reserve by 12%
– Increased BPS by 5%https://t.co/nfBSJsFjMt
— Strategy (@Strategy) July 30, 2026
Chief Executive Officer Phong Le addressed the difficult conditions the company faced during the quarter. Strategy strengthened its balance sheet “while navigating a meaningful bitcoin price decline,” he said. Le pointed to bitcoin holdings growth, reduced convertible debt, and higher Bitcoin Per Share as key gains.
Bitcoin Holdings Reach 843,775 BTC
Strategy’s bitcoin holdings grew to 843,775 BTC as of July 26, 2026, an 11% quarterly increase. The average cost basis per coin stands at approximately $75,476. Market value of the holdings totaled $54.77 billion based on bitcoin’s July 27 price.
Bitcoin traded at roughly $65,028 on July 30, below the company’s average purchase price. This price gap contributed directly to the unrealized loss recorded during the quarter. Still, Strategy achieved a BTC Yield of 4.5% year to date in 2026.
The company reported a BTC dollar gain of $1.95 billion year to date, based on current market pricing. Total revenues for the quarter reached $122.4 million, a 6.9% increase year-over-year. Gross profit came in at $81.6 million, representing a 66.6% gross margin.
Chief Financial Officer Andrew Kang commented on the company’s financial position amid the drawdown. The USD Reserve now stands at $3.75 billion, covering “more than 2.1 years” of dividend and interest obligations, he said.
Kang added that Strategy has built “a track record of 18 months of consecutive dividend payments, having never missed a dividend despite the recent deep drawdown in bitcoin price.”
Debt Reduction and Capital Raising Continue
Convertible debt declined to $6.71 billion from $8.21 billion at the end of the prior quarter. In May 2026, Strategy repurchased $1.50 billion in principal amount of its 2029 notes. That transaction cost approximately $1.38 billion, an 8% discount to par value.
Strategy raised $17.06 billion through its at-the-market offering programs during 2026 year to date. STRC issuances contributed $7.53 billion of that total, representing 254% growth. Cash and cash equivalents stood at $1.71 billion as of June 30, 2026.
Founder and Executive Chairman Michael Saylor addressed the broader market backdrop facing the company. He described current conditions as “this phase of muted bitcoin sentiment and market skepticism.”
Saylor said the company continues to “evolve our business model and establish Digital Credit as a new asset class.”
Strategy also maintains board authorization to sell bitcoin under its BTC Monetization Program. The company sold approximately $218.4 million in bitcoin year to date to fund preferred dividends. A separate $1.0 billion MSTR repurchase program has recorded no activity to date.
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TLDR
Strategy shares rose 4.73% despite an $8.22 billion second-quarter net loss.
Bitcoin holdings reached 843,775 as Strategy expanded its treasury in 2026.
Strategy raised $17.06 billion through its capital programs by late July 2026.
The company grew its dollar reserve to $3.75 billion for future obligations.
Strategy repurchased discounted STRC shares while keeping MSTR buybacks open.
Strategy Inc. (MSTR) shares rose 4.73% to $97.74 Thursday, despite the company reporting a major second-quarter loss. The stock later slipped 0.45% to $97.30 after hours following the earnings release. However, stronger capital reserves and expanded bitcoin holdings supported the market response.
Strategy Inc, MSTR
Bitcoin Holdings Expand During Market Decline
Strategy held 843,775 bitcoin as of July 26, marking 25% growth since the year began. The holdings carried a $63.69 billion cost basis and a $54.77 billion market value. The company recorded a large unrealized loss after bitcoin traded below its average purchase price.
The company reported an $8.22 billion net loss, compared with a $10.02 billion profit one year earlier. Meanwhile, operating losses reached $8.33 billion because digital asset values fell during the quarter. Preferred dividends also reduced common shareholder results by $400.7 million during the reporting period.
Still, Strategy achieved a 4.5% bitcoin yield and a 29,997 bitcoin gain during 2026. The company valued that gain at $1.95 billion using bitcoin’s July 27 market price. Strategy also sold $218.4 million of bitcoin to help fund preferred dividend payments.
Capital Raising Strengthens Strategy’s Balance Sheet
Strategy raised $17.06 billion through at-the-market programs during 2026 through July 26. It collected $8.41 billion during the second quarter and another $1.28 billion afterward. Consequently, the company expanded its funding options despite weaker bitcoin prices and heavy accounting losses.
In May, Strategy repurchased $1.50 billion of convertible notes for about $1.38 billion in cash. That transaction reduced outstanding convertible debt from $8.21 billion to $6.71 billion. The company completed the purchase at an estimated 8% discount to face value.
Strategy also established a $1 billion MSTR repurchase program, although it has made no purchases. Management may use the program when shares trade below its view of intrinsic value. Moreover, the company added new measures covering credit costs and net bitcoin per share.
Digital Credit Program Supports Dividend Coverage
Strategy increased its dollar reserve to $3.75 billion by July 26. The reserve covers more than 2.1 years of preferred dividends and interest payments. This buffer supports the company’s credit structure while bitcoin remains below its average acquisition cost.
The company raised $7.53 billion through STRC issuances during 2026, representing 254% growth. It also increased STRC’s dividend rate to 12% to support trading near $100. Strategy plans regular repurchases while STRC remains below its stated value.
Between July 20 and July 26, Strategy repurchased 288,930 STRC shares for $25 million. The purchases represented $28.9 million in stated value and an average price of $86.53. Strategy still has about $975 million available under its digital credit securities program.

The post Strategy (MSTR) Stock: Surges as Bitcoin Holdings Reach 843,775 Despite $8.22B Q2 Loss appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
Amazon shares jumped after quarterly revenue climbed 20% to $200.6 billion.
AWS sales surged 37% as cloud demand delivered its fastest growth in 18 quarters.
Operating income rose to $27.5 billion as AWS profit reached $16.6 billion.
Anthropic investment gains lifted Amazon’s quarterly net income to $62.6 billion.
Heavy infrastructure spending pushed free cash flow to a $7.6 billion outflow.
Amazon stock rose 3.90% to $235.50 before gaining 6.37% after hours to $250.49. The rally followed stronger second-quarter revenue, operating profit, and cloud growth. Amazon also reported broad gains across retail, advertising, chips, and artificial intelligence services during the quarter.
Amazon Revenue Reaches $200.6 Billion
Amazon reported second-quarter net sales of $200.6 billion, up 20% from $167.7 billion one year earlier. Foreign exchange changes added only $0.1 billion, leaving underlying growth at the same rate. North American sales increased 16% to $116.2 billion during the quarter.
International revenue rose 15% to $42.2 billion, while AWS revenue reached the same total. AWS grew much faster, with sales increasing 37% from the previous year. Advertising revenue also rose 26%, extending Amazon’s growth beyond retail and cloud services.
Operating income increased to $27.5 billion from $19.2 billion in the prior-year quarter. North American operating income reached $9.1 billion, while international income rose to $1.7 billion. AWS operating income climbed to $16.6 billion from $10.2 billion.
Anthropic Gain Boosts Quarterly Profit
Amazon posted net income of $62.6 billion, compared with $18.2 billion one year earlier. Diluted earnings reached $5.75 per share, up from $1.68 per share. A $53.4 billion pre-tax gain from investments, mainly Anthropic, significantly lifted the quarterly result.
Operating cash flow increased 33% to $161.4 billion for the trailing twelve months. Meanwhile, free cash flow moved to a $7.6 billion outflow from an $18.2 billion inflow. Higher capital spending drove the change as Amazon expanded data centers and computing infrastructure.
Property and equipment purchases increased by $66.1 billion from the prior-year period. Amazon directed much of that spending toward cloud capacity, chips, and artificial intelligence services. Those investments supported faster AWS growth but reduced near-term free cash flow.
AWS Growth Drives Wider Expansion
AWS recorded its fastest growth in 18 quarters as enterprise demand strengthened. Its artificial intelligence business exceeded a $25 billion annual revenue run rate. Amazon’s chip business also passed a $25 billion annual run rate with triple-digit growth.
Amazon expanded Trainium adoption through commitments from Anthropic, OpenAI, startups, and major companies. It also released Graviton5, which delivers stronger computing performance than the previous generation. Revenue commitments for Graviton nearly tripled from the previous quarter.
Beyond cloud services, Amazon expanded fast delivery, business logistics, pharmacy, advertising, and streaming operations. Amazon Now added 80 United States cities and now serves more than 250 cities globally across nine countries. Amazon Business reached $60 billion in annualized gross sales and expanded its product selection for commercial customers.

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TLDR
RCAT stock jumps 9.08% after securing a $2.49M U.S. Air Force drone contract.
Teal Drones will supply Black Widow systems, training, spares, and support.
Air Force Security Forces will assess Black Widow as a potential Teal 2 successor.
Black Widow already serves as the U.S. Army’s selected short-range drone platform.
Successful testing could open a broader Air Force fleet replacement opportunity.
Red Cat Holdings (RCAT) stock rose 9.08% to $7.39 after Teal Drones secured a $2.49 million Air Force contract. The award covers Black Widow drones, training, batteries, spare parts, and shipping for an assessment. The gain pushed RCAT near session highs.
Red Cat Holdings, Inc., RCAT
Air Force Tests Black Widow as Teal 2 Successor
The Air Force awarded Teal Drones a contract through its Security Forces Center. Red Cat will supply Black Widow systems and train personnel who will instruct other operators. The package includes batteries, spare components, support, and shipping.
The Air Force will test Black Widow across technical and operational security missions. The review will determine whether the platform can replace the Teal 2 fleet. That fleet serves active-duty personnel, Air National Guard units, and Air Force Reserve teams worldwide.
Red Cat must complete delivery by August 24, 2026, under the contract schedule. The assessment could create a larger opportunity if Black Widow meets operational and training requirements. However, the current award only covers test systems and related services.
Contract Extends Red Cat’s Defense Drone Momentum
Black Widow serves as Red Cat’s main short-range reconnaissance drone for missions. The system gives field units portable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support during operations. Its compact design allows teams to deploy the aircraft quickly near sensitive locations.
The U.S. Army previously selected Black Widow for its Short Range Reconnaissance Program. That decision strengthened Red Cat’s position among domestic small drone suppliers. The Air Force review adds another military branch to the platform’s defense record.
Red Cat builds its systems in the United States for government and military use. Federal agencies seek domestic drones that reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. Therefore, the contract supports Red Cat’s expansion across defense programs and service branches.
RCAT Stock Gains on Potential Fleet Opportunity
RCAT shares advanced because the award creates a path toward a broader Air Force fleet decision. A successful assessment could position Black Widow to replace Teal 2 systems across security units. That outcome would require separate approvals, procurement steps, and funding beyond this contract.
The $2.49 million award remains small compared with major defense procurement programs. Still, it gives Red Cat direct access to Air Force testing and user feedback. It also lets the company prove performance across active-duty, Guard, and Reserve environments.
Red Cat focuses on small drones, robotic systems, and related defense technology. Security needs, domestic sourcing rules, and battlefield demand shape the company’s market within the defense sector. The contract adds another government customer and gives RCAT stock a clear near-term catalyst.

The post Red Cat Holdings (RCAT) Stock: Surge 8% as $2.49M Air Force Contract Fuels Gains appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
Citigroup stock gains as Citi expands premium dining access with Mastercard.
The Curated Table returns with major events across New York, Austin, and Miami.
Strata Elite cardmembers gain access to fashion, racing, fine art, and dining.
Tickets start at $100, while premium packages add exclusive runway show access.
Citi links card rewards with premium travel, dining, and cultural experiences.
Citigroup (C) shares rose 3.73% to $131.87 after expanding a premium dining series with Mastercard for cardmembers. The companies will stage three major events tied to fashion, motorsport, and art during fall 2026. The program strengthens Citi’s push to connect credit card rewards with lifestyle experiences.
Citigroup Inc., C
Citi Expands Premium Dining Access
Citi and Mastercard will bring The Curated Table to New York, Austin, and Miami this fall. Each event combines food with a major cultural or entertainment setting for Strata Elite cardmembers. The companies launched the series last year and now plan events across three cities.
The first event will take place at The Shed in New York on September 9. Christian Siriano will present a runway show, while the Voltaggio brothers will lead dining. Citi designed the event to align with New York’s busy fashion season.
The Austin event will follow October 21 during a major Formula 1 weekend. The program will feature the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and a special driver appearance. Guests will also receive a premium dining experience linked to the race.
Strata Elite Card Offers Higher Rewards
The Miami event will return December 2 during the city’s annual art week. Citi will combine dining, music, art, and multi-sensory elements at the gathering. The company will reveal the featured artist closer to the event date.
The Curated Table supports Citi’s wider strategy for the Strata Elite rewards card. The card targets consumers seeking premium travel, dining, and entertainment benefits. Citi also uses the series to strengthen loyalty among high-spending customers.
Cardmembers earn 12 points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel. They receive six points on flights booked through the same platform. Restaurant purchases earn six points during selected weekend hours and three points at other times.
Mastercard Adds World Legend Benefits
The card provides 1.5 points per dollar on other purchases. Citi estimates that its travel, dining, and lifestyle benefits offer nearly $1,500 in annual value. Actual value depends on cardmember use of available credits and services.
Citi Strata Elite became the first issued card carrying Mastercard’s World Legend premium benefits. Those benefits include priority restaurant reservations and access to selected music, theater, and sporting events. Mastercard uses its global network to support the card’s experience-based rewards package.
Eligible cardmembers can buy Curated Table tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Standard tickets start at $100, while a limited number of premium packages offer added access. Some September packages include entry to Christian Siriano’s runway show alongside the dining event.

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TLDR:
The XRP staking scam allegedly took 3.4 million XRP from 71 investors, while police estimate total losses could ultimately approach $19 million.
Investigators say the fraudulent FXRP Network site promised monthly returns of 1.5% to 1.8% while misusing a legitimate asset name.
Seoul police froze about 17.3 billion won in virtual assets within three days after overseas exchanges flagged a cluster of complaints.
Two suspects are detained, another was arrested, and authorities requested an Interpol Red Notice for the alleged overseas ringleader.
Seoul police arrested three suspects in an XRP staking scam. It targeted 71 investors through a fraudulent online platform. Investigators say victims transferred 3.4 million XRP, valued near 12.3 billion won when the theft occurred during the scheme. That amount equals roughly $8.5 million, while potential losses may reach 27.3 billion won, or almost $19 million.
Two suspects were detained, while another was arrested without detention. Authorities are also pursuing an alleged ringleader believed to be overseas. Police warned investors against guaranteed returns and unverified services. These schemes often use legitimate blockchain project names to gain retail trust in Korea.
How the XRP Staking Scam Exploited a Real Asset Name
The suspects allegedly opened the FXRP Network website on October 16, 2025. It operated for only one week before disappearing on October 23.
The service claimed users could earn monthly returns between 1.5% and 1.8%. Promoters said deposits would support staking through FXRP, a genuine XRP-linked asset connected to Flare Network. Police said the website had no legitimate relationship with either project. That distinction was not disclosed to victims before they approved transfers through the promoted online service.
Investigators believe the group timed the XRP staking scam around growing public attention toward FXRP. That timing helped the XRP staking scam appear connected to a real product launch. The promised returns also exceeded rates commonly available through legitimate digital asset services.
Promotion spread across Naver Blog, Naver Knowledge iN, Tistory, Wikipedia, online articles, and YouTube. Some posts falsely stated that FXRP staking required transfers through Binance. Other videos used channel names resembling Upbit Developer and Ripple XRP.
Actors reportedly followed prepared scripts that directed victims through each transfer. This approach gave the instructions a professional appearance and reduced suspicion during the payment process.
Victims first moved XRP from domestic exchanges to overseas platforms. They then sent funds into wallets controlled by the suspects. Police believe this structure was designed to avoid South Korea’s Travel Rule checks.
Those rules require sender and recipient verification for virtual asset transfers above one million won. After receiving the XRP, the group allegedly sold it through over-the-counter traders. The proceeds were then converted into Korean won.
Police Trace XRP Staking Scam Funds Across Exchanges
Overseas exchanges alerted Seoul police after several FXRP staking complaints appeared within a short period. Investigators then used blockchain records to follow transfers across wallets and trading platforms.
Within three days of receiving the intelligence, authorities froze about 17.3 billion won in virtual assets. The frozen amount exceeded losses confirmed from the 71 victims. Police are examining whether assets include proceeds from additional cases.
Three suspects have been arrested under laws covering aggravated economic crimes, fraud, and unauthorized deposit-taking activities. Two were detained. Investigators described the suspects as friends who divided responsibilities across the operation.
Authorities have also secured an arrest warrant for the suspected ringleader. An Interpol Red Notice was requested after investigators determined that he was staying abroad. Police continue to review the roles of people who built, advertised, or managed the fake staking platform.
The XRP staking scam also highlights the risks surrounding yield products that borrow names from established blockchain networks. FXRP is a real asset associated with Flare, but the XRP staking scam was not an official service.
Police urged users to verify platform domains, ownership details, and project announcements before transferring tokens. Guaranteed monthly returns should receive added scrutiny, especially when deposits require several exchange transfers.
XRP traded near $1.09 on July 30, rising about 1.7% during the day. Immediate support stood near $1.0744, while the 20-day exponential moving average near $1.0963 marked the first resistance level. The investigation has not linked Ripple, XRP, Flare Network, or legitimate FXRP services to the alleged fraud.
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TLDR
Blackstone acquires DarkVision to expand industrial inspection technology reach.
DarkVision strengthens Blackstone’s energy transition technology portfolio.
AI-powered ultrasound imaging boosts Blackstone’s industrial technology assets.
Blackstone expands infrastructure technology through DarkVision acquisition.
DarkVision deal supports industrial inspection and infrastructure reliability.
Blackstone Inc. traded at $128.64, down 0.59%, after announcing a definitive agreement to acquire DarkVision Technologies. The acquisition will be completed through funds managed by Blackstone Energy Transition Partners. The transaction expands Blackstone’s industrial technology portfolio with advanced infrastructure inspection capabilities.
Blackstone Inc., BX
Blackstone Adds Advanced Inspection Technology Through DarkVision Acquisition
Blackstone Energy Transition Partners agreed to acquire DarkVision from Koch Engineered Solutions, a business unit of Koch Inc. The companies did not disclose the transaction value. The deal remains subject to customary closing conditions.
Founded in 2013, DarkVision develops advanced ultrasound imaging systems for industrial infrastructure inspections. The company operates from North Vancouver, British Columbia, and employs about 300 people. It serves customers across energy and industrial markets worldwide.
DarkVision combines imaging sensors, silicon chips, artificial intelligence models, and visualization software within one technology platform. Its systems transform ultrasound data into detailed three-dimensional images. Operators can identify defects and assess infrastructure conditions more accurately.
Acquisition Supports Energy Transition and Industrial Growth
The acquisition strengthens Blackstone’s Energy Transition Partners investment strategy across industrial and energy infrastructure markets. The platform has invested more than $29 billion in energy-related businesses globally. The addition of DarkVision expands its technology-focused portfolio.
DarkVision’s inspection platform helps operators detect equipment defects before failures occur. The technology also supports maintenance planning and improves operational efficiency. Industrial companies can strengthen asset reliability and reduce unexpected downtime.
The transaction also expands Blackstone’s presence in industrial software and infrastructure technology. DarkVision will continue developing advanced ultrasound inspection solutions after the acquisition closes. Blackstone plans to support the company’s future commercial growth and product development.
Background Highlights Strategic Expansion
Blackstone manages more than $1.3 trillion in assets across private equity, infrastructure, credit, real estate, and other investment strategies. The firm regularly invests in businesses with scalable technology platforms. It continues expanding investments tied to industrial modernization and energy transition.
Koch Engineered Solutions supported DarkVision’s technology expansion before the agreement. During that period, the company broadened its inspection capabilities and strengthened customer relationships across global industrial markets. Those developments increased the company’s presence within critical infrastructure inspection.
Financial advisors included Stifel and Guggenheim Securities for Blackstone and Evercore for DarkVision. Legal advisors represented both companies throughout the transaction process. Following regulatory approvals and customary closing requirements, Blackstone will add DarkVision to its Energy Transition Partners portfolio.
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TLDR
Nvidia is reportedly tied to Hut 8’s $19.6 billion Texas lease agreement deal
Hut 8’s two leases cover 704 MW of planned AI data center capacity in Texas
The $50.2 billion headline depends on future lease renewal options being used
NVDA stock traded at $193.43 after briefly nearing $197.50 during the session
NVDA support sits near $192.50 and $190.01, while resistance stands at $195.02
Nvidia Corporation (NVDA) Stock rose 1.80% to $193.43 as reports linked Nvidia to Hut 8’s Texas data center leases. The shares briefly approached $197.50 before pulling back during the session. The reported agreement connects Nvidia with $19.6 billion in base-term lease value.
NVIDIA Corporation, NVDA
Nvidia Link Gives Hut 8 Deal Greater Weight
The Financial Times identified Nvidia as Hut 8’s previously unnamed Beacon Point customer. Nvidia neither confirmed nor denied the reported tenant relationship. Hut 8 has also kept the customer’s identity private.
Hut 8 disclosed a second 15-year lease covering 352 megawatts of IT capacity. The agreement doubled the same tenant’s planned footprint to 704 megawatts. Together, both contracts carry $19.6 billion in base-term value.
Nvidia could gain attention from this large infrastructure commitment. However, the reported $50.2 billion figure includes optional lease renewals. Therefore, that amount does not represent guaranteed revenue under the current contracts.
Beacon Point Supports Large AI Infrastructure Expansion
The reported arrangement would place Nvidia behind rent obligations covering 704 megawatts. Nvidia could also use the site to support customers deploying its computing systems. Still, neither company has announced a sublease agreement.
Nvidia remains tied to demand for large computing facilities. Nvidia has promoted its DSX architecture for designing and operating large data centers. The company works with infrastructure partners to expand deployment capacity.
Hut 8 must deliver energized buildings according to the project schedule. The company raised $4.25 billion through non-recourse senior secured notes in June. It expects the first Phase 2 data hall during the second quarter of 2028.
The Beacon Point campus forms part of Hut 8’s planned one-gigawatt development in Texas. However, the project still carries construction, financing, and customer concentration risks. Hut 8 must also deliver each stage within the agreed timeline.
Nvidia Holds Above Key Support
Nvidia traded at $193.43 after giving back part of its intraday advance. The shares face immediate resistance near $195.02. Meanwhile, support sits near $192.50 and $190.01.Exchange data showed 324,052,767 NVDA shares sold short on July 15. That position represented 1.39% of Nvidia’s public float. Nvidia therefore showed limited evidence of a crowded bearish trade.
Nvidia’s latest filing listed no pending stock merger or convertible debt balance. Therefore, the available data provides little support for a short-squeeze case. The company’s price movement remains tied mainly to earnings, demand, and broader market conditions.
Hedge fund ownership in Hut 8 declined during the first quarter. Sixty tracked portfolios held HUT in March, compared with 64 in December. The small decline did not change the contractual value of the leases.Nvidia now combines positive price action with a reported infrastructure connection. The Hut 8 contracts provide $19.6 billion in firm base-term value. However, neither company has publicly confirmed Nvidia as the tenant.
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Key Highlights
ICE shares declined 1.26% following the announcement of its $6 billion MarketAxess acquisition.
The all-cash transaction offers MarketAxess investors $167 per share.
The deal broadens ICE’s presence in both retail and institutional bond market segments.
Annual cost synergies of $100 million are anticipated within three years post-closing.
Transaction completion is projected for the first half of 2027 pending regulatory clearance.
Shares of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) dropped 1.26% to $152.34 following the company’s announcement of a significant acquisition in the fixed income space. The financial markets operator revealed plans to purchase MarketAxess through an all-cash offer of $167 per share. This transaction assigns MarketAxess an equity valuation of approximately $6.0 billion, with an enterprise value reaching $5.7 billion.
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., ICE
Strategic Expansion Into Fixed Income Trading Infrastructure
This strategic combination merges ICE’s bond data capabilities with MarketAxess’s established institutional electronic trading infrastructure. The MarketAxess platform facilitates connections among approximately 2,100 financial institutions and dealers spanning over 90 countries. The network handles trading in corporate bonds, municipal securities, U.S. Treasuries, Eurobonds, and emerging market debt.
ICE currently operates an extensive retail bond trading platform alongside its worldwide index operations. The company delivers pricing data, reference information, analytical tools, and market connectivity services to financial industry participants. As a result, this acquisition positions ICE to serve retail, wealth management, and institutional segments of the fixed income ecosystem.
The merged entity will offer an integrated workflow spanning pre-trade research, electronic order execution, and post-trade regulatory compliance. Market participants will benefit from enhanced liquidity access and more comprehensive bond valuation data. ICE anticipates the unified platform will streamline operations and boost efficiency throughout fixed income trading activities.
All-Cash Transaction Structure and Financing Plan
Under the definitive agreement, ICE will deliver $167 in cash for every MarketAxess share outstanding. This offer price delivers a 33% premium above MarketAxess’s closing price on July 29. ICE intends to fund the acquisition through a combination of bond issuances, commercial paper offerings, and term loan facilities.
The transaction has received unanimous approval from both companies’ boards of directors, though MarketAxess stockholders have yet to cast their votes. Completion remains contingent upon receiving necessary regulatory authorizations and satisfying customary closing requirements. ICE anticipates finalizing the deal sometime during the first six months of 2027.
The company forecasts achieving $100 million in annual cost efficiencies within a three-year period following deal closure. Additionally, ICE anticipates the transaction will contribute positively to adjusted earnings in its first complete year. The acquisition multiple stands at approximately 10.6 times MarketAxess’s trailing EBITDA when factoring in projected synergies.
Building a Comprehensive Bond Market Ecosystem
This strategic move reinforces ICE’s initiative to transform the historically fragmented worldwide bond marketplace. Global debt outstanding currently totals approximately $145.1 trillion across sovereign and corporate issuances. A significant portion of fixed income trading continues to depend on manual workflows and bilateral dealer interactions.
ICE has developed valuation platforms, analytical solutions, benchmark indexes, and electronic trading venues spanning multiple financial asset classes. The MarketAxess acquisition introduces a prominent institutional trading network and proven electronic bond execution infrastructure. The combined organization will address a broader spectrum of the fixed income transaction lifecycle.
Following the acquisition, ICE will increase its baseline quarterly share repurchases from $350 million to $400 million. Gross leverage ratios are expected to start around 3.4 times immediately after deal completion. Management aims to reduce leverage to 3.0 times or below within an 18 to 24 month timeframe.

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Key Highlights
IBM stock declined 1.98% even as a groundbreaking quantum computing achievement was announced.
The Heron processor successfully simulated quantum matter beyond classical computing capabilities.
Algorithmiq developed verification methods to validate quantum outputs without traditional benchmarks.
Consistent performance across varied noise conditions demonstrates reliability in quantum processing.
Release of open-source monoprop tool enables independent validation of quantum advantage assertions.
Shares of IBM (IBM) decreased 1.98% to close at $221.96 following Algorithmiq’s announcement of a significant quantum computing achievement. The collaboration utilized IBM’s Quantum Heron processor to model heterogeneous quantum matter with unprecedented complexity. Despite this technical advancement positioning IBM favorably in next-generation computing, the stock experienced downward pressure.
International Business Machines Corporation, IBM
Quantum Superiority Demonstrated Through Joint Research
The collaboration between Algorithmiq and IBM focused on a computational model designed to trace information propagation across regions exhibiting distinct quantum characteristics. This experimental model mimics the irregular structural patterns observed in industrial catalysts, battery electrolyte materials, and similar compounds. The research team specifically engineered the challenge to suit existing quantum hardware while exceeding the capabilities of top-tier classical simulation techniques.
Using an IBM Quantum Heron processor, scientists manipulated microscopic connections to regulate information transfer, particle localization, and quantum interference throughout the simulated material structure. The configuration produced a flexible system capable of replicating multiple characteristics present in actual quantum materials.
Since publishing the challenge via the Quantum Advantage Tracker eight months ago, no classical computational approach has successfully generated consistent results spanning the complete tested parameters. These findings reinforce the position that quantum computing systems can address specific computational challenges more efficiently than traditional computing architectures.
Validation Strategy Addresses Verification Challenges
Traditional quantum research relies on classical simulation comparisons to confirm accuracy. In this investigation, however, multiple classical approaches generated conflicting predictions for identical measurements. This inconsistency forced the research team to develop alternative validation strategies for quantum-generated data.
The scientists modified noise characteristics through systematic injection, recalibrated gate operations, and conducted trials across multiple IBM quantum processors. Throughout these variations, the quantum-generated results demonstrated remarkable consistency across numerous iterations. This reproducibility provided the foundation for confidence in the processor’s computational accuracy.
Algorithmiq additionally constructed comprehensive noise characterization models for each computation performed on the quantum device. These models enabled error correction techniques that calculated uncertainty margins independent of exact classical reference points. This framework presents a viable pathway for authenticating future quantum experiments that surpass classical computing boundaries.
Public Benchmark Tool Enables Peer Verification
Algorithmiq introduced monoprop, an open-source software package designed for classical computation of molecular ground states. The organization employed comparable methodologies during this project to evaluate quantum advantage assertions. The tool now enables independent researchers to scrutinize similar claims using standardized methods.
This publicly available software permits both quantum and classical computing teams to verify published findings using identical resources. The approach may enhance accountability as additional organizations announce advancements toward commercially viable quantum computing. Additionally, it establishes a universal standard for evaluating emerging processors and simulation methodologies.
IBM has invested substantially over multiple years in quantum processor development, software infrastructure, and collaborative research initiatives. This latest achievement continues that strategic focus into materials science and scientific computation. Nevertheless, the stock’s decline indicated that the technical milestone failed to counter broader market selling trends.
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TLDR
HOLO shares jump 4.51% to $1.6199 on quantum neural network news.
DSQ-Net blends spiking neural networks with variational quantum circuits directly.
New system holds over 90% accuracy on unseen noisy test images.
Quantum layer targets non-differentiable spiking events for better trainability now.
Technology eyes uses in industrial inspection, traffic systems, and edge devices.
MicroCloud Hologram(HOLO) shares climbed 4.51% to $1.6199 on Thursday morning trading. The move followed the company’s unveiling of a Deep Spiking Quantum Neural Network built specifically for noisy image classification. The technology signals a fresh, deliberate step toward merging quantum computing with neuromorphic engineering methods.
MicroCloud Hologram Inc., HOLO
MicroCloud Hologram Inc. Debuts DSQ-Net Architecture
MicroCloud Hologram Inc. built DSQ-Net on years of accumulated quantum algorithm research and engineering. The system introduces a variational quantum circuit as a core auxiliary training mechanism. This approach differs sharply from earlier methods that used quantum circuits only for feature mapping.
The architecture embeds quantum circuits directly into spiking neural network training processes. This design tackles non-differentiable spiking events and random neuronal dynamics head-on. Engineers say the method rebuilds trainability for spiking networks at the system level.
Input images pass through a classical preprocessing module before reaching the network. That module converts pixel data into spatio-temporal spike sequences for processing. Noise then becomes part of the temporal signal instead of pure interference.
Quantum Layer Boosts Accuracy Under Noise
MicroCloud Hologram Inc. (NASDAQ: HOLO)’s deep spiking network extracts high-level spatio-temporal features from encoded data. Intermediate spike statistics get mapped into qubit states through a process called amplitude encoding. This encoding method carries complex spike structures efficiently using fewer qubits overall.
A parameterized variational quantum circuit then evolves the encoded quantum state further. Multiple tunable quantum gates update alongside the classical optimizer throughout training. Quantum measurement results guide how the classical network weights adjust afterward.
Testing showed DSQ-Net held classification accuracy above 90% on unseen noisy images. The model outperformed classical spiking networks of similar scale in direct trials. Performance also degraded more slowly as noise levels increased, according to engineers.
MicroCloud Hologram Inc. Eyes Broader Real-World Applications
HOLO validated the model using a high-fidelity quantum simulator rather than physical hardware. This choice ensured reproducible results while quantum hardware technology remains largely immature. Researchers built multiple datasets featuring varied noise types and intensities for thorough testing.
Potential uses span industrial inspection, traffic perception, and constrained edge computing devices. Spiking networks offer low-power, event-driven processing well suited for such systems. Quantum parallelism could further cut overall computational complexity as hardware continues to mature.
The breakthrough also advances quantum machine learning beyond simple theoretical speed gains. It tackles real-world problems like noise, uncertainty, and non-differentiable dynamics directly. MicroCloud Hologram Inc. now positions DSQ-Net as a bridge connecting quantum and neuromorphic computing fields.

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TLDR
Vita Coco expands Pit Stain Pit Stop tour across four major U.S. cities in August.
COCO grows summer brand reach through hydration-focused experiential campaign.
Free samples and misting stations support Vita Coco’s nationwide consumer outreach.
Josh Hart appearance boosts visibility as Vita Coco expands hydration campaign.
COCO strengthens consumer engagement through interactive summer hydration events.
The Vita Coco Company, Inc. traded at $66.80, down 1.09%, after announcing a broader U.S. summer marketing campaign. The company will expand its Pit Stain Pit Stop activation across four major cities during August. The initiative supports brand visibility while promoting coconut water as a hydration option during hot weather.
The Vita Coco Company, Inc., COCO
Vita Coco Expands Summer Hydration Campaign Across Major U.S. Cities
The company will take its Pit Stain Pit Stop activation to Chicago, Miami, Denver, and Los Angeles during August. Each location will feature a large misting installation and complimentary Vita Coco coconut water samples. The campaign follows a successful debut in New York City earlier this summer.
The New York launch attracted thousands of visitors throughout its opening day. Vita Coco distributed more than 2,000 product samples within the first two hours. The company also featured NBA champion Josh Hart during the launch event to increase campaign visibility.
Visitors at every stop can cool down under the oversized misting installation and receive complimentary coconut water while supplies last. The activation encourages social engagement through interactive displays and photo opportunities. The campaign also highlights hydration after sweating during warm summer conditions.
Campaign Highlights Electrolyte Benefits While Building Consumer Awareness
The activation centers around a nearly 10-foot oversized t-shirt structure that releases cooling mist beneath its armpit section. The display turns a familiar summer experience into a memorable hydration message. The campaign connects sweating with electrolyte loss in an engaging format.
Vita Coco stated that its Original Coconut Water contains 1,149 milligrams of electrolytes per 500 milliliters. The company compared that amount with about 292 milligrams in a leading sports drink. The campaign uses this comparison to reinforce the product’s hydration positioning.
The company explained that naturally occurring electrolytes help replenish fluids lost through sweat. The activation combines entertainment with product education through live consumer experiences. This strategy also increases opportunities for direct product sampling in busy public locations.
Consumer-Focused Marketing Supports Brand Recognition
The nationwide campaign arrives during peak summer temperatures across many parts of the United States. Vita Coco aligns its marketing with seasonal demand for hydration products. The company also expects increased public interaction through outdoor events.
Josh Hart participated in the New York launch and discussed the importance of hydration during athletic activity. His appearance added public attention to the campaign while reinforcing the hydration theme. The NBA and the New York Knicks are not affiliated with the promotion.
Chicago will host the next event on August 2 at Tribune Tower Plaza. Miami follows on August 8 at Lincoln Road Plaza, while Denver hosts the activation on August 15 at the 16th Street Mall Promenade. Los Angeles will conclude the tour on August 22 at Third Street Promenade.

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Key Highlights
Integration of Gemini AI models into Oracle’s AI Agent Studio for enterprise applications.
Enhanced capabilities for multimodal functions including automation, analysis, and content creation.
Strategic model selection framework prioritizing efficiency, performance, and budget considerations.
Significant boost to Oracle’s competitive position in cloud-based enterprise solutions.
Extended market reach for Google Cloud through Oracle’s extensive enterprise client network.
Shares of Oracle (ORCL) experienced a notable surge of 6.81%, closing at $125.76, following the announcement of an enhanced artificial intelligence collaboration with Google Cloud. This strategic expansion introduces Google’s advanced Gemini AI models into Oracle’s Fusion Applications and NetSuite platforms. The development positions Oracle more competitively as enterprises increasingly demand diverse AI model options and cost-effective automation solutions.
Oracle Corporation, ORCL
Oracle AI Agent Studio Welcomes Gemini Integration
Oracle announced plans to incorporate Gemini models into its Oracle AI Agent Studio designed for Fusion Applications. This integration enables customers and development partners to construct intelligent agents and streamline operational workflows. The studio currently provides a framework supporting Oracle’s proprietary agents alongside external solutions through standardized development protocols.
This broadened model availability will empower organizations to align AI capabilities with precise operational requirements. Gemini’s functionality spans advanced reasoning, process automation, presentation generation, multimedia production, and diverse cross-modal applications. Oracle maintains its commitment to offering multiple AI providers within a unified development ecosystem.
The company anticipates this integration will accelerate automated decision-making, approval processes, and transactional workflows. Fusion Applications will bridge AI-generated insights with regulated operational frameworks spanning critical business domains. This architecture enables organizations to transition from data interpretation to controlled execution within established enterprise systems.
Enhanced AI Capabilities Across Fusion and NetSuite Platforms
Oracle’s strategy includes embedding Gemini models throughout its Fusion Applications and NetSuite ecosystems. Model selection will follow a strategic framework considering financial efficiency, processing velocity, and task-specific demands. This methodology accommodates diverse operational scenarios without defaulting to a single AI solution.
The Fusion Applications suite encompasses critical business areas including financial management, workforce administration, logistics optimization, production management, revenue operations, marketing automation, and client services. Gemini integration may enhance predictive analytics, documentation handling, process automation, and operational intelligence throughout these domains. Oracle has yet to publish comprehensive deployment timelines for all planned features.
For NetSuite users, Gemini integration promises improved operational transparency and streamlined task management for expanding organizations. The platform currently leverages artificial intelligence throughout financial planning, operational management, and customer engagement modules. Oracle projects that expanded model availability will optimize performance across targeted NetSuite functionalities.
Strategic Alliance Extends Established Cloud Infrastructure
This recent announcement builds upon the existing technological partnership connecting Oracle and Google Cloud. Enterprise clients currently utilize Gemini models via OCI Enterprise AI and complementary integrations. The expanded collaboration brings these advanced capabilities directly to Oracle’s application ecosystem and routine operational workflows.
Oracle maintains one of the industry’s most comprehensive enterprise software portfolios serving global corporations. The Fusion platform unifies information management, process orchestration, governance frameworks, and intelligent automation within a cohesive cloud infrastructure. NetSuite addresses the requirements of emerging businesses through consolidated financial systems, e-commerce platforms, inventory control, and operational management tools.
This strategic collaboration potentially enhances Oracle’s competitive stance against rival enterprise software vendors advancing automated business capabilities. Simultaneously, Google Cloud secures expanded exposure to Oracle’s substantial application user community. Oracle’s immediate priority centers on implementing Gemini features across practical, governed enterprise applications.
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TLDR:
DeFi TVL fell $43.4 billion, or 38%, while six major L1s lost $246.5 billion in market cap.
Ethereum ETF holdings dropped to 5.2M ETH as treasury firms raised holdings to 7.7M ETH.
Layer 2 user operations fell 77% from January to June, far outpacing Ethereum’s 9% decline.
BNB Chain stayed the only deflationary major L1, burning tokens at a 5.05% annual rate.
Crypto market activity did not rotate between sectors during the first half of 2026. Instead, a broad on-chain contraction hit nearly every part of the industry, according to Binance Research.
Total DeFi TVL fell $43.4 billion, or 38%, while six major Layer 1 blockchains lost a combined $246.5 billion in market capitalization, or 42%.
Contraction Spreads Across Ethereum, Layer 2s, And DeFi
Ethereum’s marginal holder base shifted rather than grew during this period. Spot ETF balances shrank from over 6 million ETH to 5.2 million ETH.
Digital asset treasury companies expanded their holdings from 6 million to 7.7 million ETH. This change flipped the balance between the two holder groups, widening the gap between them.
Cheaper Ethereum blockspace failed to convert into stronger revenue. The network’s gas limit rose to roughly 60 million units this year.
Average gas prices fell 75% compared with 2025, and transaction counts rose about 50%. Despite this activity, chain revenue is tracking a 53% decline for the full year.
Generalist Layer 2 networks shed users faster than the broader market contracted. Total L2 user operations fell approximately 77% between January and June 2026.
Ethereum itself saw a smaller 9% decline over the same stretch. This gap shows contraction hit L2s harder than the base layer.
DeFi TVL fell 38.7% during the first half, outpacing the wider market drop. Active loans across DeFi protocols declined 38.0% during the same period.
April marked the sharpest deterioration, coinciding with major exploits across the space. The industry recorded 207 security incidents, the highest count in any six-month period, resulting in $972 million in losses.
Solana And BNB Chain Show Divergent Paths Within The Same Downturn
Solana’s network revenue dropped sharply even as trading patterns held steady. Monthly REV fell from $40 million in January to $14 million in June.
That decline amounted to 64.5% over six months. Memecoins still represented 25% of Solana’s decentralized exchange volume.
Tokenized equities gained a foothold on Solana despite the broader pullback. These assets reached 4% of Solana DEX volume by June 2026.
BNB Chain also became a leading venue for tokenized equities during this period. Tokenized RWA market cap on BNB Chain grew 107% in the first half.
BNB Chain’s share of on-chain real-world assets rose as a result. Its portion climbed from 9.8% to 13.5% of the total market.
BNB Chain also remained the only major deflationary Layer 1 network. Its annualized burn rate reached 5.05%, compared with 0.86% for ETH.
Prediction markets stood apart from the broader contraction pattern. Monthly notional volume rose 86% to $51.6 billion, driven partly by the World Cup.
Kalshi and Polymarket accounted for 92% of June’s total trading volume. Non-sports volume across both platforms increased 136% during the same window.
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Key Highlights
Company converts 100 Bitcoin holdings to accelerate Michigan AI data center construction.
Shares of GPUS climb 5.50% following announcement of cryptocurrency liquidation strategy.
New Bitcoin-collateralized credit facility secured with anticipated interest between 4.5% and 5%.
Primary 20 MW computing services agreement projects potential revenue exceeding $1.2 billion.
Additional 32 MW expansion option could push cumulative contract value above $3 billion.
Shares of Hyperscale Data (GPUS) advanced 5.50% to reach $0.1208 following a mid-session recovery from earlier losses. The uptick came after the company announced its intention to liquidate Bitcoin assets to finance its Michigan-based AI data center facility. This strategic pivot reallocates treasury resources toward substantial infrastructure investment tied to secured computing contracts.
Hyperscale Data, Inc., GPUS
Cryptocurrency Liquidation Fuels Data Center Investment
Hyperscale Data executed the sale of approximately 100 Bitcoin units, channeling proceeds directly into its Michigan facility expansion. While the company withheld specific timing and execution pricing details, Thursday’s Bitcoin valuation of $64,823 suggests the transaction generated roughly $6.48 million in capital.
According to recent disclosures, the firm maintained Bitcoin holdings valued at approximately $71 million through ongoing mining operations and strategic accumulation. Leadership indicated plans to maintain equilibrium between cryptocurrency reserves and capital deployment for high-yield infrastructure ventures. Consequently, Hyperscale Data preserves substantial digital asset exposure while simultaneously funding construction activities and equipment acquisition.
The liquidated funds will address equipment procurement, site preparation, and critical infrastructure components with extended lead times. These capital deployments directly support an established partnership with a prominent neo-cloud infrastructure operator. Management anticipates this funding will expedite development timelines and expand operational computing capabilities at the Michigan location.
Long-Term Revenue Prospects from Michigan Computing Facility
The foundational services contract encompasses approximately 20 megawatts of critical computing infrastructure at the Michigan campus. This decade-long agreement incorporates two additional five-year renewal options. Under full extension scenarios, projected cumulative revenue surpasses $1.2 billion.
The contracting party maintains rights to secure an additional 32 megawatts of computing capacity. Exercise of this expansion clause must occur within the contract’s initial 24 months. Should the customer activate this option and maintain services through all available extensions, aggregate contract value could climb beyond $3 billion across the maximum duration.
Executive leadership characterizes the campus as a cornerstone infrastructure initiative designed to establish predictable revenue streams. The company anticipates the facility will deliver consistent cash generation through infrastructure-as-a-service offerings. The Bitcoin conversion provides immediate project financing while avoiding shareholder dilution through new equity offerings.
Secured Credit Line Leverages Remaining Digital Assets
In parallel with the Bitcoin sale, Hyperscale Data arranged a cryptocurrency-collateralized credit facility to support ongoing construction requirements. The financing structure features projected variable interest ranging from 4.5% to 5.0%. The arrangement enables the company to pledge its remaining Bitcoin reserves as collateral for incremental borrowing and construction financing needs.
This financial framework provides Hyperscale Data access to non-dilutive capital at comparatively favorable anticipated rates. The approach diminishes dependence on equity offerings or costlier conventional debt instruments. As a result, management can minimize shareholder dilution while preserving significant cryptocurrency holdings within corporate treasury.
The financing methodology mirrors recent treasury management shifts among publicly listed Bitcoin-holding companies pursuing infrastructure growth. MARA Holdings liquidated 15,133 Bitcoin units in March, generating approximately $1.1 billion in proceeds. Hyperscale Data plans to continuously optimize its balance between cryptocurrency reserves, collateralized borrowing capacity, and infrastructure capital requirements throughout campus development phases.
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TLDR
Amazon stock climbs as its $200 billion capex plan faces a major earnings test
AWS growth strengthens Amazon, but heavy spending keeps cash flow under strain
Amazon’s first-quarter capex reached $44.2 billion as free cash flow fell sharply
Strong AWS margins support growth while debt and interest costs continue rising
Amazon earnings will reveal whether cloud growth can offset capex pressure
Amazon (AMZN) shares rose 4.56% to $236.99 before earnings, as markets assessed the company’s expanding 2026 capital spending plans. The stock recovered from an intraday decline and held near session highs, while $235 formed the nearest visible support. Amazon faces a crucial earnings test because its planned $200 billion capex program continues reshaping cash flow and debt.
Amazon.com, Inc., AMZN
AWS Growth Supports Amazon’s Spending Strategy
Amazon operates AWS, a global e-commerce platform, and an advertising business that generated more than $70 billion in trailing revenue. However, the company’s rising infrastructure budget has intensified attention on returns from cloud capacity, chips, data centers and AI services. Amazon plans roughly $200 billion in 2026 capital spending, placing execution and cost discipline at the center of upcoming results.
During the first quarter, Amazon reported revenue of $181.52 billion, representing 16.6% growth compared with the same period last year. The company also delivered earnings per share of $2.78, above the reported $1.73 consensus estimate for the quarter by analysts. That result marked Amazon’s fifth consecutive earnings beat, while stronger operating trends supported its expanding cloud and retail businesses globally.
AWS revenue increased 28%, and the division produced a 37.7% operating margin during the first quarter of this fiscal year. The growth rate marked AWS’s strongest performance in 15 quarters, while demand supported investment in computing infrastructure and custom processors. Amazon’s custom silicon business passed a $20 billion annual run rate, and management reported triple-digit growth across that segment recently.
Cash Flow Pressure Raises the Earnings Stakes
Amazon’s trailing free cash flow dropped 95% to $1.2 billion as capital spending expanded across cloud and logistics infrastructure projects. The company spent $44.2 billion on capital projects during the first quarter, which increased pressure on near-term cash generation significantly. Meanwhile, long-term debt rose to $119.1 billion from $65.6 billion, while quarterly interest expenses reached approximately $800 million during Q1.
Amazon’s reported first-quarter net income included a $16.8 billion non-recurring gain linked to its investment in Anthropic during the period. Therefore, the earnings report must separate operating progress from valuation gains while showing the financial effect of heavy spending clearly. The company must provide updated revenue, margin, cash flow, and capital spending figures for its major business units this quarter.
Amazon shares have gained 7.11% during 2026 and 10.43% over the past year, despite continued pressure from elevated capital spending. The company’s 2026 performance now depends on AWS expansion, improving retail efficiency, and stronger cash conversion across operations this year. Thursday’s earnings release will show whether Amazon’s $200 billion capex plan can support growth without extending current financial pressure further.
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TLDR
Peter Schiff said Bitcoin bulls may be better off owning BTC directly instead of MSTR shares.
Strategy sold 5.43 million common shares and raised about $544.5 million.
The company did not buy Bitcoin during the latest reporting period.
Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings remained at 843,775 BTC.
Its year-to-date Bitcoin yield fell from 13.3% on May 25 to 4.5%.
Peter Schiff has questioned the value of buying Strategy (MSTR) stock instead of Bitcoin. The economist said bullish investors may gain clearer exposure by holding BTC directly rather than buying the company’s shares.
Schiff made the comments after Strategy reported another large common stock sale. The company raised $544.5 million but did not use the funds to purchase more Bitcoin.
Schiff Questions Rally in MSTR Shares
Strategy sold 5,429,160 MSTR shares during the latest reporting period. However, the company bought no Bitcoin, leaving its total holdings unchanged at 843,775 BTC.
Schiff questioned why the stock gained about 7% after the sale. He argued that issuing more shares without adding Bitcoin reduces the amount of BTC linked to each common share.
Strategy’s year-to-date Bitcoin yield fell to 4.5%. The figure stood at 13.3% on May 25, showing a sharp decline within two months.
Schiff said investors who remain bullish on Bitcoin may be better served by owning the asset directly. He also warned that Strategy’s Bitcoin yield could turn negative if the current trend continues.
Strategy Directs Funds Toward Cash Reserve
Strategy placed $525 million from the stock sale into its dollar reserve. The reserve now holds about $3.7 billion, according to the company’s latest filing.
The company also used $25 million to repurchase STRC preferred shares. These moves show that Strategy currently has funding needs beyond expanding its Bitcoin treasury.
Its Bitcoin holdings have increased by only 37 BTC since May 25. The company has now completed four weeks without announcing a new Bitcoin purchase.
Strategy also sold 3,588 BTC earlier in the cycle for about $216 million. It used those funds to support preferred dividend payments.
Bitcoin Yield Falls as Share Count Rises
Bitcoin yield measures the change in Bitcoin exposure linked to each MSTR share. When Strategy issues stock without buying BTC, the Bitcoin amount per common share can decline.
Strategy has already identified this risk in its quarterly filings. Continued stock issuance may reduce the direct link between the common stock and the company’s Bitcoin holdings.
Schiff has argued that Strategy now directs more value toward creditors and preferred shareholders. He believes common shareholders face dilution when the company sells stock without adding Bitcoin.
However, Schiff remains a long-term Bitcoin critic. His call for bulls to buy BTC instead of Strategy remains hypothetical because he has said he would own neither asset.
Long-Term Data Supports Strategy Bulls
Bitcoin researcher Adam Livingston presented a different view based on historical returns. He reviewed more than 1.1 million holding periods between August 2020 and July 2026.
His findings showed that Strategy outperformed Bitcoin in 68.75% of the periods studied. The gap was small over short periods but became wider over longer holding periods.
The study found that a median four-year Strategy investment produced almost 108.6% more ending wealth than holding Bitcoin directly. Livingston linked that performance mainly to longer holding periods.
Bitcoin traded near $64,500 as the debate continued. Both Bitcoin and MSTR shares remained exposed to market moves before the Federal Reserve’s next policy decision.
The post Strategy (MSTR) Share Sales Draw Fresh Peter Schiff Criticism appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR
JPMorgan warned that fading Clarity Act approval odds could weaken the crypto market outlook.
Prediction markets place the chance of Senate passage before year-end at only 37%.
Negotiations remain stalled over DeFi, stablecoin yield, ethics, enforcement, and anti-money laundering rules.
The bill would divide digital asset oversight between the SEC and CFTC.
JPMorgan said regulatory clarity could encourage banks, exchanges, custodians and asset managers to enter crypto markets.
JPMorgan has warned that slighter chances of the Clarity Act passing this year could pressure the crypto market outlook. Prediction markets now place the odds of Senate approval before year-end at 37%.
The bank said the delay removes a key regulatory catalyst for digital assets. Senate lawmakers have moved other bills ahead of the proposal before the summer recess.
Clarity Act Faces Senate Delays
Talks remain stalled over ethics rules, enforcement powers, decentralized finance, stablecoin yield and anti-money laundering standards. These issues have slowed progress despite earlier support for clearer digital asset rules.
JPMorgan analysts said longer delays could shift blockchain growth toward established financial systems. Public crypto networks may lose activity if tokenization develops mainly inside traditional market infrastructure.
The Clarity Act would divide oversight between the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. It would also set clearer rules for exchanges, brokers, custodians and decentralized projects.
Supporters see the bill as a way to create more certainty for banks, asset managers and market makers. Clearer rules could support new products and increase trading on regulated United States platforms.
JPMorgan Flags Institutional Risks in Clarity Act
JPMorgan said the proposal could lower entry barriers for large financial firms. It may also give institutions more confidence to invest in digital assets and build blockchain-based services.
Some movement has already started. The bank cited Citadel Securities’ $400 million investment in Crypto.com and approval of the first regulated perpetual crypto futures contracts in the United States.
JPMorgan also warned that parts of the draft may discourage institutional participation. Some tokenized securities and derivatives could trade outside direct SEC or CFTC supervision.
The bank also questioned whether anti-money laundering rules would match standards used by traditional financial firms. Jefferies has also warned that the Clarity Act faces major hurdles after clearing the Senate Banking Committee.
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