Blockonomi

TLDR

Abbott Laboratories stock dropped 8% Thursday after reporting Q4 revenue of $11.5 billion, missing the $11.8 billion consensus

Nutrition sales collapsed 8.9% as higher prices reduced consumer demand while commodity costs remained elevated

Medical devices surged 12% and pharmaceuticals grew 9%, but diagnostics fell 2.5% on lower COVID testing

Company forecasts 2026 adjusted earnings of $5.55 to $5.80 per share with 6.5% to 7.5% organic sales growth

The $21 billion Exact Sciences deal remains scheduled to close in the second quarter of 2026

Abbott Laboratories reported mixed fourth-quarter earnings Thursday, sparking an 8% decline in shares. The healthcare company delivered adjusted earnings of $1.50 per share, matching what analysts expected.

Abbott, $ABT, Q4-25. Results:

Adj. EPS: $1.50
Revenue: $11.46B
Net Income: $1.78B
Strong margin expansion and double-digit EPS growth; medical devices and electrophysiology drove performance gains. pic.twitter.com/RLzzBJ6P2m

— EarningsTime (@Earnings_Time) January 22, 2026

But the top line came up short. Abbott generated $11.5 billion in quarterly revenue, missing the Street’s $11.8 billion forecast. Sales grew 3% organically versus the year-ago period.

The nutrition division took another beating. This segment saw sales crater 8.9% during the quarter. Abbott’s nutrition portfolio features brands like Similac infant formula and Ensure supplement drinks.

This weakness has become a recurring theme. The nutrition business has dragged on results for multiple consecutive quarters now.

CEO Robert Ford addressed the ongoing struggles candidly. Manufacturing costs have climbed steadily over the past several years, he explained. Pandemic-era commodity price increases still sit in the company’s cost base today.

Abbott responded by implementing price increases. Those hikes are now creating a different problem. Ford admitted the higher prices are constraining volume growth in today’s economy. Consumers are pulling back on purchases.

Strong Device Performance Can’t Offset Nutrition Drag

Other divisions delivered better results. The medical devices business posted impressive 12% sales growth. Established pharmaceuticals increased 9% year-over-year.

Diagnostics sales declined 2.5% in the quarter. Abbott anticipated this drop due to falling COVID testing volumes compared to last year.

Shares opened at $120.82 Thursday and kept falling throughout the session. The broader S&P 500 index rose 0.6% the same day. Competitor Johnson & Johnson traded up 0.9% following its Wednesday earnings report.

Management Issues 2026 Forecast

Abbott provided forward guidance alongside the quarterly results. The company expects 2026 adjusted earnings between $5.55 and $5.80 per share. Analysts had been modeling $5.68 at the midpoint.

Management projects organic sales growth of 6.5% to 7.5% for the full year. Ford said the company stands “well-positioned for accelerating growth in 2026” despite current challenges.

Abbott continues working toward its largest acquisition in nearly a decade. The company agreed to buy Exact Sciences for roughly $21 billion last year. Exact makes Cologuard, a home-based colorectal cancer screening product.

Abbott confirmed Thursday the transaction should finalize during the second quarter of 2026.

The earnings day selloff follows a familiar pattern. Last July, Abbott shares plunged 8.5% even though second-quarter earnings matched estimates. Investors reacted poorly to softer guidance that time around.

Abbott announced a dividend increase as part of Thursday’s release. The quarterly payment rises to $0.63 per share from $0.59. That translates to an annualized dividend of $2.52 and a 2.1% yield. Shareholders on record as of January 15th receive the payment February 13th.

The post Abbott Laboratories (ABT) Stock Falls 8% After Missing Q4 Revenue Target appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Ericsson’s Q4 2025 adjusted operating profit hit 12.26 billion crowns, surpassing the 10.09 billion crown analyst forecast

First-ever $1.7 billion share repurchase program announced, running from Q1 2026 through 2027

Q4 net sales reached 69.3 billion crowns versus 66.6 billion crown estimates

Dividend raised to 3 crowns per share from 2.85 crowns

Company cutting 1,600 Swedish jobs to improve efficiency

Ericsson delivered a fourth quarter performance that crushed analyst expectations. The Swedish telecoms equipment maker posted adjusted operating profit of 12.26 billion crowns for Q4 2025.

Ericsson, $ERIC, Q4-25. Results:

EPS: ~$0.28 (SEK 2.57)
Revenue: ~$7.5B (SEK 69.3B)
Net Income: ~$935M (SEK 8.6B)
Ericsson delivered organic growth across all segments, with Cloud Software and Services up 12%. pic.twitter.com/qFjtwGJZgX

— EarningsTime (@Earnings_Time) January 23, 2026

Wall Street had predicted just 10.09 billion crowns. The 21% earnings beat marks a turning point for the company’s restructuring efforts.

The real headline came with Ericsson’s announcement of a 15 billion crown share buyback. That translates to approximately $1.7 billion heading back to investors.

This marks the company’s first-ever repurchase program. The buyback starts after Q1 2026 earnings release and runs through 2027.

Shareholders got another win with the dividend announcement. The annual payout jumps to 3 crowns per share from 2.85 crowns.

Revenue Beats Fuel Optimism

Fourth quarter sales numbers also exceeded expectations. Net sales totaled 69.3 billion crowns against the 66.6 billion crown consensus.

Europe, the Middle East, and Africa drove the revenue growth. North American operations remained stable throughout the quarter.

Ericsson operates as one of two major Western network equipment suppliers alongside Nokia. Both companies have faced headwinds from declining 5G investment levels.

The improved results stem from aggressive cost management. Ericsson also sold its U.S.-based Iconectiv business, strengthening its cash position.

That cash influx made the buyback program financially feasible. Management clearly feels confident about the company’s trajectory moving forward.

Restructuring Push Continues

Job cuts remain part of Ericsson’s efficiency drive. The company announced 1,600 position eliminations in Sweden earlier this month.

These workforce reductions aim to streamline operations and boost margins. Ericsson also quickly adapted to U.S. import tariffs implemented last year.

CFO Lars Sandström discussed potential opportunities in Europe during a Reuters interview. The European Commission proposed phasing out high-risk suppliers from critical infrastructure.

Such regulatory changes could benefit Ericsson and Nokia. However, Sandström cautioned against expecting immediate results.

“If that comes into place, then of course we are ready to take that opportunity,” he stated. He emphasized these policy shifts typically take considerable time to implement.

The strong quarterly performance validates Ericsson’s strategic direction. Both revenue and profit exceeded forecasts while maintaining North American stability.

The buyback program sends a clear message to the market. Management believes the company has weathered the worst of the 5G slowdown.

Ericsson’s cash generation improved through both operational changes and asset sales. The Iconectiv divestiture provided funds while cost cuts enhanced profitability.

Fourth quarter results demonstrate the restructuring plan is working. The company delivered on both top-line growth and bottom-line profitability while managing challenging market conditions.

The post Ericsson (ERIC) Stock: Telecoms Maker Smashes Earnings, Buyback Announced appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

BitGo’s stock opened at $22.43 and spiked to $24.50 before closing at $18.49, up only 2.7% from its $18 IPO price

The crypto custody firm raised $212.8 million and achieved a $2 billion valuation on its first day trading on NYSE

YZi Labs, Changpeng Zhao’s investment firm, became a strategic investor in the IPO

BitGo manages over $100 billion in assets and maintains a decade-long hack-free security record

Competitors Anchorage Digital and Kraken are reportedly planning their own public listings this year

BitGo Holdings kicked off its public trading life with drama on Thursday. The crypto custodian’s shares soared early before crashing back to earth.

Secure. Scalable. Public. @BitGo brings institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure to Wall Street and beyond. $BTGO pic.twitter.com/A6x2kYlze4

— NYSE (@NYSE) January 22, 2026

Trading began on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker BTGO. The stock opened at $22.43, well above its $18 IPO price.

Enthusiasm pushed shares even higher. BTGO hit an intraday peak of $24.50, representing a 36% gain from the offering price.

Bitgo (BTGO) Price

But gravity took hold. By closing bell, the stock had tumbled to $18.49.

The 2.7% gain looked weak compared to the morning’s excitement. After-hours trading saw shares drift lower to around $18.35.

The IPO itself exceeded expectations. BitGo priced 11.8 million shares at $18, above the proposed $15-$17 range.

That pricing brought in $212.8 million. The company’s valuation topped $2 billion.

CZ’s Investment Firm Backs BitGo

YZi Labs announced its strategic participation in the offering. The firm, previously called Binance Labs, is led by Changpeng Zhao.

Ella Zhang from YZi Labs praised BitGo’s security credentials. She pointed to the platform’s decade-long record without a single hack.

“BitGo has maintained a hack-free security record for over a decade,” Zhang said. She credited CEO Mike Belshe’s technical foundation.

The investment reflects confidence in regulated crypto infrastructure. BitGo holds $82 billion in assets on platform and serves institutional clients.

Founded in 2013, the company has become a major player in crypto custody. Total assets under management exceed $100 billion.

BitGo offers custody, wallet infrastructure, staking, and settlement services. The company received conditional approval for a U.S. trust bank charter in December.

Market Position and Competition

CEO Mike Belshe emphasized the company’s mission during the debut. “Our mission remains to deliver absolute trust to the digital asset ecosystem,” he stated.

Belshe framed YZi Labs’ investment as validation of compliant infrastructure. He highlighted the combination of BitGo’s security with Binance’s market reach.

The listing arrives as the first major crypto IPO of 2026. Circle went public in June 2025 but has dropped over 2% since.

That performance has sparked debate about BitGo versus Circle. Investors are comparing which custody provider will win in public markets.

Other crypto firms are watching closely. Anchorage Digital is considering an IPO later this year.

Exchanges Kraken and Bitpanda are also exploring listings. Several infrastructure companies are evaluating similar moves.

The regulatory environment has improved for crypto companies. Circle and Ripple also received trust bank charter approvals in December.

This shift has created opportunities for more firms to pursue traditional banking licenses. The stabilizing conditions could encourage additional public offerings.

BTGO stock finished its inaugural session at $18.49, barely above the IPO price after hours of volatile trading that saw gains vanish almost as quickly as they appeared.

The post BitGo (BTGO) Stock: Investors Watch Gains Disappear on Chaotic Debut Day appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Intel shares plummeted 13% in extended trading after issuing disappointing first-quarter guidance

Manufacturing yield problems prevent Intel from meeting strong demand for AI server processors

Q1 revenue forecast of $11.7-12.7 billion fell short of the $12.51 billion analyst consensus

The company’s 18A production technology yields remain below CEO targets despite monthly improvements

Intel posted a Q4 net loss of $600 million compared to $100 million loss in the prior year

Intel’s stock took a beating Thursday evening despite delivering better-than-expected fourth-quarter results. The shares dropped 13% after hours as investors focused on the company’s underwhelming outlook.

INTEL $INTC JUST REPORTED Q4 2025 EARNINGS

Topline Performance
• Revenue: $13.67B Vs $13.40B Est
• Q1 Revenue Outlook: $11.7B To $12.7B Vs $12.51B Est

Profitability
• Adjusted EPS: $0.15 Vs $0.08 Est
• Q1 Adjusted EPS Outlook: $0.00 Vs $0.05 Est
• Q4 Non… pic.twitter.com/efHCudxOfQ

— WOLF (@WOLF_Financial) January 22, 2026

The chipmaker posted Q4 adjusted earnings of 15 cents per share on $13.7 billion in revenue. Both figures exceeded Wall Street’s projections. But the forward-looking guidance told a different story.

Intel forecasted first-quarter revenue of $11.7 billion to $12.7 billion. That missed the analyst consensus of $12.51 billion. The company also expects to break even on adjusted earnings per share. Analysts had projected 5 cents per share.

Finance chief David Zinsner explained the company doesn’t have enough supply to meet seasonal demand. He told CNBC that supply conditions should improve during the second quarter.

CEO Lip-Bu Tan addressed production efficiency concerns during the analyst call. The company’s manufacturing yield hasn’t reached desired levels. “Our yields are in line with our internal plans,” Tan stated. “They are still below what I want them to be.”

Supply Constraints Limit Revenue Growth

Intel faces an unusual challenge. The company can’t produce enough chips to satisfy customer orders. This particularly affects server processors used in AI data centers.

Intel operates its manufacturing facilities at maximum capacity. Still, it can’t keep pace with demand. “In the short term, I’m disappointed that we are not able to fully meet the demand in our markets,” Tan admitted to analysts.

The supply bottleneck centers on Intel’s 18A manufacturing technology. The company began shipping Panther Lake PC chips built with this process. However, production yields continue to lag.

Previous reports indicated only a small fraction of 18A chips meet quality requirements. Low yields squeeze profit margins. Tan confirmed yields improve each month but remain insufficient.

Data Center and AI revenue reached $4.7 billion in the quarter, climbing 9% annually. Client Computing Group revenue fell 7% to $8.2 billion as PC sales weakened.

Intel recorded a $600 million net loss, or 12 cents per diluted share. The year-ago period saw a $100 million net loss.

Future Technology Development

Zinsner revealed Intel has delayed heavy investment in its 14A manufacturing process. The company awaits commitment from a major customer. Two clients currently assess the technology’s specifications.

Intel expects clarity on external 14A adoption during the second half of this year. Capital spending increases will signal new customer agreements, according to Zinsner.

The foundry division generated $4.5 billion in quarterly revenue. This includes chips manufactured for Intel’s internal use. Tan emphasized the company’s aggressive efforts to boost 18A supply.

Intel finalized its $5 billion stock sale to Nvidia in the quarter. SoftBank and the U.S. government also invested billions in the chipmaker last year.

Zinsner told Reuters that major cloud providers underestimated AI demand. They rushed to replace outdated chips suffering from networking performance degradation. Intel struggles to quickly shift production between different chip types.

A worldwide memory chip shortage drove up prices and increased PC costs. Zinsner projected the tightest supply conditions in Q1 with improvement expected in Q2.

The stock surged 147% over the past year on optimism about foundry prospects and new manufacturing capabilities. Shares jumped 84% in 2025, beating the semiconductor index’s 42% gain.

The post Intel (INTC) Stock: Why Shares Crashed 13% After Earnings Despite Revenue Win appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest dumped $5.03 million worth of Beam Therapeutics shares on January 22, 2026

ARK purchased $1.47 million in WeRide stock, continuing its week-long buying streak in the autonomous vehicle company

Tempus AI received $884,000 in new investment from ARK across two ETFs

The fund also sold positions in Unity Software, Roku, and GitLab totaling over $3.8 million

ARK added a small $66,000 position in Kodiak AI through its robotics-focused ETF

Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest made several portfolio moves on January 22, 2026, according to the fund’s daily trading disclosure. The investment firm sold more than $5 million in biotech stock while adding to positions in autonomous driving and healthcare AI companies.

The biggest trade of the day involved Beam Therapeutics. ARK sold 161,683 shares across two ETFs for a total value of $5.03 million. The shares were distributed between the ARK Innovation ETF and the ARK Genomic Revolution ETF.

This sale continues a trend from earlier in the week. ARK has been reducing its Beam Therapeutics position over multiple trading sessions. The approach suggests a gradual exit rather than a complete dump of the stock.

Autonomous Driving Stock Gets Fresh Investment

ARK added 166,029 shares of WeRide through the ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF. The purchase totaled $1.47 million. WeRide is a Chinese company focused on self-driving vehicle technology.

The WeRide purchase follows a pattern of consistent buying. ARK has accumulated shares in the autonomous driving firm throughout the week. The repeated purchases indicate growing conviction in the company’s prospects.

Tempus AI also received fresh capital from ARK. The fund bought 13,532 shares for $884,000 across its ARKK and ARKG ETFs. Tempus AI operates a data-driven platform for healthcare applications.

This marks another round of investment in Tempus AI. ARK has shown repeated interest in the company over recent trading sessions.

Software Stocks Face Selling Pressure

ARK reduced holdings in several software companies during the session. Unity Software saw a sale of 32,227 shares through the ARK Next Generation Internet ETF. The transaction totaled $1.35 million.

Roku experienced selling as well. ARK offloaded 14,885 shares of the streaming platform for $1.55 million. The sale continues a broader pattern of portfolio adjustment in media stocks.

GitLab Position Trimmed Again

GitLab faced another round of selling from ARK. The fund sold 29,533 shares valued at $979,000. This extends a pattern of reducing exposure to the software development platform.

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions also saw selling. ARK dumped 2,631 shares across three different ETFs. The total value reached $317,000.

The fund made one small additional purchase beyond WeRide and Tempus AI. ARK bought 7,175 shares of Kodiak AI for $66,000 through the ARKQ ETF. The purchase represents a minor addition to the portfolio.

The trading activity shows ARK’s strategy of rotating out of biotech and traditional software stocks. The fund appears to be concentrating capital in autonomous driving and AI-focused healthcare companies instead.

The post Cathie Wood Sells Beam Therapeutics Stock, Buys WeRide and Tempus AI appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Taiwan-based Pegatron will finish building its first US manufacturing facility by March 2026

Trial production operations scheduled to begin in March or April 2026

Pegatron manufactures electronics for major tech companies Apple and Dell

CEO Kuang-Chih Cheng confirmed the construction timeline on January 23, 2026

The facility marks the company’s first production plant in the United States

Pegatron Corp announced its first American factory will be ready by the end of March 2026. CEO Kuang-Chih Cheng revealed the construction schedule on Friday.

The Taiwanese electronics manufacturer plans to start testing production lines shortly after construction wraps up. Trial runs are expected to begin in late March or early April 2026.

Pegatron operates as a contract manufacturer for the technology industry. The company produces devices and components for clients including Apple and Dell.

The new facility represents a shift in Pegatron’s manufacturing footprint. Until now, the company has concentrated its production operations in Taiwan and other parts of Asia.

Company officials did not reveal which state will host the new plant. Specific details about production volume and workforce size were not included in the announcement.

Apple and Dell Supplier Enters US Production

Pegatron has built its business around contract electronics manufacturing. The company assembles smartphones, computers, and other devices for brand-name technology firms.

Apple counts Pegatron among its assembly partners. The relationship spans multiple product lines and years of collaboration.

Dell also works with Pegatron for manufacturing services. The computer maker uses contract manufacturers to produce various hardware products.

The timeline puts construction completion just two months away. Pegatron appears confident it can meet the end-of-March deadline.

Trial production will test the facility’s equipment and workflows. This phase allows manufacturers to identify issues before full-scale operations begin.

Construction on Track for Spring Launch

CEO Kuang-Chih Cheng provided the update as part of company communications. He specified both the completion date and production start window.

The factory will join Pegatron’s existing global network of facilities. Current manufacturing sites operate in multiple Asian countries.

Pegatron trades publicly on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 4938. The company shares operational updates with investors regularly.

No information was provided about which products will be made at the US location. The company may announce production details closer to the facility’s opening.

The March completion target gives Pegatron a clear goal for construction teams. Meeting this deadline would position the company to start American production by spring 2026.

Pegatron has not disclosed the total investment in the US facility. Construction costs and ongoing operational expenses remain private.

The new plant will give Pegatron domestic US manufacturing capabilities. This could provide supply chain benefits for American customers.

Trial production in March or April will determine when full operations can begin. The company expects to complete its first US factory by the end of March 2026.

The post Apple and Dell Supplier Pegatron Launches US Factory in March appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Jim Cramer maintains bullish stance on Magnificent Seven stocks despite sluggish 2026 performance

Storage companies like Micron surging due to AI-related memory chip shortage

Market rotation favoring storage sector over big tech giants like Microsoft and Nvidia

Only two of eight major tech stocks showing positive returns this year

Cramer expects investor money to return to Mag 7 once storage rally ends

Jim Cramer remains committed to the Magnificent Seven tech stocks. The CNBC host shared his outlook Thursday despite weak performance from most of these companies in early 2026.

The Mag 7 includes Amazon, Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, and Tesla. Broadcom often joins this group as an eighth member. Only Amazon and Alphabet show gains for the year so far.

Cramer explained why he’s keeping his positions. “I think that the money will ultimately flow back to most of the Mag 7 because these companies just have too many levers, too much money,” he said on Mad Money.

The host pointed to smart leadership and diverse revenue streams. These factors make the tech giants hard to bet against long-term.

Storage Stocks Draw Money From Big Tech

A major rally in storage and semiconductor equipment stocks is pulling capital away from Mag 7 companies. This sector rotation explains much of the big tech weakness.

Micron leads the storage surge with a 39% year-to-date gain. The stock doubled over three months. Memory chip shortages for AI computing drive these gains.

Seagate, Sandisk, and Western Digital also posted strong rallies. These companies now control pricing due to supply constraints. Customers have no choice but to pay higher prices.

“These stocks have become share donors to the market capitalization of these storage companies,” Cramer said. The shift represents money moving from one sector to another.

Cramer compared the situation to buying gasoline during an oil shortage. Companies need storage for AI operations regardless of price. This gives storage makers extreme pricing power over buyers.

Why Cramer Sees Mag 7 Recovery Ahead

The Mad Money host believes current storage prices can’t last. High prices eventually solve supply problems. When storage stocks peak, investors will look elsewhere for returns.

That’s when Cramer expects rotation back into Mag 7 stocks. These companies remain leaders in the AI revolution. Their fundamental strength hasn’t disappeared during the storage rally.

Cramer advised investors to hold their tech giant positions. Selling now means potentially missing the next upswing. “When they finally peak, you will be handsomely rewarded if you stay with the Mag 7,” he said.

The CNBC host sees the current moment as temporary. Market cycles move between sectors regularly. Storage attracts attention now but big tech built lasting competitive advantages.

Cramer emphasized the financial resources of Mag 7 companies. They have multiple ways to generate growth and profit. Smart management teams can adapt to changing market conditions and capitalize on new opportunities as they emerge in the technology sector.

The post Should You Dump Microsoft and Nvidia? Cramer Says Hold Tight appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Kansas Senate Bill 352 proposes creating a Bitcoin reserve funded by unclaimed digital assets like staking rewards and airdrops.

The bill mandates that digital assets are deemed abandoned after three years if the owner doesn’t engage with them.

10% of digital assets’ deposits will go to the general fund, but bitcoin will not be deposited there.

Kansas joins New Hampshire, Texas, and Arizona in creating state-level bitcoin reserves as part of public finance strategies.

Senator Bowser also introduced Senate Bill 310 to regulate cryptocurrency donations for political campaigns, requiring KYC compliance.

Kansas Senate Bill 352, which seeks to create a state-level Bitcoin reserve, has advanced to the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. The bill proposes that proceeds from unclaimed digital assets be used to fund the reserve. The legislation was referred to the committee on Thursday, one day after its introduction by Republican Senator Craig Bowser.

Details of Senate Bill 352

Senate Bill 352 aims to create a “Bitcoin and digital assets reserve fund” within the state treasury. Unlike other state proposals, this fund would not involve purchasing Bitcoin directly but would be funded by staking rewards and airdrops from unclaimed digital assets.

According to the bill, digital assets are deemed abandoned after three years if the owner fails to respond to written communications or engage with the asset. Once digital assets are reported as unclaimed, a designated custodian will hold them and may stake the assets to earn rewards.

These rewards, along with any airdrops generated from the assets, will be transferred to the Bitcoin reserve fund. The legislation explicitly prohibits the state treasurer from depositing Bitcoin into the state general fund, directing only 10% of other digital assets to the general fund.

Kansas Joins State-Level Bitcoin Reserve Movement

Kansas’s move to create a Bitcoin reserve fund aligns with broader state-level efforts to incorporate Bitcoin into public finance. Other states like New Hampshire, Texas, and Arizona have already passed similar laws. New Hampshire’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve law, for example, authorizes the state to hold Bitcoin in its reserve, subject to a market cap limit.

Texas and Arizona have also introduced bills allowing the retention of unclaimed cryptocurrency as part of their state reserves. As states like Florida and West Virginia propose similar legislation, the trend of incorporating bitcoin into state-level financial strategies is gaining traction. In addition to Senate Bill 352, Senator Bowser introduced Senate Bill 310, which regulates cryptocurrency contributions for political campaigns.

This bill requires that all crypto donations be processed through a U.S.-based registered payment processor. The funds must be converted to U.S. dollars within 3 business days and deposited into a campaign account. This bill aims to ensure that political campaigns comply with know-your-customer (KYC) protocols when accepting cryptocurrency.

The post Kansas Joins State-Level Push for Bitcoin Reserves with Senate Bill 352 appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Elon Musk emphasizes AI and robotics as key to solving global poverty and creating abundance.

Musk predicts that widespread AI and robotics will trigger unprecedented economic growth.

Humanoid robots could meet all human needs, including caregiving and household tasks, Musk suggests.

SpaceX’s goal is to make life multi-planetary to safeguard humanity against potential Earth disasters.

Musk believes AI will rapidly replace digital jobs but stresses the need for responsible AI development.

Elon Musk shared his vision for the future of technology at the World Economic Forum in Davos. During a conversation with Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, Musk discussed the progress in AI, robotics, energy, and space. He emphasized the importance of these technologies in advancing civilization and creating a sustainable future for humanity.

AI, Robotics, and Abundance for All

Musk sees AI and robotics as key to solving global poverty and creating abundance. He explained that the only way to provide a high standard of living for everyone is through these technologies. Musk predicted that with widespread AI and robotics, there will be an economic explosion and growth unlike anything seen before.

“If you have ubiquitous AI and robotics, you will have an expansion in the global economy that is truly beyond all precedent,” Musk said. He also discussed the potential for humanoid robots to fulfill every human need, including caregiving and household tasks. Musk suggested that eventually, there will be more robots than humans, creating an economy of abundance.

Elon Musk pointed out that these robots could help with everything from taking care of elderly parents to watching over children, significantly improving the quality of life for many people. “If you had a robot that could take care of and protect elderly parents, I think that would be great,” Musk added.

The Vision for SpaceX and Tesla

Musk’s work with SpaceX focuses on advancing rocket technology to make life multi-planetary. He believes this is crucial for ensuring the survival of human consciousness. “To the best of our knowledge, we don’t know if life exists anywhere else,” Musk said, urging humanity to expand beyond Earth to protect life on Earth from potential catastrophes.

At Tesla, Musk is focused on sustainable energy solutions and technological advancements that will lead to sustainable abundance. He noted that his company’s aim is to maximize the probability that civilization has a bright future by addressing these challenges head-on. Musk’s work in AI, robotics, and space is all connected to his ultimate goal of ensuring the survival and prosperity of humanity.

Can AI Disrupt the Workforce as Fast as Musk Predicts?

Elon Musk has frequently discussed the impact of AI on the workforce and society. Earlier, he remarked that AI will make desk jobs feel outdated, much like when computers replaced manual calculations.

“AI is the supersonic tsunami,” Musk said, highlighting the rapid pace at which AI is replacing digitally focused jobs. He suggested that while physical labor jobs may remain, many digital-centric roles are being replaced at an accelerated rate.

Musk’s views on AI are both optimistic and cautious. He believes AI will lead to a future of abundance, but emphasized the importance of handling the technology responsibly to avoid negative consequences. “This is just happening,” Elon Musk remarked, pointing to the ongoing disruption caused by AI in various industries.

The post Elon Musk Discusses AI, Robotics, and the Future of Civilization at Davos appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Bitcoin-to-gold ratio reached a 0.0000000001% probability level, marking a historic statistical outlier. 

Analysts predict Bitcoin could surge to $200K-$300K range to normalize the extreme ratio with gold prices. 

Over $1.09 billion in leveraged positions liquidated as Bitcoin dropped from $93,400 to $87,900 in two days. 

Bitcoin ETF inflows totaled $1.55 billion during volatility, showing continued institutional interest despite selloff. 

 

The Bitcoin-to-gold ratio has reached a statistical anomaly that occurs once in billions of observations, creating what analysts describe as a historic market extreme. 

Bitcoin recently fell below $88,000 while gold climbed to record levels near $4,930 per ounce. This divergence has pushed the ratio to a quantile of 10^10, representing a 0.0000000001% probability event. 

The extreme positioning suggests either substantial Bitcoin price appreciation or a rotation of capital from precious metals into cryptocurrency.

Statistical Outlier Points to Major Price Correction Ahead

The current Bitcoin-to-gold ratio has dropped far below the 1% probability line on historical distribution charts. Analyst @sminston_with noted this represents a “historic Black Swan” for the BTC/Gold ratio. 

The positioning shows how exceptionally rare Bitcoin’s current valuation is when measured against gold prices.

Two potential resolutions exist for this extreme divergence. Bitcoin’s implied price may need to reach the $200,000-$300,000 range to normalize the ratio at current gold values. 

Alternatively, gold prices could cool down while capital flows back into Bitcoin, achieving a similar rebalancing effect.

Checking in on Bitcoin's power law in GOLD
– – –
This is seriously a historic 'Black Swan' for the BTC/Gold ratio.

Whether we are experiencing a precious metal bubble, soon to pop, or a true transition of the monetary order (a la Ray Dalio), next moves imply huge BTC gains.… pic.twitter.com/vFTJ9OkWmk

— Sminston With (@sminston_with) January 22, 2026

The analyst raised questions about whether markets are witnessing a precious metal bubble ready to burst. 

Another possibility involves a genuine transition of the monetary order, similar to frameworks discussed by economist Ray Dalio. Regardless of the cause, the next moves in both assets point toward substantial Bitcoin gains.

@sminston_with emphasized that Bitcoin represents “the world’s hardest asset” in the current environment. The statistical rarity of this ratio level means mean reversion appears mathematically inevitable. 

History suggests such extreme deviations eventually correct back toward more normal distribution levels.

Market Volatility Creates Setup for Potential Reversal

Bitcoin dropped from $93,400 on January 20 to $87,900 just two days later. President Trump’s tariff threats against European Union countries over Greenland negotiations triggered the selloff. 

Risk-off sentiment dominated markets as investors moved away from volatile assets and into traditional safe havens.

The cryptocurrency market lost $150 billion in total capitalization during this period. Over $1.09 billion in leveraged positions liquidated on January 21 alone. 

Most of these liquidations involved long positions as traders betting on higher prices faced forced exits.

Gold benefited from the flight to safety, pushing to new record highs near $4,930 per ounce. The divergence between Bitcoin’s weakness and gold’s strength created the unprecedented ratio extreme. 

This setup now presents what some view as a generational opportunity for position adjustments.

Bitcoin has since recovered modestly, bouncing 3% toward $90,000 after Trump walked back his tariff rhetoric. 

Exchange-traded fund products saw $1.55 billion in inflows during the turbulent stretch. Bulls are now watching trendline support levels and continued institutional buying as potential catalysts for further recovery.

Bears remain cautious about additional downside risks if key technical support levels fail. However, the extreme statistical positioning of the Bitcoin-to-gold ratio suggests the path of least resistance may soon favor cryptocurrency. The resolution of this outlier event could define market dynamics for months ahead.

The post Bitcoin-Gold Ratio Hits Historic Extreme Low: Analyst Predicts $200K-$300K Bitcoin appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Prosecutors lost approximately $48 million in confiscated Bitcoin after accessing a fraudulent phishing site. 

The stolen cryptocurrency was stored on USB drives rather than in institutional custody solutions for security. 

Wallet passwords were exposed during routine asset inspections, allowing unauthorized access to seized funds. 

South Korea has expanded its crypto seizure authority since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling on digital asset property.

 

South Korean authorities are investigating a major security breach involving confiscated cryptocurrency assets. 

The Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office has confirmed the loss of Bitcoin valued at approximately 70 billion won, equivalent to $48 million.

The incident occurred during routine asset management procedures last year. Investigators suspect a phishing attack enabled unauthorized access to digital wallets stored on USB drives by the prosecution office.

Security Breach Exposes Vulnerabilities in Asset Management

The Bitcoin in question was originally seized in connection with an illegal gambling investigation. Prosecutors had confiscated the digital assets as criminal proceeds under existing property laws. 

The cryptocurrency was stored on portable USB devices rather than institutional custody solutions. 

This storage method has raised questions about standard security protocols for handling seized digital assets.

The Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office discovered the loss while conducting standard verification procedures. Officials maintain password information on removable storage devices for access management. 

The office was regularly checking for abnormalities in confiscated financial assets when the breach was detected. Local media reports indicate irregularities in the Bitcoin holdings became apparent during these routine inspections.

During a regular inspection of confiscated financial assets, prosecution officials accessed what they believed was a legitimate website. 

However, investigators were inadvertently connected to a fraudulent phishing site. An official from the prosecutor’s office explained the circumstances surrounding the breach. 

“We know that something happened after accidentally accessing a so-called ‘fake (scam) site’ during the regular inspection of confiscated Bitcoin,” the official stated. 

The source added that discussions within the prosecution indicated the amount of lost bitcoins was worth 70 billion won.

The incident represents one of the most significant losses of cryptocurrency under government custody. This mistake exposed wallet passwords to unauthorized parties. 

The compromised credentials allowed attackers to transfer the Bitcoin from state custody. Unlike technical exploits targeting blockchain vulnerabilities, phishing attacks exploit human error and poor internal controls.

Investigation Ongoing as Authorities Remain Tight-Lipped

When approached for official comment, a spokesperson from the Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office declined to verify details. 

The official stated, “We cannot confirm it,” when questioned about the reported loss. This response came despite multiple inquiries about the incident from local media outlets. The prosecution office has maintained a cautious stance regarding public disclosure of the breach.

Meanwhile, another official at the prosecutor’s office provided limited information about ongoing efforts. The source noted that investigators are striving to establish the locations of the seized properties. 

However, the official acknowledged they could not verify any additional information at the moment. The investigation remains active as authorities work to trace the missing digital assets.

South Korea has expanded its authority over cryptocurrency seizures in recent years. The Supreme Court established legal precedent in 2018 by ruling that cryptocurrencies qualify as property. 

This decision recognized digital assets as intangible items with economic value. Courts determined that crypto holdings linked to criminal activity could be confiscated under the Criminal Procedure Act.

The Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office has handled multiple large-scale crypto cases. In March 2024, the office pursued the recovery of approximately 170 billion won in Bitcoin. 

That seizure also involved proceeds from illegal gambling operations. Subsequent rulings have broadened enforcement powers over digital assets. 

Financial regulators announced plans in January to test payment freeze systems for crypto accounts.

The post 48 Million in Seized Bitcoin Stolen from South Korean Prosecutors in Phishing Attack appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Bank of America and Citigroup are considering credit cards with a 10% interest rate to meet Trump’s demand.

The banks face challenges balancing affordability with profitability when offering cards at a 10% rate.

Some banks, like Bilt, have already introduced 10% rate cards for a one-year period in response to the proposal.

Bank CEOs acknowledge affordability concerns but emphasize balancing them with business realities.

Both banks aim to offer competitive products while managing customer default risks and maintaining profitability.

Bank of America and Citigroup are considering launching new credit card products with a 10% interest rate. This move comes as both banks aim to meet President Trump’s demand to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year. Both banks, known for their large credit card portfolios, are evaluating ways to balance affordability with profitability.

Banks Evaluate New Credit Card Options

According to a Bloomberg report, both Bank of America and Citigroup are weighing introducing new credit card products with capped interest rates. These banks are exploring solutions to address the affordability issue raised by the Trump administration.

Solutions have been a key theme for both banks, as they seek ways to offer competitive products while complying with the proposed interest rate limit. The challenge lies in balancing the low interest rate with the risk of customer default.

Banks typically charge higher interest rates to cover potential losses from defaults. Offering cards with a 10% rate could result in lower profits for the banks, as they would need to manage the risk of non-payment.

Response to the President’s Demand and Industry Concerns

The pushback from major banks about the potential damage to their businesses has been strong. However, some banks, like Bilt, have already moved ahead with offering cards that adhere to the 10% cap, albeit for one year. This limited offer falls within the Trump administration’s proposed one-year timeline.

While banks have expressed concerns over the financial impact, many agree that affordability is a pressing issue. Bank of America and Citigroup are working to offer credit cards that cater to consumers while maintaining profitability.

“We too want to help out,” said one bank CEO, acknowledging that affordability is a concern, but it must be balanced with the economic realities of running a business. By managing the credit limits and offering the new 10% rate cards, banks aim to strike a balance between affordability and sustainable business practices.

The post Bank of America and Citi Explore New Credit Cards with 10% Interest Rate appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Investor spent $50K on 100 Solana phones, securing 75M $SKR tokens worth $2.7M at current prices.

Top-tier Sovereign users received maximum 750K $SKR per device in Solana Mobile’s January airdrop.

Strategy required zero leverage or trading skills, relying solely on conviction in token distribution.

$SKR surged 218% post-launch with $276M trading volume as 49% of recipients staked their tokens.

 

A strategic purchase of over 100 Solana Seeker phones for approximately $50,000 transformed into $2.7 million following the $SKR token airdrop on January 21, 2026.

The investor qualified for top-tier Sovereign status, receiving maximum allocations of 750,000 tokens per device. 

This calculated bet on Solana Mobile’s distribution mechanism delivered returns exceeding 5,000% without leverage or active trading.

Calculated Risk Delivers Extraordinary Returns on Phone Purchases

The investment thesis relied entirely on securing maximum airdrop allocations through device ownership. 

Each Solana Seeker phone cost approximately $500, bringing the total hardware investment to roughly $50,000 for 100 units. 

The buyer achieved Sovereign tier status, the highest engagement level in Solana Mobile’s ecosystem.

Top-tier users received approximately 750,000 $SKR tokens per registered device. With 100 phones, the total allocation reached 75 million tokens at distribution. 

The token launched at elevated prices and surged 218% to trade around $0.037 shortly after becoming available.

This positioning strategy required patience and conviction in an unproven distribution event. Most crypto participants discuss being early to opportunities but rarely commit significant capital to speculative airdrops. The investor avoided complex trading strategies, derivatives, or leverage entirely.

Sumit Kapoor highlighted this case on social media, emphasizing the simplicity of the approach. The strategy demanded only hardware purchases and meeting engagement requirements for Sovereign status. No technical trading knowledge or market timing skills factored into the returns generated.

This Solana Mobile play is honestly wild.

Someone bought 100+ Solana phones purely for the $SKR airdrop.

Now, important detail:
Only top-tier (Sovereign) users get the max allocation up to ~750K $SKR per device.

Assuming they qualified

• ~$500 per phone
• ~$50K total… pic.twitter.com/MRJ5fyU26H

— Sumit Kapoor (@moneygurusumit) January 22, 2026

Token Distribution Creates Millionaires Among Early Adopters

Solana Mobile distributed nearly 2 billion $SKR tokens to approximately 100,000 users during the airdrop. The allocation represented 30% of the total token supply, split between Season 1 Seeker users and 188 developers. Exchange listings on Kraken, Jupiter, and other platforms immediately followed the distribution.

Trading volume surpassed $276 million within the first day as recipients began accessing their allocations. 

The token achieved a fully diluted valuation of $387 million at current prices. Over 49% of claimants chose to stake their tokens for enhanced yields and governance rights.

The $SKR token powers core features of the Seeker phone ecosystem. It secures the Seed Vault wallet and grants access to the integrated dApp store. 

Token holders also receive governance participation rights for future protocol decisions.

The 100-phone buyer’s position valued at approximately $2.7 million represents one of crypto’s most successful airdrop plays. The return calculation assumes the investor sold at current market prices of $0.037 per token. 

However, staking participation rates suggest many recipients maintain long-term positions rather than immediately liquidating.

This outcome demonstrates how conviction-based strategies can outperform sophisticated trading approaches. 

The investor identified an asymmetric opportunity where downside risk remained limited to hardware costs. 

Meanwhile, potential upside depended entirely on Solana Mobile’s ability to execute its token distribution plan successfully.

 

The post How 100 Solana Seeker Phones Turned a $50,000 Investment Into $2.7 Million appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Ed Yardeni believes earnings growth will drive stock market increases this year.

Despite external shocks, the U.S. economy remains resilient, supporting earnings.

Yardeni sees geopolitical crises as potential market buying opportunities.

He expects the “roaring 2020s” to continue, with strong economic growth and high stock prices.

Yardeni remains confident that the market will rise without a recession, driven by solid earnings.

Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research, shared his outlook on the stock market and the economy. He believes the market may see a rise driven by earnings growth. Yardeni’s comments came during an interview with CNBC’s “Closing Bell,” where he discussed the economic resilience and market outlook for this year.

Earnings Growth Will Drive the Stock Market Higher

Yardeni emphasized the role of earnings in driving stock market growth. He noted that the economy has shown strong resilience despite multiple challenges. “The economy has been remarkably resilient through thick and thin,” said Yardeni.

He highlighted that the strong GDP growth in recent quarters has supported corporate earnings. This, in turn, has led to a “melt-up” in stock prices, with earnings fueling the market’s upward momentum.

Yardeni also pointed out that despite various external shocks, the U.S. economy has continued to perform well. Last year, tariffs and geopolitical tensions affected the market, but the economy held strong. “Earnings are extremely resilient,” he stated, underscoring that strong earnings will likely continue to drive the market higher.

Focus on Economic Strength, Not Volatility

Yardeni acknowledged that the market could face volatility due to political and economic uncertainties. He discussed how policy changes and geopolitical tensions often create noise in the market.

However, he believes that the focus should remain on the long-term economic strength rather than short-term volatility. “Geopolitical crises are very often buying opportunities,” Yardeni noted, pointing out that past crises have often led to market rallies.

He also touched on the impact of tariffs and trade policy on the market. Yardeni explained that market reactions to policy news may be exaggerated, but ultimately, the market adapts. He referenced the recent discussions around tariff increases on Europe and the potential legal challenges, suggesting that such issues are more noise than a threat to the economy’s fundamentals.

Strong Economic Outlook for the Roaring 2020s

Yardeni has been optimistic about the economic outlook for the decade. He has previously forecasted a “roaring 2020s” scenario, and his views are aligned with the recent market trends. “We’re six years into the decade, and the stock market is at an all-time high,” he said.

Yardeni remains confident that without a recession, stock prices will continue to rise, supported by strong earnings and steady economic growth. The interview also touched on the potential for future growth, with Yardeni asserting that the market has a strong foundation.

He noted that while the trajectory may not be certain, the potential for growth remains high. As the economy avoids a recession, Yardeni believes that the market will continue to rise, driven by earnings rather than speculative factors.

The post Stock Market Set to Rise on Earnings Growth, Yardeni Predicts appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

IOTA’s TWIN network is operational in Kenya and UK, processing millions of real trade transactions daily. 

The ADAPT initiative aims to connect 1.5 billion Africans by 2035, reducing border clearance from 14 days to hours. 

Each trade consignment generates 26 transactions on IOTA Mainnet, with 1% of global trade creating 650M yearly. 

IOTA token economics burn fees and lock tokens in storage deposits, creating deflationary pressure with usage. 

 

IOTA has pivoted from speculative cryptocurrency markets to build infrastructure for the $35 trillion global trade sector. 

Co-founder Dominik Schiener announced the strategic shift, revealing that IOTA aims to solve inefficiencies in international trade through digital identities, tokenized assets, and trade finance solutions.

 The IOTA-based TWIN network is already operational in Kenya and the United Kingdom, processing real cross-border transactions.

TWIN Network Demonstrates Real-World Adoption

The Trade Worldwide Information Network represents IOTA’s production-ready application for digitizing trade documentation. 

Schiener explained that IOTA has “moved beyond the speculative side of crypto to pursue a focused strategy: bringing the real world onchain through trusted, regulated, and scalable infrastructure.” The platform targets real economic systems rather than competing in saturated cryptocurrency niches.

Kenya has implemented TWIN within its trade system, beginning with flower exports that process 7 million stems daily. The deployment will expand to all commodities by early 2026. The United Kingdom Cabinet Office is testing TWIN to improve UK-EU freight operations.

Between 2024 and 2025, the system tracked over 2,000 poultry consignments from Poland to the UK. 

Border agencies gained real-time visibility into shipment movements through this pilot program. TWIN integrated fully with the IOTA Mainnet in January 2026.

Physical goods crossing international borders now generate verifiable transactions on the public ledger. Each consignment creates approximately 26 transactions on the network, including load records, document attachments, and event updates. 

The platform addresses critical inefficiencies where 4 billion trade documents circulate daily through paper-based systems.

Africa Digital Access Initiative Targets Continental Scale

The Africa Digital Access and Public Infrastructure for Trade initiative marks IOTA’s largest implementation project. 

ADAPT launched through partnerships with the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, World Economic Forum, and Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Schiener stated that IOTA’s mission is to serve as “the single source of truth for the global economy.”

The program aims to connect 1.5 billion people across Africa by 2035. ADAPT could reduce border clearance times from 14 days to several hours. Cross-border payment fees may drop by over 50% through the digital infrastructure.

IOTA projects that TWIN will operate in more than 30 countries by 2030. This expansion creates network effects that require participation for global supply chain competitiveness. 

Banks and traders currently lose $2-5 billion annually to forged documents under existing systems.

The IOTA token economics support this expansion through deflationary mechanisms. All network activity burns IOTA tokens, permanently reducing supply. 

Creating digital assets requires locking tokens in storage deposits that remain removed from circulation while assets exist onchain. 

Token holders can stake their holdings to secure the network and earn approximately 11% annual percentage yield. 

The platform now supports applications tokenizing real-world assets within the $20 trillion annual commodities market and $40-50 trillion trade receivables sector.

The post IOTA Pivots to $35 Trillion Trade Infrastructure With Live Deployment in Kenya and UK appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

BPRO marks the first ETF specifically designed to combat fiat currency debasement through mixed assets

The fund provides indirect bitcoin exposure alongside gold and precious metals in one trading vehicle

U.S. debt interest payments surpass $1 trillion annually, now exceeding national defense spending levels

Proficio Capital brings 12 years of currency debasement strategy refinement to the partnership with Bitwise

 

Bitwise Asset Management has introduced the Bitwise Proficio Currency Debasement ETF under ticker BPRO on the New York Stock Exchange. 

The actively managed fund targets assets designed to protect against declining fiat currency purchasing power. 

These include gold, bitcoin, silver, precious metals, and mining equities. The product marks a partnership between Bitwise and Proficio Capital Partners.

Strategic Response to Fiat Currency Concerns

The fund addresses growing concerns about fiat currency stability and government fiscal policies. 

According to Bitwise’s announcement, the U.S. dollar has lost 40% of its purchasing power since 2006. 

National debt has increased roughly fivefold over two decades to approach $40 trillion. Interest payments on this debt now exceed $1 trillion, representing more than national defense spending in fiscal year 2026.

Today, the debasement trade has a new weapon in its arsenal.

Introducing the Bitwise Proficio Currency Debasement ETF (NYSE: BPRO), a first-of-its-kind, actively managed investment strategy targeting assets poised to benefit from the eroding purchasing power of fiat currencies… pic.twitter.com/kpKPFK26p0

— Bitwise (@BitwiseInvest) January 22, 2026

Bitwise explained that BPRO seeks to give investors a way to shield portfolios from reckless spending, rising deficits, and money printing by governments worldwide. 

The fund invests in debasement-resistant assets that cannot be easily inflated or manipulated. The strategy combines Bitwise’s cryptocurrency market knowledge with Proficio’s precious metals expertise. 

Proficio Capital Partners manages approximately $5 billion in assets for high-net-worth families, businesses, and foundations.

The firm has developed currency debasement strategies over 12 years since its 2014 founding. Matt Hougan noted that Harvard’s endowment bought gold and bitcoin as a hedge against currency debasement last year. 

He expressed excitement about launching the fund, stating that investors can now access similar exposure in a single actively managed ETF. 

The fund will not directly invest in crypto assets or derivatives but gains indirect exposure through investments in crypto exchange-traded products.

The strategy reflects broader institutional recognition of alternative assets for portfolio protection. Traditional safe-haven assets like gold now share space with digital assets in debasement-focused portfolios. 

The fund’s structure allows investors to access both categories without managing separate positions. This approach simplifies implementation for those seeking protection from monetary policy risks.

Investment Structure and Risk Considerations

BPRO operates as a nondiversified fund focused on specific asset categories. The fund will maintain indirect cryptocurrency exposure through investments in crypto ETPs rather than direct holdings. 

These products use crypto assets in their operations or hold them as proprietary investments. The structure avoids direct cryptocurrency ownership while providing market exposure.

The fund carries significant risk factors that investors must consider before allocating capital. Cryptocurrency investments remain highly speculative due to their limited operational history and regulatory uncertainty. 

Future government actions could restrict crypto asset transactions or usage. Price volatility in crypto markets can stem from concentrated ownership among few holders. Declining adoption or acceptance could negatively impact crypto asset valuations.

Natural resource investments present different challenges compared to traditional equity holdings. Gold, platinum, palladium, and silver prices respond to unique market forces. 

The fund faces increased vulnerability to industry-specific price movements affecting natural resources sectors. 

Single-sector concentration typically generates higher volatility than diversified investment approaches. Inverse and leveraged ETPs that use derivatives add another layer of complexity and risk.

Bitwise Investment Manager serves as the fund’s investment adviser while Proficio Capital Partners acts as sub-adviser. Foreside Fund Services handles distribution responsibilities independently from Bitwise and Proficio. 

Shares trade at market prices rather than net asset value, with brokerage commissions reducing overall returns. 

The fund prospectus contains complete details on investment objectives, risk factors, fees, and expenses available at bproetf.com.

The post Bitwise Launches BPRO ETF Targeting Gold and Bitcoin for Currency Debasement Protection appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Spotify launches AI-powered “prompted playlist” for U.S. and Canadian Premium users.

Users can create playlists based on moods, memories, or activities, with AI-curated suggestions.

The feature includes customizable options for genres, artists, and time periods.

Spotify continues its AI integration with new tools like AI DJ and AI playlist.

Premium subscription price increases to $12.99/month in February, alongside leadership changes.

Spotify has launched a new feature called “prompted playlist,” powered by artificial intelligence. This tool allows users to create personalized playlists by selecting their moods, feelings, or memories. The feature is currently in beta, available to U.S. and Canadian Premium subscribers.

Personalized Spotify Playlist Creation

Spotify’s new “prompted playlist” aims to simplify the playlist creation process. Users can input their emotions, activities, or memories to guide the AI in curating a playlist. For instance, the AI can suggest high-energy pop and hip-hop for a workout session or relaxing tunes for a cooldown.

The feature also allows users to set specific artists or time periods, further personalizing the mix. This update follows the company’s effort to make playlist creation easier for users who find the task overwhelming.

“We hear from listeners all the time that they love playlists, but making their own can feel daunting,” said Sulinna Ong, Spotify’s global head of editorial. The new tool removes that barrier by automatically generating playlists based on user input.

Enhanced AI Features for Premium Users

The “prompted playlist” feature is an extension of Spotify’s growing use of artificial intelligence. Previously, the company introduced other AI-driven features, such as the AI DJ, AI playlist, and Daylist. These features are part of Spotify’s broader strategy to integrate AI into its offerings, enhancing the user experience.

Spotify has also added an “ideas” tab within the app, which provides users with pre-set prompts to inspire playlist creation. These prompts can help users get started quickly, with ideas ranging from specific genres to activity-focused mixes. The new feature also allows for scheduled updates, with playlists refreshing daily or weekly.

This move comes after Spotify’s investment in AI research and product development. The company has partnered with major music labels like Sony Music, Universal Music, and Warner Music to expand its AI capabilities. The feature’s AI technology builds on Spotify’s existing AI tools to offer users a more customized experience.

Price Increase and Leadership Change

In addition to launching the AI playlist feature, Spotify announced a price increase for U.S. Premium subscribers. Starting in February, the subscription price will rise to $12.99 per month from $11.99.

This change follows a series of updates and product enhancements by the streaming platform. The company also made headlines in January when its founder, Daniel Ek, stepped down as CEO.

Ek transitioned to the role of executive chairman, following criticism related to his investments in defense technology. These leadership changes occur amid a broader industry shift and Spotify’s ongoing efforts to expand its platform.

The post Spotify Rolls Out AI-Driven Playlist Generator for U.S. and Canadian Premium Users appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

World Liberty Financial and Spacecoin complete token swap to merge DeFi technology with satellite networks.

Spacecoin deployed three satellites into orbit, advancing from concept to operational infrastructure in three years.

Partnership explores payment solutions for environments where traditional financial infrastructure remains limited.

USD1 stablecoin designed to enable financial transactions for users accessing internet through satellite systems.

 

World Liberty Financial and Spacecoin have announced a strategic partnership centered on a token swap between the two entities. 

The collaboration aims to develop solutions that merge decentralized finance technology with satellite internet connectivity. 

This alliance represents an effort to expand access to financial services in areas where traditional infrastructure remains limited.

Partnership Addresses Infrastructure Gaps in Connectivity and Finance

The agreement between World Liberty Financial and Spacecoin focuses on creating financial systems for satellite-based internet networks. 

Zak Folkman, co-founder of World Liberty Financial, emphasized the infrastructure challenge that Spacecoin addresses through space-based connectivity expansion.

 “Spacecoin is tackling a real infrastructure problem — expanding internet access by building connectivity from space,” Folkman stated in the announcement.

According to the announcement on Spacecoin’s social media platform, the partnership welcomes new participants as “WLFI Cadets” into their growing ecosystem. 

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT

In a move anchored by a token swap with @worldlibertyfi, we’re entering into a strategic partnership to explore new solutions that converge the decentralized technology of finance and satellite internet connectivity.

Together, we will continue… pic.twitter.com/XnTRfdOKUx

— Spacecoin (@spacecoin) January 22, 2026

Folkman further explained what attracted World Liberty Financial to the partnership. “What stood out to us is the focus on execution and long-term utility,” he noted.

World Liberty Financial’s USD1 stablecoin is designed to facilitate payment and settlement activities in real-world applications. 

“USD1 is intended to support payment and settlement activity in the real world, and partnerships like this are focused on exploring payments, settlement, and coordination in environments where traditional financial rails may be limited,” Folkman added. 

Spacecoin recently deployed three satellites into orbit, marking substantial progress in building its constellation network within three years of operation.

Combining Satellite Networks with Decentralized Financial Services

Tae Oh, Founder of Spacecoin, stated that providing global connectivity represents only part of the company’s mission. “Our mission is to provide connectivity to everyone, everywhere, but that is only half the battle,” Oh explained in the partnership announcement. The collaboration addresses the dual challenge of connectivity and financial access.

“True digital freedom also requires access to robust, fair, and open financial services,” Oh continued, outlining the rationale behind partnering with World Liberty Financial. The founder emphasized the importance of immediate financial capability for new users.

 “Partnering with World Liberty Financial, a provider of compliant and trusted DeFi solutions means when our users come online for the first time, they can have access to one of the most important internet capabilities: to financially transact,” Oh stated.

The collaboration explores how decentralized finance can function in space-based internet environments. Traditional financial rails often struggle to reach areas with limited infrastructure. 

Both organizations emphasize execution and long-term utility in their approach. Spacecoin’s satellite deployment demonstrates technical capability and operational momentum. 

World Liberty Financial’s focus on regulatory compliance and real-world payment applications complements this infrastructure development. 

The partnership aims to create practical solutions for the convergence of space technology and decentralized finance.

 

The post World Liberty Financial and Spacecoin Partner on Token Swap for DeFi and Satellite Integration appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Atlas acquisition expands Chainlink SVR to five blockchains including Arbitrum, Base, and BNB Chain.

Chainlink SVR has processed $460M in liquidations and recaptured over $10M in Oracle Extractable Value.

FastLane selected Chainlink for its security record securing $27T in transactions across 70% of DeFi.

Atlas users receive streamlined migration support to Chainlink SVR through developer documentation.

 

Chainlink has completed the acquisition of Atlas, an order flow auction protocol developed by FastLane Labs. The deal brings Atlas’s intellectual property and key personnel under Chainlink’s oversight. 

Atlas will now exclusively support Chainlink’s Smart Value Recapture (SVR) solution, which helps DeFi protocols recover Oracle Extractable Value. 

The acquisition enables SVR expansion across Arbitrum, Base, BNB Chain, Ethereum, and HyperEVM networks.

Atlas Integration Strengthens DeFi Value Recapture Infrastructure

The acquisition positions Chainlink as the dominant player in the OEV recapture market. Atlas has proven its capabilities by powering order flow auctions for protocols like Compound and Venus. 

These auctions primarily focus on liquidation events within decentralized finance (DeFi) lending platforms. FastLane chose Chainlink due to its security track record and decentralized oracle infrastructure.

Chainlink has secured over $27 trillion in transaction value throughout its operational history. The network currently protects more than 70% of the existing DeFi ecosystem. 

This extensive reach provides Atlas with immediate access to established infrastructure and user trust. The combination creates a streamlined path for protocols seeking value recapture solutions.

SVR specifically targets non-toxic MEV generated from the usage of Chainlink Price Feeds. The system recaptures value through backrunning liquidations in overcollateralized lending protocols. 

Unlike harmful MEV practices, SVR cannot facilitate frontrunning or sandwich attacks. This design ensures protocols can generate additional revenue without compromising user experience.

Existing Atlas users will receive support during their migration to Chainlink SVR. Developer documentation provides technical guidance for the transition process. 

The Ethereum mainnet deployment continues using Flashbots MEV-Share infrastructure. Meanwhile, Atlas enables SVR deployment across new blockchain ecosystems beyond Ethereum.

Market Performance Demonstrates Growing Adoption of Value Recapture

Chainlink SVR has processed over $460 million in liquidations since launch. The platform has successfully recaptured more than $10 million in OEV for integrated protocols. 

Leading DeFi platforms including Aave and Compound have already adopted the solution. Revenue generated through SVR creates sustainable income streams for both protocols and the Chainlink Network.

The value recapture mechanism operates through a revenue-share model between protocols and Chainlink. 

Protocols gain additional income beyond traditional fees and interest rates. Chainlink benefits from increased network utilization and economic sustainability. This alignment creates mutual incentives for ecosystem growth and development.

Johann Eid, Chief Business Officer at Chainlink Labs, welcomed the acquisition. “I’m thrilled to welcome Atlas into the Chainlink standard,” Eid stated. 

He noted that uniting Atlas’s technology with SVR creates the most effective value recapture system DeFi has experienced. The integration accelerates SVR expansion to new ecosystems and increases revenue for DeFi protocols.

Alex Watts, CEO of FastLane, expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential. “Bringing Atlas together with Chainlink creates the most credible path for DeFi protocols to recapture value onchain at scale,” Watts said. 

He emphasized Chainlink’s position to lead the OEV market and advance Atlas through its SVR product. FastLane will continue operating independently while serving as a strategic partner to support Atlas operations and protocol adoption.

The post Chainlink Acquires Atlas Protocol to Expand SVR Across Multiple Blockchain Networks appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Pi App Studio introduces no-code payment integration allowing non-technical creators to add cryptocurrency transactions.

First 1,000 qualified survey respondents receive 5 Pi credits exclusively for App Studio app creation and customization.

Ad-supported deployment enables non-migrated Pioneers to create apps without spending Pi cryptocurrency holdings.

Payment feature currently supports single-session transactions with plans for persistent purchases in future updates.

 

Pi Network has announced major updates to its App Studio platform for 2026, introducing simplified payment integration and new creator incentives. 

The blockchain project revealed plans for a community event offering Pi credits to early participants while expanding access to app development. 

These changes aim to lower technical barriers and increase utility creation across the Pi ecosystem through enhanced features and cost-free deployment options.

Pi App Studio is expanding app creation in 2026 with a new creator event and new features, including an easy, non-technical and interactive way to integrate Pi payments and cost-free route for app deployments.

For the event, Pioneers can complete a short survey, and the first…

— Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) January 22, 2026

Payment Integration Streamlines App Monetization

The App Studio now enables creators to integrate Pi payments without technical expertise or coding knowledge. 

This marks a departure from traditional blockchain app development, which typically requires specialized programming skills. 

The platform wraps complex payment systems into simple, interactive steps that non-technical users can follow. 

Creators can add Test-Pi payment interactions for in-app purchases and feature unlocks during active sessions.

The payment feature currently supports single-session transactions only. Users cannot maintain persistent purchases across different app sessions at this stage. 

According to the announcement, “Although this initial version does not yet support persistent purchases across sessions, meaning purchases won’t be saved if a user leaves and comes back, it establishes the foundation for richer app creation opportunities.” This foundation prepares creators for future Mainnet-enabled payment capabilities.

The update addresses a significant hurdle in blockchain app development, where payment integration normally demands considerable time and technical competence. 

Pi Core Team shared the announcement through their official account, noting the expansion includes “an easy, non-technical, and interactive way to integrate Pi payments and a cost-free route for app deployments.” The tweet emphasized how these updates support the creation of more useful App Studio applications.

App creators must use specific prompts mentioning “Pi payment” when customizing their applications with the platform’s AI tools. 

This approach democratizes blockchain app monetization beyond the developer community. The system enables creator monetization incentives and sustainable business models for App Studio applications.

Creator Event Offers Rewards and Expanded Access

Pi Network launched a creator event, inviting Pioneers to complete a survey about their favorite App Studio applications. The first 1,000 qualified respondents will receive 5 Pi credits exclusively for App Studio use. 

The announcement explains that “since each AI-generated iteration and deployment onto servers in the App Studio costs Pi, this credit is meant to remove the friction of the costs of experimentation.” Spam responses will not qualify for the reward program.

The event seeks feedback to guide future improvements to App Studio features and development tools. 

Participants can access the survey through a banner displayed at the top of the App Studio interface. This initiative encourages experimentation among both experienced creators and newcomers to the platform.

The platform introduced ad-supported app creation as an alternative to Pi payments. Creators can now deploy app iterations by watching advertisements instead of spending cryptocurrency. 

This option becomes available when a creator’s App Studio balance drops below 0.25 Pi. The feature specifically targets non-migrated Pioneers and users who prefer not to spend their Pi holdings.

The documentation clarifies that “ad revenue generated by this feature does not cover the cost of app generation and deployment in the App Studio, including API costs and server costs.” 

The approach intentionally subsidizes app creation expenses to broaden platform accessibility while preventing spam and exploitation. This subsidy measure remains subject to future modifications based on economic sustainability. 

The combination of survey rewards, simplified payments, and ad-supported deployment creates multiple pathways for participation in the Pi app ecosystem.

The post Pi Network Launches 2026 App Studio Upgrades with Payment Integration and Creator Rewards appeared first on Blockonomi.