When intelligence isn’t enough
The artificial-intelligence industry has hit a barrier that money or new generations of chips cannot clear. A global grid crunch, component shortages and community resistance have turned the construction of data centres into one of tech’s hardest logistical and political problems. How AI data centres differ from classical facilities, why the industry has grown more dependent on China, and how residents are voting out local officials to shield themselves from noise and environmental risks — all in ForkLog’s new report. An architectural shift Traditional data centres that powered the internet economy over the past two decades are fundamentally different from the architecture required for large language models. The classic data centre is built around the CPU and draws on average 5–10 kW per rack, whereas GPU-first AI racks consume roughly ten times more. Machine-learning racks with accelerators such as Nvidia’s H100 or B200 require 40–120 kW each. The power-density gap changes the underlying physics of these sites. A cluster of tens of thousands of GPUs under peak load consumes as much electricity as a small industrial city. The snag is that distribution networks and substations are rarely designed for such abrupt, localised surges in demand. The appetites of AI’s leaders have drained stocks of critical power-delivery gear: high‑voltage transformers, generators and batteries for uninterruptible power supplies. Manufacturing capacity in the US and Europe cannot keep up. As a result, lead times for industrial transformers, mostly sourced from China, have stretched from one–two years to three–five. America’s growing reliance on Chinese components runs counter to its political rhetoric. Source: Bloomberg. Another challenge is heat rejection. Air cooling cannot cope with AI-server density. The industry is being pushed toward liquid systems such as Direct-to-Chip and immersion baths. They require millions of litres of treated water and threaten regions, especially in arid climates. According to data cited by Dutch researcher Alex de Vries-Gao, AI systems worldwide used about 765bn litres of water in 2025. To conserve resources, developers are refining designs. Instead of traditional cooling towers, where water evaporates into the atmosphere, new data centres are increasingly equipped with closed‑loop systems. In them, water circulates through pipes, absorbs heat, is cooled in radiators and returns to servers with virtually no loss in volume. Adoption, however, is lagging far behind the pace of new builds. Almost at the Stargate An unprecedented budget, top-level political backing and the mantle of the decade’s defining AI alliance. At launch, Stargate seemed to have it all — at least on paper. Stargate is a $500bn initiative that US president Donald Trump announced in January 2025 as part of a national push to retain technological dominance. The OpenAI–SoftBank–Oracle joint venture was meant to drive a rapid build‑out of AI data‑centre infrastructure. A year on from the White House fanfare, the JV still lacked a full team and had not signed a single major construction deal in its own name. Markets turned skittish, too. JPMorgan Chase, slated to arrange $38bn of Stargate debt, ran into investor doubts about the project’s returns. OpenAI’s Sam Altman and SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son disagreed on fundamentals: where to build and who would be in control. From September to October 2025, Stargate’s top brass shuttled to Tokyo for tough talks with Son but failed to settle who would own the platform for the flagship campus in Abilene, Texas. A flagship site in Abilene spanning eight pads with a planned capacity of 2.1 GW. Source: Bloomberg. OpenAI weighed going it alone, but lenders refused to provide funds without a clear path to profitability. Stargate scaled back its aims and vacated a 900‑MW pad, keeping core Texas capacity with an eye to 1.2 GW later on. Partners shifted focus: in April 2026, developer Related Digital and Oracle raised $16bn in debt and equity to build a new mega‑data‑centre in Michigan for OpenAI’s needs. Rivals seized the opening. In late March 2026 Microsoft snapped up the vacant 900 MW, becoming Crusoe Energy’s new partner to expand the Abilene campus. The upgrade should lift the site’s total capacity to 2.1 GW by mid‑2027, using Nvidia GPUs. People push back Data centres are no longer viewed as unambiguous economic engines — they create few jobs once built, yet strain grids, consume water and generate constant noise. In April 2026 residents of Festus, Missouri, protested a $6bn data‑centre proposal. Locals secured the removal of four of eight city‑council members and launched a petition to oust the rest, including the mayor. On April 9 residents sued the city, alleging it failed to give the public enough time to review the proposal before voting and made illegal zoning changes for the project. The suit also claims the city held private meetings about the plan instead of public ones. The approved scheme for an unnamed developer would cover 360 acres. Similar episodes have unfolded across America in recent months: in February 2026 the New Brunswick (New Jersey) city council, under public pressure, rejected a data‑centre deal and opted instead to use 27,000 square feet for a public park; that same month, a proposal to annex land into Foristell (Missouri) met resistance over fears it would host a data centre. The decision was revised and the area kept its agricultural zoning; in September 2025 Prince George’s County (Maryland) paused data‑centre projects after local protests and set up a task force to study risks; in St. Charles (Missouri), less than an hour from Festus, officials are moving to ban data centres permanently after imposing a moratorium in August 2025. A data center in New Brunswick was canceled tonight when hundreds of residents showed up. When fight big tech and private equity we win. pic.twitter.com/doZ63Pdwue— Ben Dziobek (@BenDziobek) February 19, 2026 The growing backlash has increased demand for transparency and real‑time data. The team behind the “US Data‑Center Moratorium Tracker” is trying to unmask companies behind unnamed deal participants and is mapping all jurisdictions that have formally imposed temporary bans on new builds. According to the dashboard, as of April 14, 2026, there are 58 moratoria in force in the US. Source: “US Data‑Center Moratorium Tracker”. Fine, then: to space Energy shortages, delayed components and public protests have stalled the sector. Per Bloomberg, construction of about half of all planned US data centres has been postponed indefinitely or scrapped. Less than a third of projected capacity is actively being built. Expected delivery timelines for data centres as of March 9, 2026. Source: Bloomberg. Tech giants and independents are searching for alternatives — from the seabed to orbit. Between 2014 and 2024 Microsoft explored submerging sealed server capsules. The last large test of Project Natick took place off Scotland’s Orkney Islands from 2018 to 2020. A capsule housing two racks with 864 servers was lowered to about 35 metres. Only six compute units failed over two years underwater. By contrast, the on‑land control group saw eight times more failures. Researchers attributed this to inert nitrogen inside the capsule, the lack of temperature swings and the absence of the human factor — a frequent cause of breakdowns. A server capsule off the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Source: Microsoft. The ocean provided a free, effectively limitless heat sink and, contrary to fears, the data centre “did not harm the ecosystem”. An artificial reef even formed around the capsule, attracting fish. Despite the success, the project was shelved as ill‑suited to AI and hampered by logistics. Any physical intervention required ships, lifting the multi‑tonne capsule from the seabed and then resealing it. How might space fare? In late 2025, researchers at the 33FG group estimated that by 2030 AI compute in orbit would be cheaper than on Earth. In February SpaceX filed a request with America’s Federal Communications Commission to launch a constellation of 1m satellites for data centres — a network of orbital facilities linked by laser backhaul. The logic of space data centres rests on two factors: access to round‑the‑clock solar power and low temperatures for near‑ideal passive cooling. But the concept faces tough commercial and physical constraints. SpaceX’s leadership has warned of the risk that such projects are not viable at this stage. Main hurdles: launch costs. Even as the price per kilogram falls, sending heavy racks with tungsten radiation shielding remains extremely expensive; latency. Real‑time inference needs milliseconds. Shipping massive datasets to and from orbit adds delays that make the setup unsuitable for many tasks. Such facilities may fit only asynchronous model training; servicing. You cannot swap a failed GPU in space. Equipment lifetimes are strictly bounded by radiation tolerance. Others are joining the orbital push: Google said it aims to build a low‑Earth‑orbit satellite system to harvest solar power for data centres, while Nvidia has announced a compute platform for space‑based facilities. In 2026 California startup Aetherflux plans to launch orbital solar mini‑farms in satellite form to beam energy down to Earth with lasers. On April 27, 2026, Meta agreed to procure 1 GW of space‑derived power for its data centres from another startup. According to orbital power‑station developer Overview Energy, the first in‑orbit demo is due in 2028, with commercial deliveries in 2030. The build‑out of AI infrastructure has run into physical and administrative limits. The voracious power draw of new GPU clusters, their need for cooling water and the strain on local grids have changed how residents and municipalities view data centres. Scaling terrestrial compute has become not a matter of capital alone but a knotty logistical and social challenge. Orbital data‑centre ventures, despite today’s high costs and maintenance barriers, are emerging as a pragmatic response to the ground‑level crunch. In the coming years, firms’ ability to solve the placement problem will determine the pace of progress in computing.
ExxonMobil, Chevron resist US calls to boost oil output amid energy crisis
ExxonMobil and Chevron's stance may prolong high oil prices, impacting global economies and intensifying geopolitical tensions over energy security. The post ExxonMobil, Chevron resist US calls to boost oil output amid energy crisis appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Ripple Moves 1B XRP from Escrow in $1.37B Monthly Token Release
TLDR Ripple unlocked 1 billion XRP from escrow on May 1, 2026, through four separate transactions. The total value of the unlocked XRP reached about $1.37 billion based on on-chain data. The largest transaction released 400 million XRP valued at roughly $547 million. Ripple still holds around 33.35 billion XRP in escrow, worth about $45.69 [...] The post Ripple Moves 1B XRP from Escrow in $1.37B Monthly Token Release appeared first on Blockonomi.
Old Ethereum Wallets Drained in Coordinated Attack, Losses Pass $800K
Most of the drained wallets were targeted for old, compromised keys that have been sitting exposed for years.
UAE exits OPEC, plans to boost oil output amid Iran conflict
The UAE's OPEC exit may reshape global oil dynamics, potentially easing supply pressures amid geopolitical tensions and market shifts. The post UAE exits OPEC, plans to boost oil output amid Iran conflict appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran proposes easing Hormuz blockade, oil prices fall
Easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz could stabilize oil markets, reducing geopolitical risks and potentially lowering global energy costs. The post Iran proposes easing Hormuz blockade, oil prices fall appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Strait of Hormuz blockade deepens economic divide among Gulf oil exporters
The blockade exacerbates regional economic disparities, impacting global energy markets and highlighting geopolitical tensions without resolution. The post Strait of Hormuz blockade deepens economic divide among Gulf oil exporters appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Big Tech earnings fuel a broad risk rally, and crypto caught the wave
The tech-driven market optimism boosted crypto, but its sustainability hinges on broader economic stability and investor sentiment shifts. The post Big Tech earnings fuel a broad risk rally, and crypto caught the wave appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Solana reaches 10.1B transactions in Q1, boosting $150 price outlook for April
Solana's transaction milestone signals robust network growth, potentially enhancing investor confidence and driving further market expansion. The post Solana reaches 10.1B transactions in Q1, boosting $150 price outlook for April appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Cardano Founder Questions Ripple CEO’s CLARITY Act Motives
TLDR Charles Hoskinson criticized Brad Garlinghouse over his support for the CLARITY Act. He said some industry leaders may support the bill for strategic advantage rather than industry growth. Hoskinson warned that the CLARITY Act could classify ETH XRP and ADA as securities if launched today. He stated that past legal ambiguity helped crypto projects [...] The post Cardano Founder Questions Ripple CEO’s CLARITY Act Motives appeared first on Blockonomi.
Micron (MU) Stock Surges 5% After Big Tech Cites Soaring Memory Prices
Micron (MU) jumped 5% to 52-week highs after Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon cited surging memory costs, with analysts setting targets up to $1,000. The post Micron (MU) Stock Surges 5% After Big Tech Cites Soaring Memory Prices appeared first on Blockonomi.
Curve Finance Launches Recovery Path for Affected CRV-Long LlamaLend Market Lenders
TLDR: Curve Finance built a crvUSD and cvcrvUSD pool to give affected lenders voluntary exit or hold options. Full recovery is modelled at $1.242 CRV, while partial recovery begins around the $0.957 CRV price level. A gauge addition could allow veCRV voters to direct CRV emissions, deepening liquidity for the recovery pool. LlamaLend V2 is [...] The post Curve Finance Launches Recovery Path for Affected CRV-Long LlamaLend Market Lenders appeared first on Blockonomi.
Garlinghouse Says Ripple Remains ‘Extremely Committed’ To XRP
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse used an appearance at XRP Las Vegas on April 30 to push back against doubts about the company’s alignment with XRP, arguing that the firm remains economically and strategically tied to the asset even as it expands deeper into institutional finance, stablecoins and regulated US infrastructure. Speaking on stage, Garlinghouse said […]
Digital Asset Security Moves Beyond Keys as Bitgo Adds 5-Layer Checks
Bitgo is pushing digital asset security beyond private keys with a five-layer transaction model designed to stop manipulation before execution. The system checks intent, device, identity, behavior, and policy, targeting risks before transactions are finalized. Key Takeaways: Bitgo introduced five security layers for institutional digital asset transactions. Controls address deepfakes, API spoofing, address manipulation, and […]
Exxon CEO warns Middle East supply constraints may boost WTI oil prices
Middle East supply constraints could lead to sustained higher oil prices, impacting global markets and economic stability. The post Exxon CEO warns Middle East supply constraints may boost WTI oil prices appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Tesla (TSLA) Stock Climbs Friday Amid Investor Concerns Over $25B Capex Plan
Tesla (TSLA) stock gains 1.2% Friday despite 15% YTD decline. Soaring capex, slow AI rollout, and robotaxi delays worry investors amid Europe rebound. The post Tesla (TSLA) Stock Climbs Friday Amid Investor Concerns Over $25B Capex Plan appeared first on Blockonomi.
Western Digital (WDC) Stock Soars to Record Peak Following Stellar Q3 Performance
Western Digital (WDC) stock reached an all-time high after reporting Q3 revenue of $3.34B and issuing strong Q4 guidance that exceeded expectations. The post Western Digital (WDC) Stock Soars to Record Peak Following Stellar Q3 Performance appeared first on Blockonomi.
Tempus AI (TEM) Stock Gains Recognition on TIME’s 2026 Health Influencer List
Tempus AI (TEM) stock gains after being named to TIME's influential health companies list, with Q1 earnings expected May 5 and new oncology partnerships. The post Tempus AI (TEM) Stock Gains Recognition on TIME’s 2026 Health Influencer List appeared first on Blockonomi.
Iran’s diplomatic push for ceasefire excludes key Gulf states
Iran's exclusion of key Gulf states in ceasefire talks may deepen regional divides, complicating efforts for unified conflict resolution. The post Iran’s diplomatic push for ceasefire excludes key Gulf states appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Tether Reports Strong Q1 2026 Earnings with $1.04B Profit and Expanding Gold Holdings
Tether achieves $1.04B profit in Q1 2026 with record $8.23B excess reserves, $20B gold holdings, and maintains position as 17th largest US Treasury holder. The post Tether Reports Strong Q1 2026 Earnings with $1.04B Profit and Expanding Gold Holdings appeared first on Blockonomi.
NIO (NIO) Stock Tumbles Nearly 5% Following Weaker-Than-Expected April Delivery Numbers
NIO stock declined 4.6% after reporting 29,356 April deliveries, down from March's 35,486, highlighting growing saturation in China's EV market. The post NIO (NIO) Stock Tumbles Nearly 5% Following Weaker-Than-Expected April Delivery Numbers appeared first on Blockonomi.
Iran demands accountability for US-Israeli actions amid diplomatic tensions
Iran's demand for accountability may exacerbate regional tensions, complicating diplomatic efforts and impacting geopolitical stability. The post Iran demands accountability for US-Israeli actions amid diplomatic tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Meta Platforms (META) Stock Plunges Over 10% Despite Record Revenue Growth
Meta (META) stock fell 10% after Q1 earnings despite 33% revenue growth. JPMorgan downgraded to Neutral citing $145B capex concerns and AI ROI uncertainty. The post Meta Platforms (META) Stock Plunges Over 10% Despite Record Revenue Growth appeared first on Blockonomi.
Intel (INTC) Surges to Record High Following Stellar Q1 Results
Intel (INTC) stock reached an all-time high of $95.73 after Q1 2026 earnings beat estimates. EPS of $0.29 crushed the $0.01 consensus forecast. The post Intel (INTC) Surges to Record High Following Stellar Q1 Results appeared first on Blockonomi.
Caterpillar (CAT) Stock Soars to Record $890 on Stellar Q1 Results and Analyst Boost
Caterpillar (CAT) stock soared nearly 10% to $890 after crushing Q1 estimates with $5.54 EPS, raising guidance, and posting 48% power generation growth. The post Caterpillar (CAT) Stock Soars to Record $890 on Stellar Q1 Results and Analyst Boost appeared first on Blockonomi.
MoonPay Launches AI-ready Stablecoin Debit Card on Mastercard
TLDR MoonPay has launched a virtual stablecoin debit card for both users and AI agents. The MoonAgents Card allows direct spending from self-custodial onchain wallets. The card converts stablecoins into fiat currency instantly at the point of payment. The product works with any online merchant that accepts Mastercard globally. Monavate issues the card and manages [...] The post MoonPay Launches AI-ready Stablecoin Debit Card on Mastercard appeared first on Blockonomi.
Crypto hacks surge in April, dampening Ethereum and Bitcoin price outlook
Increased crypto hacks erode investor confidence, potentially stalling Ethereum and Bitcoin's price growth and impacting market dynamics. The post Crypto hacks surge in April, dampening Ethereum and Bitcoin price outlook appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bennett and Lapid alliance challenges Netanyahu’s leadership prospects
Bennett and Lapid's alliance may destabilize Netanyahu's leadership, reflecting broader political fragmentation in Israel's center-right. The post Bennett and Lapid alliance challenges Netanyahu’s leadership prospects appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
US envoy proposes nuclear amendments in Iran talks amid regional tensions
The proposed amendments could foster diplomatic progress, potentially easing regional tensions and impacting global nuclear policy dynamics. The post US envoy proposes nuclear amendments in Iran talks amid regional tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bakkt Completes DTR Deal to Expand AI-driven Stablecoin Payments
TLDR Bakkt completed its acquisition of Distributed Technologies Research through a share-based transaction. The company issued over 11.3 million shares to DTR holders, with potential additional shares under the agreement. Bakkt plans to integrate DTR’s artificial intelligence payments engine into its existing infrastructure. The combined platform will introduce stablecoin functionality to support continuous 24/7 digital [...] The post Bakkt Completes DTR Deal to Expand AI-driven Stablecoin Payments appeared first on Blockonomi.
Tether Reports $1.04 Billion Profit for the Quarter
Tether has released its financial report for the first quarter of 2026, audited by BDO. The net profit of the stablecoin issuer amounted to $1.04 billion. The company's total assets reached $191.7 billion, with liabilities at $183.5 billion. Excess reserves grew to a record $8.23 billion. The primary backing for USDT consists of short-term U.S. Treasury bills, which have reached $141 billion. In this regard, Tether ranks 17th among the largest holders of U.S. government debt globally. In addition to bonds, the reserves include: physical gold worth $20 billion; bitcoins amounting to approximately $7 billion. Tether's CEO, Paolo Ardoino, noted that the company focuses on liquidity and system resilience under any market conditions. He stated that in April, the supply of USDT increased by another $5 billion, coinciding with the launch of the non-custodial wallet tether.wallet. Tether's own investments in external projects are not included in the backing of the "stablecoin" and are financed from accumulated profits. The volume of the company's excess reserves is comparable to the market capitalization of the largest stablecoins. On April 30, Tether's investment arm proposed merging three companies to create a leading public entity in the Bitcoin industry.
Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon sign AI deal with Pentagon, boosting market position
The AI deal enhances U.S. military capabilities, potentially reshaping global tech dynamics and impacting future government collaborations. The post Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon sign AI deal with Pentagon, boosting market position appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bank of England holds rates amid energy price surge
The Bank of England's rate hold highlights global inflation challenges, influencing cautious monetary policies and impacting economic growth. The post Bank of England holds rates amid energy price surge appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Israel expands military operations in southern Lebanon, raising withdrawal doubts
Israel's actions suggest a strategic shift towards long-term control in Lebanon, undermining ceasefire terms and affecting regional stability. The post Israel expands military operations in southern Lebanon, raising withdrawal doubts appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bitcoin Could Hit $16T Valuation by 2030, Ark Invest Says
TLDR Ark Invest projects Bitcoin market capitalization will reach $16 trillion by 2030. The report links growth to rising institutional adoption across global investment portfolios. U.S. ETFs and public companies increased Bitcoin holdings to about 12% of the total supply. The firm estimates a compound annual growth rate of about 63% for Bitcoin. Bitcoin could [...] The post Bitcoin Could Hit $16T Valuation by 2030, Ark Invest Says appeared first on Blockonomi.
Pentagon Secures AI Contracts with Nvidia, Microsoft, and AWS Following Anthropic Dispute
The Pentagon has entered into agreements with Nvidia, Microsoft, Reflection, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to deploy advanced AI tools in classified military environments, according to Bloomberg. These companies join a growing list of tech giants committed to expanding AI services for the military. Previously, SpaceX, Google, and OpenAI made similar commitments. “The agreements accelerate the transformation of the US military into a force where artificial intelligence takes precedence,” the Pentagon stated. AWS representative Tim Barrett commented on the news: “For over a decade, our company has been committed to supporting the country's armed forces and providing service members and defense partners with access to the best technology at optimal prices.” He stated that the firm intends to continue “supporting the Department of Defense's modernization efforts.” The new agreements follow a conflict between the Pentagon and Anthropic. The startup refused to allow its technologies to be used for mass surveillance of US citizens and autonomous weapons. In February, President Donald Trump instructed all federal agencies to cease using Anthropic technologies within six months. The Department of Defense is required to replace Claude within the same timeframe and has already intensified negotiations with other companies willing to offer broader usage terms for models and infrastructure. Pentagon's Chief Digital and AI Officer Cameron Stanley stated that advanced LLM technologies will help create “human-machine teams” capable of processing vast amounts of data. Critics of using AI for life-dependent decision-making point to the technology's unreliability. Previously, the US military employed Claude in an operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
White House confirms third assassination attempt on Trump at press dinner
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges for national leaders, with potential implications for public confidence and political stability. The post White House confirms third assassination attempt on Trump at press dinner appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Trump rejects Iran peace proposal, vows to maintain Hormuz blockade
Trump's stance may escalate tensions, impacting global oil markets and diplomatic relations, while reducing prospects for near-term peace. The post Trump rejects Iran peace proposal, vows to maintain Hormuz blockade appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Federal Reserve holds rates steady amid dissenting vote for cut
The Fed's steady rate decision amid dissent signals internal policy debate, impacting market expectations and future economic strategies. The post Federal Reserve holds rates steady amid dissenting vote for cut appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Crypto VC funding plunges to $659M in April, hits near two-year low
Crypto VC funding fell to $659 million in April, its lowest monthly total since July 2024, as dealmaking slowed across the sector.
DeFi can freeze stolen funds, but not everyone agrees it should
Crypto faces backlash for freezing stolen funds and for doing nothing, with expectations pulling in opposite directions.
Bittensor price climbs past $260, technicals signal more upside
Bittensor price is showing renewed strength as it climbs above the $260 level, with improving momentum indicators hinting at a potential continuation of the recent recovery trend. According to data from crypto.news, Bittensor (TAO) price was trading around $263.19 at…
Tether Posts $1B Q1 Profit as Reserves Climb to $8.2B Buffer
TLDR Tether reported over $1 billion in profit during the first quarter of 2026. The company increased its reserve buffer to approximately $8.2 billion. Total assets reached about $192 billion while liabilities stood near $184 billion. Tether maintained overcollateralization with a strong focus on liquidity. The firm held around $141 billion in U.S. Treasury-backed assets. [...] The post Tether Posts $1B Q1 Profit as Reserves Climb to $8.2B Buffer appeared first on Blockonomi.
IDF captures Bint Jbeil, escalating tensions amid Lebanon withdrawal talks
The IDF's actions in Bint Jbeil may hinder peace talks, signaling prolonged conflict and reducing the likelihood of a near-term Israeli withdrawal. The post IDF captures Bint Jbeil, escalating tensions amid Lebanon withdrawal talks appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Reddit Stock Gains 12% as AI Advertising Fuels Earnings Beat
TLDR Reddit stock jumped about 12% in premarket trading after the company reported strong first-quarter earnings. The company posted adjusted earnings of $1.01 per share, which exceeded analyst expectations of $0.57 per share. Revenue reached $663 million and came in above estimates of $608 million, according to FactSet data. Advertising revenue increased 74% year over [...] The post Reddit Stock Gains 12% as AI Advertising Fuels Earnings Beat appeared first on Blockonomi.
Bitcoin reclaims the $78k handle on Gate
Bitcoin has reclaimed $78,000 on Gate’s BTC/USDT pair, extending a rebound from $76,000 and keeping the market within range of the closely watched $80,000 level. According to spot data from Gate, the BTC/USDT pair is currently changing hands around $78,004, marking…
Pension Funds, PayPal, and Policy: How 2026 Is Redrawing the Crypto Market Map
TLDR: Colombia’s Porvenir pension fund offers Bitcoin exposure via BlackRock’s IBIT starting at just 25 US dollars. PayPal creates a standalone crypto division housing PYUSD, Braintree, and small business payment processing tools. Canada targets nearly 4,000 crypto ATMs with a proposed ban, flagging them as top fraud and laundering channels. Web3 gaming funding crashed 99%, [...] The post Pension Funds, PayPal, and Policy: How 2026 Is Redrawing the Crypto Market Map appeared first on Blockonomi.
Kashkari warns oil shock could lead to Fed rate hikes amid Iran conflict
The geopolitical tensions and oil price surge could complicate inflation control, potentially leading to tighter monetary policy by the Fed. The post Kashkari warns oil shock could lead to Fed rate hikes amid Iran conflict appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Cboe Global Markets (CBOE) Stock Soars to Record High on Exceptional Q1 Performance
Cboe Global Markets (CBOE) stock soars 8% to all-time high after Q1 EPS beats by $0.45, revenue jumps 29%, and company raises 2026 guidance significantly. The post Cboe Global Markets (CBOE) Stock Soars to Record High on Exceptional Q1 Performance appeared first on Blockonomi.
Pentagon Awards AI Contracts to Nvidia (NVDA), Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), Snubs Anthropic
Pentagon awards AI contracts to Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon and 4 others for classified networks, excluding Anthropic due to supply-chain risks. The post Pentagon Awards AI Contracts to Nvidia (NVDA), Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), Snubs Anthropic appeared first on Blockonomi.
World Liberty Financial sinks to record low on news of undisclosed 5.9 billion token sales to private investors
The undisclosed token sales and governance issues could undermine trust in DeFi projects, highlighting risks of centralized control. The post World Liberty Financial sinks to record low on news of undisclosed 5.9 billion token sales to private investors appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
US military operations in Iran hit 60-day mark, raising escalation concerns
The prolonged US military presence in Iran heightens risks of conflict escalation, impacting geopolitical stability and diplomatic relations. The post US military operations in Iran hit 60-day mark, raising escalation concerns appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Nebius (NBIS) Shares Surge 8.5% on $643M Eigen AI Acquisition Deal
Nebius (NBIS) stock surges 8.51% after announcing $643M acquisition of Eigen AI, gaining MIT inference expertise for its enterprise platform. The post Nebius (NBIS) Shares Surge 8.5% on $643M Eigen AI Acquisition Deal appeared first on Blockonomi.
Clorox (CLX) Stock Plunges to 52-Week Low Following Reduced Fiscal 2026 Outlook
Clorox (CLX) stock drops to 52-week low of $88.38 after company cuts FY2026 sales guidance to -6%. Major analysts reduce price targets despite Q3 earnings beat. The post Clorox (CLX) Stock Plunges to 52-Week Low Following Reduced Fiscal 2026 Outlook appeared first on Blockonomi.
Brazil Bans Virtual Assets in eFX International Payment Channels
TLDR Brazil’s central bank has prohibited crypto use in regulated cross-border payment channels under the eFX framework. The new rule requires all settlements between eFX providers and foreign partners to use foreign exchange transactions. The regulation also allows settlement through non-resident Brazilian real accounts instead of virtual assets. Transitional eFX providers must apply for authorization [...] The post Brazil Bans Virtual Assets in eFX International Payment Channels appeared first on Blockonomi.
Ethereum liquidation map pins $874m long trapdoor and $403m short cliff
Coinglass data show Ethereum longs face about $874m in liquidations below $2,206, while shorts risk roughly $403m above $2,412, creating two key forced‑flow bands. Derivatives analytics platform Coinglass is flagging fresh stress points on Ethereum’s futures liquidation heatmap, with hundreds of millions…
Israeli airstrikes on Iran threaten oil supply, prices may hit $150
Geopolitical tensions could destabilize global markets, prompting economic uncertainty and potential shifts in energy policy and trade dynamics. The post Israeli airstrikes on Iran threaten oil supply, prices may hit $150 appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Fed’s Hammack opposes rate cut, aligns with hawkish regional sentiment
Hammack's opposition to rate cuts signals a potential shift towards sustained higher interest rates, impacting market stability and inflation control. The post Fed’s Hammack opposes rate cut, aligns with hawkish regional sentiment appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Shiba Inu Delivers Strongest Monthly Return in April 2026
Shiba Inu has extended the positive momentum seen in March to April as it has closed the month with the highest return recorded so far in 2026.
Curve’s new bad‑debt pools turn losses into tradable claims
Curve Finance is turning CRV‑linked bad debt into tradable onchain claims via crvUSD–debt pools, shifting bailouts from socialized rescues to market pricing of losses. Curve Finance has rolled out a bad debt recovery framework that formalizes what founder Michael Egorov…
Major Price Declines for These Altcoins as Binance Removes 23 Assets: Details Inside
BUBB - one of the affected tokens - crashed by 50% in a matter of a single day.
Brazil Bans Crypto in Cross-Border Payments
The Central Bank of Brazil published Resolution No. 561, which imposed a blanket ban on the use of cryptocurrency assets, such as bitcoin and stablecoins, for entities providing international payment and transfer services, limiting them to traditional payment rails. Central Bank of Brazil Issues Ban on Crypto Utilization As Part of Regulated Cross-Border Settlement System […]
Twilio (TWLO) Stock Soars 18% Following Stellar Q1 Earnings Beat
Twilio (TWLO) stock jumped 18% after Q1 revenue reached $1.41B with 20% YoY growth. Analysts raise price targets to $200 on strong AI-driven demand. The post Twilio (TWLO) Stock Soars 18% Following Stellar Q1 Earnings Beat appeared first on Blockonomi.
Bitcoin open interest jumps nearly 6% as traders re‑lever into futures
Bitcoin futures open interest has climbed 5.92% to $57.621b, signaling traders are re‑levering into BTC derivatives as open positions concentrate on a few major exchanges. The Bitcoin (BTC) derivatives market has seen a notable uptick in risk-taking over the past…
Iran conflict drives oil to $115, central banks adopt hawkish stance
Geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices may lead to prolonged inflation, prompting central banks to maintain or increase interest rates. The post Iran conflict drives oil to $115, central banks adopt hawkish stance appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Are Satoshi’s 600,000 BTC At Risk? Unveiling The Hard Fork That Targets Bitcoin
On-chain sleuth Tyler has drawn attention to a Bitcoin hard fork proposal amid the quantum threat to the Bitcoin network. This has raised concerns about what could happen to Satoshi Nakamoto’s BTC holdings, although the developer behind the proposal has assured that Satoshi’s coins will remain safe. Proposed Bitcoin Hard Fork Raises Concerns About Satoshi’s […]
Beyond Meat (BYND) Stock Rockets Over 35% in 48 Hours — What’s Behind the Surge?
Beyond Meat (BYND) stock jumped 35% in two days driven by earnings confirmation, short squeeze dynamics, and a new NYC beverage distribution agreement. The post Beyond Meat (BYND) Stock Rockets Over 35% in 48 Hours — What’s Behind the Surge? appeared first on Blockonomi.
AstraZeneca (AZN) Stock Dips Following Mixed FDA Panel Verdicts on Cancer Treatments
AstraZeneca (AZN) stock drops after FDA advisors reject breast cancer drug camizestrant 6-3, while prostate treatment Truqap wins 7-1 approval backing. The post AstraZeneca (AZN) Stock Dips Following Mixed FDA Panel Verdicts on Cancer Treatments appeared first on Blockonomi.
China court rules companies can’t replace employees with AI to cut costs
A Chinese court has ruled that companies cannot legally dismiss employees solely to replace them with cost-saving artificial intelligence tools, setting a clear boundary on how far firms can go in using automation to reduce labour costs. On April 30,…
Brazil shuts crypto out of its official cross‑border payment pipes
Brazil’s central bank has barred crypto from settlement inside regulated eFX payment rails, forcing banks and fintechs back to fiat-only channels for cross‑border flows. Brazil’s central bank has introduced a foreign‑exchange rule that prohibits regulated cross‑border payment channels from using…
Iran responds to US deal amendments via Pakistani mediators: Axios
Iran's diplomatic engagement via mediators highlights a preference for negotiation, yet persistent military expectations suggest fragile stability. The post Iran responds to US deal amendments via Pakistani mediators: Axios appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran sends peace proposal to US, WTI crude futures fall
Iran's peace proposal to the US may ease geopolitical tensions, potentially stabilizing oil markets and improving Strait of Hormuz traffic. The post Iran sends peace proposal to US, WTI crude futures fall appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
XRP Disrupts Korean Banking With High-Compliance KRW Stablecoin Breakthrough
Korea's massive XRP volume moves on-chain as Hana Financial TI validates a new KRW stablecoin framework.
Occidental Petroleum (OXY) Leadership Transition: Vicki Hollub to Retire, Richard Jackson Named Successor
Occidental Petroleum (OXY) announces CEO Vicki Hollub's retirement. Richard Jackson to lead, $0.26 dividend declared, and new Gulf oil discovery reported. The post Occidental Petroleum (OXY) Leadership Transition: Vicki Hollub to Retire, Richard Jackson Named Successor appeared first on Blockonomi.
Fun raises $72m to wire fiat and crypto into the same checkout
Fun raises $72m to power unified fiat and crypto rails for apps like Polymarket and Aave, after quietly processing over $18b in annual payment volume. Fun, a payment infrastructure startup that plugs both fiat and crypto rails into high-growth consumer…
Bithumb wins court stay on six‑month Korea FIU suspension
Seoul’s Administrative Court has stayed a six‑month partial suspension against Bithumb, halting Korea FIU’s harshest crypto penalty while the exchange fights it in court. South Korea’s Seoul Administrative Court has sided with Bithumb, temporarily blocking the country’s Financial Intelligence Unit…
Iran responds to US amendments amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations
The ongoing diplomatic engagement between Iran and the US could lead to reduced hostilities, impacting regional stability and market dynamics. The post Iran responds to US amendments amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran’s supreme leader rejects concessions as US weighs military options
Escalating US-Iran tensions may hinder diplomatic efforts, increasing the risk of military conflict and impacting regional stability. The post Iran’s supreme leader rejects concessions as US weighs military options appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Fed dissent dampens June rate cut expectations, Bitcoin $80K April odds low
Fed dissent signals potential shifts in monetary policy, influencing market stability and investor sentiment amid geopolitical uncertainties. The post Fed dissent dampens June rate cut expectations, Bitcoin $80K April odds low appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Analysts Warn of Potential Cascade Liquidations in Ethereum Positions
Analysts from CryptoQuant and Arkham have observed unusual metrics in derivatives of the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. An expert known as Arab Chain noted a decline in open interest for Ethereum on the Binance exchange. The figure dropped to $4.99 billion, compared to an average of $5.31 billion. Source: Arab Chain/CryptoQuant. The negative MVRV Z-Score (-0.91) confirms a liquidity outflow. According to the analyst, traders are hesitant to open new positions as the market lacks confidence in a swift rise. A specialist under the pseudonym Darkfost highlighted signs of a potential short squeeze. Since the local low on February 6, Ethereum's price has increased by more than 30%. At the peak of the decline, the asset lost about 65% of its value, and the altcoin market capitalization was halved. A Dangerous Game Despite the recovery, investors continue to open short positions. Funding rates on Binance have remained negative for a record duration: the last occurrence was in November 2022, following the collapse of FTX. The average funding rate for the month was -0.0018, indicating that market participants do not believe in continued growth and expect a downward movement. Darkfost described this strategy as risky. He noted that the volume of short position liquidations is already increasing. Forced closure of shorts could trigger a "cascade" effect, pushing Ethereum's price even higher. The expert emphasized that the market rarely rewards the consensus of the majority. Meanwhile, major players continue to accumulate coins. Arkham reported that Fundstrat founder Tom Lee has staked 217,350 ETH, valued at approximately $508.4 million, in staking protocols. Tom Lee just staked $508.4M ETHBitmine has now staked over 4 MILLION ETH (worth $9.3B) — that’s 10.5% of the total staked ETH supply.Tom Lee is buying and staking ETH. pic.twitter.com/NofM7r0YRG— Arkham (@arkham) May 1, 2026 The BitMine platform has increased its own locked assets to 4 million ETH, which is $9.3 billion at the current rate. The company controls 10.5% of the total Ethereum supply in staking. Back on April 10, the daily number of transactions on the leading altcoin's blockchain approached 1.3 million.
Ripple investors turn to new profit opportunities, with SHRMiner offering returns of up to $57,000 per month
XRP holders explore yield strategies as SHRMiner gains attention for cloud mining and passive income. As the cryptocurrency market evolves, many long-term XRP holders are re-evaluating their investment strategies. Instead of simply waiting for prices to rise, they are exploring…
Humanoid Robots to Handle Luggage and Cleaning at Tokyo Airport
Japan Airlines, in collaboration with GMO AI & Robotics, has initiated trials of humanoid robots for ground operations at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. The companies have begun testing robots for baggage handling and aircraft cabin cleaning. The trials will last for two years. The project was launched amid a surge in tourism to Japan and a labour shortage due to an ageing population. In a demonstration video, an android from the Chinese company Unitree moves cargo along a conveyor, waves, and greets those around it. Unitree is one of China's leading robot developers. In February, the company unveiled its flagship model H1 at a gala celebrating the Chinese Spring Festival, where the robot performed kung fu moves. It is unknown whether Unitree is participating in the tests at Haneda Airport. Demographic Factor Ageing populations and declining birth rates are common issues in major cities, including Tokyo. These trends drive demand for humanoid robotics. "These trends provide bots with opportunities to perform important and often unattractive functions in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, healthcare, and hospitality," noted analysts at Barclays. According to forecasts by the OECD, Japan's working-age population will shrink by 31% from 2023 to 2060. Mark Einstein, Director of Research at Counter Research, believes that humanoid robots will play an increasingly prominent role in Japan's labour market. Significant Boost In recent years, humanoid robots have significantly expanded their capabilities, largely due to advancements in joint mechanics and artificial intelligence. They can now perform tasks that were unattainable just a few years ago. Barclays considers physical robotics to be the "next frontier" in AI development. The bank estimates that the market could grow to $1.4 trillion by 2035, up from the current $2–3 billion. Back in April, a humanoid robot from Honor ran a half marathon in 50 minutes and 26 seconds—six minutes faster than the men's world record.
Estée Lauder (EL) Stock Soars 13% on Strong Q3 Results and Upgraded Forecast
Estée Lauder (EL) stock surges 13% after beating Q3 earnings estimates and raising full-year guidance while announcing additional workforce reductions. The post Estée Lauder (EL) Stock Soars 13% on Strong Q3 Results and Upgraded Forecast appeared first on Blockonomi.
Michael Saylor Unveils Digital Credit Roadmap as STRC Hits $8.5B AUM at Bitcoin 2026
TLDR: STRC reached $8.5 billion in AUM within nine months, becoming the world’s most liquid preferred stock. Saylor proposed shifting STRC dividends from monthly to semi-monthly, pending a shareholder vote closing in June. The STRC tokenization ecosystem grew from zero to $200 million, with a projected $1 billion target within weeks. BlackRock and VanEck both [...] The post Michael Saylor Unveils Digital Credit Roadmap as STRC Hits $8.5B AUM at Bitcoin 2026 appeared first on Blockonomi.
Crypto market recap: What happened today?
Crypto market rises as Bitcoin shorts face pressure, ETF inflows continue, and Strategy’s STRC dividend risks draw attention.
ExxonMobil output hit by 15% due to Strait of Hormuz closure
The closure's impact on ExxonMobil highlights vulnerabilities in global oil supply chains, potentially driving sustained price increases and market volatility. The post ExxonMobil output hit by 15% due to Strait of Hormuz closure appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Did Dogecoin bottom first? DOGE price poised for 20% gains as whales return
Dogecoin whale wallets hit record DOGE holdings as the price rallies 23.5%, strengthening the memecoin’s rally chances in May.
SHIB Joins BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL in Japan Lending Push via SBI VC Trade
Shiba Inu's use case expands in Japan with new lending opportunity.
MoonPay’s AI-native debit card gives agents a live stablecoin rail
MoonPay has launched the MoonAgents Card, a Mastercard-enabled debit product that lets AI agents spend stablecoins directly at the point of sale with onchain settlement behind the scenes. MoonPay has unveiled the MoonAgents Card, a Mastercard-network debit card designed so…
Iran submits new proposal via Pakistan to mediate US standoff
Iran's proposal via Pakistan could reshape U.S.-Iran relations, potentially easing tensions but hinging on diplomatic trust and engagement. The post Iran submits new proposal via Pakistan to mediate US standoff appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Kashkari dissent highlights inflation risks from Iran conflict, complicates Fed policy
Kashkari's dissent underscores the Fed's challenge in balancing inflation control with monetary policy amid geopolitical tensions. The post Kashkari dissent highlights inflation risks from Iran conflict, complicates Fed policy appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Gold Tumbles to 30-Day Low Amid US-Iran Tensions and Inflation Concerns
Gold prices fell more than 1% to one-month lows as the US-Iran conflict drives inflation fears and potential rate hikes. Analysis of what's behind the decline. The post Gold Tumbles to 30-Day Low Amid US-Iran Tensions and Inflation Concerns appeared first on Blockonomi.
US Futures Show Mixed Signals as Apple (AAPL) Soars 3% and Oil Surges Past $100
Apple (AAPL) jumps 3% on earnings beat, Moderna (MRNA) surges 7%, and oil holds above $100 amid Iran tensions. Dow futures rise while Nasdaq slips. The post US Futures Show Mixed Signals as Apple (AAPL) Soars 3% and Oil Surges Past $100 appeared first on Blockonomi.
Solana price risks drop to $75 as MACD forms bearish crossover
Solana price is showing signs of weakness as the MACD forms a bearish crossover, with price hovering just above a key support zone that could determine the next move. According to data from crypto.news, Solana (SOL) price was trading around…
Tether reports $1.04B Q1 profit as reserves climb to $191.8b
Tether posts $1.04B Q1 profit on a $191.8B reserve stack, leaning on US Treasuries while expanding into gold and bitcoin as stablecoin scrutiny rises. Tether International said in its Q1 2026 attestation that it generated more than $1.04 billion in…
ASML (ASML) Stock Surges on AI Chip Boom — Is the Valuation Getting Stretched?
ASML stock gained 3.2% on upgraded revenue outlook driven by AI demand, but TSMC delays and 30% overvaluation signal potential headwinds ahead. The post ASML (ASML) Stock Surges on AI Chip Boom — Is the Valuation Getting Stretched? appeared first on Blockonomi.
MoonPay targets AI payments with Mastercard stablecoin card
MoonPay launches MoonAgents Card, letting AI agents spend stablecoins while expanding institutional crypto services.
Ukraine to escalate drone attacks amid ongoing conflict with Russia
The escalation in drone warfare may further diminish prospects for diplomatic resolutions, complicating future ceasefire negotiations. The post Ukraine to escalate drone attacks amid ongoing conflict with Russia appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Hyperliquid (HYPE) Adds 111% in Futures Flow: Will Price Follow?
The surge of the futures market for Hyperliquid quite often translates into improvement on the market.
Atlassian (TEAM) Stock Soars 23% Following Stellar Q3 Performance
Atlassian (TEAM) stock rockets 23% after Q3 earnings beat. Revenue hit $1.79B, EPS reached $1.75, and cloud growth accelerated to 29% year-over-year. The post Atlassian (TEAM) Stock Soars 23% Following Stellar Q3 Performance appeared first on Blockonomi.
Chevron (CVX) Stock Climbs After Q1 Earnings Beat Despite Derivative Losses
Chevron (CVX) stock rallied after Q1 adjusted EPS of $1.41 beat estimates. Production jumped 15% while derivative losses impacted net income. The post Chevron (CVX) Stock Climbs After Q1 Earnings Beat Despite Derivative Losses appeared first on Blockonomi.