Heightened control over the Strait of Hormuz by Iran exacerbates regional tensions, complicating diplomatic efforts and peace prospects. The post Iran tightens Strait of Hormuz control amid US-Iran diplomatic tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin fell to $76,000 on the morning of May 18, reversing a brief relief rally and causing its total market cap to drop to $1.53 trillion. The nearly 2% decline triggered $722 million in total long liquidations across the crypto economy. Bitcoin Slams into Geopolitical Headwinds Bitcoin slid to $76,000 Monday morning, continuing a trend […]

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Inflation risks could undermine the S&P 500 rally, affecting investor sentiment, corporate margins, and interest rate expectations. The post S&P 500 rally faces pressure as Wall Street warns of inflation risks appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Polymarket's revenue growth highlights the potential for sustainable income in prediction markets, challenging zero-fee models like Hyperliquid's. The post Polymarket surpasses Hyperliquid in fees over past 24 hours appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Standard Chartered projects $4 trillion in tokenized assets onchain by 2028, with mature DeFi protocols as the main beneficiaries. Standard Chartered projects that $4 trillion in tokenized assets will sit onchain by the end of 2028, evenly split between stablecoins…

Potential US-Iran oil sanctions relief could impact global oil markets, influence inflation, and affect crypto market dynamics and regulations. The post Iran claims US agrees to discuss oil sanctions relief in negotiations appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

TLDR Netflix stock rose about 2% after Bank of America reaffirmed its Buy rating and $125 price target. The analyst said Netflix’s advertising business remains a core driver of long-term revenue growth. The ad-supported tier expanded to more than 250 million monthly viewers over the past year. Netflix generated around $1.5 billion in advertising revenue [...] The post Netflix Stock Gains as BofA Maintains $125 Price Target appeared first on Blockonomi.

OpenAI and Dell partnership enables Codex's on-premises AI deployment, enhancing security and broadening enterprise workflows. The post OpenAI and Dell partner to bring Codex into enterprise AI systems appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

TLDR Amazon stock price targets now range from $230 to $370 based on 58 brokerage forecasts. The average target of $315.53 implies an 18.08% upside from the last close of $267.22. The Benchmark Company set the highest target at $370, implying a 40.08% upside. Out of 58 brokerages, 50 assign Strong Buy ratings, and none [...] The post Amazon Stock (AMZN) Gains Momentum With $370 Top Forecast appeared first on Blockonomi.

AI crypto trading bots surge in demand as traders struggle with volatility and unreliable automation tools. The global AI trading platform market surpassed $11 billion in 2024 and is on track toward $33 billion by 2030. Demand is surging —…

The move expands the Bitcoin miner's BUZZ HPC infrastructure with deployment targeted for 2027.

Minnesota-based banking institutions and credit unions will be authorized to provide digital asset custody services in a nonfiduciary capacity as of Aug. 1.

Bitcoin dropped to the crucial $76,000 support level while large-cap altcoins sold off sharply. Do technical charts suggest that traders will buy the dip?

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Revolut brings crypto card back into focus as it secures FCA approvals for trading, expands business banking, and prepares private wealth services launch. The post Revolut Revives Crypto Card Initiative Following FCA Regulatory Green Light appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR: Buterin calls AI-assisted formal verification the potential “final form” of secure software development going forward. Projects like evm-asm and Arklib are already applying formal verification directly to core Ethereum infrastructure components. Formal verification improves security but cannot guarantee full correctness if critical properties are left unspecified in proofs. Buterin proposes a secure core model [...] The post Vitalik Buterin: AI-Assisted Formal Verification Is the Future of Secure Software Development appeared first on Blockonomi.

Bernstein Circle analysts said the CLARITY Act yield compromise blocks rival stablecoin issuers from competing on rates Bernstein analysts said the CLARITY Act’s yield compromise structurally favors Circle Internet Group, ending what they described as a looming stablecoin “interest rate…

The regulatory battleground for digital assets in the United States has taken a dramatic turn.

Lotment Capital expands multi-asset strategy access, including crypto investment tools for users. Lotment Capital is committed to supporting users every step of the way, offering a wide range of tools and solutions that help them focus on decision-making and the…

NYDIG says a rare bipartisan window to pass a comprehensive US crypto market‑structure bill could slam shut if Congress fails to move it before the August recess. Digital asset investment firm NYDIG has warned that the leading US crypto market-structure…

Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin attracted fresh investor demand even as Bitcoin and Ethereum experienced sharp institutional selling pressure.

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AEON's funding to develop AI-driven payment infrastructure could revolutionize commerce by enabling autonomous transactions without human input. The post AEON raises $8M led by YZi Labs to build AI settlement layer appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

India's tightened silver import rules could stabilize the rupee but may disrupt domestic industries reliant on silver, affecting economic growth. The post India tightens silver import rules to defend rupee amid energy shock appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitwise will hold HYPE from Hyperliquid ETF fees as HYPE funds pass $5.6M in inflows after 21Shares and BHYP launches. The post Bitwise to hold HYPE from ETF fees as Hyperliquid funds top $5.6 million in inflows appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

BitMine Ethereum buy reached 71,672 tokens worth roughly $154 million last week, reversing recent talk of a slowdown. BitMine Immersion Technologies bought 71,672 ETH last week, a sharp reversal from its previous accumulation pace of just 26,659 tokens. The firm…

The ruling underscores the importance of timely legal action and may influence future corporate governance and investment strategies. The post Elon Musk loses case against OpenAI, Sam Altman after jury finds claims filed too late appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

CoinShares (CSHR) stock dropped 7% as crypto investment products recorded $1.07B outflows. Bitcoin and Ethereum funds led withdrawals amid market pressure. The post CoinShares (CSHR) Stock Plunges 7% Amid $1.07B Crypto Fund Exodus appeared first on Blockonomi.

XRP Power gains attention as global market shifts revive interest in AI-driven crypto platforms. Trump’s recent visit to China has once again become the focus of global financial markets. As the two sides discussed issues such as trade, artificial intelligence,…

Stripe-backed Tempo adds Morphos lending marketplace as the stablecoin payments chain expands into DeFi yield and borrowing. The post Stripe-linked Tempo brings Morpho lending markets to its payments chain appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin Magazine White House Says Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Announcement Is Imminent: ‘A Breakthrough’ The White House is nearing a formal announcement on a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, with Patrick Witt saying the administration has already cleared a key legal hurdle. This post White House Says Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Announcement Is Imminent: ‘A Breakthrough’ first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

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In today’s fast-changing financial world, credit unions face growing pressure to understand and follow rules around digital assets. A fresh resource now makes this task much easier by offering clear overviews of regulations in every state. What the New Resource […] The post Credit Unions Gain Powerful New Tool for Navigating State Crypto and Blockchain Rules appeared first on Blockmanity.

Goldman Sachs exited its XRP and solana ETF positions during Q1 2026 while sharply reducing exposure to ether funds. The bank maintained sizable bitcoin ETF holdings and increased investments in several crypto-linked equities. Goldman Sachs Reshapes Crypto Portfolio as Institutional Focus Shifts to Bitcoin Goldman Sachs significantly reshaped its digital asset portfolio in the first […]

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The merger could reshape the energy sector, aligning utility giants with AI-driven demand, but faces regulatory scrutiny and market shifts. The post NextEra Energy agrees to acquire Dominion Energy for $67B in largest utility merger ever appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The proposed waiver could influence global energy markets, impact inflation, and affect geopolitical dynamics, especially with Russia. The post US proposes temporary waiver on Iran oil sanctions as nuclear talks continue appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Standard Chartered Bank has agreed to purchase the digital asset custody company Zodia Custody. The crypto custody service was jointly launched in 2020 by SC Ventures, the venture arm of the financial corporation, and Northern Trust. Initially, the bank held a controlling stake in Zodia through a subsidiary. This 90% stake was diluted after external funding was secured. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The acquisition aims to strengthen the bank's position in the digital asset custody market. Standard Chartered plans to integrate the custody services into its existing financing and securities business. “This move will enhance value by unlocking revenue and cost synergies, and provide a more comprehensive offering for clients holding digital assets globally,” the press release states. All acquired assets will be transferred to an independent entity, Zodia Solutions, which will be established under the management of SC Ventures. The enterprise will continue to “provide bank-grade infrastructure to financial institutions,” operating on a SaaS model. “The acquisition will accelerate the growth of Standard Chartered’s global digital asset custody portfolio and support the expansion of our financing and securities services business. It also reflects the conglomerate’s unwavering focus on creating a comprehensive digital asset offering and further strengthens our position as a trusted bridge between TradFi and DeFi,” a bank representative stated. RWA Segment Volume Forecast Raised to $4 Trillion Standard Chartered anticipates the volume of tokenized assets to grow to $4 trillion by the end of 2028. Analysts believe DeFi protocols will be the main beneficiaries of this trend, reports The Block. The total figure will be evenly split between stablecoins and other RWA products. Jeffrey Kendrick, head of digital asset research at Standard Chartered, believes that the key growth driver will be the “composability” of DeFi—the ability to use the same asset in multiple scenarios simultaneously. In decentralized finance, a tokenized product can: generate yield; be used as collateral; maintain liquidity; move freely between networks. “This is impossible outside of blockchain,” Kendrick emphasized. In TradFi, achieving such functionality requires multiple intermediaries and extensive infrastructure. Earlier in April, Standard Chartered analysts maintained their forecast for DeFi following the hack of the cross-chain protocol Kelp for $292 million.

Heightened U.S.-Iran tensions could disrupt global oil supply chains, impacting market stability and increasing geopolitical risks. The post CENTCOM redirects 85 vessels amid US-Iran tensions in Strait of Hormuz appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Morgan Stanley keeps bullish stance on stocks despite energy disruption, citing AI growth and employment. Fed cuts expected 2027. Recession risks outlined. The post Morgan Stanley Remains Bullish on Equities While Flagging Recession Risks Ahead appeared first on Blockonomi.

GE Vernova (GEV) stock fell nearly 6% Monday after BNP Paribas downgraded the rating to neutral, citing elevated valuation despite Q1 earnings beat. The post GE Vernova (GEV) Stock Drops 6% After BNP Paribas Downgrades to Neutral appeared first on Blockonomi.

Walmart (WMT) and Target (TGT) report earnings this week. Discover why analysts view Walmart as the lower-risk option amid consumer spending concerns. The post Walmart (WMT) vs Target (TGT): Which Retail Stock Is the Better Buy This Earnings Week? appeared first on Blockonomi.

PRESS RELEASE. Victoria, Seychelles, May 18, 2026 — Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has introduced Delta Neutral Mode within its Unified Trading Account, adding a new risk management feature designed for traders using hedging and arbitrage strategies across spot, margin, and futures markets. The feature applies differentiated auto-deleveraging (ADL) ranking treatment to eligible […]

The partnership enhances liquidity and efficiency in tokenized assets, potentially transforming DeFi markets by reducing settlement delays. The post Centrifuge partners with Grove Basin for 24/7 liquidity for JTRSY appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Pendle's strategy could attract more traders, potentially increasing liquidity and market depth, but also poses risks of reward dilution and token volatility. The post Pendle boosts limit order incentives to 200% APR for YT holders appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The G-7 meeting highlights the urgent need for coordinated economic strategies to address global imbalances and reduce reliance on China. The post G-7 finance chiefs meet in Paris as debt-market selloff intensifies appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The ongoing blockade exacerbates U.S.-Iran tensions, hindering diplomatic progress and impacting global shipping and economic stability. The post US maintains naval blockade on Iran, Trump firm on no concessions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Heightened US-Iran tensions could hinder diplomatic efforts, destabilize regional peace prospects, and impact global markets and alliances. The post Trump hints at further US military action against Iran amid ongoing conflict appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Institutional investors pulled capital from Bitcoin and Ether products as Iran tension and rising inflation rattled markets, while XRP and Solana funds continued to attract fresh inflows.

A growing sense of optimism is returning for XRP following recent bold forecasts from analysts about the altcoin reaching unprecedented price levels. During this wave of optimism, a crypto expert has outlined a growing setup that signals that bears are losing control of the market once again. Pundit Says “It’s Over For XRP Bears” XRP’s […]

Payward, Kraken's parent, reports $507M Q1 revenue with 3% growth despite market challenges. IPO timeline shifts to 2027 amid valuation concerns. The post Payward Posts $507M Q1 Revenue While Kraken IPO Timeline Remains Uncertain appeared first on Blockonomi.

Quantum Cyber (QUCY) stock jumped 22% after unveiling Quantum Drones Corporation, a U.S. defense subsidiary focused on autonomous drone warfare contracts. The post Quantum Cyber (QUCY) Stock Soars 22% After Defense Subsidiary Announcement appeared first on Blockonomi.

Costco (COST) reached a 52-week high of $1,070.67 after raising its dividend 13% to $1.47/share. Analysts set average price target at $1,098. The post Costco (COST) Surges to New 52-Week Peak Following Strong Dividend Boost appeared first on Blockonomi.

Roblox (RBLX) stock rebounds ~10% Monday as investors focus on record user growth and bookings gains despite significant fiscal 2026 guidance reduction. The post Roblox (RBLX) Stock Surges Nearly 10% as Dip-Buyers Return Monday appeared first on Blockonomi.

USA Rare Earth (USAR) stock dropped 14% post-Q1 earnings despite beating forecasts. Profitability isn't expected until 2028. What's driving the decline? The post Why USA Rare Earth (USAR) Stock Tumbled 14% After Beating Q1 Earnings appeared first on Blockonomi.

Bitcoin is trading at $76.8k as the third week of May opens. It has surrendered the $80k breakout that defined the prior week’s narrative. The short-term bullish trendline that supported the inner rally structure has been broken, and the price has pulled back into the mid-range of the large ascending channel on the daily timeframe. […]

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The deal highlights the complexities of global supply chains and the strategic leverage nations hold over critical resources, impacting global diplomacy. The post White House secures rare earth win, but China’s export regime persists appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Cobot's launch could revolutionize AI trading by enhancing prediction accuracy and incentivizing diverse model contributions, despite latency risks. The post Allora launches Cobot, the first AI trading tool on its network appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

By securing authorization to operate in New York, the firm gains direct access to what is widely considered the financial center of the United States.

Despite the recent crypto market meltdown, Bitcoin's weekly chart maintains key support, leaving the path toward the $90,000 zone technically open.

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Tether invests in LemFi to deploy USDT settlement across Africa and Asia, reducing remittance costs and delays for diaspora communities worldwide. The post Tether Partners with LemFi to Transform Cross-Border Payments in Africa and Asia appeared first on Blockonomi.

Seagate (STX) shares plunged 7.5% after CEO Dave Mosley dismissed factory expansion plans, citing lengthy timelines and preferring tech-driven growth instead. The post Seagate (STX) Stock Plunges 7.5% After CEO Rules Out Factory Expansion Plans appeared first on Blockonomi.

Alphabet (GOOGL) stock hits record high ahead of Google I/O 2026. Berkshire triples stake, cloud revenue up 63%, backlog reaches $462B. The post Alphabet (GOOGL) Stock Surges to Record High Before Google I/O 2026 Event appeared first on Blockonomi.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed HF 3709 into law this past week, authorizing state-chartered banks and credit unions to hold bitcoin and other virtual currencies on behalf of customers. State-Chartered Banks in Minnesota Will Be Able to Custody Bitcoin Under New Law The legislation, now Chapter 93 of the 2026 Session Laws, takes effect Aug. […]

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The stock rally amid rising bond yields suggests investor confidence in economic resilience, but narrow market participation may signal fragility. The post Wall Street’s stock rally persists despite surge in US bond yields appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

HIVE's pivot to AI infrastructure highlights a broader trend of crypto miners leveraging existing power assets for more stable revenue streams. The post HIVE surges 35% after announcing 320MW AI gigafactory plans appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The recent outflows highlight the volatility and regional differences in crypto investment sentiment, signaling a shift in institutional strategies. The post CoinShares reports $1.1B in outflows from crypto ETPs and ETFs last week appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Geopolitical tensions and oil price spikes highlight crypto's vulnerability to external shocks, challenging its "uncorrelated asset" status. The post Oil spike and Iran ultimatum pull crypto markets lower appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The White House says it has achieved a legal and custody “breakthrough” for the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, finally giving Washington a compliant way to safeguard billions in seized BTC. The White House has confirmed a major operational breakthrough for…

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The new US-China trade deals may foster improved diplomatic relations, potentially leading to increased bilateral engagements and cooperation. The post Trump announces new US-China deals on Boeing jets, agriculture appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Geopolitical tensions and market volatility highlight the fragility of Bitcoin's bullish momentum, emphasizing the need for stable institutional support. The post Bitcoin slides below $77,000 as Trump warns Iran, triggering broad selloff appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

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Commerzbank's rejection highlights tensions in cross-border mergers, emphasizing national economic sovereignty and labor influence in corporate governance. The post Commerzbank rejects UniCredit’s €37B takeover bid as too low appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Ether price fell sharply below $2,100 as increasing sell pressure on Binance and persistent ETF outflows fueled bearish momentum.

Bitcoin Magazine Standard Chartered to Absorb Zodia Custody’s Core Business in Digital Asset Consolidation Standard Chartered announced Monday that its non-binding offer to acquire Zodia Custody — the digital asset custodian it co-founded in 2020. This post Standard Chartered to Absorb Zodia Custody’s Core Business in Digital Asset Consolidation first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Rising bond yields could trigger higher borrowing costs globally, impacting government budgets, corporate financing, and consumer spending. The post Global bond rout deepens as Middle East war fuels inflation fears appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin Magazine Capital B Acquires 192 Bitcoin for €13 Million, Pushes Total Holdings to 3,135 BTC Capital B, formerly The Blockchain Group, added 192 BTC for €13 million, pushing its total holdings to 3,135 BTC. This post Capital B Acquires 192 Bitcoin for €13 Million, Pushes Total Holdings to 3,135 BTC first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

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ZachXBT, a well-known on-chain forensic investigator, is ramping up his efforts against alleged price market manipulation and will be using personal funds to hunt down what he calls ‘systemic abuse’ perpetrated by many trading platforms. Recently, he announced the launch of a $10K bounty for information about the capital gains team at the Hong Kong-based market maker Heisenberg Gurus (HSBG) which has fueled fierce discussion within crypto. Made public on his social media portals, the ransom is presented as a narrowly tailored investigation but also part of a larger project to put pressure on non-transparent trading practices. HSBG has been The post ZachXBT Offers $10,000 Bounty To Expose Apparent Market Manipulation By Hong Kong Firm HSBG appeared first on The Merkle News.

The EU's tougher trade measures could reshape global supply chains, impacting strategic industries and altering EU-China economic dynamics. The post EU plans tougher trade measures to counter Chinese export surge appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The US and Germany anchor a 70% surge in global XRP ETF inflows, defying a broader $1.074 billion flight from the market ahead of the CLARITY Act vote.

From May 11 to 15, cryptocurrency investment products experienced an outflow of $1.07 billion—the first in seven weeks and the third largest for the entire year of 2026. Crypto ETPs and ETFs saw outflows of US$1.1B last week.@Bitcoin saw US$982M of outflows. @ethereum saw outflows of US$249M, its largest since 30th January. Altcoins held up notably well. XRP (@Ripple) recorded US$67.6M of inflows and @solana US$55.1M, both accelerating on… pic.twitter.com/EJjwcZqzMu— CoinShares (@CoinSharesCo) May 18, 2026   According to a CoinShares report, the total assets under management decreased from $159 billion to $157 billion. The primary impact was on Bitcoin and Ethereum, although some altcoins continued to attract capital. Analysts linked market pressure to investor concerns about risky investments due to escalating tensions around Iran. Bitcoin and Ethereum Lead the Outflow Funds based on the first cryptocurrency lost $982 million. Since the beginning of the year, net inflows into products have decreased to $3.9 billion. Source: CoinShares. Ethereum funds recorded an outflow of $249 million—the largest since January 30. Blockchain company stock ETFs also came under pressure, with investors withdrawing $133 million. CoinShares noted that negative sentiment intensified amid geopolitical tensions around Iran. However, the discussion of the CLARITY Act in the United States partially supported the market—with crypto funds even showing a positive daily inflow of $174 million on Thursday. Investors Shift Focus to Altcoins Despite the overall outflow, several digital assets demonstrated resilient demand. Significant inflows were recorded by: XRP — $67.6 million; Solana — $55.1 million; Toncoin — $7.7 million; Sui — $4.7 million; Ondo — $4.1 million; Chainlink — $3.9 million; Dogecoin — $3.2 million. In total, 11 assets recorded positive capital flows, which analysts interpreted as a sign of a more selective approach by investors. U.S. Sells, Europe Buys The main outflow was from the United States—$1.14 billion. Meanwhile, European investors maintained a positive outlook: Switzerland attracted $22.8 million; Germany — $22 million; The Netherlands — $7.5 million. Conversely, Canada recorded an outflow of $12.6 million. Source: CoinShares. Earlier, from May 4 to 8, inflows into exchange-traded cryptocurrency products amounted to $857.9 million.

US-based global investment bank Goldman Sachs is betting big on XRP, with reports revealing a massive stake in XRP Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). The move comes as the regulatory conditions around XRP become clearer, prompting many institutions to begin accumulating the cryptocurrency globally.  How Much Goldman Sachs Has Invested In XRP ETFs A crypto and […]

A sharp reversal saw bitcoin funds snap a six-week inflow streak, recording $1 billion in net outflows. Ether products also remained under pressure, while XRP and solana ETFs emerged as relative bright spots, continuing to attract fresh institutional capital. Franklin and Bitwise Drive XRP ETF Gains as Bitcoin Sentiment Weakens The mood in digital asset […]

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Institutional cross-border payment giant Ripple is officially facing a disruptive challenge from high-throughput Layer 2 protocols engineered for the next generation of retail finance. While legacy tokens command massive market valuations due to institutional backing, savvy market participants are executing a major liquidity rotation into decentralized networks that fix immediate, real-world utility gaps. Financial ecosystems [...] The post You Missed The Historic XRP Move But This Is Your Last Chance: DOGEBALL Presale Stage Changes At Exactly 21:00 UTC Today To Crown The Best Cryptos To Invest In 2026 appeared first on Blockonomi.

Tom Lee said Bitmine expects to reach its long-term goal of owning 5% of Ethereum's supply sometime during 2026.

The establishment of secure AI bases like Project Spire could reshape global tech alliances, intensifying the US-China tech rivalry and impacting supply chains. The post US considers Project Spire for secure AI base in Israel’s Negev appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The gigafactory could significantly boost Canada's AI capabilities, reduce reliance on US data centers, and create numerous high-skill jobs. The post BUZZ HPC advances 320 MW AI gigafactory in Greater Toronto Area appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The US's rejection of Iran's proposal signals prolonged diplomatic tensions, potentially impacting regional stability and global markets. The post US rejects Iran peace proposal ahead of Situation Room meeting: Axios appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

MicroStrategy has completed a massive purchase of $2.01 billion worth of Bitcoin, marking one of its biggest Bitcoin purchases in recent weeks.

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The joint framework could enhance market efficiency and competitiveness, fostering innovation and potentially reshaping global financial systems. The post Bank of England and FCA unveil joint framework to accelerate tokenization across wholesale markets appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin Depot files for Chapter 11 in Texas, plans asset sale and wind-down as regulatory pressure forces shutdown of its Bitcoin ATM network.

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The FCA and Bank of England are seeking feedback on new tokenization guidance and plans to extend operating hours for the UK’s core payment and settlement infrastructure toward near-24/7 availability.

A bullish long-term chart pattern puts HYPE on track for a potential rally above $70 this year, with a16z-linked accumulation and fresh institutional catalysts strengthening the case.

Over 600 million Chinese residents have already used some form of AI application. The pace of integrating this technology into daily life is remarkable, writes The Economist. "The country is rapidly moving towards a future where artificial intelligence will select, purchase, and deliver many goods and services, fundamentally transforming the digital economy," the article states. The publication noted that to have coffee delivered to an office in Shanghai, one only needs to ask an app to choose the drink and confirm the order—it will be dispatched immediately. However, outsourcing such decisions carries risks. A journalist from The Economist, upon requesting a "special" coffee, received a drink with a vinegar taste and rose petals. The Third Internet Era Chinese internet users have experienced two eras of internet development: since the early 2000s, most used the Baidu search engine; after Google's departure at the end of the decade, Baidu became a monopoly and began aggressively monetizing services, leading to user dissatisfaction. With the spread of smartphones, they turned to super-apps—applications combining shopping, entertainment, communication, and payments. As a result, major tech companies like Alibaba, ByteDance, and Tencent have extensive portfolios of digital services and logistics networks, which can be used to develop autonomous solutions for various user tasks. Any of these tech giants could become a leader in the new era of China's internet. The chaotic AI race has already begun, writes The Economist. On May 11, Alibaba fully integrated its chatbot Qwen into the Taobao shopping app. This allows users to purchase a wide range of goods and services with simple commands. ByteDance is preparing for a similar release—merging Doubao with Douyin. Tencent has become the "dark horse" in this race. Its investments in AI models were initially modest, but over the past six months, it has completely restructured its AI team. The firm's new model—Hy3—is in the testing phase and shows promising results. Tencent is gradually integrating it into WeChat. AI Super-Apps AI-based super-apps could become an attractive source of growth during a period of low consumer spending in China. The adjusted operating profit of Alibaba's Chinese e-commerce division in the first quarter of 2026 fell by 40% compared to the same period last year. The company's cloud business is thriving, but this growth requires massive capital investment. Chinese tech giants claim their AI super-apps do not promote advertised products. However, they may need to change this policy, The Economist notes. An Element of Protection Chinese firms may fear the emergence of AI-based devices with built-in operating system agent functions that could displace super-apps. OpenAI is working on such a gadget. The new product can fully understand the user's environment and life. It is unobtrusive, can fit in a pocket or on a table, and "will become the third main device after the MacBook Pro and iPhone." ByteDance attempted a similar release in December, launching a smartphone with a pre-installed AI assistant in collaboration with electronics manufacturer ZTE. The project failed, partly because Alibaba and Tencent blocked its access to their payment platforms. In March, Xiaomi announced the release of new AI models to be integrated into smartphones and cars. Huawei may also join this battle. As China's internet enters a new era, it faces fierce competition for dominance, The Economist concluded. In August 2025, China outlined its national AI integration goals.

Strategy has acquired 24,869 BTC for $2.01 billion. According to a report filed with the SEC, the transactions occurred between May 11 and May 17 at an average price of $80,985. Strategy has acquired 24,869 BTC for ~$2.01 billion at ~$80,985 per bitcoin and has achieved BTC Yield of 12.6% YTD 2026. As of 5/17/2026, we hodl 843,738 $BTC acquired for ~$63.87 billion at ~$75,700 per bitcoin. $MSTR $STRC https://t.co/y1zvePEuym— Michael Saylor (@saylor) May 18, 2026 The firm holds 843,738 BTC valued at approximately $65.3 billion—over 4% of the total supply of the leading cryptocurrency. The average purchase price over time was $75,700. The company's "paper" profit has reached $1.4 billion. To finance the purchases, Strategy sold common shares of MSTR for $83.7 million and preferred shares of STRC for $1.95 billion. The company retains limits for further securities sales under existing programs. On May 14, Strategy agreed to repurchase zero-coupon convertible bonds maturing in 2029. The nominal value is $1.5 billion, with a buyback price of approximately $1.38 billion. Among potential funding sources, the company mentioned selling the leading cryptocurrency—contradicting the previously stated "pure accumulation" policy by Michael Saylor. Analysts at K33 noted that high demand for STRC creates regular buying pressure for bitcoin in the middle of each month. The company itself proposed paying dividends on these shares twice a month instead of once to enhance liquidity. AI Research Analyst Willy Woo published the results of an audit of STRC conducted using two AI models—Grok and Gemini Pro: he asked the neural networks to assess the risks of the yield instrument. I ask Grok and Gemini to assess the risks investing in Strategy's $STRC yield instrument. Then I asked it to estimate a yield that would fairly compensate the investor for the risk undertaken.Both concluded 11.5% was underpaying for the risk.Grok: 17-22% APYGemini: 16% APY— Willy Woo (@willywoo) May 11, 2026 The main question was whether the current yield of 11.5% adequately compensates for the risks undertaken. Both AIs concluded that investors are significantly underpaid. According to Gemini Pro's analysis, a fair yield should be 16%. The Grok neural network was even more conservative, estimating the necessary payout range at 17-22% annually. Gemini's detailed report stated that the current rate of 11.5% is "significantly overestimated" and does not account for the lack of direct asset backing, as well as risks related to bitcoin concentration and potential liquidity loss. Grok emphasized in its summary that the instrument is effectively a "leveraged bitcoin proxy disguised as a yield instrument," and the current rate reflects market enthusiasm rather than real risk compensation. BitMine Increases Assets to $12.6 Billion BitMine Immersion Technologies has accumulated 5.28 million ETH—4.37% of the total market supply of the cryptocurrency. The platform's total assets have reached $12.6 billion. This sum includes: Ethereum worth $11.5 billion; 202 BTC; stakes in Eightco and Beast Industries valued at $283 million; $685 million in cash. BitMine maintains its lead in Ethereum reserves among public companies. In the global crypto treasury ranking, it ranks second, only behind Strategy. Approximately 4.7 million ETH has been placed in the company's own staking service, MAVAN. The current yield is 2.8% annually, bringing BitMine about $289 million per year. The company plans to increase its ETH holdings to 5%. BitMine Chairman Tom Lee linked the growth in metrics to institutional interest in blockchain and the potential adoption of the CLARITY Act in the U.S. Senate. In his view, the document will create transparent rules for the industry. Back in May, Lee stated that the company had nearly reached its goal of accumulating Ethereum and plans to slow down its purchasing pace.  

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AI infrastructure is driving a memory chip shortage. Explore why Micron (MU), SK Hynix, SanDisk, and Western Digital are attracting investor attention in 2026. The post Memory Chip Stocks to Watch: Micron (MU), SK Hynix, and Western Digital Lead AI Boom appeared first on Blockonomi.

Evercore ISI targets S&P 500 at 7,750 (bull case 9,000) for 2026, while RBC sees 7,900. AI stocks drive both forecasts with significant upside potential. The post S&P 500 Could Hit 9,000 by End of 2026: Evercore ISI’s Bull Case Scenario appeared first on Blockonomi.

Gold prices fluctuate as Middle East tensions escalate with UAE drone attacks and failed peace talks, while global bond yields ease after recent selloff. The post Gold Markets Fluctuate Amid Middle East Tensions and Shifting Bond Yields appeared first on Blockonomi.

Kooc Media has introduced a specialist PR service built specifically for artificial intelligence companies. The agency, known for its work across the crypto, fintech, iGaming and technology sectors since 2017, is now accepting AI startups, AI SaaS providers, machine learning companies and AI tool developers as clients. Full package details are available on the Kooc [...] The post Kooc Media Introduces Specialist PR for Artificial Intelligence Companies appeared first on Blockonomi.

Bitmine Immersion Technologies now holds 5.28 million ethereum tokens worth more than $11.5 billion, putting the company within reach of controlling 5% of the entire ETH supply. Tom Lee Says Bitmine Will Hit 5% of ETH Supply Sometime in 2026 The Norwalk, Conn.-based company reported the figures as of May 18, 2026, disclosing total crypto, […]

Peak Treasury yields may signal a strategic entry point, potentially stabilizing markets and offering attractive returns for diversified portfolios. The post Yardeni Research sees peak Treasury yields creating buying opportunity for stocks and bonds appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Goldman's shift highlights a growing institutional preference for Bitcoin over altcoins, potentially reshaping crypto investment dynamics. The post Goldman Sachs dumps XRP and Solana ETFs entirely, doubles down on Bitcoin appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

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The use of blockchain by sanctioned entities highlights the challenges of enforcing financial regulations in decentralized systems. The post Nobitex processed $2.3B on Tron and BNB Chain since 2023, Reuters investigation finds appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Meta (META) stock slips as company announces 8,000 job cuts and cancels 6,000 open roles, while increasing 2026 AI capital expenditure to $145 billion. The post Meta Platforms (META) Eliminates 8,000 Positions Amid $145B AI Investment Push appeared first on Blockonomi.

LiveRamp (RAMP) stock jumped 27% after Publicis announced a $2.55B acquisition at $38.50/share, targeting AI agent data capabilities with a 30% premium. The post Publicis Acquires LiveRamp (RAMP) for $2.55B in Major AI Data Integration Move appeared first on Blockonomi.