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SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ:SOFI | SOFI Price Prediction) has quietly built the profile of an ideal fintech takeover target: 14.7 million members, a national bank charter, over $40 billion in member deposits funding over 90% of liabilities, and the Galileo technology platform servicing approximately 133 million global accounts. At a share price around $18 and a market cap below $23 billion, it is digestible for any mega-cap acquirer.

Here’s the catch: this is a deal to buy a regulated bank. SoFi Bank’s charter reshapes both the strategic fit and the approval path for every candidate.

4. PayPal: Strategic Logic, Weakest Case PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) needs a growth story. Q1 2026 revenue of $8.353 billion grew just 7.21%, and CEO Enrique Lores has guided FY2026 non-GAAP EPS flat to slightly lower vs. FY 2025’s $5.31. A SoFi bolt-on would hand Venmo a bank charter and a lending engine. But with a market cap of $41.8 billion and just $13.5 billion in cash, the math forces heavy leverage or dilution. Becoming a bank holding company under the Fed would compound the challenge.

3. JPMorgan: Capacity Without Room JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) has the checkbook. Q2 2026 revenue reached a better-than-expected $57.35 billion, and the board authorized a new $50 billion share repurchase program. SoFi would supercharge its digital-native reach. Yet JPMorgan already brushes against the 10% nationwide deposit cap. Adding SoFi’s deposits would trigger intense Fed and OCC scrutiny that likely blocks the deal outright.

2. Bank of America: Cleaner Fit, Same Cap Problem Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) posted Q2 2026 EPS of $1.21 and services 60 million active digital banking users. Brian Moynihan’s Erica-plus-Zelle strategy would mesh cleanly with SoFi’s app-first millennial base and Galileo’s B2B rails. Still, Bank of America is also close to the deposit-cap ceiling, and absorbing another chartered bank invites the same regulatory hurdles as JPMorgan.

1. Mastercard: The Payoff Fit Mastercard (NYSE:MA) is the cleanest strategic buyer. It is already SoFi’s partner: CEO Anthony Noto has described an important partnership with Mastercard to enable SoFiUSD settlement across their global payments network. Michael Miebach has signaled the direction, telling investors Mastercard is “expanding our stablecoin solutions through the planned acquisition of BVNK.” With $7.91 billion in cash, 60.8% operating margins, and $11.7 billion in buyback authorization, capacity is ample. The real hurdle is owning a chartered bank, though the Galileo platform and SoFiUSD infrastructure make the strategic prize unusually rich.

The Private Equity Question Private equity would rank between PayPal and JPMorgan in terms of strategic fit. Sponsors have the cash, but Bank Holding Company Act rules cap non-controlling stakes and effectively bar a full buyout. Noto’s aggressive May and June share purchases at up to $18.0578 suggest that management is not shopping the company. Investors should watch SoFi’s FY2026 guidance of ~$4.655 billion revenue and ~$0.60 adjusted EPS as the real driver of the takeout math.

Meet America's Newest $1b Unicorn (Sponsor) A US startup just passed a $1 billion private valuation, joining billion-dollar private companies like OpenAI and ByteDance. Unlike those other unicorns, you can invest in EnergyX right now; but only until July 16.

Over 50,000 people already have, along with global giants like General Motors and POSCO.

Here's why there's so much interest: EnergyX's patented tech can recover up to 3X more lithium than traditional methods. That's a big deal, as demand for lithium is expected to 5X current production levels by 2040. Become an early-stage EnergyX shareholder before the 7/16 investment deadline.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Key Takeaways STRL is expanding AI data center work with integrated execution and AI tools, boosting project efficiency.INOD is moving up the AI value chain with model evaluation, safety services and a new AI platform.LGN supports AI data centers through mission-critical engineering, cooling and power infrastructure. Engineering – R&D (research and development) Services industry is poised to benefit from rising construction activities in the United States that require state-of-the-art construction and engineering services. The Trump administration's push to boost infrastructure spending is another vital growth catalyst for the industry. 

Also, the industry is poised to gain from the rapid usage of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to deliver smart buildings and mega projects, while identifying and addressing diminishing margins. These technologies have been helping firms achieve operational efficiencies, thereby reducing costs while improving margins.

The Zacks-defined Engineering – R&D Services industry is currently in the top 43% of the Zacks Industry Rank. Since the industry is ranked in the top half of the Zacks Ranked Industries, we expect it to outperform the market over the next three to six months.

At this stage, we have narrowed our search to three Engineering R&D services stocks with a Zacks top rank for investment in the long term. These stocks have provided more than 25% returns year to date. Massive adoption of AI technologies will ensure further upside over a long time period. 

These stocks are: Sterling Infrastructure Inc. (STRL - Free Report) , Innodata Inc. (INOD - Free Report) and Legence Corp. (LGN - Free Report) . Each of our picks currently carries either a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The chart below shows the price performance of our three picks year to date.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Sterling Infrastructure Inc.Zacks Rank #1 Sterling Infrastructure specializes in constructing complex data centers, e-commerce distribution facilities, and manufacturing sites. The company is a major provider of high-density, AI-Powered data centers. STRL is a notable beneficiary of the massive AI data center boom.

E-Infrastructure Solutions projects develop advanced, large-scale site development systems and services for data centers, e-commerce distribution centers, warehousing, transportation, energy and more. 

Sterling’s combined offering of site development and electrical services is gaining traction faster than expected. STRL highlighted that in the first quarter of 2026, two data center campuses moved to integrated execution six to eight months earlier than planned, validating cross-sell traction and schedule compression benefits. 

STRL’s complementary investments — AI tools that increased project manager capacity by about 15% and a modular manufacturing program that will triple capacity within nearly 18 months — reduce field labor intensity and enhance quality/efficiency.

Sterling Infrastructure has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 59.2% and 75.7%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year’s earnings has improved 2.1% over the last 60 days. 

Innodata Inc.Zacks Rank #1 Innodata has established itself as a crucial partner in the AI revolution providing high-quality data needed to train advanced language models. INOD is expected to benefit from the massive demand for supplying state-of-the-art data engineering to large language model building and maintenance over the long term. 

INOD appears to be entering a stronger phase of AI-driven expansion, supported by accelerating customer adoption, improving profitability and a widening set of growth opportunities. The growth story is shifting toward higher-value services. 

Innodata’s Digital Data Solutions work includes AI training and post-training data, model evaluation, safety testing, deployment and integration, and AI-enabled platforms. INOD is also moving higher up the AI value chain. Beyond supplying training data, it now provides reasoning datasets, trust and safety services, model evaluation, agent optimization and physical AI support.

INOD’s newly launched Evaluation and Observability Platform has already secured its first $1 million customer engagement, while additional companies are evaluating the platform, and potential hyperscaler partnerships could broaden distribution. The company is also expanding its delivery capabilities to strengthen operational efficiency and maintain a competitive edge in the fast-evolving AI services market. 

INOD continues to focus on building a stronger delivery framework that supports rising project volume and new customer engagements across major technology clients. By scaling its global operations and enhancing technical delivery, it intends to manage increasing demand for complex data and AI integration projects.

Innodata has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 42.5% and 23.9%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year’s earnings has improved 7.5% over the last 90 days. 

Legence Corp.Zacks Rank #2 Legence is a provider of engineering, consulting, installation and maintenance services for mission-critical systems in buildings. LGN specializes in designing, fabricating and installing complex HVAC, process piping and other mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

LGN provides physical AI infrastructure support through high-complexity mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering and construction. LGN specializes in building performance and mission-critical cooling and power systems required to support massive AI deployment in data centers.

Legence has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 64.9% and 14.7%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year’s earnings has improved 0.7% over the last 60 days. 

Technologické akcie mají za sebou mimořádně silné období, ale podle analytika Patria Finance Branislava Sotáka nejdůležitější investiční příběh posledních let ještě zdaleka nekončí. Přestože se část investorů obává, že už jsme u vrcholu AI boomu, růst rekordních kapitálových výdajů technologických gigantů zatím žádné zásadní ochlazení nenaznačuje. V podcastu Analytický radar vysvětluje, proč dál věří Nvidii, kde vidí nové příležitosti v polovodičovém řetězci a proč začíná být zajímavý i dlouho přehlížený softwarový sektor.

00:32 Cyklické paměťové čipy
08:48 Nvidia zpět v Investičních tipech
16:21 Advanced Packaging jako nové úzké hrdlo
18:43 ASML a podpora ze strany Intelu
21:28 Investiční AI cyklus a inflace
29:33 Návratnost AI investic
34:35 Boj o kapitál
40:35 Software jako nový hedge? 

AI cyklus nekončí, ani nevykazuje známky únavy

Investiční svět se v posledních dvou letech točí kolem umělé inteligence. Zatímco mnozí investoři se už začínají bát vyčerpání růstového příběhu, Branislav Soták podobné obavy zatím nesdílí. „AI investiční cyklus zatím nekončí, nevykazuje žádné známky zpomalení,“ říká otevřeně.

Investice do AI infrastruktury se postupně staly jedním z hlavních motorů americké ekonomiky. „Odhaduje se, že až šest nebo sedm procent amerického HDP letos tvoří investice do AI infrastruktury.“ AI je tak bez nadsázky alfa a omega současného trhu. „Ať se podíváme na výkonnost indexů, nebo na růst zisků firem, všude najdeme AI.“

Paměťové čipy zažívají bezprecedentní boom

Jedním z největších vítězů současného cyklu jsou výrobci paměťových čipů. Trojice Micron, Samsung a SK Hynix těží z extrémního nedostatku výrobních kapacit a tlačí ceny prudce vzhůru. „Tato situace je bezprecedentní. Nic podobného jsme v minulosti neviděli a zatím nic nenasvědčuje tomu, že by měla v dohledné době skončit,“ říká Soták.

Přesto upozorňuje, že právě tento segment zůstává dlouhodobě cyklický. Investoři by proto neměli podlehnout dojmu, že současný boom potrvá věčně. „Paměťový segment byl vždy cyklický a podle mého názoru si tuto povahu zachová i do budoucna.“ První skutečný test současné cenové síly podle něj přijde ve druhé polovině příštího roku, kdy začne Micron zprovozňovat nové výrobní kapacity v americkém Idahu.

Nvidia už není jen výrobce čipů

Jednou z nejzajímavějších změn posledních měsíců bylo opětovné zařazení Nvidie mezi investiční tipy Patria Finance. Důvodů je podle Sotáka hned několik. „Pokud člověk věří, že investiční cyklus do AI nekončí, pak je Nvidia paradoxně velmi levná expozice na tento trend.“

Přestože akcie Nvidie za poslední roky vzrostly o tisíce procent, ocenění firmy není podle něj přehnané. „Valuace Nvidie dnes není vyšší než před pěti lety. Akcie jsou mnohonásobně výše, ale firma je úplně jiná.“

Klíčové navíc je, že Nvidia už dávno není pouze výrobcem grafických procesorů. S novou generací Vera Rubin rozšiřuje své působení směrem k procesorům CPU, síťové infrastruktuře, optickým propojením i softwarové platformě CUDA. Právě tato diverzifikace podle Sotáka výrazně zvyšuje odolnost byznysu. „Je to celý technologický stack, který zákazník kupuje.“

Nové úzké hrdlo?

Zatímco investoři se dlouhé měsíce soustředili na nedostatek výpočetních čipů a pamětí, Soták upozorňuje na další potenciálně kritické místo celého řetězce. Takzvaný advanced packaging. Jde o závěrečnou fázi výroby čipů, kdy se jednotlivé komponenty skládají do jednoho funkčního systému.

„Advanced packaging je úzkým hrdlem polovodičového řetězce už poměrně dlouho a zatím nic nenasvědčuje tomu, že by se to mělo změnit.“

Z tohoto trendu podle něj mohou těžit nejen společnosti typu Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC), ale také výrobci specializovaných zařízení jako ASML, Applied Materials nebo BE Semiconductor.
ASML zůstává evropskou jedničkou

Právě ASML patří mezi firmy, které Soták považuje za dlouhodobě mimořádně atraktivní v Evropě. Nizozemská společnost je prakticky monopolním dodavatelem strojů pro výrobu nejpokročilejších čipů na světě. „ASML je podle mě jedna z nejlepších evropských akcií pro dlouhodobé držení.“

Investory u ní sice v posledních měsících znepokojily informace o odkladu nasazení nejmodernější generace výrobních strojů ze strany TSMC. Soták však upozorňuje, že prostor rychle zaplnil Intel. „Vypadá to, že hozenou rukavici zvedl Intel, který už nejmodernější stroje ASML nasadil do výroby.“

Inflace největším krátkodobým rizikem

Ačkoli se většina technologických investorů soustředí na AI, Soták upozorňuje, že trhy stále velmi citlivě reagují na vývoj inflace. „Nejhorší dny pro technologický sektor v prvním pololetí přišly ve chvílích, kdy se připomněla inflační hrozba.“

Vyšší inflace totiž tlačí vzhůru dlouhé výnosy dluhopisů, což následně zvyšuje diskontní sazby používané při oceňování akcií. A nejcitlivější jsou právě růstové technologické firmy. „Rychle rostoucí společnosti mají větší část očekávaných cash flow v budoucnosti, a proto na růst sazeb doplácejí nejvíce.“

Podle Sotáka však ani případné vyšší náklady financování nemusí zásadně ohrozit AI investice. „O investicích nebude rozhodovat jejich cena, ale návratnost a konečná poptávka. A tam zatím žádné problémy nevidíme.“

IPO OpenAI a Anthropic? Krátkodobé zemětřesení, nikoliv konec příběhu

Velkým tématem příštích měsíců budou také očekávané veřejné nabídky akcií firem OpenAI a Anthropic. Podle Sotáka může jít krátkodobě o významný faktor pro trh. „Pravděpodobně půjde hlavně o problém absorbovat nové množství kapitálu, které na trh přijde.“

Naopak z dlouhodobého pohledu zůstává hlavní otázka stále stejná. „Nejdůležitější je, kde jsme v rámci AI cyklu a jestli bude pokračovat. A zatím nevidíme žádné známky, že by se měl zlomit.“

Právě tato jednoduchá teze podle Branislava Sotáka vysvětluje nejen vývoj technologických akcií, ale i většiny globálních finančních trhů. Dokud totiž nepřijde důkaz, že poptávka po AI infrastruktuře slábne, zůstává umělá inteligence dominantním investičním příběhem současnosti.

Přehlížená příležitost roku?

Zatímco výrobci čipů a infrastruktury kralují trhu, softwarový sektor letos výrazně zaostal. Právě to však podle Sotáka vytváří příležitost. „Brutální propad softwarových akcií byl podle mě překvapivý i pro celý trh.“

Firmy jako ServiceNow, Salesforce nebo FactSet nyní podle něj paradoxně nabízejí kombinaci nižšího ocenění a vysoké schopnosti generovat hotovost. „Free cash flow yield je u řady těchto společností dvojciferný. Připomíná to velké technologické firmy před nástupem AI investiční horečky.“

Zajímavé je podle něj i chování těchto titulů během tržních výkyvů. Když investoři zpochybní tempo AI investic, výrobci čipů obvykle prudce klesají. Softwarové společnosti naopak mnohdy rostou. „Software se poslední dobou chová trochu jako hedge vůči hardwaru.“

8h54 ▪ 3 min read ▪ by Eddy S.

Summarize this article with:

Aave DAO has just crossed a historic milestone by offering a consumer app integrating fiat, self-custody and DeFi lending. A breakthrough that could shake up the crypto ecosystem, by providing a simple, secure and decentralized alternative to giants like Binance. Is the platform war declared?

In brief Aave App could soon see the light of day on Aave DAO’s proposal, merging fiat and DeFi for a simplified user experience. A direct challenge to Binance with superior yields and total decentralization. MiCA and regulators could limit its expansion in Europe and the United States. Aave DAO Provides Fiat, Self-Custody, and DeFi Lending in a Single Crypto App Aave DAO has officially presented its proposal for an all-in-one mobile application, designed to democratize DeFi by combining fiat on-ramp, self-custody and lending. A first in the crypto ecosystem, addressing a pressing need: making decentralized finance accessible to the general public. With Aave Push as a regulated partner, users will be able to deposit currencies directly from their bank accounts, without going through centralized exchanges.

Once the funds are converted into stablecoins (USDC, USDT, GHO), they are automatically allocated to Stable Vaults, generating returns via the Aave protocol. All without an external wallet. This is possible thanks to ERC-6900 smart accounts secured by multiple audits (Certora, ChainSecurity, etc.). But the real game-changer? Balance Protection, a DeFi insurance covering losses linked to security breaches or technical bugs. A direct response to crypto users’ fears after recent exploits (Kelp DAO, rsETH).

If Aave App Comes to Life, what About MiCA in Europe? The likely arrival of the Aave App raises a crucial question: how will it adapt to MiCA in Europe? Effective in 2024, it imposes strict obligations on crypto service providers, notably regarding KYC, transparency and stablecoin stability. With its fiat integration via Aave Push, the app will have to comply with AML (anti-money laundering) requirements and obtain specific licenses in each European country.

Moreover, additional tightening could limit its operation or force Aave to adapt its model. In the United States, for example, the SEC and FinCEN could also impose restrictions on fiat on-ramps, as they have done for Kraken or Coinbase. Will the Aave App then have to sacrifice its decentralization to survive?

The Aave App could launch and transform DeFi. But its success will depend on its adaptation to regulations like MiCA. Between innovation and compliance, the challenge is significant. And you, would you trust a 100% decentralized app against centralized crypto giants?

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Eddy S.

The world is evolving and adaptation is the best weapon to survive in this undulating universe. Originally a crypto community manager, I am interested in anything that is directly or indirectly related to blockchain and its derivatives. To share my experience and promote a field that I am passionate about, nothing is better than writing informative and relaxed articles.

DISCLAIMER

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.

Eric Allison, Chief Product Officer of Joby Aviation, Inc. (JOBY 3.74%), reported a non-discretionary sale of 27,932 shares at $7.53 per share on July 13, 2026. SEC Form 4 filing

Transaction summaryMetricValueTransaction value~$210,000Shares sold27,932Post-transaction shares (directly held)710,396Post-transaction value$5.31 millionTransaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average sale price ($7.53); post-transaction value based on July 13, 2026, market close ($7.48).

Key questionsWhat initiated this disposal?
The sale was non-discretionary and performed to cover mandatory tax withholding requirements resulting from the vesting and settlement of RSU awards, which are periodically released based on the insider's continued service.How does this affect the insider's net exposure to the company?
While the transaction reduced direct common stock holdings by 4%, the insider continues to hold a substantial equity position, including ~710,000 directly held shares and ~107,000 derivative securities, including vested and unvested awards.What is the current business context for Joby Aviation?
The Santa Cruz-based firm is a vertically integrated air mobility company focused on developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for aerial ridesharing, reporting trailing twelve-month revenue of $77.7 million and a net loss of $957.4 million.Company OverviewMetricValueShare Price (as of market close 2026-07-15)$7.76Market Capitalization$7.8 billionRevenue (TTM)$77.7 millionNet Income (TTM)-$957.4 millionCompany SnapshotJoby Aviation is a vertically integrated air mobility company developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to provide on-demand air transportation services through an aerial ridesharing platform.The company generates revenue through the development and commercialization of proprietary eVTOL technology, with a business model centered on launching and operating an aerial ridesharing service for urban air mobility.Joby's target market comprises urban and metropolitan areas seeking innovative transportation solutions, with primary customers including potential ridesharing passengers and strategic partners in the aviation and mobility sectors.Joby Aviation operates as a capital-intensive technology and manufacturing enterprise focused on pioneering the electric air mobility sector. With 2,559 employees and headquarters in Santa Cruz, California, the company is advancing toward commercializing its eVTOL platform, positioning itself at the forefront of urban air mobility innovation. The company's competitive advantage lies in its vertically integrated approach and proprietary aircraft design, though it remains in a pre-revenue commercialization phase with significant ongoing development investments.

What this transaction means for investorsInvestors shouldn’t let Allison’s sale sway how they feel about Joby Aviation stock, as it was a non-discretionary sale for tax withholding purposes. The more important things to monitor are Joby’s progress toward new milestones along its pathway to FAA type certification, ramping its manufacturing capabilities, and scaling its overall business while its $2.5 billion cash balance backs it.

I have a starter position in Joby Aviation and will likely add to it over time, especially given the stock is down over 50% from its 52-week high. My favorite reason for considering the stock is that it is founder-led by JoeBen Bevirt, a serial inventor and entrepreneur. He holds dozens of patents and has made Joby his core focus for the last two decades, essentially building the company’s eVTOLs from scratch.

That said, Joby will likely remain a very high-risk, high-reward growth stock for at least a decade as it continues to add to its growing customer base, secure new flying certifications, and eventually consider integrating autonomous flying into its eVTOLs. Armed with a manufacturing joint venture with Toyota Motor Corporation and helmed by one of the more impressive founders of our era in the engineering niche, Joby will be a fun stock to watch over the years, but I wouldn’t recommend making a large bet on the stock just yet.

Josh Kohn-Lindquist has positions in Joby Aviation. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The upcoming report from East West Bancorp (EWBC - Free Report) is expected to reveal quarterly earnings of $2.61 per share, indicating an increase of 14.5% compared to the year-ago period. Analysts forecast revenues of $785.94 million, representing an increase of 11.8% year over year.

Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been adjusted downward by 1.1% to its current level. This demonstrates the covering analysts' collective reassessment of their initial projections during this period.

Prior to a company's earnings announcement, it is crucial to consider revisions to earnings estimates. This serves as a significant indicator for predicting potential investor actions regarding the stock. Empirical research has consistently demonstrated a robust correlation between trends in earnings estimate revision and the short-term price performance of a stock.

While investors typically rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to gauge how the business may have fared during the quarter, examining analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics often helps gain a deeper insight.

In light of this perspective, let's dive into the average estimates of certain East West Bancorp metrics that are commonly tracked and forecasted by Wall Street analysts.

The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Net interest margin' of 3.5%. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 3.4% in the same quarter last year.

Analysts predict that the 'Efficiency ratio' will reach 35.4%. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of 36.4%.

It is projected by analysts that the 'Average Balance - Total interest-earning assets' will reach $79.83 billion. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $73.90 billion.

The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Total nonperforming assets' will likely reach $221.84 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $171.68 million in the same quarter of the previous year.

The consensus among analysts is that 'Leverage ratio' will reach 11.0%. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 10.6% in the same quarter of the previous year.

Analysts expect 'Tier 1 capital ratio' to come in at 15.2%. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of 14.5%.

Analysts' assessment points toward 'Total capital ratio' reaching 16.5%. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 15.8% in the same quarter of the previous year.

Analysts forecast 'Total nonaccrual loans' to reach $186.16 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $139.45 million in the same quarter of the previous year.

The consensus estimate for 'Total Noninterest Income' stands at $98.34 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $86.18 million in the same quarter last year.

According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Net Interest Income' should come in at $687.82 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $617.07 million.

The average prediction of analysts places 'Commercial and consumer deposit-related fees' at $30.01 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $26.87 million.

Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Lending fees' should arrive at $26.23 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $25.59 million in the same quarter of the previous year.

View all Key Company Metrics for East West Bancorp here>>>

Over the past month, East West Bancorp shares have recorded returns of +4.1% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.5% change. Based on its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), EWBC will likely exhibit a performance that aligns with the overall market in the upcoming period. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. (NASDAQ:JBHT) on Wednesday posted better-than-expected second-quarter earnings.

JB Hunt Transport reported quarterly earnings of $1.91 per share, which beat the analyst estimate of $1.71 by 11.7%, according to Benzinga Pro data. Quarterly revenue came in at $3.5 billion, which beat the Street estimate of $3.24 billion and was up from $2.93 billion in the same period last year.

"I’m grateful for our people and their continued focus on delivering operational excellence around service, safety and cost discipline in this dynamic environment," said CEO Shelley Simpson.

JB Hunt shares rose 7.5% to $297.10 in pre-market trading.

These analysts made changes to their price targets on JB Hunt following earnings announcement.

Baird analyst Daniel Moore maintained the stock with an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $290 to $320. Barclays analyst Brandon Oglenski maintained the stock with an Equal-Weight rating and raised the price target from $270 to $300. Considering buying JBHT stock? Here’s what analysts think:

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NORWELL, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Clean Harbors, Inc. (“Clean Harbors” or the “Company”) (NYSE: CLH) today announced that it has named Robert Willett as Chairman of the Board, effective immediately, completing the Board transition first announced in May when Founder and Executive Chairman Alan S. McKim communicated his intention to retire from the Board. McKim's decision to retire comes after more than four decades of service. McKim founded Clean Harbors in 1980 and led the Company's growth and.

San Diego, California--(Newsfile Corp. - July 16, 2026) - Robbins LLP reminds stockholders that a class action was filed on behalf of all investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Helen of Troy Limited (NASDAQ: HELE) common stock between April 24, 2024 and October 8, 2025. Helen of Troy markets a variety of consumer goods across several segments.

For more information, submit a form, email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003.

What is the class period? April 24, 2024 - October 8, 2025

What are the allegations?

Shareholders allege that Helen of Troy Limited misled investors regarding the ability of Project Pegasus to improve efficiency and effectiveness. According to the complaint, in fiscal year 2023, Helen of Troy initiated Project Pegasus, a "global restructuring program that focused on both efficiency and effectiveness." As a part of this initiative, the Company invested in a new distribution center in Tennessee to support its targeted growth.

Plaintiff alleges that during the class period, the Company boasted about the "fuel" it was generating from Project Pegasus. Although Helen of Troy admitted to some speed bumps in Project Pegasus, specifically citing "implementation hiccups" with its new Tennessee distribution center, defendants assured investors that "despite the delayed savings related to our Tennessee distribution center, Project Pegasus continues to move forward. We have made good progress on the cost of goods sold work streams, implementing multiple projects that reduce costs and simplify our supplier base." In reality, Project Pegasus was not delivering the efficiencies that defendants touted. Rather, unknown to investors, Helen of Troy did not have enough resources or the budget to achieve its stated restructuring or savings goals.

Plaintiff further alleges that on July 10, 2025, Helen of Troy revealed that its net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 had declined 11% year-over-year and its adjusted earnings per share had shrunk by nearly 60% compared to the prior year. The Company also disclosed a $414.4 million goodwill impairment, which it attributed to its continued decelerating revenue growth. The Company's interim CEO-CFO Brian Grass-conceded that Helen of Troy had become "too complicated and lost focus," which "created unnecessary sprawl and [the Company] became scattered in terms of priorities." As a result of these disclosures, the price of Helen of Troy shares declined by $7.04 per share, or 22.7%.

Then, on October 9, 2025, CEO G. Scott Uzzell reported Helen of Troy's second quarter results for fiscal year 2026, announcing that quarterly sales were down 8.9% year-over-year, adjusted earnings per share plummeted by 51%, and that these results were caused by significant business disruptions and cost headwinds which the Company expects to persist for the remainder of the year. These disclosures caused Helen of Troy's stock price to decline by $6.90 per share, or 25%.

What can shareholders do now? You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Helen of Troy Limited. Shareholders who wish to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their papers to the court by August 3, 2026. The lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses.

About Robbins LLP: A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002.

To be notified if a class action against Helen of Troy Limited settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today.

Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Source: Robbins LLP

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AST SpaceMobile (ASTS 15.17%) has carrier validation from AT&T, Verizon, and dozens of global partners, which could make the satellite-to-phone thesis more serious. But this remains a high-expectation stock, and the next phase depends on launches, activation, and recurring revenue.

Stock prices used were the market prices of July 1, 2026. The video was published on July 15, 2026.

Rick Orford has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AST SpaceMobile. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Rick Orford is an affiliate of The Motley Fool and may be compensated for promoting its services. If you choose to subscribe through their link, they will earn some extra money that supports their channel. Their opinions remain their own and are unaffected by The Motley Fool.

Nu Holdings Ltd. (NU - Free Report) has been one of the most searched-for stocks on Zacks.com lately. So, you might want to look at some of the facts that could shape the stock's performance in the near term.

Over the past month, shares of this company have returned +7.7%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.5% change. During this period, the Zacks Banks - Foreign industry, which Nu falls in, has gained 8.1%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?

Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.

Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.

We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

For the current quarter, Nu is expected to post earnings of $0.20 per share, indicating a change of +42.9% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged over the last 30 days.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $0.83 points to a change of +33.9% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed -0.5%.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $1.15 indicates a change of +38.1% from what Nu is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -0.2%.

Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, Nu is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:

12 Month EPS

Revenue Growth ForecastEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.

For Nu , the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $5.45 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +48.7%. For the current and next fiscal years, $22.42 billion and $27.87 billion estimates indicate +42.1% and +24.3% changes, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryNu reported revenues of $4.97 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +53%. EPS of $0.19 for the same period compares with $0.12 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.97 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of -0.01%. The EPS surprise was -5%.

Over the last four quarters, Nu surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates three times over this period.

ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.

While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.

The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.

Nu is graded C on this front, indicating that it is trading at par with its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.

Bottom LineThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Nu . However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

There are thousands of companies that most of us know little about -- which can make them more risky investments for us. Some, though, are quite familiar -- like Domino's Pizza (DPZ +4.12%).

The company is scheduled to deliver its second-quarter report on July 20. Should you invest in Domino's before that earnings release? 

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Meet Domino's Domino's was launched back in 1960, and it's now the world's largest pizza chain, with more than 22,300 locations in more than 90 international markets. It rakes in more than $19 billion annually -- with just about all of that coming from franchisees, who own and operate 99% of Domino's stores.

Today's Change

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It's growing, too, though not rapidly. Domino's first-quarter results featured year-over-year global revenue growth of 3.4%, with income from operations rising 7.9% on a currency-adjusted basis. That 3.4% looks good, but it was mostly due to new locations opening -- 180 of them on a net basis. When you look at sales from U.S. locations open a year or more, growth was just 1%.

Why invest in Domino's? A key reason to consider investing in Domino's is its valuation. Its forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio was recently 16, based on analysts' consensus expectations, well below its five-year average of 25. That suggests the stock is undervalued.

That's not enough of a reason to buy it, though, so consider, too, that it's a dividend payer. At recent share prices, its dividend yield was 2.6%, more than twice that of the S&P 500's (^GSPC 0.50%) 1.1% yield. Better still, Domino has more than doubled its annual payouts over the past five years. And when you add in the effect of stock buybacks, the total shareholder yield is around 6.1%. To me, that's compelling.

Meanwhile, Domino's is forecasting global sales growth in the mid-single-digit percentages, and it has been investing significantly in its website and its app to boost digital sales -- which accounted for 85% of all sales in the U.S. last year.

Give Domino's a closer look, because while it may not be a fast grower, it's likely to reward shareholders well via growing dividends and stock repurchases.

USA: Zásoby zemního plynu podle EIA k 10. červenci vzrostly o 41 mld. kubických stop

Reddit Inc. (RDDT - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.

Shares of this company have returned +19.3% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.5% change. The Zacks Internet - Software industry, to which Reddit Inc. belongs, has gained 8.6% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?

While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.

Earnings Estimate RevisionsHere at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.

We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

Reddit Inc. is expected to post earnings of $0.99 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +120%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $4.83 points to a change of +84.4% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has remained unchanged.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $6.39 indicates a change of +32.2% from what Reddit Inc. is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.

Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, Reddit Inc. is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:

12 Month EPS

Projected Revenue GrowthWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.

For Reddit Inc., the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $746.89 million indicates a year-over-year change of +49.5%. For the current and next fiscal years, $3.25 billion and $4.31 billion estimates indicate +47.6% and +32.5% changes, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryReddit Inc. reported revenues of $663.41 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +69.1%. EPS of $1.01 for the same period compares with $0.13 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $614.09 million, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +8.03%. The EPS surprise was +62.9%.

The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.

ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.

Comparing the current value of a company's valuation multiples, such as its price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), to its own historical values helps ascertain whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, whereas comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of how reasonable its stock price is.

As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.

Reddit Inc. is graded F on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.

Bottom LineThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Reddit Inc.. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

Key Takeaways LOAR shows strong expected revenue and earnings growth, with consensus earnings estimates rising 64.6%. MRCY is backed by record bookings, a nearly $1.6B backlog and improving EBITDA supporting growth. POWW operates GunBroker and saw current-year earnings estimates improve by more than 100% in 30 days. The defense equipment industry remains resilient, supported by rising defense spending and strategic mergers and acquisitions that improve operational scale, diversify product offerings and increase market presence, even as supply-chain challenges persist. 

The proposed increase in the U.S. defense budget to $1.5 trillion in 2027, signals long-term support for defense-related companies. The ongoing war in the Middle East between Iran and the U.S.-Israel joint force may act as a catalyst for these companies in the near-term. 

The Zacks-defined Defense Equipment industry is currently in the top 38% of the Zacks Industry Rank. Since the Defense Equipment industry is ranked in the top half of the Zacks Ranked Industries, we expect it to outperform the market over the next three to six months.

At this stage, we have narrowed our search to three defense equipment stocks with a top Zacks Rank that have provided double-digit returns in the past three months. The companies are: Loar Holdings Inc. (LOAR - Free Report) , Mercury Systems Inc. (MRCY - Free Report) and Outdoor Holding Co. (POWW - Free Report) . Each of our picks currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The chart below shows the price performance of our three picks in the past three months.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Loar Holdings Inc.Loar Holdings is a diversified manufacturer and supplier of niche aerospace and defense components for aircraft and aerospace and defense systems. LOAR designs, manufactures, and sells aerospace and defense components for aircraft, and aerospace and defense systems in the United States and internationally. LOAR primarily serves commercial, business jet, general aviation and defense markets.

Loar Holdings has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 30.5% and 25%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year’s earnings has improved 64.6% in the last 60 days. 

Mercury Systems Inc.Mercury Systems benefits from deep-rooted partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense and prime contractors, creating a durable competitive moat. These relationships span decades and are built on proven performance delivering mission-critical systems for naval, airborne, and ground platforms. 

MRCY’s trusted supplier status for classified programs ensures continued engagement on next-generation defense initiatives. MRCY’s alignment with national security priorities—particularly in electronic warfare, radar systems, and C4ISR applications—positions it favorably for sustained contract awards.

MRCY benefits from record bookings, a record backlog approaching $1.6 billion, improving adjusted EBITDA and stronger revenue visibility, supporting sustained growth. Its focus on operational efficiency, proprietary technology and higher-margin integrated solutions supports margin expansion.

Mercury Systems has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 9.4% and 56.6%, respectively, for the current year (ending June 2027). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year’s earnings has improved 0.7% in the last seven days. 

Outdoor Holding Co.Outdoor Holding is engaged in online marketplace business serving the firearms and shooting sports industries and a vertically integrated producer of ammunition and fire components. 

POWW owns and operates the GunBroker e-commerce marketplace, an auction site that supports the lawful sale of firearms, ammunition, and hunting/shooting accessories. POWW also offers a state and federal compliant solution that connects buyers with sellers.

Outdoor Holding has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 5.8% and -150%, respectively, for the current year (ending March 2027). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year’s earnings has improved more than 100% in the last 30 days. 

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Arlo Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ARLO), a leading provider of smart home security and monitoring services, today announced that it will hold a conference call with investors and analysts on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT) to discuss the Company's second quarter 2026 results. The news release announcing the second quarter 2026 results will be disseminated on August 6, 2026 after the market closes. The toll-free dial-in number for the live.

Primit Season 1 Officially Launches: $100,000 Avalanche On-Chain Perp Trading Incentive Event Now Live

The rollout is the first time Aave’s new Hub and Spoke architecture has run on a chain other than Ethereum, though the tokenized-asset markets it is built for remain a stated plan.

Posted July 16, 2026 at 5:39 am EST.

Aave has deployed Aave V4, the newest version of its lending protocol, on Avalanche. This is the first time the software has run on a blockchain other than Ethereum.

The rollout extends Aave’s Hub and Spoke architecture, the redesign that launched on Ethereum in March, to a network where Aave’s older V3 markets have operated for years. Aave said the move is a template for expanding V4 to other chains where it already has users rather than copying identical markets everywhere.

What actually shipped The live deployment is the lending infrastructure itself. The feature Aave is promoting most heavily, a dedicated market for borrowing against tokenized real-world assets such as U.S. Treasuries, money market funds, private credit, and corporate bonds, is not yet running. Founder Stani Kulechov said it is on the way, not live.

“Avalanche is a natural destination for the first expansion of Aave V4 beyond Ethereum because it combines a mature Aave lending market with a rapidly growing ecosystem for tokenized assets,” Kulechov said in the announcement. “That’s exactly why one of the first markets we plan to launch on Avalanche is a dedicated credit market for tokenized assets.”

Why Avalanche Aave’s V4 design keeps each market’s collateral and risk rules separate while letting them draw on shared liquidity, an approach pitched at institutions that want tighter controls. Avalanche has courted that same audience, positioning itself as a network for institutional finance and tokenized assets.

“As more financial institutions adopt tokenized assets, they’ll need the infrastructure to borrow against them, access liquidity, and use them as effectively as they do in traditional markets,” said John Wu, president of Ava Labs, in the announcement.

Aave first brought V4 to Ethereum on March 30 after more than two years of development. Aave says the protocol has taken in more than $1 trillion in cumulative deposits over its history. Whether the Avalanche deployment draws meaningful borrowing will depend on the tokenized-asset markets Aave has yet to turn on.

Related Listen: Why Any DeFi Protocol ‘Lives and Dies by Its Oracle’ and How to Strengthen Them

AI-assisted content: This article was produced with the assistance of AI tools and was reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by a member of the Unchained editorial team before publication.

British communications regulator Ofcom has begun a formal investigation into TikTok’s practices regarding age verification, expressing concern that children are circumventing the platform’s age filters. Ofcom’s move follows reports that TikTok relies on “age inference” technologies to estimate users’ ages based on their activity, rather than employing stricter age checks.

Ofcom, the authority that oversees the UK’s communications and broadcasting standards, stated that TikTok’s reliance on behavioral data to infer user age does not satisfy the requirements set out in the Online Safety Act. Kate Davies, Ofcom’s group director for strategy and research, voiced skepticism during an interview about the efficacy of age inference as a safeguard for minors.

Ofcom’s Kate Davies commented, “We have serious doubts about [TikTok’s age checks], and so we have launched an investigation into TikTok. Age inference is not in our guidance as an effective method of age check.”

According to the Online Safety Act, social media platforms are expected to put in place robust verification measures to prevent underage users from accessing inappropriate content. Ofcom has indicated that if TikTok is found to be non-compliant, the company could be fined up to 10% of its global revenue.

A TikTok spokesperson responded to the inquiry, stating the platform remains “confident” it meets its legal obligations and highlighting the billions spent on user safety since launching in the UK eight years ago.

Recently, TikTok also removed more than 4 million accounts of users under the age of 16 in Indonesia, reflecting similar regulatory pressure in other markets.

AI video content sparks debate among TikTok Shop creatorsBeyond age verification, TikTok is facing criticism from creators over the use of artificial intelligence in its e-commerce feature, TikTok Shop. The platform allows sellers to create AI-generated videos featuring virtual models to showcase products. This development has drawn backlash from real-life creators, who claim their earnings are being undercut.

Affiliated creator Rosemarie Soma explained, “I create ads for products that I have in person, real reviews, showing the actual product. It’s very frustrating for affiliates because these [AI] videos are getting ad spend and are making sales.”

Some brands have issued direct responses. SharkNinja, a consumer technology company known for home appliances, informed its affiliates in a memo that use of TikTok’s AI Video Maker is forbidden under its content policy. SharkNinja warned sellers they would lose commissions if they used AI-generated product videos.

Neil Shah, SharkNinja’s chief commercial officer, emphasized a preference for authenticity, expressing a desire for actual consumers to see real products being used.

Research from eMarketer projects that TikTok Shop sales in the United States will reach $23.41 billion this year, marking a 48% increase, which places its sales ahead of retailers such as Target and Costco. The affiliate program now has 11.3 million creators globally, including 945,000 in the US, up from 2.3 million in 2024, according to Charm.io.

Metric20242025TikTok Shop US sales$15.82 billion$23.41 billionGlobal affiliate creators2.3 million11.3 millionUS affiliate creators–945,000AI-generated content is becoming increasingly common. Creator Daria Simhony produces daily AI videos for a variety of virtual personas, highlighting the flexibility and scale offered by the technology. Lauren Lyster from Go Fish Digital, a digital marketing agency, commented that brands leveraging open affiliate programs must weigh increased exposure against greater reputational risk.

One instance involved an AI creator promoting Rare Beauty, a cosmetics company founded by Selena Gomez, without the brand’s direct involvement. Rare Beauty clarified that it does not collaborate with AI-generated content, though its products remain accessible for promotion via open affiliate initiatives.

SharkNinja’s Neil Shah admitted the company’s capacity to enforce restrictions is limited, reiterating the request for affiliates to use actual products in video content.

Mini dictionary: Ofcom is the UK’s regulatory authority for communications industries, overseeing broadcasting, telecommunications, and online safety enforcement.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.

Solana $SOL has crossed a new milestone in the real-world asset (RWA) space, surpassing 300,000 holders for the first time to become the largest blockchain network by RWA holder count. According to data from rwa(.)xyz, the network now stands at 300,130 RWA holders, pulling ahead of all competing chains.

Holder Lead Built on Rapid Growth The milestone caps a period of sharp expansion. Solana first crossed the 200,000-holder mark in late April 2026, meaning the network added roughly 85,000 RWA holders in less than two months. Solana accounts for roughly 31% of all RWA holders across tracked blockchain networks, placing it ahead of Ethereum, which has 199,191 holders, and BNB Chain with 101,902 holders.

The holder count lead reflects a broader shift in how the network is being used. On June 24, Solana's tokenized stock market reached a record $644 million in daily trading volume, highlighting the network's shift from a memecoin-focused blockchain toward a hub for tokenized financial assets. Tokenized stocks posted $5.77 billion in quarterly volume during Q2 2026, a figure that exceeds the prior year's second-half total by more than seven times.

RWA Value Climbs, Gap With Ethereum Narrows While Solana leads in holder count, its tokenized asset market also continues to expand in value. The network's RWA ecosystem quadrupled in value during the first half of 2026, growing from $873 million in January to a record $3.62 billion in July, driven by rapid growth in tokenized stocks, rising institutional adoption, and record trading activity. The network's tokenized asset market currently sits above $3.3 billion.

In just the past 30 days, Solana recorded nearly $967 million in net inflows to its RWA market, the highest figure among all tracked blockchain networks during the same window. For comparison, Ethereum reported approximately $202 million in net outflows during the same 30-day timeframe.

Ethereum still leads the overall RWA market by a wide margin. The latest milestone places Solana behind only Ethereum, which holds approximately $15.9 billion in RWAs, and BNB Chain, at roughly $3.9 billion. However, the pace of inflows and the growing holder base suggest Solana is closing the gap faster than either rival. In terms of distributed RWA value, Solana has gained 14% while Ethereum has fallen by 4.7% during the same 30-day period.

Institutional demand has been a key driver of the expansion. BlackRock's BUIDL fund has deployed $615 million on-chain through Securitize, making it the largest individual RWA position on Solana. Citigroup completed a tokenized Bill of Exchange settlement pilot with PwC in February, while institutional market maker B2C2 has chosen Solana as its primary stablecoin settlement network.

Sources:
Solana Floor: Solana's RWA Market Hits Record $3.62B
The Crypto Basic: Solana Tokenized RWA Market Soars 4x in H1 2026
Crypto Briefing: Solana's RWA Market Reaches $3.62B After $2B Growth in Six Months

President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Republican senators at the White House on Thursday afternoon in an effort to resolve the most contentious issue surrounding the Clarity Act, a major piece of crypto-related legislation.

Key meeting participantsThe anticipated meeting will involve Republican Senators Bernie Moreno and Cynthia Lummis, White House crypto adviser Patrick Witt, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Kristin Smith, president of the Solana Policy Institute, stated that this group will strive to develop a compromise regarding an ethics provision that has been the focal point of debate over the bill.

Smith said the purpose is to introduce potential solutions on the ethics issue and gain Trump’s approval, characterizing the development as a positive step for the bill’s progress.

Kristin Smith indicated that the aim of the meeting is to present ideas to address the ethics issue and secure President Trump’s support for them, calling the initiative significantly positive for advancing the legislation.

Mini dictionary: Solana Policy Institute, a nonprofit policy organization focused on advancing blockchain and crypto asset regulation, particularly around the Solana blockchain ecosystem.

Ethics provision remains key obstacleAt the center of the dispute is an unresolved section that would place restrictions on senior government officials, prohibiting them from holding personal business interests in crypto assets. Democratic lawmakers have pushed for these limitations, citing concerns tied to Trump’s established connections to the cryptocurrency sector. The fate of the Clarity Act may therefore hinge on whether Trump will accept restrictions that could directly impact his own business interests.

On Tuesday, Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen, Chris Murphy, and Jeff Merkley held a press conference voicing their opposition to the bill unless it includes a provision severing what they described as Trump’s “corrupt” associations with the crypto industry.

Senate dynamics and legislative timelineThe Clarity Act passed the Senate Banking Committee in May by a 15-9 vote. Democratic Senators Ruben Gallego and Angela Alsobrooks were the only members of their party to support the bill in committee. However, both lawmakers have since stated that they would not vote for its final passage unless a robust ethics measure is added.

Senator John Thune has pushed for a floor vote on the bill before legislators adjourn for the summer recess, which follows the first week of August. Congressional focus is expected to shift toward the November midterm elections after the break, making the current legislative window particularly narrow for resolving outstanding issues tied to the bill.

SenatorPartySupport in CommitteeSupport Conditional on Ethics ProvisionRuben GallegoDemocraticYesYesAngela AlsobrooksDemocraticYesYesChris Van HollenDemocraticNoWants ethics provisionChris MurphyDemocraticNoWants ethics provisionJeff MerkleyDemocraticNoWants ethics provisionIf the division over ethics requirements persists, the Clarity Act may struggle to advance before lawmakers turn their attention to the election campaign, narrowing the opportunity for bipartisan compromise.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.

Bitcoin rose above $64,000 following weaker-than-expected US CPI and PPI data. However, further gains are limited due to simultaneous selling by both long-term and short-term investors.

While Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins are also experiencing gains, noteworthy statements have come from the US banking giant Morgan Stanley.

At this point, a Morgan Stanley analyst compared Solana to Ethereum, the largest altcoin.

And here, SOL has historically been highlighted as a better diversification tool than ETH.

Speaking to Coindesk, Morgan Stanley investment strategist Denny Galindo argued that Solana has historically been a superior diversification asset compared to Ethereum.

Galindo notes that with the rise of spot Bitcoin ETFs, followed by Ethereum and Solana ETFs, the question of which digital assets investors should include in their portfolios alongside Bitcoin has come to the forefront.

Galindo also stated that the correlation coefficient between Bitcoin and ETH is 0.78 until April 2026, while the correlation between Bitcoin and SOL is 0.72, explaining that the BTC-SOL correlation is lower.

According to the analyst, this suggests that Solana is slightly less likely to move in the same direction as Bitcoin. The lower correlation indicates a higher probability of Solana moving independently of Bitcoin, and therefore contributing more to portfolio diversification.

The analyst also notes that Solana’s correlation with the S&P 500 is slightly lower compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Based on these historical correlations, Galindo concluded that SOL could be a better diversification asset than ETH. However, the analyst pointed out that Solana has higher price volatility than Ethereum, and investors should consider this risk factor when evaluating the diversification advantage.

*This is not investment advice.

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ETRADE, a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, has completed its rollout of spot services for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, enabling eligible clients to buy, sell, and hold these cryptocurrencies directly within their brokerage accounts. The service, which comes with a transaction fee of 50 basis points, marks a significant integration of traditional finance with the crypto market. This offering positions ETRADE competitively against other major platforms like Charles Schwab and Coinbase, which have higher fees. While the platform currently does not support transfers to external wallets, such functionality is expected to be added later this year.

Market participants appear to have responded positively to this development, particularly regarding the potential impact on Solana. The move may indicate increased demand and activity, contributing to market expectations of Solana’s price movement. Notably, this development coincides with a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing cryptocurrencies, potentially sparking a competitive environment around retail crypto fees.

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The introduction of spot access for these cryptocurrencies by a major financial institution like Morgan Stanley’s E*TRADE suggests increased mainstream acceptance and integration of digital assets. The market’s reaction appears consistent with scenarios where Solana could see heightened demand and volume.

Key Takeaways E*TRADE’s rollout of spot access for cryptocurrencies appears consistent with increased mainstream acceptance of digital assets. Market pricing suggests participants view this as supportive of increased Solana demand, potentially impacting its price. The competitive fee structure could lead to a broader retail crypto fee competition among traditional financial platforms. What to Watch Watch for potential announcements regarding the implementation of external wallet transfers, which could further influence market dynamics. Additionally, observe any strategic responses from competitors like Charles Schwab and Coinbase that may impact fee structures and market share. Solana’s price movements in the coming weeks will provide further insight into the market’s reaction to this integration, particularly if demand and volume increase as expected.

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Term Structure

Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h August 1 2026 11.5% — — View market → August 1 2026 0.4% — — View market → August 1 2026 0.1% — — View market → August 1 2026 1.4% — — View market → August 1 2026 1% — — View market → August 1 2026 0.9% — — View market → August 1 2026 3.8% — — View market → August 1 2026 0.5% — — View market → August 1 2026 8.5% — — View market → August 1 2026 0.1% — — View market → August 1 2026 1.2% — — View market → August 1 2026 0.1% — — View market → August 1 2026 40.5% — — View market →

Summary:

GBP/USD remained supported after UK GDP returned to growth in May while softer US producer inflation weakened the US dollar. The British pound continues to draw support from improving economic data and expectations of fiscal stability under the incoming UK government. Markets are now focused on next week's UK inflation and employment reports for fresh direction in GBP/USD. The GBP/USD exchange rate held firm after fresh economic data showed the UK economy returned to modest growth while easing inflationary pressures in the United States reduced support for the US dollar.

The Office for National Statistics reported that the UK economy expanded 0.1% in May, matching market expectations and reversing April’s contraction. Although growth remains modest, the data suggests Britain’s economy continues to avoid a deeper slowdown despite elevated borrowing costs.

Meanwhile, the US dollar remained under pressure after June’s Producer Price Index (PPI) increased less than expected, reinforcing expectations that inflation is gradually cooling and reducing pressure on the Federal Reserve to tighten monetary policy aggressively.

UK GDP Growth Supports the British Pound Sterling found support after official data showed the UK economy returned to growth during May.

The monthly GDP report indicated that economic activity expanded by 0.1%, ending the previous month’s decline. While the pace of growth remains relatively slow, investors viewed the data as another sign that the UK economy continues to show resilience despite higher interest rates.

The positive GDP reading partially offset weaker industrial production figures, which contracted 0.5% during the month and highlighted ongoing challenges for Britain’s manufacturing sector.

For currency markets, however, the broader picture remains encouraging. Continued economic growth reduces concerns about a sharp slowdown and provides additional support for the pound.

Softer US Inflation Reduces Dollar Strength The US dollar eased after June’s Producer Price Index showed wholesale inflation slowed more than economists had expected.

The data followed a softer Consumer Price Index report earlier in the week, strengthening expectations that US inflation continues moving in the right direction.

Lower inflation reduces the likelihood of additional aggressive Federal Reserve rate increases, limiting one of the dollar’s biggest sources of support over the past two years.

Although the greenback continues to benefit from occasional safe-haven demand linked to geopolitical tensions, improving inflation data has encouraged investors to reassess the outlook for US interest rates.

That has helped GBP/USD remain well supported despite broader uncertainty across financial markets.

Political Stability Adds Support to Sterling Investor sentiment toward the pound has also improved following reports that incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to appoint Shabana Mahmood as Chancellor. Financial markets generally view Mahmood as fiscally disciplined, reducing concerns over significant changes to government spending or borrowing.

Currency traders typically favour predictable fiscal policy because it improves confidence in long-term economic stability. While political developments remain secondary to interest rate expectations, they have provided an additional layer of support for sterling during the past week.

UK Inflation and Jobs Data Become the Next Major Catalyst Attention is now shifting to next week’s UK economic calendar. Investors will closely watch inflation and labour market reports for further clues about the Bank of England’s next policy decision.

Stronger-than-expected wage growth or persistent inflation could reinforce expectations that UK interest rates remain elevated for longer, providing additional support for the pound.

Conversely, weaker economic data may revive speculation that the Bank of England could begin easing policy sooner than markets currently anticipate. At the same time, traders will continue monitoring US economic releases and Federal Reserve commentary for fresh signals about the outlook for the dollar.

What This Means for GBP/USD The near-term outlook for GBP/USD remains closely tied to monetary policy expectations on both sides of the Atlantic.

The combination of improving UK economic growth, softer US inflation and expectations of fiscal stability has helped support sterling in recent sessions. However, the pair remains highly sensitive to incoming inflation data, central bank communication and broader global risk sentiment.

With both the Bank of England and the Federal Reserve adopting cautious policy stances, the next major economic releases could determine whether GBP/USD extends its recovery or returns to a more defensive footing.

Why is GBP/USD rising today?

GBP/USD is finding support after the UK economy returned to growth in May and softer US inflation data weakened the US dollar. Expectations that the Federal Reserve may take a more cautious approach to future interest rate decisions have also supported the currency pair.

How does UK GDP affect the British pound?

Stronger UK GDP growth generally supports the pound because it signals a healthier economy and can influence expectations for Bank of England interest rate policy. Higher growth often improves investor confidence in the UK economy.

What are traders watching next for GBP/USD?

Markets are focused on next week’s UK inflation and employment data, as well as upcoming Federal Reserve commentary. These events are expected to provide fresh clues about future interest rate decisions and could drive the next move in GBP/USD.

Rakuten Wallet Adds Shiba Inu to Its Physical Collectible LineupJapanese tech giant Rakuten Wallet has unveiled a physical Shiba Inu ($SHIB) commemorative coin, marking the fifth entry in its branded Real Coin series. Unlike previous releases in the series, which included Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP, the Shiba Inu coin is the first to use sandblasting technology, known as a blast finish. The result is a premium matte texture and unique tactile properties that earned the souvenir 100% approval from the company's employees during internal office testing.

The coin is a souvenir item, not a blockchain asset. Rakuten Wallet framed it as part of its offline engagement strategy, where users can see and handle crypto-themed replicas at events.

A Retail Push Aimed at 44 Million UsersRakuten Wallet is launching the physical Shiba Inu souvenir coins for its 44 million users to promote offline retail interaction, with the metal coins set to be given away for free at events. The firm believes that introducing metal keepsake coins could help cautious Japanese consumers become more comfortable with crypto assets.

Millions of Japanese users can also convert their loyalty points, known as Rakuten Points, into SHIB and spend them through the Rakuten Pay payment system at 5 million retail locations across the country. Rakuten is seeking to establish itself as the country's leading retail gateway before major investment funds are legally allowed to enter the market.

The physical coin campaign also sharpens Rakuten's rivalry with domestic competitors. Mercari has already integrated SHIB trading into its consumer-to-consumer app, allowing 23 million customers to buy the token from as little as 1 yen. According to Mercoin's financial reporting, this approach helped it attract 4 million users, and for 85% of them, it was their first experience with digital assets.

The broader push into meme token retail sits on firm regulatory ground. Japan's Virtual and Crypto Assets Exchange Association (JVCEA) officially recognised SHIB as an approved asset in November 2025, clearing the way for broader commercial and promotional usage of the token. Last month, Japan's House of Representatives also passed a bill that moves crypto regulation from the Payment Services Act to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.

Sources:
U.Today: Japan's E-Commerce Giant Rakuten to Give Away Physical Shiba Inu Coins to 44 Million Users
Crypto.news: SHIB Gains Japan Retail Push Through Rakuten Wallet
CoinTurk: SHIB Enters the World of Physical Coins in Japan