Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

Have you been searching for a stock that might be well-positioned to maintain its earnings-beat streak in its upcoming report? It is worth considering SharkNinja, Inc. (SN - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Consumer Products - Discretionary industry.

This company has seen a nice streak of beating earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The average surprise for the last two quarters was 8.17%.

For the last reported quarter, SharkNinja, Inc. came out with earnings of $1.09 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.01 per share, representing a surprise of 7.92%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $1.78 per share and it actually produced earnings of $1.93 per share, delivering a surprise of 8.43%.

Price and EPS Surprise

For SharkNinja, Inc., estimates have been trending higher, thanks in part to this earnings surprise history. And when you look at the stock's positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction), it's a great indicator of a future earnings beat, especially when combined with its solid Zacks Rank.

Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

SharkNinja, Inc. has an Earnings ESP of +1.29% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner.

With the Earnings ESP metric, it's important to note that a negative value reduces its predictive power; however, a negative Earnings ESP does not indicate an earnings miss.

Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, though this is not the only reason why their shares gain. Additionally, some stocks may remain stable even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.

Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Arm Holdings shares fell more than 6% on Tuesday after HSBC downgraded the chip designer to Hold, saying foundry capacity constraints are likely to limit earnings upside despite the company's strong long-term growth prospects.

The brokerage still raised its price target to $315 from $255.

With Arm trading around $286, HSBC sees upside over the longer term but believes much of the company's growth story has already been reflected in its share price.

“We have previously flagged that Arm’s entry into merchant server CPUs and higher server CPU royalties could be transformative,” HSBC analyst Frank Lee wrote in a note to clients.

According to HSBC, investor enthusiasm around Arm's server CPU ambitions has exceeded expectations since the company's Arm Everywhere event in March.

“The market reaction to the merchant server CPU narrative has exceeded our expectations, with the stock trading +122% since the Arm Everywhere event on 24 March (vs. SOX +57% during the same period)," Lee said.

"With management targeting $25B of revenue and $9 non-GAAP EPS by FY31E, we think the shares already price-in strong long-term growth, trading at an expensive 139x/95x 2026e/2027e PE. We therefore roll our valuation forward to FY29e, which drives our target price revision. However, foundry capacity bottlenecks limit near-term earnings upside, so we downgrade to Hold.”

Lee added that additional foundry capacity remains the primary catalyst for further upside but appears unlikely in the near future.

“Given incremental foundry capacity allocation being the primary upside catalyst, which we believe is unlikely, we downgrade to Hold due to limited earnings upside potential.”

The downgrade marks a reversal from HSBC's stance in March, when it double-upgraded the stock from Reduce to Buy while lifting its price target to $205 from $90.

At the time, the brokerage argued that Arm was transitioning from a smartphone-focused licensing company into a major supplier of CPU architecture for AI servers and remained undervalued.

Other analysts remain bullishNot all brokerages share HSBC's cautious view.

Last month, Bernstein analyst David Dai raised the firm's price target on Arm to $500 from $300 while maintaining an Outperform rating.

Dai described Arm as a structural beneficiary of the "renaissance of CPUs for agentic AI," citing the architecture's power efficiency and the company's evolution from an intellectual property licensor into a CPU developer.

TD Cowen also lifted its price target to $475 from $265 while reiterating a Buy rating, reflecting confidence that AI-driven computing demand will continue to support the stock.

Separately, Arm announced an expanded partnership with semiconductor technology provider Arteris to strengthen processor security.

Arteris said Arm will continue integrating its Cycuity Radix technology into processor core development to enhance semiconductor security assurance.

Arteris Chief Executive K. Charles Janac said that by leveraging the company's technology, Arm is building more rigorous security capabilities at a time when semiconductor cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important for electronic systems, including data centres.

Shares of Arteris rose more than 3% following the announcement.

U.S. Dollar Pulls Back As Inflation Rate Misses Estimates

DXY 140726 4h Chart U.S. Dollar Index is losing ground as traders react to CPI report. The report indicated that Inflation Rate decreased from 4.2% in May to 3.5% in June, compared to analyst forecast of +3.8%. Core Inflation Rate pulled back from 2.9% to 2.6%, while analysts expected that it would drop to 2.8%.

Lower-than-expected inflation data put material pressure on the American currency as traders reduced bets on hawkish Fed. However, the strong rally in the oil markets may raise prices again, so it remains to be seen whether the pullback in inflation is sustainable.

The nearest support level for U.S. Dollar Index is located in the 100.50 – 100.65 range. In case U.S. Dollar Index manages to settle below the 100.50 level, it will head towards the next support, which is located in the 99.75 – 99.90 range.

EUR/USD Tests Resistance At 1.1420 – 1.1435 EUR/USD 140726 4h Chart EUR/USD moved higher as traders focused on U.S. inflation data. In the EU, traders had a chance to take a look at the Wholesale Prices report from Germany. The report indicated that Wholesale Prices declined by -0.7% month-over-month in June, compared to analyst forecast of +0.5%.

From the technical point of view, EUR/USD continues its attempts to settle above the resistance level at 1.1420 – 1.1435. In case EUR/USD climbs above the 1.1435 level, it will head towards the next resistance at 1.1500 – 1.1515. RSI remains in the moderate territory, so there is plenty of room to gain momentum in case the right catalysts emerge.

GBP/USD Moves Higher As Traders Reduce Bets On Hawkish Fed GBP/USD 140726 4h Chart GBP/USD gained ground, supported by U.S. CPI report. Traders bet that Fed will be less hawkish as inflation has started to calm down. Traders also focus on comments from Fed Chair Warsh. He said that CPI decline did not mean that Fed accomplished its mission.

In case GBP/USD pulls back below the 50 MA at 1.3376, it will head towards the nearest support level at 1.3335 – 1.3350. A successful test of of this level will open the way to the test of the next support at 1.3250 – 1.3265.

On the upside, GBP/USD needs to settle above the resistance at 1.3450 – 1.3465 to have a chance to gain additional upside momentum in the near term.

USD/CAD Tests New Lows

USD/CAD 140726 4h Chart USD/CAD is losing ground as lower-than-expected U.S. CPI data provided material support to commodity markets. Other commodity-related currencies are also moving higher in today’s trading session.

USD/CAD settled below the previous support at 1.4125 – 1.4140 and is trying to settle below the 1.4050 level. In case this attempt is successful, it will head towards the next support at 1.4000 – 1.4025.

USD/JPY Moves Lower As Treasury Yields Fall USD/JPY 140726 4h Chart USD/JPY is losing some ground as traders focus on the pullback in Treasury yields. The yield of 2-year Treasuries declined towards the 4.20% level, while the yield of 10-year Treasuries settled below 4.60%.

A move below the support level at 161.50 – 162.00 will push USD/JPY towards recent lows near the 160.50 level. It should be noted that USD/JPY failed to gain strong downside momentum as traders worried that rising oil prices will put pressure on Japan’s economy.

If you’d like to know more about how to trade forex, please visit our educational area.

HELE trades at a steep earnings discount as sales and leverage improve, but margin pressure and uncertain demand keep the value-trap debate alive.

Key Takeaways HELE is expanding omnichannel reach, international distribution and investment in priority brands.First-quarter sales rose 8.2%, led by product launches, packs, nail care, fans and thermometers.Tariffs, freight, currency pressure and soft demand pushed margins lower and clouded the outlook. Helen of Troy Limited (HELE - Free Report) is moving through several trends at once: portfolio reshaping, omnichannel expansion, international distribution changes and tariff-driven cost pressure.

For investors, the issue is not whether the company has growth initiatives. It is whether those efforts can gain enough traction while margins and demand remain under pressure.

Helen of Troy Pushes Omnichannel GrowthHelen of Troy is making sharper digital execution a bigger part of its multi-year transformation. The plan includes expanded omnichannel capabilities, portfolio optimization and targeted international expansion, all tied to restoring brand momentum.

Osprey shows why that matters. The brand benefited from international distribution improvements and e-commerce momentum in the fiscal first quarter, supporting the view that digital execution can deepen consumer engagement where Helen of Troy has relevant products.

The company is also using a more flexible hybrid international model. That approach combines local market partners with direct consumer engagement, giving HELE a broader path to build demand without spreading investment evenly across every market.

Newell Brands (NWL - Free Report) is a useful comparison for investors following branded consumer-products companies. Like HELE, it depends on brand relevance, product execution and retailer relationships to support demand in categories where consumers can trade down or delay purchases.

HELE Uses Portfolio Focus to Drive GrowthHELE’s strategy is becoming more selective. The company is putting greater investment behind priority brands and categories with clearer consumer relevance.

Early examples include OXO’s entry into pet products, expanded Osprey travel solutions and continued Olive & June innovation and distribution. These actions suggest a focused portfolio strategy, rather than a broad push across all brands.

First-quarter results offered support for that approach. Consolidated net sales rose 8.2%, with Home & Outdoor up 9.5% and Beauty & Wellness up 7%, helped by packs, product launches, nail care, fans and thermometers.

Spectrum Brands Holdings (SPB - Free Report) gives investors another comparison point, with exposure to home, personal care and pet-related categories. The overlap reinforces why brand focus and category selection matter when discretionary spending is uneven.

Helen of Troy Navigates Tariff VolatilityTariffs remain a central operating trend for Helen of Troy. Profitability is still exposed to tariffs, commodity inflation, freight expense, currency movements and unfavorable mix.

The fiscal 2027 outlook includes approximately $9.2 million of Phase 1 tariff refunds. That benefit provides some relief, but it does not fully offset the broader cost pressure embedded in the plan.

Management now expects higher product costs from commodity inputs, an unfavorable Chinese yuan, higher inbound and outbound freight and added spending to secure supply. These factors can limit operating leverage even when sales improve.

The margin pressure was visible in the fiscal first quarter. Gross margin declined 110 basis points to 46%, while adjusted operating margin fell 30 basis points to 4%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

HELE Tracks a Cautious Consumer CycleThe demand backdrop is still cautious. Helen of Troy reported better first-quarter sales and raised its fiscal 2027 sales outlook, but management continues to factor in softer discretionary demand and conservative retailer inventory behavior.

The company also cited an increasingly promotional marketplace. Some core Beauty brands continue to face point-of-sale pressure and pricing elasticity, while international demand remains weak in kitchenware and hair appliances.

This trend matters because the outlook still calls for a low-single-digit sales decline in the second half of fiscal 2027. The stronger first quarter improved the top-line picture, but uncertainty around spending and retailer ordering remains.

How HELE’s Rank Frames These TrendsThe bottom line is that HELE has credible trend drivers, including omnichannel expansion, brand innovation, international distribution work and a more selective portfolio. The offset is clear: tariffs, freight expense, sourcing costs and cautious consumers can keep the earnings path uneven.

The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). That ranking fits a company with improving sales signals and strategic progress, but with macro and cost headwinds still limiting near-term visibility. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

HELE does not have listed Zacks Style Scores, so investors lack an added Value, Growth, Momentum or VGM Score screen for this setup. In that case, the Hold ranking remains the clearest summary signal, balancing demand-related progress against the risk that cost volatility continues to pressure results.

It’s been about one month since SpaceX's NASDAQ: SPCX initial public offering (IPO), and the stock is down approximately 11% from its first trade on June 12. But cynics shouldn’t take a victory lap quite yet.

Some of the pullback is due to a simple, mechanical reason. There are a massive number of shares outstanding that haven’t been soaked up by institutional investors. Plus, IPOs have a track record of “underperforming” after their debut.

Get Rocket Lab alerts:

Taking a step back, this isn’t a repudiation of the overall space thesis. As of July 14, SpaceX's market cap is $1.85 trillion. That’s down from the $2.1 trillion market cap at its debut, but it’s a strong signal that investors expect future growth in this sector.

A better explanation for the SPCX pullback may be that some of the capital and attention that had moved away from smaller space companies is returning. Many of these companies are working with SpaceX and rely on multi-year government and telecommunications contracts. 

For investors looking for opportunities outside SPCX, here are three names to consider, along with the key objective each company aims to achieve.

Rocket Lab: More Than Just Rocket LaunchesRocket Lab NASDAQ: RKLB investors are quick to note that the company’s business model relies on more than rocket launches. That shows up in the company’s topline, where Space Services is now the company’s largest revenue contributor. This high-margin business will be good for the company’s bottom line and got a boost from its $8 billion acquisition of Iridium Communications.

Rocket Lab Today

$79.52 +2.79 (+3.64%)

As of 01:10 PM Eastern

This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.

52-Week Range$37.57▼

$151.00Price Target$111.88

However, as of the company’s Q1 2026 earnings report, Rocket Lab is not profitable on a GAAP or non-GAAP basis. That’s a key reason RKLB is down approximately 21% over the 30 days ending July 13, despite being added to the NASDAQ-100 index.

The company needs a catalyst, and that’s likely to come from the launch business. Rocket Lab is scheduled to launch its Neutron reusable rocket in late 2026. The medium-lift rocket will allow Rocket Lab to compete with SpaceX for larger payloads and constellation contracts. To that end, Rocket Lab has already signed contracts for five dedicated Neutron missions alongside 31 new Electron and HASTE bookings.

The largest concern is valuation. Even after the pullback, RKLB trades around 72x sales. A company like Rocket Lab will command a higher multiple, and analysts give the stock a consensus price target of $111.88, an upside of over 38% from its price on July 14. Execution risks exist, but the upside shouldn’t be dismissed.

AST SpaceMobile: A Long Game That's Starting to Pay OffAST SpaceMobile NASDAQ: ASTS is developing a space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect standard mobile phones and other devices directly to satellites. It’s the definition of playing the long game, but so far, it’s paying off.

AST SpaceMobile Today

$69.15 +1.57 (+2.32%)

As of 01:10 PM Eastern

This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.

52-Week Range$36.08▼

$133.86Price Target$85.09

In its Q1 2026 earnings report, the company said it was on track to achieve its full-year revenue guidance between $150 million and $200 million.

This is driven by mobile network partners with Verizon Communications NYSE: VZ and AT&T NYSE: T, as well as the U.S. Government. AST SpaceMobile is targeting roughly 45 BlueBird satellites to be in orbit by year-end.

Analysts are forecasting even stronger revenue growth over the next two years, with the company expected to turn a profit in 2028. 

But at the moment, investors have to account for the company’s significant cash burn. That doesn’t make ASTS uninvestable, but it also means that volatility should be expected.

Intuitive Machines: The Space Stock With the Clearest Path to ProfitsThe common denominator for space companies, including SpaceX, is that they are not yet profitable. However, Intuitive Machines NASDAQ: LUNR may have the clearest line of sight to profitability.

Intuitive Machines Today

LUNR

Intuitive Machines

$15.10 -0.05 (-0.30%)

As of 01:10 PM Eastern

This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.

52-Week Range$7.78▼

$46.75Price Target$31.50

In the company’s Q1 2026 earnings report, it guided to approximately $1 billion in full-year 2026 revenue and ended the quarter with a backlog of around $1.1 billion. NASA is the company’s key customer as Intuitive Machines is aligned with the Artemis program. That will take the company’s revenue pipeline into the next decade.

That said, among the three companies on this list, Intuitive Machines may pose the greatest operational risk. Lunar missions are often delayed, and the stock prices of companies linked to those delays can be affected. But after a pullback of approximately 35% in the three months ending July 13, investors will find it difficult to ignore the analysts who give LUNR a consensus price target of $31.50, a 105% gain.

Time Works for Patient InvestorsMany retail investors rushed into the space sector, believing these stocks were going to the moon. That’s not an incorrect assumption, but the timing will be choppy. There will be some failures along the way, and this is a capital-intensive business with many companies, including SpaceX, that are not yet profitable.

All of which means that timing and position size are critical. Committing capital across market cycles, rather than trying to time tops and bottoms, is likely to be a winning strategy. The space economy is real and growing. But it will still require patience.

Should You Invest $1,000 in Rocket Lab Right Now?Before you consider Rocket Lab, you'll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Rocket Lab wasn't on the list.

While Rocket Lab currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

View The Five Stocks Here

Nuclear energy is entering a new growth cycle as rising power demand, expanding data centers, and renewed policy support bring the sector back into focus. After strong gains in recent years, the most impactful phase of nuclear investment may still be ahead. This report highlights seven nuclear energy stocks positioned across the value chain—combining near-term revenue with long-term upside as next-generation technologies scale. Click the link below to unlock the full list.

Get This Free Report

Investors looking for stocks in the Banks - Foreign sector might want to consider either Grupo Financiero Galicia (GGAL - Free Report) or Nu Holdings Ltd. (NU - Free Report) . But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors? We'll need to take a closer look to find out.

There are plenty of strategies for discovering value stocks, but we have found that pairing a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system produces the best returns. The proven Zacks Rank emphasizes companies with positive estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight stocks with specific traits.

Grupo Financiero Galicia and Nu Holdings Ltd. are sporting Zacks Ranks of #2 (Buy) and #3 (Hold), respectively, right now. Investors should feel comfortable knowing that GGAL likely has seen a stronger improvement to its earnings outlook than NU has recently. But this is just one factor that value investors are interested in.

Value investors analyze a variety of traditional, tried-and-true metrics to help find companies that they believe are undervalued at their current share price levels.

Our Value category highlights undervalued companies by looking at a variety of key metrics, including the popular P/E ratio, as well as the P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a variety of other fundamentals that have been used by value investors for years.

GGAL currently has a forward P/E ratio of 13.73, while NU has a forward P/E of 16.39. We also note that GGAL has a PEG ratio of 0.35. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. NU currently has a PEG ratio of 0.55.

Another notable valuation metric for GGAL is its P/B ratio of 1.37. The P/B ratio is used to compare a stock's market value with its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. For comparison, NU has a P/B of 5.27.

These metrics, and several others, help GGAL earn a Value grade of B, while NU has been given a Value grade of C.

GGAL stands above NU thanks to its solid earnings outlook, and based on these valuation figures, we also feel that GGAL is the superior value option right now.

He Yi: Binance has helped users recover more than $8 billion in mistakenly transferred cryptocurrency.

Binance co-founder He Yi stated in a social media post that since 2021, Binance has helped users recover over $8 billion in mistakenly sent cryptocurrency transfers.

4 minutes ago

JPMorgan: Stablecoin operations of Circle and Coinbase face margin pressure, leading the bank to lower their earnings forecasts.

According to Bloomberg, JPMorgan Chase & Co. has stated that the stablecoin operations of Circle Internet Group and Coinbase Global are facing growing profit pressure, noting that a new partnership with crypto trading platform Hyperliquid highlights the "prisoner's dilemma" the two leading firms are in. On Tuesday, the bank lowered its profit forecasts for the two crypto companies, explaining that the new collaboration has altered the revenue distribution structure—specifically, how proceeds from USDC, the world’s second-largest stablecoin issued by Circle, will be allocated across its distribution partners.

4 minutes ago

Walsh: Did not imply the Federal Reserve will not expand its balance sheet during crisis periods.

Fed Chair Walsh stated that June CPI exhibits a positive correlation with inflation expectations, and did not imply that the Federal Reserve would refrain from expanding its balance sheet during crisis periods.

4 minutes ago

Noxa's official X account appears to have been hacked; users are advised to stay vigilant against risks.

According to monitoring by Onchain Lens, the official X account of Meme token launch platform Noxa has been reportedly hacked. Community users who interacted with links posted from the account have had their wallets emptied. Users are warned not to connect their wallets, sign any transactions, or engage with any links shared by this account.

4 minutes ago

Source: Binance EN

This is a general announcement and marketing communication. Products and services referred to here may not be available in your region. Fellow Binancians, Binance is thrilled to launch a Binance Traders League Season 3 – Towns (TOWNS) Trading Challenge where eligible users will have a chance to share a total prize pool of 400 BNB in token vouchers! Promotion Period: 2026-07-14 10:00 (UTC) to 2026-07-20 23:59 (UTC) Join Now Eligibility: All verified new, regular users and all Binance VIP users can participate.Liquidity providers in the Binance Spot Liquidity Provider Program and Binance Brokers are not eligible to participate. Eligible Altcoin Trading Pair(s) Trading pair(s): TOWNS/USDT, TOWNS/USDC How to Participate: Click the [Join Now] button on the landing page to register.Total Trading Volume reaches at least 500 USD equivalent in any of the aforementioned eligible pair(s) on Binance Spot during the Promotion Period. Users who do not meet this threshold will not qualify for any reward under this Trading Volume Tournament. Reward Structure: Rankings Based on the Cumulative Trading VolumeReward per Eligible Participant (in BNB Token Vouchers)1st Place24 BNB2nd Place20 BNB3rd Place16 BNB4th Place12 BNB5th Place8 BNB6th - 20th PlacesAn equal split of 60 BNB21st - 50th PlacesAn equal split of 40 BNB51st - 200th PlacesAn equal split of 68 BNB201st - 1,000th PlacesAn equal split of 72 BNBAll Remaining Eligible ParticipantsAn equal split of 80 BNB, capped at 0.01 BNB per user Promotion Rules: Trading volume of any zero-fee trading pairs is excluded from the final trading volume calculation.Transaction or gas fees will be excluded from the final trading volume calculation for the tournament.All eligible buy and sell orders will be counted towards the cumulative total trading volume.Token vouchers will be distributed to winners by 2026-08-03, and will expire within 21 days after distribution. Users will be able to login and redeem their token voucher rewards via Profile > Rewards Hub.The Spot Trading Volume leaderboard is updated hourly. The leaderboard will be displayed on the Spot landing page. Only users who have met the minimum qualifying trading volume threshold will be displayed on the leaderboard along with their trading volume. Don’t miss out on this opportunity and share in the rewards now! To view more promotions for new listings on Binance, stay tuned to this page for the latest updates and exclusive opportunities. Guides & Related Materials: How to Spot Trade (App / Web) Terms & Conditions: These terms and conditions (“Activity Terms”) govern users’ participation in the activity above (“Activity”). By participating in this Activity, users agree to these Activity Terms, and the following additional terms: (a) Binance Terms and Conditions for Prize Promotions; (b) Binance Terms of Use; and (c) Binance Privacy Notice; all of which are incorporated by reference into these terms and conditions. In the case of any inconsistency or conflict between these Activity Terms, and any other incorporated terms, the provisions of these Activity Terms shall prevail, followed by the following in this order of precedence, and to the extent of such conflict: (a) Binance Terms and Conditions for Prize Promotions; (b) Binance Terms of Use; and (c) Binance Privacy Notice.Only verified users who complete the aforementioned criteria for the tournament by the end of the Promotion Period may receive rewards.This Trading Volume Tournament is available to verified new, regular and VIP users enabled for Binance Spot Trading, subject to product (and where relevant, deposit methods’) availability in users’ regions, and may be restricted in certain jurisdictions or regions, or to certain users, due to legal and regulatory requirements.Reward Distribution:All token voucher rewards will be distributed to eligible, winning users by 2026-08-03.Users will be able to login and redeem their token voucher rewards via Profile > Rewards Hub. All token voucher rewards will expire within 21 days after distribution. Winning users should claim their vouchers before the expiration date, and no replacement reward will be provided. Learn how to redeem a Binance voucher.Please note that the actual value of rewards received by a user is subject to change due to market fluctuation.Token voucher rewards are subject to additional terms and conditions.Rewards are not negotiable nor transferable.Once the available rewards have been allocated to users, no further rewards will be provided notwithstanding that an eligible user may have completed the missions.A user’s trading volume in this Trading Volume Tournament will be calculated after the user has opted-in and will be based on the trading volume (i) in their master and sub-accounts, and (ii) on all Spot products, including Spot Trading, Spot Copy Trading and Trading Bots. API trades are allowed. Binance’s calculation of a user’s trading volume is final.Binance reserves the right to disqualify a user’s reward eligibility if the account is involved in any dishonest behavior (e.g., wash trading, illegally bulk account registrations/logins, self dealing, or market manipulation). Binance further reserves the right to disqualify any participants who tamper with Binance program code, or interfere with the operation of Binance program code with other software. Rewards that have already been disqualified will not be returned to the prize pool.Binance reserves the right at any time in its sole and absolute discretion to determine and/or amend or vary these terms and conditions without prior notice, including but not limited to canceling, extending, terminating, or suspending these activities, the eligibility terms and criteria, the selection and number of reward recipients, and the timing of any act to be done, and all participants shall be bound by these amendments.The commencement and operation of the campaign (including the commencement of the Promotion Period) are subject to the successful listing of the relevant token on Binance Spot. If the listing is postponed or cancelled for any reason, the campaign (including the Promotion Period and reward distribution) may be delayed, amended or withdrawn at Binance’s discretion. Binance will not be liable for any loss or inconvenience caused by such changes.There may be discrepancies between this original content in English and any translated versions. Please refer to the original English version for the most accurate information, in case any discrepancies arise. Thank you for your support! Binance Team 2026-07-14 Disclaimer: USDC is an e-money token issued by Circle Internet Financial Europe SAS (https://www.circle.com/). USDC’s whitepaper is available here. You may contact Circle using the following contact information: +33(1)59000130 and [email protected]. Holders of USDC have a legal claim against Circle SAS as the EU issuer of USDC. These holders are entitled to request redemption of their USDC from Circle SAS. Such redemption will be made at any time and at par value.

BNB marked its ninth anniversary since launching on July 14, 2017, evolving from an Ethereum-based utility token into a key asset driving one of the crypto industry’s largest blockchain networks.

Progression from utility token to core network assetWhen BNB debuted in 2017, it entered the market as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum, priced at $0.15 with a total supply of 200 million. It initially functioned primarily to reduce trading fees and facilitate activities on the then-emerging Binance exchange, now one of the world’s largest digital asset platforms.

In 2019, BNB transitioned to its own proprietary blockchain, becoming a native asset. This migration allowed BNB to serve as the backbone for its own network infrastructure and opened the door for new on-chain use cases beyond its original exchange utility.

BNB Chain acknowledged that BNB entered the industry as a utility token for a new exchange, and has since become central to one of the most active decentralized ecosystems in crypto after nine years of development.

With the launch of Binance Smart Chain in 2020, the network gained compatibility with Ethereum-based smart contracts, allowing developers to build decentralized applications while using BNB for transaction fees and network operations. This move positioned the chain as an emerging hub for decentralized finance (DeFi) and gaming projects.

DeFi expansion and technology upgradesBNB Chain gained significant traction during the 2021 DeFi boom, with its on-chain activity pushing BNB’s price to $690 at its peak. The surge in applications and trading volume established the network as one of the more active blockchains alongside giants like Ethereum.

A major rebranding came in 2022 when Binance Smart Chain became BNB Chain, with BNB reimagined as “Build N Build.” This shift emphasized the chain’s focus on supporting developers and network expansion.

In 2023, the ecosystem incorporated the opBNB scaling solution, designed to increase transaction throughput, and BNB Greenfield, which delivered decentralized storage capabilities. These upgrades reflected the network’s strategy to expand beyond simple financial transactions.

Mini dictionary: opBNB, a Layer 2 scaling solution for BNB Chain, is designed to handle more transactions per second and lower network fees by processing transactions off-chain before settling them on the main BNB blockchain.

Token burns, block speed, and 2026 roadmapEfforts to streamline BNB Chain continued with the 2024 Beacon Chain fusion, which unified staking and governance functions under one chain for improved user and developer experience.

By 2025, BNB Chain had reduced block times to 0.75 seconds through upgrades named Pascal, Lorentz, and Maxwell. That year also saw BNB reach a new all-time high of $1,370, and the network logged a new record for decentralized exchange (DEX) trading volumes.

YearBlock TimeBNB Price HighTotal BNB Burned20240.75 secondsNot specifiedNot specified20250.75 seconds$1,370Not specified20260.45 secondsNot specified65 millionCumulatively, more than 65 million BNB tokens have been burned out of the original 200 million. The burn mechanism aims to reduce the total supply to 100 million, a process intended to increase scarcity and potentially add value to the remaining tokens.

Currently, BNB Chain processes blocks in 450 milliseconds and achieves a final settlement time of 650 milliseconds—double the efficiency compared to early 2026 figures. The 2026 second-half roadmap outlines plans to double mainnet throughput and introduce a Layer 1 solution capable of processing more than 100,000 transactions per second (TPS).

The updated roadmap sets out to improve speed and throughput, targeting a Layer 1 network with over 100,000 TPS and even faster finality for transaction settlement.

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.

Key Highlights Goldman Sachs reported Q2 earnings per share of $20.98, demolishing analyst consensus of $14.38 by $6.60 Total revenue reached $20.34 billion, climbing 39% year-over-year and exceeding the $16.12 billion forecast Equities division revenue exploded 72% to $7.42 billion; investment banking revenue climbed 55% to $3.40 billion Shares of GS advanced 1.2% in response to the earnings announcement The bank increased its quarterly dividend payment to $5.00 from $4.50 per share Goldman Sachs reported exceptional second-quarter performance, sending shares up 1.2% after announcing earnings of $20.98 per share — significantly surpassing analyst predictions by almost $7.

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., GS

Overall revenue reached $20.34 billion, representing a 39% increase from the $14.64 billion recorded in Q2 2025, substantially exceeding analyst projections of $16.12 billion.

Net income for the quarter totaled $6.63 billion, up significantly from $3.72 billion during the same period last year.

GOLDMAN SACHS $GS Q2’26 EARNINGS HIGHLIGHTS

🔹 Net Revenue: $20.34B (Est. $16.35B) 🟢; +39% YoY
🔹 EPS: $20.98 (Est. $14.45) 🟢; +92% YoY
🔹 Global Banking & Markets: $15.52B (Est. $11.8B) 🟢; +53% YoY
🔹 Equities S&T: $7.42B (Est. $5.02B) 🟢; +72% YoY
🔹 FICC: $4.59B (Est.… pic.twitter.com/WX8bqXLVtL

— Wall St Engine (@wallstengine) July 14, 2026

The Global Banking & Markets segment powered results, producing $15.52 billion in net revenues — a 53% year-over-year increase.

The equities business proved to be the standout performer. Revenue skyrocketed 72% to $7.42 billion, propelled by heightened market volatility stemming from Middle East tensions, which triggered substantial portfolio repositioning by institutional investors.

Fixed Income, Currency and Commodities revenue increased 32% to $4.59 billion, similarly benefiting from market uncertainty surrounding crude oil pricing and Federal Reserve policy trajectory.

SpaceX’s highly anticipated public offering late in the quarter further boosted trading activity. Goldman served as a primary underwriter for the transaction.

Investment Banking Delivers Across All Segments Investment banking revenue surged 55% to $3.40 billion, with strength evident in equity underwriting, debt capital markets, and advisory services.

Global mergers and acquisitions activity reached unprecedented levels during the first half of 2026, according to LSEG statistics, propelled by numerous mega-transactions exceeding $10 billion. Goldman provided advisory services on over $1 trillion in announced M&A activity — an unprecedented achievement for any investment bank.

Chief Executive David Solomon attributed the performance to client appetite for transformative deals: “Clients are turning to us to lead their most strategic and consequential transactions.”

The investment banking pipeline expanded compared to both Q1 2026 and year-end 2025 levels.

Corporate transaction activity maintained momentum despite geopolitical headwinds, partially fueled by organizations investing in artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Asset Management Performance and Expense Trends Asset & Wealth Management revenue increased 20% to $4.60 billion, supported by elevated management fees and positive private equity performance.

Platform Solutions revenue plummeted 64% to $221 million, primarily reflecting valuation adjustments on the Apple Card lending portfolio reclassified as held-for-sale during Q4 2025.

Total operating expenses rose 26% to $11.67 billion, primarily attributable to increased compensation tied to exceptional financial results.

The company’s annualized return on equity reached 23.5% for the quarter.

Goldman’s private credit vehicle disclosed that second-quarter redemption requests remained below the 5% threshold, information it had previously highlighted earlier this month.

The bank also announced a dividend increase to $5.00 per share from $4.50, scheduled for payment on September 29 to shareholders of record as of September 1.

Investors in Imperial Oil Limited (IMO - Free Report) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Aug 21, 2026 $45 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.

What is Implied Volatility?Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.

What do the Analysts Think?Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Imperial Oil shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Imperial Oil is a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) in the Oil and Gas - Integrated – Canadian industry that ranks in the Top 9% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 30 days, one analyst has increased the earnings estimate for the current quarter, while none have revised their estimates downward. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from $3.61 per share to $3.76 in that period.

Given the way analysts feel about Imperial Oil right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.

The space sector just had the wind knocked out of it. Over the past month, shares of Rocket Lab (RKLB +3.85%) tumbled roughly 24%, while Intuitive Machines (LUNR +0.00%) fell a stomach-churning 40.5%. The irony is that neither drop had much to do with the companies themselves.

So the question for opportunistic investors is a fair one: After that kind of pullback, which of these two is the better buy today?

Image source: Getty Images.

Why did both stocks fall so hard? The main culprit is what traders have dubbed the "SpaceX Effect." When Space Exploration Technologies (SPCX 0.33%) went public last month in a blockbuster listing, investors sold other space names to free up cash for the shiny new giant, and the whole group dropped in unison. Rising interest rates added to the pain, because both of these companies are long-duration bets whose profits sit years in the future -- exactly the kind of stock that gets marked down when money gets more expensive. In other words, the sell-off was largely about sentiment and rotation, not a sudden crack in either business.

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Rocket Lab: The diversified operator Rocket Lab is the more established of the two, and I think that matters. It already earns real revenue launching small satellites on its Electron rocket, and it runs a growing Space Systems arm that builds satellites and components for other customers -- a second engine that keeps money coming in between launches. The big catalyst ahead is Neutron, a larger rocket meant to compete for heftier payloads; the company is targeting a first flight late this year and has already lined up a multilaunch deal with a customer. Its backlog has swelled, which gives some visibility into future work.

The caveat is that Neutron has slipped before, and new rockets are notoriously hard to get flying on schedule. Rocket Lab also isn't consistently profitable yet, so patience is required.

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Intuitive Machines: The lunar pure play Intuitive Machines is the narrower, more speculative bet. Its business is built around the moon -- landing spacecraft on the lunar surface and providing services for NASA's return there. It has developed a meaningful pipeline, including a sizable NASA lunar mission award, a lunar terrain vehicle contract, and near-space communications work, and it bulked up its backlog through an acquisition earlier this year.

But that focus cuts both ways. Intuitive Machines leans heavily on NASA contracts, which makes it vulnerable to shifting government budgets and priorities, and lunar landings are unforgiving -- the company knows firsthand how easily a mission can go sideways. That concentration and risk are big reasons its stock fell the hardest of the two.

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For most investors, I'd lean toward Rocket Lab. It offers something closer to a real, diversified space business -- two revenue streams, a clear next catalyst in Neutron, and a growing backlog -- rather than a single-thread bet on one hard problem. After a 28% haircut, you're paying less for a company that is arguably further along the path to standing on its own.

That said, Intuitive Machines is the higher-torque option. If your goal is maximum upside and you can stomach real volatility, a drawdown on a company with a genuine lunar franchise could rebound sharply if its missions land and NASA funding holds. It's the riskier ticket, but potentially the bigger payoff.

Both of these stocks are cheaper than they were a month ago, largely because of a rotation into SpaceX, not because their prospects collapsed -- and that's precisely the kind of dislocation that can create opportunity. My honest read is that Rocket Lab is the sturdier choice for a long-term investor, while Intuitive Machines suits those who want a swing-for-the-fences lunar bet. Either way, treat these as small, speculative positions in an industry where the timelines are long and the setbacks, as this month showed, can be abrupt.

[url="]The Hackett Group, Inc.[/url] (NASDAQ: HCKT), an ROI-led AI transformation firm, today released new research examining how artificial intelligence (AI)

17h05 ▪ 7 min read ▪ by Ghiles A.

Summarize this article with:

The digital asset ecosystem continues to evolve despite a still hesitant altcoin market. In this context, Chainlink reports a significant increase in its adoption with an unprecedented number of Ethereum wallets holding LINK tokens. This dynamic contrasts with more cautious activity in the derivatives markets, where sellers maintain the advantage. While long-term investors continue their accumulations, market indicators draw a fragile balance between fundamental confidence and expectations of a more marked movement.

In brief Chainlink surpasses for the first time 900,000 non-empty Ethereum wallets holding LINK. The network gained more than 20,000 new holders in one month, despite a still fragile altcoin market. Long-term investors continue their accumulations, while derivatives traders remain mostly sellers. LINK trades around $8.16 and faces a significant technical resistance located at $8.18. Liquidity zones between $8.00 and $8.30, as well as the $7.75 support, could guide the market’s next move. hainlink Passes the Historic Milestone of 900,000 Holders Chainlink has just reached an unprecedented high by crossing the threshold of 900,000 non-empty Ethereum wallets holding LINK, a level never seen before. According to Sentiment Intelligence data, the network welcomed over 20,000 new holders during the last month. This increase comes however in an environment where the entire altcoin market remains under pressure.

This evolution highlights a steady accumulation rather than a resurgence of speculative buys. Investors continued to acquire tokens while prices remained well below previous peaks. This behavior reflects lasting confidence in the project despite a period of market uncertainty.

At the same time, the expansion of the user base strengthens Chainlink’s role in several major blockchain ecosystem sectors. The protocol maintains a central position for infrastructures related to decentralized finance, tokenized assets, and cross-chain exchanges. Even though this adoption has not triggered an immediate price increase, it consolidates the network’s fundamentals in the long term.

Investors Accumulate While Derivatives Markets Remain Cautious Despite this record adoption, leveraged markets show a very different read. Derivatives traders continue to take a cautious approach, which currently limits the impact of this growth on Chainlink’s price.

The CVD (Cumulative Volume Delta) of futures takers over 90 days remains dominated by sellers as shown by the CryptoQuant chart data below. Aggressive sell orders still exceed market buys. This configuration illustrates a marked gap between investors building long positions and operators focused on short-term moves.

The CVD (Cumulative Volume Delta) of Chainlink futures reveals persistent seller dominance in recent weeks. Despite the accumulation observed among LINK holders, leveraged traders remain cautious, currently limiting upward price potential. Source: CryptoQuant.
Holders continue their purchases while leveraged players seem to await further confirmations before increasing their exposure. This caution suggests that a consolidation phase remains possible before a potential market acceleration.

Meanwhile, selling pressure has not prevented the number of holders from continuing to increase. This development shows that Chainlink’s adoption follows a trajectory independent of the fluctuations seen in derivatives markets. As long as buyers do not regain control of order flows, the progression potential of LINK could, however, remain limited.

LINK Rebounds on Its Support but Remains Blocked Under Major Resistance At the time of writing, the LINK price oscillates around $8.16 after a rebound on a major technical support, reflecting gradual improvement in momentum. Despite this recovery, the price faces significant resistance that must be overcome to confirm a stronger rebound.

Here are the key technical levels explaining the token’s current evolution:

The $7.00 support allowed the price to stop its decline and begin a recovery. The resistance at $8.18 is the main obstacle to continuing the rise. Breaking this resistance could open the way to $9.00, an important psychological threshold. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) reaches 52.51, signaling a gradual return of buying pressure. The RSI moving average stands at 50.44, confirming a progressively improving momentum. Technical indicators thus show that buyers are gradually taking control. After the oversold conditions observed in June, the market finds better balance without entering an overbought situation.

Price structure also confirms this evolution. Since its rebound, LINK records higher lows, reflecting progressively stronger demand. Buyers are therefore taking the initiative, but without a sharp move.

Breaking the resistance would be an important technical signal to confirm the recovery. Conversely, a new failure below this level would prolong the consolidation phase observed for several sessions.

Liquidity Zones Could Guide the Next Market Move The Binance liquidation heatmap data below highlight several levels likely to influence the market’s next move. Several significant liquidity concentrations appear above the current price, notably between $8.00 and $8.30, extending up to $8.31.

The CoinGlass heatmap highlights significant liquidity zones around $8.00 and $7.75, which could guide LINK’s next move. Source: CoinGlass.

These levels often attract price movements as many leveraged positions become vulnerable in these areas. When liquidations trigger, they can accelerate volatility and amplify ongoing movements.

Below the market, another liquidity concentration lies around $7.75. This zone could play an important role if sellers regain the advantage. LINK currently trades between these two poles, reflecting a temporary balance between buying and selling forces.

Operators generally watch these levels closely, as prices tend to converge towards the zones with the most liquidity. A sustained break above $8.00 could trigger short-position liquidations and boost buying. Conversely, a break below $7.75 would open the way to a new bearish pressure phase for Chainlink.

The continuous rise in holders remains a fundamental positive for Chainlink, even if derivatives markets stay cautious. The coming days’ evolution will mainly depend on buyers’ ability to break the $8.18 resistance while absorbing selling pressure. If this balance shifts in favor of demand, the token’s adoption momentum observed in recent weeks might gradually be reflected in LINK’s price evolution.

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Ghiles A.

Journaliste et rédacteur web passionné par l’univers des cryptomonnaies et des technologies Web3. J’y traite les dernières tendances et actualités afin de proposer un contenu de haute qualité à un large public du secteur.

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.

Circle Internet Group Inc. (NYSE:CRCL) President Heath Tarbert called the company’s newly approved national trust bank a "historic" milestone for the company and the U.S. crypto industry.

The newly launched Circle National Trust Bank will not accept consumer deposits or issue loans.

Instead, it will initially oversee USDC reserves and provide digital asset custody services, with plans to eventually expand custody offerings beyond Circle’s affiliated entities.

Tarbert said the move places Circle under the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s regulatory framework, which he described as the “gold standard” for financial regulation.

Circle shares closed 4.8% lower on Monday and are down another 2.3% in premarket trading at the time of writing.

CLARITY Act "More Than Regulation"Tarbert said USDC remains the largest regulated stablecoin, accounting for roughly 70% of regulated dollar stablecoin transaction volume and operating across 34 blockchain networks with about $73 billion in circulation.

He argued that the recently enacted GENIUS Act provides the legal foundation for stablecoins to become a core part of the U.S. financial system, enabling faster, lower-cost payments, treasury management and financial settlement.

Tarbert also urged lawmakers to pass the CLARITY Act, saying legal certainty is essential for banks and financial institutions looking to enter the digital asset sector.

"It’s more than just financial regulation," he said. "It’s an upgrade of the U.S. payment system and allows the U.S. to lead the next generation of the internet, the internet of value."

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Source: Binance EN

This is a general announcement. Products and services referred to here may not be available in your region. Terms and conditions apply. Fellow Binancians, The Pharos R25 Axil USDC Campaign will be accessible via Binance Wallet DeFi. During the Activity Period, eligible users who subscribe USDC to the Axil Prime 3M USDC Vault, a 3-month lock-up USDC vault, via Binance Wallet DeFi, will share a total of $300,000 in PROS rewards. Binance Wallet DeFi R25 Axil Campaign Details Promotion Details Activity Period: 2026-07-15 00:00:00 to 2026-07-19 15:59:59 (UTC)Total Rewards: $300,000 in PROSReward Release Schedule: Rewards will be distributed on Pharos chain to eligible users’ Binance Wallets within 4 weeks after the Activity Period ends. Binance will use the 7-day average price of PROS before the campaign end date for reward distribution.Participant Eligibility: Participation is open to all Binance Wallet (Keyless) users.For more information, please follow the campaign page and Binance Wallet X account for updates. Reward Structure: Pool TypePoolExpected APYTotal Reward AmountMin. Subscription per UserMax. Vault capFixed-TermR25 Axil Prime 3M USDC Vault(3-month lock up)13%$300,000 in PROS100 USDC70,000,000 USDC Explore More Note: R25 Axil Prime 3M USDC Vault is a fixed 3-month lock-up vault. Users can submit and cancel redemption requests during the withdrawal window (2026-07-20 07:00 ~ 2026-10-16 07:00 UTC). After that, the vault will auto-renew to the next 3-month lock-up cycle.Redemption requests will be processed up to 20 days after the 3-month lock-up period ends. The assets will be automatically returned to your wallet on Pharos Chain once the redemption is complete. No claim action is required.Only users who subscribe through Binance Wallet DeFi R25 Axil Prime 3M USDC Vault are eligible for the campaign rewards. Users who purchase APC3M tokens on the secondary market or deposit through the project’s dApp directly will not be eligible for campaign rewards. How to Participate: Update your Binance App to the latest version and make sure you have backed up your Binance Wallet (Keyless).Bridge PROS (for gas fees) and USDC to Pharos Chain via Binance Wallet Bridge.Log in to your Binance Wallet, go to [DeFi] > [Protocol] > [R25], and visit the Axil Prime 3M USDC vault.Subscribe at least 100 USDC to the R25 Axil Prime 3M USDC vault to share $300,000 in PROS rewards. About Binance Wallet DeFi: Binance Wallet DeFi is an all-in-one on-chain yield product that aggregates DeFi protocols across lending, liquid staking, restaking, loan and liquidity provision. With the DeFi function, users can now earn and borrow on stablecoins, BTC, ETH, BNB, SOL and other popular assets seamlessly with users’ Wallet without switching between external dApps. To learn more, please visit What is Binance Wallet DeFi and How Does it Work. About R25: The on-chain vault infrastructure for the next generation of finance. A platform where diverse strategies meet cutting-edge blockchain technologies, giving everyone access to on-chain yield curated by experts. R25’s WebsiteR25’s X Note: There may be discrepancies between this original content in English and any translated versions. Please refer to the original English version for the most accurate information, in case any discrepancies arise. Thank you for your support! Binance Team 2026-07-14 USDC is an e-money token issued by Circle Internet Financial Europe SAS (https://www.circle.com/). USDC’s whitepaper is available here. You may contact Circle using the following contact information: +33(1)59000130 and [email protected]. Holders of USDC have a legal claim against Circle SAS as the EU issuer of USDC. These holders are entitled to request redemption of their USDC from Circle SAS. Such redemption will be made at any time and at par value. Trade on-the-go with Binance’s crypto trading app (iOS/Android) Find us on TelegramXFacebookInstagram Binance reserves the right in its sole discretion to amend or cancel this announcement at any time and for any reasons without prior notice. Disclaimer: The Binance Wallet Services are offered by Binance Barbados Limited, and involve the provision of unregulated, third-party services, which are not supervised by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, or any other regulatory authority. Binance Wallet is not responsible for your access or use of third-party applications (including functionality embedded within the Binance Wallet) and shall have no liability whatsoever in connection with your use of such third-party applications, including, without limitation, any transactions you dispute. You should only invest in products you are familiar with and where you understand the risks. You should carefully consider your investment experience, financial situation, investment objectives and risk tolerance and consult an independent financial adviser prior to making any investment. This material should not be construed as financial advice. Please carefully review the Terms of Use and Risk Warning and always do your own research. Digital asset prices are subject to high market risk and price volatility. The value of your investment may go down or up, and you may not get back the amount invested. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and Binance is not liable for any losses you may incur. Past performance is not a reliable predictor of future performance. APR is an estimate of rewards you will earn in cryptocurrency over the selected timeframe. It does not display the actual or predicted returns/yield in any fiat currency. APR is adjusted daily and the estimated rewards may differ from the actual rewards generated. This material should not be construed as financial advice. For more information, see our Terms of Use and Risk Warning.

Japan’s premier global card network JCB has partnered with leading crypto firm Circle under a memorandum of understanding to explore stablecoin applications across cross-border payments and retail transactions, according to a recent press release.

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The companies will assess the use of Circle’s USDC and payment infrastructure for JCB’s internal fund transfers, while also examining stablecoin payment options for merchants and overseas visitors in Japan.

The agreement expands JCB’s ongoing push into stablecoin payments after launching a separate initiative with Digital Garage and Resona Holdings earlier this year.

Through these collaborations, JCB aims to enhance payment efficiency, reduce cross-border settlement costs, and support the broader adoption of stablecoin payment infrastructure.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

JPMorgan has lowered its earnings forecasts for Circle and Coinbase, warning that a new revenue sharing agreement with Hyperliquid is weakening the economics behind USDC.

The bank said the arrangement creates a “prisoner’s dilemma” that encourages Circle and Coinbase to compete for USDC distribution at the expense of their own revenue. JPMorgan described the deal as an immediate earnings headwind for both companies and a larger long term threat to Circle.

Hyperliquid holds roughly $6 billion in USDC, representing about 8% of the stablecoin’s circulating supply, according to estimates from JPMorgan.

Under the revised agreement, Coinbase classifies USDC held on Hyperliquid as an on platform balance. Coinbase collects the income generated by the reserves backing those tokens and passes 90% of it to Hyperliquid. The company previously shared nearly all of that income evenly with Circle, JPMorgan said.

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“We think the change in the Hyperliquid relationship showcases the challenge for Circle and Coinbase partnership agreements,” analysts led by Kenneth Worthington wrote in a Tuesday report.

The agreement was announced in May as part of Hyperliquid’s updated Aligned Quote Asset framework. Coinbase became the treasury deployer for USDC on the network, while Circle remained responsible for minting, redemptions and crosschain transfer infrastructure.

Circle also staked 500,000 HYPE tokens as part of the arrangement. USDC remains the main collateral asset across Hyperliquid’s spot and perpetual futures markets.

Hyperliquid processed more than $150 billion in trading volume during July, while its volume relative to Binance reached 11.5%, according to JPMorgan. The bank said the platform’s growing share of the crypto derivatives market has made it an increasingly important distribution channel for USDC.

Previous estimates from Compass Point suggested the agreement could redirect between $135 million and $160 million in annual reserve income toward Hyperliquid. The firm estimated that the arrangement could reduce the combined annual earnings of Circle and Coinbase by between $60 million and $80 million.

JPMorgan also cited weaker crypto trading volumes and asset prices in cutting its forecasts for both companies. Higher interest rates could provide some support for USDC reserve income over the longer term.

USDC circulation has fallen to approximately $73 billion from nearly $80 billion in March. The broader stablecoin market has contracted by about $10 billion since May as crypto trading activity weakened and competition from regulated stablecoin issuers increased.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

@Circle has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with JCB, Japan's largest card network, to explore using $USDC for cross-border payments and merchant transactions. The announcement, made on July 14, 2026, marks one of the most significant moves yet to bring regulated stablecoin infrastructure into a mainstream Asian payments network.

What the Partnership Covers The deal has two core areas of focus. First, the companies will launch a proof of concept leveraging $USDC to streamline JCB's internal fund transfers, with the broader goal of lowering remittance costs and improving cross-border transaction efficiency. Second, the companies will explore in-store stablecoin payment experiences for merchants and international visitors to Japan, while evaluating technologies that support interoperability and seamless payment experiences across multiple blockchain networks.

JCB, which has 140 million users and 40 million merchants worldwide, and Circle will explore how stablecoins can enhance cross-border treasury operations and payments. The scale of JCB's network means even a limited rollout would represent a material expansion of $USDC's real-world utility.

It is worth noting the current scope of the agreement. The partnership does not immediately mean that consumers will begin using $USDC through JCB cards or payment services. Instead, the initial stage focuses on research, testing, and evaluating possible use cases.

Part of a Broader Push in Japan The JCB deal is not Circle's only move in Japan. Circle has said it would partner with Nomura to develop a $USDC-based foreign exchange settlement service for Japanese businesses as early as 2027. Meanwhile, the initiative comes amid a broader push for stablecoin adoption in Japan, including pilots such as Lawson convenience stores testing yen-denominated stablecoin payments starting in August.

JCB itself has been building toward this moment. In January 2026, the credit card issuer partnered with Digital Garage and Resona Holdings to pilot real-world stablecoin applications within Japanese brick-and-mortar stores. The Circle MOU adds a globally recognised stablecoin issuer to that existing framework, broadening the scope of what JCB can offer merchants and international cardholders.

Under this MOU, JCB and Circle will explore collaboration opportunities that combine Circle's stablecoin payment infrastructure with JCB's global merchant network to advance cross-border payments and develop new payment experiences for merchants and customers.

Sources:
CoinDesk: Circle Signs MOU with Japan's Largest Card Network to Explore Stablecoin Payments
Finextra: JCB Signs Stablecoin MOU with Circle
ACN Newswire: JCB Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Circle (Official Press Release)

The two largest retail-facing trading platforms in the US are now competing for your idle stablecoins, and they’ve both picked the same DeFi protocol to do it. Coinbase and Robinhood have each built yield products on top of Morpho, the decentralized lending infrastructure that has quietly amassed over $11B in total value locked.

Two platforms, two philosophies Coinbase launched its onchain USDC lending product via Morpho back on September 18, 2025. The yields are variable, meaning they fluctuate with supply and demand in the lending markets, and the platform has advertised rates reaching as high as 10.8%.

On top of the base lending rate, Coinbase participants can earn MORPHO token rewards. These are claimable periodically, with Coinbase One subscribers reportedly getting enhanced access.

Coinbase has also introduced two risk-tiered vault options curated by Steakhouse Financial: “Prime” and “Higher Yield.” The Prime vault carries lower risk and lower returns, while Higher Yield does what the name suggests, with commensurately more exposure.

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Robinhood took a different path entirely. Its “Robinhood Earn” product started rolling out around July 1, 2026, and it targets an estimated 7% APY on USDG, its own stablecoin. Rather than letting rates float, Robinhood is fixing the yield for a year.

The Robinhood vault operates on the Robinhood Chain and is backed by insurance from Lloyd’s of London.

Why Morpho is the quiet winner Neither platform built its own lending protocol from scratch. Both chose Morpho, which functions as permissionless lending infrastructure that lets anyone create isolated lending markets, or “vaults,” with customizable risk parameters.

Neither platform requires lockup periods. Users can deposit and withdraw based on vault liquidity, with interest accruing instantly.

What this means for investors Coinbase’s variable model rewards active participants who understand DeFi mechanics and are comfortable with rate fluctuations. When lending demand is high, you could earn well above 7%. The MORPHO token rewards add upside, but tokens are inherently volatile.

Robinhood’s fixed 7% is designed for people who want to set it and forget it. The Lloyd’s insurance backing adds a layer of confidence that’s unusual in crypto yield products. But fixed rates carry their own risk for the platform: if market rates drop below 7%, Robinhood is subsidizing the difference. If rates spike well above 7%, users miss out on the upside.

Both Coinbase and Robinhood are publicly traded, SEC-reporting companies offering yield products built on decentralized infrastructure. The fact that regulators haven’t blocked these products, at least so far, suggests a growing tolerance for DeFi integrations when wrapped in compliant, insured, consumer-friendly packaging.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

https://www.circle.com/blog/circle-and-usdc-expansion-with-hyperliquid

JPMorgan has expressed concerns about the rapid expansion of HyperliquidX, indicating that its growth could undermine the economic model of Circle’s USDC stablecoin. According to a social media report by @DegenerateNews, HyperliquidX’s expanding market presence and significant holdings in USDC are capturing yield revenues typically associated with Circle. Hyperliquid, known for its decentralized perpetual exchange platform, has amassed over $5 billion in USDC and processed significant volumes, suggesting a shift in the stablecoin landscape. This development raises questions about the future competitive dynamics between HyperliquidX and USDC, particularly as Hyperliquid aligns yields with its protocol through mechanisms like HYPE buybacks.

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Key Takeaways JPMorgan’s statement suggests that HyperliquidX’s growth is seen as a threat to Circle’s USDC economic model. HyperliquidX’s substantial USDC holdings and activity indicate a shift in stablecoin yield dynamics. Market pricing suggests a potential increase in confidence in Hyperliquid, with odds for its price reaching $100 by year-end adjusting accordingly. What to Watch Watch for Hyperliquid’s continued expansion and its impact on USDC’s market dominance. Developments such as major partnerships, technological advancements, or changes in institutional investor behavior could influence market perceptions. Observers should watch for any strategic moves by Circle to counter Hyperliquid’s influence on the stablecoin ecosystem. Additionally, fluctuations in the Hyperliquid market price will provide further indications of how these dynamics are evolving.

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Term Structure

Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h December 31 31% — — View market → January 1 2027 5.7% — — View market → January 1 2027 4% — — View market → January 1 2027 66.5% — — View market → January 1 2027 9.2% — — View market → January 1 2027 4.5% — — View market →

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, today officially unveiled the Celestia Stage, a brand-new immersive destination at Tomorrowland Belgium 2026. More than a stage announcement, the launch marks a new chapter in the multi-year strategic partnership between KuCoin and Tomorrowland—bringing together two global brands united by a shared belief that the future is shaped through curiosity, trust and meaningful human connection.

As Tomorrowland’s Official Exclusive Crypto Exchange and Crypto Payments Partner, KuCoin’s collaboration extends far beyond traditional sponsorship. Rather than simply placing a brand within the festival, both partners set out to create an experience that reflects their common philosophy: inspiring people to explore the unknown with confidence, embrace transformation and build connections through shared experiences.

A Story That Begins with Trust

At Tomorrowland, every stage begins with a story.

Inspired by the legend of Celestia within the Tomorrowland universe, the new stage is imagined as a mythical guardian in the form of a celestial butterfly—a timeless symbol of transformation, growth and new beginnings. Guiding visitors not by instruction, but through curiosity and trust, Celestia invites the People of Tomorrow to discover new perspectives and embrace the future together.

That philosophy closely reflects KuCoin’s own vision.

Rather than positioning itself simply as a digital asset platform, KuCoin strives to become a trusted guide into the future of digital finance—making innovation more approachable, intuitive and human. The Celestia Stage therefore represents far more than a branded venue. It is a shared story where music, culture, technology and imagination come together to demonstrate that trust is the foundation upon which exploration, innovation and community are built.

Designed around the graceful form of a butterfly in flight, the stage blends organic landscapes, crystalline structures and flowing digital elements into a living environment where nature and technology exist in harmony. Throughout the festival, the story continues beyond the stage through the KuCoin Guardians, whose presence embodies guidance, curiosity and discovery across the Tomorrowland experience.

Two Communities, One Shared Vision

For nearly two decades, Tomorrowland has united millions of people from around the world through music, creativity and shared experiences.

KuCoin shares that same community-first philosophy. Today, the platform serves more than 40 million users across over 200 countries and regions, building trusted infrastructure that empowers people everywhere to participate confidently in the evolving digital economy.

Together, Tomorrowland and KuCoin believe that the future is not defined by technology alone, but by the communities who embrace it together. By bringing together culture, innovation and trust, the Celestia Stage creates a destination where people from every corner of the world can discover, connect and imagine what’s possible together.

“Tomorrowland has always inspired people to discover something beyond themselves through music, creativity and imagination,” said BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin. “That philosophy closely reflects our own vision. At KuCoin, we believe trust is what empowers people to embrace the future with confidence. Celestia is much more than a stage. It is a shared symbol of transformation, curiosity and connection. Together with Tomorrowland, we hope to create an experience where innovation feels approachable, communities feel connected, and every visitor is inspired to explore what comes next.”

The Journey Begins This Summer

Throughout Tomorrowland Belgium 2026, the Celestia Stage will come to life through a carefully curated electronic music program, immersive artistic experiences and interactive storytelling inspired by the legend of Celestia. Festival-goers will also encounter the KuCoin Guardians across the festival grounds, extending the spirit of guidance and discovery beyond the stage itself.

Additional details—including the full artist lineup, immersive stage experiences and exclusive community activations—will be unveiled in the coming weeks as Tomorrowland and KuCoin continue to bring the world of Celestia to life.

The story of Celestia is only beginning. Together, Tomorrowland and KuCoin invite the People of Tomorrow to discover the next chapter—guided by curiosity, united by shared experiences, and inspired by trust.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust and security, serving over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Known for its reliability and user-first approach, the platform combines advanced technology, deep liquidity, and strong security safeguards to deliver a seamless trading experience. KuCoin provides access to 1,500+ digital assets through a broad product suite and remains committed to building transparent, compliant, and user-centric digital asset infrastructure for the future of finance, backed by SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019 Certifications. In recent years, we have built a strong global compliance foundation, marked by key milestones including AUSTRAC registration in Australia, a MiCA license in Europe, and regulatory progress in other markets.

Learn more at www.kucoin.com.

About Tomorrowland

Founded 20 years ago by Belgian brothers Manu and Michiel Beers, Tomorrowland remains a family-owned business driven by a creative and passionate team. Over the years, Tomorrowland has evolved into a global entertainment brand.

The WEAREONE.world group consists of several business units, including Festival & Events, Music, Experiences, Leisure, Products and Fiction. Today, more than 350 team members create magic from the company’s headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium, as well as local offices in Brazil, France, Ibiza and Thailand.

Known for bringing people together through music, creativity and storytelling, Tomorrowland has become one of the world’s most recognized and influential festival brands, inspiring millions through unforgettable experiences and a shared vision of connection.

See latest Pound forecasts including against the euro, US dollar and Swiss Franc here.

The Pound to Swiss Franc exchange rate has climbed strongly in July, with GBP/CHF trading around 1.0830 after reaching a fresh 2026 high above 1.0880. The pair is up roughly 1.5% this year and almost 1.1% so far this month.

Bank of America believes the GBP/CHF uptrend has further to run, arguing that the pair remains one of the most attractive carry trades in the G10 currency market.

The bank’s quantitative signals have turned increasingly positive for Sterling, while a bullish continuation signal and constructive trend indicators reinforce the case for further gains.

According to BofA, “no major G10 cross offers higher vol-adjusted carry”, making GBP/CHF particularly attractive as currency-market volatility continues to decline through the summer.

Fundamentals also support the trade. The bank expects technology and AI-related merger and acquisition flows to provide near-term support for the Pound.

At the same time, the Swiss National Bank’s “increased willingness” to intervene in foreign exchange markets should restrict the Swiss Franc’s ability to appreciate materially.

Bank of America therefore continues to favour GBP/CHF upside, with positive carry, supportive capital flows and the SNB’s resistance to Franc strength all reinforcing the existing bullish trend.

Key Takeaways GE Vernova plans $11B in capex and R&D through 2028 as it scales investments for long-term growth. Its upgraded Noventa lab will test transformers and disconnectors for tougher, renewable-heavy grids. Italy investments include a $30M-plus Sesto expansion, with Noventa adding about 15 workers annually. GE Vernova (GEV - Free Report) is entering a phase of elevated investment, with plans to invest $11 billion in capex and research and development in the 2025-2028 timeframe. As part of this plan, the company recently announced the completion of the modernization of its high-voltage R&D laboratory at the Noventa di Piave site, near Venice, Italy. 

The project is part of a broader four-year investment of about $7.2 million to strengthen the site's role in developing technologies that make power grids more reliable, flexible and resilient. As electricity demand increases and more renewable energy is added to the grid, utilities need modern equipment that can operate under tougher conditions. The upgraded laboratory will enable GE Vernova to test critical equipment, such as transformers and disconnectors, before it is installed in power networks.

The investment adds to GE Vernova's ongoing spending across its electrification business in Italy, including the recently announced expansion of the manufacturing facility in Sesto San Giovanni, which is valued at more than $30 million. The Noventa di Piave facility is part of GE Vernova's Electrification segment. With more than 50 years of experience, it has become an important part of the company's operations in Italy.

The site currently employs more than 300 people and plans to hire about 15 additional employees annually in the coming years. The modernization project supports the facility's long-term growth, helps attract skilled workers and strengthens its contribution to the local economy.

Together, the Noventa di Piave and Sesto San Giovanni facilities form an important part of GE Vernova's operations in Italy. They provide manufacturing, research and testing capabilities that support the country's power infrastructure while serving customers in export markets worldwide. GE Vernova has supported Italy's power sector for more than 100 years. Today, its technology helps power about 25% of Italy's electricity generation capacity.

To conclude, GE Vernova's aggressive investment strategy reflects confidence. Going forward, we are likely to see higher capex spending. This also appears to mark a turning point as the company positions itself for growth, stronger margins and long-term value creation.

Taking a Look at the R&D Plans of CompetitorsEmerson Electric (EMR - Free Report) continues to increase investments in research and development to strengthen its automation, software and intelligent industrial technologies portfolio. Following the acquisitions of National Instruments and AspenTech, the company is focusing its R&D efforts on AI-enabled automation, industrial software, machine vision, test and measurement systems, digital twins and advanced process control.

These technologies are designed to help manufacturers improve productivity, optimize energy use and accelerate digital transformation across industries such as power generation, chemicals, life sciences and semiconductors. Emerson spent $771 million on R&D in fiscal 2025, reflecting its continued commitment to product innovation.

Emerson plans to deepen the integration of hardware, software and industrial AI across its automation platform. The company is expanding research into autonomous operations, edge computing, predictive maintenance, cybersecurity and cloud-based industrial software.

Eaton Corporation  (ETN - Free Report) continues to prioritize research and development as demand grows for electrification, grid modernization and intelligent power management. The company's innovation strategy focuses on next-generation switchgear, circuit protection, transformers, digital substations, power distribution equipment and energy storage integration.

ETN is also investing in software, power electronics and intelligent electrical systems that help utilities and commercial customers improve grid reliability while supporting renewable energy, electric vehicles and AI-driven data centers. Eaton's long-term investment strategy is centered on the structural growth opportunities created by electrification and digitalization.

ETN's R&D pipeline increasingly targets connected and software-enabled electrical infrastructure. The company is expanding development of digital monitoring platforms, predictive maintenance tools, microgrid technologies and energy management solutions that improve efficiency and resilience across power networks.

GEV Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of GE Vernova have surged in double digits (% wise) so far this year, easily surpassing the Zacks Alternate Energy – Other industry’s growth.

YTD Price Comparison

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GE Vernova trades at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 5.74, above the industry’s reading.

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See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for GEV’s earnings has been revised over the past 30 days.

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GEV’s Zacks RankGEV currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.