Market Signal Briefing

By PYMNTS  |  February 9, 2026

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Grocery giant Kroger named former Walmart executive Greg Foran as its new CEO.

Foran took the job Monday (Feb. 9) and succeeds Ron Sargent, who had been acting as the company’s interim CEO since March, Kroger said in a Monday news release.

“Greg is a highly respected operator who knows how to run large-scale retail businesses, strengthen store execution and lead high-performing teams,” Sargent said in the release. “His leadership style, focus on the customer, commitment to associates, and disciplined approach to execution are the perfect fit for Kroger. The board is confident Greg is the right leader to guide Kroger into its next chapter.”

Foran served as CEO of Walmart U.S. from 2014 to 2019, overseeing the business’s turnaround and leading a digital overhaul that included the introduction of online ordering and pickup, according to the release. Most recently, he was the CEO of Air New Zealand.

“Kroger is one of the most dynamic companies in retail,” Foran said in the release. “The company is built on a strong foundation, supported by a talented leadership team and caring associates who are dedicated to the customers and communities they serve. At this moment in Kroger’s journey, I can honestly say this is the best job on the planet.”

Foran’s hiring was reported Sunday (Feb. 8) by The Wall Street Journal, which said his appointment followed the arrival of new chief executives for two other major retailers, Walmart and Target.

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The report also pointed out that the new CEO is arriving as Kroger seeks ways to boost its brick-and-mortar footprint following the collapse of a $20 billion deal for rival Albertsons in 2024, and is working to deal with food inflation.

As PYMNTS wrote last month, grocery buying has emerged as one of the most obvious points where financial pressure is transforming consumer behavior.

“While grocery prices are often used as shorthand for inflation, grocery baskets themselves have not changed dramatically in size or composition,” the report said. “Instead, PYMNTS Intelligence finds that financial stress is creating a bifurcation in grocery shopping behavior, particularly in the shift toward online channels.”

Consumers experiencing high financial stress were 6 percentage points more likely to buy groceries online than lower-stress shoppers. The pattern did not indicate a general surge in online shopping, but a targeted shift toward grocery purchases that provide greater visibility into prices, discounts and budgets.

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The Food and Drug Administration said a television advertisement for Novo Nordisk's weight loss pill is "false or misleading", according to a letter dated February 5.

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FRISCO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Addus HomeCare Corporation (Nasdaq: ADUS), a provider of home care services, announced today that it will release earnings for the fourth quarter and year-ended December 31, 2025, on Monday, February 23, 2026, after the market close.

Addus HomeCare will host a conference call on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Joining the call from the Company will be Dirk Allison, Chairman and CEO, Brian Poff, Executive Vice President and CFO, and Heather Dixon, President and COO. To access the live call, dial (833) 629-0620 (international dial-in number is (412) 317-1805) and ask to join the Addus HomeCare earnings call. A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available through midnight on March 3, 2026, by dialing (855) 669-9658 (international dial-in number is (412) 317-0088) and entering pass code 4057470.

A live broadcast of Addus HomeCare’s conference call will be available under the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website: www.addus.com. An online replay will also be available on the Company’s website for one month, beginning approximately two hours following the conclusion of the live broadcast.

About Addus HomeCare

Addus HomeCare is a provider of home care services that primarily include personal care services that assist with activities of daily living, as well as hospice and home health services. Addus HomeCare’s consumers are primarily persons who, without these services, are at risk of hospitalization or institutionalization, such as the elderly, chronically ill and disabled. Addus HomeCare’s payor clients include federal, state, and local governmental agencies, managed care organizations, commercial insurers, and private individuals. Addus HomeCare currently provides home care services to approximately 62,000 consumers through 265 locations across 23 states. For more information, please visit www.addus.com.

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Back-to-back Equality 100 Awards reflect sustained commitment to inclusive culture and a respectful workplace February 09, 2026 11:00 ET  | Source: Symbotic Inc.

WILMINGTON, Mass., Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Symbotic Inc. (Nasdaq: SYM), a leader in A.I.-enabled robotics technology for the supply chain, today announced it has earned a score of 100 in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2026 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s leading benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace equality. The recognition places Symbotic among 534 U.S. companies receiving the Equality 100 Award for 2026.

The Equality 100 Award recognizes companies that meet the CEI’s highest criteria across non-discrimination policies, equitable benefits, inclusive workplace culture, and outreach and engagement. By earning a 100 score two years in a row, Symbotic joins a select group of organizations demonstrating consistency and accountability in advancing workplace inclusion.

“This achievement reflects the strength of the Symbotic team and our deep commitment to diversity,” said Rick Cohen, Chairman and CEO of Symbotic. “This is core to our culture and essential to the innovation shaping the future of robotics.”

Symbotic’s approach to inclusion is grounded in the belief that diverse perspectives and equitable practices are critical to building resilient technology and solving complex global challenges. The company continues to invest in policies, programs, and leadership practices that enable employees to do their best work and grow their careers.

Miriam Ort, Chief Human Resources Officer at Symbotic, added, “Receiving this honor for a second year is a great reinforcement of our continuing work to create a workplace where our industry’s best and brightest feel valued and empowered to thrive and grow.”

The 2026 CEI highlights continued progress across U.S.-based employers, with rated companies providing workplace protections to more than 22 million workers. The full report is available at www.hrc.org/cei.

ABOUT SYMBOTIC

Symbotic is an automation technology leader reimagining the supply chain with its end-to-end, A.I.-powered robotic and software platform. Symbotic reinvents the warehouse as a strategic asset for the world’s largest retail, wholesale, and food & beverage companies. Applying next-generation technology, high-density storage and machine learning to solve today's complex distribution challenges, Symbotic enables companies to move goods with unmatched speed, agility, accuracy and efficiency. As the backbone of commerce Symbotic transforms the flow of goods and the economics of the supply chain for its customers. For more information, visit www.symbotic.com.

ABOUT THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, working to ensure LGBTQ+ people are safe, seen, and supported at work, at school, and in every community.

MEDIA CONTACT

Matt Buckley
Vice President, Communications
[email protected]

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT

Charlie Anderson
Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development
[email protected]

CHONGQING, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 28: In this photo illustration, a smartphone displays the logo of Applied Digital Corporation (NASDAQ: APLD), the American provider of next-generation data centers and digital infrastructure services, with its latest stock market chart shown in the background on September 28, 2025 in Chongqing, China. (Photo illustration by Cheng Xin/Getty Images)

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Applied Digital (NASDAQ: APLD) is a digital infrastructure firm specializing in the design, construction, and operation of AI-first data centers and high-performance computing (HPC) facilities. On Friday, February 6, 2026, APLD stock skyrocketed over 25% after the revelation of $50 million in senior secured financing allocated for the construction of the Polaris Forge 2 data center. This milestone signifies a major de-risking event for a company with a $16 billion order backlog, yet grappling with the capital-heavy task of delivering 600 MW of contracted capacity to hyperscale customers.

The Catalyst: Strategic Financing Removes Key OverhangThe $50 million financing arrangement tackles a pivotal worry for investors: the risk associated with execution. With hyperscale clients already signed up for 600 MW of capacity, the company’s capability to meet these obligations was crucial. This designated capital guarantees that Polaris Forge 2 proceeds as planned, affirming Applied Digital’s business strategy and growth path.

The market’s upbeat reaction also indicates a strong belief in the company’s larger infrastructure expansion, especially the Delta Forge 1 “AI Factory” campus located in the southern U.S., meant to accommodate 430 MW of utility power. As AI workloads continue to grow exponentially, Applied Digital is positioning itself as essential infrastructure for the future of computing.

That said, if you’re looking for an upside with less volatility than investing in an individual stock like APLD, you might want to consider the High Quality Portfolio. It has significantly outperformed its benchmark, which includes the S&P 500, Russell, and S&P MidCap indices, achieving returns above 105% since its launch. Why is this the case? As a whole, HQ Portfolio stocks have provided superior returns with lower risk compared to the benchmark index; a less turbulent experience, as demonstrated in HQ Portfolio performance metrics. Separately, see – Buy The Dip In Amazon Stock?

The Valuation Paradox: Expensive Today, Justified Tomorrow?Applied Digital presents a quintessential growth-stage investment dilemma. According to traditional measures, the stock appears exceedingly overpriced:

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Valuation Metrics vs. S&P 500:

Price-to-Sales: 45.6x vs. 3.4xOperating Margin: -28.0% vs. +18.8%Net Margin: -58.2% vs. +12.8%However, these retrospective metrics overlook the company’s transformative trajectory:

Growth Metrics:

3-year average revenue growth: 129.3% (vs. 5.6% for S&P 500)Last 12 months revenue growth: 63.0%Most recent quarter YoY growth: 250.1%Revenue progression: $129M ? $210M (trailing twelve months)The company’s recent attainment of non-GAAP profitability in Q2 FY2026 (adjusted net income of $0.1M, break-even adjusted EPS) signifies a turning point. While GAAP margins remain significantly negative due to construction expenses and non-cash charges, the fundamental business is demonstrating workable unit economics.

Balance Sheet: A Surprising Strength

In contrast to expectations for a rapidly growing, unprofitable firm, Applied Digital’s balance sheet exhibits considerable strength:

Debt-to-Equity: 27.2% (vs. 19.7% for S&P 500)Cash-to-Assets: 36.6% (vs. 7.4% for S&P 500)Total cash and equivalents: $1.9 billionTotal debt: $2.6 billion against $9.7 billion market capThis financial condition affords the capital necessary for the substantial expenditures needed to fulfill the $16 billion backlog while also preserving flexibility for opportunistic growth initiatives.

The Risk Profile: Volatility as Feature and BugApplied Digital’s historical performance during market turbulence highlights a stock that exhibits significant beta in relation to broader market dynamics:

2022 Inflation Shock: -82.6% (vs. -25.4% S&P 500)2020 COVID Pandemic: -67.6% (vs. -33.9% S&P 500)2008 Financial Crisis: -91.7% (vs. -56.8% S&P 500)Nevertheless, the company has also shown remarkable recovery capabilities, often bouncing back from each downturn faster than the wider market. The stock’s ascent from $0.88 in July 2022 to a peak of $41.35 in January 2026 exemplifies the potential for substantial appreciation when fundamental factors align with market sentiment.

Investment Thesis: Is APLD a Buy?The Bull Case:

Structural tailwind: AI infrastructure demand is genuine, significant, and acceleratingContracted revenue: $16 billion backlog offers visibility for years aheadPath to profitability: Non-GAAP breakeven achieved; operating leverage is expected to yield substantial profits as facilities become operationalAnalyst support: Average price target of $50 suggests 43% upside from current pricesFinancial flexibility: A robust balance sheet allows for execution without dilutive financingThe Bear Case:

Valuation: 45.6x P/S leaves no leeway for execution faltersProfitability gap: GAAP losses of $123M over the trailing twelve monthsExecution risk: Delivering 600+ MW of capacity on schedule is a complex undertakingCompetition: Hyperscalers are constructing their own capacity; established data center REITs are in competitionVolatility: Historical data indicates that 60-80%+ drawdowns are plausible during market stressConclusion: High Risk, High RewardApplied Digital represents a typical high-growth, high-risk opportunity. The financing announcement on Friday alleviated a major concern and confirmed management’s capability to secure strategic capital. The company’s advancement toward profitability while maintaining triple-digit growth rates is truly notable.

However, at 46x sales with profoundly negative GAAP margins, this is decidedly not a value investment. The valuation presumes nearly flawless execution on a vast infrastructure expansion, sustained demand for AI infrastructure, and successful conversion of backlog into profitable revenue.

Investing in a single stock without thorough analysis can be precarious. Consider the Trefis Reinforced Value (RV) Portfolio, which has exceeded its all-cap stock benchmark (comprising the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 benchmark indices) to deliver strong returns for investors. Why is this the case? The quarterly rebalanced mix of large-, mid-, and small-cap RV Portfolio stocks has provided a responsive method to capitalize on favorable market conditions while minimizing losses when markets decline, as elaborated in RV Portfolio performance metrics.

Applied Materials heads into Q1 earnings with AI-driven chip demand and services strength in focus, even as revenues and EPS are expected to dip year over year.

TL;DR

Matrixdock launched XAUm on Solana, enabling the issuance and trading of tokenized gold with fast settlement and minimal costs. Each XAUm token represents one troy ounce of 99.99% gold accredited by the LBMA and stored in audited vaults. XAUm integrates into Solana’s DeFi ecosystem with initial liquidity on Raydium, on-chain collateral use, and price oracles provided by Pyth. Matrixdock launched XAUm on Solana and moved its tokenized gold project to a network with high processing capacity and near-instant settlement. The deployment allows the issuance and trading of tokens backed by physical gold directly on Solana, without relying on additional intermediaries or external layers.

XAUm is Asia’s largest tokenized gold project with a physical redemption option available at regional wealth centers. Each token represents one troy ounce of physical gold with 99.99% purity, accredited by the LBMA, stored in vaults, and audited by independent third parties. Issuance follows a one-to-one relationship between the token and the underlying metal.

The integration with Solana strengthens XAUm’s use and presence across trading markets, liquidity provision, and DeFi applications. The network’s infrastructure supports low-cost, low-latency, high-frequency transactions, enabling tokenized gold to function as an on-chain reserve asset. The project was included in Falcon Finance’s latest report on the tokenized gold industry, which identified Matrixdock as one of the sector’s leading platforms.

XAUm’s smart contracts on Solana were audited by Accretion and Sec3. The reviews covered issuance logic, on-chain custody, and operational functionality, and align with the standards required by institutional firms.

Matrixdock Will Integrate XAUm Into Solana’s DeFi Ecosystem XAUm will launch natively within Solana’s DeFi ecosystem. Initial liquidity will be available on Raydium for decentralized trading and liquidity provision. The plan includes expansion into lending markets built on Solana. Pyth will act as the primary price oracle. This structure allows gold-backed tokens to be used as collateral, access on-chain liquidity, and execute DeFi strategies without altering the asset’s physical backing.

In late 2025, Matrixdock served as the tokenization technology provider for TER, a sovereign gold-backed token issued by Gelephu Mindfulness City of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The token is live on Solana and operates as infrastructure linked to a national-scale project.

Matrixdock is the real-world asset tokenization platform of the Matrixport Group. The coexistence of XAUm and TER on Solana aims to connect institutional-grade products with sovereign initiatives within a single technical infrastructure

Popular TV host Jim Cramer has claimed that President Donald Trump was looking to start procuring Bitcoin for the US Strategic Reserve once it hit $60k. The largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization is currently hovering around $69k at press time, but it briefly touched the $60k support almost 3 days ago.

Cramer gave these comments during a CNBC Market Alert segment. He said:

“Do you think the President is going to fill the Bitcoin reserve? I have heard that at 60 ($60k), he is going to fill the reserve, you better cover…”

While Bitcoin briefly touched $60k a few days ago, it bounced back immediately, and there has been no official communication from the President regarding such a move. If it happens, it will affect the market considerably, as the US government can reportedly allocate up to hundreds of billions of dollars to fill the reserve.

Cramer Makes Wild Bitcoin Theories and Predictions Jim Cramer has been on a major tweeting offensive for the last few weeks as markets have been more volatile, and traders are trying to make sense amid the chaos. He has been consistently tweeting about Bitcoin and its users, including multiple damning predictions regarding the premier cryptocurrency’s viability.

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He also tried to present Michael Saylor and Strategy as the sole saviors of Bitcoin and implored them to “save the cryptocurrency” multiple times through more big purchases. He took multiple digs at crypto users, saying that the retail market was dead and investors weren’t lining up to rescue the digital asset’s decline.

The latest claim by Cramer is that Trump is looking to buy Bitcoin for the country’s strategic reserve. For him, the US government might step in to stabilize the digital asset’s price by making large acquisitions for the strategic reserve. 

However, his prediction isn’t consistent with the latest US policy, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reaffirmed on February 5, 2026, that the federal government has no legal authority to use public funds to “bail out” Bitcoin or stabilize its price despite the recent market downturn.

Cramer’s chequered history with cryptocurrencies could mean that he is just making wild predictions to rattle some feathers. The Host of Mad Money is known to antagonize crypto users by pointing out the digital asset market’s frailties, especially during a price squeeze. 

Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) on Monday announced it had bought 1,142 Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) at $78,815 average price for $90 million between February 2 and February 8. The Latest Bitcoin Purchase Strategy's acquisition was funded by selling 616,715 shares of Class A common stock that generated $89.5 million in net proceeds.

On Monday, Feb. 9, the prolonged crypto market pullback has triggered a wild liquidation imbalance for the world’s largest meme token by market capitalization, Dogecoin, with long traders suffering losses.

While Dogecoin has continued to lose momentum and its price has continued to fall, data from CoinGlass shows that DOGE traders opening long positions to bet on its price upsurge have suffered a combined loss of $3,041,239 over the last 24 hours.

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During that period, the DOGE price had dropped notably by 4.05%, causing the liquidation session to move against bullish traders while triggering a 418% liquidation imbalance in favor of short traders.

Notably, the data further shows that short-position traders were not entirely spared from the losses as the asset have been showing mixed price actions. However, the short traders suffered mild losses of about $587,000 within the same 24-hour period.

The 418% liquidation imbalance seen during the period is not entirely a surprise as it has come amid a negative trading session where overleveraged positions were exposed to heightened liquidation risk, as the broad crypto market continues to face a prolonged price bloodbath.

Dogecoin drops 4.28%After showing impressive strength and notable price gains earlier this year, Dogecoin has eventually switched to a bearish mode, with its price trading steady in red territory.

According to data from CoinMarketCap, Dogecoin has dropped from a peak of $0.09844 to an intraday low of $0.09258 over the last 24 hours. While this trend has persisted for the past week, Dogecoin’s price has recorded a massive 11.43% decrease over the last seven days.

With bearish sentiment seeing Dogecoin retest its multimonth lows, investors are worried that long traders will not retrieve their losses anytime soon as the asset is yet to show any sign of recovery.

In addition to the prolonged volatility, Dogecoin has also remained muted in the ETF market as existing Dogecoin ETFs have continued to record zero flows in recent days.

The Financial Times has come under fire after publishing a provocative opinion piece declaring that Bitcoin is doomed to collapse. In a less than humble opinion, the news outlet declared the flagship cryptocurrency essentially worthless. 

Bitcoin Is “About $70,000 Too High”? The crypto market was eviscerated last week. BTC slumped to a historic low, coming eerily close to as little as $60,000 — roughly 50% down from its record peak a mere four months ago.

While Bitcoin has since rebounded just above $70,000, it comes at a gloomy cost: it has erased all of the gains since President Donald Trump won the election against Kamala Harris in November 2025.

Spectators aren’t presumably hopeful about an imminent strong recovery, with some critics predicting the absolute worst.

The article, written by FT columnist Jemima Kelly and entitled “Bitcoin is still about $70,000 too high,” claims that the world’s largest and oldest cryptocurrency is headed to zero.

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Kelly likened Bitcoin investors to the main character in the French film La Haine, who reassures himself with the phrase “so far, so good” while falling from a skyscraper — moments before hitting the ground.

According to her, the supply of “greater fools” is finally drying up, suggesting that that no one will buy an already overvalued asset anymore.

A Contrarian Signal Seasoned market observers often view mainstream media proclaiming Bitcoin’s demise as a potential signal that the market has reached its bottom.

One user on X suggested that such coverage from traditional outlets often precedes a market rebound, arguing that negative media narratives tend to emerge just before Bitcoin begins to rally.

“NOW we can confidently say Bitcoin’s bottom has been reached. When outdated, incompetent, arrogant media start posting…is when Bitcoin starts flying,” the user wrote on X.

The view was shared by several other onlookers within the crypto industry. “Bitcoin at $69k signals institutional accumulation more than retail panic. When legacy media calls a top, it’s smart money loading — not a market peak. The FT has been wrong on every major BTC move since 2017. History repeats,” another X user stated.

Other responses were more blunt, criticizing the Financial Times and questioning its influence and relevance in an increasingly digital landscape.

Meanwhile, the leading crypto is up approximately 10% from Friday’s low of $62,822 and is currently trading at $68,808, according to CoinGecko data.

BitMine Immersion Technologies (AMEX: BMNR), chaired by bullish Fundstrat co-founder Tom Lee, announced purchasing 40,613 ETH worth $82 million at approximately $2,020 per ETH through FalconX, expanding its massive Ethereum treasury to 4.3 million ETH even as ETH price languishes below $2,000.

Paradoxically, BMNR shares tanked 5% premarket to $19.40 (from yesterday's $20.45 close on 74M volume), intensifying a staggering $8 billion unrealized loss after Ethereum's 36% monthly plunge, coupled with executive shakeups including the president's sudden retirement.

Latest Dip-Buy Execution and Cost Basis WoesThis acquisition continues BitMine's aggressive treasury strategy, mirroring Saylor's playbook with cash from its $200M Beast Industries stake sale plus ongoing equity offerings. The firm's average acquisition cost now stands at $3,825 per ETH across its 4.29 million ETH position (total cost basis $16.4 billion), leaving it approximately 47% underwater with ETH trading near $2K lows, equating to roughly $7.8 billion in paper losses according to Dropstab analytics.

Source: Arkham IntelligenceThe pattern echoes November's landmark 28K ETH ($82M) purchase and January's 42K ETH ($96M) scoop, methodically building what Lee calls "the ultimate ETH exposure vehicle" despite brutal mark-to-market pain. Premarket session saw frantic 4.7 million share turnover, driven by investor backlash against relentless share dilution to fund the crypto war chest.

ETH Treasury Empire Meets $8B Reality CheckBitMine's 4.3 million ETH hoard, representing roughly 3.5% of Ethereum's circulating supply, positions it as the #2 corporate crypto holder behind only Strategy's Bitcoin stack, outpacing SharpLink Gaming and other treasury plays. The portfolio also includes 192 BTC (~$13M), $456 million cash reserves, and strategic Eightco Group equity, creating diversified yet ETH-dominant exposure.

Tom Lee's thesis hinges on Ethereum's "supercycle" via upcoming Fusaka protocol upgrades, exploding Layer 1 transaction fees, MAVAN staking protocol yields, and Wall Street tokenization megatrends showcased at recent Token2049 summits. However, the $8B red ink has triggered internal turmoil, with the president's abrupt exit raising red flags about governance stability amid prolonged underwater positioning.

BMNR Technical Breakdown: $19.40 Tests Critical SupportAfter yesterday's volatile +17.6% riposte to $20.45 (session high $20.70, low $18.70 on explosive 73M volume vs. 46M average), premarket action sliced toward $18.64 lows, now desperately defending $17.40 February 5 territory. RSI indicators flash deeply oversold after BMNR's insane 52-week journey ($3.92 bottom to $161 peak), with the 50-day moving average at $30.28 mocking current levels from above.

Source: Yahoo FinanceA decisive Ethereum rebound toward $2,500-$3,000 could propel BMNR back toward $25 resistance, but failure at $17 risks cascading toward $14 panic territory. The stock's 3-4x beta to ETH price action amplifies both upside convexity and downside convexity in equal measure.

Despite the carnage, Lee remains steadfast on CNBC appearances, vowing "no plans to sell a single ETH" while highlighting AI-driven tokenization demand, institutional staking economics, and Ethereum's role as "future of programmable money." The strategy bets heavily on Trump's deregulatory second term accelerating crypto adoption, positioning BitMine as the purest ETH proxy for believers.

Yet headwinds mount: prolonged ETH sub-$2K territory invites quarterly impairment charges and short-seller attacks; leadership instability erodes credibility; endless dilution via ATM offerings mirrors MSTR's controversial model. BitMine's fate now pivots on Ethereum sentiment inflection: monitor Fusaka upgrade milestones, Q4 treasury reporting, and Lee's next media blitz for reversal signals while the $8 billion shadow looms large.

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Bitcoin climbed hard this week. The cryptocurrency surged 12% after getting hammered in recent sessions, with February 9 marking a pretty clear shift in how traders see things right now.

The rally happened right as the Coinbase Premium shot up. For folks who don’t track this stuff, the Coinbase Premium basically measures how much more expensive Bitcoin trades on Coinbase versus other exchanges around the world. When that premium rises, it usually means U.S. investors are buying aggressively. And that’s exactly what we’re seeing now – American traders seem way more bullish on Bitcoin than they were just days ago. Coinbase handles massive Bitcoin volumes daily, so when its pricing gets out of whack with global markets, people pay attention. The exchange didn’t respond to requests for comment about the premium spike.

Things look different now.

But market watchers aren’t getting too excited yet. Bitcoin’s been wild lately, swinging up and down in ways that catch even seasoned traders off guard. The crypto market has this habit of making big moves that don’t really make sense until weeks later. Regulatory chatter keeps spooking investors, and macro stuff like Fed policy changes can tank Bitcoin faster than you’d think. Plus, there’s always some random news or rumor that sends prices flying in either direction.

Glassnode dropped some interesting data on February 9. The blockchain analytics firm said the Coinbase Premium Index hit its highest level in months, which backs up what traders were already seeing in real-time. “This index captures significant buying pressure in the U.S. market,” per Glassnode’s latest report. Their numbers show domestic interest in Bitcoin is running pretty hot right now.

Binance saw action too.

The world’s biggest crypto exchange reported trading volumes jumping as Bitcoin recovered. Traders were clearly active, probably trying to catch the bounce after Bitcoin’s recent slide. Binance’s volume data suggests people aren’t just watching from the sidelines – they’re actually putting money to work.

JP Morgan analysts aren’t buying the hype though. The bank’s crypto team warned that external factors could still wreck Bitcoin’s party. “Macroeconomic shifts and central bank policies pose ongoing risks to price stability,” JP Morgan said in a note this week. They’ve been skeptical of crypto rallies before, so this isn’t exactly shocking. But their point about Fed policy and global economic uncertainty is hard to ignore.

Bitcoin trades around $45,000 right now, according to CoinMarketCap. That’s a solid recovery from where it was trading just days ago, but it’s still way below the all-time highs that got everyone excited last cycle. The $45K level has been important support and resistance in the past, so traders are watching to see if Bitcoin can hold above it.

Cathie Wood’s Ark Invest made moves on February 8. The firm bought more Coinbase shares as the premium was spiking, which is pretty telling. Wood has been bullish on crypto for years, and Ark’s decision to add to its Coinbase position suggests they think U.S. investor demand will keep growing. “We see continued potential for domestic interest to drive further gains,” Wood said in a recent interview.

Kraken reported something interesting too. The exchange saw new account registrations surge over the past week. That usually means retail investors are jumping back into crypto, probably because they’re seeing Bitcoin recover and don’t want to miss out. Kraken’s user growth data shows people are still willing to bet on Bitcoin despite all the volatility.

CryptoQuant released data on February 10 showing Bitcoin reserves on exchanges dropped recently. When investors move their Bitcoin off exchanges, it often means they’re planning to hold long-term rather than trade. CryptoQuant’s numbers suggest people are getting more confident about Bitcoin’s prospects, at least for now.

The crypto market remains pretty unpredictable. News moves prices fast, and sentiment can shift overnight. Bitcoin’s latest rally gives bulls something to cheer about, but the road ahead is murky. Traders are positioning for whatever comes next, knowing that Bitcoin rarely does what anyone expects.

The Federal Reserve’s latest monetary policy signals have crypto traders parsing every word from Jerome Powell’s recent statements. Interest rate expectations shifted dramatically this week, with markets now pricing in a slower pace of cuts than previously anticipated. Bitcoin often moves inversely to dollar strength, and the greenback has been gaining ground as Fed policy outlook firms up. Several major institutional investors have been adjusting their crypto allocations based on these macro shifts.

Meanwhile, MicroStrategy continues building its Bitcoin treasury, with CEO Michael Saylor hinting at additional purchases during the company’s latest earnings call. The business intelligence firm now holds over 190,000 Bitcoin, making it one of the largest corporate holders. Tesla’s Bitcoin holdings remain unchanged, but other public companies have been quietly accumulating. Marathon Digital and Riot Platforms both reported increased mining output this quarter, adding fresh supply pressure that Bitcoin’s rally has managed to absorb so far.

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Story delayed its token unlock to limit sell pressure and signal long-term focus. The team says real revenue will come later from AI data licensing, not on-chain fees. S.Y. Lee, co-founder of Story Protocol, says that the project needs time to build real usage and has decided to delay its first major token unlock by six months in August. By delaying this release, the insiders will not be able to sell their tokens. According to Lee, this delay helps to project more time to grow real usage before the new supply reaches the markets. 

Investors’ Concern and Lee’s Reply Data from DeFiLlama shows that in September 2025, Story generated over $43,000 per day in fees, and right now the number is zero. This makes investors worry and raises concerns that the network is actually making money. 

Lee argues that people are focusing on the wrong measurement. He says that Story is not like the other trading platforms, which generate profits from the transaction fees. Instead, the project is designed to record who owns the data and define how it can be used, while setting rules for future payments. Lee says that most of the money is expected to come from the business licensing agreements, especially with the AI companies. 

Story is now concentrating on tokenized media and creative content. This includes collecting real human-made data that AI firms need, voice and video recordings, and other materials that are difficult to copy legally from the internet. Lee believes that demand for this type of data will grow in the upcoming years. 

Large token releases often create selling pressures, and by postponing the unlock, Story reduces the risk of sudden selling and keeps supply lower. Lee said that if the founders think of the quick gains, they would prefer a shorter lock period. Lee mentioned how Worldcoin previously extended lockups for the insiders. This move gave the project more time to build, and the market responded positively. This lockup extension gives Story extra time to prove it can attract AI firms and build useful data markets. 

Highlighted Crypto News:

Crypto Fear and Greed Index Drops to Extreme Fear at 9   

Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

American blockchain payments firm Ripple Labs Inc has moved up the ladder among related unicorns globally. According to CBInsights data, Ripple Labs is now worth over $50,000,000,000, trailing behind consumer and retail giant SHEIN.

Ripple Labs's global dominance soaringThe CBInsight data placed Ripple Labs above firms like Figure, Ramp, Canva and Perplexity AI. Ripple Labs was founded in 2012 by Chris Larsen and Jed McCaleb as a payment rail using blockchain technology.

While its valuation has increased incrementally, its journey has been nothing short of innovative. According to CBInsights, over the past decade, Ripple has filed 117 major patents, with the leading aspects including payment systems, project management, production and manufacturing.

Over the past year, Ripple has expanded significantly with new acquisitions. As reported by U.Today, the company has acquired GTreasury, now Ripple Prime and Standard Custody, solidifying its push as a financial services firm.

Ripple is also the only crypto company in the top 10 among more than a thousand profiled, proof of its growing dominance in the industry as a whole. Some of its notable backers include Tiger Global Management, Sequoia Capital China and Shunwei Capital Partners, among others.

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Ripple and IPO pushIn line with the broader growth in its valuation, Ripple executives, including President Monica Long, has reiterated plans with respect to the firm going public via IPO.

As noted, the company is currently solvent, with no public listing plans in the near term. While the Ripple listing speculations keep making the rounds on the X social media platform, the firm is more aligned to acquisitions.

In 2025, it came close to acquiring the stablecoin giant Circle Internet Financial. While a deal could not be made, the future potential bet remains high.

To cover the product shortfall, Ripple has launched its stablecoin, RLUSD, which, as reported recently, has entered the top 50 crypto assets with a $1.3 billion market capitalization.

TL;DR

Bitget and BlockSec defined the UEX standard with a security framework for exchanges that integrate crypto, tokenized assets, and traditional markets. The standard sets five technical pillars covering verifiable solvency, multi-asset risk isolation, data protection, AI-driven monitoring, and infrastructure security. Bitget backs the framework with a 163% Proof of Reserves and a protection fund close to $580 million. Bitget and BlockSec published the report The UEX Security Standard: From Proof to Protection, a technical document that defines a security framework for Universal Exchanges (UEX). The report targets platforms that integrate crypto assets, tokenized assets, and traditional financial markets under unified account structures and shared risk systems.

Bitget outlines an operational shift in exchange infrastructure. UEX platforms no longer operate on a single asset type or on isolated custody and settlement models. The security framework spans custody, pricing, settlement, identity, regulatory compliance, infrastructure, and data flows within a single architecture. According to the report, this structure introduces systemic risks that cannot be managed through asset-specific controls or post-incident responses.

Five Technical Pillars The UEX standard defines five technical pillars. The first is verifiable solvency supported by cryptographic proofs. The second is risk isolation across multiple asset classes to prevent cascading effects. The third establishes strict standards for data security and privacy protection. The fourth focuses on dynamic monitoring through AI-assisted detection systems. The fifth covers the defense of applications, infrastructure, and cloud environments under resilient architectures.

Bitget supports this framework with concrete operational metrics. The platform maintains a Proof of Reserves with a 163% ratio and a protection fund averaging close to $580 million, with peaks above $608 million. Reserve reports are published regularly and can be independently verified through Merkle tree structures.

Bitget: A Reference for UEX Platforms The collaboration with BlockSec adds additional technical capabilities. The firm contributes real-time monitoring, offensive security testing, incident response readiness, and compliance controls such as AML screening and fund tracing. These layers are designed to address both on-chain risks and off-chain dependencies.

The Bitget report identifies specific risk vectors in UEX platforms. These include account-level permission failures, the propagation of pricing errors across interconnected markets, cross-effects derived from unified margin systems, and risks linked to brokers, custodians, clearing systems, and infrastructure providers.

The report also references recent cases, such as FTX and the Ronin bridge attack, to illustrate governance failures, trust boundary breakdowns, and asset segregation issues. Bitget frames UEX security as a continuous system supported by transparency mechanisms, emergency protocols, and user education processes

Solana weekly chart shows a possible final dip as RSI hits oversold levels, raising reversal odds and support focus.

Tatevik Avetisyan2 min read

9 February 2026, 02:54 PM

Solana’s weekly chart is sending mixed but high signal messages, as two analysts point to a possible cycle turning point. One calls the latest selloff the last shakeout, while another highlights the most oversold weekly momentum read in SOL’s history.

Trader flags “final dip” on SOL weekly chartCrypto trader Trader Tardigrade, who posts as @TATrader_Alan on X, said Solana “made its final dip” and is setting up for a new bullish cycle after a long consolidation on the weekly chart.

The chart shows SOLUSD holding a long-term horizontal level that acted as both support and resistance across several market phases. Price dipped below that level during the recent drawdown, then quickly reclaimed it. That reclaim follows a pattern seen earlier in the cycle, where similar rounded pullbacks formed near the same zone before upside continuation.

Solana Weekly SOLUSD Chart. Source: TradingView / X / @TATrader_Alan

At the same time, the structure on the right side of the chart shows a sharp weekly expansion after the reclaim, which signals a shift from range behavior to trend behavior. If price continues to hold above the reclaimed level on weekly closes, the setup points to trend continuation rather than another range failure. However, a weekly close back below that line would weaken the bullish case and reopen the prior consolidation range.

Trader points to rare weekly oversold signal on SOLCrypto trader DrBullZeus, who posts as @DrBullZeus on X, said Solana reached an unusually oversold condition on the weekly chart, based on the RSI(14) reading.

Solana Weekly SOLUSDT Chart. Source: TradingView / X / @DrBullZeus

The SOL/USDT weekly chart from Binance shows RSI near the low-30s, a level that has appeared during prior cycle lows. In earlier instances, similar RSI compressions formed after extended downtrends and aligned with areas where selling pressure faded.

At the same time, price printed a sharp weekly breakdown toward the high-$80s, which pushed momentum into oversold territory. If RSI stabilizes and turns higher while price holds above the recent swing low, the structure points to a potential momentum reset rather than trend continuation. However, if weekly RSI stays pinned near oversold while price fails to reclaim the prior range, downside pressure would likely persist before any broader reversal forms.

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Ripple Clears the Path: Banks Ready to Flood XRPL with BillionsFor years, Ripple has touted partnerships with over 300 financial institutions, yet on-chain activity on the XRP Ledger remained modest. The question lingered: with so many institutional connections, why wasn’t XRPL seeing massive volume? 

According to market analyst Diana, the answer wasn’t technological, it was regulatory and operational.

David Schwartz, Ripple’s former CTO and current board member, says institutions have long avoided direct on-chain settlements, not due to XRPL itself, but because banks lacked assurance that liquidity providers met strict regulatory standards. Until now, that certainty didn’t exist, blocking billions from moving through the XRPL.

Ripple removes the final barrier for banks on XRPL with Permissioned Domains, letting regulated institutions transact on fully compliant, verified networks. Confidence grows as XRP Ledger payments hit 1.88 million, underscoring rising real-world adoption.

Ripple Unveils Permissioned DEX, Unlocking Billions in Institutional XRP FlowsRipple will launch its Permissioned DEX on February 18, creating the first-ever institution-only liquidity pools on XRPL. This provides banks a secure, regulated way to trade large XRP volumes directly on-chain, paving the way for billions in institutional flows previously impossible. 

Adding to the bullish outlook, the White House Digital Assets Advisor forecasts mainstream tokenization within 1–3 years, signaling strong tailwinds for the XRP Ledger.

With permissioned domains and DEX functionality, the XRP Ledger could evolve from a niche settlement network into a central hub for institutional liquidity. 

Analysts anticipate a surge in on-chain volumes once fully deployed, reinforcing Ripple’s vision of XRPL as the backbone for compliant, high-speed cross-border transactions. Tokenized commodities have recently surpassed $5B, led by Ethereum, Polygon, and XRP Ledger activity.

Ripple has cleared the final barrier for banks to adopt XRPL. With fully compliant, institution-ready infrastructure now live, billions could soon flow through the ledger. The next few weeks will show if this breakthrough sparks the mainstream adoption Ripple has long promised.

ConclusionWith permissioned domains live and the upcoming Permissioned DEX unlocking verified liquidity pools, Ripple has removed the final barrier for banks to fully leverage XRPL. This paves the way for billions in institutional flows, transforming XRPL from a niche settlement network into a regulated, high-speed hub for mainstream cross-border transactions.

Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

A crucial new alert has been issued for Shibarium explorer Shibariumscan. According to Shibarium-focused X account Shibizens, the explorer for the Shiba Inu layer-2 blockchain, Shibarium, is currently migrating to a new server.

The server migration is to enhance performance and improve overall reliability. Shibizens added that during this transition, the website may experience brief periods of temporary unavailability.

ShibariumScan is currently migrating to a new server to enhance performance and improve overall reliability.

During this transition, the website may experience brief periods of temporary unavailability.

Thank you for your patience. pic.twitter.com/pud9NAgv0R

— Shibarium | SHIB.IO (@Shibizens) February 9, 2026 For some time now, data stats have stalled on Shibarium Scan, with the counts lower than that which was previously known.

A notice on the Shibariumscan website reflects this: "46% Blocks Indexed – We're indexing this chain right now. Some of the counts may be inaccurate."

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The Shiba Inu community continues to keep tabs on progress and what comes next for the Shiba Inu ecosystem.

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As such, the recent X bio and location update by Shiba Inu lead ambassador Shytoshi Kusama has caught attention.

Kusama's current X bio reads "1326 Let's get back to the tech. AI conversations start now and Beta testing begins soon. Stay Tuned," while his location has been changed to "alpha testing."

Shiba Inu inks major IP collaborationShiba Inu partner Astra Nova has announced the launch of Protocol Purgatory, a major IP collaboration that brings Astra Nova and the Shiba Inu ecosystem together through a new sci-fi webcomic experience.
Astra Nova describes the collaboration as one of its most significant cross-community storytelling initiatives.

In a tweet, Shiba Inu team member Lucie explained that the Astra Nova-Shiba Inu collaboration is a strategic content expansion. Protocol Purgatory introduces Shiba Inu into a structured sci-fi webcomic platform, expanding the Shiba Inu ecosystem into digital media and entertainment.

Lucie added that this collaboration supports long-term growth in three ways. First, it broadens Shiba Inu's exposure beyond trading and speculation. Second, it strengthens community engagement through shared intellectual property, and third, it aligns with Shibarium’s role as a scalable infrastructure for applications, creators and cross-ecosystem integrations.

According to Lucie, sustainable ecosystems grow through utility, culture and partnerships, with the initiative contributing to all three.

SURREY, BC / ACCESS Newswire / February 9, 2026 / Gungnir Resources Inc. (TSXV:GUG)(OTC PINK:ASWRF) (the "Company" or "Gungnir") announces a series of changes to its executive leadership and Board of Directors, effective immediately.

The Company has appointed three new directors to the Board: Robert Danard, Kurt Soost, and Michael Gheyle.

Robert Danard has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Jari Paakki, former CEO and Director, effective September 30, 2025.

Todd Keast and Chris Robbins will continue to serve as directors. Mr. Robbins will also continue in his executive role, providing continuity and strategic support during the transition period while the Company works toward the appointment of permanent executive leadership.

Garett Macdonald, a director of Gungnir since July 2015, has resigned from the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Macdonald will continue his relationship with Gungnir as a consultant to support the Company during the transition period.

Mr. Macdonald is the Vice-President, Operations and General Manager at Hemlo Mining Corporation and previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Resources Corp., prior to the sale of the company to New Found Gold Corp. in November 2025.

These leadership and governance changes reflect the Company's commitment to advancing its exploration assets, strengthening its leadership team, and positioning Gungnir for long-term growth and enhanced shareholder value.

Robert Danard is a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of building, financing, and scaling companies across multiple sectors. His expertise spans strategy, capital formation, and leadership in both private and public markets, with experience guiding businesses from inception through growth and exit. Known for a relationship-driven approach and disciplined execution, Robert Danard continues to focus on opportunities that create durable, long-term value.

Michael Gheyle brings more than 30 years of experience in international capital markets, including wealth management, derivative trading, corporate finance, institutional sales, mergers and acquisitions (M&As), venture capital, and private equity. He has supported companies across a wide range of industries in raising more than $100-million, and has held executive, board and advisory roles with numerous public and private companies. Most recently, he served as CEO and chairman of Discovery Lithium Corp. He currently sits on the boards of Kiboko Gold Inc., Oyama Capital Corp. and Naked Revival Inc., and advises Solo Automotive Inc., IdBase Technologies Inc., Ameriwest Lithium Inc. and Nova Pacific Metals Corp.

Kurt G.J. Soost, Principal at Capital Find Partners Inc (CFP), has been assisting companies throughout North America with their capital needs, and financial advisory services since May 2014. Mr. Soost has been a top-performer in the banking/investment industry for over 35 years and has spent 10 years with the Royal Bank of Canada Group in various positions including Assistant Manager Corporate Finance, and Vice President at RBC Dominion Securities. Mr. Soost was also a Senior Vice President & Director at Merrill Lynch Canada, and Managing Director of the Trimor Group of Companies. He is an Award-Winning Investment Advisor at both RBC (President of the President's Club & Chairman's Council) and Merrill Lynch (Society of Eagles, UHNW Program & Chairman's Club). Mr. Soost is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) 1994, recognized as the pre-eminent designation in the Investment Industry, and has completed many of the courses offered by the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI). Mr. Soost has built an extensive & impressive database of some 35,000+ of North America's Wealthiest Investors (Ultra High Net Worth, Family Offices, Private Equity, Ventures Capital, and other Financial Institutions).

The appointment of Mr. Danard, Mr. Gheyle and Mr. Soost remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

On behalf of the Board,
Chris Robbins, CFO and Director

For further information contact:
Head Office/Investor Relations
Phone: +1-604-683-0484
Email: [email protected]

About Gungnir Resources
Gungnir Resources Inc.is a Canadian-based junior mineral exploration firm strategically positioned in the Västerbotten District of northern Sweden, a region historically recognized for its prolific geological endowment and Tier-1 mining jurisdiction status. The company's portfolio is characterized by a dual-commodity focus, balancing a substantial nickel-copper-cobalt resource base with high-potential gold exploration targets along the "Gold Line" (Knaften-Barsele Arc).

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (also known as forward-looking statements). Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and may cause actual results, performance or achievements or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements or industry results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "feel", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "project", "subject to", "will", "would", and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Some of the specific forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the change in leadership and the expected continuation of certain directors and officers; the Company's expected exploration activities, leadership team, growth and shareholder value; and the anticipated timing of the foregoing.

Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions made by Gungnir, including, without limitation: directors and officers will continue to act and perform as expected; new directors and officers will utilize their skill, experience and other talents to assist with the Company's success; access to the projects will remain available; transportation and infrastructure will remain available as anticipated; no change to laws or regulations that negatively affect Gungnir's business; there will be a demand for Gungnir's services and products in the future; Gungnir will be able to operate its business as planned and extend certain licences; Gungnir will be able to access capital markets on and successfully complete financings on terms it determines to be reasonable; and Gungnir's plans for future exploration and development of its properties is reasonable and will be possible within the anticipated timelines. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what Gungnir believes to be reasonable assumptions, it cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such information.

Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information involves significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to: no certainty that any economically viable mineral deposit or new targets will be located on Gungnir's properties; that Gungnir may not be able to complete its planned work as anticipated; the impacts of war and/or other international conflicts; ability to access capital markets and complete successful financings on terms Gungnir determines to be reasonable; environmental matters; changes in legislation or regulations; receipt of required licences, permits and approvals; and resource estimates may not be accurate and may differ significantly from actual mineral resources. Management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information contained herein are based upon reasonable assumptions and information currently available; however, management can give no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Gungnir. The forward-looking information is stated as of the date of this news release and Gungnir assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

SOURCE: Gungnir Resources Inc.

SANFORD, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / February 9, 2026 / Access Power & Co., Inc. (OTCID:ACCR), a publicly traded company focused on growth through strategic operating subsidiaries, today announced plans for 2026 to expand its food delivery and virtual restaurant portfolio through the introduction of two new ghost kitchen concepts: Big Papa's Pizza and Wicked Wild Wings.

As part of the Company's broader strategy to scale high-margin, technology-enabled food brands, Access Power & Co. will operate Big Papa's Pizza and Wicked Wild Wings as delivery-first, off-premise concepts. These ghost kitchens will leverage existing kitchen infrastructure, online ordering platforms, and third-party delivery services to reach a wider customer base while maintaining lower overhead and faster market entry.

"2026 represents a pivotal year in our growth strategy," said Pedro Botta, Chief Executive Officer of Access Power & Co., Inc. "By expanding into ghost kitchens with Big Papa's Pizza and Wicked Wild Wings, we are positioning the Company to capitalize on the continued shift toward digital ordering and off-premise dining. These brands allow us to scale quickly, optimize operational efficiency, and unlock new revenue streams without the traditional costs of brick-and-mortar expansion."

The launch of Big Papa's Pizza will focus on premium-quality pizza offerings designed for delivery performance and brand recognition, while Wicked Wild Wings will target the fast-growing demand for bold-flavored wings and comfort food. Both concepts are expected to integrate seamlessly into the Company's existing operations, creating cross-promotional opportunities with its entertainment and hospitality portfolio.

Access Power & Co., Inc. believes the expansion of its ghost kitchen platform will enhance profitability through improved asset utilization, data-driven menu optimization, and geographic scalability. The Company anticipates that the addition of these brands will strengthen its presence in the food delivery market while supporting long-term shareholder value.

About Big Papa's Pizza

Big Papa's Pizza is a delivery-focused pizza concept offering high-quality ingredients, signature recipes, and streamlined operations designed to maximize consistency, speed, and customer satisfaction in off-premise dining.

About Wicked Wild Wings

Wicked Wild Wings is a bold, flavor-forward virtual restaurant brand specializing in wings and comfort food, built for digital ordering and optimized for delivery and takeout.

About Access Power & Co., Inc.

Access Power & Co., Inc. (OTCID:ACCR) is a publicly traded company focused on identifying, acquiring, and developing operating businesses with scalable growth potential. Through its subsidiaries and strategic partnerships, the Company seeks to build long-term value for shareholders across its portfolio.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including changes in market conditions, consumer demand, execution of the Company's growth initiatives, and other factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Access Power & Co., Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

CONTACT:

[email protected]

SOURCE: Access-Power & Co., Inc.

Training, Research and feedstock Evaluation (TRE) Unit

Will Also Produce Commercial Product for Offtakers

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 9, 2026 / Clean Vision Corporation (OTCQB:CLNV) ("Clean Vision"), an emerging leader in innovative plastic conversion, is pleased to announce receipt of a permit exclusion for the previously-announced TRE Unit at its wholly owned subsidiary Clean-Seas West Virginia.

The permit exclusion allows Clean-Seas to finalize the installation and launch of the TRE, including connections to utilities and to emissions-control and other environmental, health and safety devices before starting up the reactor. Underthe conditions of the permit exclusion, operations of the TRE will be governed by the same strict protocols and emissions controls as for the full-scale facility.

"This long-awaited Permit Exclusion was one of the last major hurdles in making good on our promises to shareholders, our offtake and feedstock partners, and other stakeholders including our host community," said Clean Vision CEO Dan Bates. "Training new employees and producing Plastic Pyrolysis Oil this Quarter will mark an important milestone toward opening the full facility later this year."

The TRE Unit will process post-use plastic feedstock, including end-of-life material from athletic stadiums, and the Plastic Pyrolysis Oil produced will be sold as a precursor for new plastic product production, Bates said, offsetting the environmental impacts of virgin plastic resin.

"The permit application process is rightfully rigorous," said Bates. "And we look forward to demonstrating the commercial and environmental value of our facility to all stakeholders."

Bates noted that he expects the permit application for the full-scale to be finalized shortly, with commissioning of the commercial scale facility in the second quarter of 2026.

Clean-Seas West Virginia is the first US facility in the Plastic Conversion Network, and will divert 50 tons/day of plastic from landfills and incinerators across the mid-Atlantic region and convert it to high value feedstocks for the circular plastic economy. Phase One of the facility will generate more than 40 new technical and operational jobs in eastern Kanawha County upon commissioning. Clean-Seas also plans to scale operations in West Virginia, and add additional PCN locations across the US.

About Clean Vision Corporation:

Clean Vision is a public company that operates in the sustainable clean technology and green energy sectors. For more information, visit: www.cleanvisioncorp.com and follow us on Bluesky @cleanvisioncorp.bsky.social and Twitter/ X @CleanVisionCorp.

About Clean-Seas, Inc.:

Clean-Seas, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Clean Vision, is working to provide efficient and cost-effective technology solutions that address the global plastic crisis as creating economic opportunity and social benefit across the world. Clean-Seas' goal is to offer "best in class" pyrolysis technology deployment with strategic alliances for plastic diversion and conversion, including securing plastic feedstock and off-take agreements. For more information, visit: www.clean-seas.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes express or implied statements that are not historical facts and are considered forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance and may contain projections of our future results of operations or of our financial information or state other forward-looking information. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "project," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements relate to future events or our future operational or financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Furthermore, actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements and will be affected by a variety of risks and factors that are beyond our control, including, without limitation, our ability to conduct and close the Green Bond Offering, which a successful closing cannot be guaranteed; statements regarding the expected amount of proceeds raised, and use of such proceeds, from the sale of Green Notes; our ability to expand the PCN and establish plastic conversion facilities in various regions throughout the world; our ability to successfully identify and implement contracts with parties required to supply plastic feedstock four our PCN facilities; statements about our ability to deploy the PCN and plastic conversion facilities on a global scale; statements about our future financial performance, including our estimated revenue generation, cash flows, costs of revenue and operating expenses; our anticipated growth; our predictions about our industry; our estimates with respect to expanding and meeting our projections for our facilities; our ability to secure feedstock and offtake agreements sufficient to meet anticipated growth, revenue generation and project processing capabilities; and the impact of local and global regulations and laws that could impact our plans to establish and expand our PCN and plastic conversion facilities. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update, and expressly disclaim the obligation to update, any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

Contacts

Clean Vision Corporation
Dan Bates, CEO
[email protected]

Investors
Frank Benedetto
619-915-9422

SOURCE: Clean Vision Corporation

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National rent growth remained positive in January following a December inflection

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Apartments.com, an industry-leading online marketplace of CoStar Group (NASDAQ: CSGP), published its latest report on multifamily rent trends for January 2026.

U.S. apartment rents grew in January, with the national average increasing to $1,713 — a +0.2% increase from December’s upwardly revised figure of $1,709. This uptick marks a continuation of positive monthly rent change that began in December 2025. Prior to December, the monthly trend was flat or negative for five consecutive months. Annual rent growth eased marginally to 0.6% in January 2026 from 0.7% in the prior month and down from +1.5% in January 2025.

Apartment rent growth generally follows a seasonal pattern - accelerating in the spring and slowing in late summer and fall. Rents in January typically build on growth begun in the December inflection and January 2026 largely adhered to that historical trend. While late summer and early fall declines were more pronounced in 2025, the moderation that began in November has continued into the new year. Supply pressures remain elevated, tempering momentum, but January data indicates a possible gradual return to more typical rent growth patterns as 2026 progresses.

Rent growth was broad-based, with all four regions posting month-over-month increases in January. The Midwest led with a +0.27% month-over-month increase, followed by the Northeast, up +0.21%, the South, up +0.17% and the West, up +0.09%. On an annual basis, the Midwest posted the strongest performance with +2.1% growth, followed by the Northeast at +1.4%. The South’s rents declined -0.2% year-over-year, while the West declined -1.5%.

Metro-level performance improved across the U.S., with 42 of the top 50 markets posting rent increases, up from 25 of the top 50 markets in December. Rent growth leaders were San Francisco +1.07%, Norfolk +0.80% and San Jose +0.71%.

The steepest monthly declines occurred in Oklahoma City, down -0.17%, followed by Louisville and Memphis, both down -0.06%. Houston and Salt Lake City both posted monthly declines of -0.4%. Most of these Mountain West and Sun Belt markets face elevated vacancy amid aggressive new supply, putting downward pressure on rents.

San Francisco posted the strongest annual rent growth at +6.3%, followed by Norfolk at +4.3%, San Jose at 3.5% and Chicago at +3.2%. In contrast, Austin recorded a -4.8% decline, while Denver and Phoenix both fell -3.3%, each reflecting oversupply outpacing demand.

These patterns reinforce the broader trends: markets with the highest levels of new construction are seeing the weakest rent performance, while more supply-constrained metros — particularly in the Midwest and select coastal areas — continue to outperform. In select markets, however, falling employment and softening demand may also be contributing to weaker rent growth.

While many markets have moved past peak supply, a substantial, though easing, inventory overhang continues to weigh on rent growth across the country.

About CoStar Group

CoStar Group (NASDAQ: CSGP) is a global leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, online marketplaces, and 3D digital twin technology. Founded in 1986, CoStar Group is dedicated to digitizing the world’s real estate, empowering all people to discover properties, insights, and connections that improve their businesses and lives.

CoStar Group’s major brands include CoStar, a leading global provider of commercial real estate data, analytics, and news; LoopNet, the most trafficked commercial real estate marketplace; Apartments.com, the leading platform for apartment rentals; Homes.com, the fastest-growing residential real estate marketplace; and Domain, one of Australia’s leading property marketplaces. CoStar Group’s industry-leading brands also include Matterport, a leading spatial data company whose platform turns buildings into data to make every space more valuable and accessible, STR, a global leader in hospitality data and benchmarking; Ten-X, an online platform for commercial real estate auctions and negotiated bids; and OnTheMarket, a leading residential property portal in the United Kingdom.

CoStar Group’s websites attracted over 143 million average monthly unique visitors in the third quarter of 2025, serving clients around the world. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, CoStar Group is committed to transforming the real estate industry through innovative technology and comprehensive market intelligence. From time to time, we plan to utilize our corporate website as a channel of distribution for material company information. For more information, visit CoStarGroup.com.

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LOS ANGELES, Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Coupang, Inc., (“Coupang” or the "Company") (NYSE: CPNG) investors off a class action on behalf of investors that bought securities between August 6, 2025 and December 16, 2025, inclusive (the “Class Period”). Coupang investors have until February 17, 2026 to file a lead plaintiff motion.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 844-767-8529 or email: [email protected], to discuss their legal rights, or join the case via https://portnoylaw.com/coupang-inc-2. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors’ options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

On November 30, 2025, Reuters published an article reporting that Coupang had "apologized . . . over the breach of personal information from 33.7 million customer accounts through unauthorized data access" and that the government of South Korea had "held an emergency meeting" to "look[] into whether Coupang violated safety rules regarding personal information protection[.]"

On this news, Coupang's stock price fell $1.51 per share, or 5.36%, to close at $26.65 per share on December 1, 2025.

Then, on December 10, 2025, the New York Times published an article reporting that Coupang's Chief Executive Officer had resigned in connection with the data breach and providing additional details on the fallout from the data breach, including a police raid on Coupang's offices in Seoul.

On this news, Coupang's stock price fell $0.87 per share, or 3.2%, to close at $26.06 per share on December 10, 2025.

Then, on December 16, 2025, Coupang acknowledge the breach in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and revealed that the South Korean regulatory and law enforcement investigations uncovered that "a former employee may have obtained the name, phone number, delivery address, and email address associated with up to 33 million customer accounts, and certain order histories for a subset of the impacted accounts."

On this news, Coupang's stock price fell $0.47 per share, or 2.03%, to close at $22.72 per share on December 17, 2025.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firm’s founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.
Admitted CA, NY and TX Bar
[email protected]
310-692-8883
www.portnoylaw.com

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