Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

Internet services company VeriSign on Thursday reported a 6% increase in its ​second-quarter revenue, driven by steady demand ‌for domain names.

VeriSign (VRSN - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $2.38 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.36 per share. This compares to earnings of $2.21 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +0.85%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this internet infrastructure services provider would post earnings of $2.2 per share when it actually produced earnings of $2.34, delivering a surprise of +6.36%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times.

VeriSign, which belongs to the Zacks Internet - Software and Services industry, posted revenues of $434.6 million for the quarter ended June 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.05%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $409.9 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters.

The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.

VeriSign shares have added about 8.1% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 9.6%.

What's Next for VeriSign?While VeriSign has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?

There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.

Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.

Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for VeriSign was mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $2.39 on $440.52 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $9.45 on $1.75 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.

Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Internet - Software and Services is currently in the top 28% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

Another stock from the same industry, Tyler Technologies (TYL - Free Report) , has yet to report results for the quarter ended June 2026. The results are expected to be released on July 29.

This information management software provider is expected to post quarterly earnings of $3.09 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +6.2%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.5% higher over the last 30 days to the current level.

Tyler Technologies' revenues are expected to be $646.95 million, up 8.5% from the year-ago quarter.

In the latest trading session, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY - Free Report) closed at $61.40, marking a +1.05% move from the previous day. The stock outpaced the S&P 500's daily loss of 1.21%. Elsewhere, the Dow lost 0.97%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 2.15%.

The biopharmaceutical company's shares have seen an increase of 10.47% over the last month, surpassing the Medical sector's gain of 3.97% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.42%.

Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of Bristol Myers Squibb in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to be unveiled on July 30, 2026. In that report, analysts expect Bristol Myers Squibb to post earnings of $1.59 per share. This would mark year-over-year growth of 8.9%. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $11.67 billion, indicating a 4.87% decline compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.

In terms of the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $6.34 per share and a revenue of $47.48 billion, indicating changes of +3.09% and -1.48%, respectively, from the former year.

Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for Bristol Myers Squibb. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the business health and profitability.

Our research reveals that these estimate alterations are directly linked with the stock price performance in the near future. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has witnessed a 0.35% increase. Bristol Myers Squibb is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

In the context of valuation, Bristol Myers Squibb is at present trading with a Forward P/E ratio of 9.58. For comparison, its industry has an average Forward P/E of 18.84, which means Bristol Myers Squibb is trading at a discount to the group.

One should further note that BMY currently holds a PEG ratio of 0.17. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company's expected earnings growth rate. The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics was holding an average PEG ratio of 1.54 at yesterday's closing price.

The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry is part of the Medical sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 93, which puts it in the top 38% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Ensure to harness Zacks.com to stay updated with all these stock-shifting metrics, among others, in the next trading sessions.

In the latest trading session, Amgen (AMGN - Free Report) closed at $371.47, marking a +1.48% move from the previous day. The stock's performance was ahead of the S&P 500's daily loss of 1.21%. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a drop of 0.97%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw a decrease of 2.15%.

Prior to today's trading, shares of the world's largest biotech drugmaker had gained 4.16% outpaced the Medical sector's gain of 3.97% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.42%.

The upcoming earnings release of Amgen will be of great interest to investors. The company's earnings report is expected on August 4, 2026. It is anticipated that the company will report an EPS of $5.6, marking a 6.98% fall compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $9.45 billion, up 2.94% from the prior-year quarter.

For the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $22.31 per share and a revenue of $37.73 billion, representing changes of +2.15% and +2.67%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for Amgen. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts' confidence in the business performance and profit potential.

Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, running from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), holds an admirable track record of superior performance, independently audited, with #1 stocks contributing an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has shifted 0.34% downward. Amgen is holding a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell) right now.

Investors should also note Amgen's current valuation metrics, including its Forward P/E ratio of 16.41. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 18.84, so one might conclude that Amgen is trading at a discount comparatively.

Also, we should mention that AMGN has a PEG ratio of 3.7. 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. The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics was holding an average PEG ratio of 1.54 at yesterday's closing price.

The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry is part of the Medical sector. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 93, positioning it in the top 38% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Be sure to use Zacks.com to monitor all these stock-influencing metrics, and more, throughout the forthcoming trading sessions.

Shares in Honeywell Technologies (HON +5.70%) rose by as much as 7.4% in early trading today on the back of an excellent set of results that completely surprised investors and further supported the idea that the industrial sector is firmly in recovery mode in 2026.

Honeywell surprises the market In a nutshell, Honeywell Technologies beat revenue and earnings expectations across all three of its segments; namely, building automation, process automation and technology, and industrial automation in its second quarter. In addition, management raised its full-year 2026 guidance for organic sales, profit margin, and earnings per share.

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Moreover, readers should note that the previous guidance was issued in early June, ahead of the Honeywell Aerospace spinoff. This indicates a recent strengthening of its business, which is giving management cause for confidence.

Key highlights from the full-year 2026 guidance update on the earnings report:

Organic sales growth expected to be 3%-4% compared to prior guidance for 2%-3% Segment margin expected to be 20.1%-20.5% compared to prior guidance for 19.8%-20.3% Adjusted EPS expected to be $8.05-$8.35 compared to prior guidance for $7.90-$8.30 Why Honeywell raised guidance Discussing the reasons why Honeywell raised guidance so soon after the June update, CEO Vimal Kapur noted that " Orders grew 16% organically with broad-based demand across all segments, resulting in a 9% increase in ending backlog. Notably, short-cycle orders grew double-digit across all segments."

Image source: Getty Images.

The pickup in short-cycle orders is particularly interesting, as it implies continued momentum in the industrial sector through 2026, with the Institute for Supply Management Purchasing Managers' Index having indicated growth in every month in 2026. It also suggests the negative impact of the conflict in Iran hasn't derailed the manufacturing recovery this year as yet.

Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Honeywell Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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SummaryServiceNow is transitioning from a SaaS to an AI-driven PaaS, positioning itself as an orchestration layer for enterprise AI workflows.NOW’s new consumption-based pricing model, centered on AI 'Assists' rather than seat count, unlocks exponential revenue potential and aligns with enterprise automation trends.I estimate fair value at $150 per share, implying 46% upside, driven by AI integration, pricing power, and contract upsells for generative AI features.Key risks include the execution of the new pricing model, the integration of acquisitions, overreliance on AI upsell, and intensified competition from hyperscalers. JHVEPhoto/iStock Editorial via Getty Images

Introduction ServiceNow (NOW) is often viewed with a puzzling look on the faces of most investors because the company doesn't sell a tangible, consumer-facing product. Instead, it sells digital workflow automation to large companies. In this article, I'll

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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of NOW either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation. The information presented here is based on publicly available data, and I have no knowledge of your individual financial circumstances. It should not be construed as a recommendation or a solicitation to become a client of DocShah Financial, nor does it establish any advisory relationship between you, the reader, and DocShah Financial. It's important to note that conflicts of interest may exist, and I or my clients may have holdings in the stocks discussed and are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Any decision to invest should be based on your own research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. DocShah Financial or I may stand to gain from stock purchases, and readers should carefully consider their own risk tolerance and financial situation before making any investment decisions. You are fully responsible for any investment outcome.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Defense Earnings Show Readiness Now and Modernization AheadLockheed Martin NYSE: LMT reported what executives described as a strong second quarter of 2026, citing a record backlog, higher sales, improved earnings and a significant rebound in free cash flow. The defense contractor also raised its full-year outlook across key financial metrics, pointing to accelerating demand for munitions, F-35 aircraft, radar systems and space and missile defense programs.

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Taiclet said the company’s backlog reached an all-time high of $230 billion, while free cash flow totaled nearly $3 billion in the quarter. Chief Financial Officer Evan Scott said sales were $20.1 billion, up $1.9 billion, or 11%, from the prior-year period. Excluding unfavorable adjustments recorded in the second quarter of 2025, sales rose 7% year over year.

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Lockheed Martin Secures the Ultimate Defense MoatScott said segment operating margin was 10.8%, segment operating profit was $2.2 billion and earnings per share rose to $7.94. Free cash flow improved to $2.9 billion from negative $150 million in the same period last year, helped by the timing of customer receipts and lower tax payments.

Backlog climbs on munitions and missile defense awards Scott said Lockheed Martin recorded $65 billion of orders during the quarter and a book-to-bill ratio of 3.2 to 1. The largest award was a seven-year, $35 billion Missile Defense Agency contract to quadruple production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, interceptors.

Flying Under the Radar: Lockheed Martin's $2.8B Stealth SetupTaiclet said the quarter also included a $3 billion Army production contract for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, or GMLRS, covering the current version and a successor with twice the range from the same launcher. Lockheed Martin also received a HIMARS award valued at up to $1.1 billion for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and as many as five allied nations.

Taiclet said the awards “strengthen the nation’s production base” by adding manufacturing capacity, additional supply sources and surge capability. He said Lockheed Martin had been increasing munitions capacity ahead of contracted demand and expanding manufacturing footprints in allied countries before co-production requirements became more prominent.

Company raises 2026 guidance Lockheed Martin raised its full-year 2026 sales outlook to a range of $79.75 billion to $81.75 billion, which Scott said represents an 8% year-over-year increase at the midpoint, up from prior guidance of 5% growth. Segment operating profit guidance was increased to $8.5 billion to $8.7 billion.

The company also raised its free cash flow outlook to $7 billion to $7.2 billion and projected earnings per share of $29.95 to $30.65. Scott said the earnings outlook was driven by higher year-to-date profits and a lower effective tax rate. Capital expenditure guidance was updated to a range of $2 billion to $2.4 billion, reflecting efficiencies in the Missiles and Fire Control munitions build-out.

Scott said every business segment is expected to grow faster in the second half of 2026 than in the first half, with Missiles and Fire Control leading the company’s growth.

Segment outlooks improve broadly Mark Kvasnak, vice president of investor relations, said Aeronautics is now expected to generate 2026 sales of $31.7 billion to $32.7 billion, supported by F-35 production and sustainment volumes. Aeronautics profit guidance was raised to $3 billion to $3.08 billion, though margins were projected modestly lower than prior guidance as the company scales new F-35 contracts, expands sustainment work and absorbs earlier F-16 and C-130 challenges.

Missiles and Fire Control sales are now projected at $16.5 billion to $16.9 billion, with profit expected between $2.3 billion and $2.35 billion. Kvasnak said the segment’s second-quarter sales were up 19% and profit rose 24% year over year.

Rotary and Mission Systems’ full-year sales outlook increased to $17.7 billion to $18.1 billion, supported by radar awards and Sikorsky production ramps. Profit guidance rose to $1.86 billion to $1.89 billion. Space sales are expected to range from $13.85 billion to $14.05 billion, supported by wins on the Next Generation Interceptor, Fleet Ballistic Missile and classified national security programs. Space profit guidance was lowered to $1.34 billion to $1.38 billion due to reduced ULA equity earnings tied to an ongoing technical investigation of a Vulcan launch anomaly earlier in the year.

Executives highlight technology investments and capacity expansion Taiclet said Lockheed Martin is investing in advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics and artificial intelligence-enabled production systems. He cited the opening of a missile assembly building in Courtland, Alabama, and the groundbreaking of a munitions production center in Troy, Alabama, as examples of recent capacity expansion.

The company also signed an agreement to acquire Ultra Maritime, which Taiclet said would enhance undersea sensing and autonomous sea drone capabilities. At the NATO summit, Lockheed Martin signed a memorandum of understanding with Rheinmetall toward a European Center of Excellence for ATACMS production. Taiclet also said the company welcomed efforts by the U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden to explore a dedicated PAC-3 missile maintenance facility in Europe.

Taiclet discussed several newer defense technology efforts, including the Sanctum Counter-UAS system using the Grizzly containerized launcher. He said the system moved from concept to successful live-fire testing in under 45 days by integrating existing components, including a battle manager, radar, launcher and JAGM missiles. He said the company is increasingly investing ahead of formal requests from customers when it believes it can anticipate mission needs.

Q&A focuses on acquisition models, demand and margin outlook During the analyst question-and-answer session, Taiclet said Lockheed Martin is seeking to become “America’s clear leader in the defense technology segment,” not only the largest defense prime contractor. He said the company is building “mission technology roadmaps” based on customer needs and investing before formal orders in some cases.

Asked about commercial-style acquisition models, Taiclet said multiyear munitions framework agreements are important because they provide industry with more confidence to invest. He said Lockheed Martin does not plan to take risks similar to the historical C-130J example unless it has confidence in long-term contractual arrangements.

On demand, Taiclet cited long-term need for the F-35, calling it the only in-production fifth-generation fighter in the free world. He said the company remains confident that a 156-aircraft annual production rate can be sustained for some time, despite budget-cycle uncertainty.

Scott said margins on the new THAAD contract are expected to be consistent with historical munitions production margins over time, though large ramps can create near-term dilution. He said Missiles and Fire Control margins should generally remain in the high-13% to low-14% range, with a goal of improving over historical levels as long-term agreements incentivize cost and schedule performance.

Taiclet closed the call by thanking Lockheed Martin employees, suppliers and military customers, saying the company is focused on delivering “reliable mission-ready capabilities and equipment” to U.S. and allied forces.

About Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)Lockheed Martin Corporation NYSE: LMT is a global aerospace and defense company that designs, develops and manufactures advanced technology systems for government and commercial customers. Formed through the 1995 merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, the company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and focuses on providing integrated solutions across air, space, land and sea domains. Its primary customers include the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA and allied governments around the world.

Lockheed Martin's product and service portfolio spans military aircraft, missile and fire-control systems, missile defense, space systems and satellite technologies, sensors and precision weapons.

This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].

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COINTELEGRAPH: Bitcoin slides below $65K as Iran conflict fuels $100 oil and bond-yield surge

Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise, has shifted focus toward specific investment categories poised to capitalize on the anticipated next wave of cryptocurrency growth. With signs of market stabilization emerging—such as Bitcoin’s recent gains amid broader equity weakness and renewed ETF inflows—Hougan urges investors to look beyond traditional narratives and target areas where blockchain technology is merging with traditional finance.

Hougan outlines two primary pathways for the upcoming cycle. The first, often referred to as the “Hyperliquid approach,” centers on decentralized financial applications that deliver substantial real-world revenues and feature token models tightly aligned with platform performance.

These projects stand out by expanding derivatives trading into traditional asset classes, including commodities, equity indices, and pre-IPO shares, while operating around the clock with near-instant settlement.

Hyperliquid exemplifies this model.

The platform recently crossed $1 billion in cumulative revenue and projects roughly $800 million for the current year.

Notably, nearly all of its fee income—about 99%—funds open-market repurchases of its native token, creating a direct mechanism that rewards holders as activity grows.

This structure contrasts sharply with earlier decentralized apps that prioritized user acquisition over sustainable value accrual.

Hougan anticipates similar mechanics becoming more widespread, positioning such protocols as leaders in the fusion of on-chain efficiency and institutional-grade trading tools like stablecoins, asset tokenization, and DeFi for professional users.

The second pathway, dubbed the “Robinhood model,” highlights established financial firms aggressively integrating blockchain infrastructure into their core operations rather than pursuing limited experiments.

These companies leverage their user bases and regulatory familiarity to scale tokenized assets and decentralized services.

Robinhood’s recent rollout of its dedicated Layer 2 blockchain serves as a prime illustration.

Launched on July 1, the chain quickly amassed over $300 million in deposits and handled millions of daily transactions within its first couple of weeks.

By enabling features such as tokenized stocks and perpetual markets, it demonstrates how traditional brokers can bridge retail investors with blockchain capabilities, fostering 24/7 access and reducing friction in settlement processes.

Hougan notes that entities committing at this scale gain invaluable operational insights as markets evolve, outpacing cautious peers stuck in proof-of-concept phases.

This dual emphasis reflects broader expectations for the crypto sector’s maturation.

As on-chain and legacy finance converge, drivers like continuous trading, tokenized real-world assets, and institutional DeFi could fuel outsized returns.

While market recovery remains tentative, improving sentiment suggests preparation for leadership from these innovative hybrids.

Hougan’s outlook underscores a shift from hype-driven cycles to those grounded in tangible utility and revenue generation. Investors may benefit from monitoring projects and firms embodying these traits, as they could define the contours of the next significant expansion phase in digital assets.

Crypto analyst Ali Martinez said that the sharp decline in Bitcoin’s Sharpe ratio, a risk-return indicator, could signal a favorable period for long-term buying in the spot market.

According to data shared by Martinez, Bitcoin’s Sharpe ratio has fallen to minus 23. The Sharpe ratio, which measures the return an investment provides in relation to the risk or volatility undertaken, indicates strong returns relative to risk when it is positive, while negative values point to periods where investors face significant losses.

The analyst noted that a reading of -23 doesn’t necessarily mean the decline in Bitcoin will continue indefinitely; rather, it suggests that sellers may have largely exhausted their options. According to Martinez, this creates an asymmetrical entry opportunity for long-term Bitcoin investors, where the risk is more limited compared to the potential gain.

Martinez stated that past data also revealed a similar picture, recalling that the Sharpe ratio had fallen to similar levels during the lows of the 2015, 2019, and 2022 bear markets. He noted that these periods coincided with the final capitulation and intense selling phases in the market.

On the other hand, according to on-chain data, Bitcoin has formed a strong support zone between $63,111 and $61,840. URPD data shows that more than 1.3 million BTC changed hands within this price range.

Martinez noted that as long as this support zone is maintained, Bitcoin does not face a significant supply wall up to $84,569. Approximately 582,000 BTC have traded at this level previously. Therefore, the analyst added, maintaining the region between $61,840 and $63,111 is critical for Bitcoin’s medium-term outlook.

*This is not investment advice.

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Japan’s latest crypto law changes have revived the country’s spot Bitcoin ETF discussion, but the important part is the timeline. This is not an approval story today. It is a regulatory groundwork story, and that means investors need to be patient.

The Japanese Cabinet submitted the Bill for Partially Amending the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and the Payment Services Act to the 221st session of the National Diet, moving crypto assets toward treatment as financial assets under the FIEA rather than only payment instruments under the Payment Services Act.

That sounds technical, because it is. But it could matter a lot.

If crypto assets sit under a financial-assets framework, Japan’s Financial Services Agency has a clearer path to build rules for investment products, including the kind of structure that could eventually support spot Bitcoin ETFs.

The key word is eventually.

TL;DR Japan is moving crypto assets toward treatment under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. The change may help create a regulatory foundation for future spot Bitcoin ETFs. Spot Bitcoin ETFs are not currently approved or trading in Japan. Why Reclassification Matters Legal classification shapes what financial products can exist.

If crypto is treated mainly as a payment instrument, regulators focus on exchange use, transfers, custody, and consumer protection. If crypto is treated as a financial asset, the conversation widens into investment products, disclosure rules, market conduct, taxation, investor eligibility, and fund structures.

That is why Japan’s FIEA shift matters.

It does not automatically create a Bitcoin ETF. But it moves crypto closer to the legal category where investment trust rules and securities-market oversight can do the work.

For asset managers, that is important because ETF products need a clear regulatory foundation. They need rules around custody, valuation, creation and redemption, market surveillance, disclosures, and investor protection. Those rules are hard to build if the underlying asset sits in the wrong legal bucket.

Japan’s latest legislation starts to solve that structural problem.

Japan Has Been Cautious For A Reason Japan has a long history with crypto, and not all of it has been easy.

The country was one of the earliest major markets to regulate crypto exchanges seriously, partly because of painful exchange failures in earlier cycles. That history made Japanese regulators cautious, especially around retail investor protection and custody standards.

So Japan moving slowly on spot Bitcoin ETFs is not surprising.

The US approved spot Bitcoin ETFs after years of rejection, litigation, surveillance-sharing debates, and market-structure scrutiny. Other jurisdictions have taken their own routes. Japan’s process was always likely to be careful, rule-heavy, and tied to broader legal reforms.

That may frustrate traders who want a quick ETF headline, but it is consistent with how Japan tends to handle financial regulation.

The upside is that once a framework is in place, it may be more durable.

2028 Is A Target, Not A Trading Date The 2028 timeline needs to be treated properly.

A target launch window does not mean products are approved. It does not mean investors can buy a Japanese spot Bitcoin ETF now. It does not mean every asset manager is ready to launch immediately.

It means regulators and financial institutions have a possible runway.

That runway could involve final rules, investment trust amendments, tax adjustments, custody standards, market infrastructure, and product filings. Firms such as large brokers and asset managers may prepare in anticipation, but preparation is not approval.

This is where crypto headlines often get too excited.

“Japan moves toward Bitcoin ETFs” is fair. “Japan approves Bitcoin ETFs” is not.

The difference matters because investors can misread regulatory progress as immediate market access.

Tax And Product Design May Be Just As Important Japan’s crypto ETF discussion is not only about listing permission.

Tax treatment matters too. If crypto products are taxed in a way that makes them unattractive compared with other investment vehicles, ETF demand may be weaker than expected. If tax rules become more investor-friendly, regulated products could become more competitive.

Product design also matters.

Will Japan allow only Bitcoin first? Could Ethereum follow? What custody rules will apply? Will products be available to retail investors? What disclosure standards will asset managers face? How will exchanges and market makers support liquidity?

Those details will determine whether a future ETF market is meaningful or merely symbolic.

Japan Could Become A Major Asian ETF Market If the framework develops properly, Japan could become an important Asian market for regulated crypto investment products.

It has deep capital markets, a large retail investor base, major financial institutions, and a strong regulatory culture. A spot Bitcoin ETF in Japan would not only be another product. It would signal that one of Asia’s most important financial systems is comfortable putting Bitcoin into a mainstream investment wrapper.

That would matter for regional adoption.

But the path is still long.

The latest legislation is a foundation, not the finished building. The FSA still needs to shape the rules, institutions need to prepare products, and lawmakers may still need to settle related tax and investor-protection questions.

So the right takeaway is measured optimism.

Japan is not racing into spot Bitcoin ETFs. It is creating the legal conditions that could make them possible later. For a market as cautious and important as Japan, that is still a meaningful step.

This article is based on Japan Financial Services Agency materials relating to the FIEA and Payment Services Act amendments.

This article was written by the News Desk and edited by Samuel Rae.

The Trump administration announced new global tariffs of up to 12.5% which will go into effect just after midnight ET on Friday. The new responsibilities will supplant temporary 10% tariffs for all countries and are aimed at dozens of countries concerning forced labor allegations.

Bitcoin Slips As Trump Moves To Impose New Global Tariff Rates The tariff rates will be 10%-12.5% and will be imposed on 60 countries representing more than 99% of U.S. trade, according to senior administration officials. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative did not go so far as to attempt to calculate the revenue that the new tariffs would generate, per CNBC report.

It’s the “the most sweeping international labor rights action the United States has ever taken — that any country has ever taken,” said a senior Trump administration official. The official also noted the new taxes on steel and aluminum will not “stack” on top of the existing Section 232 tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum for national security reasons.

It happened at the time of ongoing bearish sentiment on the crypto market. Bitcoin fell to $64,985.16, down 1.37% at the time of writing on Thursday, July 23. BTC had already trampled the $65,000 mark earlier today as the US-Iran war tensions grew. Moreover, the lower-than-expected U.S. initial jobless claims data also weighed on the market.

Thereafter, it recovered above the crucial $65,000 zone but the rebound was shortlived as the Trump tariffs news rattled the market. The 15-minute timeframe chart shows formation of red candles for Bitcoin. Also, the crypto market saw notable long liquidations amid bearish macro developments.

U.S. President’s Trade Policy Continues Facing Backlash The new steps come as a further step up in President Donald Trump’s trade policy. However, some of his tariff measures were struck down owing to legal challenges earlier this year.

One of the arguments pushed by the administration has been that tariffs are meant to correct unfair trade practices. Furthermore, the Trump administration believes that such a move will give U.S. a leverage in negotiations with trading partners.

More recently, there have been tariff increases on most imports from Brazil. These charges went into effect on Wednesday at the rate of 25%. In addition, Trump levied 50% tariffs on the wide variety of Canadian imports that will take effect next month.

Previously, the administration had revealed the new tariff policy in early June. This move the White House’s findings that the affected nations had not adequately banned forced labor in U.S. trade. The latest guidelines will replace the temporary global tariff system as soon as it expires early Friday.

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With a court set to consider a reversal of a $5 million settlement from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC’s) case with cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, the company has sent $10 million in Bitcoin (BTC) to a super political action committee (PAC) supporting President Donald Trump.

According to the MAGA Inc. Super PAC’s July report to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) filed on Monday, the Gemini Trust Company run by co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss sent two separate contributions of more than $5 million in Bitcoin on June 19. 

The donation, which the PAC may use for independent expenditures to support Trump, was recorded about three weeks after the CFTC filed a joint motion with Gemini in federal court in an attempt to reverse a January 2025 settlement over the company allegedly making false or misleading statements. CFTC Chair Michael Selig claimed at the time that the agency under former US President Joe Biden “politically targeted” the Winklevosses through enforcement actions.

In addition to the recent MAGA Inc. contributions, the Winklevoss brothers each donated $1 million to Trump’s 2024 election campaign and supported the then-candidate through social media posts.  Following Trump taking office in January 2025, the twins attended the signing ceremony for a stablecoin payments bill, the GENIUS Act, backed his sons’ crypto mining venture American Bitcoin and contributed $21 million in Bitcoin to the Digital Freedom Fund PAC in an effort to “support President Trump and his administration’s efforts” related to crypto policy.

Since attorneys filed the joint CFTC-Gemini motion with the US District Court for the Southern District of New York in May, there has been no decision posted to the public docket. Cointelegraph reached out to the CFTC and Gemini’s counsel, Avi Perry, for comment on the $10 million contribution but did not receive an immediate response. A CFTC spokesperson told Cointelegraph in June that both sides “agreed that the $5 million penalty will not be returned to Gemini” if granted by the court.

In a June letter to Selig, Senator Elizabeth Warren called the joint motion for reversal and other factors as “concerning signs of a CFTC beholden to political pressures and interests of the wealthy insiders, unbound by the rule of law and failing to protect investors and market integrity.”

As of June 30, MAGA Inc. reported receiving more than $397 million.

Selig remains sole CFTC commissioner with no nominations announcedThe CFTC chair, a Republican who was confirmed by the US Senate in December 2025, remains the only member in what is usually a bipartisan group of five commissioners heading the agency.

Many lawmakers have been pressing Trump to announce additional nominations for the financial regulator as Congress considers comprehensive crypto market structure legislation, the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act. The bill is expected to give the CFTC significant authority in regulating and overseeing digital assets.

As of Thursday, the White House had not announced any nominations for CFTC commissioners, leaving Selig to largely direct the agency’s agenda.

Magazine: Here’s why the CLARITY Act’s ethics deal may be so hard to reach

Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.

MicroStrategy Changes the MSTR-Bitcoin Link: What Do Shareholders Own?

Bitcoin has fallen below $65,000 after the Trump administration announced tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 trading partners covering more than 99% of U.S. trade.

Summary

Bitcoin fell below $65,000 after Trump announced new tariffs covering 60 major trading partners. Strong U.S. jobless claims data and rising Treasury yields added pressure on risk assets. Crypto liquidations reached about $162 million as leveraged long traders absorbed most of the losses. CNBC reported that the duties will take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday, replacing the temporary 10% global tariff scheduled to expire the same day. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has linked the measures to what it described as inadequate enforcement against goods made with forced labor.

Bitcoin traded as low as $64,985 on Thursday, July 23, before briefly recovering above $65,000. crypto.news data showed the asset down about 1.5% over 24 hours, with its market capitalization standing near $1.3 trillion.

Selling resumed after details of the tariff plan emerged, leaving the rebound above $65,000 short-lived. Short-interval charts showed consecutive bearish candles during the decline, while CoinGlass recorded rising liquidations of leveraged long positions as traders faced another risk-off development.

The tariff announcement arrived during a difficult session for risk assets. The Nasdaq Composite fell about 2.2% to a four-week low, while the S&P 500 lost 1.2% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped about 507 points.

Escalating tensions between the United States and Iran had already pressured Bitcoin earlier in the day. Al Jazeera reported that President Donald Trump had threatened an unprecedented “massive attack” on Iran as military exchanges continued across the region.

Strong labor data has added pressure on Bitcoin Fresh U.S. employment data gave traders another reason to reassess interest-rate expectations. The Labor Department reported that initial jobless claims fell by 22,000 to 187,000 in the week ending July 18, the lowest total since September 1969.

Economists surveyed by Reuters had expected claims to rise to 212,000. Continuing claims also fell by 2,000 to 1.796 million, according to the department, showing that layoffs remained limited despite slower hiring and uncertainty surrounding trade policy.

Stronger labor figures can reduce the urgency for the Federal Reserve to ease monetary policy because they suggest that the economy can withstand restrictive borrowing costs. Interest-rate futures indicated that traders were considering the possibility of a Fed rate increase by September, Reuters reported, as higher oil prices added to inflation concerns.

Treasury yields climbed alongside those expectations, with the 10-year yield reaching about 4.70%, according to Investors Business Daily. Higher bond yields can weigh on cryptocurrencies because they raise the return available from traditional assets that carry less risk than Bitcoin.

Leveraged traders took most of the immediate damage from the decline. CoinGlass data showed that 62,869 crypto traders were liquidated over 24 hours, with total liquidations reaching about $162 million. Separate Coinalyze figures placed Bitcoin liquidations near $28.7 million, including roughly $26.2 million in long positions.

Bitcoin’s fall followed a brief advance toward $67,000 earlier in the week. BTC was approaching a seven-week high on July 21 despite the conflict with Iran and the pending tariff decision, but buyers failed to maintain that move as macroeconomic pressure intensified.

New tariffs have rebuilt Trump’s trade barrier The administration has imposed the tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows Washington to respond to trade practices it considers unfair. The legal route differs from the emergency powers used for an earlier set of tariffs that the Supreme Court struck down in February.

A senior administration official described the measures as the most extensive international labor-rights trade action ever taken by any country. According to the administration, the rates depend on how much progress each trading partner has made in restricting imports produced with forced labor.

Countries and territories that have introduced partial restrictions or made related commitments will face a 10% rate. USTR documents show that the group includes Canada, Mexico, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Argentina and several Southeast Asian and Latin American economies.

A 12.5% tariff will apply to partners that the USTR determined had made less progress, including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has argued that weak enforcement abroad forces American workers to compete against goods linked to abusive labor practices.

Several major product groups will remain outside the new duties. Reuters reported that the exemptions include crude oil, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, rare-earth materials, aircraft parts and some foods, while goods already covered by Section 232 tariffs will not face an additional charge.

Canadian and Mexican products that comply with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will also be exempt. Administration officials said the new steel and aluminum duties would not stack on top of existing national-security tariffs.

The USTR has not published an estimate of how much revenue the tariff package will produce, according to CNBC. Trading partners can potentially secure lower rates by strengthening their forced-labor import rules, although officials said no country currently enforces a complete prohibition.

For Bitcoin, the announcement has added trade uncertainty to a session already shaped by geopolitical tension, rising oil prices, stronger labor data and higher Treasury yields. CoinGecko data placed BTC close to $65,000 at the time of reporting, leaving the level as the immediate test for buyers after the latest decline.

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A recent report by Forbes details how a $30,000 bill has marked the end of an era for crypto influencers, who were once pivotal in promoting digital assets. This development comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny globally, with Indonesia leading the charge through new regulations requiring influencers to hold certifications or licenses to promote crypto assets. The shift reflects a broader move away from the loosely regulated environment that previously allowed influencers to engage in undisclosed paid promotions. Market observers suggest this regulatory landscape change could dampen enthusiasm and reduce promotional activity within the crypto sector.

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Key Takeaways Pricing suggests participants view the end of crypto influencer promotions as potentially impactful on market enthusiasm, which may indicate a decline in Bitcoin’s price momentum. The introduction of strict regulations in Indonesia and elsewhere appears consistent with a reduction in undisclosed crypto promotions, a shift that markets may interpret as limiting speculative activity. The current market pricing for Bitcoin reaching $72,000 by July 26 is notably low, with activity suggesting skepticism about achieving this target in the current environment. What to Watch Observers will be monitoring further regulatory developments in key markets such as the U.S. and EU, where similar restrictions could emerge. The reaction of key industry figures, such as MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor and Ark Invest’s Cathie Wood, will be crucial in assessing the market’s resilience. Additionally, any significant moves in Bitcoin’s price may be influenced by macroeconomic indicators or regulatory actions, suggesting that market participants are cautious about the near-term prospects for significant price gains.

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Term Structure

Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h July 27 2026 0.5% — — View market → July 27 2026 0.2% — — View market → July 27 2026 11.5% — — View market → July 27 2026 10.5% — — View market → July 27 2026 2.4% — — View market → July 27 2026 0.2% — — View market → July 27 2026 2.8% — — View market → July 27 2026 0.8% — — View market →

A recent video shared by Thomas Laresca, known as a crypto coach on X, has sparked considerable discussion within the XRP investor community. The video features a man who tells his wife he owns 10 million XRP. When asked if that amount is enough, he responds emphatically, “Fuck No.”

The push to accumulate more XRPThis short exchange has drawn attention not just for its humor, but for capturing a belief widely held among serious XRP investors: relentless accumulation is key, regardless of current holdings.

Notable figures in the XRP ecosystem continue to encourage investors to increase their exposure. Edoardo Farina, CEO of Alpha Lions Academy, has stated that holding less than 1,000 XRP represents “insanity” and advises aiming for 10,000 XRP as a threshold for those seeking significant profit opportunities. Financial analyst Brewer has echoed this sentiment, recommending every XRP holder keep at least 10,000 XRP in cold storage. Brewer maintains that XRP’s primary value may be as collateral to access liquidity, rather than a token to be sold swiftly for short-term profit.

Brewer has maintained that “10,000 XRP” should be considered a baseline for every serious investor’s cold storage, positioning XRP as collateral rather than a quick trade.

Within this framework, the notion of amassing 10 million XRP, as in the viral video, vastly exceeds even the most ambitious benchmarks commonly discussed by experts.

Where 10 million XRP ranks among global holdersRecent data compiled by XRP community member BagMan (@XRPBags) sheds light on how rare such a holding is. According to the most current XRP rich list, a wallet holding 2,155.87 XRP already ranks in the top 10% of all accounts. Climbing higher, 45,000 XRP places an investor in the top 1%, while a holding of 277,098.12 XRP is required to enter the top 0.1%, with just 7,999 accounts reaching this level.

Only those with over 3,714,074.61 XRP rank among the top 0.01%, a category with fewer than 800 wallets worldwide. Therefore, an account containing 10 million XRP is firmly positioned within this exclusive segment.

Investor percentileMinimum XRP heldApproximate number of walletsTop 10%2,155.87N/ATop 1%45,000N/ATop 0.1%277,098.127,999Top 0.01%3,714,074.61<800Mini dictionary: XRP rich list, a resource that provides distribution data by wallet balances to analyze asset concentration and investor tiers within the XRP network.

Long-term outlook and price aspirationsBased on current prices of $1.09 per token, a 10 million XRP holding equates to $10.9 million. Some analysts have predicted ambitious targets such as $27 per XRP, and a handful have suggested figures as high as $589. These projections, if realized, would turn such a holding into an asset worth hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars.

Regardless of price targets, the underlying message from most experts remains focused on long-term accumulation. The prevailing advice is to store assets in self-custody and prepare for potential future appreciation. The man featured in Laresca’s video, despite holding well above elite thresholds, appears to embody this prevailing mentality: no amount is ever truly enough for dedicated XRP adherents.

The consensus across much of the XRP community is to keep accumulating and focus on long-term strategies rather than short-term trades, a view echoed by several market specialists.

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.

Ripple revealed that its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) has expanded to over 60 leading universities worldwide, underlining academia’s growing role in shaping blockchain innovation. This development was detailed in Ripple’s 2025–2026 Advancing Blockchain Research with Real-World Impact report, which underscored the influence of university-led projects in moving blockchain technology forward.

University-driven research shifts blockchain progressUBRI, launched in 2018 by Ripple, functions as a global research network connecting academic research to real-world blockchain applications. The initiative provides funding, technical support, educational resources, and fosters open-source collaboration, supporting both researchers and students focused on emerging blockchain technologies.

Ripple’s latest report identified three key areas where UBRI-supported researchers are making significant progress. The first area involves developing AI-powered financial infrastructure. Teams are exploring ways artificial intelligence can work with blockchain to automate payments, streamline financial decisions, and create autonomous agents—potentially transforming the way transactions take place.

AI integration in blockchain enables programmable, secure financial systems designed to simplify transactions and automate complex processes for future economic models.

This research positions blockchain as the core foundation behind intelligent, programmable, and secure financial platforms, especially as artificial intelligence takes on more sophisticated roles in finance.

From tokenization to quantum-secure blockchainsThe second major focus is on tokenized assets and digital markets. UBRI-sponsored university teams are developing mechanisms to represent and trade real-world assets—such as securities, real estate, and commodities—directly on blockchain platforms. This work aims to improve efficiency, increase market liquidity, reduce settlement times, and open up access to new investment opportunities across global markets.

Mini dictionary: Tokenization refers to the process of converting ownership of physical or digital assets—such as stocks, real estate, or artwork—into tradable digital tokens on a blockchain, enabling easier transfer, fractional ownership, and improved liquidity.

Asset TypeTraditional TransferTokenized TransferSecuritiesSeveral daysNear-instantReal EstateWeeks/monthsMinutes/hoursCommoditiesIntermediaries requiredPeer-to-peerThe third area involves post-quantum cryptography, as advancements in quantum computing could eventually compromise current encryption standards. UBRI-affiliated researchers are working on new cryptographic techniques designed to safeguard blockchain networks and digital assets against potential quantum threats in the future.

Mini dictionary: Post-quantum cryptography involves developing cryptographic algorithms capable of resisting decryption by quantum computers, which could eventually break many existing encryption methods.

Ripple strengthens industry-academic collaborationRipple highlighted that the ongoing expansion of UBRI demonstrates a shift in blockchain research from purely theoretical studies to practical, actionable solutions. By growing its university network, Ripple aims to support the next generation of blockchain developers, economists, policymakers, and business founders.

Ripple, whose flagship digital asset is XRP, has also bolstered its reputation in the fintech sector. CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently stated that XRP’s settlement speed reduces transaction risks for financial institutions when compared to conventional SWIFT-based transfers. Ripple was recognized again in 2024 on the list of the World’s Top Fintech Companies by CNBC and Statista, marking the fourth year it has received this distinction.

Ripple’s strategy emphasizes fusing academic research with enterprise adoption, seeking to make blockchain a foundational element of global finance in the years ahead.

With UBRI’s ongoing expansion and continued academic partnerships, Ripple continues to position itself at the intersection of research, education, and industry application, supporting wider adoption of blockchain technology across global financial markets.

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.

Ripple made a strategic investment in Notabene Wednesday to expand compliant stablecoin payments, even as XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) dropped 3% after a cup and handle breakout failed on the daily chart.

What Is Notabene And Why Did Ripple Invest?According to a press release, Notabene runs the world’s largest open network for regulated on-chain transactions, connecting more than 2,300 institutions across 100-plus jurisdictions and processing over $2 trillion in annualized transaction volume. 

The network handles Travel Rule compliance alongside broader transaction verification and authorization, which is exactly the infrastructure banks need before moving value on-chain.

Ripple invested because institutional stablecoin adoption has hit a specific wall: firms know they want to use stablecoins but cannot do it safely at scale within their existing compliance frameworks. Notabene’s network solves that problem.

“Stablecoins are quickly becoming part of mainstream financial infrastructure, but institutional adoption depends on more than efficient settlement rails alone,” said Jack McDonald, SVP of Stablecoin at Ripple. 

“It requires trusted identity, compliance, and transaction authorization before value moves,” he added.

How Does This Expand RLUSD’s Reach?The partnership integrates RLUSD into Notabene Flow, the company’s B2B stablecoin payments platform that enables payment coordination, pull payments, recurring payments, and automated invoicing for institutions. 

Ripple Payments and Notabene’s authorization capabilities will also explore deeper integration.

Notabene CEO Pelle Braendgaard said the combination of Notabene’s compliance network with RLUSD and Ripple’s global payments reach turns stablecoin adoption from a pilot program into a real growth engine that reaches more counterparties and moves more volume faster.

Why Is XRP Down 3% Despite The News?XRP dropped 3% as the cup and handle breakout that traders were watching has failed.

Price sliced back below the 50-day EMA at $1.14 and is now sitting on the 20-day EMA at $1.11, the last line before the setup is fully invalidated.

The pattern is a classic failed breakout. Price pushed above the handle, trapped late buyers at higher levels, then reversed sharply with those trapped buyers now driving the selling.

A daily close below the 20-day EMA at $1.11 fully confirms the failure and puts $1.05 back in play quickly. 

Bulls need to reclaim $1.14 to even begin rebuilding the case. The daily candle is still open, and a recovery close above $1.12 keeps the setup alive.

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Rising Futures OI raises both breakout hopes and liquidation risks.

Ripple’s XRP is back in the spotlight! The token has gained attention from both Futures traders and ETF investors, even though its price has yet to show strength.

Is there a rally underway, or are traders taking on excessive risk too early?

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THE STREET: XRP is down 69%, yet millionaires are buying

XRP is at a pivotal technical level, according to prominent market analyst EGRAG CRYPTO, who identified the asset’s recent move out of a multi-year symmetrical triangle as a key step in its bullish cycle. At $1.10, XRP faces an important macro breakout retest that could set the stage for significant price appreciation if critical support and resistance levels are maintained.

Key technical zones and price targetsEGRAG CRYPTO, known for his technical analysis of cryptocurrencies, underscored the importance of the $0.85–$0.88 support area for XRP. He described this region as a high-confluence technical zone, aligning with the lower boundary of the former symmetrical triangle chart pattern, the so-called White Bridge support, the monthly 111 Exponential Moving Average (EMA), and the projected retest level.

The analyst advised that a brief move below this support would not necessarily disrupt the long-term bullish scenario, but sustained monthly closes under this range could undermine XRP’s outlook. EGRAG also pointed to the monthly 21 EMA and the $1.23 to $1.65 resistance range as pivotal levels for confirming the end of the market’s correction phase.

Defending the $0.85–$0.88 support, reclaiming $1.23, breaking above $1.65, and reaching the $3.00–$3.50 resistance area are crucial milestones for XRP’s path toward a $6.40 rally.

If these milestones are achieved and XRP regains acceptance above its previous all-time highs, EGRAG believes the path could open toward a long-term price target of $30, provided the technical structure remains intact. These projections, however, rely on XRP’s ability to validate each step along the technical roadmap.

LevelSignificance$0.85–$0.88Primary support zone$1.23–$1.65Key resistance band$3.00–$3.50Major resistance area$6.40Initial upward target$30Long-term measured targetMarket fundamentals and growing demandBeyond technical indicators, the macro environment for XRP is also becoming more constructive. Whale selling has decreased significantly, removing a major source of selling pressure in recent months. At the same time, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) has surpassed 1.4 million AI agent transactions, indicating rising adoption of automated payments and integration with machine-driven finance applications.

Mini dictionary: XRP Ledger (XRPL), an open-source blockchain designed for fast and low-cost cross-border payments, powers the XRP cryptocurrency and supports functions tailored for financial institutions, such as decentralized asset issuance and settlement.

Institutional interest is also showing signs of strength. A recent report noted that clients of Franklin Templeton—an established global asset management firm—purchased approximately $5.66 million in XRP through their exchange-traded fund (ETF) products. This accumulation by major investors indicates continued confidence in XRP despite broader market volatility.

With dwindling whale selling and institutional accumulation on the rise, along with increased usage of XRPL for AI-powered transactions, several supportive trends are converging to bolster XRP’s technical setup.

Outlook for XRP’s next moveEGRAG emphasizes that the $0.85–$0.88 support and the $1.23–$1.65 resistance will act as immediate indicators for any renewed bullish momentum. If XRP sustains these levels and reclaims higher ground, the probability of reaching the $6.40 target may increase.

The broader uptrend will depend on the asset’s reaction to these technical markers, particularly as external market conditions and investor sentiment continue to influence cryptocurrency prices.

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.

The National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), a nonprofit backed by Ripple Labs and focused on expanding crypto education, published research estimating the economic impact of the cryptocurrency industry in the United States for 2026. Working with analytic firm Pragmatic Policy Group, the NCA calculated that salaries, worker spending, and overall output from the sector are set to inject $55 billion into the US economy this year.

Data on crypto employment and economic impactThe Pragmatic Policy Group’s report measured the crypto sector’s role across direct, indirect, and induced employment, highlighting its growing relevance. The analysis found that about 34,000 people are directly employed by crypto companies in the US. Factoring in supply chain jobs and spending by workers, the total number of jobs supported rises to 232,000 across the economy.

Compared to other industries, direct employment in US crypto companies now surpasses the number of jobs in sectors like coffee and tea manufacturing and aerospace, as shown by US Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

The NCA emphasized that “investments in securities and commodity contracts” generated $9.7 billion, making it the largest single sector by economic contribution, followed by “housing and real estate,” which accounted for $4.8 billion in combined value.

Several states stand out for crypto-related employment. Texas, Washington, North Carolina, California, and New York support the most industry jobs. Colorado is described as a “growing blockchain hub” due to supportive regulation, while North Dakota is emerging as an “energy-integrated digital infrastructure hub” based on its favorable tax environment for crypto mining and progressive flare gas policies.

The NCA was founded in March 2025, aiming to promote consumer awareness and understanding of digital assets. With $50 million in funding from Ripple, the group is headed by Ripple’s chief legal officer, Stuart Alderoty.

Mini dictionary: Flare gas policies are regulations governing the capture or use of natural gas produced as a byproduct during oil extraction, which is often flared (burned off). Policies allowing for crypto mining operations to use this otherwise wasted energy have attracted mining ventures to some states.

CategoryEconomic ContributionInvestments in securities and commodity contracts$9.7 billionHousing and real estate (combined)$4.8 billionThe industry experienced multiple shutdowns in 2026Despite its strong economic contribution, the crypto industry has also faced headwinds in 2026, with several digital asset projects ceasing operations. Companies cited market volatility, scaling difficulties, and operational costs as reasons for closing.

In January, New York-based crypto start-up Entropy ended operations after four years. Singapore’s decentralized email platform Dmail began shutting down in May, mentioning the unsustainable costs of bandwidth, storage, and computing resources. Other closures included decentralized governance platform Tally and Balancer Labs, both of which closed in March.

Numerous crypto companies have ended operations in 2026 due to financial difficulties and a challenging market environment, according to industry statements.

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.

Ripple has announced the launch of Ripple Mint, a new platform designed to help expand institutional access to its RLUSD stablecoin. The launch empowers customers with additional options for minting, redeeming and managing RLUSD both manually and via automated integrations.

Ripple Launches New Platform To Promote RLUSD’s Institutional Use According to the launch, “Ripple Mint is here – a unified way for institutions to access, mint, redeem, and manage Ripple USD (RLUSD).” The company notes that stablecoins are becoming an increasingly important asset class for trading, payments and treasury management, and consequently demand for flexible access to these assets is growing.

For context, RLUSD stablecoin is issued under Standard Custody & Trust Company LLC, a trust company chartered by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). The structure is “regulated” and offers the transparency and oversight that institutional customers need, Ripple said.

Meet Ripple Mint.

A unified platform for institutions to access, mint, redeem, and manage $RLUSD.

Built for scale with both UI and API access, Ripple Mint gives institutions the flexibility to automate stablecoin operations, integrate RLUSD into existing systems, and manage…

— Ripple (@Ripple) July 23, 2026

Ripple Mint offers two options for institutions: Web-Based or Direct Connect via API. This is a way of working that helps businesses that require automation with traditional operational controls, the company said.

Using the platform, institutions can mint and redeem RLUSD. They can also transfer the stablecoin from one supported blockchain to another. In addition, it will allow institutions to track the transactions from their creation to maturity, and incorporate RLUSD activities into current systems.

Meanwhile, Ripple also invested in Notabene to further boost RLUSD’s institutional access.

A Look At Other Latest Features Ripple also unveiled new APIs and webhook notifications. These features enable users to check the status of their transactions, check account balance programatically, and get real-time updates at various stages of minting and redemption. Each workflow employs uniform reference IDs to enhance visibility in fiat and blockchain transactions, the firm said.

The company said, “Through new APIs and webhook notifications, customers can now integrate RLUSD workflows directly into their own systems, enabling automation, operational visibility, and easier reconciliation.”

The implementation also aligns with RLUSD’s growing multichain initiative. The stablecoin is now expanding beyond the XRP Ledger and Ethereum to the XRPL EVM Sidechain, Base, Optimism, Ink and Unichain, Ripple said.

The XRPL EVM Sidechain was highlighted as a crucial component of the company’s strategy. For context, the sidechain will give developers the ability to support EVMs while maintaining a strong connection with the XRP Ledger ecosystem.

The expansion will expand the availability of RLUSD on crypto exchanges, decentralized finance protocols, payment applications, and new on-chain financial infrastructure, Ripple said. The company states that XRP and RLUSD would be used synergically in Liquidity, Settlement, Collateral, Swaps and Payments.

They also said that the platform is already available for existing users. It added, “Ripple Mint is available to existing RLUSD customers today.”

Ripple has launched Ripple Mint, an institutional-grade platform that consolidates institutional management of the company’s official stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD).

Previously, corporate entities had to conduct their RLUSD-related transactions manually on fragmented platforms. This increased difficulty in organizing and coordinating their crypto activities. Ripple Mint solves all this by presenting itself as a unified central management hub from which users can access, mint, and redeem RLUSD into fiat currency. 

Ripple Mint unifies corporate RLUSD transactionsThe software enables users to transact the stablecoin across multiple chains, including the XRP Ledger (XRPL), Ethereum, and prominent Layer-2 scaling networks such as Base and Optimism. It features programmatic webhook notifications and unified reference IDs to track transactions at its various stages: fiat receipt, token minting, on-chain settlement, and payment completion.

Institutions can access Ripple Mint via its official dashboard or connect it to their software using application programming interfaces (APIs). The console will serve a wide array of organizations, including crypto exchanges, market makers, payment providers, and fintech companies.

As Ripple notes, RLUSD operations on Ripple Mint are backed by standard compliance. The stablecoin is issued by the Standard Custody & Trust Company, a heavily regulated, institutional-grade financial services company. Additionally, RLUSD is regulated under the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).

Additional achievementsLaunched nearly two years ago, the RLUSD stablecoin has grown to be one of the top 10 stablecoins by market cap ($1.59 billion). It has recorded a trading volume of $123.38 million in the past 24 hours and is listed on several high-profile exchanges, including Kraken, Bitstamp and Bullish.

The introduction of Ripple Mint will now streamline corporate access and management of the stablecoin, likely increasing its international footprint and use in high-demand corridors.

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