Market Signal Briefing

SummaryCivitas Resources is unloading risky assets, paying down debt, and buying back ~25% of its market cap.A 6%+ dividend backed by a 29% free cash flow yield makes the payout look rock solid.With shares trading at a 40%+ discount to NAV, CIVI could deliver massive upside.That said, there are some important risks to keep in mind.Looking for a portfolio of ideas like this one? Members of High Yield Investor get exclusive access to our subscriber-only portfolios. Learn More » RomoloTavani/iStock via Getty Images

Civitas Resources (NYSE:CIVI) is one of the very cheapest high-yielding energy stocks (XLE) available today, as it combines a 43% discount to NAV as of this writing with a dividend yield of over 6% backed

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. 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.

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.

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A new survey shows that 43% of Americans have difficulty falling asleep because they can't quiet their minds; new Melatonin-free and CBD-free sleep support utilizes reishi mushroom, chamomile, and magnesium to support calm, relaxation, and quality sleep.

, /PRNewswire/ - (TSX: CWEB) (OTCQB: CWBHF) Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. ("Charlotte's Web" or the "Company"), the pioneer and market leader in hemp-derived CBD wellness, today announced the launch of Quiet Sleep Mushroom Gummies, a melatonin-free, cannabinoid-free formula designed to calm the mind and support quality sleep. This new product reflects the Company's continued expansion into the sleep and relaxation category, meeting consumer demand for natural, drug-free alternatives.

Quiet Sleep Gummies pair organic reishi mushroom fruiting bodies, chamomile flower extract, and bioavailable magnesium citrate, a potent trio that helps ease tension, promote relaxation, and prepare the body and mind for restful sleep. Available in strawberry lemon flavor and 30- and 60-count bottles, Quiet Sleep Gummies are crafted for convenience, taste, and everyday use.

Key Benefits:

Melatonin-free, cannabinoid-free sleep support
Powered by reishi mushroom, chamomile, and magnesium citrate
Helps relax mind and body, calm the body, and prepare for sleep
Vegan, with no stevia, monk fruit, or sugar alcohols
Available in strawberry lemon flavor

"Millions of Americans struggle with sleep, and not everyone wants to use melatonin or conventional options," said Bill Morachnick, CEO of Charlotte's Web. "Quiet Sleep reflects our commitment to science-backed, plant-based innovation. By combining three trusted ingredients that work in harmony to calm the mind and promote quality, natural sleep, we've created a gentle yet effective solution that supports nightly rest and meets the growing consumer interest in mushroom and botanical wellness."

The launch comes amid rapid growth in the functional mushroom and sleep-support supplement markets. A consumer survey of 1,080 Americans found that 80% stay up later than they should even when tired, at least occasionally.  This behavior is known as "revenge bedtime procrastination," where people sacrifice rest even when it negatively impacts their relationship with sleep. In a hectic world, Quiet Sleep Gummies help to calm you down and set you up for a good night's sleep with a vegan, stevia-free gummy standardized for active compounds, setting it apart in a crowded sleep-aid category.

Quiet Sleep Gummies retail for $34.99 (60-count) and are available on www.charlottesweb.com beginning September 30, 2025. Shop the full sleep collection here.

To learn more about Charlotte's Web, please visit www.charlottesweb.com.

About Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc.
Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc., a Certified B Corporation headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, is a botanical wellness innovation company and market leader in hemp extract wellness. The Company's product categories include CBD oil tinctures (liquid products), CBD gummies (sleep, calming, exercise recovery, immunity), CBN gummies, hemp-derived THC microdose gummies, functional mushroom gummies, CBD capsules, CBD topical creams and lotions, as well as CBD pet products for dogs. Through its substantially vertically integrated business model, Charlotte's Web maintains stringent control over product quality and consistency with analytic testing from soil to shelf for quality assurance. Charlotte's Web products are distributed to retailers and healthcare practitioners throughout the U.S.A. and are available online through the Company's website at www.charlottesweb.com.

SOURCE Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc.

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Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.

BEDFORD, Mass., Sept. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. (Nasdaq: OCUL) (“Ocular”, the “Company”), an integrated biopharmaceutical company committed to redefining the retina experience, today announced the pricing of an underwritten offering of 37,909,018 shares of its common stock at an offering price of $12.53 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $475.0 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by the Company. All of the shares in the offering are to be sold by the Company. The offering is expected to close on or about October 1, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

BofA Securities, TD Cowen and Piper Sandler & Co. are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Baird and Raymond James are acting as lead managers for the offering, and Citizens Capital Markets and H.C. Wainwright & Co. are acting as co-managers for the offering.

The Company expects to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with its existing cash and cash equivalents, to fund its planned open-label extension study for AXPAXLI™ in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD); to fund its planned Phase 3 clinical trials of AXPAXLI for the treatment of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR); for investments in infrastructure, including capital expenditures to support manufacturing; for pre-commercialization activities associated with AXPAXLI, if approved; and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

The offering is being made pursuant to an automatically effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus that form a part of the registration statement. A final prospectus supplement relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov. When available, copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained by contacting BofA Securities, NC1-022-02-25, Attention: Prospectus Department, 201 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, 28255-0001, or by email at [email protected]; TD Securities (USA) LLC, 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, or by email at [email protected]; or Piper Sandler & Co., Attention: Prospectus Department, 350 North 5th Street, Suite 1000, Minneapolis, MN 55401 or by email at [email protected].

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.

Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. is an integrated biopharmaceutical company committed to redefining the retina experience. AXPAXLI™ (also known as OTX-TKI), Ocular’s investigational product candidate for retinal disease, is an axitinib intravitreal hydrogel based on its ELUTYX™ proprietary bioresorbable hydrogel-based formulation technology. AXPAXLI is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), with a Phase 3 clinical program for non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) planned to be initiated imminently.

Ocular’s pipeline also leverages the ELUTYX technology in its commercial product DEXTENZA®, an FDA-approved corticosteroid for the treatment of ocular inflammation and pain following ophthalmic surgery in adults and pediatric patients and ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis in adults and pediatric patients aged two years or older, and in its investigational product candidate OTX-TIC, which is a travoprost intracameral hydrogel that is currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects for the Company, including the Company’s expectations and plans regarding the underwritten offering and the Company’s anticipated use of proceeds of the offering, the anticipated closing date of the offering, and other statements containing the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend”, “goal,” “may”, “might,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. Such forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s clinical development programs, future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, uncertainties related to market conditions, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the underwritten offering, the need for additional financing or other actions and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section contained in the final prospectus supplement related to the offering to be filed with the SEC, the accompanying base prospectus to the registration statement related to the offering, and the Company’s quarterly and annual reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company’s views as of the date of this press release. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company’s views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Investors & Media
Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.
Bill Slattery
Vice President, Investor Relations
[email protected]

SummaryWalmart (WMT) stands out as a global retail leader with strong top and bottom line growth, outperforming the broader market over the past five years.
Despite a high forward P/E of 39.54, WMT's dominant market position and nearly double-digit EPS growth justify its premium valuation.
WMT is rated a Buy with a $117 price target for FY2027, offering about 14% upside, excluding dividends, and appealing to long-term investors seeking stability.
The stock offers a defensive investment approach, strong moat, and potential downside protection, making it attractive during market volatility.
tupungato/iStock Editorial via Getty Images

Walmart, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is a global retailer and wholesale corporation. The consumer staples company operates in hypermarkets, discount and department stores, and through its e-commerce platform, offering everyday items at affordable prices.

WMT has

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in WMT, over the next 72 hours. 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.

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.

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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

ETH saw a sudden rebound to $4,200 from $3,800 level after the fourth false break, according to crypto research firm Matrixport. The recent rebound, fueled by renewed whale accumulation and options strategy, has set the stage for a big rally.

Matrixport Predicts ETH Rally on False Breaks
ETH has recovered to the multi-year upper triangle and is now attempting to rally again, Matrixport predicted on September 30. The market has witnessed the fourth false break this year, which has triggered a big rally in the weeks ahead.

Also, previous false breaks saw limited downside. The current ETH price action is showing similar signs, suggesting trades to watch for another quick rebound. On technical charts, the rebound looks constructive and indicates strength ahead of October seasonality.

ETH Rally on False Breaks. Source: Matrixport
Meanwhile, 10x Research revealed that options markets are also flashing bullish signals, completely different from a week ago during the Ethereum options expiry. 10x Research analyst Markus Thielen claims seasonality and positioning could decide the market direction next.

ETH options traders are mostly targeting $4,300 and $4,500 strike prices. Some are more bullish on an ETH rally to $5,000 by the end of October, with a put-call ratio of 0.70 and max pain at $4,200.

ETH Options Open Interest. Source: Deribit
ETH Whales Are Accumulating Massively
Whales are withdrawing massive amounts of ETH from crypto exchanges in the last few days. Continued ETH buying by Ethereum treasury Bitmine Immersion (BMNR) and developments such as SWIFT partnering with Ethereum native Consensys have prompted bullish sentiment among crypto participants.

Lookonchain revealed that whales are on a buying spree, 0x93c2 and 0x6F9b purchased $106.74 million and $21 million in the last 4 hours.

ETH Whale Accumulation. Source: Lookonchain
Also, Onchain Lens reported a whale withdrew 3,629 ETH worth $15.22 million from Binance. The whale now holds more than 3,666 ETH, valued at almost $15.36 million.

1 hour ago, a whale 0x1fc withdrew another 2.36k $ETH ($9.92M) from #Binance

Withn 4 months, he accumulated totally 29.8k $ETH ($113M) at avg entry $3,794

Address:https://t.co/eGTBWRX43L pic.twitter.com/cQjf5zPEjd

— The Data Nerd (@OnchainDataNerd) September 30, 2025

Ethereum Price Reclaims the Key $4,200 Level
Ethereum price today jumped 1%, with the price currently trading at $4,185. The 24-hour low and high are $4,087 and $4,240, respectively. Furthermore, the trading volume has further increased by 40% in the last 24 hours, indicating a massive rise in interest among traders.

Analyst Ted Pillows predicts $4,250 as the next major level to watch, opening the door for more upside. Meanwhile, Ethereum ETF inflow of over $546 million builds up bullish sentiment, with Fidelity buying $202 million in Ether. However, if ETH fails to reclaim this level, a drop towards $4,000 could happen.  

Ethereum Price in Daily Timeframe. Source: Ted Pillows

Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.

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Key NotesEther closes Q3 with over 68% return, eyeing the $4,300 resistance.Major wallets and corporate treasuries expand Ethereum holdings.Analysts hint at a potential year-end rally, with price targets above $5,700.
Ethereum

ETH
$4 150

24h volatility:
0.4%

Market cap:
$500.88 B

Vol. 24h:
$35.64 B

is steadily moving toward the critical $4,300 level, after recording a 2.2% daily gain on September 30. The world’s second-largest cryptocurrency is currently trading around $4,190, wrapping up the third quarter with a 68% return.

Recall Ethereum’s performance in 2020, when a similar strong Q3 close led to a 104% surge in Q4.

Ether quarterly returns | Source: CoinGlass

If a similar pattern plays out, ETH could climb past $8,000 before the end of the year, aligning with the bullish forecasts from several market bulls.

Notably, Ether saw a price dip to $3,850 on Sept. 25, but quickly rebounded. Analysts note that funding rates stayed negative through last week, a signal often linked with market bottoms.

Ethereum Funding Rates on all exchanges | Source: CryptoQuant

According to a CryptoQuant strategist, the funding rates are now turning positive, indicating that a breakout is near.

Whale Accumulation Signals Confidence
Large investors and institutions continue to accumulate ETH, making it one of the best crypto to buy right now. LookOnChain revealed that on September 30, a newly created wallet, likely linked to BitMine, acquired 25,369 ETH worth roughly $106.7 million.

BitMine had just announced that its total Ethereum treasury surpassed 2.65 million tokens.

Whales keep buying $ETH!

Newly created wallet 0x93c2(likely belonging to #Bitmine) received 25,369 $ETH($106.74M) from #FalconX 3 hours ago.

Newly created wallet 0x6F9b withdrew 4,985 $ETH($21M) from #OKX 4 hours ago.https://t.co/cCrHJGaEzQhttps://t.co/t3kROevRif pic.twitter.com/lISeoRGXfm

— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) September 30, 2025

Data confirms that another new wallet withdrew 4,985 ETH, valued at around $21 million, from exchange OKX on the same day.

These accumulations suggest that smart investors could be preparing for a possible price surge.

Moreover, digital asset firm Bit Digital recently announced plans to raise $100 million through a convertible senior note offering. Net proceeds are primarily for Ether purchases, alongside broader business investments in crypto space.

Bit Digital Announces Proposed Offering of $100 Million Convertible Notes@BitDigital_BTBT today announced a proposed registered underwritten public offering by the Company of $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its convertible senior notes due 2030, subject to market and…

— Bit Digital, Inc. NASDAQ:BTBT (@BitDigital_BTBT) September 29, 2025

Popular market analyst Donald Dean set a near-term price target of $5,766. He pointed to $4,300 as a critical “volume shelf,” a potential launch point for further upward movement.

$ETH $ETHUSD Ethereum – Moving Up, Support Found

Price Target: $5766

ETH is moving toward the volume shelf at $4300, a potential launch area. Crypto momentum is increasing.

The next target is at the 50% retracement ETH/BTC ratio.$ETHA $ETHE pic.twitter.com/92eZHCC4ew

— Donald Dean (@donaldjdean) September 29, 2025

If bullish momentum persists, Ethereum may soon test this level, leading to a stronger finish to 2025.

Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.

Cryptocurrency News, News

A crypto journalist with over 5 years of experience in the industry, Parth has worked with major media outlets in the crypto and finance world, gathering experience and expertise in the space after surviving bear and bull markets over the years. Parth is also an author of 4 self-published books.

Parth Dubey on LinkedIn

Summary

Bitcoin price prediction analysts note BTC is trading in the low-to-mid $114k level following a late-September rally.
Spot-ETF flows have been mixed: prior weekly withdrawals were significant, but certain US ETFs lately had fresh daily inflows.
Key short-term range: $108k-$116k; a break above the range leads to $118k-$120k (or higher in a protracted rally).
Breakdown below $108k increases the likelihood of a move to $105k or lower.
Structural market changes, such as increased derivatives open interest and larger institutional venues (for example, IBIT), raise both upside potential and tail-risk volatility.

The Bitcoin price prediction is back in focus as Bitcoin has recovered to the mid-$114k range following a tumultuous September, with recent market action shifting sentiment from consolidation to renewed bullish anticipation.

The move reflects a combination of variables, including spot-ETF flows that have at times boosted and drained liquidity, significant on-chain accumulation by major holders, and the building of derivatives positioning that can exacerbate moves in either direction.  

Crypto market analysts are closely monitoring whether the late-September rally will pave the way for a sustainable Q4 advance or merely another round of volatility.

Bitcoin price prediction: Current scenario
BTC 1d chart, Source: crypto.news
Bitcoin is currently trading in the low-to-mid $114k region, following a late-September increase in volume and bids; price feeds and recent reports place the level between $114.4k and $114.6k.

Markets are processing contradictory capital flows: while some weekly data revealed significant withdrawals from pooled products earlier this month, intraday and product-level activity has been inconsistent, with many US spot ETFs reporting fresh daily inflows.

At the same time, options and futures open interest have soared, and institutional venues (most notably IBIT) have swiftly expanded their presence in derivatives markets, resulting in a structural shift that alters how liquidations and gamma squeezes may unfold.

All of this is layered on top of usual technical zones: the market found support in the low-$109k range during recent falls and is now encountering clustering resistance across the $113k-$116k band, where recent supply has concentrated.

Upside outlook
On the upside, a clean break and hold above the mid-$116k level would improve the chart structure and potentially accelerate a push toward the $118k-$120k zone as leveraged short positions unwind and ETF demand boosts net buying.  

Several market commentaries now identify Q4 as a window in which persistent institutional allocation could significantly re-rate prices, assuming flows continue favorably; under such a scenario, several analysts even sketch out considerably bigger year-end objectives, aligning with a cautiously bullish BTC price forecast.

Furthermore, massive on-chain accumulation by long-term and institutional whales, as well as declining exchange balances in recent snapshots, support the case for greater moves if buyer confidence remains strong.

Downside risks
The negative scenario for Bitcoin (BTC) is clear: failure to hold the low-$108k support zone would likely expose the mid-$100k level to fresh selling pressure, with $105k a reasonable nearer-term target on a deeper fall. Near-term risks include sporadic ETF outflows, miner or exchange selling, network update disputes, and macro shocks (central bank speech or unanticipated risk-off events) that can abruptly affect sentiment.  

Seasonality, which has historically been unfavorable in September, combined with the risk of short, rapid liquidations when derivatives positioning is concentrated around important levels, suggests that elevated intraday volatility could be expected even if the broader Bitcoin outlook remains supportive.

Bitcoin price prediction based on current levels
BTC support and resistance levels, Source: Tradingview
Given the current structure and flows, the operative near-term price band to watch is between $108k and $116k. As Bitcoin can maintain a move over the upper end of that range, the more likely path is a continuation toward $118k-$120k, with an extended bull scenario pushing prices to the mid-$120ks or higher as institutional allocation accelerates.  

In contrast, a clear break below $108k would enhance the likelihood of a slide toward $105k and could reopen lower targets if macroeconomic conditions deteriorate. Overall, the balance of evidence now suggests a cautiously bullish leaning, subject to further ETF absorption and the absence of massive, disorderly selling, but traders should anticipate increased realized volatility as posture shifts.

This creates an expectation of near-term turbulence while maintaining a broader bullish projection toward higher price levels if supportive flows persist.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

XRP Ledger Sees Massive Payment Volume as Daily Transfers SurgeAccording to recent data from Dune Analytics, the XRP Ledger has recorded over 483 billion XRP in total payment volume, highlighting the digital asset’s continued prominence in global payments and blockchain-based transfers. 

This milestone underscores XRP’s role as a high-speed, low-cost solution for moving value across borders, catering to both institutional players and individual users.

On a daily scale, the network remains highly active, with more than 230 million XRP moved just today, reflecting the consistent utility and liquidity of the token. These figures indicate not only sustained adoption but also the underlying strength of the XRP Ledger as a scalable financial infrastructure. 

For context, XRP Ledger’s design enables near-instant settlements and minimal transaction costs, making it a preferred choice for cross-border payments compared to traditional systems.

Notably, these figures go beyond statistics, they highlight XRP’s growing significance in the digital asset ecosystem. 

Handling hundreds of millions of daily transfers showcases the network’s speed, reliability, and scalability, essential for both retail and institutional adoption. High payment volumes underscore XRP’s utility as a practical tool for real-world finance, not just speculative trading.

As a result, XRP Ledger’s transparency and proven performance are drawing fintech firms and traditional banks alike, as it enables faster, cheaper, and more secure transfers, solidifying its position as a leading payments-focused blockchain.

XRP Eyes $3 as Technical Indicators Signal Bullish MomentumXRP is showing promising signs of bullish momentum, according to market analyst Cas Abbe. 

As long as a breakout above the $2.90 mark materializes, the digital asset could potentially target the $3.05–$3.10 range, signaling renewed investor confidence and a strong upward trend.

Source: Cas AbbeAbbe emphasizes that holding XRP above the $2.80 support is crucial for sustaining bullish momentum. This key pivot protects recent gains, and traders are closely monitoring it, any breach could stall or reverse the rally with the current price standing at $2.86.

Meanwhile, XRP’s RSI at 57 signals room for further upside before overbought territory, suggesting sustained buying pressure and a positive outlook for both traders and long-term investors.

On the other hand, the MACD is approaching a bullish crossover, a key signal that often precedes price gains. When the short-term average crosses above the long-term, it indicates rising buying momentum. Together with current RSI levels, this points to a likely continuation of XRP’s upward trend.

ConclusionThe XRP Ledger’s 483 billion XRP total payment volume and 230 million XRP daily transfers showcase a network that is not only resilient but increasingly central to the future of digital finance. 

On the other hand, XRP is showing strong potential for a bullish move, with technical indicators pointing to further gains. A clear breakout above $2.90 could pave the way to the $3.05–$3.10 zone, provided the asset maintains key support levels.

Ethereum (ETH) bounced from a 7-week low at $3,872 and now trades at $4,187, testing the $4,222 resistance.On-chain data shows new address creation at a 2-month low, signaling weak network growth, but HODL Waves reveal short-term holders maturing.A breakout above $4,222 could push ETH toward $4,500, while failure to hold support risks a drop back to $3,872, invalidating the bullish thesis.Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, recently bounced back after hitting a seven-week low. The altcoin king is trading near key levels, but investors remain cautious as signals from the market appear mixed. 

While short-term relief has arrived, uncertainty still clouds Ethereum’s trajectory in the coming sessions.

Ethereum Needs Stronger Support
On-chain data shows new Ethereum addresses are at a two-month low, reflecting weaker network growth. New addresses often indicate the level of market traction, and the decline suggests hesitation among participants. Many investors appear unwilling to commit fresh capital until stronger recovery signs emerge in ETH.

Sponsored

Sponsored

The fall in new addresses coincided with Ethereum’s price dip, signaling a lack of conviction from potential investors. Without a steady influx of new buyers, Ethereum faces challenges in building sustainable momentum.

Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

Ethereum New Addresses. Source: Glassnode
Ethereum’s HODL Waves provide insight into investor conviction. The supply held by one to three-month holders has risen by 3% in the last month, climbing from 8.7% to 11.4%. This suggests existing holders are staying confident, riding out volatility instead of contributing to selling pressure.

Such behavior is important for Ethereum’s resilience. When short-term holders mature, they reduce rapid sell-offs and support price stability. This holding pattern could help Ethereum withstand bearish pressure, laying the groundwork for potential recovery once new capital inflows strengthen network participation.

Ethereum HODL Waves. Source: Glassnode
ETH Price Awaits Breach
Ethereum trades at $4,187, just under the $4,222 resistance level after rebounding from a $3,872 low. This recovery highlights buyer interest at support levels. However, the broader market remains cautious, waiting to see whether Ethereum can sustain momentum and reclaim critical price barriers.

If Ethereum breaches $4,222, it could flip this level into support, potentially extending gains. Still, breaking above $4,500 will be difficult without fresh inflows. Limited liquidity and investor hesitation could keep Ethereum rangebound, consolidating until stronger catalysts emerge in the market.

ETH Price Analysis. Source: TradingView
On the downside, failure to maintain support could reignite bearish sentiment. If selling intensifies, Ethereum might slip through $4,074 and retest $3,872. Such a decline would invalidate the bullish outlook.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.

OKX Singapore launched scan‑to‑pay support allowing users to spend USDC and USDT at Grab Pay merchants by scanning Singapore's unified QR code (SGQR) through OKX Pay.

The crypto market climbed on Sept. 30 as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and BNB posted gains, fueled by institutional inflows and fresh policy momentum.

Summary

Market cap climbed 1.4% to $4T with $173B volume.
Bitcoin, Ethereum ETFs saw $1B in combined inflows.
SWIFT, SEC, and CFTC updates boosted global sentiment.

The crypto market’s total capitalization climbed 1.4% to surpass $4 trillion. In the last 24 hours, trading volumes totaled $173 billion. Ethereum gained 2.1% to hold above $4,200, while Bitcoin increased 1.9% to trade above $114,000. Smaller gains were also made by Solana, XRP, and BNB.

The rise comes after a turbulent September, when more than $1.5 billion in liquidations briefly pulled the market cap under $3.9 trillion. Conditions have since steadied, with the Crypto Fear & Greed Index moving back to a neutral 50 from around 40 last week.

Market data from Coinglass shows an average relative strength index at 43.34, while open interest rose 1.5% to $202 billion. About $314 million in positions were liquidated in the past day, reflecting the adjustment to higher prices.

Exchange-traded fund activity has been a key driver. On Sept. 29, spot Bitcoin and Ethereum funds saw more than $1 billion in combined inflows, as per SoSoValue data. Ethereum ETFs attracted $546 million, ending a five-day run of redemptions, while Bitcoin ETFs gained $521 million, reversing two days of outflows. 

The total inflows for September are $158 million for Ethereum ETFs and $3.10 billion for Bitcoin ETFs.

Policy and infrastructure updates have added to the positive tone. The Securities and Exchange Commission eased rules on crypto ETF approvals. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas has raised approval odds for Solana ETFs to 100%. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission also proposed allowing stablecoins as derivatives collateral. 

On the global front, SWIFT announced it is expanding blockchain integration with more than 30 banks, Kazakhstan launched a state-backed stablecoin on Solana, and Vietnam invited Binance to set up regional headquarters.

Ongoing crypto market risks to watch for
There are still risks to watch out for, like a potential government shutdown in the U.S.,which has previously led to market downturns. Political and regulatory noise around insider trading probes into crypto treasuries adds caution.

That said, the fourth quarter has historically produced significant gains. Bitcoin has grown by about 20%-30% on average over the last four quarters. Analysts like those at Pantera Capital now eye $150,000 per BTC by year-end if liquidity holds. October could also see capital rotation into altcoins if BTC dominance dips below 55.

Bitcoin, Ethereum ETF inflows top $1B: Fidelity leads, BlackRock lags Oluwapelumi Adejumo · 9 seconds ago · 2 min read

A broad V-shaped day: Fidelity funds dominated while Ark, Grayscale and Bitwise added; flows bolster risk appetite after weeks of outflows.

Sep. 30, 2025 at 10:48 am UTC

2 min read

Updated: Sep. 30, 2025 at 10:48 am UTC

Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content.

US-listed spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) drew more than $1 billion in net inflows on Sept. 29, signaling renewed investor confidence after weeks of heavy outflows.

The sharp turnaround also came as the broader crypto market sentiment improved and prices staged a notable rebound.

Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs outflowsData from SoSoValue shows that Bitcoin ETFs captured $521.95 million in inflows, with Fidelity’s FBTC accounting for the bulk of activity. The fund pulled in $298.70 million, which is more than half of the day’s net total.

Other major contributors included Ark 21Shares’ ARKB, which saw $62.18 million in inflows, Grayscale’s BTC and Bitwise’s BITB, which contributed approximately $47 million each, and Invesco’s BTCO attracted $35.34 million in fresh capital.

Meanwhile, VanEck’s HODL added $30.66 million, while Grayscale’s GBTC brought in $26.91 million. Smaller but notable gains came from Franklin Templeton’s EZBC at $16.51 million and Valkyrie’s BRRR at $4.03 million.

Notably, BlackRock’s IBIT, the dominant Bitcoin ETF, was the only product to register losses, with $46.64 million in outflows. This marked the fund’s third day of withdrawals in September.

On the other hand, Ethereum ETFs saw even stronger inflows on the day, totaling $546.96 million. Fidelity’s FETH led the charge with $202.18 million, followed by BlackRock’s ETHA at $154.20 million.

Grayscale’s ETH and ETHE added $99.84 million and $22.77 million, respectively, while Bitwise’s ETHW saw $36.52 million in inflows.

Crypto market recoveryThe inflows coincided with a sharp recovery in asset prices, reinforcing the view that institutional demand remains highly sensitive to market signals.

Timothy Misir, head of research at BRN, pointed out that Bitcoin climbed back to $114,000, erasing much of the prior week’s losses and forming a sharp V-shaped recovery.

According to him, BTC investors consistently defended the $110,000 to $111,000 range, creating a sequence of higher lows that strengthened bullish conviction.

Misir continued that the resistance lies between $115,000 and $116,300. He noted that consolidation in that zone is likely before any push higher, but stressed that as long as Bitcoin trades above $109,000, momentum remains constructive.

Mentioned in this articleLatest US StoriesLatest Bitcoin Stories

Ethereum price continues to dominate discussions as analysts highlight repeating cycles that historically triggered strong rallies. The ETH price has once again shown signs of resilience after a liquidity reset, with oversold conditions resembling previous setups. Pundits suggest this structure mirrors earlier phases that produced explosive gains. Meanwhile, institutional participation and whale activity provide additional conviction.

Ethereum Price Cycles Point to Explosive Rally Potential
Specifically, Merlijn The Trader highlights Ethereum’s repeating structure of liquidity grabs followed by sharp recoveries. The first major move saw ETH price climb nearly 95% from $1,343 after a spring base formation. A second cycle later delivered a 132% rally, propelling Ethereum well above $4,900 in July. 

The current Ethereum market price trades at $4,168, consolidating after another liquidity flush. Technicals highlight $4,957 as a critical resistance, with Fibonacci levels projecting further targets at $5,655, $6,784, and $8,610. 

Meanwhile, the long-term Ethereum price prediction remains constructive as repeated cyclical structures point toward higher valuation zones. The highlighted 125% measured move projects a possible rally towards $8,600, keeping Ethereum aligned with its historical rhythm. 

As the expert emphasizes, these repetitive setups show strong hands accumulating while weaker players are flushed out.

ETH/USD 1-Day (Source: X)
Institutions and Whales Back ETH Price Expansion
BlackRock recently secured $154.2 million in ETH, reinforcing Ethereum price confidence at institutional levels. Fidelity followed with a substantial $202.2 million ETH purchase, further solidifying demand. 

Meanwhile, whales have mirrored these moves, as on-chain data shows 3,629 ETH worth $15.2 million withdrawn from Binance. 

Another address currently holds more than 3,600 ETH, valued at $15.3 million, emphasizing conviction in accumulation. These whale moves reduce available exchange supply, historically tied to price appreciation. 

Collectively, such activity strengthens the ETH price outlook by merging institutional conviction with on-chain buying. This convergence between traditional finance and large holders suggests Ethereum’s bullish setup is not isolated to charts alone but supported by real market flows.

Ultimately, Ethereum price now sits at the center of a powerful technical and fundamental convergence. Chart structures highlight $8,600 as the next key target, while whales and institutions build a strong foundation beneath ETH price. The repeated cycle of liquidity grabs, coupled with sustained accumulation, sets the stage for significant continuation. With both historical precedent and fresh capital aligning, Ethereum appears well-positioned for another expansive rally phase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Cyclical analysis shows Ethereum often rallies after liquidity grabs, repeating predictable recovery patterns.

Large investments from BlackRock and Fidelity strengthen confidence and signal growing institutional adoption.

Whale accumulation reduces exchange supply, historically fueling stronger upward price movements.

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Stay Ahead with Our Immediate Analysis of Today’s Bitcoin & Bitcoin Hyper Insights
Check out our Live Bitcoin Hyper Updates for September 30, 2025!

In 2010, Bitcoin was worth a few cents. One year later, it hit $20. In six years, it was $17,000, and now it’s sitting at over $110K, after hitting an ATH of $123K in July.

Historically, if you’d invested in Bitcoin at launch, you’d have an ROI of 188,643,000%. The likes of Mastercard, JP Morgan, and scores of S&P 500 companies are buying Bitcoin in droves. There’s never been anything like Bitcoin before, and investors are waking up to that reality.

However, Bitcoin is getting old for modern standards. No dApps, no smart contracts, and almost non-existent DeFi scalability. It needs an upgrade. And that’s what Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is here to do with Layer-2 technology.

Click to learn more about Bitcoin Hyper

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is a crypto project planning to launch the fastest Layer-2 chain for Bitcoin. Its goal – to bring Bitcoin’s blockchain to modern standards. This means compatibility with dApps, smart contracts, and seamless DeFi programmability for developers.

The L2 will run on a Canonical Bridge, combined with the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), for native compatibility with Solana. You’ll be able to build token programs, LP logic, oracles, games, NFT infrastructure, DAOs, and much more. All without reinventing the wheel.

To engage with the L2, you’ll deposit $BTC to a designated address monitored by the Canonical Bridge. The Relay Program verifies the details, and then mints an equivalent number of wrapped $BTC on the L2. You can also withdraw your original $BTC at any time.

If you’re looking for the newest insights on Bitcoin and Bitcoin Hyper, you’re in the right place.

We update this page regularly throughout the day with the latest insider insights for Bitcoin maxis and Bitcoin Hyper fans. Keep refreshing to stay ahead of the pack!

Disclaimer: No crypto investment comes without risk. Our content is for informational purposes, not financial advice. We may earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you.

HOW TO BUY $HYPER

Today’s Bitcoin Technical Analysis

Bitcoin is putting up a strong September close, gaining over 3% in the last 3-4 days.

Even though its monthly gain so far is around 4.5%, it’s worth noting that Bitcoin’s average September return across recorded history has been -4.44%.

This makes the current move a notable step up, and an early signal that we could be heading into an explosive Q4.

On the daily chart, Bitcoin has now reclaimed key short-term moving averages, including the 50, 20, and 10 EMAs. This further confirms that a rebound is indeed underway.

And on the weekly chart, Bitcoin has been wrestling with the 0.5-0.618 Fibonacci retracement zone for 3-4 weeks.

Finally, last week, it closed comfortably above it with a bullish hammer candle, suggesting that the pullback from its strong April rally (which pushed it to an all-time high of $124,500 in early August) is now complete, and the token is ready for its next bull run.

BlackRock Overtakes Coinbase in Bitcoin Options —Bitcoin Hyper Presale Poised to Surge Next
September 30, 2025 • 10:00 UTC

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has overtaken Coinbase’s Deribit platform, making it the largest venue for Bitcoin options globally. Open interest in options tied to IBIT recently reached almost $38B, compared to $32B on Deribit.

Founded in 2016, Deribit has led the market in the Bitcoin derivatives sector ever since. On the other hand, IBIT was launched in November 2024 and has turned heads with its rapid adoption and remarkable growth.

IBIT holds the record for crossing $80B in assets under management (AUM) in just 374 trading days (the fastest ETF to reach that milestone). With IBIT now holding 57.5% of all Bitcoin ETF assets under management, institutional conviction in $BTC has grown stronger than ever.

As Bitcoin’s momentum builds, upcoming projects like Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER), which is still in presale, stand to win big. For degens who have had enough of the boomer-chain lag, Hyper comes as a Layer 2 solution that processes transactions in milliseconds with dust fees.

Learn more about what Bitcoin Hyper is in our detailed guide here.

Bitcoin Reclaims $114K Amid Talks of a Bull Run, Putting Bitcoin Hyper on the Map
September 30, 2025 • 10:00 UTC

Bitcoin reclaimed $114K after three days of floating around the $109K zone.

This is rather unexpected given the strong outflows recorded over the past several days, which casts doubt on Bitcoin’s ability to preserve its momentum.

This hints at several underlying factors that may fuel $BTC’s performance, including the weakness of the labor market that redirects investors to crypto, the coming rate cut at October’s FOMC meeting, and the growing institutional adoption.

With Bitcoin holding strong, Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) gains increased attention thanks to its booming presale and long-term potential.

As Bitcoin’s Layer 2 solution, promising faster and cheaper transactions, Hyper raised over $19.2M so far and it’s growing fast.

Learn more about what Bitcoin Hyper is right here.

Authored by Leah Waters, Bitcoinist — https://bitcoinist.com/bitcoin-hyper-live-news-september-30-2025/

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

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Leah is a British journalist with a BA in Journalism, Media, and Communications and nearly a decade of content writing experience.
Over the last four years, her focus has primarily been on Web3 technologies, driven by her genuine enthusiasm for decentralization and the latest technological advancements.
She has contributed to leading crypto and NFT publications – Cointelegraph, Coinbound, Crypto News, NFT Plazas, Bitcolumnist, Techreport, and NFT Lately – which has elevated her to a senior role in crypto journalism.
Whether crafting breaking news or in-depth reviews, she strives to engage her readers with the latest insights and information. Her articles often span the hottest cryptos, exchanges, and evolving regulations.
As part of her ploy to attract crypto newbies into Web3, she explains even the most complex topics in an easily understandable and engaging way.
Further underscoring her dynamic journalism background, she has written for various sectors, including software testing (TEST Magazine), travel (Travel Off Path), and music (Mixmag).
When she's not deep into a crypto rabbit hole, she's probably island-hopping (with the Galapagos and Hainan being her go-to's). Or perhaps sketching chalk pencil drawings while listening to the Pixies, her all-time favorite band.

BNB price has reclaimed the $1,000 support level as investors bought the recent dip amid new bullish developments surrounding the token. But can it reach a new all-time high as it continues trading within a bullish continuation pattern on the daily chart?

Summary

BNB price reclaimed the $1,000 support on Monday.
The token is trading within an ascending channel pattern, a popular bullish continuation setup in technical analysis.
BNB is witnessing a surge in demand as a treasury asset.

According to data from crypto.news, BNB (BNB) surged to a record high of $1,079 on Sep. 21 before encountering selling pressure that pushed its price down to $975. Although bulls briefly reclaimed the $1,000 level on Sep. 23, a wave of broader market liquidations dragged it back below support. 

Now, with sentiment improving, BNB bulls have once again regained control and pushed the price back above $1,000.

A look at the open interest in the futures market suggests there is robust demand for the altcoin among traders. Notably, BNB’s OI has increased by 3% over the past day to $1.89 billion at press time, while its weighted funding rate has flipped back to positive, suggesting longs were paying shorts to keep their positions open, a sign that traders are increasingly positioning for further upside.22

Further data from CoinGlass liquidation heatmap reveals a high density of short liquidations (yellow bands) clustered around $1,050, just above its current price level, while the liquidation heat is much cooler below the price, suggesting fewer long positions at risk of liquidation. 

BNB liquidation heatmap | Source: CoinGlass
With buyers pressuring sellers, the setup points to a potential short squeeze that could accelerate gains if BNB pushes higher into that zone.

BNB price trades within an ascending parallel channel
On the daily chart, BNB price has been trading within an ascending parallel channel, a popular bullish continuation pattern since the beginning of June. In technical analysis, an asset’s price continues to move upwards as long as it remains within the pattern.

BNB price trades within a bullish continuation pattern on the daily chart — Sep. 30 | Source: crypto.news
BNB price has also moved above both the 50-day and 200-day SMAs, which earlier formed a highly bullish golden cross, a sign that both the short-term and long-term outlook remain positive for the token.

Momentum indicators like the MACD and RSI also point to a bullish bias for the token. The MACD line is close to forming a positive crossover with the signal line, while the RSI remains at 61.7, leaving room for further gains before entering overbought territory.

BNB MACD and RSI chart — Sep. 30 | Source: crypto.news
Therefore, if bullish momentum remains intact, a breakout from its previous all-time high at $1,079 could set up the token to hit a new high of $1,120, a level that lies nearly 10% above the current price level.

On the contrary, a drop below $960, which aligns with the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement, would invalidate the price prediction.

Catalysts that could fuel further upside for BNB
BNB rallied to an all-time high earlier last week, supported by the strong growth of BNB chain’s defi ecosystem led by protocols like Aster, and its growing role in the real-world asset tokenization sector market by the recent launch of Franlin Templeton’s tokenized products last week.

BNB is also seeing fresh demand as a treasury asset alongside other altcoins like Solana, XRP, and Ethereum. As reported by crypto.news earlier, Jiuzi Holdings, a China-based company that operates new energy vehicle retail stores, has recently revealed a $1 billion crypto treasury plan, which will focus on accumulating BNB besides BTC and ETH.

Perhaps the most significant adoption development came from Kazakhstan, which officially launched a state-backed crypto reserve called the Alem Crypto Fund in partnership with Binance. The first asset added to the fund’s portfolio was BNB, a move that underscores growing institutional trust in the token. The fund is managed by Qazaqstan Venture Group and supported by the country’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.

All of these developments, unfolding in a short span of time, have meaningfully boosted trader sentiment and renewed institutional interest in BNB.

However, price action may remain cautious in the immediate term as broader crypto markets await clarity from key US economic data this week. Reports such as the JOLTS job openings, ISM Manufacturing Index, weekly jobless claims, and the unemployment rate are expected to influence how soon the Federal Reserve might ease monetary policy.

Nevertheless, once the uncertainty around macro indicators clears, BNB could be well positioned for another leg higher, especially if it breaks past the $1,079 mark with strong volume.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

XPL has dumped the most over the past 24 hours.

Bitcoin’s explosive rally that took place on Monday came to a halt at just under $115,000, and the asset has been pushed south by two grand since then.

Most altcoins have also lost traction after the gains charted yesterday, and HYPE and ASTER are among the poorest performers.

BTC Stopped at $115K
Last week went in a painful manner for the primary cryptocurrency, which started at $115,500 before the bears came out to play and drove the asset south hard. At first, BTC dumped to $112,000, which became a 10-day low. However, that was just the beginning as bitcoin kept losing value in the following days.

The culmination took place on Friday when BTC slipped below $109,000 on a couple of occasions. That support level didn’t crack, though, and BTC remained sideways around $109,500 during the weekend.

The bulls finally reminded of their presence on Monday in an impressive manner. In less than a whole trading day, they took bitcoin from under $110,000 and pushed it all the way up to $114,800 (on Bitstamp) earlier this morning. However, the resistance at $115,000 turned out to be too strong for the moment, and the subsequent rejection has driven BTC south to under $113,000.

For now, its market cap has retreated to $2.250 trillion on CG, while its dominance over the alts is up to 56.7%.

BTC/USD. Source: TradingView
Alts Retrace
Most larger-cap alts posted big gains yesterday but have failed to maintain their respective runs. Ethereum briefly exceeded $4,200 but now sits nearly $100 lower. SOL, XRP, ADA, AVAX, and XLM are slightly in the red on a daily scale.

Even more profound price declines come from the likes of HYPE, ENA, IP, and ASTER, with losses of up to 10%.

The total crypto market cap has shed over $60 billion since the recent peak and is back below $4 trillion.

Cryptocurrency Market Overview. Source: QuantifyCrypto

Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas declared crypto ETF approvals are now "100%" certain, stating that Solana funds "could come any day" following the fourth amendment submission.

If Palantir's growth starts to show signs of slowing down, that could lead to a considerable correction for this highly priced stock.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR 0.67%) has been an unstoppable stock to own in recent years. It is a trusted partner for the U.S. government and it has also been growing its commercial business at a fast pace, thanks in large part to the success of its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP). In the past 12 months, Palantir's stock has risen an astounding 380%.

But there may be trouble ahead. There's plenty of competition in the space and it may have a big rival to worry about, one that's focusing on national security and that may undercut it on price.

Image source: Getty Images.

Will Missionforce provide Palantir's customers with an attractive and cheaper alternative?
Sales and marketing giant Salesforce (CRM 0.65%) is a big name in data analytics. Its software helps connect businesses to customers, enabling them to improve their operations and grow their sales. It has also been leveraging AI and now offers AI agents that it says can provide businesses with access to a digital labor force to add even more efficiency.

Salesforce isn't stopping there, however. It took notice of Palantir's success in focusing on national security efforts and it has recently launched a new business unit, which is called Missionforce. The company says that its goal is "to help our warfighters and the organizations that support them operate smarter, faster, and more efficiently."

And this may not be just a small and subtle move. Salesforce may see an opportunity to undercut Palantir with Missionforce. CEO Marc Benioff said that Palantir's software was "the most expensive enterprise software I've ever seen," suggesting that Salesforce may be able to justify raising its own prices and still be competitive.

If Palantir's growth shows signs of slowing down, the stock could be in trouble
Palantir has been a captivating stock to own given its accelerating growth in recent years, which is why many retail investors see it as being unstoppable.

PLTR Revenue (Quarterly YoY Growth) data by YCharts

The concern I have, however, is what might happen when that growth inevitably slows down? The excitement is still extremely high around the business today and its market cap remains massive at $424 billion, while Salesforce is worth around $230 billion.

There is some considerable downside risk with Palantir's stock just due to how incredibly expensive it is. It trades at price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of nearly 600. Salesforce, meanwhile, trades at a P/E of 35, which is already expensive given that investors are paying 25 times earnings for the average stock on the S&P 500. Both of these AI stocks are overpriced, but Palantir's valuation is at an obscene level.

Even if you're not worried about Missionforce, you may want to think twice about buying Palantir's stock
The launch of Missionforce may not necessarily steal a large number of customers away from Palantir, but it's an example of the growing risk that the company may face in the long run from other data analytics companies. Competition can drive prices down and chip away at Palantir's margins. It can result in less earnings growth and the problem is that with such an extremely high valuation, there's virtually no margin of safety for investors who buy the stock today; there's a lot of downside risk.

Palantir has been a hot stock for retail investors in recent years but that doesn't mean that it will continue rising forever. At some point, there will likely be a correction as the stock's fundamentals are disconnected from its valuation as this is undoubtedly one of the most overpriced stocks on the market. If you're buying Palantir's stock at its current levels, you're taking on considerable risk.

David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Palantir Technologies and Salesforce. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Investors are keeping an eye on business trends.

On Sept. 25, Costco Wholesale (COST 0.13%) reported completed financial results for its fiscal 2025. And the stock immediately dropped. To be clear, the drop for Costco stock was extremely modest at around 3%. But a drop of any size would seem to indicate that investors were unenthused with the company's financial results, at best. And at worst, they're concerned.

I believe that investors are leaning more toward the concerned side of the spectrum when it comes to Costco. As a retailer, same-store sales (or comparable sales) are an important metric. For the fourth quarter, the company's comparable sales were up 5.7%. That's good, but lower than expected.

Is this really a big deal for Costco investors with a long-term perspective? Here are some things for investors to consider.

Image source: Costco Wholesale.

How Costco makes money
Costco's business model is fascinating. The company is enormous, with net sales of $270 billion in its fiscal 2025 (which ended on Aug. 31). And it aims to be the low-cost leader. In fact, it barely makes a profit at all on its merchandise, considering its gross profit margin for merchandise is a paltry 11%. After figuring in additional operating expenses, profits are thin for Costco.

Costco's aim is for its members to save money, so don't expect it to raise prices to boost profits. Rather, the company makes its money by selling memberships for an annual fee.

In other words, Costco's existing customers could significantly increase their spending overnight, and it wouldn't make an outsized impact overall because merchandise gross margin is so low. The bulk of its profits would still be coming from its membership fees.

By choosing to do business this way -- charging a membership fee and selling stuff for cheap -- Costco tends to attract loyal customers, giving it a competitive edge over some other retailers.

Why comparable sales matter
Based on how the model works, revenue from membership fees is the most important metric for Costco, not comparable sales. That said, comparable sales aren't insignificant when thinking about membership trends.

Consider that Costco ended Q4 with 81 million total paid memberships. That was up 6.3% year over year. But remember that comparable sales were only up 5.7%. In other words, it would seem that most (if not all) of the comparable-sales gain came from new Costco members.

Furthermore, membership renewal rates slipped slightly for Costco. In Q4, the renewal rate was 90% and management said that newer members who have signed up online aren't renewing as well as other cohorts.

A pessimist would read these tea leaves and deduce that Costco members aren't increasing their spending and more are canceling than usual, pointing to a sales decline in the near future.

I think that's taking it too far. After all, Costco still delivered record financial results that were among the best in the business. But it perhaps helps explain why Costco stock didn't jump after its Q4 report.

The bigger issue for Costco stock now
Many have likely already heard about the pricey valuation of Costco stock, but stick with me. As of this writing, it trades at over 50 times its earnings, which is close to its highest valuation ever and close to double the valuation of the S&P 500.

Data by YCharts.

I think almost everyone would agree that Costco stock isn't undervalued. So let's pretend that it's as fairly valued as it could possibly be. Assuming it's fairly valued, investors shouldn't expect the market to give it a higher valuation from here, but rather, they should expect the valuation to stay the same.

If the valuation for Costco stock stays the same over the next five years, then the share price will increase at the same rate as the company's earnings per share (EPS) -- that's how valuation works.

Seasoned investors know that the S&P 500 goes up around 10% annually on average, so Costco will need to grow profits at that rate to keep up with the market average. But can the company grow its EPS by 10% or more annually from here? It's a tall order.

Yes, Costco grew its full-year EPS by 10% in its fiscal 2025. But investors should keep in mind that the company raised the fee for its memberships during the fiscal year, which contributed to the increase. This is something that management does infrequently.

Putting it all together, Costco is growing memberships at a modest pace, and membership income is one of the biggest drivers of its overall profit. Assuming this modest growth continues, Costco stock could struggle to outperform the market in a best-case scenario. And in a worst-case scenario, the valuation would come down, dragging down the stock price.

In conclusion, Costco remains a great company, and its fiscal 2025 financial results proved it once again. But slow growth combined with a high valuation could lead to lower returns for investors.

Jon Quast has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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getty

Elevated cost pressures pulled Card Factory’s profits sharply lower in the first half, the retailer has announced.

This was despite a strong uptick in group sales.

Following the announcement, Card Factory shares were last changing hands at 100.4p per share on Tuesday, down 5.1% on the day.

At £247.6 million, revenues at the greetings retailer rose 5.9% in the six months to July. Sales growth across its store network rose 2.9%, helped by the addition of 30 net new stores.

On a like-for-like basis, store revenues improved 1.5% year on year. Card Factory said this was “in line with the non-food retail sector and against a backdrop of softer summer high street footfall due to the hot weather.”

Like-for-like sales at cardfactory.co.uk dropped 11.3%, it said, “as we continued to evolve our offer to focus on higher margin sales.”

Turnover at its organic partnerships business rose 15.7% year on year, which Card Factory attributed to “the successful impact of our full-service model and how we are building on this through further range expansions with UK partners.”

Despite improved sales, the retailer’s adjusted profit before tax slipped 9% from the same 2024 period, to £13.2 million.

Net debt increased 5.3% in the first half to £78.9 million, though cash from operations improved to £30.5 million from £17.5 million.

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Card Factory raised the interim dividend to 1.3p per share, up from 1.2p a year earlier.

Costs WeighCard Factory said its bottom line drop was driven lower rising costs, including “significant rises” in the National Living Wage and National Insurance contributions from employers.

It said it expects cost inflation above £20 million for the full financial year.

Investments to improve efficiency also pulled profits lower over the six months, the retailer commented. These included rolling out a new point of sale system for its tills across its store estate.

Card Factory said “continued efficiencies in store labour, optimisation of warehouse and agency labour and in-sourcing of printing and distribution of our store merchandising materials” had helped it mitigate cost pressures over the first half.

Staying PositiveChief executive Darcy Willson-Rymer commented that “our resilient first half performance against a challenging retail backdrop demonstrates the effective execution of our growth strategy and our ability to navigate inflationary pressures.”

He added that “with the peak festive season ahead, we are well prepared for our most important trading period.”

Card Factory kept its guidance for the full year unchanged. It expects to deliver adjusted pre-tax profit growth in “mid-to-high single-digit” percentage territory.

Vigilance NeededAnalyst Adam Vettese of eToro commented that Card Factory’s half-year print “paint a picture of a retailer determined to grow, but increasingly challenged by inflationary pressures and cautious consumer behavior.”

He noted that “the company continues to deliver impressive top line growth… supported not just by its value-led proposition and expanded gifting ranges but also by its strategic acquisition of Funky Pigeon.”

Card Factory acquired online greetings retailer Funky Pigeon for £24.1 million in August to accelerate its digital growth strategy.

However, Vettese added that “higher debt levels and a sluggish recovery in profitability call for vigilance,” noting the impact of rising costs on the retailer’s profit margins.

Active Energy Group PLC (AIM:AEG, OTCQB:ATGVF) reported interim results today as a renewed, realigned and reinvigorated company, with many of the key changes occurring in the period that followed the first half.

"The introduction of new leadership, and the injection of fresh capital have realigned Active Energy Group's strategy and set a clear path forward," said chief executive Paul Elliot.

"With new executive appointments, and the support of experienced advisers, we are now executing on both our renewable energy and digital asset initiatives."

Elliott added: "Investor awareness has grown, supported by two successful oversubscribed fundraises totalling £2.85m that provide the capital required to advance our plans. We are confident that the momentum generated in the second half of 2025 will carry through into the final quarter, positioning AEG to accelerate delivery and achieve its 2026 growth forecasts"

Financial results for the six months ended 30 June, in this context, have minimal relevance - nevertheless, the company noted that the company made a £400,000 loss for the half and at the end of June had £30,000 of cash.

By Reuters

September 30, 20258:31 AM UTCUpdated ago

Volkswagen logo is seen in this illustration taken July 28, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

FRANKFURT, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Germany's top appeals court quashed on Tuesday a lower court's decision to back a settlement by Volkswagen over directors' and officers' liability insurance coverage in the so-called dieselgate case.

The Federal Court of Justice said that the lower court would have to hear the case again and decide on legal challenges against annual general meeting votes in favor of liability settlements with former management board members.

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Reporting by Ludwig Burger
Editing by Madeline Chambers

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Sweetgreen (SG -1.59%) hasn't been in the public markets for long. But it has certainly taken investors on a roller-coaster ride, tanking and soaring in a seemingly never-ending cycle. Shares are down 74% in 2025, as the market is clearly losing confidence in the business.

Investors might view the fast-casual chain as a ripe opportunity on the dip. Should you buy this under-the-radar restaurant stock right now?

Image source: Getty Images.

Skip this meal
Chipotle Mexican Grill historically set the tone in the sector, proving that a fast-casual model could thrive. Sweetgreen followed this path, focusing on healthy salads and grain bowls. But it's been struggling mightily this year, so it's best that investors don't buy shares.

During the second fiscal quarter (ended June 29), Sweetgreen reported a worrying 7.6% year-over-year decline in same-store sales (SSS), which is a critical metric for restaurant and retail investors to follow closely. Annual unit volumes also fell to $2.8 million.

Macro uncertainty is hitting the consumer, who's being discerning with how they spend. And Sweetgreen is showing that it's much more sensitive to economic forces.

Cheap for a reason
Sweetgreen isn't profitable. It posted an operating loss of $26.4 million during Q2. It's generally a very risky proposition to invest in companies that aren't yet registering positive earnings on a consistent basis. It's anyone's guess when the business will reach this important milestone.

Management expects SSS to drop 5% (at the midpoint) for the full fiscal year of 2025. It could take some time for things to improve for Sweetgreen, which isn't encouraging.

Even though shares trade at a historically cheap price-to-sales ratio of 1.4, it's smart to avoid Sweetgreen.

Neil Patel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chipotle Mexican Grill. The Motley Fool recommends Sweetgreen and recommends the following options: short September 2025 $60 calls on Chipotle Mexican Grill. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

30 September 2025

PayPoint plc ("the Company")

Notifications of transactions by Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities

(together “PDMRs”)

The PayPoint plc Share Incentive Plan

This announcement includes details in respect of the monthly acquisition of Partnership Shares and award of Matching Shares under the PayPoint plc Share Incentive Plan (“SIP”) made on 22 September 2025, in respect of those PDMRs who are participants in the SIP, as set out below, including the following Executive Directors:

PDMRPartnership Shares Purchased Award Date: 22/09/2025

Purchase Price: £6.59

Matching Shares Award Date: 22/09/2025

Allotment Price: £0.00333

Nicholas Wiles1919Rob Harding1919         
The Notification of Dealing Forms can be found below.

This Notification is made in accordance with the requirements of the UK Market Abuse Regulation.

ENQUIRIES:        
PayPoint plc           

Phil Higgins, on behalf of Indigo Corporate Secretary Limited, Company Secretary
+44 (0)7701 061533

Steve O'Neill, Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer
+44 (0)7919 488066

LEI: 5493004YKWI8U0GDD138

http://corporate.paypoint.com/

1Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associateda)Name1. Simon Coles2. Ben Ford3. Robert Harding4. Mark Latham5. Tanya Murphy6. Stephen O’Neill7. Christopher Paul8. Anthony Sappor9. Josephine Toolan10. Katy Wilde11. Nicholas Wiles12. Nicholas Williams2Reason for the notificationa)Position/status PDMRPDMRChief Financial OfficerPDMRPDMRPDMRPDMRPDMRPDMRPDMRChief Executive OfficerPDMR b)Initial notification/AmendmentInitial notification3Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer, or auction monitora)NamePayPoint plcb)LEI5493004YKWI8U0GDD1384Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducteda)Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Identification code

Ordinary shares of 1/3 pence ISIN: GB00B02QND93

b)Nature of the transactionShares purchased pursuant to the PayPoint plc Share Incentive Plan. c)Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s)Volume(s)1.£6.59192.£6.59193.£6.59194.£6.59195.£6.59196.£6.59197.£6.59198.£6.59199.£6.591910.£6.591911.£6.591912.£6.5915d)Aggregated information - Volume
- Price
- Total

 Aggregate Volume(s)Aggregate Price(s)Aggregate Total1.19£6.59£125.212.19£6.59£125.213.19£6.59£125.214.19£6.59£125.215.19£6.59£125.216.19£6.59£125.217.19£6.59£125.218.19£6.59£125.219.19£6.59£125.2110.19£6.59£125.2111.19£6.59£125.2112.15£6.59£98.85e)Date of the transaction22 September 2025f)Place of the transactionXLON 1Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associateda)Name1. Simon Coles2. Benjamin Ford3. Rob Harding4. Mark Latham5. Tanya Murphy6. Stephen O’Neill7. Christopher Paul8. Anthony Sappor9. Josephine Toolan10. Katy Wilde11. Nicholas Wiles12. Nicholas Williams2Reason for the notificationa)Position/status PDMRPDMRChief Financial OfficerPDMRPDMRPDMRPDMRPDMRPDMRPDMRChief Executive OfficerPDMR b)Initial notification/AmendmentInitial notification3Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer, or auction monitora)NamePayPoint Plcb)LEI5493004YKWI8U0GDD1384Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducteda)Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument Identification code

Ordinary shares of 1/3 pence ISIN: GB00B02QND93

b)Nature of the transactionMatching shares issued pursuant to the PayPoint plc Share Incentive Plan.c)Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s)Volume(s)1.£0.00333192.£0.00333193.£0.00333194.£0.00333195.£0.00333196.£0.00333197.£0.00333198.£0.00333199.£0.003331910.£0.003331911.£0.003331912.£0.0033315d)Aggregated information - Volume
- Price
- Total

 Aggregate Volume(s)Aggregate Price(s)Aggregate Total1.19£0.00333£0.062.19£0.00333£0.063.19£0.00333£0.064.19£0.00333£0.065.19£0.00333£0.066.19£0.00333£0.067.19£0.00333£0.068.19£0.00333£0.069.19£0.00333£0.0610.19£0.00333£0.0611.19£0.00333£0.0612.15£0.00333£0.05e)Date of the transaction22 September 2025f)Place of the transactionOutside of a trading venue

2025 07 22 - SIP Announcement (002)

Analysts are nearly unanimous in their approval of one quantum computing stock.

Wall Street analysts pay close attention to hot technology trends. That's an important part of their jobs. Unsurprisingly, quantum computing is receiving intense attention from many analysts these days.

But which quantum computing stock does Wall Street love the most? You might be surprised.

Image source: Getty Images.

A process of elimination
S&P Global (SPGI 0.76%) regularly monitors analyst recommendations and price targets to gauge what Wall Street thinks about a long list of stocks. However, analysts don't cover every quantum computing stock on the market, so we can cross those off the list. I also weeded out the stocks of companies that have less than four analysts covering them, since it would be misleading to claim that "Wall Street" likes such thinly covered stocks.

Analysts don't appear to be all that bullish about some quantum computing stocks. For example, only 13 of the 24 analysts surveyed by S&P Global in September rated Honeywell (HON 0.93%) as a "buy" or "strong buy." The numbers were even worse for IBM (IBM -1.51%), a bona fide quantum computing pioneer, with eight of 21 analysts rating the stock as a "buy" or better.

The majority of analysts gave positive ratings for Alphabet (GOOG -1.17%) (GOOGL -1.03%), which has achieved two major quantum computing milestones. However, the consensus price target for the Google parent is below the current share price. That makes it easy to eliminate the tech giant from consideration.

It's a similar story for several rising stars of quantum computing. All 10 of the analysts surveyed by S&P Global in September who cover D-Wave Quantum (QBTS -5.42%) rated the stock as a "buy" or "strong buy." All six of the analysts covering Rigetti Computing (RGTI -4.71%) did the same. Six of 8 analysts recommended IonQ (IONQ -4.59%) as a "buy" or better. But the average analyst price targets for all of these stocks are lower than their current share prices.

Wall Street's favorite quantum computing stock
That leaves three companies that are investing heavily in quantum computing with overwhelming support from analysts and price targets reflecting solid upside potential. All three are familiar names to most investors: Amazon (AMZN 1.08%), Microsoft (MSFT 0.55%), and Nvidia (NVDA 2.05%).

Interestingly, analysts seem to believe that Amazon and Microsoft stocks will soar more than Nvidia stock over the next 12 months. The consensus price targets for Amazon and Microsoft were both nearly 21% above their current share prices as of the market close on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025.

However, Microsoft edges out Amazon as Wall Street's favorite quantum computing stock right now. A whopping 57 of 58 analysts (98.3%) surveyed by S&P Global in September rated Microsoft as a "buy" or "strong buy." That's slightly better than the 63 of 66 analysts (95.5%) who had "buy" or better ratings for Amazon.

Microsoft boasts strong quantum computing credentials. The company's topological core architecture holds significant promise in building large-scale quantum computers. Microsoft's topoconductors are a new type of material that is neither solid, liquid, nor gas. They could pave the way for squeezing 1 million or more qubits on a single chip.

Are analysts right about Microsoft?
I don't know if Microsoft's share price will jump close to 21% over the next 12 months, as analysts think. However, I agree with the overwhelmingly bullish take on this stock.

Importantly, though, quantum computing isn't the main reason why I like Microsoft. (It's not the top reason why Wall Street likes it, either.) Instead, the most important story for Microsoft is the company's tremendous growth opportunity related to artificial intelligence (AI).

Microsoft Azure ranks as the second-largest cloud services platform, trailing behind only Amazon Web Services (AWS). This business was Microsoft's biggest growth driver in its latest quarter.

AI is also a critical key to success for the company's other businesses, though. Microsoft has integrated OpenAI's GPT-5 into its products. It also recently announced support for Anthropic's Claude large language model (LLM) in Copilot Studio.

Wall Street doesn't think Microsoft's AI tailwind will wane anytime soon. I agree. The company's quantum computing prospects are just icing on the cake with this magnificent tech stock.

Keith Speights has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, International Business Machines, Microsoft, Nvidia, and S&P Global. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.