Market Signal Briefing

CEO of OpenAI Sam Altman speaks during the 2026 Infrastructure Summit of government officials, corporate executives, and labor leaders, in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie... Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more

CompaniesMarch 23 (Reuters) - OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman said on Monday he has stepped down from the board of directors of Helion Energy, the fusion startup ​he has backed since 2015, as the companies start to explore ‌working together "at significant scale".

Altman, who is also on the OpenAI board, said the dual roles had become untenable as the ChatGPT maker eyes future partnerships with Helion. In a ​post on social media platform X, Altman added that he will ​have a financial interest in Helion and will recuse himself ⁠from any deal negotiations.

Make sense of the latest ESG trends affecting companies and governments with the Reuters Sustainable Switch newsletter. Sign up here.

"Sam has played an integral role in Helion's development... ​I look forward to working with (Altman) in this new capacity," Helion CEO David ​Kirtley said in an X post separately.

OpenAI is also in advanced talks to buy electricity from Helion Energy, Axios reported on Monday, citing a person familiar with the situation.

Under the ​terms being discussed, OpenAI could secure a guaranteed portion of Helion's production, ​initially 12.5%, with talks centering on OpenAI receiving the equivalent of 5 gigawatts by 2030, ‌scaling ⁠to 50 gigawatts by 2035, the report added.

OpenAI did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment on the Axios report. A spokesperson for Helion said: "beyond the previously announced deals with Microsoft and Nucor, Helion has not made ​any new customer announcements."

A ​potential deal ⁠underscores a broader race among the world's largest technology companies to lock in long-term energy supplies as the explosive ​growth of artificial intelligence strains power grids.

Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab, Google (GOOGL.O), opens new tab, and Amazon (AMZN.O), opens new tab ​have all ⁠struck deals with nuclear and fusion companies that would have seemed far-fetched just a few years ago.

Helion was founded in 2013 by Kirtley, along with John ⁠Slough, ​Chris Pihl, and George Votroubek. It has raised ​over $1 billion in total funding, with a $425 million Series F closed in January 2025 that valued ​the company at $5.4 billion.

Reporting by Kritika Lamba in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

The AI sector cooled off somewhat this week, with the vast majority of prominent AI tokens sitting slightly in the red.

TL;DR:Crypto markets cooled, leaving most top AI tokens in the red.Siren (SIREN) defied the trend, soaring 284% despite growing controversy.Orbs launched a dedicated execution layer for autonomous on-chain DeFi AI agents.The cryptocurrency market has taken a backstep since our last update, owing to continued conflict in the Middle East and a breakdown in most traditional markets.

That said, a recent last-minute recovery saw many digital assets claw back much of their weekend losses.

Despite this, the CMC Crypto Fear and Greed Index remains at 34—highlighting the clear undertone of fear in the market.

With that context in mind, here’s how the AI sector shaped up last week.

AI Market RecapThe AI sector cooled off somewhat this week, with the vast majority of prominent AI tokens sitting slightly in the red.

Internet Computer (ICP) and Render (RENDER) were hit hardest, down 10.7% and 10.5% week-over-week (WoW), respectively.

Just three of the top 10 largest AI tokens managed to buck the downturn:

DeXe (DEXE): +47%Kite (KITE): +8%The third major project to buck the downtrend is siren (SIREN)—and it did so in a big way. The on-chain AI agent platform leapfrogged its way into the top list, knocking Near Protocol (NEAR) out of the #2 position.

It's up 283.9% WoW, but is currently drawing significant criticism on social media (more on this shortly).

The trending list also highlighted improvements in some smaller AI tokens, most notably:

Casper (CSPR): rallied 27.5% ahead of the v2.2.0 mainnet upgradeOpenLedger (OPEN): gained 10.4% and continued its now month-long uptrendBittensor (TAO) price predictions lit up X this week, fueled by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's All-In podcast chat with Chamath Palihapitiya.

https://twitter.com/Grayscale/status/2035069083931353503

In the chat, Chamath spotlighted TAO's wild decentralized feats—like the massive Covenant-72B model that was trained permissionlessly across 70+ nodes in a decentralized setup.

Traders piled on bullish calls: many eyed $500 as the immediate breakout target. Meanwhile, Finance Freeman on X highlighted a potential target of ~$2,800 if TAO manages to pull off a full Fibonacci extension, with lesser targets of ~$1,150, $1,773, and $2,394 also noted.

https://twitter.com/FinanceFreeman/status/2033906241123000323

The siren (SIREN) token also sparked heated controversy over alleged rugs and cartel mechanics. One user called it the "biggest scam of 2026" after it briefly surged past a $3 billion market capitalization following new exchange listings.

N.B. Always double-check the funding rates and factor this into your trade decisions before using derivatives products.

Others implicated DWF Labs in the wild move, after the market maker accumulated over $500,000 worth of the token back in May 2025. According to recent research by EmberCN, up to 88.5% of the SIREN token supply may be controlled by a single entity.

https://twitter.com/EmberCN/status/2035891856203198967

Finally, Binance teased its own "Binance Ai Pro" with a simple "Coming soon!" post that exploded to 217K views, hinting at fresh AI exchange tools amid the frenzy.

https://twitter.com/binance/status/2035999904393544125

AI News RoundupHere’s a quick look at the top crypto AI stories from the past week, including a major launch for DeFi automation and industry-wide workforce shifts.

Orbs Introduces Agentic Execution Layer for DeFi Agents: Orbs launched Orbs Agentic, a dedicated execution layer enabling autonomous DeFi AI agents to securely perform on-chain trading. It utilizes a cosigned oracle mechanism to verify transactions against predefined constraints before execution.

https://twitter.com/orbs_network/status/2033860934268010708

AI Models Prefer Bitcoin Over Fiat in BPI Study: A recent Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI) study of 36 frontier AI models revealed they chose digital-native currencies over fiat in over 90% of economic trials. Bitcoin dominated as the top choice for long-term value storage.

https://twitter.com/bitcoinpolicy/status/2028844238700523764

Crypto.com Trims Workforce by 12% Amid AI Integration: Crypto.com has laid off approximately 12% of its global workforce to accelerate its pivot toward enterprise-wide AI. Management stated that adopting these AI tools is crucial for scaling and maintaining operational efficiency. (source)

>> That’s a wrap! Still got questions? Click here to ask CMC AI!

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Gold has fallen into bear-market territory after giving up its gains for the year, even as US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) continued to attract fresh money, pushing the two assets onto sharply different paths.

Spot gold traded near $4,388 an ounce on March 23, according to goldprice.org, down about 22% from its Jan. 29 record of $5,594.82. The decline accelerated after the latest Middle East conflict began on Feb. 28. Since then, gold has dropped about 17%, reversing the advance that had carried it higher in the opening weeks of 2026.

At the same time, institutional money continued to flow into the US spot Bitcoin ETF market. Data from Farside Investors show the funds took in about $2.42 billion of net inflows across the four calendar weeks ended March 20.

The divergence has drawn attention across macro and digital-asset markets because gold and Bitcoin are often discussed in similar terms during periods shaped by inflation concerns, currency dilution, and geopolitical stress.

Over the past month, however, investors treated them very differently. Gold faced liquidation pressure as cash demand rose and rate expectations stayed elevated. Bitcoin, through the ETF structure, continued to draw allocations through brokerage and advisory channels.

The move also stands out because gold had entered 2026 with strong momentum. Its retreat now meets the widely used market definition of a bear market: a decline of 20% or more from a recent peak. Bitcoin, by contrast, has held up well enough to keep ETF buyers engaged through the same stretch of volatility.

Gold gives back early-year gains as rates stay high and investors raise cashGold’s decline has unfolded against a macro backdrop that has become less supportive for assets that tend to benefit from lower yields and a softer dollar.

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady in March and projected the benchmark rate at 3.4% at the end of 2026, while core personal consumption expenditures inflation remained at 2.7%. That combination reinforced the view that policy may stay restrictive longer than investors expected earlier this year.

For bullion, the effect is direct. Higher rates raise the opportunity cost of holding a non-yielding asset. A firmer dollar adds pressure by making gold more expensive for buyers using other currencies.

Those forces intensified as investors also sought cash and liquidity after the Middle East shock forced a repricing of growth, inflation, and energy expectations.

Fund-flow data captured the shift quickly. LSEG Lipper data showed global gold and precious-metals funds posted about $5.19 billion in weekly net outflows through March 18, the largest weekly withdrawal since at least August 2018. In the same week, money market funds took in $32.57 billion.

That rotation suggests investors moved toward liquidity and away from positions that had benefited from earlier inflation and geopolitical hedging demand.

Gold’s decline, therefore, fits into a broader portfolio adjustment in which preserving flexibility became more important as markets reassessed the likely path of monetary policy and commodity prices.

The selloff also arrived after a period in which gold’s long-term support looked firm. Central-bank demand had helped underpin the bullion market through 2025, and the reserve case remained intact as 2026 began.

The recent drop shows how forcefully short-term macro conditions can overwhelm that structural support over a matter of weeks.

Additional fund data point in the same direction. The largest US gold-backed ETF, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), recorded $7.07 billion in outflows in March, according to market data.

Gold ETF Outflow (Source: Global Markets Investor)That exceeded the previous monthly record withdrawal of $6.8 billion in April 2013. The pace of redemption reflected the speed of the reversal in investor positioning after gold’s run higher earlier in the year.

By the standard used in financial markets, a 22% decline from a January peak marks a clear transition into bear-market territory.

Gold’s drop, therefore, represents more than a routine pullback after a rally. It signals a broad withdrawal from a trade that had been supported by reserve accumulation, geopolitical hedging, and concern over inflation persistence.

Bitcoin funds extend their strongest inflow streak of 2026While gold was losing ground, US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds posted their strongest inflow streak this year.

Farside data show the 12 US spot Bitcoin funds recorded four consecutive weeks of net inflows, with more than $2 billion added during that period. It is the longest run of 2026 and the strongest since August and September 2025, when the funds absorbed more than $3.8 billion.

CoinShares data show a similar trend globally. The firm said Bitcoin exchange-traded products have registered $1.5 billion in inflows so far this month.

Crypto Asset Institutional Flows (Source: CoinShares)Those inflows came during a period that included war risk, shifting expectations for US interest rates, and renewed volatility across commodities. Even in that backdrop, institutions continued to use the ETF wrapper to add or maintain Bitcoin exposure, while gold funds were experiencing large redemptions.

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Last week, Bitwise said Bitcoin and other major cryptoassets have outperformed US equities and gold since the beginning of March.

The asset manager said the move could point to the early stages of a rotation, while also cautioning that recent price action may reflect temporary volatility or isolated liquidity events. Bitwise added that gold has historically led Bitcoin by four to seven months.

State Street Global Advisors outlined the volatility gap in its March gold monitor. Over a trailing 10-year period, rolling 30-day volatility for Bitcoin averaged about 52.0, compared with 13.6 for gold.

From January 2016 through February 2026, Bitcoin recorded 30 months with losses greater than 8%, while gold recorded one such month, according to the report.

Those figures show the type of exposure investors were taking through Bitcoin ETFs. Buyers were accepting wider swings and deeper drawdowns in return for access to an asset some investors view as a hedge against fiat dilution and policy risk.

CryptoQuant data also show how far the two assets have diverged. The firm said Bitcoin-to-gold correlation fell to minus 0.88, the lowest reading since November 2022, indicating the two assets were moving in opposite directions with unusual force over the measured period.

Bitcoin and Gold Correlation (Source: CryptoQuant)Oil and rates may shape the next phaseGold’s longer-term support has not disappeared, even after the March selloff, and that is part of what makes the current split between gold and Bitcoin more closely watched.

The World Gold Council said total gold demand, including over-the-counter activity, exceeded 5,000 metric tons for the first time in 2025. Gold ETF holdings rose by 801 tons last year, and central banks bought 863 tons. In February 2026 alone, physically backed gold ETFs took in $5.3 billion globally.

Those figures show official-sector buying and long-duration investment demand remained strong heading into this quarter.

The current drawdown, therefore, leaves investors balancing two forces: short-term macro pressure from rates, dollar strength, and liquidity demand, and a structural reserve bid that remained in place through last year and into early 2026.

Oil prices may play a central role in how that balance develops. Several banks raised their 2026 Brent forecasts after the latest Middle East shock. Bank of America lifted its view to $77.50 a barrel, while Standard Chartered raised its forecast to $85.50. Bank of America also outlined an upside path toward $130 in the event of a prolonged supply disruption.

Higher oil prices would feed inflation expectations and could keep the Federal Reserve cautious for longer. That would affect gold and Bitcoin through different channels.

Gold would continue to face pressure from elevated real yields and dollar strength if policy remains restrictive. Bitcoin would remain tied more closely to liquidity conditions, institutional risk appetite, and the willingness of ETF buyers to keep adding exposure through regulated products.

For now, the clearest market signal is the split itself. Gold, long treated as a traditional store-of-value asset during periods of stress, has entered a bear market after falling more than 20% from its January high. Bitcoin, an asset more commonly associated with larger price swings, has continued to gather ETF inflows through the same period.

Mentioned in this articlePosted in

PEPE trades at $0.00000343, with a falling wedge pattern signaling a potential 700% breakout as buyers defend key support levels.

Pepe trades near $0.000003392 after rebounding from around $0.00000331. Price initially declined, forming a short downtrend before stabilizing above $0.00000325. Momentum gradually shifted as buyers stepped in near $0.0000033, driving a steady recovery. A sharp breakout then pushed the price toward $0.00000345, showing strong bullish pressure. The move faced slight resistance, causing a mild pullback while holding above $0.00000335. Overall, price action reflects rising volatility with buyers currently maintaining control.

At the time of writing, the memecoin was trading at $0.00000343, with a 3.81% gain over the past 24 hours.

Pepe Eyes 30% Bounce as $0.0000031 Support HoldsPressure builds around PEPE as price tests a critical support region after sweeping liquidity below $0.0000031. Analyst PEPE Whale highlights a market structure that still leans bearish. However, buyers are defending the demand zone between $0.0000031 and $0.00000279. This area shows strong historical support and growing interest. If buyers sustain control, the setup could trigger a relief bounce. A successful reversal from this zone may deliver nearly 30% upside.

Still, strong resistance levels stand in the way of a larger recovery. A key resistance cluster sits between $0.00000414 and $0.00000500. This range previously rejected price and may slow bullish attempts again. Current price action near $0.0000031 shows early signs of accumulation. Volume behavior also hints at a possible shift in sentiment. However, the decisive breakout trigger has not appeared yet. Traders remain cautious until price reclaims higher resistance levels.

PEPE Price Falling Wedge Signals Potential 708% BreakoutPEPE trades near $0.000003336 while compressing inside a long-term falling wedge formation. The structure shows consistently lower highs and gradually tightening price action. Selling pressure appears to weaken as the price approaches the wedge support near $0.0000030.

Earlier price action shows a strong rally toward $0.000020, followed by an extended corrective phase. The correction gradually formed the descending wedge pattern now visible. This pattern often signals trend exhaustion before a potential bullish reversal.

According to analyst Steph Is Crypto, the wedge breakout could trigger a major expansion phase. The projected move highlights roughly 708% upside potential from the current level. If momentum confirms the breakout, PEPE could surge toward the $0.000020–$0.000023 region.

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PEPE

Hyperliquid (HYPE) price trades near $38 after surging roughly 70% from late February to a peak of $43 on March 18, and the consolidation that followed appears to be forming a bull flag on the daily chart.

Meanwhile, data from BeInCrypto’s Dune dashboard shows Hyperliquid is the only major perpetual DEX to grow its market share in 2026. That fundamental strength has not yet translated into a breakout, but spot buyers and derivatives positioning suggest the consolidation may not last much longer.

Hyperliquid’s share of weekly derivatives volume among top perpetual DEX protocols climbed from 36.4% in the week of January 5 to 44% in the week ending March 23, according to BeInCrypto’s Dune dashboard. That is a roughly 21% increase in market share since the start of the year.

Hyperliquid DEX Share March: DuneEvery other major competitor lost ground during the same period. Aster dropped from 30.3% to 20.9%. edgeX held relatively steady at 26.6%, up slightly from 20.8% but still trailing Hyperliquid by a wide margin. Jupiter, dYdX, GMX, and Drift all remained below 3%. The Iran conflict and the resulting shift of traditional asset exposure toward 24/7 decentralized venues may have accelerated Hyperliquid’s dominance, as traders sought always-on access during volatile geopolitical conditions.

Hyperliquid DEX Share January: DuneSpot buyers appear to be responding. Exchange flow data from Coinglass shows three consecutive days of net outflows for HYPE. On March 21, $2.94 million left exchanges, followed by $2.31 million the next day. On March 23, another $2.22 million exited, bringing the three-day total to $7.47 million. The pace has slowed slightly, a roughly 24% decline from the first to the third day, but the direction remains consistent.

HYPE Exchange Outflows: CoinglassSpot accumulation during a consolidation phase after a 70% rally is a positioning pattern that typically precedes the next leg rather than a deeper correction. But whether the flag breaks depends on who is positioned on the other side.

The Bybit liquidation map for HYPE/USDT over the past seven days reveals a significant imbalance. Cumulative short liquidation leverage sits at $32.75 million, while long leverage totals roughly $12.63 million. That makes the short side approximately 160% larger than the long side.

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

HYPE Liquidation Map: CoinglassIf the Hyperliquid price pushes above $43, the previous peak, it would trigger a cascade of short liquidations. Those forced buybacks become additional buying pressure, potentially accelerating the breakout from the flag pattern visible on the daily chart.

The daily chart also shows a hidden bullish divergence forming. Between February 1 and March 23, the HYPE price has been making a higher low on the candles while the relative strength index (RSI), a momentum indicator, appears to be forming a lower low. If the current candle holds and the next one closes above the current low, divergence is confirmed.

Hidden bullish divergence suggests that selling pressure is weakening during the consolidation, supporting upward continuation rather than a breakdown.

HYPE Flag and RSI Divergence: TradingViewSpot outflows, a dominant DEX share, short squeeze fuel, and a forming hidden divergence all lean in the same direction. The HYPE price levels determine whether they activate.

HYPE Price Levels Now Confirm the Next Leg Up (Or Down)The HYPE price has managed to stay above the current swing low of 36, a key support level, as buyers stepped in. Staying above this zone keeps the bull flag structure valid. The first meaningful hurdle sits at $43, the pole peak.

A daily close above $43 would strengthen the flag breakout, if that happens. It could then open a path toward $50 and $54 (the 1.0 extension). If the 70% pole replicates from the breakout level, the projected target reaches approximately $65, exactly the 1.618 Fib extension point.

On the downside, losing $36 weakens the breakout setup. The pattern remains technically intact above $33, but a daily close below $33 would invalidate the flag entirely and shift the bias back to bearish.

Currently, a daily close above $43 is what the Hyperliquid bull needs to rush towards the breakout projection.

Key Highlights Table of Contents

Key HighlightsStaking Infrastructure GrowthSignificant Paper Losses PersistGet 3 Free Stock Ebooks Bitmine acquired 65,341 ETH during the past week, valued at approximately $138 million based on current market rates Company’s aggregate ETH position now reaches 4.66 million tokens — representing 3.86% of total circulating supply Acquisition velocity has accelerated over three straight weeks, surpassing the previous weekly average of approximately 50,000 ETH BMNR shares advanced more than 3% while ETH traded near $2,144 Executive Chairman Tom Lee projects ETH is approaching the conclusion of a “mini-crypto winter”; the company maintains roughly $7 billion in unrealized losses Bitmine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) continues its aggressive Ethereum accumulation strategy. The treasury firm acquired 65,341 ETH during the previous week — marking the third straight week of escalating purchases — as it reinforces a position that has accumulated substantial paper losses while maintaining aggressive expansion.

Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc., BMNR

This recent acquisition, valued at approximately $138 million based on prevailing market rates, pushes Bitmine’s aggregate holdings to 4,660,903 ETH. With tokens priced near $2,072 each, the treasury position exceeds $9 billion in value.

The company now owns roughly 3.86% of ETH’s 120.7 million token circulating supply. This percentage continues expanding as Bitmine increases its weekly acquisition rate, which historically averaged between 45,000 and 50,000 ETH.

Cash holdings expanded in tandem with crypto acquisitions, hitting $1.1 billion. The firm also maintains 196 Bitcoin, $200 million allocated to Beast Industries, and $95 million in Eightco Holdings. Combined crypto, cash, and speculative investment holdings totaled $11.0 billion as of March 22.

Investors reacted positively. BMNR shares climbed over 3% following the announcement as Ethereum price approached $2,144.

Staking Infrastructure Growth Beyond accumulation, Bitmine is pursuing an aggressive staking strategy. As of March 23, the company had staked 3,142,643 ETH — approximately 67% of total holdings. This staked position currently produces $184 million in annualized staking revenue.

Tom Lee stated Bitmine has staked more Ethereum than any competing entity worldwide. When operations reach full capacity, projected annual rewards could reach $272 million, calculated using a 2.83% seven-day yield. The prevailing Composite Ethereum Staking Rate stands at 2.75%.

The firm is developing its Made in America Validator Network (MAVAN), collaborating with three staking service providers in preparation for an anticipated early 2026 launch.

Significant Paper Losses Persist The strategy carries substantial downside risk. Notwithstanding the acquisition momentum, Bitmine currently holds approximately $7 billion in unrealized losses as ETH valuations have declined in recent months, per DropsTab analytics.

Lee maintains confidence in his investment thesis. “Our base case is ETH is in the final stages of the ‘mini-crypto winter,'” he stated in Monday’s announcement.

Bitmine holds the distinction of operating the world’s largest Ethereum treasury and ranks second among all global crypto treasuries, trailing only Michael Saylor’s Strategy, which controls 762,099 Bitcoin purchased for roughly $57.69 billion.

As of March 23, Ethereum was trading in the $2,072 to $2,144 range.

TL;DR

Marc Syz left the Banque Syz orbit after Eric Syz rejected integrating Future Holdings AG and its 5,000 BTC treasury into the bank. Future Holdings, valued near $450 million in Bitcoin, is now being prepared for a dual Nasdaq and SIX Swiss Exchange listing later this year. The split captures a wider Swiss private banking divide as crypto demand rises, while older institutions still remain wary of Bitcoin balance-sheet exposure. Switzerland’s old-guard private banking culture has collided head-on with Bitcoin, and the result is no longer theoretical. Marc Syz has chosen separation over compromise. The member of one of Switzerland’s best-known banking families has walked away from Banque Syz’s CHF 24 billion legacy after his father, Eric Syz, rejected a plan to fold a 5,000 BTC treasury vehicle into the bank’s alternative asset arm. That treasury vehicle, Future Holdings AG, holds roughly $450 million in Bitcoin, and Marc is now moving to take it public independently rather than keep fighting for internal acceptance for good.

A Family Break Turns Into a Public Bitcoin Bet What makes the rupture striking is that this was not a marginal crypto experiment. The dispute centered on balance-sheet identity, not marketing optics. Marc Syz had proposed absorbing Future Holdings AG directly into the bank’s offering, effectively giving the institution a MicroStrategy-style Bitcoin treasury exposure. He previously led Syz Capital, where he managed CHF 1.2 billion in alternative assets, and brought in Richard Byworth, a former HSBC and Ripple executive, to help build the structure. For Marc, Bitcoin looked like a strategic hedge and institutional product. For Banque Syz leadership, it looked like unacceptable volatility.

The break has now moved from philosophy into execution. Marc Syz is turning the split into a capital-markets test of conviction. Regulatory filings submitted to FINMA on March 15 outline plans for a dual listing on Nasdaq and the SIX Swiss Exchange, with a goal of raising CHF 500 million later this year to expand the treasury further. That step transforms Future Holdings from an internal dispute into a standalone wager on Bitcoin accumulation. The compromise window appears shut, and the disagreement inside the family has hardened into a formal separation with investors invited in.

The wider significance reaches beyond one family name. Swiss wealth management is being forced to choose between preservation and crypto integration. Banque Syz, founded in 1995, has stayed aligned with traditional modernization, avoiding direct balance-sheet exposure to crypto volatility even as digital assets push deeper into mainstream finance. At the same time, 28% of private banks are planning crypto allocations by 2027, suggesting demand is arriving faster than institutional governance can absorb. By taking Future Holdings public, Marc Syz is not backing Bitcoin. He is forcing the market to price his vision against his father’s.

In a huge shift for the long-contested asset, the Commission has labeled XRP a “commodity”, aligning it with CFTC oversight – closer to gold.

Market Sentiment:

Bullish Bearish Neutral

Published: March 23, 2026 │ 5:09 PM GMT

Created by Kornelija Poderskytė from DailyCoin

In a recent video, the host — a crypto-focused educator who says she concentrates on “wealth” and deep regulatory analysis — argues that U.S. regulators have quietly answered the question that has dogged XRP for years: not just what it isn’t, but what it is.

According to her, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has now explicitly identified XRP as a “digital commodity” and aligned it with Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) oversight, a shift she says could reshape how institutions treat the asset.

From “Not a Security” to a Clearly-Defined CategoryDr. Kamilah Stevenson revisits the 2020–2023 SEC v. Ripple battle, stressing that Judge Analisa Torres’ ruling — that XRP itself is not a security — only told markets “what XRP was not.”

Sponsored

Exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken, and Binance.US delisted or restricted XRP as soon as the lawsuit landed, not after a guilty verdict, demonstrating how regulatory uncertainty alone can freeze liquidity.

What she frames as new is an SEC interpretation that explicitly calls XRP a “digital commodity” and places it under CFTC jurisdiction.

In her words, that designation says XRP “is more like gold than it is like a stock” — a neutral resource whose value comes from utility, scarcity and network adoption rather than Ripple’s corporate performance.

That, she argues, removes a key barrier for institutions that need a clear legal “home” before they can build products or allocate serious capital.

Clarity Act, Political Risk & Institutional PositioningThe video draws a sharp line between regulatory interpretation and statute.

She compares the SEC’s position to a corporate policy that can be reversed by the next “CEO”: a future administration or SEC chair could, in theory, revisit the framework.

By contrast, the proposed Clarity Act — which she says passed the U.S. House by 294–134 — would write crypto classifications into law, functioning more like a binding contract that cannot be undone on a whim.

She notes that the SEC’s commodity language appears coordinated with the Clarity Act’s structure, arguing regulators have crafted their stance so it “survives the law, not conflicts with it.”

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is cited as putting the odds of Senate passage at 90%, and the White House is described as sending an “extremely pointed message” to lawmakers slow-walking the bill. Meanwhile, some U.S. states, including Missouri and Arizona, are said to be moving to recognize XRP as a digital reserve asset.

On the market side, Dr. Kamilah Stevenson claims roughly $1.25 billion has already flowed into XRP exchange-traded products this year “while the price was dropping,” and names BNY Mellon, Fidelity and Franklin Templeton as players positioning around the asset.

For her, that’s evidence that legal and compliance teams now see the risk of waiting as greater than the risk of entering under the new commodity framing.

The strategic takeaway for investors is that XRP’s transition from regulatory ambiguity to a defined commodity category could unlock ETF growth, institutional balance-sheet use and broader financial product design — but that the durability of this shift still depends on whether Congress locks it into law.

Dig into DailyCoin’s top crypto scoops today:
HBAR Analyst Warns: ‘No Sign We’ve Bottomed’ Despite Support
Analyst Warns: Coinbase XRP Order Book Shows 9:1 Upside Skew

People Also Ask:Is XRP officially “not a security” in the U.S.?

Yes. A federal court ruled that XRP itself is not a security in the Ripple case, which led major U.S. exchanges to relist it.

What’s the practical impact of XRP being treated as a digital commodity?

It clears the way for products and holdings similar to gold or oil — ETFs, collateral use, and institutional custody — under a CFTC-style framework rather than SEC securities rules.

Does the Clarity Act need to pass for XRP’s status to matter?

The host argues the SEC’s interpretation is important now, but legislation would make that status harder to reverse under a future administration.

Are institutions already moving into XRP?

Large asset managers and banks are already building exposure and infrastructure, even before final legislation, citing billions in ETF inflows.

DailyCoin's Vibe Check: Which way are you leaning towards after reading this article?

Market Sentiment

100% Bullish

This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein shall be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading forex, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs pose a considerable risk of loss.

Bybit announced a new set of enhancements for its USDC trading ecosystem, lowering trading costs and adjusting liquidity incentives for eligible users across spot and futures markets. The exchange said the changes are effective immediately for USDC-denominated pairs.

The update centers on a sharper fee framework for VIP manual traders. Bybit said taker fees on eligible USDC spot and futures pairs will be reduced by up to 50%, with Supreme VIP rates falling as low as 0.0225% for spot and 0.015% for futures. At the same time, the exchange raised the weighting factor for the USDC market maker group from 5x to 8x, a move designed to improve visibility and support deeper liquidity in USDC markets. Pro fee structures and non-USDC pairs remain unchanged.

The next point to watch is whether the lower-fee framework and market maker weighting change translate into stronger USDC trading activity on the platform. For traders, the immediate question is whether tighter costs and better liquidity conditions make USDC pairs more competitive relative to other stablecoin trading routes.

Source: Bybit.

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The past few days saw XRP rejecting at $1.60 on March 17, and the cryptocurrency is now back to trading below $1.40, struggling to hold ground within a deteriorating technical structure that has erased more than 60% of its value since the July 2025 peak. 

According to a crypto analyst, the recent rejection from a breakout attempt was not just a failed rally but a warning sign that downside pressure is still in control. That leaves the price at a delicate point where one more move lower could expose much weaker levels, as low as $0.75.

Rejection From The Break Keeps The Altcoin Under Pressure XRP pushed higher at the start of last week and surged to around $1.60, but that strength did not last. The move was quickly rejected, and instead of opening the door to a stronger recovery, it turned into another failed push that saw XRP fall below $1.50 and now below $1.40 at the time of writing. Notably, that price action gave some traders an important clue when it failed to hold above the recent break.

That rejection matters because it came inside a much larger falling channel that has been in place since XRP topped above $3.65 last year. Every recovery attempt inside that channel has eventually rolled over, and the latest one appears to be following the same script. As it stands, the price is now approaching the lower trendline of the channel.

Source: Chart from Guy on the Earth on X Crypto analyst Guy on the Earth identified the area between $1.34 and $1.36 as the current line of defense. That zone is important because it combines two technical features at once: the lower boundary of the small rectangle the altcoin has been trading in and support linked to the broader descending channel structure.

According to the analyst, a clean loss of $1.34 to $1.36 would likely shift focus to $1.20 almost immediately. However, the next leg may not be orderly, and any breakdown could come with exaggerated candles and long wicks in the coming weeks. 

The analyst also proposed a more substantial low that’s contingent on the token breaking below $1.20. The long-term channel support line converges below the $1.00 price level and continues sloping downward. Should the $1.20 support give way entirely, this could see the XRP price fall to as low as $0.75. “It would be prudent to accept this potential scenario,” he said.

However, XRP could still stage a short-term bounce from the current price, pushing back to $1.50 to retest the upper boundary of the small rectangle XRP has been trading in. At the time of writing, XRP is trading at $1.37, down by 2.2% and 7.4% in the past 24 hours and seven days, respectively.

XRP trading at $1.37 on the 1D chart | Source: XRPUSDT on Tradingview.com Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from Tradingview.com

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SHIB burned 8 million tokens in 24 hours, triggering a 5.68% price jump. With exchange supply shrinking rapidly, something big may be brewing for investors.

Shiba Inu opened the new week with a sharp increase in deflationary activity. On Monday, March 23, blockchain tracker Shibburn confirmed that the SHIB burn rate surged by 637.44% in a single 24-hour period. A total of 8,063,851 SHIB tokens were permanently removed from circulation. The development has drawn renewed attention from investors monitoring the asset's supply dynamics.

The burn rate spike comes after a difficult weekend for SHIB, during which the token traded in negative territory. The sudden reversal in both network activity and price direction has prompted renewed discussion about what may be driving momentum heading into the new trading week.

Burn Activity Drives Supply SqueezeToken burning remains one of the core mechanisms used by the Shiba Inu ecosystem to manage long-term supply. Each burn transaction permanently removes tokens from circulation, reducing the total available supply over time. Sustained burn activity, in theory, creates upward price pressure through scarcity.

Monday's figures represent a significant single-day jump. A 637.44% increase in the burn rate is not routine. It reflects a coordinated or unusually high level of activity within the community. Shibburn's data confirms this was not a gradual uptick but a sharp, concentrated spike.

The broader goal of the Shiba Inu burn strategy is to reduce the token's quadrillion-scale supply to levels that are more conducive to price appreciation. Progress has been incremental, but events like Monday's activity demonstrate that the community remains committed to this objective.

SHIB Price Snaps Weekend Losing StreakFollowing the surge in burn activity, Shiba Inu recorded a 5.68% price increase within 24 hours. At the time of writing, Shiba Inu is trading at around $0.00000608. According to Coincodex, SHIB stabilized around $0.000005996 in the hours following the spike. The token had been trading in the red over the previous days, making the reversal notable.

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Crypto analyst Celal has predicted that the Bitcoin price could hit a new all-time high (ATH) of $145,000. The analyst also provided a timeline for when the leading crypto could hit this milestone. 

When The Bitcoin Price Could Hit $145,000 In an X post, Celal stated that the Bitcoin price will rally to $145,000 between October and November. His accompanying chart showed that this rally could happen as BTC’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) picks up and hits overbought, rising to 90. The chart also suggested that the leading crypto may already be forming a bottom as it eyes this rally to a new ATH. 

This Bitcoin price prediction comes as BTC continues to struggle to hold above the psychological $70,000 level. The leading crypto is under pressure due to the U.S.-Iran war, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to escalate things if Iran doesn’t open the Strait of Hormuz. 

Source: Chart from Celal on X Crypto analyst Ali Martinez noted that it is currently a waiting game as the Bitcoin price is at a crossroads. He said that BTC is stuck in a “no-trade zone” and that right now, the area between $70,685 and $65,636 are the most important spot on the chart. The analyst further revealed that over 1.72 million BTC have been transacted around this range, meaning that “buyers and sellers are digging in their heels.”

Martinez added that there won’t be a big move for the Bitcoin price until it either breaks above $70,685 or falls below $65,636. Crypto analyst Ardi stated that BTC is still in a bear market and that the rally over the past few weeks was because of short covering. As such, the leading crypto is still at risk of a larger decline. 

The Economic Backdrop Is Bad For BTC Crypto analyst Colin stated that the economic backdrop is bad for the Bitcoin price, with oil prices rising and the Fed unlikely to lower rates anytime soon. He also noted that this is bad for BTC, considering that it is further up the risk curve than stocks. Based on this, Colin remarked that an eventual breakdown from the bear flag, which it has been trading inside since February.

As such, it is just a matter of how long the Bitcoin price holds on for at this point, the analyst said. He also noted that BTC has been in a bear market since October 5 and is only five months into it. Colin said that this means there is likely further downside since a typical bear market lasts for 12 months. 

At the time of writing, the Bitcoin price is trading at around $68,800, down in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

BTC trading at $68,634 on the 1D chart | Source: BTCUSDT on Tradingview.com Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com

The cryptocurrency market traded mixed in the latest session, with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) extending gains even as activity data pointed to diverging risk appetite across spot, stablecoins, and derivatives. The move lifted overall sentiment, while shifts in dominance and volumes offered clues about where liquidity is flowing.

As of Tuesday UTC, Bitcoin rose 4.00% day over day to $71,457, according to TokenPostMarket data. Ethereum climbed 4.97% to $2,182 over the same period. The recovery in the two largest assets contrasted with a more uneven performance among major altcoins, underscoring a market that is still selectively bidding exposure rather than rotating broadly into higher beta tokens.

Among large-cap altcoins, XRP (XRP) gained 3.90%, BNB (BNB) added 2.51%, and Solana (SOL) advanced 4.89%. Tron (TRX) underperformed, slipping 2.08%. The mixed leaderboard suggested that while risk assets were generally firmer, positioning remained discriminating—often a sign that traders are prioritizing liquidity and ‘quality’ within crypto rather than chasing momentum across the board.

Total crypto market capitalization stood at roughly $2.44 trillion, while aggregate 24-hour trading volume reached about $114.56 billion. Dominance metrics also tilted in favor of the two largest networks: Bitcoin’s share rose to 58.56%, up 0.38 percentage points from the prior day, while Ethereum’s share increased to 10.79%, up 0.17 percentage points. Rising dominance alongside broad market stabilization is often read as a ‘flight to majors,’ particularly when macro-sensitive participants remain cautious.

In on-chain and sector flows, decentralized finance showed a notable pickup in activity. DeFi market capitalization was pegged at $59.9 billion, while DeFi trading volume totaled $11.2 billion over 24 hours—an increase of 50.89%. The surge in DeFi turnover can reflect opportunistic trading, short-term yield rotation, or renewed interest in specific protocols, though it can also be amplified by volatility-driven rebalancing.

Stablecoin data moved in the opposite direction. Stablecoin market capitalization was estimated at $290.9 billion, but 24-hour stablecoin volume fell sharply to $112.1 billion, down 68.78%. Because stablecoins frequently serve as the market’s primary settlement and collateral rail, a steep drop in turnover can imply reduced immediate deployment of cash-like liquidity—potentially leaving prices more sensitive to marginal flows.

Derivatives activity accelerated markedly. Combined crypto futures and options volume reached $111.1 billion over 24 hours, up 87.52% from the previous day. Elevated derivatives turnover typically indicates growing leverage and hedging demand, and it can magnify short-term price swings as liquidations and funding dynamics ripple through major venues.

Overall, the session highlighted a market leaning constructive at the top of the capitalization stack, with BTC and ETH leading and dominance rising. At the same time, the split between stronger DeFi activity, falling stablecoin turnover, and surging derivatives volume points to a complex liquidity picture—one where ‘risk-on’ price action may be increasingly driven by positioning and leverage rather than uniformly expanding spot demand.

Article Summary by TokenPost.ai

🔎 Market Interpretation

Majors led the tape: BTC (+4.00% to $71,457) and ETH (+4.97% to $2,182) outperformed, while large-cap alts were mixed—suggesting selective risk-taking rather than a broad altcoin rotation.

“Flight to majors” signal: Total market cap held around $2.44T with volume near $114.56B, while BTC dominance rose to 58.56% and ETH dominance to 10.79%—often interpreted as liquidity concentrating in higher-conviction, higher-liquidity assets.

Liquidity looked uneven across rails: DeFi volumes surged (+50.89% to $11.2B) even as stablecoin turnover collapsed (-68.78% to $112.1B), implying activity may be shifting from cash-like settlement into targeted on-chain opportunities and/or being driven by volatility and rebalancing rather than fresh cash deployment.

Leverage/hedging likely increased: Derivatives volume jumped to $111.1B (+87.52%), a backdrop that can amplify short-term price swings through funding, liquidations, and tactical hedging.

💡 Strategic Points

Favor majors when dominance rises: A market rally accompanied by increasing BTC/ETH dominance often rewards “quality/liquidity” positioning over high-beta chasing.

Watch stablecoin volume as a risk gauge: The sharp decline in stablecoin turnover can signal reduced immediate buying power; if prices continue higher, the move may be more fragile and sensitive to marginal flows.

DeFi spike may be opportunity—or noise: Higher DeFi trading volume can reflect renewed protocol interest and yield rotation, but can also be inflated by volatility-driven repositioning. Confirm with sustained TVL/usage metrics rather than volume alone.

Derivatives surge increases whipsaw risk: Rising futures/options activity suggests greater leverage and hedging. Traders may consider tighter risk controls (position sizing, stop discipline) and monitoring funding/open interest for overheating.

Altcoin dispersion matters: Mixed performance among large caps (e.g., TRX lagging while SOL/ETH firm) implies the market is still discriminating—sector and narrative selection may matter more than broad exposure.

📘 Glossary

Dominance: The percentage share of total crypto market capitalization attributable to a specific asset (e.g., BTC dominance).

Large-cap altcoins: Non-BTC/ETH cryptocurrencies with relatively high market capitalization and liquidity (e.g., XRP, BNB, SOL).

Stablecoins: Tokens designed to track fiat value (often USD) and commonly used as trading collateral and settlement in crypto markets.

DeFi (Decentralized Finance): On-chain financial applications such as decentralized exchanges, lending, and yield strategies.

DeFi market cap / DeFi trading volume: The aggregate value and trading activity associated with DeFi-related tokens/protocols over a given period.

Derivatives: Financial contracts (e.g., futures, options) whose value derives from an underlying asset like BTC or ETH.

Leverage: Borrowed exposure that can increase gains and losses; often expressed via futures positions and margin.

Hedging: Using derivatives (or other instruments) to reduce exposure to adverse price moves.

High beta: Assets that typically move more than the broader market—often smaller altcoins that are more volatile.

Marginal flows: Incremental buy/sell pressure that can move prices, especially when overall liquidity is thin.

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ETH's MVRV ratio falling below 0.8 is a historical undervaluation signal.

Ethereum briefly dropped to around $2,080 following a weekend sell-off triggered by rising tensions in the Middle East. Despite the pressure, ETH gained 5% on Monday, which pushed its price to $2,140 after Donald Trump described recent talks with Iran as “very good and productive.”

Meanwhile, fresh data suggest that the crypto asset is in a prime accumulation zone.

Strong Accumulation Narrative According to the latest findings by crypto analyst Ali Martinez, Ethereum is currently close to a critical accumulation range between $2,000 and $1,800, supported by a convergence of technical structure and on-chain signals. The analyst stated that ETH remains inside a well-defined ascending triangle on the weekly chart.

This price behavior coincided with a significant change in on-chain metrics, as the MVRV ratio dropped below 0.8. The level is historically associated with periods when Ethereum is considered undervalued. Similar MVRV compressions have previously preceded major market upcycles. Such an alignment between price support and on-chain reset strengthens the case for accumulation within this zone.

On the momentum front, Ethereum is also showing early signs of a potential trend reversal. The Supertrend indicator on the daily chart flipped bullish for the first time since May last year, which indicates that the long consolidation phase may be nearing its end.

As ETH attempts recovery, crucial resistance levels have been identified through MVRV pricing bands, starting with $2,356 as the first major threshold. A move beyond this level could open the path toward intermediate targets at $2,647 and $3,639, followed by higher expansion zones at $4,632 and $5,624.

Structural Support at $1,800 Martinez also observed that a sustained breakout above $2,356 would mean a transition out of the current accumulation phase, while a reclaim of the previous all-time high region near $4,900 could confirm a broader structural breakout. Until then, the $2,000-$1,800 range remains the focal zone, and the $1,800 level will act as a major floor that underpins the ongoing accumulation thesis.

You may also like: Bitcoin and Ethereum Markets Rattled by Iran Tensions, Hot Inflation Data, and Fed Warning ETH Flashes Generational Bottom Signal With Crucial Metric Reset Ethereum Rallies Toward $2,300 Despite $800M Whale Exodus A separate finding shows that Ethereum’s Sharpe ratio points to a possible local bottom.

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March 23, 20265:05 PM UTCUpdated 17 mins ago

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Key Takeaways CBRE's diversified model drove 12% revenue growth in Q4'25 in resilient and transactional segments.CBRE's acquisitions, including Industrious and Pearce Services, expand reach and strengthen offerings.CBRE's BOE segment posted 14.6% revenue growth, with mid-teens SOP growth expected in 2026. CBRE Group’s (CBRE - Free Report) wide array of real estate products and services offerings, strategic buyouts, healthy outsourcing business, technology investments and solid balance sheet are expected to drive its performance.

Analysts also seem bullish on this stock, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for CBRE Group’s current-year earnings per share (EPS) increasing 6 cents over the past month to $7.36.

While shares of this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company have declined 9.7% over the past month, narrower than its industry’s fall of 13.2%, given the strength of its fundamentals and estimate revision trend, it seems prudent to add this stock to your portfolio at the current level.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Factors That Make CBRE Group a Solid PickMarket-Leading Position & Resilient Business Model: CBRE, the largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2025 revenues), holds extensive knowledge of domestic and international real estate markets. This helps it enjoy a robust scale. A market-leading position gives it a competitive edge in navigating through any challenging situations and capitalizing on compelling opportunities.

Over the past few years, CBRE has opted for a better-balanced and more resilient business model. In pursuit of this, the company has shifted toward a more diversified and contractual revenue base, which enables it to tide over market disruptions and other economic uncertainties. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the company’s resilient and transactional businesses generated net revenue growth of 12% each. Also, geographical diversity has helped the company tide over muted activity in some markets with solid growth elsewhere.

Strategic Acquisitions: To widen its global reach and expand, and reinforce service offerings, CBRE Group has been focusing on strategic in-fill acquisitions by acquiring regional or specialty firms and independent affiliates. The company opts for larger, transformational deals driven by macro policies. In January 2025, CBRE Group acquired Industrious and established a new BOE segment.

In November 2025, CBRE Group acquired Pearce Services, LLC for approximately $1.2 billion in cash. It also includes a potential earn-out of up to $115 million, subject to Pearce meeting certain performance thresholds in 2027. In 2025, the company completed two in-fill business acquisitions, including one in the Advisory Services segment and one in the Project Management segment, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $32 million. In 2024, the company completed nine in-fill business acquisitions for approximately $315 million in cash and non-cash consideration. These opportunistic acquisitions and strategic investments are likely to serve as growth drivers, supplementing its organic growth.

BOE Segment Growth: With occupiers of real estate increasingly opting for outsourcing and relying on the expertise of third-party real estate specialists to optimize their operations, CBRE Group’s Building Operations & Experience (“BOE”) segment is well-placed to benefit. For the fourth quarter of 2025, the BOE segment delivered 14.6% revenue growth year over year. In its BOE segment, the company anticipates mid-teens SOP growth in 2026, driven by strength in its Data Center Solutions business, Local Facilities Management business, and full-year contributions from Pearce Services.

Solid Technological Investments: The company’s technology platform helps it develop and deliver superior analytical, research and client service tools to meet diverse client needs. Strategic reinvestment in its business, specifically on the technology front, is expected to differentiate CBRE Group from its peers.

Balance Sheet & ROE Strength: CBRE had $5.7 billion in total liquidity as of Dec. 31, 2025, which is up from $5.2 billion at the end of the third quarter. The company’s net leverage ratio was 1.24X as of the same date. This is significantly less than CBRE’s primary debt covenant of 4.25x. With ample financial flexibility, CBRE is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities.

Its trailing 12-month return on equity is 21.75% compared with the industry’s average of 2.54%. This indicates that the company is more efficient in using shareholders’ funds than its peers.

Other Stocks to ConsiderSome other top-ranked stocks from the real estate operations sector are Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL - Free Report) and Newmark Group (NMRK - Free Report) . While Jones Lang LaSalle sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Newmark carries a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Jones Lang LaSalle’s 2026 earnings per share (EPS) is pegged at $21.76, which indicates year-over-year growth of 15.74%.

The consensus estimate for Newmark’s 2026 EPS stands at $1.88, which calls for an increase of 16.05% from the year-ago period.

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Key Takeaways LASR's 2025 revenue $261.3M, up 31.6%, with A&D at 67% and Laser Products 68.6% of sales. LASR saw defense momentum from HELSI-2 and DE M-SHORAD, with ~$162M funded backlog supporting visibility. nLIGHT sensing moved to production with a $50M missile deal; capacity expansion and $201M raise fund growth. nLIGHT (LASR - Free Report) builds the high-power laser building blocks that are increasingly central to modern defense systems. The company’s position spans directed energy lasers and optical sensing, alongside a smaller commercial footprint in advanced manufacturing.

The key theme for investors is the mix. In 2025, aerospace and defense became the dominant driver of revenue and visibility, supported by funded backlog, late-stage programs, and a sensing portfolio that began moving from design wins into production.

nLIGHT’s 2025 Mix Shows Defense as the Center of GravityIn 2025, total revenue was $261.3 million, up 31.6% from 2024. Laser Products accounted for 68.6% of revenue, while Advanced Development contributed 31.4%. The end-market mix underscores where the center of gravity sits. Aerospace and defense represented 67% of 2025 revenue, while microfabrication and industrial comprised 18.1% and 14.9%, respectively. nLIGHT’s top customers include BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and the U.S. Government.

Defense momentum accelerated through 2025 and culminated in record fourth-quarter aerospace and defense performance tied to HELSI-2 shipments and the DE M-SHORAD delivery. The DE M-SHORAD milestone included delivery of a 50-kilowatt coherent beam-combined high-energy laser and beam director. That milestone dynamic is also why quarterly outcomes can move around: development revenue can surge when deliveries land and then reset as milestones roll forward.

Visibility increasingly hinges on funded backlog. Funded backlog was about $162 million as of Dec. 31, 2025, essentially flat year over year, and management pointed to it as a key support for continued growth. The setup also matters for 2026, with late-stage programs such as HELSI-2 viewed as a substantial contributor as deliveries expand.

nLIGHT’s Laser Sensing Adds a Second Defense Growth TrackSensing became a more tangible growth track in 2025 as programs progressed from design wins to production. A $50 million contract signed in the third quarter of 2025 for a long-running U.S. missile program highlighted embedded positions tied to munitions restocking.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, the company began low-rate initial production on a new classified sensing program. Management also pointed to near-term growth from existing programs already in full-rate production, alongside a broader mix as additional programs move through low-rate initial production over the next one to two years.

Strategically, sensing helps diversify defense exposure beyond directed energy. As programs mature, the portfolio can reduce reliance on milestone-driven development swings and support a higher-value mix driven by product shipments.

LASR’s Manufacturing Footprint and Capacity PlansCapacity and execution readiness are central because directed energy deliveries and sensing ramps require dependable throughput. nLIGHT is building out additional capacity in Longmont, Colorado, adding 50,000 square feet of leased manufacturing and office space intended to more than double current capacity and enable multiple simultaneous beam-combined laser builds.

The company is also investing in internal manufacturing and supplier takt-time improvements to reduce lead-time risk. That focus is meant to tighten schedules and improve delivery reliability as volumes scale on large, milestone-driven programs.

Balance sheet strength supports this buildout. A February 2026 follow-on offering strengthened liquidity, with gross proceeds of roughly $201 million before fees and management citing more than a quarter-billion dollars of pro forma cash to fund capacity expansion and supply chain investments.

LASR’s Outlook and Management CommentaryFor the first quarter of 2026, nLIGHT expects revenues between $70 million and $76 million, with an expected mix of approximately $54 million in product revenue and $19 million in development revenue. Development revenue is guided down sequentially due to the 4Q’25 delivery of the DE M-SHORAD 50-kW module.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter 2026 revenues is pegged at $70.6 million indicating 36.6% growth from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter. The consensus mark for earnings is currently pegged at 8 cents per share, up couple of cents over the past 30 days. LASR reported loss of 4 cents per share in the year-ago quarter.

For 2026, nLIGHT expects total revenue growth versus 2025, with A&D expected to grow double digits year over year, supported by existing backlog. The company highlighted a ~$25 million to $30 million fiscal 2026 revenue headwind from the exit of cutting and welding, with modest contribution in the first half and near zero by the second half.

Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsidernLIGHT currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

Guidewire Software (GWRE - Free Report) , Applied Materials (AMAT - Free Report) and Qnity Electronics (Q - Free Report) are some stocks worth buying in the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector. All three stocks currently sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Long-term earnings growth for Guidewire, Applied Materials and Qnity Electronics is pegged at 12.6%, 20.2% and 11.5%, respectively. In terms of share price movement, Guidewire shares have declined 20.9%, while Applied Materials and Qnity Electronics have surged 44.9% and 43.7%, respectively, on a year-over-year basis.

Key Takeaways BNS plans to boost its KeyCorp stake to 19.99%, expanding its U.S. investment position.KEY says the partnership structure remains unchanged, with no added regulatory oversight.KeyCorp's capital improved after BNS investment, supporting balance sheet repositioning efforts. KeyCorp (KEY - Free Report) is set to see The Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS - Free Report) increase its ownership stake in the bank to as much as 19.99%, underscoring strong confidence from its strategic partner. The news was first reported by Bloomberg, citing a regulatory filing.

The move, which involves acquiring additional voting shares, builds on prior regulatory approval that allowed BNS to hold up to a 14.99% stake in KEY.

The Canadian lender had already invested $2.8 billion for a 14.99% ownership in KeyCorp following an agreement initiated in August 2024 and completed later that year.

The latest step reflects a calculated expansion within regulatory limits, reinforcing BNS’s long-term North American growth ambitions. The investment also grants BNS board representation, positioning it to influence strategic direction while maintaining a minority, non-controlling role.

KeyCorp’s Relationship With BNS Remains StableDespite the increased ownership, KEY has emphasized that the nature of its partnership with BNS will remain unchanged. The transaction will not alter existing agreements or subject KEY to additional regulatory oversight. This signals continuity in collaboration rather than a shift in control dynamics.

The timing coincides with KeyCorp’s $1-billion share repurchase program, which could further concentrate ownership among existing investors.

Together, these developments underline a stable yet evolving partnership that may unlock future synergies, particularly in client servicing and cross-border opportunities.

Capital Strength for KEYThe Bank of Nova Scotia’s earlier investment significantly strengthened KEY’s capital position, lifting its CET1 ratio and enhancing tangible book value. The capital infusion enabled KEY to actively reposition its balance sheet, including divesting lower-yielding securities and reallocating funds into higher-yielding, liquid assets.

While these actions resulted in near-term losses, they were expected to drive $400 million in additional net interest income across 2025 and 2026.

KEY & BNS Price Performance & Zacks RankIn the past six months, BNS shares have gained 6.3% and the KeyCorp stock has rallied 3.4%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Currently, Bank of Nova Scotia carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), whereas KeyCorp has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Acquisitions by Other Finance FirmsLast month, Prosperity Bancshares (PB - Free Report) acquired San Antonio, TX-based Southwest Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiary, Texas Partners Bank, for $268.9 million in an all-stock deal. Per the agreement, PB issued approximately 4,095,397 shares of its common stock upon closure.

Per the deal, Brent Given, interim chairman, president and CEO of Texas Partners, will join Prosperity Bank as San Antonio Area Chairman. Tom Moreno, COO of Texas Partners, assumed a senior management role. At the same time, Gene Dawson, Jr., interim chairman, president and CEO of Southwest, joined Prosperity Bank’s board of directors.

Shares of Tesla rose 2.8% to $378.06 in early trading Monday, tracking a broader rebound in US equities as geopolitical tensions showed signs of easing.

Investor sentiment remains divided, with the stock increasingly driven by expectations around future technologies rather than its core automotive business.

Markets rallied after President Donald Trump said Washington and Tehran were in talks and that strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure had been paused.

The comments boosted investor sentiment, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average jumping 648 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite gained 1.2% and 1.4%, respectively.

Musk unveils ‘Terafab’ chip visionAlongside the broader market tailwind, Tesla drew attention after Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk outlined plans for a large-scale semiconductor manufacturing initiative dubbed “Terafab.”

The project, announced over the weekend, will be a joint venture between Tesla, xAI and SpaceX, as Musk pushes to vertically integrate chip production within his broader artificial intelligence ambitions.

The facility is expected to require tens of billions of dollars in initial investment.

Tesla plans to spend around $20 billion on equipment in 2026, up from less than $9 billion in 2025, though Terafab-related spending is not included in that forecast.

Musk’s long-term ambition is to produce chips at a scale requiring a terawatt of electricity — equivalent to powering roughly one billion advanced AI chips annually.

Initial production is targeted for late 2027, with volume output expected by 2028.

The Terafab initiative is aimed at addressing an anticipated shortage of advanced semiconductors needed for AI applications, including autonomous vehicles and robotics.

Musk indicated that as much as 80% of the facility’s output could be deployed in space, where SpaceX would handle AI computing workloads traditionally managed by hyperscalers on Earth.

The fab is expected to focus on cutting-edge two-nanometer chip technology, placing it at the forefront of semiconductor manufacturing.

Analysts cautious on execution and costsThe ambitious scale of the project has drawn mixed reactions from Wall Street.

As per an Investing.com report, analyst Trip Chowdhry issued a sell recommendation, setting a $150 price target for 2026 and arguing that Tesla’s AI-driven investment thesis has weakened.

He compared the situation to past technology cycles where investor enthusiasm outpaced execution.

Meanwhile, Barclays maintained an Equalweight rating with a $360 price target but warned that the cost of the Terafab project could be significantly higher than current expectations.

Analyst Dan Levy said Tesla’s capital expenditure requirements could exceed $100 billion over time, noting that even prior bullish estimates may prove conservative given the scale of the initiative.

However, Levy added that investors who are optimistic about Tesla appear willing to absorb the high spending, viewing it as necessary to secure long-term leadership in AI infrastructure.

Key Takeaways Qualcomm reported $1.1B automotive revenues in Q1 2026, up 15% year over year.QCOM's modular Snapdragon platforms drive adoption with 5G, AI and ADAS integration.Management expects 35%year over year automotive revenue growth in Q2 2026. Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM - Free Report) has been witnessing healthy traction in the automotive segment over the past few quarters. During the first quarter of 2026, the company reported a $1.1 billion in revenues from this segment, up 15% year over year.

Its core product strategy involves providing a modular automotive platform that combines Digital Cockpit (infotainment), advanced driver assistance, connectivity that is 5G, telematics and AI compute capabilities inside the vehicle.  The platforms that offer these are Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, Snapdragon Ride Flex Platform and Snapdragon Elite platforms. It boasts a worldwide client base that includes leading automakers and technology companies like Volkswagen Group, Toyota, Hyundai Mobis, Leapmotor, Li Auto and several other OEMs.

Several technology trends and other factors are driving this adoption. Qualcomm’s full-stack solution reduces complexity for OEMs and streamlines the deployment process. This also locks customers into the ecosystem, making it harder for them to switch. In the connectivity part, Qualcomm dominates in 5G, WiFi and Bluetooth integration, V2X. Along with the connectivity dominance, its growth prowess in edge AI effectively supports features like voice assistants, driver monitoring and autonomous decision systems. These factors are major growth drivers.

More than 75 million vehicles are already using Qualcomm Snapdragon Cockpit platforms. Management expects a staggering 35% year over year growth from Automotive in the second quarter of 2026. The growth is driven by growing design wins, new vehicle launches and expansion of ADAS + cockpit integration.

How Are Competitors Faring?In the automotive segment, the company faces competition from the NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA - Free Report) and Intel Corporation (INTC - Free Report) .

NVIDIA’s automotive sales in the recent quarter were $604 million, up 6% year over year backed by growing adoption of self-driving platforms. NVIDIA DRIVE solutions include a comprehensive stack of hardware and software tools designed to support autonomous vehicles. It is also swiftly working on V2X technology, specifically in AI-driven connectivity for autonomous vehicles. The company is collaborating with more than 320 automakers, tier-one suppliers, automotive research institutions, HD mapping companies and start-ups to develop and deploy AI systems for self-driving vehicles.

Intel’s Mobileye has rapidly expanded in the autonomous car technology market. With its comprehensive Mobileye business offerings related to cameras, in-car networking, sensor chips, roadway mapping, cloud software, machine learning and data management, Intel is gaining ground in the autonomous car technology market. Several manufacturers, such as Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford and Zeekr, use Intel’s Mobileye solution for driver assistance systems.

QCOM’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesQualcomm’s shares have lost 18.8% over the past year against the industry’s growth of 57.3%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Going by the price/earnings ratio, the company's shares currently trade at 11.51 forward earnings, lower than 26.99 for the industry.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Earnings estimates for fiscal 2026 have declined 7% to $11.16 over the past 60 days, while those for fiscal 2027 have also decreased 7.46% to $11.41.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

James Peterson
Co-founder & Executive Chairman

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Mobix Labs, Inc. I am Jim Peterson, Chairman of the Board. We are excited to be hosting our annual meeting of the stockholders virtually. Only questions and answers relevant to the meeting will be addressed following the conclusion of the meeting. After all items have been presented, we will close the polls, announce the preliminary voting results and then adjourn the formal meeting.

At this time, I call the meeting to order. Also present is Philip Sansone, Chief Executive Officer and Director; Keyvan Samini, Chief Financial Officer and Director; Ian McKay from Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, the company's Inspector of Elections; and Laurie Green of GT LLP.

I now present the affidavit of Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, showing that the notice of meetings and proxy statements for the meeting was available on March 6, 2026, and all holders of record in the company Class A common stock and Class B common stock as of the close of business on February 27, 2026, the record date for the meeting, and direct that such affidavit be filed in the minute book immediately following the minutes of this meeting.

At this time, I appoint Ian McKay of Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company to act as inspector of the meetings and ask him to execute his oath of office and direct that his executed oath of office be filed in the minute book immediately following the minutes of this meeting.

Ian McKay

I present the list of holders of record

Key Takeaways UnitedHealth shows steady growth with 12% revenue rise despite earnings hit from higher medical costs.CNC posted 21.9% revenue growth but swung to a loss as it works on margin recovery and exits weak markets.UNH's stronger margins, cash flow and lower leverage contrast with CNC's higher risk and turnaround upside. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH - Free Report) and Centene Corporation (CNC - Free Report) operate at the core of the healthcare industry, offering government-sponsored and commercial health plans. Both benefit from rising healthcare demand, an aging population and rising prevalence of chronic diseases. Their scale and role in healthcare delivery make them natural peers for comparison.

However, the two companies are at very different stages. UnitedHealth continues to build on its leadership position with steady execution, while Centene is navigating a turnaround, focusing on efficiency and margin recovery after a challenging phase. With shifting policy dynamics and medical cost pressures in healthcare, the timing of this comparison is especially relevant. The CMS proposed only a modest 0.09% increase in Medicare Advantage payment rates for 2027.

Now, let’s break down the fundamentals and recent performance to see which stock offers stronger upside potential today.

The Case for UnitedHealthUnitedHealth remains the most diversified and operationally disciplined player in managed care with a market cap of $250.1 billion. Its dual-engine model, insurance through UnitedHealthcare and technology-enabled health services via Optum continue to drive growth. This structure allows the company to manage medical costs effectively while expanding into higher-margin healthcare services.

In its latest reported quarter, UnitedHealth delivered 12% revenue growth, supported by growth in commercial fee-based membership and the strength witnessed in Optum Rx. However, adjusted earnings took a beating, down 69% year over year due to elevated medical costs and declining risk-based membership.

Profitability remains a standout, backed by scale, data integration and care delivery capabilities. Its scale gives it strong negotiating leverage, enabling it to manage medical loss ratios better than its peers and maintain a structural advantage.Cash flows are strong, enabling continued investment in growth initiatives and shareholder returns. Operating cash flows are estimated to be $18 billion in 2026, and it expects to make repurchases of $2.5 billion and pay dividends worth $8 billion.

Risks do exist, including rising medical costs and regulatory scrutiny around Medicare Advantage and its PBM business. However, UnitedHealth has historically navigated these challenges better than its peers. Its consistent execution and a strong services arm help offset insurance volatility, making earnings less sensitive to cost fluctuations.

The Case for CenteneCentene’s story is more about recovery and repositioning. The company, with a market cap of $16.9 billion, is heavily focused on government-sponsored programs, particularly Medicaid, which exposes it to policy changes and redetermination cycles. This has created near-term uncertainty around membership and revenue stability.

In its most recent quarter, its revenues rose 21.9% year over year, but the bottom line went from earnings of 80 cents per share a year ago to a loss of $1.19. Nevertheless, Centene showed some signs of stabilization, with efforts to improve margins beginning to take shape. The company has been exiting underperforming markets and repricing contracts to better reflect cost trends. While these actions are necessary, they also highlight the structural challenges Centene is addressing.CNC’s return on invested capital of 3.76% is lower than UNH’s 5.37%.

Compared to UnitedHealth, Centene’s profitability remains weaker. Margins are under pressure due to higher medical costs and less diversified operations. CNC’s HBR is estimated to be in the band of 90.9-91.7% for 2026, down from 91.9% in 2025. Meanwhile, UNH expects MCR to be 88.8% (± 50 bps) in 2026, down from 89.1% in 2025.

Centene’s long-term debt-to-capital of 46.45% is higher than UnitedHealth’s 42.48%, indicating greater financial leverage. That said, Centene does offer turnaround potential. If execution improves and cost controls take hold, there could be meaningful upside. However, this potential comes with higher risk and less visibility compared to UnitedHealth’s steady growth trajectory.

How Do Zacks Estimates Compare for UNH & CNC?For UnitedHealth, the Zacks Consensus Estimate forecasts 2026 EPS of $17.70, reflecting an 8.3% year-over-year growth, followed by another 12% jump in 2027. For 2026, revenues are pegged at $440.4 billion, suggesting a 1.6% decline year over year. The top line is expected to improve 3.9% in 2027. Over the last four quarters, UNH beat earnings twice and missed twice.

Analysts anticipate a rebound in Centene’s 2026 earnings, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate standing at $3.05 per share, implying 46.6% year-over-year growth as its cost pressures ease. The same for 2027 indicates 32.3% jump. The consensus mark for 2026 and 2027 revenues signals 2.7% decline and 1.6% improvement year over year, respectively. CNC has beaten earnings estimates in three of the last four quarters and missed once.

Valuation: UNH vs. CNCUnitedHealth trades at a premium valuation relative to Centene, reflecting its superior earnings visibility, diversification and margin profile. Investors are willing to pay more for consistency and lower risk. UnitedHealth currently trades at a forward P/E of 15.17X, above Centene’s 10.51X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Price Performance ComparisonOver the past month, UnitedHealth’s shares have gained 0.6%, outperforming Centene, the broader industry and the S&P 500’s decline of 18.8%, 2.2% and 5.4%, respectively. This contrast highlights improving investor confidence in UNH’s growth plan, cost containment and earnings visibility.

Price Performance – UNH, CNC, Industry & S&P 500 Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Price Target Outlook: UNH vs. CNCUnitedHealth trades below its average price target of $359.26, implying 28.1% upside, with a range of $280-$440, reflecting steady confidence in its outlook. Centene also offers upside of 23.7% to its $44 average target, with a range of $32-$80. While both present potential gains, UnitedHealth’s higher implied return strengthens its upside case.

ConclusionUnitedHealth and Centene both stand to benefit from long-term healthcare tailwinds, but the difference in execution and visibility is clear. Centene’s earnings rebound potential offers upside, yet it remains tied to stabilizing Medicaid trends, making the outlook less certain.

UnitedHealth, despite near-term cost pressures, offers greater stability through its diversified model, stronger profitability metrics and better cost control. With higher implied upside, UNH stands out as the more consistent upside opportunity at this stage, even though both companies currently have a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Key Takeaways Marsh's Mercer unit will acquire AltamarCAM to expand its private markets platform and capabilities.AltamarCAM brings expertise in secondaries, co-investments and a strong Europe and Latin America presence.The deal supports Marsh's shift toward higher-margin alternatives and expanded global investment capabilities. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (MRSH - Free Report) is set to deepen its private markets footprint as its subsidiary Mercer agrees to acquire AltamarCAM Partners. This deal adds €20 billion in assets under management to Mercer’s growing investment platform, further solidifying its role in the world of alternative assets.

The acquisition is strategically aligned with Mercer’s long-term goal to build a comprehensive private markets ecosystem. By integrating AltamarCAM’s capabilities in secondaries, co-investments, evergreen vehicles and bespoke accounts, Mercer will broaden its ability to deliver multi-asset solutions. This comes at a time when institutional investors are increasingly seeking diversification beyond traditional asset classes.

AltamarCAM’s solid presence in both Europe and Latin America brings a rich mix of geographic diversity and a wide range of clients. With more than two decades of experience serving insurers, pension funds, banks, family offices and others, the firm complements Mercer’s global advisory reach. Additionally, Madrid will emerge as a key hub within Mercer’s global private markets network, strengthening investment sourcing and execution capabilities.

As private markets grow more complex, scale, innovation and specialized expertise are becoming essential. This transaction enhances Mercer’s platform with distinct capabilities, positioning it to navigate a more complex investment landscape. Subject to regulatory approvals, the deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, with the combined business set to operate under the Marsh brand thereafter.

This move signals a pivot toward higher-margin, fee-based alternatives. Private markets continue to attract capital due to their return potential and lower correlation with public markets. By expanding in this space, Marsh is positioning itself to capture structural growth while strengthening client stickiness. Over time, the deal could support revenue visibility and margin expansion, particularly as demand for bespoke investment solutions accelerates globally.

MRSH’s Price PerformanceOver the past year, MRSH shares have fallen 24.8% compared with the industry’s decline of 28.2%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

MRSH’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksMRSH currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some top-ranked stocks in the business services space are Remitly Global, Inc. (RELY - Free Report) , Dave Inc. (DAVE - Free Report) and GigaCloud Technology Inc. (GCT - Free Report) , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Remitly Global’s current-year earnings is pinned at 51 cents per share and has witnessed three upward revisions in the past 30 days, against no movement in the opposite direction. Remitly Global beat earnings estimates in three of the trailing four quarters. The consensus estimate for current-year revenues is pegged at $2 billion, implying 19.4% year-over-year growth.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dave’s current-year earnings is pinned at $14.56 per share and has witnessed three upward revisions in the past 30 days against one movement in the opposite direction. Dave beat earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 54.2%. The consensus estimate for current-year revenues is pegged at $693.5 million, implying 25.1% year-over-year growth.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GigaCloud Technology’s current-year earnings is pinned at $4.10 per share and has witnessed one upward revision in the past 30 days against no movement in the opposite direction. GigaCloud Technology beat earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 64.5%. The consensus estimate for current-year revenues is pegged at $1.5 billion, implying 17.3% year-over-year growth.

Karat Packing (KRT - Free Report) could be a solid choice for investors given the company's remarkably improving earnings outlook. While the stock has been a strong performer lately, this trend might continue since analysts are still raising their earnings estimates for the company.

Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this company is driving estimates higher, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements. Our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- has this insight at its core.

The five-grade Zacks Rank system, which ranges from a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record of outperformance, with Zacks #1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008.

For Karat Packing, strong agreement among the covering analysts in revising earnings estimates upward has resulted in meaningful improvement in consensus estimates for the next quarter and full year.

The chart below shows the evolution of forward 12-month Zacks Consensus EPS estimate:

12 Month EPS

Current-Quarter Estimate RevisionsFor the current quarter, the company is expected to earn $0.32 per share, which is a change of -3.0% from the year-ago reported number.

Over the last 30 days, one estimate has moved higher for Karat Packing compared to no negative revisions. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 29.17%.

Current-Year Estimate RevisionsFor the full year, the earnings estimate of $2.02 per share represents a change of +25.5% from the year-ago number.

There has been an encouraging trend in estimate revisions for the current year as well. Over the past month, one estimate has moved up for Karat Packing versus no negative revisions. This has pushed the consensus estimate 23.75% higher.

Favorable Zacks RankThe promising estimate revisions have helped Karat Packing earn a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The Zacks Rank is a tried-and-tested rating tool that helps investors effectively harness the power of earnings estimate revisions and make the right investment decision.

You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Our research shows that stocks with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) significantly outperform the S&P 500.

Bottom LineKarat Packing shares have added 6.9% over the past four weeks, suggesting that investors are betting on its impressive estimate revisions. So, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away to benefit from its earnings growth prospects.

Sezzle Inc. (SEZL - Free Report) appears an attractive pick given a noticeable improvement in the company's earnings outlook. The stock has been a strong performer lately, and the momentum might continue with analysts still raising their earnings estimates for the company.

Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this company is driving estimates higher, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements. This insight is at the core of our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank.

The five-grade Zacks Rank system, which ranges from a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record of outperformance, with Zacks #1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008.

For Sezzle Inc., there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising earnings estimates, which has helped push consensus estimates considerably higher for the next quarter and full year.

The chart below shows the evolution of forward 12-month Zacks Consensus EPS estimate:

12 Month EPS

Current-Quarter Estimate RevisionsThe company is expected to earn $1.24 per share for the current quarter, which represents a year-over-year change of +24.0%.

Over the last 30 days, two estimates have moved higher for Sezzle Inc. while one has gone lower. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 6.47%.

Current-Year Estimate RevisionsFor the full year, the company is expected to earn $4.69 per share, representing a year-over-year change of +30.6%.

There has been an encouraging trend in estimate revisions for the current year as well. Over the past month, four estimates have moved up for Sezzle Inc. versus no negative revisions. This has pushed the consensus estimate 8.61% higher.

Favorable Zacks RankThanks to promising estimate revisions, Sezzle Inc. currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The Zacks Rank is a tried-and-tested rating tool that helps investors effectively harness the power of earnings estimate revisions and make the right investment decision.

You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Our research shows that stocks with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) significantly outperform the S&P 500.

Bottom LineWhile strong estimate revisions for Sezzle Inc. have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 5.4% higher over the past four weeks, further upside may still be left in the stock. So, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away.