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LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Big Screen Entertainment (OTC:BSEG), bigscreenentgroup.com, has announced its investment in The Intimacy Coordinator, a striking new short film recently spotlighted in Variety. BSEG Chief Executive Kimberley Kates will serve as Executive Producer on the project, which begins shooting shortly. The film dives into the shadowy world of intimacy coordination on film sets, reimagined through a tense and unsettling psychological thriller filled with unexpected twists. Le.

September 25, 2025 09:40 ET

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SEALSQ

Geneva, Switzerland and Taipei, Taiwan, Sept. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) ("SEALSQ" or "Company"), a company that focuses on developing and selling Semiconductors, PKI, and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products, today announced that AuthenTrend Technology, Inc., a Taiwan-based global leader in FIDO passwordless authentication solutions, started working on a proof-of-concept (PoC) integrating SEALSQ’s Quantum Shield “QS7001” chip into a fingerprint-enabled security key: “ATKey PQC edition”. This milestone aims to create the world’s first1 quantum-proof biometric authentication device, advancing FIDO2 and PKI-compliance with post-quantum ready security.

This collaboration highlights SEALSQ’s leadership in cutting-edge post-quantum technology products to strengthen digital trust as quantum computing threats emerge: The PoC will integrate match-on-device fingerprint biometrics with SEALSQ’s post-quantum cryptography, creating a phishing-resistant, user-friendly solution that aligns with zero-trust security models and anticipates regulatory mandates like CNSA 2.0 and EO 14144. It aims to protect identities and access credentials against vulnerabilities in traditional algorithms like ECDSA, RSA and ECC, which could be compromised by quantum computers within the next years, while still being resistant to traditional attacks.

The Quantum Shield QS7001, set for commercial launch in mid-November 2025, is a RISC-V-based secure hardware platform featuring NIST-standardized ML-KEM (Kyber) and ML-DSA (Dilithium) quantum resistant algorithms embedded at the hardware level. Offering superior efficiency over software layer implementations, enhanced side-channel protection, and tamper resistance, the QS7001 is designed to secure high-stakes applications, including enterprise access, financial services, and IoT ecosystems. AuthenTrend’s fingerprint technology available on the ATKey PQC edition will enhance the key’s adoption across markets in APAC, EU & US.

“The Quantum Shield QS7001 is a game-changer for secure authentication, and AuthenTrend’s PoC marks a critical first adoption of this technology,” said Carlos Moreira, CEO of SEALSQ. “As an early adopter, AuthenTrend is setting a new standard for quantum-proof biometric security keys, combining seamless usability with future-proof protection.”

“AuthenTrend is proud to lead the charge in integrating SEALSQ’s Quantum Shield QS7001 into our security key solution,” said Zake Huang, CEO of AuthenTrend. “This PoC aims at delivering quantum-ready authentication that protects our customers against emerging threats while maintaining the convenience they value.”

SEALSQ continues to expand its post-quantum portfolio, having secured over 1.75 billion devices worldwide. With initiatives like the QVault TPM (planned for H1 2026) and the SEALQUANTUM.com Lab, the Company supports industry transitions to quantum-safe encryption through dedicated research and development.

About AuthenTrend Technology, Inc.
AuthenTrend Technology, Inc., headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, specializes in FIDO2-certified passwordless authentication solutions, including biometric security keys and smart cards. With a global network of partners, AuthenTrend delivers secure, user-friendly digital identity verification for consumers and enterprises across authentication, access control, and decentralized applications. For more information, visit www.authentrend.com.

About SEALSQ:
SEALSQ is a leading innovator in Post-Quantum Technology hardware and software solutions. Our technology seamlessly integrates Semiconductors, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), and Provisioning Services, with a strategic emphasis on developing state-of-the-art Quantum Resistant Cryptography and Semiconductors designed to address the urgent security challenges posed by quantum computing. As quantum computers advance, traditional cryptographic methods like RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) are increasingly vulnerable.

SEALSQ is pioneering the development of Post-Quantum Semiconductors that provide robust, future-proof protection for sensitive data across a wide range of applications, including Multi-Factor Authentication tokens, Smart Energy, Medical and Healthcare Systems, Defense, IT Network Infrastructure, Automotive, and Industrial Automation and Control Systems. By embedding Post-Quantum Cryptography into our semiconductor solutions, SEALSQ ensures that organizations stay protected against quantum threats. Our products are engineered to safeguard critical systems, enhancing resilience and security across diverse industries.

For more information on our Post-Quantum Semiconductors and security solutions, please visit www.sealsq.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning SEALSQ Corp and its businesses. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business strategy, financial performance, results of operations, market data, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, as well as any other statements which are not historical facts. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include SEALSQ's ability to continue beneficial transactions with material parties, including a limited number of significant customers; market demand and semiconductor industry conditions; and the risks discussed in SEALSQ's filings with the SEC. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by SEALSQ with the SEC.

SEALSQ Corp is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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HomeIndustriesAutomobilesSales in Europe are down 37% from the year-ago periodPublished: Sept. 25, 2025 at 9:45 a.m. ET

A Tesla car dealership in Berlin, Germany, was doused in blue paint by protesters on March 31, 2025. Tesla's European sales continued to struggle in August. Photo: Omer Messinger/Getty ImagesTesla Inc. suffered yet another month of falling sales in Europe, and shares of the electric-vehicle maker were dropping on Thursday.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association reported that Tesla TSLA sold 8,220 cars in the European Union in August, a roughly 37% drop from the same period a year ago. Year to date, Tesla sales have dropped 43%.

About the Author

Barbara Kollmeyer is based in Madrid, where she leads MarketWatch's pre-markets coverage of financial markets and writes the Need to Know column. She has worked in London and Los Angeles for MarketWatch previously. Follow her on Twitter @bkollmeyer.

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.

Southern Copper (SCCO - Free Report) shares ended the last trading session 8.4% higher at $119.5. The jump came on an impressive volume with a higher-than-average number of shares changing hands in the session. This compares to the stock's 12.8% gain over the past four weeks.

The company’s shares have gained on the back of higher copper prices. Copper futures climbed 3.77% to a near two-month high of $4.84 per pound after Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX - Free Report) declared force majeure at its Grasburg mine in Indonesia. Mining operations have been temporarily suspended since Sept. 8 following the sudden inflow of approximately 800,000 metric tons of wet material though the mine. Freeport now expects third quarter 2025 sales to be 4% lower for copper and 6% lower for gold than its previous estimates. Notably, the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia is one of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits. Hudbay Minerals (HBM - Free Report) recently announced the temporary suspension of operations at its Constancia mine in Peru due to protests. Even though the company said that this will not impact its 2025 output, it has led to supply concerns, boosting prices. 

This miner is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.11 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -3.5%. Revenues are expected to be $3.09 billion, up 5.3% from the year-ago quarter.

While earnings and revenue growth expectations are important in evaluating the potential strength in a stock, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

For Southern Copper, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 11.1% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. And a positive trend in earnings estimate revision usually translates into price appreciation. So, make sure to keep an eye on SCCO going forward to see if this recent jump can turn into more strength down the road.

The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

Southern Copper belongs to the Zacks Mining - Non Ferrous industry. Another stock from the same industry, Energy Fuels (UUUU - Free Report) , closed the last trading session 1.2% higher at $16.87. Over the past month, UUUU has returned 35.4%.

Energy Fuels' consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming report has remained unchanged over the past month at -$0.08. Compared to the company's year-ago EPS, this represents a change of -14.3%. Energy Fuels currently boasts a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Here are the stocks with buy rank and strong value characteristics for investors to consider today, September 25th:  

Smithfield Foods, Inc. (SFD - Free Report) : This pork producer and food-processing company, carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 3% over the last 60 days.

Smithfield Food's has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 9.97 compared with 10.80 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of A.

VEON (VEON - Free Report) : This company which is engaged in telecommunication and digital services, carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings increasing 15.2% over the last 60 days.

VEON has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 5.21 compared with 17.60 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of A.

1st Source (SRCE - Free Report) : This bank holding company which offers a broad range of commercial banking, personal banking and trust services, carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 4.2% over the last 60 days.

1st Source has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 10.07 compared with 11 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of B.

See the full list of top ranked stocks here.

Learn more about the Value score and how it is calculated here.

TL;DR

HYPE finds immediate support at $44–45, while $50 remains the first key resistance level.
Analysts point to $38–40 as major support, with deeper levels around $30, $28, and $23.
Open interest holds strong at $2.17B, showing heavy trader activity despite recent price correction.

Price Pullback and Key Levels
Hyperliquid (HYPE) has fallen more than 26% in the past week, dropping from recent highs near $59 to around $42 at press time. Trading volume over the last 24 hours is around $907 million, with a daily decline of 4%.

On shorter timeframes, the previous range POC $44–$45 is serving as immediate support. Resistance at $50 corresponds to the last breakdown. A slightly stronger wall forms around $52–$53, aligned with weekly and Monday opens. A failure of the $44–$45 line could rally interest towards the lower levels.

Analysts Note Support and Market Imbalance
Crypto Bully said HYPE retraced more than expected but is still holding above the range POC.

$HYPE

– Retraced quite a bit more than expected. However the range prior to breakout is holding well so far as we’re trading right at the POC

– Can add here for a move back towards $50 (support that broke through which lead to the breakdown), invalidation is price finding… pic.twitter.com/cC4cyPIwtL

— Crypto Bully (@BullyDCrypto) September 24, 2025

Ali Marinez added that the $42 region aligns with a key retracement level, calling it a “golden buy-the-dip zone.” His chart outlines a potential rebound path that could take HYPE back toward $55, provided the $42 support holds.

Source: Ali Martinez/X
Husky pointed to other factors weighing on the market, including buybacks, whale selling, and token unlocks. He remarked, “That last move down is the imbalance that screams at me, though, I’d expect to see some of that filled.” Husky marked support at $38–40, with deeper levels at $30, $28, and $23. Short-term resistance is placed in the $47–50 area.

HIP-3 Update and Governance Proposals
According to Hyperliquid News, the final draft of HIP-3 is nearly ready. It includes staking requirements for creating decentralized exchanges, fee adjustments for stablecoins, and slashing penalties. HYPE staking benefits would extend to all HIP-3 trading pairs.

The final version of HIP-3 is almost ready.

– Bug bounties now correspond to those on the mainnet.

– To create a HIP-3 Dex, you must stake at least 500,000 $HYPE (which will be reduced over time).

– The first three assets will not be auctioned, but subsequent ones will function… pic.twitter.com/sgLxi49bTw

— Hyperliquid News (@HyperliquidNews) September 25, 2025

Separately, investment firm DBA has proposed reducing HYPE’s total supply by 45%, aiming to improve investor appeal. The proposal is under discussion and has not been enacted.

Futures Open Interest
Futures data shows open interest (OI) remains elevated at $2.17 billion. As May rolled in, OI crept slowly upward from less than $1 billion to current levels, suggesting the continued activity in the derivatives market.

Source: Coinglass

July and mid-September saw OI climbing together with price rallies. The recent fall from $59 down to $42 did not even see much of an unwind, meaning a whole lot of positions are still open. These are when high OI on a downtrend leaves markets open to volatility in the event of increasing liquidations.

DeFi Development Corp. strengthens capital strategy with $100M buyback, while Solana eyes potential breakout above $240.

Izabela Anna2 min read

25 September 2025, 11:57 AM

DeFi Development Corp. has strengthened its capital allocation strategy with a major increase to its stock repurchase program. The company, which is known for pioneering a treasury model centered on accumulating Solana (SOL), announced that its Board of Directors has expanded its existing buyback authorization from $1 million to $100 million. This move highlights the firm’s confidence in its long-term strategy, even as Solana faces short-term market challenges.

Repurchase Program DetailsThe authorization gives management flexibility to repurchase shares of common stock on the open market under prevailing market conditions. According to the press release, the company will have an active threshold of $10 million before updating the Board for further purchases. 

All repurchased stocks will either be retired or held as treasury stock. This flexibility enables the company to adjust its capital management according to market fluctuations while ensuring compliance with regulations.

Besides enhancing shareholder value, the expanded program may help stabilize investor confidence at a time of uncertainty for the digital asset sector. Management has stressed that timing and scale of purchases will be dependent on market, liquidity, and broader corporate priorities.

Solana Price Action and Technical OutlookWhile the buyback plan underscores corporate optimism, Solana itself has experienced notable price pressure. As of press time, the token trades at $205.50, marking a 2.29% decline in the past 24 hours and nearly 17% over the past week. Its market capitalization remains substantial at over $111 billion, supported by a circulating supply of 540 million SOL.

However, technical analysis suggests a potential turning point. According to market analyst Trader Tardigrade, Solana is forming a giant Wyckoff re-accumulation pattern on the weekly chart. The structure, lasting over 640 days, indicates that Solana may be preparing for a decisive breakout. 

Source: X

Support levels are clustered between $120 and $200, while resistance at $230–$240 remains critical. A confirmed weekly close above $240 could pave the way toward $300 and higher levels.

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Izabela Anna

Izabela Anna is a knowledgeable freelance journalist, who boasts over five years of experience covering the cryptocurrency market. Her tenure has seen her navigate through the ebbs and flows of multiple market cycles, giving her a deep understanding within. Her journalistic focus lies in dissecting price action dynamics, scrutinizing the on-chain landscape, and providing insights from a technical perspective, making her a trusted voice in the realm of cryptocurrency reporting.

Read more about

Latest Solana (SOL) News Today

Bitcoin fell, nearly erasing gains from Wednesday’s rebound, while ether slid more than 3% to trigger large liquidations. Sep 25, 2025, 12:00 p.m.

The crypto market slid early Thursday as ether, the second-largest token, dropped more than 3% to below $4,000. The decline triggered large liquidations, including a multimillion dollar loss for one whale.

BTC$111,620.12 also fell 1.5% to $115,600, nearly erasing gains from Wednesday’s rebound. Other major cryptocurrencies followed suit amid declines in Nasdaq and S&P 500 futures, likely caused by rising odds of a U.S. government shutdown.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

Coins like recent outperformers ASTR, AVAX and PUMP suffered double digit losses over 24 hours.

One analyst pointed to cryptocurrencies as an early warning indicator for broader financial markets.

"Crypto is once again signaling shifts in risk appetite," said Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FXPro. "Altcoins and smaller developed market currencies have been weakening since the Federal Reserve’s rate cut last week, and major U.S. indices began following this trend from Tuesday onward."

Token Talk

by Francisco Rodrigues

The price of Hyperliquid’s HYPE token is significantly underperforming the wider crypto market, mainly due to growing competition from BNB Chain-based derivatives exchange Aster and forthcoming token unlocks.Aster, which is backed by YZi Labs, overtook Hyperliquid in daily perpetual trading volume this week in an upset that sent shockwaves through crypto’s on-chain trading ecosystem.In just one week, Aster’s open interest ballooned 33,500%, leaping from $3.7 million to $1.25 billion. Its 24-hour trading volume hit $35.8 billion, more than double that of Hyperliquid, which logged $10 billion according to DeFiLlama data. Total value locked (TVL) on Aster also jumped, almost tripling to $1.85 billion.The platform’s token, ASTER, has added more than 344% in the past week to $2, giving it a fully diluted valuation of $15.9 billion. HYPE slid to $43 from $58.4.HYPE's drop coincides investor anxiety over upcoming token unlocks. In late November, 237 million HYPE, worth more than $10 billion at current prices, will gradually become liquid over a two-year period.Derivatives Positioning

Open interest (OI) in futures tied to many major tokens has declined in the past 24 hours, with AVAX witnessing the sharpest drop, nearly 12%.Still, overall positioning in BTC futures remains elevated, with OI hovering close to record highs. ETH's futures OI has increased to 14.45 million ETH, despite large liquidations on the decentralized exchange Hyperliquid.OI in USDT- and dollar-denominated SOL perpetuals on major exchanges has increased slightly from 29 million SOL to 30.28 million SOL since Asian hours, as the spot price drops toward $200. Some traders seem to be shorting the decline.XRP, SOL, HBAR, TRX, SUI and XLM stand out as coins with negative funding rates, pointing to a bias for bearish short positions.On the CME, the downtrend in BTC futures OI has resumed while OI in ether futures has risen back to record highs above 2.2 million ETH. The annualized three-month basis in ETH has dropped to 7% from 9.8% in a sign of weakening of bullish pressures.On Deribit, BTC and ETH put options continue to draw premium relative to calls, painting a bearish picture. Some traders picked up out-of-the-money lower strike ether puts via OTC desk Paradigm.Más para ti

Stablecoin-Focused Plasma's XPL Token Debuts With Over $2.4B Market Cap

hace 11 minutos

XPL functions as a gas token, staking asset, and reward token, with a total supply of 10 billion tokens.

Lo que debes saber:

The Plasma blockchain's native token, XPL, launched on major exchanges like Binance and OKX, with a market cap of $2.4 billion.XPL functions as a gas token, staking asset, and reward token, with a total supply of 10 billion tokens.Plasma introduced Plasma One, a stablecoin-native neobank, to offer users permissionless access to digital dollar transactions.Leer la noticia completa

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Aster (ASTER), a newly launched multi-chain decentralized exchange (DEX), is making headlines in the cryptocurrency market, having achieved a major 2,182% increase since its debut, and boasting a market capitalization of approximately $3.7 billion, according to CoinGecko data.

Inside Aster’s Ecosystem
What has significantly contributed to ASTER’s rise is the platform’s approach to bridging decentralized finance (DeFi) with traditional trading practices. The platform offers a non-custodial trading experience, allowing users to engage in both perpetual and spot trading while earning yield on their collateral. 

This dual capability positions it as a unique decentralized exchange (DEX), particularly given its offering of 24/7 stock perpetuals that include major equities, while operating across several networks, including the BNB Chain, Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Arbitrum (ARB). 

The ASTER token, which governs the platform, incentivizes participation, and distributes trading fees, include mechanisms like Rh Points, which are earned through trading volume and determine airdrop allocations, and Au Points, generated by holding yield-bearing assets. 

Binance Co-Founders Behind It
Aster’s development is closely linked to YZi Labs, the rebranded venture arm of Binance Labs. The backing of Binance co-founders Changpeng Zhao (CZ) and Yi He, has significantly propelled the token’s adoption.

A pivotal moment in the cryptocurrency’s trajectory occurred when CZ publicly endorsed the project on social media, commending its progress and encouraging continued development. 

The community’s enthusiasm was further amplified by the significant investment from popular YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), who reportedly purchased $114,000 worth of the cryptocurrency, driving the price to new heights. 

The token’s credibility received an additional boost when Bybit became the first centralized exchange to list it, signaling institutional confidence and enhancing liquidity for traders.

Looking ahead, the new platform has ambitious plans to launch “Aster Chain,” a Layer 1 blockchain tailored for high-performance, privacy-focused derivatives trading. This upcoming development will incorporate zero-knowledge proof technology, ensuring anonymized trades.

The 1-hour chart shows the token’s continuous surge. Source: ASTERUSDT on TradingView.com
At the time of writing, ASTER is trading at $2.27, which is just 5% below its record high of $2.41 reached earlier on Wednesday. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

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Ronaldo is a seasoned crypto enthusiast with over four years of experience in the field. He is passionate about exploring the vast and dynamic world of decentralized finance (DeFi) and its practical applications for achieving economic sovereignty. Ronaldo is constantly seeking to expand his knowledge and expertise in the DeFi space, as he believes it holds tremendous potential for transforming the traditional financial landscape.

Plasma’s mainnet beta launch sparked a pre-market rally for XPL tokens. The asset expanded to $0.84 about an hour ahead of the official launch. 

XPL tokens, the native assets of the Plasma network, were expected to enter price discovery on September 25. The date was set for the official launch of the Plasma mainnet beta, expecting the first blocks to start from 12:00 GMT. As Cryptopolitan reported this week, the Tether-backed chain announced its launch ahead of time, potentially allowing the event to boost the token hype.

Plasma rallied just ahead of the public beta launch, expecting a valuation of over $1B upon launch, with an almost immediate Binance listing. | Source: CoinMarketCap.
Minutes before the network’s launch, XPL had a pre-market rally. XPL bounced from its previous range of $0.78 to $0.84, expecting additional volumes. Ahead of the launch, Lbank volumes dwindled to zero, but the token shifted to BingX, with $1.7M in daily volumes. 

Price discovery for XPL is closely watched, as the token went through a cycle of price volatility. Whales on Hyperliquid caused massive short liquidations, sparking suspicions of market manipulation. XPL may remain risky and volatile in the days after its official launch. 

Plasma to launch with $2B stablecoin supply
Plasma is a high-profile project, deciding on a long run-up to its mainnet launch. The chain expects to start with $2B in stablecoin liquidity from its very first day of operation. Plasma will also launch with immediate access to 280M Binance users, immediately activating Plasma-based USDT. 

In a market that is saturated with chains, Plasma has recognized the importance of guaranteed liquidity to attract users. 

Plasma mainnet beta will go live with $2B+ in liquidity, making us the 8th largest chain by stablecoin supply.

The future is bright, on Plasma. pic.twitter.com/KPALwq1AJq

— Plasma (@PlasmaFDN) September 23, 2025

The Plasma project is one of the well-funded IEO, raising over $75M for a valuation of $500M. The project raised $51M from a public sale and an additional $24M from VC rounds. Plasma has gained support from Bybit, potentially expecting a relatively fast listing. On Thursday, Plasma also expects to launch on Binance just an hour after the chain’s launch.

The projected market cap for the project is $1.49B based on free-float XPL tokens. Plasma is a low-float token, with a total market cap of $8.28B.

Will XPL trade close to $1? 
The XPL token is yet to show its price discovery and achieve mass appeal. XPL was relatively flat during pre-market trading, though the token launch suggests a rally coming soon. 

Based on Polymarket prediction pairs, XPL will launch with a valuation above $1B on its first day of trading. 

On Hyperliquid, the token also continues with lively speculation, inviting 81 whales to take positions. A total of 24 whales are shorting XPL, while 30 whales have taken long positions. The biggest position is an XPL short with a notional value of $1.1M. 

The token has accrued significant social media hype, showing that despite the recent meme season, utility projects are making a comeback. As with other high-profile events, XPL and Plasma have also invited potential scams and malicious links for claiming XPL tokens.

Get $50 free to trade crypto when you sign up to Bybit now

Key takeaways:

The slowdown in spot Bitcoin ETF flows signals weak institutional demand, hinting at a cooling bullish sentiment 

$108,000 is a short-term target for the bears, with some BTC analysts predicting a drop to $90,000.

Bitcoin (BTC) sellers emerged again on Thursday as the drop to $111,000 sparked fears that a further correction toward $90,000 might be on the horizon.

BTC/USD hourly chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewBitcoin ETF demand weakensInstitutional investors are reducing their exposure to spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) following the recent weakness in BTC price. 

Inflows into the Bitcoin ETFs cooled after strong inflows at the beginning of September. Net inflows fell 54% to $931.4 million last week from $2.03 billion the week prior, according to Glassnode’s latest Weekly Market Impulse report.   

“While overall accumulation remains intact, the slowdown suggests a pause in institutional demand,” the onchain data provider said in an X post on Wednesday.  

US spot Bitcoin ETF net flows. Source: GlassnodeSuch behavior stands out versus early September, when a steady price increase accompanied healthy ETF inflows. 

When the BTC/USD increased by 10% to near $118,000 between Sept. 2 and Sept. 18, net inflows topped $2.9 billion over eight trading days, per data from Farside Investors. This included the largest daily net inflow in two months of over $741.1 million.

US spot Bitcoin ETF netflows for February 2025 (screenshot). Source: Farside InvestorsThe spot taker CVD (Cumulative Volume Delta) indicator, which tracks the cumulative difference between market buys and sells over 90 days, has remained taker sell dominant since mid-August.

This means retail traders have been consistently selling BTC more than buying, reinforcing the risk-off behavior.

Bitcoin Spot Taker CVD data. Source: CryptoQuantBTC could see a deeper correction heading into October if ETF flows remain cool and the spot taker CVD stays sell-dominant.

Bitcoin price to see “deeper flush” to $90,000?With demand waning, pessimism is mounting over BTC price strength.

“Not much strength on $BTC after a strong day yesterday,” said MC Capital founder Michael van de Poppe in an X post on Thursday.

An accompanying chart showed that if Bitcoin loses the $112,000-$110,000 support zone, it could drop toward the $103,000-$100,000 demand zone, a good “area to start looking for buys.”

“I would assume that we’ll be going to get some more downside and then we’re done for the current period, meaning that we’ll be in up-only mode.”BTC/USD daily chart. Source: Michael van de PoppeMeanwhile, fellow analyst AlphaBTC shared an hourly candle chart showing the BTC/USD pair trading in a descending parallel channel.

Bitcoin could drop toward the channel’s lower boundary around $108,000 if the support at $112,000 doesn’t hold. Lower than that, the price could see a “deeper flush” possibly toward the $105,000-$100,000 range.

Additionally, BTC price has dropped below the 0.95 quantile cost basis at $115,300, signaling potential risk, according to Glassnode. The Cost Basis Quantile serves as a key metric for gauging market risk levels and potential price action zones for Bitcoin. 

“Reclaiming it would signal renewed strength, but failure to do so risks a drift toward lower supports around $105K–$90K.”— glassnode (@glassnode) September 24, 2025
As Cointelegraph reported, Bitcoin’s double top pattern also targets near $90,000 if support at $107,000 does not hold.

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

A whale has turned a $300,000 investment in Aster (ASTER) into a $7 million profit, according to on-chain data.

The token’s surge in value coincides with Aster’s perpetual trading volume hitting a new high of $35.86 billion in 24 hours, surpassing its rival, Hyperliquid.

Whales Cash Out on ASTER
Blockchain analytics platform Lookonchain was the first to report the transaction via X, noting that a pseudonymous user, Unipcs, had withdrawn a total of 3.24 million ASTER from Gateio. The whale later shared an update breaking down the trade, saying they had purchased 3,245,933.37 ASTER tokens for $299,166.79 at an average price of $0.0922 per coin, a position now worth over $7.1 million at current prices.

They explained that the transfer was mainly to consolidate tokens into a public wallet and clarified, “So to those who have been messaging to say, ‘welcome to the ASTER trade’: I opened the trade a week ago!”

Elsewhere, whale 0x5bd cashed out 1.56 million ASTER, amounting to approximately $3.57 million from Bybit. The investor had accumulated 6.718 million coins at an average entry price of around $1.98 and continues to hold 8.26 million tokens valued at about $19 million.

Large holders have gone on an ASTER buying spree over the past 24 hours, with CryptoPotato reporting that whales scooped up more than $48 million worth of the token across multiple purchases.

Meanwhile, ASTER’s rally shows no signs of slowing, with the token climbing more than 270% in the past week. Its momentum has been driven by support from YZi Labs and public endorsements from CZ.

Aster’s Daily Volume Surpasses Hyperliquid’s
Aster is slowly starting to gain ground over Hyperliquid, its largest competitor. Data from DefiLlama also shows that it led in daily perpetual trading volumes, reaching $35.86 billion in the past 24 hours. On the other hand, Hyperliquid reported about $10 billion in the same period.

The project has also recorded a notable rise in open interest in less than a week. CoinGlass data shows that the metric climbed from $3.72 million on Friday to $1.24 billion at the time of writing, an increase of nearly 33,200%.

Open interest is the total number of contracts that remain unsettled and is often used as a measure of liquidity and market confidence. The rise suggests traders are committing more capital to Aster.

Additionally, its total value locked (TVL) has climbed to $2.09 billion, marking a 233% increase from $625 million recorded on Friday.

TL;DR

PEPE’s TD Sequential shows green “A13” and red “9,” often seen before short-term reversals.
Daily triangle pattern holds firm as price consolidates near the lower boundary, keeping support intact.
Over $600K in long positions liquidated, showing traders betting bullish during downtrend weakness.

TD Sequential Flashes Buy Signal
PEPE’s daily chart has triggered two TD Sequential buy signals, according to analyst Ali Martinez. A green “A13” appeared on September 22, followed by a red “9” candle on September 24. Both are widely monitored indicators that traders often associate with a potential pause in selling pressure.

Meanwhile, these signals came after PEPE dropped more than 17% over the last seven days, with the token hitting local lows before recovering slightly to $0.00000969. Martinez remarked,

TD Sequential just flashed two buy signals on $PEPE daily chart! pic.twitter.com/5Ith9GTtCw

— Ali (@ali_charts) September 25, 2025

At the time of writing, PEPE trades at $0.0000094 with a daily turnover of $370 million. The token is down 2% over 24 hours.

Symmetrical Triangle on Daily Chart
Another perspective was shared by analyst Butterfly, who noted PEPE is consolidating within a symmetrical triangle pattern. The price is currently moving near the lower boundary of the formation, which has acted as support on several occasions this year.

Butterfly commented,

“Smart money is loading up. After bulls regain full control, $PEPE has potential to soar toward new highs.”

A breakout above the triangle’s upper line would strengthen bullish expectations, with potential to retest previous swing highs. Until that occurs, PEPE remains in consolidation.

Indicators Point to Exhaustion
On the 4-hour chart, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 31, close to the oversold mark of 30. This level suggests that downward momentum may be stretched, increasing the chance of a relief bounce.

Source: TradingView
The MACD line is slightly below the signal line, with only a narrow gap separating the two. This shows that downward momentum is slowing. A positive crossover would give further evidence of a rebound attempt.

Additionally, futures market data shows long traders absorbed heavier losses than shorts. On September 25, more than $600,000 in long positions were liquidated, compared with $46,000 in shorts. The largest losses were recorded on OKX and Gate.

Source: Coinglass
The imbalance suggests that many traders expected a rebound, which failed to hold. Large liquidations of long positions during a downtrend often reflect overextended bullish bets being cleared from the market. Until leverage resets, conditions may stay volatile.

ETH price today is navigating turbulent conditions after briefly dipping below $4,000. Despite short-term pressures from macroeconomic factors and ETF inflow slowdowns, exchange balances have plunged to nine-year lows, signaling strong accumulation. This dynamic could set the stage for a future supply shock and renewed momentum for ETH crypto.

Macro Factors Weigh on ETH PriceEthereum’s dip below the psychological $4K level was driven by a mix of technical breakdowns, global risk sentiment, and cascading liquidations. While the U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points in September, the move failed to spark the expected market-wide rally.

Adding to the cautious mood, Ethereum spot ETFs recorded subdued inflows this month. Net inflows total roughly $110 million so far in September, far below the $3.8 billion seen in August. This contrast highlights how institutional demand has slowed, limiting immediate upside momentum for ETH price USD in the short term.

Exchange Balances Fall to Nine-Year LowsYet, beneath the surface, on-chain signals tell a different story. Ethereum exchange balances have dropped to their lowest levels in nearly a decade, showing a decisive trend toward long-term holding. Millions worth of ETH have been withdrawn from centralized exchanges in recent weeks, reflecting accumulation rather than panic.

For ETH price prediction models, such withdrawals often suggest reduced selling pressure. By prioritizing self-custody and staking, both whales and retail participants are creating conditions that may trigger a supply shock. If demand strengthens while liquidity remains low, the Ethereum price chart could shift into an accelerated uptrend.

Key Levels Flip from Resistance to SupportOn the technical side, ETH price forecast sentiment improved after the asset cleanly retested a critical resistance zone, turning it into new support. Previous attempts at this level had ended in rejection, but the recent breakout marked a stronger market structure shift.

ETHEREUM JUST FLIPPED RESISTANCE INTO SUPPORT.

3 brutal rejections before.
Now? A clean breakout + bullish retest.

Every time a retest comes, panic floods the market.
But that’s exactly when focus pays.$ETH isn’t stalling. It’s loading for liftoff. pic.twitter.com/vSIUiaFJnF

— Merlijn The Trader (@MerlijnTrader) September 25, 2025 Every retest typically sparks short-term panic in ETH crypto markets. However, with support now confirmed, momentum suggests that Ethereum may be consolidating for another leg higher. Traders view this setup as a potential launchpad for ETH price to retest its prior all-time highs if buying pressure persists.

Institutional Confidence and Long-Term OutlookDespite weaker ETF inflows, the overarching accumulation trend shows growing institutional conviction in Ethereum’s long-term prospects. Reduced liquidity on exchanges, combined with staking incentives and capital rotation from stablecoins, strengthens the ETH price forecast. The ETH price today, around $4,014, could be a staging ground for larger moves as supply conditions tighten further.

TL;DR

M2 Capital, the investment arm of UAE-based M2 Holdings, has confirmed a $20 million investment in Ethena’s governance token, ENA.
Ethena manages USDe, a synthetic stablecoin, and sUSDe, a yield-bearing version, with TVL approaching $15 billion.
The deal strengthens M2’s strategy to integrate innovative digital assets into wealth management services across the MENA region, targeting institutional investors and expanding exposure to scalable decentralized finance solutions.

M2 Capital Limited has announced a $20 million commitment to Ethena, adding to its growing portfolio of digital finance ventures. Ethena’s system is built on a two-token structure: USDe, a synthetic dollar backed by crypto collateral and stabilized through delta-neutral hedging, and sUSDe, a version designed to generate yield. According to DeFiLlama data, Ethena’s TVL has exceeded $14 billion, and the protocol has produced more than $666 million in annualized fees, demonstrating its rapid growth and strong adoption.

Kim Wong, Managing Director and Head of Treasury at M2 Holdings, emphasized that this investment will enhance offerings for sophisticated clients in regulated environments. By incorporating Ethena’s model, M2 aims to deliver products that balance security, stability, and attractive returns, which are increasingly in demand among institutional investors in the Middle East. The move reflects M2’s broader strategy to support blockchain-native solutions capable of redefining modern finance.

The announcement also comes as institutional interest in DeFi protocols continues to accelerate. Analysts highlight that M2’s involvement may help Ethena strengthen its credibility with regulators and encourage wider acceptance across traditional finance circles. With cross-border payments and tokenized assets gaining traction in the region, partnerships like this illustrate how digital-native platforms are slowly merging with established investment practices.

Ethena’s Role In Shaping The Next Phase Of Stablecoins
Ethena’s mechanism combines collateralization with hedging to provide USDe, a price-stable synthetic dollar, and sUSDe, a yield-bearing instrument currently offering around 6% APY. This design positions Ethena as a key alternative to traditional fiat-backed stablecoins, although the UAE central bank maintains that only AED-backed stablecoins qualify as legal tender. Nevertheless, the appetite for decentralized solutions across the region is steadily increasing, creating space for protocols like Ethena to thrive.

Conor Ryder, Head of Research at Ethena, stated that stablecoins remain the backbone of the digital asset economy and argued that a crypto-native synthetic dollar could represent the largest opportunity for the industry. M2 Capital’s latest move follows earlier investments in the Sui Foundation and Nasdaq-listed SUI Group Holdings, underscoring its long-term commitment to blockchain infrastructure. With Middle Eastern institutions seeking scalable and regulated solutions, the addition of Ethena reflects a calculated bet on the future of synthetic assets.

TLDR:

Caliber acquires $4M worth of LINK, growing its treasury to 467,632 tokens worth around $10.1M.
The company follows a dollar-cost-average approach to grow its LINK position over time.
LINK is staked as part of Caliber’s strategy, creating yield alongside price exposure.
Caliber is the first Nasdaq-listed company with a public LINK-based treasury plan.

Big moves keep coming from Caliber as it continues stacking LINK. The Nasdaq-listed wealth development company just took another step to grow its crypto exposure. This latest buy builds on a steady approach that has put LINK front and center of its treasury.

 Investors now get direct exposure to Chainlink through Caliber’s strategy. The company’s plan is clear, keep adding and staking LINK over time.

In a blog post and filing shared on September 25, 2025, Caliber revealed a $4 million Chainlink acquisition. 

The purchase added 183,421 LINK tokens at an average price of $21.81 per token. The buy brings Caliber’s total holdings to 467,632 LINK, now worth about $10.1 million.

The company explained that this move is part of its ongoing Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) Strategy. It is designed to grow exposure gradually, buying in increments to average out costs. The approach allows the company to build a position over time instead of making large, one-off bets.

Caliber said it plans to continue this strategy until it becomes one of the largest LINK-holding public companies. Part of the plan also includes staking LINK to generate yield. This creates a second layer of value for shareholders, aligning with the firm’s real-world asset focus.

The news was first shared by Caliber on X, where the firm said the treasury is “equity-funded, staked, and aligned with the Chainlink Reserve.”

🚨 Another $4M in $LINK acquired.

Caliber’s treasury now holds 467,632 LINK (~$10.1M) – equity-funded, staked, and aligned with the Chainlink Reserve.

Read the full release 👉 https://t.co/ifLl3vxdWZ#Chainlink $CWD #DigitalAssets

— Caliber – The Wealth Development Company (@CaliberCo) September 25, 2025

Growing Crypto Exposure for Shareholders
Caliber is the first Nasdaq-listed company to publicly adopt a LINK-focused treasury strategy. This gives investors a clear, mark-to-market view of the value of its LINK holdings. By disclosing the price and quantity of each acquisition, the company offers full transparency.

The Scottsdale-based firm is known for managing both real estate and digital assets. This hybrid model lets it diversify exposure while building a bridge between traditional and blockchain-based finance.

CEO Chris Loeffler described Chainlink as critical infrastructure powering DeFi and tokenized assets. He emphasized the company’s commitment to integrating blockchain into its broader investment strategy.

The steady LINK buys signal a long-term approach rather than a short-term trade. For shareholders, this could mean exposure to both price appreciation and staking rewards as LINK adoption grows.

Cipher Mining signed a 10-year AI hosting agreement with Fluidstack, backed by a guarantee from Google, who will receive a 5.4% equity stake.

Bitcoin price has dipped again. The decline comes amid growing investor caution ahead of U.S. inflation data, rising ETF outflows, and massive liquidations.

Summary

Bitcoin price sits at $111,678, down 0.9% on the day.
The crypto giant’s losses come ahead of U.S. inflation data, creating investor uncertainty.
Exchange-traded funds tracking Bitcoin recently recorded outflows reaching $466 million.
If BTC price breaks below $110,000, next support is $108,000.

Bitcoin price has extended its losing streak for the fourth consecutive day, shedding 0.9% in the past 24 hours to trade at $111,678, according to market data crypto.news.

The downturn reflects mounting investor caution as markets brace for key U.S. inflation data, with traders unsure whether the Federal Reserve will lean hawkish or dovish in its next moves. The uncertainty has triggered broad risk-off sentiment, leading many to scale back exposure to Bitcoin (BTC) and other risk assets.

Bitcoin price under pressure amid strong ETF outflows and liquidations
Following the significant $1.7 billion liquidation on Monday, one of the largest of 2025, there has been increased profit-taking among investors who are trying to cut down exposure to Bitcoin. This is further driven by the broader market cooldown, which is making investors more cautious.

Adding to the negative sentiment is a rise in ETF outflows. The U.S.-listed funds tracking BTC posted $466 million in outflows in recent days, outweighing the smaller inflows recorded earlier in the week.

Also, investors are positioning ahead of Friday’s $22.6 billion Bitcoin future options expiry. Historically, Bitcoin tends to experience selling pressure ahead of large expirations, as leveraged positions are unwound and traders hedge risk. A relief rally could follow once the expiry passes and broader uncertainty clears.

Technical indicators show weak momentum
On the technical side, Bitcoin price is now significantly below its September 19 peak near $117,000, forming a descending pattern of lower highs and lower lows, a classic bearish structure. The RSI has dropped to 42.30, signaling waning buying interest, while the MACD has flipped bearish with a growing negative histogram.

Volume remains muted, highlighting indecision from both bulls and bears. If Bitcoin fails to hold above the $110,000 support, a further drop toward $108,000 is likely. However, a recovery above $113,500 could help spark a price rebound.

BTC price chart | Source: crypto.news

Don Burnette, Kodiak AI founder and CEO, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the potential benefits of AI powered trucking, how autonomous trucking technology works, rollout expansion timeline, capital requirements, and more.

<div><p>
- <i>Food and Drug Administration granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for povetacicept in IgA nephropathy; on track to file for accelerated approval in the U.S. in H1 2026 if 36-week interim analysis data positive -</i></p><p>
- <i>Enrollment completed for interim analysis cohort of AMPLITUDE global Phase 2/3 trial evaluating inaxaplin in APOL1-mediated kidney disease; potential to file for accelerated approval in the U.S. if 48-week interim analysis data positive -</i></p><p>
- <i>Phase 2 proof-of-concept study initiated for VX-407 in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease -</i></p></div><div>
<p><span>BOSTON--(<a href="https://www.businesswire.com/" target="_blank">BUSINESS WIRE</a>)--</span><a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vrtx.com%2F&amp;esheet=54329284&amp;newsitemid=20250925779907&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Vertex+Pharmaceuticals+Incorporated&amp;index=1&amp;md5=9b7532fcfcbb83cf0da5730ed359619d" target="_blank">Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated</a> (Nasdaq: VRTX) today announced several important advancements across its programs in immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN), APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). These updates represent significant progress toward reaching the Company’s goal of bringing forward first-in-class or best-in-class therapies that target the underlying cause of these serious kidney diseases.</p><p>
<b><span>Povetacicept in IgAN</span></b>
</p><p>
Vertex announced today that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) to povetacicept (pove) for the treatment of IgAN. Pove is an investigational recombinant fusion protein therapeutic and dual antagonist of the BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand) cytokines with best-in-class potential in IgAN and other B cell-driven diseases. BTD is for a drug that treats a serious condition, and preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug may demonstrate substantial improvement on one or more clinically significant endpoints over existing treatments.
</p><p>
Pove is currently being studied in RAINIER, a global Phase 3 clinical trial in patients with IgAN. The study is designed to have a pre-planned interim analysis (IA) evaluating urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR) for the pove arm versus placebo after a specified number of patients reach 36 weeks of treatment. The IA cohort has been fully enrolled, and Vertex remains on track to file for accelerated approval in the U.S. in H1 2026 if results are supportive.
</p><p>
<b><span>Inaxaplin in AMKD</span></b>
</p><p>
Vertex also announced today enrollment completion of the IA cohort of AMPLITUDE, a global Phase 2/3 clinical trial designed to assess the impact of inaxaplin on kidney function and proteinuria for people living with AMKD. Inaxaplin is a first-in-class, investigational small molecule inhibitor of APOL1 aimed at addressing the underlying cause of AMKD. The AMPLITUDE study is designed with an interim analysis at Week 48 in a pre-specified number of patients to assess percent change from baseline in proteinuria and eGFR slope in the inaxaplin arm versus placebo. If positive, the IA will serve as the basis for Vertex to seek accelerated approval of inaxaplin in the U.S.
</p><p>
<b><span>VX-407 in ADPKD</span></b>
</p><p>
The Company also announced it has initiated AGLOW, a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study of VX-407 for the treatment of ADPKD. VX-407 is a first-in-class investigational small molecule corrector that is designed to treat ADPKD in patients with a subset of <i>PKD1</i> variants, estimated at up to approximately 10% of the overall ADPKD population. VX-407 is designed to target the underlying cause of ADPKD by correcting defective PC1 folding to restore function, thereby potentially reducing total kidney volume and preventing progression to kidney failure. AGLOW is a 52-week single-arm study that will evaluate the effect of VX-407 on height-adjusted total kidney volume (htTKV) in patients with a subset of variants of the <i>PKD1</i> gene<i>.</i>
</p><p>
“Our pursuit of breakthrough science and serial innovation has changed the treatment landscape for cystic fibrosis, acute pain, sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia by advancing transformative therapies that target the underlying cause of these diseases. We are excited to bring the same level of pioneering science and potentially transformative benefit to patients with serious kidney diseases,” said Carmen Bozic, M.D., Executive Vice President, Global Medicines Development and Medical Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer at Vertex. “Today’s announcements on BTD for pove in IgAN, completion of enrollment in the IA cohort in our AMKD study setting up the potential for accelerated approval of inaxaplin and initiation of the VX-407 POC study in ADPKD mark significant milestones toward bringing the next wave of promising medicines to patients who are waiting.”
</p><p>
<b>About IgA Nephropathy (IgAN)</b>
</p><p>
IgAN is a serious, progressive, life-threatening, B cell-mediated chronic kidney disease that is the most common cause of primary (idiopathic) glomerulonephritis, affecting approximately 300,000 people in the United States and Europe. It is estimated that there are approximately 33,000 diagnosed patients in Japan and approximately 750,000 diagnosed patients in China. IgAN results from deposition of circulating immune complexes consisting of immunoglobulins and galactose-deficient immunoglobulin A (Gd-IgA1) in the renal glomerular mesangium, triggering kidney injury and fibrosis. Up to 72% of adult IgAN patients progress to end-stage renal disease within 20 years of diagnosis. There are no approved therapies that specifically target the underlying cause of IgAN.
</p><p>
<b>About RAINIER</b>
</p><p>
RAINIER is a global Phase 3 pivotal trial of pove 80 mg administered subcutaneously every four weeks vs. placebo on top of standard of care in approximately 480 people with IgAN. The study is designed to have a pre-planned interim analysis evaluating the percent change from baseline in urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR) for the pove arm versus placebo after a pre-specified number of patients reach 36 weeks of treatment. If positive, the interim analysis may serve as the basis for Vertex to seek accelerated approval in the U.S. Final analysis will occur at two years of treatment, with a primary endpoint of total eGFR slope through Week 104.
</p><p>
<b>About Breakthrough Therapy Designation</b>
</p><p>
The FDA's BTD is intended to expedite development and review of medicines that aim to address a serious condition with preliminary clinical evidence indicating that the drug may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing treatments on one or more clinically significant endpoints. BTD was granted for pove in IgAN based on data from the Phase 2 RUBY-3 clinical trial.
</p><p>
<b>About APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD)</b>
</p><p>
AMKD is a rapidly progressive, proteinuric kidney disease caused by two variants in the <i>APOL1</i> gene. It occurs in people of African ancestry. AMKD occurs when inherited <i>APOL1</i> genetic variants cause kidney cell injury, cell death and damage to the glomeruli, which filter blood in the kidney. This leads to protein in the urine (known as “proteinuria”) and decreased ability of the kidney to function, which can lead in turn to dialysis, transplant or death. AMKD affects an estimated patient population of approximately 250,000 in the U.S. and Europe, including AMKD patients with comorbidities. There are no therapies currently approved for AMKD.
</p><p>
<b>About AMPLITUDE</b>
</p><p>
AMPLITUDE is a global Phase 2/3 clinical trial designed to assess the impact of inaxaplin on kidney function and proteinuria for people living with AMKD. Inaxaplin is being evaluated as a 45 mg once-daily oral dose compared to placebo, on top of standard of care. The primary efficacy endpoint for the final analysis is estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope in patients receiving inaxaplin compared to placebo. The secondary efficacy endpoint is time to composite clinical outcome, which will also be assessed at the final analysis and is defined as a sustained decline of ≥30% from baseline in the eGFR, the onset of end-stage kidney disease or death. The final study analysis will occur when subjects have at least two years of eGFR data and when approximately 187 composite clinical outcomes have occurred.
</p><p>
<b>About Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)</b>
</p><p>
ADPKD is the most common inherited kidney disease and one of the most common severe Mendelian genetic diseases, affecting approximately 300,000 diagnosed people in the U.S. and Europe. As the disease is autosomal dominant, one affected parent can pass on the disease to their children.
</p><p>
In most cases, ADPKD is caused by variants in the<i> PKD1</i> and <i>PKD2</i> genes, which express proteins known as polycystins. The majority of ADPKD patients (~80%) have a variant in the <i>PKD1</i> gene, resulting in a loss of function of polycystin 1 (PC1). This leads to the proliferation of kidney epithelial cells, increased fluid secretion and the formation and expansion of numerous fluid-filled cysts. The progressive cyst formation causes an increase in kidney size and decline in kidney function. Around half of patients with ADPKD experience kidney failure by the age of 60. Kidney cysts can also lead to severe abdominal pain, cyst infection, blood in the urine and kidney stones, all of which significantly impair quality of life. There are no approved therapies that specifically address the underlying cause of ADPKD.
</p><p>
<b>About AGLOW</b>
</p><p>
AGLOW is a global Phase 2 proof-of-concept study of VX-407 for the treatment of ADPKD. It is a single-arm, open-label, 52-week study that will evaluate the effect of VX-407 treatment on height-adjusted total kidney volume (htTKV) in a subset of patients with variants of the <i>PKD1 </i>gene.
</p><p>
<b>About Vertex</b>
</p><p>
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and acute pain, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, primary membranous nephropathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes and myotonic dystrophy type 1.
</p><p>
Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 15 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vrtx.com%2F&amp;esheet=54329284&amp;newsitemid=20250925779907&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.vrtx.com&amp;index=2&amp;md5=fc20c82f0297977f16fcd20116291be7" target="_blank">www.vrtx.com</a> or follow us on <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fvertex-pharmaceuticals&amp;esheet=54329284&amp;newsitemid=20250925779907&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=LinkedIn&amp;index=3&amp;md5=0a488fea606b7e075337526e729dfe1f" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FVertexPharmaInc&amp;esheet=54329284&amp;newsitemid=20250925779907&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Facebook&amp;index=4&amp;md5=0c0cf3b04e512d7110fe9b8a95daf52e" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fvertexpharmaceuticals%2F&amp;esheet=54329284&amp;newsitemid=20250925779907&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Instagram&amp;index=5&amp;md5=8675a325a0f5559496ddbdba6332206b" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%40Vertex-Pharmaceuticals&amp;esheet=54329284&amp;newsitemid=20250925779907&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=YouTube&amp;index=6&amp;md5=0f827cc7619eb9adfa2ef9593dbbff5f" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FVertexPharma&amp;esheet=54329284&amp;newsitemid=20250925779907&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=X&amp;index=7&amp;md5=5121e31387ce8e1131aeb26314f45029" target="_blank">X</a>.
</p><p>
<b>Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements</b>
</p><p>
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, statements by Carmen Bozic, M.D., and statements about the expectations for the potential benefits of VX-407 for patients with ADPKD and for the initiated AGLOW study, including study design, expectations for the potential benefits of pove for patients with IgAN, including the preliminary clinical evidence, the study designs for the RAINIER study, and plans to file for accelerated approval in the U.S. in H1 2026 if results are supportive, expectations for the potential benefits of the BTD for pove in IgAN, expectations for the potential benefits of inaxaplin for patients with AMKD, the study designs for the AMPLITUDE study and plans for the IA to serve as the basis for Vertex to seek accelerated approval of inaxaplin in the U.S., if results are positive, and expectations for the significant progress toward reaching the Company’s goal of bringing forward first-in-class or best-in-class therapies that target the underlying cause of these serious kidney diseases. While Vertex believes the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are accurate, these forward-looking statements represent the company's beliefs only as of the date of this press release and there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that data from a limited number of patients may not be indicative of final clinical trial results, that clinical trial data might not be available on the expected timeline, that data from the company's research and development programs may not support registration or further development of its compounds due to safety, efficacy, and other risks, and other risks listed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Vertex's most recent annual report and subsequent quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov&amp;esheet=54329284&amp;newsitemid=20250925779907&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.sec.gov&amp;index=8&amp;md5=06153c31e9f663671067d97f3aad5d63" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a> and available through the company's website at <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vrtx.com&amp;esheet=54329284&amp;newsitemid=20250925779907&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.vrtx.com&amp;index=9&amp;md5=a77434a37fc121ec07fa8b36d7337f8d" target="_blank">www.vrtx.com</a>. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Vertex disclaims any obligation to update the information contained in this press release as new information becomes available.
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(VRTX-GEN)
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David Bellinger, Senior Analyst at Mizuho Securities, says Costco faces margin pressure despite strong sales and membership. He remains neutral on the stock, favoring Walmart for e-commerce growth.

<div><p><strong>Jim Wyckoff</strong> has spent over 25 years involved with the stock, financial and commodity markets. He was a financial journalist with the FWN newswire service for many years, including stints as a reporter on the rough-and-tumble commodity futures trading floors in Chicago and New York. As a journalist, he has covered every futures market traded in the U.S., at one time or another.</p>
<p>Jim is the proprietor of the "Jim Wyckoff on the Markets" analytical, educational and trading advisory service. Jim also worked as a technical analyst for Dow Jones Newswires and as the senior market analyst with TraderPlanet.com. Jim is also a consultant with the highly respected "Pro Farmer" agricultural advisory service. Jim was also the head equities analyst at CapitalistEdge.com. He received his degree from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where he studied journalism and economics.</p>
<p>Follow Jim daily on Kitco.com as he provides both AM and PM roundups and a daily Technical Special.
1 877 963-NEWS
jwyckoff at kitco.com</p></div>

Partnership aligns with Jumia's push for ecofriendly deliveries and sustainable e-commerce KAMPALA, UG / ACCESS Newswire / September 25, 2025 / Jumia (NYSE:JMIA), a leading e-commerce platform in Africa, has partnered with Spiro to launch a fleet of electric bikes (e-bikes) to power deliveries in Uganda, within Kampala. This initiative marks a significant step in Jumia's ongoing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable business practices.