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Robinhood has made a groundbreaking move by launching zero-commission, tokenized U.S. stocks and private-company tokens on Arbitrum, an Ethereum layer-2 blockchain, as reported by TheStreet on July 4, 2025. This initiative aims to enable 24/7/365 trading with near-instant settlement, a significant departure from traditional market hours. Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan, a veteran analyst who correctly predicted a crypto rally in 2024, expressed strong optimism about Robinhood’s direction, stating it shows where the market is headed. He believes this move will boost interest in Ethereum and Arbitrum, attracting both retail and institutional users to on-chain assets. Hougan also highlighted the rapid shift toward tokenized securities, predicting that in a few years, the industry will marvel at how quickly traditional models were replaced. Although currently unavailable to U.S. investors, this development signals a future of continuous, blockchain-based markets that could unlock new liquidity and reduce risks for long-term investors. With Robinhood at the forefront, tokenized stocks may redefine trading dynamics, placing blockchain technology at the core of financial innovation.
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Jim Chanos, a renowned Wall Street short seller, has escalated his criticism of Michael Saylor’s bitcoin-centric strategy at MicroStrategy (MSTR), calling it overvalued and advising investors to buy bitcoin directly. MicroStrategy, originally a software firm, now holds 597,325 bitcoins worth $64 billion, becoming the largest corporate holder, with its stock surging 210% in the past year, far outpacing bitcoin’s 80% gain. Saylor defends his approach, emphasizing the accessibility of MSTR shares over direct bitcoin ownership due to regulatory ease and promoting leveraged investments for higher returns. The public clash between Chanos and Saylor has gripped Wall Street, with Chanos dismissing Saylor’s model as “financial gibberish,” while Saylor predicts Chanos’s downfall if MSTR stock rises. Despite short sellers losing $3.6 billion betting against MSTR in 2025, the company faces lawsuits over misleading investors about bitcoin volatility risks and analyst warnings about the sustainability of its debt-driven strategy. Meanwhile, other firms are adopting similar bitcoin treasury strategies, intensifying competition for capital, though short sellers have profited more from betting against MSTR imitators.
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This article from Zacks Investment Research highlights Affirm Holdings, Inc. (AFRM), a San Francisco-based fintech company founded in 2012, specializing in transparent installment loans for consumers at the point of sale. Targeting momentum investors who capitalize on stock price trends, the piece emphasizes AFRM's strong performance with a Momentum Style Score of B and a VGM Score of B. The stock has risen 3.4% in the past week, 24.2% over four weeks, and an impressive 138.8% over the last year. Additionally, for fiscal 2025, earnings estimates have improved, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.12 to $0.03 per share, supported by upward revisions from four analysts in the last 60 days. AFRM also shows a remarkable average earnings surprise of 102.2%. Despite a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), the article suggests that AFRM's solid metrics and style scores make it a noteworthy consideration for investors seeking high-momentum stocks.
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Flashes, a new app launched this year by Berlin-based developer Sebastian Vogelsang, offers an Instagram-like alternative built on the Bluesky social network’s AT Protocol. Available on the App Store for iOS 17+, Flashes reimagines Bluesky’s content by focusing on visual posts, presenting them in a scrollable feed rather than a timeline. Users can post images and videos (up to 3 minutes), apply filters, and curate their profiles with a “Portfolio” feature, while seamlessly interacting with Bluesky’s 37 million-strong community through likes, reposts, and replies. The app also provides access to over 50,000 custom Bluesky feeds on topics like art or gardening. Requiring a Bluesky account to start, Flashes aims to attract users seeking open alternatives to Instagram, competing with apps like Pinksky and Mastodon’s Pixelfed. Future plans include push notifications, subscriptions for premium features, and expansion to Android and web platforms, alongside new features like Stories and albums. Vogelsang envisions Flashes evolving into its own AT Protocol-based platform while maintaining Bluesky compatibility, potentially broadening its appeal to photographers and visual content creators looking for a fresh social media experience.
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Yesterday's market saw varied performances among key companies. Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) rose 4.4% after releasing its Q2 production and delivery figures, which, despite a year-over-year decline, were better than some investors anticipated. Reddit (NYSE:RDDT) also saw a positive movement, increasing by 5.2% following updates to its credit and guarantee agreement. Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) enjoyed a 5.9% uptick after acquiring LiquiFi, a token management platform, signaling growth in blockchain infrastructure. On the downside, Oscar Health (NYSE:OSCR) plummeted 15.1% due to a Bearish rating from Barclays and negative spillover from a peer company. Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) also declined by 5.1% amid speculation of a major pivot away from its 18A chip-making process. These movements reflect a mix of sector-specific challenges and strategic developments, with detailed analysis reports available for each company to assess investment potential.
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This article examines Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN), a leading cryptocurrency exchange, and the Tidal Trust II - YieldMax Short Coin Option Income Strategy ETF (FIAT), which simulates a short position on Coinbase. Coinbase, after a volatile journey since its 2021 listing, hit a low of $32.53 in 2022 due to market headwinds but rebounded strongly in 2024 with a 148% surge in trading volume and 111% revenue growth, trading near its all-time high of $356. However, its high valuation raises concerns about sustainability amid potential market cooling or competition. FIAT, designed for income with a 55.6% distribution rate, largely returns investors’ capital (93% ROC) and charges a 0.99% expense ratio, yielding only a single-digit return. Its synthetic short strategy via options on Coinbase has failed, with an 84% stock price drop over the past year. The article advises against FIAT, suggesting direct shorting of Coinbase for bearish investors or stable dividend ETFs for income seekers, highlighting FIAT’s complexity and underperformance as key drawbacks.
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Kraken has introduced a groundbreaking initiative by rolling out tokenized U.S. equities for non-U.S. users on the Solana blockchain, in partnership with Backed's xStocks. This phased launch includes 60 tokenized assets, such as prominent U.S. stocks and ETFs, accessible for 24/7 trading through the Kraken app. Beyond mere market exposure, these tokens offer unique flexibility, enabling users to withdraw them to self-custodial wallets, use them as collateral in DeFi, and trade continuously. Kraken co-CEO Arjun Sethi emphasized the initiative’s goal of empowering individuals by removing geographical and institutional barriers to financial markets. Backed co-founder Adam Levi highlighted tokenized equities as a pivotal evolution in crypto, bridging traditional finance with decentralized systems for greater access and efficiency. With plans to expand to other fast blockchains, Kraken and Backed aim to redefine global capital market access, making it non-permissioned and self-custodial. This development, first reported by TheStreet on July 1, 2025, marks a significant step toward democratizing financial opportunities worldwide.
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Despite a seemingly promising 2025 for cryptocurrency with Bitcoin hitting record highs and supportive political developments, the broader crypto landscape reveals significant challenges. Bitcoin's dominance has climbed to 64% of the market, overshadowing altcoins, which have collectively lost over $300 billion in value this year. This disparity highlights a growing malaise in the industry, with many altcoins struggling to maintain relevance against Bitcoin's supremacy and the rise of stablecoins, whose market value has surged by $47 billion. Experts predict that without real utility or scale, many altcoins may fade into obscurity, becoming "ghost chains." However, glimmers of hope exist with thriving decentralized finance tokens and potential regulatory advancements like the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, which could legitimize altcoins and attract institutional investment. Additionally, mergers and governance changes among altcoin projects signal efforts to adapt. Meanwhile, corporate strategies are shifting, with significant Bitcoin accumulation by entities like Twenty One Capital Inc., while smaller tokens like Ether and Solana lag behind. The industry faces a critical juncture, balancing speculation with the need for practical application.
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This article from GOBankingRates.com explores six fast-growing cryptocurrencies in 2025, highlighting their potential amidst market volatility and economic uncertainty. Despite recent dips in the crypto market, coins like XRP, with a staggering 381% YTD growth, Solana, known for its speed, and Cardano, with sustainable blockchain technology, stand out as investment options. Other notable mentions include Stellar, Chainlink, and Avalanche, each offering unique features like energy efficiency, DeFi connectivity, and fast smart contract platforms. However, the article emphasizes the speculative nature of cryptocurrency investments, noting that while these coins show promise, their future performance is unpredictable. Prices are highly volatile, and investors are advised to consult financial advisors and only risk what they can afford to lose. The data, sourced from CoinMarketCap as of June 24, 2025, underscores the high-risk, high-reward nature of the crypto space, urging caution even with these "fast-growing" assets.
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The Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is highlighted as a straightforward and effective investment for those seeking reliable dividend income. With a current yield of approximately 4%, it matches a common retirement withdrawal benchmark, allowing investors to avoid dipping into principal. The ETF tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, employing a sophisticated selection process that prioritizes companies with at least 10 years of consecutive dividend increases, strong financial metrics, and attractive yields, while excluding REITs. Although it may not match the total returns of an S&P 500 index ETF, SCHD excels in providing a steady income stream and modest capital appreciation, which are its primary goals. Its low expense ratio of 0.06% adds to its appeal as a cost-effective option. The article emphasizes the simplicity of investing in SCHD, enabling investors to access a diversified portfolio of high-quality dividend stocks with minimal effort, freeing up time for personal pursuits. While not a perfect solution for all investment needs, SCHD is presented as a smart choice for those prioritizing income and stability over aggressive growth.
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Warren Buffett, the legendary investor behind Berkshire Hathaway, has historically shied away from technology stocks due to their rapid change and unpredictability. However, exceptions like Apple and Amazon have become significant holdings. Apple, Berkshire's largest investment at over $60 billion, remains a cornerstone with its iconic brand, loyal customer base, and strong financials, including a recent $100 billion share buyback program. Despite a slight stock decline in 2025, Apple's innovation, such as Apple Intelligence, and consistent shareholder returns make it a compelling long-term investment. Amazon, a smaller holding at $2.2 billion, reflects Buffett's regret for not investing sooner. The company is aggressively investing in AI, with capital expenditures set to surpass $100 billion in 2025, fueling growth in divisions like AWS, which reported a 17% revenue increase in Q1 2025. Amazon's strong balance sheet, with $41.2 billion in net cash, and undervalued stock at 34 times trailing earnings, position it as a solid buy-and-hold option. Both companies demonstrate Buffett's evolving perspective on tech, balancing innovation with financial stability, making them potential fits for investors seeking growth and reliability in their portfolios.
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Ripple Labs is moving to conclude a prolonged legal conflict with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over the sale of its XRP tokens, as announced by CEO Brad Garlinghouse. The company will withdraw its cross appeal, and the SEC is expected to follow suit, potentially ending years of litigation. The dispute began when the SEC accused Ripple of violating securities laws through XRP sales. A 2023 court ruling partially favored Ripple, deeming sales on public exchanges legal, while finding $728 million in institutional sales unlawful. Both parties appealed the decision but later attempted a settlement, which included reducing a $125 million fine and setting aside an injunction. However, a judge rejected this proposal on Thursday. Garlinghouse expressed optimism about closing this chapter, though the SEC has declined to comment on the matter. This development could mark a significant step toward resolution in a case that has drawn widespread attention in the cryptocurrency and regulatory communities.
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Circle Internet Group (CRCL), with a $60 billion market cap, has surged to become the third most actively traded U.S. stock shortly after its IPO, with trading volume spiking to over 1 million shares in a session. Its stock price jumped from $210 to nearly $300 before settling at $222, driven by speculative enthusiasm. As the issuer of USDC, the second-largest stablecoin with $61 billion in circulation, Circle earns nearly all its revenue from interest on reserves, positioning it as a vital part of the crypto financial infrastructure. However, its valuation at over 20x book value and 220x forward earnings raises caution, leading to a Hold rating. Strategic partnerships, like with Fiserv for a new stablecoin, and potential regulatory boosts from the GENIUS Act offer growth catalysts, but risks from declining interest rates, competition, and crypto market cyclicality loom. Analysts give a Moderate Buy rating with minimal upside projected, reflecting concerns over its premium pricing. While Circle holds long-term promise as digital currencies gain traction, the current high valuation suggests waiting for a pullback before investing.
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Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha, has captivated Wall Street with a phenomenal 6,000,000% return on Berkshire Hathaway's Class A shares since the mid-1960s, far outpacing the S&P 500. Despite his legendary status, Buffett has been a net seller of stocks for 10 consecutive quarters, totaling $174.4 billion in net sales through March 2025. However, since July 2018, he has invested nearly $78 billion in repurchasing Berkshire Hathaway shares, his favorite stock, following a board amendment allowing buybacks with greater flexibility. Recently, Berkshire's stock entered correction territory with a 10.4% drop from its all-time high, yet Buffett has not resumed buybacks, having paused for three quarters. This hesitation stems from the stock's price-to-book value, which remains at a 60-80% premium, above Buffett's threshold for a fair deal. His disciplined approach to value investing, even with his own company, underscores his reluctance to chase overvalued stocks. Meanwhile, Buffett's portfolio adjustments include smaller buys like Domino's Pizza, reflecting his preference for trusted, growth-oriented brands. With a record $347.7 billion in cash reserves, the question remains whether a deeper correction will entice Buffett to repurchase more of Berkshire Hathaway, or if his strict valuation principles will continue to hold firm.
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The World Liberty Foundation, associated with the Trump family, is seemingly backtracking on a fundamental aspect of its cryptocurrency project, the WLFI token. Initially designed as non-transferable and thus non-tradable, the project team announced via their official X account on Wednesday that they are working to make WLFI transferable in response to community demand. This shift could enable holders, who received the token through a presale earlier this year, to trade or speculate on its value in secondary markets. WLFI is part of a larger effort to capitalize on political fandom through crypto, leveraging the Trump brand. However, the announcement lacked specifics on a timeline or technical implementation, and questions persist about the token’s practical utility and legal standing. This potential pivot marks a notable change in direction for the project, though its full implications remain unclear as further details are awaited.
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Bitcoin (BTC) has surged back to nearly $108,000, recovering from a recent drop to six figures triggered by Middle East tensions. This rebound is fueled by a risk-on market sentiment, dovish Federal Reserve commentary, and increasing retail interest in digital assets. Traders anticipate a bullish trend for crypto, supported by institutional buying and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s hints at potential rate cuts in late 2025, contingent on trade deals and inflation trends. At press time, BTC traded above $107,800 with a 1.6% daily gain, while Ether (ETH) held at $2,480, up 1.8%. Other cryptocurrencies like Solana (SOL) and Dogecoin (DOGE) showed mixed results. Technical indicators suggest strengthening momentum, with BTC reclaiming key averages, though it lags behind traditional indices like the Nasdaq 100. Underlying demand is robust, with eToro data indicating U.S. retail investors are favoring crypto amid a weakening dollar and global uncertainty. CoinShares reports that 89% of current crypto holders plan to increase investments in 2025, signaling strong future growth potential for the market.
