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Cathie Wood, CEO of Ark Invest, is shifting her investment focus from Bitcoin-related stocks to artificial intelligence. On July 30, Ark sold $930,000 worth of Block Inc. shares, a payments company tied to Bitcoin, marking the second significant selloff of the week after a $1.5 million sale on July 29. Meanwhile, Ark’s Space Exploration ETF invested approximately $601,538 in AMD, a leading semiconductor company challenging Nvidia in the AI chip market. AMD recently increased the price of its Instinct MI350 AI chip by 70%, reflecting confidence in its competitive hardware, with claims of better cost-performance than Nvidia’s offerings. Despite Nvidia’s 80% dominance in the AI GPU market, AMD’s stock rose nearly 14% in a week, buoyed by analyst optimism for its AI revenue growth. Wood’s moves signal a strong bet on AI’s future over Bitcoin-related investments, with additional adjustments in Ark’s portfolio including stakes in SoFi, PagerDuty, Roku, and Joby Aviation.
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BONK, a meme token, experienced a significant 8.39% increase, moving from $0.000028 to $0.000029, as part of its ongoing bullish trend with support consolidating between $0.000027 and $0.000028. Despite this upward momentum, the token encountered resistance at the psychologically important $0.00003 level, leading to a 1.58% pullback to $0.000029 after reaching an intraday high at 09:58 UTC. The retreat, accompanied by heightened trading volume, indicates localized profit-taking rather than a broader reversal of the bullish structure characterized by higher lows. Technical analysis from CoinDesk highlights strong consolidation in the lower range and a bearish rejection at the resistance, suggesting a short-term retracement. Adding to the token’s bullish fundamentals is an upcoming deflationary event: BONK’s protocol plans to burn 1 trillion tokens once it achieves 1 million on-chain holders, marking one of the largest burns in its history and potentially reducing circulating supply significantly. While the token shows promise, resistance at key levels and market dynamics continue to shape its near-term trajectory.
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Bitcoin (BTCUSD) has experienced a remarkable 25% surge in just three months, fueled by President Trump’s proposed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which could position the U.S. as a major institutional holder if implemented. This bullish sentiment has revitalized institutional investment in the cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, MicroStrategy (MSTR), dubbed the world’s first “Bitcoin Treasury Company,” holds 628,791 BTC and boasts a $110 billion market cap. Its stock has soared 36% year-to-date and 134% over the past year, though it trades at a steep 239 times forward sales. Despite a disappointing Q1 fiscal 2025 with a 3.6% revenue decline to $111.07 million and a $4.2 billion net loss, the company expanded its Bitcoin holdings significantly. Analysts remain optimistic, rating MSTR a “Strong Buy” with a potential 39% upside to $548.69, while TD Cowen predicts a rise to $680. As MicroStrategy prepares for its Q2 earnings, expectations are high for a narrowed loss per share, reflecting its strategic focus on Bitcoin as digital capital.
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SoFi Technologies, a financial services company, reported exceptional Q2 2025 results on July 29, with adjusted net revenue soaring 44% to a record $858 million, net income at $97.2 million, and adjusted EPS at $0.08. CEO Anthony Noto attributed this growth to record new member additions, innovative products, and increased fee-based revenue. SoFi also unveiled plans for blockchain-enabled global money transfers and a return to crypto investing. BlackRock, holding over $1 billion in SOFI shares, backs the company, while Vanguard, the largest shareholder with $2.2 billion, offers indirect crypto exposure despite its crypto skepticism. Vanguard also holds significant stakes in Michael Saylor’s Strategy, the largest public corporate Bitcoin holder with 628,791 BTC worth over $74 billion. SoFi’s stock jumped 6.5% to close at $22.40 on the reporting day, signaling strong investor confidence. This story, originally published by TheStreet, highlights SoFi’s robust growth and strategic moves in the fintech and crypto spaces, supported by major institutional investors like BlackRock and Vanguard.
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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently approved in-kind redemptions for bitcoin and ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs), allowing institutional traders to handle shares directly in cryptocurrency, streamlining processes by avoiding fiat conversions. This contrasts with Hong Kong, where the Securities and Futures Commission permitted such redemptions since late 2023, backed by strict licensing and custody rules, showcasing clearer regulatory foresight. In the U.S., initial reluctance stemmed from concerns over custody, anti-money laundering, and market manipulation, leading to a cash-only approach criticized by SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda for lacking justification compared to commodity ETFs like gold. This policy shift highlights the SEC’s cautious evolution, unlike Hong Kong’s cohesive rollout. However, a challenge emerges in tracking ETF flows, as in-kind transactions obscure cash inflow data, complicating investor sentiment analysis, according to crypto data aggregator SoSoValue. Meanwhile, market updates show bitcoin trading above $117,500 with weak momentum due to ETF outflows and macro pressures, while ether holds above $3,700, viewed as a strong institutional bet. Gold and U.S. stocks reflect mixed economic signals, and Asia-Pacific markets remain uneven amid looming U.S. tariff deadlines.
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Hyperscale Data (GPUS) saw its shares rise by as much as 12% on Monday, closing up 7.5% at $0.7835, following the confirmation of its acquisition of XRP as part of a previously announced $10 million digital asset strategy. In a statement dated July 28, the company highlighted XRP’s potential as a scalable solution for cross-border value transfer and emerging financial infrastructure. Executive Chairman Milton “Todd” Ault III emphasized XRP’s role as a foundational asset in the evolving global financial ecosystem. Hyperscale Data also announced plans to release weekly updates on its XRP holdings starting August 12, while considering a 36-month lockup for its reserves. Additionally, the company may expand its $10 million investment cap depending on market conditions and available financing. This move reflects Hyperscale’s strategic focus on integrating digital assets into its broader financial framework, positioning itself within the rapidly changing landscape of global finance.
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Over the past decade, cryptocurrencies like XRP and Bitcoin have outpaced traditional stock markets, with market values soaring from $5 billion to $3.83 trillion by July 24. XRP, developed by Ripple, and Bitcoin have seen remarkable gains of 773% and 426% over the last three years, fueled by President Trump’s election win and pro-crypto policies, alongside the advent of spot crypto ETFs. However, the article warns of potential downturns, predicting declines of 50% or more within two years due to tangible and sentiment-driven challenges. For XRP, limited adoption by financial institutions and competition from systems like SWIFT pose risks, while its $186 billion valuation seems inflated given its role in RippleNet. Bitcoin, despite its accessibility through ETFs and corporate treasury strategies, faces issues with real-world utility, as seen in El Salvador’s failed adoption, and potential supply changes. Additionally, the hype from struggling companies buying Bitcoin may create an unsustainable bubble. Both cryptocurrencies, while currently thriving, are vulnerable to significant corrections as historical crypto winters suggest.
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XRP (CRYPTO: XRP), often referred to as Ripple, has seen a staggering 480% increase in value over the past year, driven by factors like cryptocurrency deregulation, the introduction of XRP-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and widespread crypto enthusiasm. Unlike some digital currencies, XRP offers real-world utility through its blockchain, facilitating faster and cheaper foreign transactions. However, its rapid price surge raises concerns about overvaluation and speculative trading. The article highlights XRP's extreme volatility, with notable drops of 30% in five weeks and 16% in one week earlier this year, alongside a 70% spike following recent regulatory clarity in the U.S. House. While these movements are tied to tangible events, much of XRP's value appears driven by investor sentiment rather than concrete metrics, unlike stocks with earnings or cash flow to evaluate. Currently priced for perfection, XRP carries significant risk, as any unmet expectations could trigger a sharp sell-off. The piece advises caution, suggesting that while XRP could rise further, its premium valuation and speculative nature make it a risky investment at this stage.
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Despite growing institutional and political support for cryptocurrency in the US, Main Street remains largely unconvinced, according to a recent Gallup survey. Only 14% of Americans own crypto, with a majority perceiving it as “very risky” or “somewhat risky,” and 60% expressing no interest in buying it. Ownership is skewed toward men aged 18 to 49, while older adults and women, especially seniors, show much lower adoption rates. Although nearly all Americans are aware of cryptocurrency, just 35% feel knowledgeable about it, and volatility concerns persist even among higher-income investors. Meanwhile, Congress has advanced crypto integration through the Genius and Clarity Acts, and companies like Strategy and Metaplanet are adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset. Consumer platforms such as Robinhood and PayPal have also increased accessibility. However, these developments have yet to overcome deep-seated public skepticism, highlighting a disconnect between crypto’s regulatory and corporate momentum and everyday investor sentiment.
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On July 18, President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law, marking the first major U.S. legislation on cryptocurrency, specifically targeting stablecoins—digital currencies pegged to stable assets like the U.S. dollar. As reported by CoinDesk, the Act introduces federal oversight for stablecoin issuers, mandating equal backing in liquid assets and regular public disclosures for audits. It also establishes a regulatory framework involving state and federal bodies. The legislation has already spurred a $4 billion increase in stablecoin market capitalization, per AInvest, and is viewed as governmental validation of crypto, potentially driving further adoption by banks like Bank of America and JPMorgan. However, critics, as noted by CNBC, argue that increased regulation may compromise crypto’s decentralized ethos, deterring some investors. Fidelity warns that while regulations might curb fraud, they cannot shield against negative market sentiment, leaving price impacts uncertain. The Act’s long-term effect on the broader crypto market remains unclear, dependent on industry adaptation to this new regulatory landscape.
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The article compares Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) and PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) as investment options amidst a challenging beverage market. Both companies reported modest 1% revenue growth in Q2 2025, impacted by declining soda popularity and, for PepsiCo, reduced snack demand. Coca-Cola saw a significant net income rise to $3.8 billion from $2.4 billion, largely due to lower operating charges, while PepsiCo's net income fell to $1.3 billion from $3.1 billion, affected by a $1.9 billion impairment charge. Despite Coca-Cola's recent stock outperformance, PepsiCo appears more attractive to investors due to its lower forward P/E ratio of 18 compared to Coca-Cola's 23, and a higher dividend yield of 3.8% versus 2.9%. Both are Dividend Kings with over 50 years of annual payout increases, appealing to income investors. PepsiCo's diversification into snacks provides additional revenue streams, though both companies struggle with consumer shifts toward healthier options. While iconic brands ensure long-term potential for both, PepsiCo is highlighted as a slightly better choice for value and income-focused investors due to its valuation and dividend advantages.
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Merchants Bancorp (NASDAQCM:MBIN), a diversified bank holding company, is scheduled to release its earnings after market close on Monday. Analysts predict flat year-on-year revenue of $159.2 million, a notable slowdown from the 17.7% growth reported in the same quarter last year. Last quarter, the company underperformed, missing revenue expectations by 12.7% with $145.9 million, a 13.1% decline year on year, alongside significant misses in net interest income and EPS estimates. Despite this, analyst estimates have remained stable over the past 30 days, though the company has a history of missing revenue targets. In the regional banks segment, peers like Atlantic Union Bankshares and Seacoast Banking have reported strong revenue growth, beating expectations. Investor sentiment in the sector is positive, with share prices up 4% on average over the last month, and Merchants Bancorp’s stock rising 3.9% to $34.69, below the analyst target of $41. As the earnings report approaches, the focus will be on whether Merchants Bancorp can reverse its recent underperformance and align with or exceed expectations.
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Visa (NYSE: V) stands as a titan in the financial services sector, operating a premier payments platform that links consumers, banks, and merchants worldwide. In fiscal 2024, it handled 233.8 billion transactions valued at $15.7 trillion, boasting 4.8 billion active cards accepted at 150 million merchant locations. This unmatched scale, coupled with a robust network effect, fortifies Visa's competitive edge—more merchants accepting Visa increases card value, while more cardholders boost merchant opportunities. Despite trading near all-time highs, Visa remains a compelling investment, even finding a place in Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway portfolio. While stablecoins, supported by legislation like the Genius Act, pose a potential threat by offering lower processing costs, Visa's deep-rooted relationships with financial institutions and consumer preference for credit card rewards make disruption unlikely in the near term. The company’s entrenched position suggests it will continue to dominate the payments landscape, making it a stock worth considering for long-term investors seeking stability and growth in a high-quality business.
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Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) is surpassing market performance in 2025 with a 13% gain compared to the market's 8%, a rare feat for the beverage giant. Historically, it has lagged behind the market over the past 30 years, but it often shines during downturns as a safe haven for investors seeking stability. This year, its resilience against tariff concerns and a flight to safety have boosted investor confidence. However, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 27, the stock isn't cheap, and sustaining market-beating gains will require significant revenue growth, which remains in the low to mid-single digits. In Q2 2025, organic revenue grew 5%, and adjusted operating income rose 15%, though earnings per share fell short of long-term goals. Despite these improvements, Coca-Cola's appeal primarily lies in its security, value, and a reliable 2.9% dividend yield, backed by 63 years of consecutive increases. While it may not consistently outperform the market, its role in a diversified portfolio as a stable, income-generating asset remains strong, especially for risk-averse investors. Warren Buffett, a long-time holder via Berkshire Hathaway, continues to value its brand strength and capital-light model, even as market dynamics shift.
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Bitcoin (BTC) experienced a significant price drop of over 2.5% early Friday, falling to $115,170, its lowest since July 10, as per CoinDesk data. This decline marked a bearish breakout from the recent trading range of $116,000 to $120,000, fueled by negative signals from key technical indicators. Analysts suggest this could lead to a further drop toward the former resistance level of $11,956, recorded in May. The broader cryptocurrency market mirrored this downturn, with major coins like Ether (ETH), Solana (SOL), and XRP declining by 2-3%, and the CoinDesk 80 index reflecting a 2.6% loss over 24 hours. Meanwhile, U.S. equity markets, particularly the Dow Jones, which fell 0.70%, showed signs of exhaustion at key resistance levels around 45,000, a threshold marked by highs in December and January. This bearish sentiment in traditional markets could further dampen confidence in cryptocurrencies, as traders remain cautious about a potential reversal in equities impacting digital assets.
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Ark Invest, under the leadership of Cathie Wood, sold $12 million worth of Coinbase (COIN) shares on Thursday, part of an ongoing strategy to take profits from its investment in the cryptocurrency exchange. This move follows a pattern of divestment, as the firm also offloaded $1.1 million in Robinhood (HOOD) shares, $10 million in Block Inc (XYZ) shares, and $1.1 million of its own bitcoin ETF (ARKB). Alongside these sales, Ark is diversifying its portfolio within the crypto sector. Last week, it invested $116 million in Bitmine Immersion Technologies (BMNR), a Peter Thiel-backed firm focused on ether (ETH) treasury solutions. This shift indicates Ark's intent to balance profit-taking with new opportunities in the evolving cryptocurrency market, reflecting a strategic approach to managing its investments amid fluctuating market conditions.
