General Motors (GM) had a strong quarter for electric vehicle sales despite experiencing a profit drop due to rising tariff costs. The company reiterated its commitment to making EVs central to its long-term priority. General Motors (GM) reaffirmed its commitment to electric vehicles after record-breaking sales in this quarter despite the increased tariffs. However, the U.S. carmaker reported a $3B drop in operating profits in Q2. “Despite slower EV industry growth, we believe the long-term future is profitable electric vehicle production, and this continues to be our north star,” GM’s CEO, Mary Barra, said in a letter to shareholders, emphasizing the importance of EVs in the firm’s growth strategy after it recorded more than double its EV sales from the same period in 2024. General Motors still outperformed analyst expectations despite a 1.8% decline in total revenues. This performance partly shows GM’s continued investment in establishing a more cost-effective, domestically sourced battery supply chain in North America. Tariff pressures prominent in General Motors’ report General Motors is still steady on its full year outlook even after conceding that it faces up to $5B in potential exposure from the Trump administration’s tariffs. The company doubled down on its 2025 guidance for adjusted operating profit between $10B and $12.5B. While the EV sector has generally experienced slow growth, GM’s strong model lineup and production scale have allowed it to maintain momentum. The company’s focus on vertically integrated battery production and cost-effective sourcing in North America is positioning it for long-term profits. Stakeholders will continue to watch the company closely as it transitions into an “electric first” future, buoyed by optimism over its ability to corner the wider EV market even after taking on $1.1B in tariff costs. Cryptopolitan Academy: Want to grow your money in 2025? Learn how to do it with DeFi in our upcoming webclass. Save Your Spot
SSK, the first US ETF to combine spot Solana exposure with on-chain staking rewards, attracted over $100M in 12 trading days.
DeFi Dev nears 1 million SOL with $19 million in share proceeds
BitcoinWorld Polymarket’s Revolutionary Leap: The Potential of a New Stablecoin The world of decentralized finance (DeFi) is constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with blockchain technology. One of the most intriguing developments on the horizon involves Polymarket, a leading decentralized prediction marketplace, which is reportedly considering the issuance of its own Polymarket stablecoin . This move, as reported by CoinDesk, could mark a significant turning point not just for Polymarket itself, but for the broader prediction market ecosystem and the utility of stablecoins within specialized DeFi applications. Imagine a world where your predictions are not just settled in a generic stablecoin, but one intrinsically linked to the platform you trust. This is the exciting prospect Polymarket is exploring, aiming to enhance user experience, reduce friction, and potentially unlock new functionalities. Why is Polymarket Considering a Polymarket Stablecoin? At its core, a prediction market allows users to bet on the outcome of future events, from political elections to cryptocurrency prices. These markets typically rely on stablecoins like USDC or USDT for transactions, providing a stable medium of exchange. However, relying on external stablecoins comes with certain dependencies and potential inefficiencies. Polymarket’s exploration into its own Polymarket stablecoin suggests a strategic vision to gain greater control and optimize its operations. Let’s delve into the compelling reasons behind this potential strategic shift: Enhanced User Experience: An in-house stablecoin could streamline the user experience by reducing conversion steps and associated fees. Users would deposit and withdraw a stablecoin directly tied to the platform, making participation smoother and more intuitive. This could remove a layer of complexity often faced by new users navigating the DeFi space. Reduced Transaction Costs: While external stablecoins are generally efficient, a native stablecoin might allow Polymarket to optimize gas fees or transaction costs within its ecosystem, especially if it’s designed with specific blockchain efficiencies in mind. This could lead to more competitive odds and higher payouts for successful predictions. Greater Control and Customization: Issuing its own stablecoin would give Polymarket greater control over its financial infrastructure. This opens up possibilities for custom features, specific integrations, and potentially even unique incentive mechanisms tied directly to the stablecoin’s usage within the platform. For instance, Polymarket could implement a fee structure that favors its native stablecoin, encouraging adoption. Brand Building and Ecosystem Growth: A dedicated Polymarket stablecoin could become a strong brand identifier, reinforcing Polymarket’s position as a leader in the decentralized prediction market space. It could also foster a more cohesive and loyal community around the platform, as users become more invested in its native assets. Mitigating External Risks: While USDC and USDT are widely used, they are still subject to their own issuer risks and regulatory scrutiny. By issuing its own stablecoin, Polymarket could potentially diversify its risk exposure, though it would also take on new responsibilities related to its own stablecoin’s stability and compliance. Understanding the Mechanics: How Would a Polymarket Stablecoin Work? The precise mechanics of a Polymarket stablecoin would depend on its design, but generally, stablecoins maintain their peg to a fiat currency (like the US dollar) through various collateralization methods. Here are the most common models Polymarket might consider: Stablecoin Model Description Pros for Polymarket Cons for Polymarket Fiat-Collateralized Each stablecoin is backed 1:1 by traditional currency (e.g., USD) held in reserves by a trusted third party. High trust and stability, widely understood. Requires significant regulatory compliance, regular audits, centralized custody risks. Crypto-Collateralized Backed by other cryptocurrencies (e.g., ETH, DAI) held in smart contracts, often over-collateralized. Decentralized, transparent on-chain reserves. Volatility of underlying crypto assets, requires robust liquidation mechanisms. Algorithmic Maintains peg through smart contracts that automatically adjust supply based on demand, often using a seigniorage model. Highly decentralized, no direct collateral required. Complex to design and maintain, higher risk of de-pegging during extreme market conditions. Given Polymarket’s decentralized nature, a crypto-collateralized or a hybrid model (perhaps backed by a mix of established stablecoins and other crypto assets) might align more closely with its ethos. The challenge would be to ensure robust stability mechanisms, transparent auditing, and efficient peg maintenance, especially during periods of high market volatility. What are the Potential Challenges for a Polymarket Stablecoin? While the prospect of a native Polymarket stablecoin is exciting, it’s not without its hurdles. Issuing a stablecoin is a complex undertaking that comes with significant responsibilities and potential pitfalls: Regulatory Scrutiny: Stablecoins are increasingly under the microscope of global regulators. Polymarket would need to navigate a complex and evolving legal landscape, ensuring compliance with various jurisdictions regarding money transmission, securities laws, and consumer protection. This is perhaps the biggest challenge, as regulatory clarity for decentralized entities and their native tokens is still nascent. Maintaining the Peg: The core function of any stablecoin is to maintain its peg to the underlying asset (e.g., USD). This requires sophisticated mechanisms, whether through robust collateral management, algorithmic stability, or a combination. A de-pegging event could severely damage user trust and the platform’s reputation. Liquidity and Adoption: For the stablecoin to be successful, it needs deep liquidity and widespread adoption within and potentially outside the Polymarket ecosystem. Building this liquidity from scratch requires significant effort, partnerships, and incentives. Users need to feel confident that they can easily convert the Polymarket stablecoin to other assets or fiat. Security Risks: Like any blockchain-based asset, the stablecoin would be susceptible to smart contract vulnerabilities, hacking attempts, or other security breaches. Rigorous auditing and ongoing security measures would be paramount to protect user funds. Reputational Risk: If the stablecoin fails to maintain its peg or faces significant regulatory issues, it could severely impact Polymarket’s brand and user base. The responsibility for the stablecoin’s stability would rest squarely on Polymarket’s shoulders. The Broader Impact: How Could a Native Stablecoin Reshape Prediction Markets? The introduction of a Polymarket stablecoin could have far-reaching implications beyond just the platform itself. It could set a precedent for other decentralized applications (dApps) and specialized DeFi protocols to issue their own native stable assets, fostering a more fragmented yet potentially more efficient ecosystem. Consider these potential impacts: Increased Decentralization: By reducing reliance on third-party stablecoin issuers, Polymarket could further decentralize its financial operations, aligning more closely with the core tenets of blockchain technology. Innovation in DeFi: A successful native stablecoin could inspire other prediction markets or similar dApps to explore similar models, leading to a wave of innovation in how specialized platforms manage their internal economies. New Revenue Streams: Depending on its design, a Polymarket stablecoin could potentially open up new revenue streams for the platform, perhaps through transaction fees, interest on reserves, or other mechanisms, contributing to its long-term sustainability. Enhanced Market Efficiency: With a stablecoin tailored to its specific needs, Polymarket could potentially offer more efficient market mechanisms, faster settlement times, and potentially even more complex betting structures. This strategic move highlights a growing trend in the crypto space: protocols seeking to build more self-contained and optimized ecosystems. While challenging, the rewards of a successful native stablecoin could be substantial, positioning Polymarket at the forefront of innovation in decentralized prediction markets. Actionable Insights for Users and Enthusiasts For those closely watching Polymarket and the broader DeFi space, this development offers several key areas to focus on: Monitor Official Announcements: Stay tuned to Polymarket’s official channels for any concrete announcements regarding the stablecoin’s development, design, and launch timeline. Understand the Stablecoin’s Design: When details emerge, pay close attention to the stablecoin’s collateralization model, auditing practices, and any unique features. This will be crucial for assessing its stability and trustworthiness. Assess Regulatory Compliance: Keep an eye on how Polymarket addresses regulatory concerns, as this will be a major determinant of the stablecoin’s long-term viability and adoption. Evaluate Liquidity and Adoption: Once launched, observe the stablecoin’s liquidity on exchanges and its adoption within the Polymarket ecosystem. High liquidity is essential for seamless trading and usage. This potential venture by Polymarket is a testament to the continuous innovation within the decentralized finance sector. It underscores the drive to create more efficient, user-friendly, and self-reliant ecosystems that push the boundaries of traditional finance. In conclusion, Polymarket’s consideration of issuing its own Polymarket stablecoin is a bold and potentially game-changing move. It signifies a strategic effort to enhance its platform, gain greater operational autonomy, and further solidify its position as a leader in decentralized prediction markets. While significant challenges, particularly in regulatory compliance and maintaining stability, lie ahead, the potential benefits for user experience, efficiency, and ecosystem growth are immense. This development bears close watching, as it could very well set a new standard for specialized DeFi protocols aiming to build more robust and integrated financial infrastructures. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is a stablecoin? A1: A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged to a fiat currency like the US dollar, or a commodity like gold. This stability is achieved through various mechanisms, including holding reserves of the underlying asset, using other cryptocurrencies as collateral, or employing algorithmic methods. Q2: Why would Polymarket issue its own stablecoin instead of using existing ones like USDC? A2: Issuing its own stablecoin could offer Polymarket greater control over its financial infrastructure, potentially reduce transaction costs for users, enhance the overall user experience by streamlining processes, and foster a stronger brand identity within its ecosystem. It also reduces reliance on external stablecoin issuers. Q3: What are the biggest risks associated with Polymarket issuing a stablecoin? A3: The primary risks include navigating complex and evolving regulatory landscapes, ensuring the stablecoin consistently maintains its peg to the underlying asset (e.g., USD), building sufficient liquidity for widespread adoption, and mitigating potential security vulnerabilities. Reputational risk is also significant if the stablecoin fails to perform as expected. Q4: How would a Polymarket stablecoin benefit users of the prediction market? A4: Users could benefit from reduced transaction fees, a more seamless and intuitive trading experience within the platform, and potentially faster settlement times. A native stablecoin might also enable new platform-specific features or incentive programs that enhance user engagement. Q5: What impact could this have on the broader decentralized finance (DeFi) space? A5: If successful, Polymarket’s stablecoin could set a precedent for other specialized DeFi protocols to issue their own native stable assets, leading to increased innovation in how dApps manage their internal economies. It could contribute to a more decentralized and efficient ecosystem, albeit potentially more fragmented. If you found this article insightful, please share it with your network! Help us spread the word about the exciting developments in decentralized finance and Polymarket’s innovative stride towards a native stablecoin. Your shares help more people understand the future of prediction markets. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping decentralized finance institutional adoption. This post Polymarket’s Revolutionary Leap: The Potential of a New Stablecoin first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
Profusa is pivoting into bitcoin by securing a $100 million equity line of credit with Ascent Partners, committing all proceeds beyond a $5 million cash buffer to BTC as its primary treasury reserve asset. Biotech Firm Profusa Embraces Bitcoin Profusa Inc. (Nasdaq: PFSA), a digital health company, has taken a bold step into digital assets
Curious about the potential of Hedera HBAR and Kaspa (KAS) to make you a crypto millionaire by 2026? This article delves into the quantity of these promising digital currencies you might need to hold. Explore the potential of these coins and discover how much investment could take you to millionaire status in just a few years. Hedera (HBAR): Recent Price Movements and Key Market Levels Hedera experienced a strong one-month surge with a near 91% increase, contrasting a six-month decline of 18.88%. A weekly growth of roughly 11.27% highlights recent upward energy amid past setbacks. The coin’s performance shows marked volatility with substantial gains over the last month and notable retracement over the longer half-year period. These figures signal an asset that has recently rallied yet remains influenced by earlier bearish pressure. The current price action finds Hedera trading between $0.1235 and $0.1815. A close resistance is observed at $0.21 while another barrier exists near $0.27; supports can be seen at $0.10 and further down at $0.04. Bulls seem to be pushing the price higher, as seen in the significant monthly gain, but the relative strength index around 72 hints at caution given potential overbought conditions. The trend is not sharply defined, with a mix of buying momentum supported by bullish moving averages and slight oscillator hesitance. This environment suggests a trading range where buying near support levels with a plan to exit below resistance could be a potential strategy. Kaspa Price Analysis: Short-Term Gains and Long-Term Caution Kaspa experienced a dramatic 69.09% surge over the last month and a 14.66% drop throughout the past six months. The coin’s one-week movement showed a 30.49% increase, reflecting notable volatility. Price levels shifted rapidly, revealing a phase marked by aggressive buying in the short term contrasted with extended selling pressure. Recent performance indicates a market oscillating between bullish bursts and corrective adjustments, with strong short-term momentum opposing a longer-term decline. Current market data for Kaspa places its price within defined technical zones offering clear entry and exit points for traders. The coin currently tests primary resistance near $0.11 while finding support around $0.04, creating an immediate range for trading. A secondary resistance at $0.14 and support at $0.01 outline a broader landscape. Indicators show a mixed picture: the Awesome Oscillator at 0.02 and Momentum Indicator at 0.03 suggest mild upward pressure, while the RSI of 74.75 indicates overbought conditions and potential pullbacks. Bulls are active, nearing key resistance levels, but bears remain poised if momentum wanes. Trading strategies may focus on buying near $0.04 and taking profits near $0.11 to $0.14, with tight stop-loss orders to manage risk. No clear long-term trend emerges, necessitating careful trade management in this volatile environment. Conclusion To achieve millionaire status by 2026 with Hedera (HBAR) and Kaspa (KAS) , significant investments in these cryptocurrencies will be essential. Prices must increase considerably, given current market trends. Accumulating sufficient amounts now could position investors well for future growth. This underscores the need to monitor the market and make informed decisions on investment strategies regarding HBAR and KAS. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
BitcoinWorld Ark Invest Bitmain: A Pivotal $182 Million Bet on Ethereum’s Future In the ever-evolving landscape of digital assets, institutional moves often send ripples across the market. One such recent development has caught the attention of investors worldwide: Cathie Wood’s Ark Investments, a prominent name in disruptive innovation, has made a significant play by acquiring 4.77 million shares of Bitmain. This strategic investment, valued at an impressive $182 million, isn’t just about the shares themselves; it’s a direct nod to Bitmain’s newly announced strategy to deepen its engagement with Ethereum (ETH). This bold decision by Ark Invest Bitmain alliance underscores a growing institutional confidence in the second-largest cryptocurrency and raises intriguing questions about the future trajectory of the crypto market. What Does the Ark Invest Bitmain Purchase Entail? The announcement that Ark Investments, known for its forward-thinking investment strategies, has purchased a substantial stake in Bitmain, a leading manufacturer of cryptocurrency mining hardware, is more than just a headline. It’s a calculated move that speaks volumes about their long-term vision. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects: Significant Investment: Ark Invest’s acquisition of 4.77 million Bitmain shares, valued at $182 million, represents a considerable capital allocation. This isn’t a speculative small bet; it’s a sizable commitment from a major investment firm. Bitmain’s Strategic Shift: Historically, Bitmain has been synonymous with Bitcoin mining, dominating the ASIC miner market. However, their recent announcement to actively acquire Ethereum (ETH) and integrate it into their operational strategy marks a notable diversification and an acknowledgment of Ethereum’s growing ecosystem. Mutual Benefit: For Ark Invest, this investment provides indirect exposure to the crypto mining sector and, more importantly, to Ethereum’s potential through Bitmain’s new focus. For Bitmain, the $182 million injection of capital from a reputable firm like Ark Invest provides a strong financial boost, which they explicitly stated will be used to buy more ETH. This confluence of interests—Ark Invest’s belief in disruptive technologies and Bitmain’s pivot towards Ethereum—creates a powerful narrative for the digital asset space. Why is Ethereum (ETH) Becoming a Hot Institutional Target? Ethereum, the backbone of decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and countless decentralized applications (dApps), has been steadily gaining institutional traction. Its transition to Ethereum 2.0 (now known as the Consensus Layer and Execution Layer, or simply ‘The Merge’ and subsequent upgrades), which shifted its consensus mechanism from Proof-of-Work to Proof-of-Stake, has significantly enhanced its appeal. Here’s why institutions like Bitmain (and by extension, Ark Invest) are increasingly eyeing ETH: Scalability and Efficiency: Post-Merge, Ethereum aims for greater scalability, security, and sustainability, addressing previous concerns about high gas fees and network congestion. This makes it a more viable platform for large-scale enterprise solutions. Deflationary Mechanism: With EIP-1559 and the move to Proof-of-Stake, a portion of transaction fees are burned, potentially making ETH a deflationary asset over time. This scarcity can be attractive to investors looking for long-term value. Robust Ecosystem: Ethereum boasts the largest and most vibrant ecosystem of developers, dApps, and DeFi protocols. Its network effect is unparalleled, making it a critical infrastructure layer for the future of Web3. ESG Compliance: The shift to Proof-of-Stake drastically reduced Ethereum’s energy consumption, making it significantly more environmentally friendly than Proof-of-Work cryptocurrencies. This aligns with the growing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) mandates of many institutional investors. Bitmain’s decision to allocate significant capital to buying ETH directly reflects this growing confidence in Ethereum’s fundamental value and future potential. How Does Cathie Wood’s Investment Philosophy Influence the Ark Invest Bitmain Deal? Cathie Wood, CEO and CIO of Ark Invest, is renowned for her focus on disruptive innovation. Her investment philosophy centers on identifying companies at the forefront of technological advancements that are poised to transform industries. This includes areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, genomic sequencing, and, crucially, blockchain technology. The Ark Invest Bitmain acquisition fits perfectly within this framework: Ark Invest’s Core Beliefs in Action: Disruptive Innovation: Blockchain technology, particularly Ethereum, is seen as a foundational disruptive innovation that will reshape finance, commerce, and digital ownership. Long-Term Growth: Ark Invest typically invests with a long-term horizon, betting on exponential growth curves rather than short-term market fluctuations. Their investment in Bitmain, with its strategic pivot to ETH, aligns with a long-term bullish outlook on Ethereum’s role in the digital economy. Indirect Exposure: While Ark Invest has direct exposure to Bitcoin through its ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, this Bitmain investment provides a unique indirect exposure to Ethereum and the broader crypto mining infrastructure, diversifying their crypto-related portfolio. Conviction in Digital Assets: This move further solidifies Ark Invest’s strong conviction in the future of digital assets as a legitimate and transformative asset class, encouraging other institutional players to consider similar strategies. This investment is not an isolated event but a continuation of Ark Invest’s consistent strategy to position itself at the vanguard of technological change. What Are the Broader Market Implications of the Ark Invest Bitmain Alliance? The ripple effects of such a significant institutional investment can be substantial, influencing market sentiment, adoption trends, and even regulatory discussions. The Ark Invest Bitmain deal could have several key implications: Increased Institutional Confidence: When a firm like Ark Invest, known for its rigorous research and innovative approach, makes such a large bet, it can signal confidence to other institutional investors who might be on the fence about crypto. This could lead to a domino effect of further institutional capital flowing into Ethereum and other digital assets. Potential Price Impact for ETH: Bitmain’s explicit plan to use the $182 million investment to buy more ETH directly increases demand for Ethereum. While the immediate price impact might vary, sustained institutional buying pressure can contribute to long-term price appreciation for ETH. Diversification of Mining Operations: Bitmain’s strategic pivot highlights a broader trend within the crypto mining industry—a move towards diversification beyond just Bitcoin. As Ethereum’s Proof-of-Stake model eliminates mining, Bitmain’s foresight in accumulating ETH could position them well for future opportunities within the Ethereum ecosystem, perhaps as a major staker or validator. Regulatory Scrutiny and Clarity: As more traditional finance players enter the crypto space, it often prompts regulators to provide clearer guidelines and frameworks. This increased institutional activity could accelerate the development of a more robust and regulated crypto market, benefiting all participants. The confluence of these factors paints a picture of a crypto market maturing and attracting serious capital, moving beyond its early, more speculative phases. Are There Any Challenges or Risks Associated with the Ark Invest Bitmain Strategy? While the investment is promising, it’s crucial to acknowledge the inherent risks and challenges in the volatile cryptocurrency market. No investment is without its potential downsides, and the Ark Invest Bitmain play is no exception: Market Volatility: Cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, are known for their extreme price volatility. A significant market downturn could impact the value of Bitmain’s ETH holdings and, consequently, Ark Invest’s stake in Bitmain. Regulatory Uncertainty: Despite growing clarity, the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies remains fragmented and uncertain across different jurisdictions. Sudden policy changes could impact Bitmain’s operations or the broader crypto market. Technological Risks: While Ethereum’s upgrades are designed for improvement, any unforeseen technical glitches or security vulnerabilities could affect its network and value. Competition: The blockchain space is highly competitive, with new protocols constantly emerging. While Ethereum holds a dominant position, it faces ongoing competition from other Layer 1 blockchains. Investors should always consider these risks and conduct their own due diligence before making investment decisions. Actionable Insights for Investors and Enthusiasts The Ark Invest Bitmain deal offers several valuable takeaways for anyone interested in the crypto space: Observe Institutional Trends: Keep a close eye on major institutional investments. They often signal shifts in market sentiment and potential long-term trends. Understand Underlying Fundamentals: Beyond price action, delve into the technological advancements and use cases of cryptocurrencies like Ethereum. Its ecosystem and upgrades are key drivers of its value. Diversification is Key: Even institutional investors like Ark Invest seek diversified exposure. Consider how you can balance your portfolio across different assets, including traditional and digital ones. Stay Informed on Regulatory Developments: The regulatory environment is dynamic. Staying updated can help you anticipate market shifts and potential opportunities or risks. Long-Term Vision: Adopt a long-term perspective. Disruptive technologies like blockchain often experience significant short-term volatility but can yield substantial returns over extended periods. This strategic move by Ark Invest and Bitmain is a testament to the evolving sophistication of the crypto market and its increasing integration into the broader financial world. In conclusion, the acquisition of Bitmain shares by Ark Invest is far more than a simple financial transaction. It’s a powerful statement about the increasing institutional acceptance of cryptocurrencies, particularly Ethereum, as a legitimate and valuable asset class. This alliance between a visionary investment firm and a crypto industry titan, with its explicit focus on ETH, marks a significant milestone in the journey towards mainstream adoption of digital assets. It underscores the growing belief in Ethereum’s foundational role in the decentralized future and signals a new era of strategic investments in the blockchain space. As the crypto market continues to mature, such moves will undoubtedly pave the way for further innovation and growth. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What is the significance of Ark Invest buying Bitmain shares? The significance lies in Ark Invest, a major institutional investor known for backing disruptive technologies, making a substantial investment in Bitmain. This signals strong institutional confidence in the cryptocurrency mining sector and, more specifically, in Bitmain’s strategic pivot towards Ethereum (ETH) as a core asset. 2. How much did Ark Invest invest in Bitmain? Ark Invest purchased 4.77 million Bitmain shares, valued at approximately $182 million. 3. Why is Bitmain focusing on Ethereum (ETH)? Bitmain, historically known for Bitcoin mining, is focusing on Ethereum due to ETH’s growing ecosystem, its transition to a more energy-efficient Proof-of-Stake model (The Merge), and its increasing role in decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3. Bitmain plans to use the investment from Ark Invest to buy more ETH, indicating a strategic shift towards holding and potentially participating in Ethereum’s ecosystem. 4. What are the potential implications for Ethereum’s price? Bitmain’s explicit plan to use the $182 million to buy more ETH directly increases demand for Ethereum. While market dynamics are complex, sustained institutional buying pressure from entities like Bitmain can contribute to long-term price appreciation for ETH. 5. Does this investment mean Ark Invest is directly investing in Ethereum? While Ark Invest has direct exposure to Bitcoin through its ETFs, this investment in Bitmain provides indirect exposure to Ethereum. By investing in a company that is strategically acquiring and focusing on ETH, Ark Invest gains a stake in the Ethereum ecosystem through Bitmain’s operations and holdings. 6. What is Cathie Wood’s connection to this investment? Cathie Wood is the CEO and CIO of Ark Invest. Her investment philosophy, which emphasizes disruptive innovation and long-term growth in transformative technologies like blockchain, directly guides Ark Invest’s strategic decisions, including the purchase of Bitmain shares. If you found this article insightful, share it with your network! Help us spread the word about the exciting developments shaping the future of digital finance. Your shares make a difference! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Ethereum institutional adoption . This post Ark Invest Bitmain: A Pivotal $182 Million Bet on Ethereum’s Future first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
Cryptocurrency-based prediction platform Polymarket is considering the option of issuing its own stablecoin. According to a source familiar with the matter, the company plans to either generate reserve revenues itself by issuing this new stablecoin or enter into a revenue-sharing agreement with Circle on the amount of USDC held on the platform. Polymarket, which recently reached a $1 billion valuation, wants to control the returns from reserves of USDC, Circle's dollar-pegged token, which is heavily used in betting pools. A Polymarket representative stated that no final decision has yet been made on the stablecoin. The passage of stablecoin laws in the US last week has increased interest in the field, making stablecoin issuance a more attractive business model for both crypto firms and traditional financial players. These developments are encouraging new companies to enter the market, inspired by the success of stablecoin giants like Tether and Circle. Related News: Bitcoin Surges, Reaches Above $120,000 Again - Here Are the Latest Data and What We Know But launching a stablecoin is a complex process from technical and regulatory perspectives, and Circle is entering into revenue-sharing agreements with exchanges, payments companies, and fintech firms to maintain its advantage in this competitive landscape. For Polymarket, the regulatory aspect is relatively straightforward. According to the source, “Polymarket locks up a large amount of stablecoins in prediction pools and seeks a way to generate returns from these reserves. Because their ecosystem is closed, they can only convert USDC or USDT into their proprietary stablecoins. This is a technically simple, secure, and controllable structure.” While the amount of USDC held on the platform varies depending on the volume of bets, estimates of approximately $8 billion were made during last year's US election cycle. In May, Polymarket received 15.9 million visits, according to SimilarWeb data. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: JUST IN: Popular Cryptocurrency Platform May Launch Its Own Altcoin, Sources Say
The European Union is weighing whether to trigger its “Anti‑Coercion Instrument,” sometimes referred to as a “nuclear option,” as U.S. President Donald Trump readies a 30% tariff on EU goods starting August 1 if no trade deal is reached. EU diplomats told Reuters this week that several member states, notably France and Germany, are considering invoking anti‑coercion measures aimed at the United States should negotiations fail. These steps could bar U.S. suppliers from taking part in public tenders in the EU, limit foreign firms’ ability to win government contracts, and impose new export and import controls on goods and services. They might also curb U.S. direct investment in certain sectors. Taken together, these developments indicate that the time to deploy what some officials dub the EU’s “trade bazooka” could be fast approaching, as the standoff with Washington hits a critical point. The White House has made clear that, unless a deal is struck by August 1, it will slap an extra 30% duty on a wide range of EU products entering the United States. That deadline, the administration insists, is firm, though talks could carry on beyond it. U.S. EU trade tensions rise over imbalance Relations between Brussels and Washington are particularly strained after Trump repeatedly accused the EU of keeping unfair trade advantages. He points to Europe’s steady surplus in goods trade with the U.S. According to data from the European Council, total commerce between the EU and the U.S. reached €1.68 trillion ($1.97 trillion) in 2024. While Europe ran a surplus on goods, it recorded a deficit in services, leaving an overall surplus of about €50 billion last year. Faced with the threat of a hefty U.S. tariff, Brussels has been weighing its options . Those include classic counter‑tariffs on American imports and the relatively new Anti‑Coercion Instrument, set up in 2023 but never used. The ACI is meant first and foremost as a deterrent against any third‑country moves seen as economic bullying that aim to force changes in EU policy. As the European Commission puts it, its main goal is “deterrence,” but if coercion does occur, the EU can respond “through dialogue and engagement, but also, as necessary, through response measures.” Those counter‑actions are not limited to matching tariffs. The tool allows Brussels to block imports or exports of specific goods, curb certain services, and even restrict intellectual property rights or halt new foreign investments in the region. Under the ACI, the EU could deny access to its market in targeted ways, such as freezing U.S. firms out of public procurement, or banning sales of particular foodstuffs and chemicals. It could also reach into the services sector, where America has a surplus, by targeting digital giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Netflix or Uber. The Commission says any measures must match the harm they’re meant to address, stay narrowly targeted, and only remain in effect while the coercion is ongoing. Before action can be taken, Brussels must investigate the claim of coercion and then secure backing from at least 15 of its 27 member states. Even after approval, the Commission would open talks with the offending country in hopes of finding a solution without measures taking effect. Meanwhile, EU negotiators are racing to salvage a deal with Washington. Their goal is a 10% baseline tariff pact that includes carve‑outs and quotas to protect vital sectors such as autos, agriculture, machinery and aerospace. ACI reserved as final option in case of trade war Analysts Mujtaba Rahman, Emre Peker and Clayton Allen of Eurasia Group warned in a recent note that while the EU might accept a 10% duty, so long as key industries are shielded, any U.S. rate above 15% would almost certainly trigger countermeasures. “Trump’s threat to triple the rate is seen as a negotiating tactic and not the landing zone by the EU,” they wrote. To press its case, Brussels could threaten duties covering up to €116 billion of U.S. exports and bring the full weight of the ACI to bear on American service providers. The analysts characterize the ACI as the bloc’s ultimate “trade bazooka,” to be reserved strictly for cases where other tactics have not succeeded. While governments in France, Spain and elsewhere are urging a hard line, the European Commission is expected first to respond with higher tariffs on U.S. goods. But if negotiations continue to break down and a wider trade war unfolds, Brussels could step up with export controls, tighter public procurement rules and sanctions on U.S. services, reserving the full force of the ACI as a last resort. KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast
Cryptocurrency analytics platform Santiment has ranked the most active projects based on developer activity on GitHub over the past 30 days. Beyond the size of their communities, the projects on the list stand out for their developmental vitality. Santiment considers this a crucial indicator of a project's long-term sustainability and technological advancement. According to Santiment data, the Internet Computer (ICP) project took first place by a wide margin, followed by Chainlink and Filecoin. The top 10 altcoins with the highest developer activity and their scores are as follows: Internet Computer (ICP) – 481.07 Chainlink (LINK) – 317.8 Filecoin (FIL) – 245.33 Starknet (STRK) – 213.67 Cardano (ADA) – 211.73 DeepBook Protocol (DEEP) – 207.97 Sui (SUI) – 207.97 Avalanche (AVAX) – 188.83 Polkadot (DOT) – 161.2 Kusama (KSM) – 161.2 Related News: Altcoin That Previously Avoided Doing Business in the US Returns to the Country: Announcement Made In terms of position in the ranking, the projects that rose compared to the previous list were Filecoin, DeepBook Protocol, Sui, and the projects that fell were: Starknet, Cardano, Avalanche, Polkadot, Kusama. ICP and LINK managed to maintain their top positions. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: List of Altcoins That Crypto Developers Focused on Most in the Last 30 Days Published