Blockonomi

Points clés
Les contrats à terme sur actions ont progressé jeudi après une deuxième vague d’opérations militaires américaines visant l’Iran
Le bitcoin a maintenu son support au-dessus de 62 000 $, affichant une baisse quotidienne de 1,2 % tout en gagnant 1,6 % sur la semaine
L’or a poursuivi sa tendance baissière pour la quatrième séance consécutive alors que le Brent avançait de 1 % à 78,80 $ le baril
Les marchés des taux ont ajusté leurs attentes concernant une hausse de la Réserve fédérale, déplaçant l’échéancier de décembre à octobre
L’indice Fear and Greed (peur et cupidité) du bitcoin est passé à 27, mettant fin à une série de 40 jours dans la zone de peur extrême

Key Highlights
Ethereum has rallied approximately 10% throughout July, yet underlying demand signals remain subdued
Binance holdings expanded by 221,000 ETH from late June onward, adding to tradable inventory
Large holder transaction volumes have fallen to “Whale Left” territory according to CryptoQuant metrics
Spot Ethereum ETFs in the United States recorded consecutive inflows over four sessions, accumulating $91.5 million
A decisive move above $1,803 resistance (the 50-day EMA) is necessary for ETH to target $2,400
Ethereum has managed to climb roughly 10% since July began, yet the upward momentum appears increasingly precarious. Evidence from various market indicators suggests buyer participation exists but lacks conviction.
Ethereum (ETH) Price
The Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL) indicator has improved from -0.46 to -0.30, signaling that while holders remain underwater on their positions, losses have contracted somewhat compared to previous levels.
Spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds in the United States experienced their first streak of positive net flows since early May, recording four straight days of capital entry. SoSoValue data confirms these combined inflows reached $91.5 million.
While encouraging on the surface, historical patterns indicate sustained ETF capital influx over extended periods is required to catalyze significant price appreciation. Current activity falls short of that threshold.
Crypto analyst Ash Crypto noted on X that ETH has retreated 6% from recent peaks following rejection at the 50-day moving average. He highlighted critical support zones at $1,670 and $1,500, emphasizing that reclaiming the MA 50 and breaking through $1,850 are essential steps toward reaching $2,400.
$ETH down 6% from recent high after rejection from resistance and the daily MA 50.
Next Supports:
– $1,670
– Strong support at $1,500
ETH needs to jump back above the MA 50 and $1,850 for further bullish momentum toward $2,400. pic.twitter.com/eCWlrcEBhO
— Ash Crypto (@AshCrypto) July 8, 2026
Large Holder Activity Contracts
Data from CryptoQuant reveals that average whale transaction size declined from approximately 1,500 ETH per trade in mid-May to roughly 1,000 ETH currently, entering territory the analytics platform designates as “Whale Left.”
This retreat by institutional and high-net-worth participants reduces the volume of substantial orders flowing through markets. The resulting environment leaves pricing more vulnerable to smaller transactions, potentially amplifying near-term price swings.
Addresses containing between 10,000 and 100,000 ETH did absorb approximately 100,000 ETH during the previous week. However, total balances in this cohort have remained essentially unchanged across the past three weeks, indicating accumulation has not intensified.
Growing Supply on Trading Platforms
Binance’s Ethereum reserves expanded from 3.64 million ETH to 3.87 million ETH since late June concluded—a notable addition of 221,000 ETH representing one of the more substantial reserve buildups observed in recent months.
Source: CryptoQuant
Expanding exchange inventories signal greater availability of ETH for immediate market transactions. While this doesn’t guarantee imminent selling, it introduces additional supply-side pressure into a market already demonstrating fragility.
The Coinbase Premium Index, which measures sentiment among United States-based traders, has recovered from -0.169 to -0.076. Despite improvement, the negative reading indicates American buyers continue transacting at discounts relative to international markets.
ETH currently trades in the $1,740 to $1,777 range, maintaining position above the 20-day EMA situated at $1,714. Open interest in derivatives markets has remained stagnant, suggesting leveraged participants are adopting a wait-and-see approach.
The post Ethereum (ETH) Struggles to Sustain July Rally Amid Weak Momentum and Surging Exchange Inventory appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways
Federal Reserve policymakers identify AI infrastructure expansion as a significant contributor to inflationary pressures through elevated semiconductor, energy, and data center expenses
Interest rates remained unchanged at 3.5%–3.75% during June’s policy meeting under new Chair Kevin Warsh
Half of the 18 voting committee members anticipate at least one rate increase by the conclusion of 2026
Market expectations show a 69.5% probability of unchanged rates at the upcoming July 29 decision, declining from 80% the previous week
Prediction markets indicate a 59% likelihood of a rate adjustment this year, influenced by escalating U.S.-Iran geopolitical risks
Central bank officials found themselves at odds during their June policy gathering regarding the appropriate path forward for interest rates. Documents released on Wednesday revealed that numerous policymakers highlighted robust artificial intelligence sector demand as a primary catalyst for inflationary trends.
The central bank’s apprehension focuses on what market observers have dubbed “chipflation”—the phenomenon of escalating semiconductor prices required for data center operations, which subsequently elevate costs for consumer electronics, various devices, and household electricity consumption.
A majority of meeting attendees noted that economic expansion fueled partially by substantial AI-related business capital expenditures “could lead to more entrenched inflationary dynamics.” They anticipated price pressures to remain elevated over the coming months, though some believed conditions might improve should Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions subside.
The Federal Reserve’s own economic projections underscore this unease. The institution’s year-end Personal Consumption Expenditures inflation estimate surged from 2.7% to 3.6%.
According to Nick Ruck, director at LVRG Research, the meeting records validate that the [[LINK_START_1]]AI infrastructure[[LINK_END_1]] expansion is “propelling elevated inflation through unprecedented demand for semiconductors, power resources, and data facilities, despite its potential for enhanced productivity in the future.”
Interest Rate Increase Remains Under Consideration
The Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark rate at 3.5%–3.75% during June’s session, though the possibility of a future increase has not been dismissed. Nine committee members out of 18 anticipate at least one upward rate adjustment before 2026 concludes. Among those nine, six forecast two separate quarter-point increments.
Numerous participants indicated the proper federal funds rate would align with or fall marginally beneath the existing range by year’s conclusion. However, an equally substantial contingent argued it should exceed current levels, revealing significant internal disagreement within the committee.
Market sentiment has evolved accordingly. The probability of a rate increase at the July 29 policy meeting currently stands at 30.5% according to CME FedWatch, climbing from approximately 20% just one week earlier. Polymarket figures demonstrate a 59% probability of at least one hike occurring this year, a percentage that increased following President Trump’s announcement of potential military action against Iran this week.
Source: Polymarket
Several participants during the June deliberations contended that conditions already warranted immediate rate increases, pointing to elevated inflation threats and resilient labor market conditions.
Elevated interest rates typically present challenges for cryptocurrency markets. They constrain market liquidity, increase financing expenses, and enhance the relative appeal of traditional safe-haven assets like cash and government bonds compared to riskier investments. Market observers noted this week that digital asset markets might see support if the Federal Reserve intervenes to stabilize U.S. equity markets during an economic downturn.
The Federal Reserve’s next scheduled policy meeting takes place July 29. Financial markets will closely monitor any shifts in official messaging as inflation indicators and international security concerns continue developing.
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TLDR
Block reached a $45 million agreement with 46 state regulators to resolve allegations of inadequate fraud protection
State authorities claim Cash App deceived consumers by advertising bank-level security features it didn’t provide
Investigators found Block prioritized marketing expansion over security improvements as fraud incidents increased
The settlement requires Block to implement round-the-clock customer service with live representatives accessible for a minimum of 13.5 hours each day
Block’s stock price dropped approximately 1.5% following the announcement; the company maintains its innocence
Block Inc. has reached a $45 million agreement with 46 state regulators to resolve accusations that its Cash App platform failed to adequately safeguard customers from fraudulent activity. Shares of Block (XYZ) declined approximately 1.5% following the announcement.
The resolution stems from a multi-state probe conducted by attorneys general who determined that Cash App promoted itself as providing security comparable to established banking institutions, despite lacking those actual safeguards.
New York’s Attorney General Letitia James stated clearly: “For years, Cash App users lost money to costly scams because Block cared more about profits than protecting its users.”
State investigators discovered that Cash App operated without a reliable fraud monitoring system and failed to maintain a functional customer support line for reporting fraudulent transactions. When customers found themselves locked out of accounts, many fell victim to fraudulent support numbers operated by scammers.
NEWS: We’ve secured a $45 million settlement with Block, the company behind CashApp, for misleading consumers about the safety of its app and leaving them vulnerable to fraud.
Block told Cash App consumers their money was just as safe and secure as in a bank — which was not true…
— Rob Bonta (@AGRobBonta) July 8, 2026
Regulators also noted that Cash App permitted account creation without requiring a Social Security number or birth date verification, while allowing unlimited account creation per individual — circumstances that investigators say facilitated fraudulent activity.
State attorneys general determined Block recognized the escalating fraud problem but chose to amplify marketing efforts instead of strengthening security measures. The investigation revealed Block specifically targeted individuals without traditional banking access, for whom Cash App frequently served as their principal financial platform.
A particular promotional campaign labeled “Cash App Friday” drew regulatory scrutiny. Participants were prompted to share their unique app handles on social platforms for prize opportunities. Scammers exploited this by contacting participants, falsely claiming they’d won prizes, and manipulating them into surrendering account credentials.
Authorities allege Block understood these scams were occurring but continued the promotional campaign and prepared customer service teams to handle calls from victimized users.
What Block Must Now Do
The settlement terms mandate that Block must completely restructure its customer assistance and security protocols. This includes establishing 24-hour customer support infrastructure with live representatives available for no less than 13.5 hours daily.
Block is also prohibited from making unsubstantiated assertions about Cash App’s security features.
Washington State Adds Another Hit
In a separate action, Washington State’s Attorney General Nick Brown revealed a $20 million agreement with Block concerning fraudulent unemployment benefit transactions processed during the COVID-19 crisis.
Brown’s office reported that throughout a five-month window in 2020, Cash App facilitated at least $22 million in unemployment payments illegally obtained through stolen personal data belonging to Washington residents. Block disputed liability in this matter as well.
This represents a recurring pattern for Block. In the previous year, the company committed to paying as much as $120 million — including $40 million specifically to New York — to settle distinct state allegations that Cash App inadequately prevented money laundering activities.
In an official response, Block characterized the multi-state agreement as “a previously disclosed legacy matter that primarily relates to historical aspects of our business” and emphasized that Cash App has invested significantly in consumer safeguards and regulatory compliance.
Every U.S. state participates in the current agreement with the exception of Hawaii, Missouri, South Carolina, and Wyoming.
The post Block (XYZ) Shares Dip Following $45M Cash App Fraud Settlement with States appeared first on Blockonomi.

Points clés
Le BTC a reculé de 2,1 % pour s’établir à environ 62 115 $ après l’annonce de Trump indiquant que le cessez-le-feu américano-iranien a pris fin
Les prix du pétrole Brent ont bondi, dépassant brièvement 80 $ le baril
Le crypto-analyste Michaël Van de Poppe a identifié 61 000 $ comme un seuil de support critique
Les procès-verbaux de la Réserve fédérale ont révélé un désaccord interne quant à la possibilité de hausses de taux, pesant sur les actifs orientés “risk-on”
Les ETF Bitcoin au comptant aux États-Unis ont enregistré trois jours consécutifs d’entrées nettes positives malgré la faiblesse des prix

TL;DR
Les ETF Bitcoin ont enregistré 84,86 millions de dollars de sorties nettes le 8 juillet, signalant une prudence persistante de la part des investisseurs institutionnels.
Les ETF Spot Ethereum ont attiré 70,48 millions de dollars d’entrées nettes, prolongeant leur série positive à cinq séances de bourse consécutives.
Les flux contrastés des ETF suggèrent que le capital institutionnel montre un intérêt plus marqué pour l’Ethereum que pour le Bitcoin à court terme.
Les analystes continuent de surveiller l’activité des ETF comme indicateur clé du sentiment institutionnel et de la direction plus large du marché crypto.

Key Takeaways
Bank of England confirms Farage’s lobbying had zero impact on digital pound strategy.
Governor Bailey states the institution identified and rejected crypto-related pressure.
Reform UK leader faces increasing questions about party funding and crypto donor connections.
Connections to Tether-affiliated donors spark additional concerns about CBDC opposition.
Central bank maintains digital pound development proceeds independently of political interference.
The Bank of England has confirmed that Nigel Farage’s attempts to sway its digital pound policy through direct lobbying proved unsuccessful. In a statement to Labour MP Joe Powell, Governor Andrew Bailey revealed that the institution successfully identified the lobbying efforts and maintained its independent stance. This disclosure has intensified examination of Farage’s connections to cryptocurrency-affiliated donors and the funding sources for Reform UK.
Central Bank Maintains Policy Independence After Farage Consultation
Bailey’s comments came in response to inquiries regarding a confidential September meeting with Farage at the Bank’s Threadneedle Street headquarters. During this consultation, multiple topics were discussed, including digital asset regulation and the Bank’s exploratory work on a digital pound. Officials confirmed that Farage’s representations resulted in no alterations to existing policy directions.
Farage had specifically pressed Bailey to abandon the central bank digital currency initiative. Speaking at a subsequent cryptocurrency industry gathering, he publicly acknowledged confronting Bailey about the programme. Bailey’s response emphasized the Bank’s capability to recognize advocacy efforts and maintain policy independence.
The controversy has acquired greater political significance following investigations into Farage’s financial backing. Reports suggest he received approximately £5 million from cryptocurrency entrepreneur Christopher Harborne. Harborne maintains business relationships with Tether, a prominent stablecoin operator that has publicly opposed central bank digital currency initiatives.
CBDC Controversy Intensifies Amid Reform UK Financial Questions
The BoE continues its exploratory work on a potential digital pound, though no implementation decision has been finalized. Bank officials emphasize that any progression would necessitate extensive additional research and comprehensive public engagement. Furthermore, both parliamentary approval and government backing would be prerequisites for any deployment.
Farage has consistently positioned himself against central bank digital currencies, characterizing them as potential infringements on individual liberty. He has additionally suggested connections between the digital pound concept and digital identity infrastructure. However, the Bank of England’s official proposals contain no such integration.
Tether representatives have actively campaigned against the Bank’s digital pound research programme. Their position emphasizes concerns that a government-backed digital currency could undermine the market for private stablecoins. These arguments have attracted renewed attention given Harborne’s partial ownership stake in Tether alongside his financial support for Reform UK.
Parliamentary Resignation Amplifies Scrutiny of Cryptocurrency Connections
Farage stepped down from his parliamentary seat this week while maintaining his innocence regarding allegations about financial disclosure requirements. He advocated for a by-election positioned as a referendum on establishment politics. Nevertheless, mainstream political parties announced they would not field candidates in such a contest.
The parliamentary standards investigation now subjects Reform UK to enhanced oversight. Labour parliamentarians have demanded investigations into whether Farage violated regulations governing lobbying activities. Bailey’s correspondence reinforces the Bank’s position that its policy development remained insulated from external political influence.
The Bank of England has also recently revised its regulatory framework for stablecoins following industry consultation. While it removed a proposed ceiling on stablecoin holdings, Bailey explicitly rejected suggestions that Farage influenced this modification. The central bank continues to assert that cryptocurrency policy formulation operates independently of political considerations.

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Key Highlights
Shares of SMCI advanced 4.67% following the unveiling of edge AI appliances
Partnership with Red Hat and Everpure aims to streamline edge AI implementations
The solution integrates Kubernetes, storage infrastructure, and edge computing hardware
The system leverages Red Hat OpenShift for hybrid cloud AI operations
Portworx by Everpure delivers Kubernetes-native storage for decentralized AI applications
Shares of Super Micro Computer, Inc. climbed 4.67% to reach $27.48 as the company strengthened its edge AI capabilities. The stock maintained strong momentum throughout the trading session, closing near its daily peak. The upward movement came after the company unveiled a new Kubernetes Edge AI appliance developed alongside Red Hat and Everpure.
Super Micro Computer, Inc., SMCI
Stock Performance Follows Edge AI Product Unveiling
Supermicro announced pre-validated Kubernetes Edge AI appliances designed for businesses operating computing infrastructure beyond traditional data centers. The integrated solution merges Supermicro’s hardware platform with Red Hat OpenShift and Portworx by Everpure. This combination delivers customers a pre-configured appliance engineered for accelerated implementation.
The product addresses the requirements of organizations deploying AI inference capabilities across geographically dispersed facilities. Target environments encompass retail outlets, manufacturing plants, telecommunications facilities, and isolated business operations. The company’s objective centers on minimizing configuration challenges for distributed infrastructure administrators.
According to the announcement, the appliance accommodates containers, virtual machines, and AI inference processing at remote locations. Customers gain access to an integrated ecosystem encompassing computation, storage, and administrative capabilities. The turnkey solution will be offered through Supermicro’s direct sales channels.
OpenShift Platform Enables Multi-Site Operations
Red Hat OpenShift serves as the foundational Kubernetes application platform within the new infrastructure. This platform enables organizations to deploy and oversee workloads spanning hybrid cloud architectures and edge environments. Through this integration, Supermicro delivers a standardized operational framework across diverse geographic deployments.
The company characterizes the offering as a fully validated, comprehensive solution. This methodology eliminates the requirement for independent validation across hardware components, software platforms, and storage infrastructure. The approach also accelerates deployment timelines for organizations with constrained on-premises technical resources.
This collaboration reinforces Supermicro’s position within the edge computing infrastructure market. The organization currently provides compact server platforms and edge devices across multiple configuration options. Its product lineup accommodates implementations ranging from standalone servers to comprehensive rack-mounted systems.
Everpure Integration Delivers Distributed Storage Capabilities
Portworx by Everpure contributes the Kubernetes-native storage and data orchestration component. This platform consolidates local storage resources on Supermicro edge computing platforms. Organizations can therefore operate fault-tolerant infrastructures without deploying conventional storage arrays at individual locations.
The storage architecture provides high availability, data safeguarding, and autonomous functionality during connectivity interruptions. This capability proves essential for remote installations that cannot rely on continuous centralized network access. Additionally, it enables organizations to implement uniform storage governance across edge and cloud environments.
Supermicro’s Data Center Building Block Solutions approach underpins this product introduction. This methodology employs validated building blocks to construct flexible infrastructure tailored to diverse customer requirements. The Red Hat and Everpure collaboration represents another strategic advancement in the company’s edge AI expansion efforts.

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TLDR:
The XRP Ledger AI Hub has launched as a new discovery point for AI builders, agents, services, merchants, and x402 payment activity on XRPL.
The XRP Ledger has surpassed 1 million agentic payments, showing rising machine-driven settlement activity across AI-linked services.
XRP price remains under pressure near $1.06, with sellers still controlling momentum below major daily moving averages.
Weak ETF flows, lower active addresses, and declining futures interest show that market demand has not matched the network milestone yet.
The XRP Ledger AI Hub has gone live as XRPL records a major milestone in AI-linked blockchain payments. t54.ai announced the platform as a single destination for AI agents, developer tools, payment services, and merchants building on the network.
The launch comes as the XRP Ledger Foundation says XRPL has surpassed 1 million agentic payments through the x402 protocol. The milestone adds a fresh utility narrative for XRP and RLUSD, although XRP price action remains weak near $1.06.
XRP is trading below $1.10 after four straight days of losses. Muted ETF flows, weaker active addresses, and lower futures demand continue to weigh on near-term sentiment.
XRP Ledger AI Hub Opens New Door For AI Builders
The XRP Ledger AI Hub is designed to help developers track what is already live across the XRPL AI ecosystem. It starts with three core areas covering x402 activity, developer resources, and a directory of AI projects.
We just surpassed 1,000,000 agentic payments via x402 on the $XRP Ledger. Time to double down.
XRPL AI Hub is a comprehensive new ecosystem platform for builders, users, and enthusiasts.
Welcome to the agentic economy on the XRP Ledger.https://t.co/VeEwNmEPyp https://t.co/IfXDi2XOno pic.twitter.com/FGcEjj0BkB
— XRP Ledger Foundation (@XRPLF) July 8, 2026
The index section tracks live x402 payment activity on the network. The developer section includes docs, SDKs, repositories, and other resources. Meanwhile, the directory highlights AI projects, agents, services, and merchants using XRPL rails.
The launch follows Ripple’s XRP Ledger AI Starter Kit, which introduced tools for agentic payments. The kit supports x402 payments using XRP and RLUSD, allowing AI agents to pay for APIs, compute, and inference services.
That structure matters as AI agents need fast, low-cost, and predictable settlement. XRPL offers short settlement times and fixed-style transaction costs, which can help software agents operate without manual approval loops.
The latest activity also points to deeper merchant adoption. Reports show 121 active merchants are now recorded, with Heurist Mesh, LucyOS, and AskSurf accounting for much of the transaction volume.
XRP Price Stays Weak Despite Agentic Payments Milestone
Nevertheless, the XRP Ledger AI Hub launch has not changed the short-term XRP price trend. XRP remains below key moving averages, keeping the market structure under pressure.
The 50-day EMA sits near $1.18, while the 100-day EMA is around $1.28. The 200-day EMA near $1.49 remains a wider resistance zone for any stronger recovery attempt.
Source: TradingView
On the downside, traders are watching support near $1.05 and $1.02. A break below this range could expose XRP to another wave of selling, especially if broader crypto sentiment weakens.
On-chain activity also shows caution. Active addresses recently dropped to about 14,500 from nearly 31,000 a day earlier, after peaking near 43,000 on June 30.
ETF activity has also slowed, with no recorded spot XRP ETF flows on Monday and Tuesday. Cumulative inflows still stand near $1.49 billion, but fresh demand remains limited.
Futures data adds to the softer picture. Open interest has slipped from late-June levels, showing weaker speculative appetite as XRP struggles below resistance.
The split between network utility and price action is now central to XRP’s next move. Agentic payments may support a longer-term XRPL adoption story, but traders still need a stronger price reaction above $1.18.
The post XRP Ledger AI Hub Launches As Agentic Payments Top 1M Mark appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
European regulators initiate coordinated custody audits following MiCA’s full activation.
Crypto service providers undergo scrutiny on client asset safeguarding mechanisms.
Examination covers private key management, governance structures, and transaction oversight.
MiCA framework transitions from registration phase to active compliance verification.
Comprehensive findings expected by 2027 to identify custody vulnerabilities across member states.
European securities regulators have initiated a comprehensive custody examination targeting crypto firms operating under the new MiCA regulatory framework. The investigation evaluates how licensed providers safeguard customer holdings and address operational vulnerabilities. This coordinated effort aims to establish uniform protection standards throughout the European Union.
Pan-European Custody Investigation Underway
ESMA activated the joint examination on July 8, collaborating with financial regulators across all member nations. The investigation zeroes in on licensed crypto-asset service providers offering custody functions. This initiative follows MiCA’s transition deadline that concluded on July 1.
National supervisory bodies will identify firms using risk-weighted selection criteria. Oversight will concentrate on entities handling substantial operational volumes and significant customer asset exposures. Not all registered platforms will undergo examination.
ESMA directs regulators to evaluate the robustness of digital operational resilience protocols. The examination encompasses corporate governance, asset storage infrastructure, transaction authorization procedures, and emergency response capabilities. Authorities will verify whether firms maintain custody operations with transparent internal oversight structures.
Asset Protection Mechanisms Under Examination
The investigation prioritizes private key management and storage methodologies as central supervisory concerns. Custody providers maintain access authority over client cryptocurrency holdings, meaning inadequate security systems can trigger immediate financial losses. ESMA will determine whether firms implement robust safeguards surrounding these critical functions.
Regulators will additionally scrutinize transaction approval workflows and security breach detection capabilities. These elements prove essential because custody breakdowns can rapidly cascade across platforms and service networks. Consequently, authorities expect firms to demonstrate comprehensive risk mitigation frameworks.
The examination will investigate external service dependencies and smart contract vulnerabilities. Numerous crypto platforms depend on third-party technology suppliers and infrastructure networks. ESMA directs national authorities to uncover weaknesses before system failures impact customers.
Regulatory Enforcement Reaches Operational Phase
MiCA establishes the European Union’s unified regulatory framework for crypto service platforms. Nevertheless, individual member-state authorities maintain primary supervisory responsibilities. ESMA will leverage this investigation to harmonize divergent national oversight methodologies.
The examination launches as the EU’s authorized crypto provider registry expands continuously. Recent licensing approvals have incorporated additional exchanges, custodians, and service platforms into the regulated ecosystem. This growth intensifies demands on supervisors to validate real-world compliance performance.
ESMA anticipates the investigation will continue through mid-2027. Following completion, the regulator will compile unified conclusions for its Board of Supervisors. The comprehensive report will provide European authorities with detailed intelligence on custody vulnerabilities under MiCA’s operational framework.

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Key Highlights
Chrome Web Store will prohibit prediction market extensions starting August 2026.
Real-money trading tools for outcome predictions will face enforcement measures.
Enhanced data privacy requirements mandate clearer user disclosures from developers.
Extension creators must report any modifications to data handling after launch.
Tools designed to circumvent AI safety mechanisms will be prohibited.
The Chrome Web Store will implement a comprehensive ban on prediction market extensions beginning August 1, 2026, according to revised developer guidelines announced by Google. These restrictions specifically target extensions facilitating real-money betting on future events while simultaneously introducing enhanced requirements for data transparency and expanding developer accountability.
Prediction Markets Join Chrome’s Restricted Category List
Google has designated prediction market extensions as prohibited items within its regulated goods and services framework. This categorization encompasses any tools enabling monetary transactions based on speculative outcomes. The decision effectively removes this entire class of applications from the approved extension marketplace.
The announcement arrives amid increasing regulatory oversight of prediction market operators. Polymarket and Kalshi have encountered heightened examination from state-level authorities regarding gambling-related issues. Multiple regulatory bodies contend these services function similarly to sports betting operations.
Google positioned this policy shift as a component of broader platform security enhancements. The technology company advised developers to audit their currently published extensions ahead of the enforcement deadline. Any extensions violating these guidelines after August 1, 2026, will be subject to removal from the Chrome Web Store.
Enhanced Data Privacy Standards For Extension Developers
Google has strengthened its Limited Use Policy governing user information collection. Extension developers are now restricted to gathering only data essential for their declared primary function. This means extensions cannot harvest user information for undisclosed or secondary purposes.
The platform has simultaneously broadened mandatory disclosure obligations for publishers. Every instance of data collection must be transparently communicated to users, regardless of whether it directly supports the extension’s core functionality. Additionally, developers must notify users whenever data handling procedures are modified following initial installation.
These regulations impose significant new obligations on Chrome extension creators. Publishers must ensure that permissions, user notifications, and data practices remain consistent with their extension’s advertised purpose. Consequently, vague or overly broad data access requests may trigger compliance violations.
Restrictions On AI Safety Bypass Tools Implemented
Google has established an additional policy addressing extensions connected to AI-driven platforms. This regulation prohibits extensions specifically engineered to evade safety protocols or usage restrictions. It extends to tools that compromise protective features integrated into artificial intelligence products.
The company emphasized that these modifications aim to strengthen user confidence and platform reliability. Google seeks to ensure users maintain clear understanding of extension capabilities and data practices. The objective includes preventing the Chrome Web Store from hosting products that generate security vulnerabilities or regulatory complications.
The prediction market prohibition establishes fresh parameters for developers working in evolving technology sectors. It simultaneously mirrors intensifying scrutiny surrounding event-based wagering and real-money forecasting applications. Google has provided developers until August 1, 2026, to either modify or withdraw non-compliant extensions.

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Key Takeaways
Shares of Palantir closed approximately 4.8% lower at $127.88 on Wednesday, halting a seven-session rally that had driven the stock up 25%.
Concerns emerged following a Financial Times article discussing potential political opposition to Palantir’s government work from Democratic legislators.
Federal contract revenues reached approximately $2.2 billion in the twelve months since Trump’s presidential return, marking a 65% annual increase.
The stock continues to trade beneath both its 100-day and 200-day moving averages, maintaining a Death Cross pattern established in February.
Wall Street maintains a Buy consensus rating with a $174.10 average price target; the company’s next earnings release is projected for August 3.
Palantir Technologies (PLTR) experienced a significant decline Wednesday, ending a seven-session upward momentum. Shares retreated approximately 4.8% to close at $127.88, positioning the data analytics firm among the S&P 500’s weakest performers for the trading day.
The downturn followed publication of a Financial Times piece highlighting internal company discussions and suggesting Democratic legislators might leverage subpoena authority to investigate Palantir’s federal government engagements should they reclaim House majority control.
DA Davidson’s Gil Luria spoke with Barron’s, attributing the price movement directly to the Financial Times coverage. Luria contested the political risk thesis, emphasizing that Palantir has maintained Defense Department relationships through five different administrations spanning both major political parties.
“Each successive administration has expanded its reliance on Palantir’s capabilities beyond what came before,” Luria noted.
The timing carries significance. PLTR had concluded Tuesday’s session precisely at its 50-day moving average near $134. Wednesday’s reversal indicates the stock encountered resistance at that technical threshold before retreating.
Palantir declined to provide commentary when contacted.
Congressional Concerns and Federal Revenue Exposure
While political controversy surrounding Palantir isn’t unprecedented, the Financial Times piece elevated these concerns prominently. The company has faced ongoing criticism regarding its contracts with U.S. immigration authorities, defense entities, and involvement in Israel’s Gaza operations.
The heightened attention carries weight given the financial stakes involved. Federal contract revenues approached $2.2 billion during the twelve-month period following Trump’s presidential inauguration—representing a 65% year-over-year surge. Meanwhile, commercial segment revenues more than doubled during this timeframe.
Any material interruption to these government agreements would represent substantive business impact beyond mere reputational considerations.
Notably, investor Michael Burry has established a short position against PLTR, contending that Anthropic represents competitive pressure in the artificial intelligence domain. Chief Executive Alex Karp has countered this perspective, asserting that large-scale AI models generate challenges that Palantir’s solutions are specifically designed to address for enterprise clients.
Technical Analysis of PLTR
The broader technical landscape remains challenging. PLTR currently trades 18.6% beneath its 200-day moving average of $157.31 and 7.9% under its 100-day moving average at $139.05. The Death Cross pattern—where the 50-day average crosses below the 200-day average—materialized in February and persists.
Year-to-date in 2026, Palantir shares have declined 29% and remain 39% off the all-time closing peak of $207.18 reached November 3, 2025.
The recent seven-day advance provided temporary respite. Following a June 25 trough at $107.27, PLTR rallied 25% across seven consecutive sessions. This momentum stemmed partially from an announced collaboration with Nvidia focused on developing specialized AI architectures for federal government applications, complemented by DA Davidson’s rating upgrade to Buy with a $175 price objective.
Wednesday’s retreat disrupted this positive trajectory.
Investors now turn attention toward the company’s upcoming earnings announcement, anticipated for August 3. Analyst projections call for earnings per share of 33 cents, double the 16 cents reported in the year-ago quarter, alongside revenue expectations of $1.81 billion versus $1.00 billion previously.
Wall Street maintains a consensus Buy recommendation on the shares with an average twelve-month price target of $174.10.
The post Palantir (PLTR) Stock Tumbles 5% Amid Political Scrutiny Over Government Contracts Worth $2.2B appeared first on Blockonomi.

Faits marquants
SpaceXAI et Cursor sont prêts à dévoiler leur premier modèle d’IA en collaboration, potentiellement dès mercredi, selon The Information
La sortie avait été reportée plus tôt dans la semaine afin d’améliorer les performances et l’efficacité
Le nouveau modèle vise à rivaliser avec le GPT-5.5 d’OpenAI et Opus 4.8 d’Anthropic
Ce développement intervient avant la proposition de SpaceX d’acheter Anysphere pour 60 milliards de dollars, en actions, la société mère de Cursor
SpaceX (SPCX) est devenu membre du Nasdaq-100 mardi, marquant une progression rapide après son introduction en bourse du 12 juin, avec des actions se négociant près de 151 $

Éditeur numérique de longue date lance une initiative complète de journalisme sur les casinos ainsi que des outils de comparaison des joueurs, en mettant l’accent sur la transparence et les pratiques de jeu responsables
AlienWP, une plateforme de publication numérique en activité depuis 2013, a dévoilé son entrée stratégique dans le secteur iGaming grâce à la mise en place d’un journalisme en ligne complet sur les casinos, de critiques d’opérateurs, de mises à jour réglementaires et de ressources dédiées au jeu responsable. Cette expansion représente une étape importante pour l’organisation, qui élargit ainsi son champ éditorial afin de s’adresser à la fois aux passionnés de jeux d’argent et aux acteurs du secteur avec un contenu objectif, axé sur le journalisme.

TLDR
ClearBridge initiated a fresh stake in Micron, driven by accelerating AI memory chip demand
Microsoft and Amazon positions were reduced during the quarter
The fund completely divested from Intuit due to concerns about AI disruption in tax software
Additional purchases included Alphabet, Arista Networks, Blackstone, and Tesla
Analyst sentiment on Micron remains positive despite a recent 17% price decline
ClearBridge Investments has made significant adjustments to its Large Cap Growth Strategy holdings in Q2 2026. The investment firm established a new position in Micron Technology while reducing exposure to Microsoft and Amazon. Additionally, it completely divested its Intuit holdings.
These strategic shifts signal ClearBridge’s evolving perspective on AI-driven growth opportunities for the remainder of 2026.
The Case for Micron
ClearBridge characterized Micron as a “strategic, differentiated” play on artificial intelligence expansion. The investment manager highlighted surging memory chip requirements from AI-focused data centers, which demand substantially greater memory capacity compared to conventional computing infrastructure.
Semiconductor stocks currently represent more than 30% of the Russell 1000 Growth Index, ClearBridge noted. The firm views Micron as a focused opportunity to benefit from expanding AI infrastructure investment.
The purchase comes during an interesting market moment. Micron’s stock price has declined over 17% in the last five trading sessions. Positive preliminary earnings from Samsung didn’t provide support for memory chip manufacturers. Investor anxiety around AI capital expenditure levels and SK Hynix’s anticipated U.S. public offering contributed to the selloff.
However, Wall Street analysts haven’t abandoned their optimistic stance. Morgan Stanley’s Shawn Kim characterized the recent decline as a “necessary reset” rather than evidence of a deteriorating memory market cycle. Bank of America’s Vivek Arya maintained his Buy recommendation, arguing that concerns regarding supply gluts and pricing pressure are exaggerated.
The Rationale Behind Dumping Intuit
ClearBridge completely liquidated its Intuit holdings. The explanation was straightforward: the firm anticipates that AI technology could commoditize significant portions of Intuit’s tax preparation services, eroding its competitive advantages.
This represents a defensive stance on a company that has maintained market dominance in consumer tax software for years. ClearBridge offered no additional commentary suggesting concerns about Intuit’s other business segments.
Additional Portfolio Adjustments
Aside from the Micron purchase, ClearBridge expanded positions in Alphabet, Arista Networks, Blackstone, and Tesla throughout the quarter.
The strategy lagged its benchmark during Q2. Nevertheless, ClearBridge maintains confidence that AI infrastructure dominance and wider market participation will generate stronger performance in the coming months.
Microsoft and Amazon weren’t eliminated entirely. Both companies remain portfolio holdings, albeit at decreased weightings.
Wall Street’s Perspective
According to the TipRanks Stock Comparison Tool, analysts express the strongest conviction on Micron, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Arista Networks. Each of these five stocks holds a Strong Buy consensus rating.
Micron offers the greatest projected upside among the group at approximately 67%. Microsoft shows 45% potential upside. Amazon presents 30% upside opportunity.
Intuit, which ClearBridge has abandoned, carries roughly 59% upside potential based on analyst projections, with a Moderate Buy consensus. Blackstone similarly holds a Moderate Buy rating. Tesla receives a Hold rating.
ClearBridge hasn’t announced any additional portfolio modifications beyond these Q2 changes.
The post ClearBridge Exits Microsoft and Amazon Stakes for This Memory Chip Play appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways
SNDK shares jumped 34% throughout June, propelled by Micron’s exceptional quarterly results and projections indicating memory supply constraints extending to 2027
Following the rally, shares tumbled more than 31%, including a steep 20.7% decline over five consecutive trading sessions amid widespread tech sector weakness
The downturn stemmed from escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and softness across Asian technology equities
Bank of America increased its price objective on SNDK to $2,500, while Bernstein set a street-high target of $3,000
According to TipRanks, SNDK maintains Strong Buy consensus with 14 Buy recommendations and a mean price objective of $2,041.88
SanDisk (SNDK) experienced dramatic volatility through June and into early July. After surging 34% during the previous month, shares reversed course sharply alongside a comprehensive technology sector retreat.
By July 7, SNDK changed hands near $1,643, representing approximately 31% below its June peak. The memory chip maker witnessed a precipitous 20.7% slide across just five trading sessions, followed by an additional 4.9% decline in pre-market activity on July 8.
June’s remarkable ascent was predominantly catalyzed by Micron’s exceptional quarterly performance. The memory giant delivered an extraordinary 85% gross profit margin alongside an 80% operating margin during its fiscal Q3 — metrics rarely achieved within the memory semiconductor industry.
Micron’s management further indicated that memory supply constraints would persist through 2027. This outlook provided significant tailwinds for SanDisk, a manufacturer of NAND flash memory solutions spanning SSDs and USB storage devices.
Company-specific catalysts were notably absent during SanDisk’s June advance. The equity essentially benefited from Micron’s momentum, combined with increasingly optimistic analyst perspectives regarding memory chip pricing dynamics.
Bank of America’s Wamsi Mohan elevated his SNDK price objective from $1,550 to $2,100 following Micron’s disclosure. His projections anticipate SanDisk generating $44 billion in revenues with $188 earnings per share by 2027 — suggesting the stock trades below 10x forward earnings at prevailing valuations.
Factors Behind the Sharp Decline
July’s selloff bore little connection to SanDisk’s underlying business performance. The primary catalyst involved renewed escalation in U.S.-Iran military confrontations, with President Trump announcing the cessation of the ceasefire agreement. Energy prices surged, triggering widespread declines across technology equities.
Weakness throughout Asian trading sessions compounded selling pressure. Samsung disclosed preliminary Q2 figures on July 7 that exceeded expectations, supported by robust demand for AI-focused memory chips. Nevertheless, the stock declined as market participants questioned whether the artificial intelligence-driven rally had already incorporated anticipated gains.
Memory semiconductor equities have traditionally exhibited cyclical characteristics, and markets appear increasingly skeptical regarding the sustainability of the current expansion phase.
Analyst Community Remains Optimistic
Notwithstanding the recent correction, Wall Street analysts haven’t retreated from their bullish SNDK stance.
Bank of America’s Mohan subsequently raised his target once more — advancing from $2,100 to $2,500, suggesting 54.5% appreciation potential from present levels. He maintained his Buy recommendation while forecasting elevated NAND pricing persisting at least through mid-2027.
Bernstein’s Mark Newman upgraded his target from $1,700 to $3,000, establishing the Street’s most optimistic projection and implying 85.5% upside. Newman highlighted SanDisk’s recently established long-term supply agreements, which incorporate minimum pricing guarantees and mandate advance customer commitments.
His analysis estimates these contracts secure pricing floors of at least 29 cents per gigabyte — exceeding comparable thresholds in Micron’s agreements.
According to TipRanks data, SNDK holds a Strong Buy consensus from 16 Wall Street analysts: 14 Buy ratings and 2 Hold ratings. The consensus price target stands at $2,041.88, indicating 26.2% upside potential from current trading levels.
Despite recent volatility, the stock maintains year-to-date gains exceeding 581%.
The post SanDisk (SNDK) Stock Plunges 20% Amid Tech Rout While Analysts Maintain Bullish Outlook appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
Salesforce’s Missionforce National Security platform chosen by the U.S. Air Force’s 441st VSCOS for fleet management overhaul
Contract encompasses more than 84,000 vehicles deployed at approximately 389 sites worldwide
Total fleet valuation reaches $13.5 billion
Platform operates on Salesforce Government Cloud Plus Defense featuring IL5-certified applications
Implementation establishes consolidated data infrastructure, paving the way for potential AI deployment
Salesforce (CRM) announced Wednesday that its Missionforce national security division has been selected by the U.S. Air Force to transform operations for its $13.5 billion vehicle fleet.
The U.S. Air Force 441st Vehicle Support Chain Operations Squadron needed a scalable, IL5-authorized platform to oversee assets and support personnel without mission downtime.
They are now using Missionforce National Security to manage the $13.5B fleet. https://t.co/b8Tr7IDtkI pic.twitter.com/i1MXUB23Iz
— Salesforce News & Insights (@SalesforceNews) July 8, 2026
The 441st Vehicle Support Chain Operations Squadron (VSCOS) will deploy the platform to oversee operations for more than 84,000 vehicles stationed at approximately 389 facilities around the globe.
Shares of CRM were trading slightly lower during premarket hours Wednesday.
VSCOS handles the critical responsibility of maintaining operational readiness for the Air Force’s worldwide vehicle inventory. The squadron has implemented a collection of IL5-certified applications running on Salesforce Government Cloud Plus Defense as part of this initiative.
The primary objective is clear: minimize vehicle downtime, optimize supply chain operations, and ensure fleet availability for mission requirements.
Kendall Collins, who serves as CEO of Missionforce and Government Cloud at Salesforce, described the implementation as a powerful demonstration of the platform’s capabilities when deployed by a dedicated team.
“By consolidating onto a single, interoperable platform with Missionforce National Security, the Air Force has turned fragmented logistics operations into a strategic advantage,” Collins said.
Collins emphasized that the deployment has generated “improved visibility for commanders, reduced service downtime, and helping ensure vehicles are ready to roll when the call comes.”
Prior to this transition, logistics functions were scattered across multiple disconnected systems. The shift to Salesforce has created a centralized data infrastructure throughout the squadron.
Understanding the Missionforce Platform
Missionforce National Security represents Salesforce’s specialized solution engineered for defense and national security organizations. The platform operates on Salesforce Government Cloud Plus Defense, which satisfies IL5 security standards required for handling classified government information.
The application suite was built from the ground up for mission-essential operations, rather than being retrofitted from commercial products.
The Air Force’s 441st VSCOS oversees tasks ranging from standard vehicle maintenance planning to guaranteeing worldwide fleet preparedness across every location. Managing this scope — 84,000 vehicles across 389 facilities — demands a system capable of coordinating complex operations without failures.
Future AI Capabilities in Development
An important yet understated element of this agreement: the centralized data infrastructure created through the migration serves as the foundation for upcoming AI integrations.
Salesforce has not disclosed precise details regarding these AI capabilities or their deployment timeline. However, consolidating operations onto a unified platform represents an essential prerequisite for implementing such advanced functionality.
The 441st VSCOS now maintains its complete vehicle data in a single system, enabling future AI-powered predictive maintenance or supply chain optimization capabilities.
Salesforce stock showed modest declines in premarket trading Wednesday following the contract announcement.
The post Salesforce (CRM) Stock: Air Force Awards $13.5B Vehicle Fleet Management Contract appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways
Sunrun shares advanced 3% Wednesday following the unveiling of a distributed AI computing pilot initiative
The program deploys processing hardware in residential properties to handle artificial intelligence tasks
The company’s infrastructure includes 1.1 million residential solar and energy storage installations across the United States
Participants receive financial compensation for providing space and resources for computing equipment
AI inference processing requirements are expanding at approximately 35% per year, with projections showing dominance by decade’s end
Shares of Sunrun (RUN) gained 3% during Wednesday’s trading session after the renewable energy company revealed plans for an innovative pilot initiative that converts its extensive residential solar customer base into a distributed artificial intelligence computing infrastructure.
The California-headquartered firm manages approximately 1.1 million residential solar installations paired with battery storage technology. This new initiative involves installing computing hardware within participating customer residences to execute AI inference operations — effectively transforming residential properties into nodes of a geographically dispersed data processing network.
The initiative emerges from a successful proof-of-concept phase that validated both revenue generation possibilities and market appetite for decentralized computing resources. Sunrun has already initiated conversations with commercial clients interested in purchasing AI inference processing capacity during the pilot phase.
Homeowners who agree to participate receive monetary compensation for accommodating the equipment. The arrangement offers a clear mutual benefit — participants provide physical space and electrical infrastructure in exchange for a portion of computing revenue.
“AI companies are scrambling to secure greater access to energy and computing power,” said Paul Dickson, Sunrun’s President and Chief Revenue Officer. “Over nearly two decades, we have perfected our ability to operationalize, finance, and scale distributed assets.”
The Case for Decentralized Infrastructure
Conventional data center development involves numerous obstacles — securing property, constructing electrical transmission infrastructure, navigating utility connection backlogs. Sunrun’s approach eliminates these barriers by deploying hardware at existing customer locations with established electrical connections.
The processing units integrate seamlessly with Sunrun’s battery storage installations, enabling continued operation during specific power disruptions. This built-in redundancy represents a competitive advantage when marketing to enterprise customers.
AI inference processing demand is expanding at an annual rate of roughly 35%. Research from McKinsey, referenced by Sunrun, forecasts that inference operations will surpass AI training workloads by 2030, ultimately representing more than half of worldwide AI computational requirements.
Looking Forward
Sunrun anticipates completing the pilot program within the next several months. Following completion, the company will evaluate performance against predetermined benchmarks before determining the scope and pace of broader implementation.
Discussions are already underway with enterprise computing purchasers, residential construction companies, and utility providers regarding commercial structures and deployment strategies.
The company has not yet disclosed specific timelines or revenue projections for full-scale deployment.
The post Sunrun (RUN) Stock Jumps 3% on Distributed AI Computing Initiative appeared first on Blockonomi.

Points clés
BofA maintient la recommandation Achat sur NVDA avec un objectif de prix de 350 $, suggérant un potentiel de hausse de 78 %
NVDA n’a progressé que de 4% depuis le début de l’année, contre une hausse de près de 72% de l’indice SOX
L’analyste Vivek Arya estime que les craintes concernant les dépenses liées à la mémoire et les menaces des ASIC sont exagérées
Les revenus des accélérateurs GPU ont été multipliés par 700 depuis l’apparition des ASIC sur mesure en 2015
Le prochain rapport sur les résultats pourrait servir de point de bascule positif pour le sentiment
Nvidia a enregistré une hausse modeste de 4% jusqu’ici en 2026, en contraste frappant avec l’impressionnante progression de 72% de l’indice des semi-conducteurs SOX. Pour une entreprise qui reste le leader de la technologie de puces pour l’IA, cet écart de performance ressort nettement.

Faits marquants
Evercore ISI a relevé la recommandation de OXY de Sous-performance à Surperformance, en augmentant l’objectif de cours de 58 $ à 65 $.
Le Brent a bondi de 6% pour atteindre 78,50 $ le baril après une action militaire américaine contre l’Iran.
Le président Trump a annoncé que le cadre de paix américano-iranien était « terminé » avant un rassemblement de l’OTAN.
Les actions de OXY ont gagné environ 3,8% pendant les heures de négociation avant l’ouverture, alors que les indices plus larges reculaient.
Evercore prévoit une expansion annuelle d’environ 8% du flux de trésorerie disponible par action jusqu’en 2030.
Occidental Petroleum (OXY) a affiché une performance solide mercredi matin, gagnant près de 3,8% pendant les heures de négociation avant l’ouverture. La hausse s’explique par deux catalyseurs : une importante revalorisation de la recommandation par Evercore ISI et une forte progression des prix mondiaux du pétrole brut.