Mizuho Unveils July’s Premier Stock Selections: Robinhood (HOOD), Micron (MU), and Oracle (ORCL) ...
Key Takeaways Mizuho’s July selection features Robinhood, Erasca, EyePoint, Encompass Health, and Corteva as highlighted stocks Robinhood shares climbed 8.4% midweek; Mizuho maintains Outperform status with $115 target price Micron leads Mizuho’s semiconductor selections with $1,375 target following exceptional Q3 performance Oracle carries $320 price objective from Mizuho, leveraging AI capabilities for sustained expansion Micron’s upcoming September 29, 2026 earnings release coincides with critical HBM pricing negotiations Mizuho Securities unveiled its curated selection of premier investment opportunities for July this Thursday, introducing five fresh recommendations spanning multiple industries. The roster features Robinhood Markets, Erasca, EyePoint, Encompass Health, and Corteva. Robinhood stock gained 8.4% during Wednesday’s session and extended gains by an additional 3% before Thursday’s opening bell, hitting $111.99. Mizuho’s Dan Dolev assigned the trading platform an Outperform designation alongside a $115 valuation target. Dolev highlighted how Robinhood has successfully “captured the zeitgeist of a generation” while maintaining momentum through continuous product innovation. He identified global market penetration, prediction marketplace offerings, and derivatives trading as primary catalysts for future expansion. Mizuho additionally emphasized that Robinhood’s TradePMR acquisition strategically mitigates risks associated with customer migration toward conventional wealth management services. Micron Maintains Leadership Despite Recent Correction Micron holds Mizuho’s premier position within semiconductor coverage. Shares skyrocketed more than 15% on June 24 following third-quarter results showing earnings of $25.11 per share, substantially exceeding the $20.98 consensus. Revenue reached $41.46 billion, dramatically surpassing Wall Street’s $35.91 billion projection. This revenue performance marks a remarkable 345.8% year-over-year improvement. Micron subsequently retreated 6.7% Friday on approximately twice typical trading activity. Mizuho elevated its valuation from $1,150 to $1,375. Competing analysts responded with their own upgrades, notably Susquehanna reaching $2,000 and Needham establishing $1,650 targets. Among 39 analysts tracking the company, 31 maintain Buy recommendations. Vijay Rakesh projects robust memory demand persisting through 2027, predominantly fueled by artificial intelligence applications. He positioned Micron as a “key winner” within this segment. Apple’s Tim Cook recently characterized the memory supply situation as a “once in a century flood.” Elon Musk amplified these observations, describing the capacity shortfall as “insane.” Digitimes analysis suggests HBM pricing could escalate to 2.5 times current 2026 benchmarks during upcoming annual contract discussions. These negotiations typically occur each fall, perfectly aligning with Micron’s September 29 earnings announcement. Oracle Capitalizes on AI Infrastructure Demand Oracle completes Mizuho’s featured software sector recommendations. Siti Panigrahi maintains an Outperform stance with a $320 price objective. Oracle shares declined 2.8% Wednesday to $142.50, before recovering 1.3% in Thursday’s premarket activity. Mizuho emphasized Oracle’s comprehensive AI technology portfolio spanning databases, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise applications positions the company advantageously for sustained artificial intelligence integration. The firm anticipates AI-driven revenue will generate 34% annual operating income expansion through fiscal 2030. Mizuho acknowledged Oracle will probably require additional capital infusions to support this AI infrastructure investment. Micron’s Q4 2026 outlook projects $30.00 to $32.00 in earnings per share, exceeding current Street estimates. All 25 analyst adjustments during the previous 90 days reflect upward revisions. The post Mizuho Unveils July’s Premier Stock Selections: Robinhood (HOOD), Micron (MU), and Oracle (ORCL) Lead the Pack appeared first on Blockonomi.
Meta (META) Stock Soars 9% on AI Cloud Strategy — But SoftBank’s Entry Changes Everything
Key Takeaways Meta Platforms stock climbed 8.8% Wednesday following reports of plans to commercialize excess AI computing infrastructure Thursday premarket trading saw Meta stock surrender gains amid doubts about available computing capacity SoftBank revealed its entry into the neocloud sector with new subsidiary SB Neo SB Neo targets 10 gigawatts of data center infrastructure by approximately 2030 Existing neocloud providers CoreWeave and Nebius plunged 13.9% and 17% on concerns about Meta competition Meta Platforms (META) stock rocketed 8.8% higher Wednesday following a Bloomberg report suggesting the social media giant is preparing to monetize surplus AI computing resources through a cloud service offering. However, by Thursday’s premarket session, shares had retreated and were trading approximately flat. Meta has not officially confirmed the reported plans. Nevertheless, market participants responded enthusiastically to the prospect of the company generating additional revenue from its substantial AI infrastructure investments. The complication? Meta may lack significant excess capacity available for commercialization currently. Richard Windsor, an independent analyst at Radio Free Mobile, noted that Meta “doesn’t currently have any spare capacity to sell and has been unable to purchase the capacity from Google that it needed.” According to Windsor, Meta would effectively need to halt superintelligence development efforts and suspend certain AI-powered features across its applications to create sellable capacity. Meta has allocated up to $145 billion for capital expenditures this year. Skeptics are already challenging whether layering a cloud business atop this investment makes economic sense. “Building data centers is operationally very difficult and hugely capital-intensive,” explained Paul Meeks, head of technology research at Freedom Capital Markets. “As a Meta shareholder, I’d rather see them continue with open models and monetize AI through products and services with much higher margins.” SoftBank Enters the Arena Merely one day following the Meta disclosure, SoftBank validated its direct entry into the neocloud sector. The conglomerate unveiled SB Neo Inc., a joint venture designed to lease AI processors and cloud computing infrastructure to major US enterprises, including hyperscale operators. SB Neo maintains 51% ownership by SoftBank Corp., the telecommunications division, with the remaining 49% held by parent SoftBank Group. The operation is scheduled to officially commence operations this month. Junichi Miyakawa, CEO of SoftBank Corp., characterized it as “a second founding” for the organization, stating the venture possesses potential to deliver profits “on a different order of magnitude.” Market analysts indicate the neocloud operation could triple or quadruple SoftBank Corp.’s yearly operating income to between ¥3 trillion and ¥4 trillion ($18.5–$25 billion). SB Neo intends to expand capacity systematically, targeting 10 gigawatts by 2030. Among planned initiatives is a $500 billion data center facility in Ohio, potentially ranking among the world’s largest. SoftBank claims a competitive advantage in power procurement, primarily through gas-fired generation facilities. OpenAI, in which SoftBank Group has pledged approximately $65 billion in total commitments, may become an initial SB Neo client. Impact on CoreWeave and Nebius The revelations severely impacted existing neocloud operators. CoreWeave (CRWV) declined 13.9% while Nebius (NBIS) tumbled 17% Thursday. Both organizations currently provide AI computing services to Meta, confronting the possibility of their largest client transforming into a direct rival. The neocloud landscape is rapidly becoming saturated. AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud already provide AI computing access. Meta, SoftBank, CoreWeave, and Nebius now all compete for identical enterprise client segments. SoftBank’s SB Neo anticipates commencing service delivery in the United States during the upcoming fiscal year. The post Meta (META) Stock Soars 9% on AI Cloud Strategy — But SoftBank’s Entry Changes Everything appeared first on Blockonomi.
Nvidia (NVDA) Stock Slides as Chipmaker Launches Revenue-Sharing Strategy with AI Cloud Partners
Key Takeaways Nvidia shares declined approximately 0.5% during premarket hours to $196.68, opening Thursday’s session at $197.58. The company is launching a revenue-sharing initiative with emerging AI cloud providers to diversify its client portfolio. This strategic pivot addresses market concerns about major customers like Alphabet and Amazon creating proprietary chip alternatives. Two Australian companies, SharonAI and Firmus, have already implemented this new partnership framework. Analyst sentiment remains positive with a collective “Buy” recommendation and an average target price of $303.84. Nvidia experienced a modest decline of roughly 0.5% during Thursday’s premarket session, trading at $196.68, following the chipmaker’s announcement of an innovative revenue-sharing arrangement designed to expand its reach beyond tech industry giants. The semiconductor leader revealed plans to collaborate with emerging AI cloud enterprises, offering financial support and credits in return for a portion of their cloud service revenues. In a detailed blog post, Nvidia’s CFO Colette Kress characterized this approach as a mechanism that establishes “a recurring, usage-linked earnings stream” for the company. This predictable revenue model could potentially ease investor concerns regarding the cyclical nature of large-scale chip procurement contracts and the risks associated with concentrated customer relationships. The fundamental rationale behind this strategic shift is clear: both Alphabet and Amazon are accelerating development of proprietary AI processors, potentially diminishing their reliance on Nvidia’s products in the future. The company is actively seeking to broaden its customer ecosystem, identifying smaller AI cloud operators as promising partners. Nvidia has already implemented this framework with real-world applications. In recent weeks, Australian technology companies SharonAI and Firmus have both formalized data center agreements incorporating Nvidia technology under this innovative revenue-sharing arrangement. This represents an evolution beyond Nvidia’s previous approach of making equity investments in so-called neoclouds such as CoreWeave and Nebius. While those entities also utilize Nvidia processors, the current model enables the chipmaker to generate continuous cloud-based income in addition to traditional hardware sales. Market Performance Challenges Nvidia has posted modest gains of just 5.9% for the year through Wednesday’s market close, underperforming the wider semiconductor industry. The stock remains substantially below its 52-week peak of $236.54, while maintaining distance above its 52-week bottom of $152.97. The shares are currently positioned beneath their 50-day moving average of $210.48, indicating recent downward momentum. Insider transactions have also drawn attention. Board member Mark A. Stevens divested more than 885,000 shares in June, generating proceeds exceeding $186 million. Company insiders have collectively sold approximately $410 million in stock over the previous three-month period. Wall Street Maintains Optimistic Outlook Despite current market challenges, financial analysts continue expressing confidence in Nvidia’s prospects. Morgan Stanley maintains an “overweight” rating with a $288 price objective. Rosenblatt Securities holds the most aggressive stance with a $325 target. BNP Paribas Exane elevated its price target to $285 after the company’s most recent quarterly results, which demonstrated robust performance — earnings per share of $1.87 surpassed the $1.76 consensus forecast, while revenue of $81.61 billion exceeded projections by more than $3 billion. Top-line growth registered at 85.2% compared to the prior year. The corporation also authorized an $80 billion share repurchase authorization and substantially increased its quarterly dividend from $0.01 to $0.25, demonstrating management’s conviction about future prospects. Among 54 equity analysts tracking the stock, 48 assign a Buy rating while three recommend Strong Buy. The consensus price target reaches $303.84 — approximately 54% higher than Thursday’s opening quotation. The post Nvidia (NVDA) Stock Slides as Chipmaker Launches Revenue-Sharing Strategy with AI Cloud Partners appeared first on Blockonomi.
SpaceX (SPCX) Stock Tumbles as Analysts Warn 100x Sales Multiple Is ‘Catastrophic’
Key Highlights SpaceX shares slipped 0.4% in early Thursday trading following release of two skeptical analyst reports Daiwa Securities initiated coverage with a neutral Hold rating and set a $175 price objective Kailash Concepts highlighted the company’s approximately 100x trailing revenue multiple, warning of potentially “catastrophic” investment outcomes Shares have retreated roughly 22% from their post-IPO high Expiring lockup restrictions on insider shares could intensify selling pressure in coming months Shares of SpaceX experienced modest declines in Thursday’s premarket session, falling to $157.54, following the publication of two analyst reports that questioned the company’s elevated valuation metrics. Daiwa Securities analyst Jonathan Kees kicked off coverage with a Hold recommendation and established a $175 price objective. While not an outright sell recommendation, the neutral stance signals limited upside potential from current levels. A more pointed critique emerged from Kailash Concepts, an investment research firm that combines quantitative methodologies with fundamental analysis. Their assessment pulled no punches. Kailash highlighted that SpaceX currently trades at approximately 100 times trailing twelve-month revenue — a metric they characterize as alarming. Their historical analysis demonstrates that companies valued above 10 times sales underperform the S&P 500 approximately 67% of the time across three-year periods and typically lag the benchmark by over 30%. “To state the obvious, 100 times sales is a valuation that is ten times higher than 10 times sales,” the research firm noted. Of the 13 analysts currently covering SpaceX, seven maintain Buy ratings. Price targets span from $165 to $310. Significantly, none of the major investment banks that underwrote the IPO have published their initial ratings yet — those are expected within several weeks. Historical IPO Trends SpaceX executed the largest initial public offering on record, with shares surging 19% on debut day — precisely matching the average first-day performance for IPOs dating back to 1980, according to data from University of Florida finance professor Jay Ritter. However, historical patterns suggest challenges ahead. Among the 15 largest U.S. IPOs since 2006, shares declined an average of approximately 50% from offering prices at some point during their first year. Average twelve-month returns for these mega-IPOs registered losses around 33%. The stock has already pulled back about 22% from its peak. If historical precedent holds, additional weakness may materialize. One potential catalyst: SpaceX will be added to the Nasdaq-100 Index following the July 6, 2026 close. Such additions typically generate buying pressure from ETFs and passive index funds required to maintain complete index representation. Upcoming Lockup Expirations The more significant concern for shareholders may emerge following the company’s earnings release. After SpaceX reports second-quarter financial results, anticipated in mid-August, insiders will be permitted to sell 20% of their eligible holdings. That percentage increases if shares trade at least 30% above the IPO price for five out of ten consecutive trading sessions prior to the Q2 announcement. Additional time-based lockup releases allow insiders to divest up to 7% of their positions at 70, 90, 105, 120, and 135 days following the IPO. Following third-quarter earnings, an additional 28% could become available for sale. Kailash also referenced Elon Musk’s execution history, observing that Tesla’s autonomous driving capabilities materialized considerably later than original timelines suggested. They characterized SpaceX’s $2.2 trillion market capitalization as heavily dependent on plans to deploy up to one million orbital AI data center satellites in low Earth orbit within two to three years. SpaceX reported $18.7 billion in revenue for the previous fiscal year. The company declined to provide comment when contacted. The post SpaceX (SPCX) Stock Tumbles as Analysts Warn 100x Sales Multiple Is ‘Catastrophic’ appeared first on Blockonomi.
Microsoft (MSFT) Stock Surges 3%: What’s Behind the Rally?
Key Highlights MSFT gained 3% during Wednesday’s session and added another 0.7% in Thursday’s premarket The tech giant tumbled 23% during H1 2026 — marking its weakest opening half since 2000 Haleon, a consumer health company, entered a five-year AI and cloud collaboration with Microsoft Reports suggest Microsoft may reduce headcount by less than 2.5% of its approximately 228,000 workforce Analyst consensus stands at Buy from 35 of 36 covering analysts, with a $562.10 average target Microsoft (MSFT) shares climbed approximately 3% during Wednesday’s trading session on July 2, offering relief after a challenging year-to-date performance. The technology behemoth experienced a 23% decline during the first half of 2026 — representing its most challenging six-month period since the year 2000. The month of June proved particularly brutal, with shares plummeting 17%, the sharpest single-month drop since December 2000. However, market dynamics appear to be changing. A notable sector rotation away from semiconductor stocks toward software names has begun benefiting companies like Microsoft. The iShares Expanded Tech-Software ETF (IGV) posted gains across four consecutive sessions ending Wednesday, accumulating a 7% advance over eight trading days. Meanwhile, the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) retreated 8.5% during the identical timeframe. Microsoft’s significant exposure to software — previously considered a weakness this year — has now become an advantage. Shares extended their recovery with a 0.7% gain in Thursday’s premarket activity. The S&P 500 remained relatively flat, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ticked up 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.3%. Haleon Announces Five-Year Microsoft AI Partnership Wednesday brought news that Haleon, a global consumer healthcare enterprise, established a new five-year partnership to expand deployment of Microsoft’s artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and data analytics capabilities throughout its worldwide operations. The comprehensive agreement encompasses Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure cloud platform, and additional AI technologies. According to Haleon, these solutions will streamline repetitive processes, enhance team collaboration, and bolster cybersecurity measures. Both organizations intend to co-develop AI tools designed for consumer insights, innovation in product development, and optimization of supply chain operations. Haleon stated the partnership aims to empower its workforce with faster decision-making capabilities and accelerate product delivery to end consumers. The company maintains an ambitious objective of reaching an additional one billion consumers by 2030. For Microsoft, this represents another significant enterprise client committing to its artificial intelligence ecosystem. Workforce Reductions Expected Soon The encouraging developments arrive alongside less favorable news. According to a Business Insider report, Microsoft may announce several thousand job eliminations as soon as the coming week. The anticipated workforce reduction is projected to impact less than 2.5% of Microsoft’sapproximate 228,000 full-time employee base — representing a more modest scale compared to earlier restructuring that eliminated roughly 4% of personnel. Sales teams and consulting divisions may face cuts, alongside previously anticipated reductions within the Xbox gaming unit. Microsoft has not issued official confirmation regarding the layoffs. The projected timing corresponds with the conclusion of Microsoft’s fiscal year on June 30, a period when the company traditionally conducts budget assessments and workforce evaluations. Despite the challenging 2026 opening, Wall Street maintains an optimistic outlook. Microsoft currently trades at a forward price-to-earnings multiple of 21.52 times. Revenue growth projections exceed double the S&P 500’s expected pace through 2028, according to MarketWatch analytics. TipRanks data reveals 35 of 36 analysts covering Microsoft assign it a Buy rating, with one Hold recommendation and zero Sell ratings. The consensus 12-month price target sits at $562.10, suggesting approximately 38% upside potential from present trading levels. The post Microsoft (MSFT) Stock Surges 3%: What’s Behind the Rally? appeared first on Blockonomi.
Solana (SOL) Introduces Stake-Weighted Governance Model Through New SGP Framework
Key Highlights Solana introduces Governance Proposals for stake-weighted on-chain voting. Proposals require backing from validators controlling 15% of active stake. Framework provides directional consensus before technical specifications are drafted. Token delegators gain ability to override their validator’s voting decisions. New system distinguishes community sentiment from technical implementation processes. The Solana Foundation has introduced a stake-weighted governance mechanism designed to formalize protocol decision-making across the network. This new system enables validators to submit directional proposals that advance to on-chain voting, while maintaining a clear distinction between community consensus and the technical specifications managed through established improvement processes. Governance Framework Establishes Formal Voting Mechanism The newly implemented system creates Solana Governance Proposals (SGPs) to address significant protocol-level questions. Validators can initiate an SGP when core development teams require unambiguous network consensus. This mechanism documents community preferences before technical specifications are drafted. SGPs operate alongside rather than replacing Solana Improvement Documents (SIMDs). The governance framework allows network participants to signal directional support before engineering teams develop detailed implementation plans. SIMDs continue to serve as the primary mechanism for comprehensive technical protocol modifications. According to the Foundation, SGPs are intended for decisions with substantial long-term economic implications for the network. This process is designed for issues requiring validator and delegator consensus prior to development work. Consequently, the network now possesses a formalized pathway for community-endorsed protocol evolution. Proposal Activation Requires Significant Stake Threshold An SGP can only proceed to voting when validators controlling a minimum of 15% of active stake endorse the proposal. This requirement serves as a filter to eliminate proposals lacking substantial network backing. The threshold also prevents excessive voting on issues that haven’t achieved meaningful validator support. Validators holding at least 100,000 delegated SOL tokens are eligible to initiate governance proposals within this framework. Each SGP consists of a markdown specification document and an on-chain proposal account generated via svmgov. The on-chain record references the document at a specific repository commit hash. After reaching the threshold, the proposal enters a stake-weighted voting phase. Vote tallying considers only decisive votes, excluding abstentions from the calculation. Proposals must secure a two-thirds supermajority during the designated voting window to achieve approval. New System Enhances Governance Structure The framework provides Solana with a more formalized mechanism for substantial governance matters. It diminishes dependence on informal coordination when protocol direction requires broader network consensus. Nevertheless, core developers retain authority over technical design through the SIMD process. Token delegators now hold direct influence over individual proposal outcomes. When delegators disagree with their validator’s stance, they can override that validator’s vote on a per-proposal basis. This capability grants stakers enhanced control over how their delegated tokens affect governance decisions. This development builds on recent initiatives surrounding Solana’s protocol infrastructure and security framework. Earlier this year in April, the Foundation launched STRIDE in collaboration with Asymmetric Research to strengthen security audits and incident management. The SGP framework now complements these efforts by adding a governance dimension for stake-weighted protocol determinations.
The post Solana (SOL) Introduces Stake-Weighted Governance Model Through New SGP Framework appeared first on Blockonomi.
StablecoinX (USDE) Unveils Harness Platform to Streamline Stablecoin Operations
Key Highlights StablecoinX (USDE) introduced StablecoinX Harness, a comprehensive middleware solution for managing stablecoin transactions Organizations can now accept leading stablecoins, hold them as sUSDe to generate staking yields, or route payments to any preferred destination — all via a single integration point The solution is designed for enterprises, autonomous AI agents, and financial services firms seeking to minimize development complexity Launch capabilities encompass intra-chain swaps and inter-chain transfers, with expanded functionality on the roadmap Access is currently available to design partners and early adopters through developer@stablecoinx.com On July 2, 2026, StablecoinX (USDE) unveiled StablecoinX Harness, its primary software offering. The company positions it as a middleware infrastructure designed to streamline how institutions and developers interact with stablecoins. StablecoinX Inc. (USDE) Harness brings together functionality that traditionally demanded numerous separate implementations — including bridge protocols, decentralized exchange aggregators, payment processors, and settlement infrastructure — into one unified API. This represents a substantial simplification for development teams building stablecoin-powered applications. With a single integration, businesses can receive any mainstream stablecoin, convert holdings to sUSDe for yield generation, or direct transfers to recipients’ chosen endpoints. This architectural approach addresses payment processing, corporate treasury management, and emerging AI-driven commerce scenarios. CEO Edward Chen characterized the launch as a pivotal moment in the company’s collaboration with Ethena. He positioned Harness as infrastructure aimed at expanding USDe adoption within conventional financial ecosystems. The debut version prioritizes core functionality: intra-chain token swaps and cross-chain value transfers. These foundational capabilities address numerous practical implementation scenarios immediately. Planned Enhancements Subsequent platform updates are anticipated to deliver expanded capabilities. The roadmap includes Unified Liquidity Aggregation technology, a comprehensive Multi-Stable Treasury Dashboard, Issuance-as-a-Service functionality, Automated Yield Strategies, and intelligent systems for Risk Scoring and Compliance Orchestration. These enhancements would transform Harness from a straightforward exchange interface into a comprehensive infrastructure layer. The Compliance Orchestration component appears particularly relevant for regulated financial entities navigating evolving regulatory requirements. Target Audience StablecoinX indicates that Harness is engineered for enterprises, financial institutions, and AI agents. The focus on AI agents deserves attention — autonomous systems executing blockchain transactions represent an expanding market segment, and Harness incorporates this use case in its foundational design. StablecoinX trades publicly on Nasdaq using ticker symbol USDE. The firm presents itself as a regulated investment vehicle offering exposure to the stablecoin sector through its concentration on the Ethena infrastructure ecosystem. Ethena ranks among the prominent digital dollar issuers, with StablecoinX’s business operations centered on expanding that ecosystem through software infrastructure and related services. The Harness platform represents StablecoinX’s inaugural major product introduction since becoming a publicly traded entity. The post StablecoinX (USDE) Unveils Harness Platform to Streamline Stablecoin Operations appeared first on Blockonomi.
Strategy (MSTR) Stock Surges 11% After CEO’s Insider Buy and New Capital Plan
Quick Summary CEO Phong Le acquired 11,000 shares of STRC preferred stock for approximately $999,000 at prices ranging from $90.66 to $90.87 per share, near historic lows BTIG maintained its Buy recommendation on MSTR while adjusting the price target downward from $350 to $250, reflecting Bitcoin’s 28% decline The company’s newly introduced Digital Credit Capital Framework secured more than $1 billion, providing cash coverage for 17 months of preferred stock dividends MSTR shares advanced 7.43% on Tuesday and climbed an additional 6.37% during early Wednesday pre-market trading; midday Wednesday saw gains of 11.63% Wall Street consensus points to Strong Buy with average price targets ranging from approximately $291 to $363, suggesting substantial upside potential Strategy (MSTR) CEO Phong Le demonstrated confidence in his company’s future by acquiring 11,000 shares of STRC preferred stock for approximately $999,000 at prices near their historical floor. The transaction occurred at price points between $90.66 and $90.87 per unit. STRC previously touched $71.25 on June 26 and has declined 10.84% since the start of the year. The market reaction was immediate and positive. MSTR stock climbed 11.63% to reach $97.03 by midday Wednesday, following a 7.43% gain in the prior session and an additional 6.37% surge during pre-market hours. The company has endured significant headwinds recently. MSTR reached a 52-week peak of $457.22 last July before sliding to $81.81 on June 26—representing a steep 78.7% decline from its high. Shares have tumbled 74.8% over the trailing twelve months and are down 36.76% year-to-date. The selloff has been largely attributed to Bitcoin’s price weakness and mounting concerns about the company’s capital architecture, especially regarding shareholder dilution and its preferred equity approach. Revamped Capital Strategy Addresses Market Concerns In response to investor unease, Strategy unveiled its Digital Credit Capital Framework this week. The initiative requires the company to maintain sufficient cash reserves to cover a minimum of 12 months’ worth of interest and dividend obligations, while also introducing a share repurchase program designed to narrow the gap between MSTR’s trading price and its net asset value. To support this framework, Strategy generated over $1 billion through a common stock offering last week, establishing a U.S. dollar cash reserve sufficient to fund 17 months of preferred dividends. BTIG analysts Andrew Harte and Brendan Greaney offered an encouraging assessment. They reaffirmed their Buy rating on MSTR while moderating their price objective from $350 to $250, accounting for Bitcoin’s 28% price retreat since the first quarter. In their July 1 research note, the analysts stated they “believe MSTR’s capital structure will enable it to outperform BTC as prices recover.” They characterized the evolution from straightforward capital raising to proactive balance sheet stewardship as a “highly positive near-term spark” for shares. First Quarter 2026 Financials: Software Growth Offset by Bitcoin Impairment Strategy disclosed its Q1 2026 financial performance on May 5. Revenue totaled $124.3 million, representing an 11.9% year-over-year increase. Gross profit expanded to $83.4 million from the prior year’s $77.1 million. However, the defining figure was a net loss of $12.54 billion, overwhelmingly driven by a $14.5 billion mark-to-market loss on its Bitcoin portfolio. As of early May, Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings stood at 818,334 coins—representing a 22% year-to-date increase—with a reported BTC Yield of 9.4% YTD. The firm secured $11.7 billion in capital during the year-to-date period. STRC contributed $5.6 billion to the company’s coffers, up 189% year-to-date, with cumulative dividends declared and paid reaching $692.5 million. Cantor Fitzgerald maintains an Overweight stance with a $212 price objective. Benchmark assigns a Buy rating accompanied by a $570 target. The highest Wall Street target currently stands at $645. Among 18 Wall Street analysts covering the stock, MSTR holds a Strong Buy consensus rating—comprising 15 Strong Buy recommendations, one Moderate Buy, one Hold, and one Strong Sell—with a mean price target of $363.62. The post Strategy (MSTR) Stock Surges 11% After CEO’s Insider Buy and New Capital Plan appeared first on Blockonomi.
Circle (CRCL) Stock Climbs on Standard Chartered’s USDC Integration
Key Highlights CRCL shares advance following Standard Chartered’s institutional USDC launch. Global bank introduces direct USDC creation and redemption services. Development reinforces Circle’s position in regulated digital currency markets. Initial deployment begins in DIFC with expansion plans underway. Partnership expands Circle’s footprint among institutional investors. Shares of Circle Internet Group (CRCL) climbed 3.81% to reach $64.38 during pre-market hours following Standard Chartered’s introduction of institutional-grade USDC services. This advance came after CRCL closed the prior session at $61.95, representing a 1.09% decline. The development establishes a connection between a leading international financial institution and Circle’s regulated digital dollar platform. Circle Internet Group, CRCL Pre-Market Rally Follows USDC Service Announcement Circle Internet Group equity experienced upward momentum ahead of market open after Standard Chartered unveiled its USDC creation and redemption platform. This offering leverages Circle’s existing framework while focusing on corporate and institutional participants. The partnership enhances Circle’s standing within the regulated digital currency ecosystem. Circle Standard Chartered@StanChart has launched institutional USDC minting and redemption through DIFC, becoming the first G-SIB to offer institutional access to USDC through a regulated banking channel. A major milestone for institutional stablecoin adoption.… pic.twitter.com/SufjFOqjyk — Circle (@circle) July 2, 2026 This new functionality enables organizations to obtain USDC via Standard Chartered’s established client onboarding and servicing infrastructure. Consequently, institutional participants can bypass the need for direct Circle relationships. This arrangement introduces a banking intermediary between traditional currency systems and distributed ledger settlement mechanisms. Circle produces USDC through licensed operating entities, maintaining its status as a leading dollar-backed digital currency. Applications include cross-border transactions, financial settlement, corporate treasury operations, and capital management. Banking collaborations of this nature can accelerate mainstream institutional adoption. Major Bank Pioneers Institutional Stablecoin Infrastructure Standard Chartered achieved a milestone as the inaugural licensed Global Systemically Important Bank offering this type of USDC service architecture. Operations will commence through the bank’s Dubai International Financial Centre presence. This deployment reinforces the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to regulated cryptocurrency infrastructure. The platform integrates traditional banking capabilities with custody solutions, digital asset technology, and public blockchain networks. Organizations gain unified access for moving between fiat currency and stablecoins. This arrangement enables businesses to coordinate blockchain-based settlement and treasury functions with enhanced oversight. Standard Chartered intends to broaden this service across additional jurisdictions following regulatory clearance and operational preparation. Bank executives positioned this deployment as an initial step within a comprehensive stablecoin strategy. Such moves reflect increasing appetite for compliant digital asset infrastructure. Institutional Appetite Drives CRCL Momentum Circle stands to gain from growing corporate and institutional interest in stablecoins and blockchain settlement systems. USDC availability through an established international bank may unlock additional enterprise applications. This integration embeds Circle more firmly within conventional financial architecture. The announcement arrives as financial institutions and corporations evaluate stablecoins for payment processing and treasury optimization. Organizations seek operational efficiency and transaction transparency while maintaining regulatory compliance and risk management protocols. Standard Chartered’s approach satisfies these requirements through its supervised banking structure. CRCL’s pre-market appreciation underscored this enhanced institutional positioning. Shares recovered from the previous session’s weakness and early trading pressure. Nevertheless, the fundamental narrative centers on Circle’s deepening integration with regulated banking infrastructure. The post Circle (CRCL) Stock Climbs on Standard Chartered’s USDC Integration appeared first on Blockonomi.
Nebius (NBIS) Stock Plunges 17% on Meta’s Cloud Infrastructure Ambitions
Key Takeaways Shares of Nebius Group (NBIS) plummeted 17% during Wednesday’s session, hitting an intraday low of $228.17 with trading volume spiking 85% above typical levels A Bloomberg article revealing Meta’s plans to launch a cloud infrastructure service competing with neocloud companies sparked the massive sell-off The decline came despite impressive quarterly results showing $399 million in revenue — a 684% year-over-year increase — and an EPS beat of $0.54 Analyst sentiment remains cautiously optimistic with a “Moderate Buy” rating across 15 analysts; Bank of America maintains a $280 price objective Company executives have offloaded more than $124 million in shares over the last three months, raising questions about confidence Meta’s Cloud Ambitions Trigger Sharp Decline in Nebius Group (NBIS) Stock Shares of Nebius Group (NBIS) experienced a dramatic 17% decline on Wednesday, touching a session low of $228.17 before settling near $229.18. The stock had closed at $276.17 the previous day. Trading activity exploded, with more than 30 million shares changing hands — approximately 85% higher than normal daily volume. The catalyst for this sharp downturn was a Bloomberg article detailing Meta Platforms’ intention to commercialize AI computing resources and models — including direct GPU capacity sales. This business model places Meta in direct competition with neocloud specialists such as Nebius and CoreWeave. CoreWeave similarly experienced a decline exceeding 6% following the same disclosure. The market reaction extends beyond simple competitive concerns. Meta currently ranks among the world’s largest purchasers of GPU computing power. A strategic pivot toward selling excess capacity rather than solely consuming it could fundamentally reshape supply dynamics across the entire industry. Neocloud companies including Nebius have benefited tremendously from surging AI infrastructure requirements. Wednesday’s market action demonstrated how rapidly investor confidence can evaporate when threatened by well-capitalized competitors. Robust Growth Metrics Clash With Valuation Concerns The stock decline contrasts sharply with Nebius’s operational performance. The company delivered $399 million in quarterly revenue — representing an extraordinary 684% year-over-year expansion. Management exceeded earnings projections by $0.54 per share, posting a loss of just $0.23 compared to the consensus estimate of a $0.77 loss. The organization’s customer acquisition pipeline has reached unprecedented levels, and underlying demand for AI infrastructure capabilities continues accelerating. However, several Wall Street analysts had previously cautioned that the stock’s valuation appeared overextended following its remarkable pre-earnings rally. NBIS currently trades above its 50-day moving average of $215.92 and significantly above its 200-day moving average of $142.48. Even after Wednesday’s correction, the stock maintains considerable premium to these technical benchmarks. With a price-to-earnings multiple of 73.93 and a market capitalization approaching $58 billion, valuation remains elevated. The stock’s beta coefficient of 4.03 underscores its extreme volatility — a characteristic vividly illustrated by Wednesday’s price action. Wall Street Perspectives and Executive Stock Sales The analyst community maintains a generally favorable outlook despite divided opinions. Fifteen analysts currently cover the stock, with nine recommending Buy and six maintaining Hold ratings, resulting in a “Moderate Buy” consensus. The mean price target stands at $203.25. Bank of America established a $280 price objective with a Buy recommendation in early June. BNP Paribas Exane initiated research coverage in June with a Neutral stance and $255 target. Morgan Stanley maintains an Equal Weight rating alongside a $144 price target. Insider transaction patterns present a more cautious narrative. The Chief Technology Officer divested approximately $3.7 million in stock on June 4th, representing a 5.1% reduction in personal holdings. The Chief Revenue Officer sold roughly $3 million on June 2nd, trimming his stake by 28.6%. Collectively, company insiders have liquidated more than $124 million in stock value during the past 90 days. Nevertheless, institutional investors have demonstrated confidence by expanding positions. Orbis Allan Gray, Fred Alger Management, and Morgan Stanley have all increased their shareholdings in recent reporting periods. Wall Street analysts project Nebius will report a full-year loss of $1.91 per share on average. The post Nebius (NBIS) Stock Plunges 17% on Meta’s Cloud Infrastructure Ambitions appeared first on Blockonomi.
Micron (MU) Stock Plunges Over 10% Amid Global Semiconductor Selloff
TLDR Micron shares declined an additional 2.18% in Thursday’s premarket session to $1,009.76, after plummeting 10.6% Wednesday to settle at $1,032.28. Global contagion sent South Korea’s KOSPI benchmark tumbling 7.9%, with memory chip competitors SK Hynix and Samsung plunging 14.6% and 9.1% respectively. Year-to-date gains through Wednesday still show Micron ahead by 262%, trading approximately 128% above its 200-day moving average. Critical support zone identified near $991; falling through this level may trigger additional downside pressure. Wall Street maintains optimistic outlook with consensus price target of $1,542.05, while Cantor Fitzgerald and Barclays project $2,000. Micron Technology (MU) shares experienced significant turbulence this week, collapsing 10.6% during Wednesday’s session to settle at $1,032.28, then extending losses with a 2.18% decline in Thursday’s premarket trading to approximately $1,009.76. This two-session retreat represents part of a wider semiconductor sector downturn that triggered volatility across domestic and international markets. The selling pressure transcended American markets. South Korea’s KOSPI benchmark — which has been among 2026’s strongest-performing global indices — closed Thursday’s session down 7.9%. With heavy concentration in memory chip manufacturers, the index bore the brunt of sector-specific weakness. SK Hynix plummeted 14.6% while Samsung retreated 9.1%. These companies compete directly with Micron in DRAM and NAND memory segments. Despite recent volatility, Micron‘s broader performance trajectory remains impressive. Through Wednesday’s close, shares have surged 262% year-to-date — performance that eclipses most Wall Street benchmarks. The KOSPI maintains an 81% gain for 2026 despite Thursday’s pullback. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 has advanced a modest 9.3% during the same period. However, short-term technical indicators reveal emerging weakness. Micron currently trades approximately 4.1% beneath its 20-day simple moving average of $1,048.47, suggesting the immediate trend is undergoing consolidation following the stock’s June peak. The relative strength index registers at 51.95 — neutral territory — indicating the shares are pausing rather than experiencing fundamental breakdown. Key Levels to Watch Market participants are monitoring two critical price thresholds. Overhead resistance exists around $1,089.50, representing the level Micron must reclaim to reestablish bullish momentum. Conversely, downside support emerges near $991. Breaching this floor could trigger additional selling pressure. For perspective, Micron continues trading roughly 19.5% above its 50-day moving average of $841.56 and approximately 128.4% above its 200-day moving average of $440.26. These metrics suggest the long-term uptrend remains fundamentally sound. Micron maintains substantial ETF representation. The stock commands an 8.39% allocation in the Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF (SPMO), a 9.78% weighting in the Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ), and a 9.46% position in the Global X DAX Germany ETF (DAX). Such concentrated ETF exposure means institutional fund flows can magnify price movements in either direction. Earnings and Analyst Targets Micron’s upcoming quarterly earnings release is scheduled for September 22, 2026. Wall Street consensus anticipates earnings of $31.24 per share — a substantial increase from $3.03 reported in the prior-year period. Revenue projections stand at $50.72 billion, dramatically exceeding last year’s $11.31 billion. These forecasts illustrate extraordinary growth momentum. The stock currently trades at a price-to-earnings multiple of 23.3, which analysts view as reasonable compared to semiconductor industry peers. Analyst sentiment remains decidedly bullish. Consensus price target for MU sits at $1,542.05. Cantor Fitzgerald elevated its target to $2,000 on June 29, while Barclays established an identical target on June 25. Cantor’s previous target stood at $1,500. Micron’s Benzinga Edge metrics support the optimistic thesis: momentum score of 99.62, quality score of 97.83, and growth score of 85.15. The lone weakness appears in valuation, scoring just 24.83 — reflecting concerns about how rapidly shares have appreciated. As of Thursday’s premarket session, MU traded at $1,009.76, down 2.18%. The post Micron (MU) Stock Plunges Over 10% Amid Global Semiconductor Selloff appeared first on Blockonomi.
CrowdStrike (CRWD) Shares Decline Following 4-for-1 Split and CEO’s $1.95M Stock Sale
Key Takeaways A 4-for-1 stock split for CrowdStrike became effective, automatically adjusting the share price to 25% of its prior level. Chief Executive George Kurtz offloaded roughly $1.95 million worth of CRWD shares on June 29–30, 2026, through a prearranged 10b5-1 plan. The transactions involved 2,577 shares sold at prices spanning $706.81 to $754.85 apiece. Prior to the split adjustment, CRWD shares traded around $772.46, approaching the 52-week peak of $786. Shares have delivered approximately 56% returns over 12 months, with year-to-date gains hovering near 62.80%. CrowdStrike (CRWD) shares are experiencing downward pressure today, though the decline is largely technical rather than fundamentally driven. The cybersecurity company’s 4-for-1 stock split went into effect, automatically reducing the per-share price to 25% of its previous trading level. This mechanical adjustment accounts for the majority of the nominal price decrease. Ahead of the split implementation, CRWD was changing hands around $772.46, hovering close to its 52-week peak of $786. The shares had climbed approximately 56% during the trailing 12-month period and posted gains of roughly 62.80% since the beginning of the year. It’s important to note that stock splits don’t alter underlying company valuation. Shareholders now possess four times as many shares, with each trading at one-fourth the original price. The aggregate value of investor positions remains unchanged. Despite this, certain market participants are treating the split as an opportunity to realize gains. CrowdStrike has experienced a robust upward trajectory, and splits can sometimes serve as psychological catalysts for profit-taking activity. An additional element weighing on investor sentiment involves recent insider activity. Fresh SEC disclosures reveal that CEO George Kurtz liquidated approximately $1.95 million in CRWD holdings in late June. The dispositions occurred across two trading sessions on June 29 and June 30, 2026. Kurtz divested 2,577 shares total at execution prices between $706.81 and $754.85 per share. These transactions were conducted pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement, which Kurtz established on January 6, 2026. Such plans are structured beforehand to eliminate concerns about improper insider trading. CEO Maintains Significant Ownership Position After completing these sales, Kurtz maintains direct ownership of 2,078,256 Class A shares. This figure encompasses shares connected to restricted stock units that haven’t yet vested. Additionally, he holds 100,000 shares indirectly via the Kurtz Family Dynasty Trust, though he disclaims beneficial ownership beyond his financial interest in those holdings. The $1.95 million disposition represents only a minor portion of his total stake. It’s standard practice for senior executives to execute periodic sales through predetermined trading plans. Operational Performance Highlights From an operational standpoint, CrowdStrike recently delivered quarterly revenue figures that exceeded analyst consensus by 1.7%. This marked an improvement following a shortfall in Q1 of fiscal year 2026. Cantor Fitzgerald maintained its Overweight recommendation on CRWD after these results, assigning a $725 price objective. The firm has been accelerating its artificial intelligence security initiatives. Recently, it enhanced Falcon AI Detection and Response functionalities to encompass applications running on Amazon Web Services infrastructure, including Amazon Bedrock. CrowdStrike has also expanded its Project QuiltWorks collaboration with AWS to track AI workloads for security weaknesses. In parallel moves, it deepened integration partnerships with Databricks, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. The organization additionally unveiled an identity security solution tailored for AI agents, facilitating real-time authorization of automated agent activities. CrowdStrike’s valuation currently sits at approximately $194.3 billion in market capitalization. The post CrowdStrike (CRWD) Shares Decline Following 4-for-1 Split and CEO’s $1.95M Stock Sale appeared first on Blockonomi.
Standard Chartered Launches USDC Minting and Redemption Service for Institutional Clients
TL;DR Standard Chartered has become the first G-SIB to offer institutional clients direct USDC minting and redemption services. The new solution allows eligible clients to access USDC without opening a separate account with Circle. Initially launching through the bank’s DIFC operations, the service supports settlement, treasury, and liquidity management. The partnership underscores growing institutional demand for regulated stablecoin infrastructure despite rising competition in the sector. Standard Chartered, currently at the fore front of the stablecoin adoption campaign, has introduced a new service that enables institutional clients to mint and redeem USDC directly through the bank, marking a significant step in the integration of traditional banking with digital assets. Developed in partnership with Circle Internet Group, the issuer of USDC, the offering makes Standard Chartered the first Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) to provide institutional access to USDC minting and redemption through a single banking relationship. Unlike existing arrangements, eligible clients will not need to open separate accounts with Circle. Instead, they can access USDC minting and redemption through Standard Chartered’s institutional platform, allowing them to move between fiat currencies and blockchain-based assets within a unified banking environment. Circle Standard Chartered@StanChart has launched institutional USDC minting and redemption through DIFC, becoming the first G-SIB to offer institutional access to USDC through a regulated banking channel. A major milestone for institutional stablecoin adoption.… pic.twitter.com/SufjFOqjyk — Circle (@circle) July 2, 2026 The service will initially be available through the bank’s Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) operations, with plans to expand into additional markets as regulatory approvals are secured. New Service Aims to Bridge Traditional Banking and Digital Assets Standard Chartered said the new capability is designed to simplify how institutions interact with regulated stablecoins by combining banking services, custody, and digital asset infrastructure into a single offering. The bank expects the solution to support a wide range of institutional activities, including on-chain settlement, treasury operations, and liquidity management, while also laying the foundation for future payment-related use cases. By embedding USDC access into its existing institutional banking platform, Standard Chartered aims to provide clients with the governance, compliance, and risk management standards associated with a global financial institution. The launch also reflects growing demand among corporations and financial institutions for regulated stablecoin infrastructure capable of supporting cross-border transactions and digital asset operations. Starting in the UAE further reinforces the country’s position as an emerging hub for regulated blockchain and digital asset innovation. Partnership Highlights Stablecoin Adoption Despite Growing Competition The partnership, just barely a month after another one with CoinMENA, represents another milestone for Circle as it continues expanding the reach of USDC through established financial institutions. Bringing a global systemically important bank into its ecosystem could strengthen USDC’s position among institutional users seeking regulated access to stablecoins. The announcement also comes just hours after renewed attention on Circle’s competitive position in the stablecoin market. As earlier reported, Circle’s shares recovered modestly after a sharp selloff triggered by the launch of the OpenUSD consortium, an initiative backed by more than 140 organizations, including major financial and technology companies such as Stripe, Coinbase, Visa, Mastercard, and BlackRock. While some analysts have warned that increasing competition could pressure USDC’s market position over time, Standard Chartered’s decision to integrate USDC into its institutional banking services signals that demand for regulated stablecoin infrastructure continues to grow. The post Standard Chartered Launches USDC Minting and Redemption Service for Institutional Clients appeared first on Blockonomi.
K Wave Media (KWM) Stock Drops After Liquidating Entire 88 BTC Bitcoin Position
Key Highlights KWM stock declined in pre-market hours following the complete liquidation of 88 BTC to service outstanding debt obligations. The entertainment company terminated its Bitcoin treasury strategy in under twelve months. Available financing capacity has been reallocated toward artificial intelligence infrastructure investments. KWM plans to divest Play Co. subsidiary while pursuing debt reduction initiatives. The company faces additional pressure from Nasdaq listing compliance requirements. Shares of K Wave Media (KWM) experienced declines during pre-market activity following the company’s decision to liquidate its complete Bitcoin holdings and terminate its cryptocurrency treasury initiative. The stock decreased 1.36% to reach $0.1450, building on the prior session’s 1.01% decline that brought shares to $0.1470. This transaction occurred as part of a comprehensive corporate reorganization that reallocates resources toward artificial intelligence infrastructure while reducing liabilities. K Wave Media Ltd., KWM Complete liquidation of cryptocurrency treasury holdings K Wave Media executed the sale of its entire 88 BTC position on May 6, 2026, generating proceeds totaling $64.2 million through the transaction. The company applied these funds to satisfy existing debt obligations, effectively eliminating cryptocurrency assets from its financial statements. Consequently, KWM maintains zero digital currency exposure following a treasury program that lasted fewer than twelve months. The Nasdaq-listed Korean entertainment enterprise had initially embraced Bitcoin through an ambitious capital raising initiative throughout 2025. The company secured access to $1 billion in financing through two distinct funding arrangements. These consisted of a $500 million Share Purchase Agreement with Anson Funds alongside a $500 million Standby Equity Purchase Agreement with Bitcoin Strategic Reserve. The original strategic framework allocated 80% of specified net proceeds toward cryptocurrency acquisitions. K Wave Media subsequently purchased 88 BTC during July 2025 to establish its inaugural treasury holdings. Nevertheless, mounting debt pressures combined with evolving capital allocation priorities prompted a complete reversal of this approach. Share price deteriorates amid strategic transformation KWM equity experienced significant deterioration following the May announcement regarding its operational pivot. Shares plummeted 24% on the disclosure date as the organization redirected financial resources away from cryptocurrency holdings. Furthermore, continued pre-market weakness demonstrated ongoing investor concerns regarding the restructuring process. On May 4, K Wave Media disclosed potential reallocation of approximately $485 million in remaining financing availability. Management outlined intentions to pursue AI infrastructure opportunities, encompassing data center facilities, graphics processing unit resources, and strategic acquisitions. Accordingly, the Bitcoin liquidation occurred merely two days following this strategic announcement. K Wave Media simultaneously initiated divestiture proceedings for Play Co., its primary operating subsidiary. This disposition targets elimination of approximately $48 million in combined debt and liabilities, subject to shareholder authorization. Collectively, these measures transformed KWM from a cryptocurrency treasury narrative into an AI infrastructure restructuring situation. Financial constraints motivate comprehensive transformation K Wave Media’s cryptocurrency exit underscores the challenges confronting smaller-capitalization treasury strategies. Larger institutional holders possess capacity to endure extended valuation declines, whereas smaller enterprises encounter more restrictive funding conditions and liquidity constraints. Consequently, balance sheet leverage and capital availability often prove more determinative than cryptocurrency valuations themselves. The organization has pursued additional restructuring measures throughout June 2026. Management terminated its share purchase arrangement with Solaire while planning retirement of approximately 9.8 million ordinary shares. This quantity represents roughly 13% of total outstanding equity. K Wave Media received notification from Nasdaq regarding minimum market capitalization requirements on June 18, 2026. Company representatives indicated commitment to achieving compliance standards. Shareholders are scheduled to vote on July 10, 2026, regarding a proposed corporate rebranding to Talivar Technologies. The post K Wave Media (KWM) Stock Drops After Liquidating Entire 88 BTC Bitcoin Position appeared first on Blockonomi.
SpaceX (SPCX) Shares Plunge 8% as Musk Refutes AI Smartphone Claims
Key Highlights Elon Musk rejected a Wall Street Journal story regarding a SpaceX AI smartphone as “utterly false” via social media platform X Shares of SPCX declined 7.8% during Wednesday’s trading session after the CEO’s rebuttal According to the WSJ piece, the alleged device featured a proprietary operating system, xAI integration, and Qualcomm Snapdragon processors SpaceX shares have surrendered the majority of post-IPO momentum and currently trade 2.1% below their listing price Wall Street maintains a Moderate Buy consensus on SPCX with a $216.83 mean price objective, suggesting 37.6% potential appreciation Shares of SpaceX (SPCX) tumbled 7.8% during Wednesday’s session following Elon Musk’s emphatic rejection of a Wall Street Journal article that alleged the aerospace company had been presenting an AI-enabled smartphone prototype to prospective investors before going public. Musk’s rebuttal on X consisted of just two words: “Utterly false.” The CEO offered no additional context or clarification. According to the WSJ article, which cited anonymous sources with knowledge of the situation, the prototype handset operated on a custom-built operating system, incorporated artificial intelligence capabilities from xAI, and utilized Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chip architecture. The story temporarily boosted QCOM shares before Musk’s denial sent them down 1.55%. The purported device was characterized as having a more refined design than Apple’s iPhone. The WSJ further indicated that the initiative remained in preliminary development phases and might ultimately be abandoned. This marks another instance where SpaceX smartphone speculation has surfaced publicly. Reuters published a report in February suggesting SpaceX was investigating a mobile handset that would connect to its Starlink satellite infrastructure. Musk refuted those claims as well. Months earlier in January, Musk had provided a somewhat ambiguous response, acknowledging that a Starlink-connected phone was “not out of the question at some point” — though he emphasized it would differ substantially from conventional smartphones. SpaceX’s Expanding AI Ambitions The smartphone narrative fits within SpaceX’s broader strategic vision. The company has committed billions of dollars toward expansion efforts that extend far beyond rocket manufacturing and Starlink connectivity services. SpaceX is developing AI infrastructure, embedding xAI’s Grok artificial intelligence model throughout its operational framework, and investigating orbital data center concepts. The overarching objective appears to be establishing SpaceX as a formidable competitor in the artificial intelligence sector — not merely a spaceflight enterprise. Reuters additionally disclosed that SpaceX is examining possibilities for launching its own mobile telecommunications network, and has entered discussions with Charter Communications regarding utilization of its terrestrial infrastructure for cellular traffic. The company previously established a direct-to-cell partnership with T-Mobile utilizing Starlink technology. Current Stock Performance SPCX has experienced challenging trading conditions recently. The equity now trades 2.1% beneath its IPO debut price, having relinquished most of the initial post-listing appreciation. According to TipRanks data, SPCX maintains a Moderate Buy consensus recommendation derived from four Buy ratings, three Hold ratings, and one Sell rating. The average analyst price objective stands at $216.83, implying 37.6% potential upside from present trading levels. Qualcomm shares retreated 1.55% in response to the report. Both SpaceX and Qualcomm representatives declined to provide statements to Reuters. Microsoft introduced its own AI-equipped badge device for enterprise users last month, which also incorporates Qualcomm wearable chip technology — underscoring the increasingly competitive landscape within AI-powered hardware markets. The post SpaceX (SPCX) Shares Plunge 8% as Musk Refutes AI Smartphone Claims appeared first on Blockonomi.
Key Takeaways Adobe shares advanced more than 2% during Thursday’s pre-market session following HSBC’s upgrade to Buy from Hold Analyst Stephen Bersey from HSBC increased his price objective to $308 from $282, suggesting approximately 46% potential gain Fiscal Q2 2026 revenue grew 12.7% compared to the prior year, reaching $6.62 billion; management elevated full-year projections HSBC maintains that AI-driven competition hasn’t significantly affected Adobe’s operations While AI-focused revenue tripled annually, it comprises merely ~2% of the quarter’s total revenue Adobe (ADBE) shares gained over 2% in Thursday’s pre-market session after HSBC elevated the stock rating to Buy from Hold while increasing its price objective to $308 from $282. The shares were hovering near $211 before the market opened. The updated $308 price objective suggests approximately 46% appreciation potential from present levels. Bersey highlighted Adobe’s second-quarter fiscal 2026 performance as the primary catalyst behind his revised outlook. Sales increased 12.7% on a year-over-year basis to $6.62 billion, while management upgraded its annual forecast, projecting revenue expansion of 11.8% for the fiscal year 2026. HSBC indicated it hasn’t observed meaningful disruption from AI-powered rivals to Adobe’s operations. Bersey suggested the market is overstating the competitive threat from AI-based design tools. Entrenched Ecosystem Provides Competitive Moat A core element of HSBC’s bullish thesis centers on Adobe’s deep integration within users’ everyday workflows. Bersey characterized the platform as “sticky,” indicating clients aren’t migrating away despite the emergence of innovative AI solutions. Remaining performance obligations expanded 13.1% year-over-year during Q2, demonstrating that customers continue investing in Adobe’s offerings. Both aggregate and near-term remaining performance obligations experienced identical growth rates. Adobe maintains a gross profit margin of 89.4% while generating $25.2 billion in sales. HSBC observed that the P/E multiple of 12.07 appears compelling for a software enterprise of Adobe’s magnitude. AI Contributions Expanding But Remain Modest Adobe is monetizing AI capabilities, though they represent a minor portion of overall operations. AI-centric revenue surged threefold year-over-year in Q2 FY2026, but represented approximately 2% of the quarter’s total revenue. HSBC interprets this as an encouraging indicator. It implies customers are adopting Adobe’s AI capabilities as supplements to their current workflows instead of substituting them with external alternatives. Adobe recently completed the acquisition of Topaz Labs, recognized for AI technologies in video and image refinement. The strategy involves incorporating that expertise into Firefly, Firefly Services, and Creative Cloud. The company also introduced Adobe Brand Visibility, a solution enabling brands to enhance their visibility across AI-powered search interfaces like ChatGPT and Google AI Mode. This offering leverages information from Adobe’s Semrush acquisition. Adobe extended its AI Assistant functionality throughout Premiere, Photoshop, and Illustrator, enabling users to articulate desired results while the platform executes the necessary workflow procedures. Notwithstanding the HSBC upgrade, the wider analyst community maintains a measured stance. Adobe presently carries a Hold consensus recommendation on TipRanks, derived from seven Buy, 16 Hold, and two Sell assessments. The mean analyst price objective stands at $257.93, indicating roughly 22% upside from existing levels. The post HSBC Upgrades Adobe (ADBE) Stock with $308 Price Target, Seeing 46% Gains appeared first on Blockonomi.
Tesla (TSLA) Stock Climbs Ahead of Critical Q2 Delivery Numbers
Key Takeaways Shares of Tesla closed up 1.1% Wednesday at $425.30 as market participants prepared for the company’s Q2 delivery announcement on Thursday. Analysts anticipate deliveries between 400,000 and 409,000 units for the quarter, with the broad range highlighting demand questions. Registration data from Europe showed June increases in France, Denmark, Sweden, and Spain, signaling a potential turnaround in the region. Hedge fund manager Michael Burry revealed new short bets against Tesla, as BYD appears poised to reclaim the lead in global electric vehicle sales. After reaching a peak of 1.8 million deliveries in 2023, Tesla has experienced contraction, with forecasts calling for approximately 1.7 million in 2026. Tesla (TSLA) shares advanced 1.1% during Wednesday’s session, settling at $425.30 after reaching an intraday peak of $432.86. Trading activity remained subdued at approximately 39.7 million shares, falling short of the standard 58.6 million average. The uptick occurred as market participants prepared for Thursday’s anticipated Q2 delivery announcement. Broader equity markets displayed mixed performance. The Nasdaq Composite declined 0.4% while the S&P 500 dipped 0.1%, leaving Tesla swimming against the technology sector current. Micron tumbled 6%, Nvidia retreated approximately 2%, and SpaceX surrendered more than 6%. Entering Wednesday’s trading, Tesla had already accumulated a 10.8% gain for the week, building on consecutive positive sessions Monday and Tuesday. The electric vehicle manufacturer now commands a market capitalization of $1.60 trillion with a price-to-earnings multiple of 390. Q2 Delivery Projections Show Wide Dispersion Wall Street forecasts for Q2 deliveries demonstrate notable variation. FactSet’s aggregated estimate hovers around 409,000 units, Bloomberg’s projection approaches 400,000, and Tesla’s internally compiled consensus lands near 406,000. This dispersion underscores authentic ambiguity regarding demand throughout a quarter influenced by international conflicts, modifications to US electric vehicle subsidies, and escalating energy costs. Surpassing expectations would represent Tesla’s second consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year delivery expansion — a feat the automaker hasn’t accomplished since 2024. The company’s annual delivery volume crested at approximately 1.8 million units in 2023 before contracting in both 2024 and 2025. Current Street projections point toward roughly 1.7 million deliveries for calendar year 2026. Tesla elected against pursuing a more affordable vehicle architecture, directing resources instead toward its Cybercab autonomous taxi initiative. The elimination of the $7,500 federal electric vehicle tax incentive has simultaneously intensified affordability concerns for American buyers. European Markets Display Encouraging Signals Fresh registration figures published Wednesday revealed strengthening Tesla demand across multiple European territories in June. Registrations jumped 39% in Denmark, surged 56% in Sweden, and increased 5.6% in Spain. France witnessed registration volumes more than double compared to the prior year period. Norway represented the outlier, experiencing a 43% year-over-year registration decline, partially explained by customers accelerating purchases before anticipated 2026 policy modifications. This European renaissance follows a challenging period during which Tesla surrendered market share to Chinese competitors, confronted a constrained vehicle portfolio, and navigated consumer resistance connected to CEO Elon Musk’s political engagement. Regarding Wall Street coverage, Deutsche Bank and Royal Bank of Canada maintain Buy recommendations. BTIG shifted to Neutral during early June. Truist adjusted its stance to Hold accompanied by a $400 price objective; Mizuho retains an Outperform rating with a $480 target. The aggregate consensus across 45 covering analysts registers as Hold, with a mean price target of $403.07. Not every indicator points upward. Michael Burry revealed additional short positions targeting Tesla, citing concerns regarding valuation metrics and operational execution. Additionally, BYD appears positioned to reclaim its status as the world’s leading pure electric vehicle seller. During Q1, Tesla delivered EPS of $0.41, exceeding the $0.39 consensus forecast. Revenue registered at $22.39 billion, representing 15.8% year-over-year growth, albeit marginally beneath the $22.96 billion projection. Thursday’s delivery announcement will provide the next concrete data point for shares that have rallied significantly heading into the release. The post Tesla (TSLA) Stock Climbs Ahead of Critical Q2 Delivery Numbers appeared first on Blockonomi.
UBS Sets New High for Bloom Energy (BE) Stock Following Massive $25B Brookfield Deal
Key Highlights UBS analyst Manav Gupta increased the Bloom Energy price target to $350 from $322, maintaining a Buy recommendation The company’s collaboration with Brookfield for AI power infrastructure ballooned from $5 billion to an impressive $25 billion Shares of BE are trading near $308.84, reflecting a 7.2% decline from the previous week but surging over 1,260% year-over-year Gupta contends investors are overlooking Bloom’s value by overemphasizing generation costs while ignoring total power delivery expenses The Street’s consensus rating stands at Moderate Buy, with a mean price target of $283.95 Bloom Energy (BE) secured a fresh street-leading price objective on Tuesday when UBS analyst Manav Gupta elevated his forecast to $350 from the previous $322, maintaining his Buy recommendation. Shares were changing hands around $308.84 during the analyst call, hovering close to the 52-week peak of $351.28 while experiencing roughly a 7.2% pullback during the preceding week. The catalyst behind the enhanced outlook was a substantial enlargement of Bloom’s current alliance with Brookfield Asset Management. The arrangement ballooned from $5 billion to $25 billion. Bloom and Brookfield initially unveiled their collaboration in October 2025, designed to deliver on-site electricity for Brookfield’s upcoming AI manufacturing facilities. That original $5 billion structure has now expanded by a factor of five. The enlarged collaboration operates within Brookfield’s specialized AI Infrastructure Fund, which debuted in November 2025 with an announced objective of investing $100 billion. UBS’s Case Against Skeptics Gupta’s primary thesis centers on the notion that the market is evaluating Bloom using an inappropriate standard. Most Wall Street professionals concentrate on LCOE — the levelized cost of electricity generation — however Gupta maintains that hyperscale operators prioritize total delivered power expenditure. When incorporating storage solutions, redundancy systems, and infrastructure enhancement expenses, affordable renewable sources can become prohibitively costly. Bloom’s on-site fuel cell technology eliminates numerous supplementary costs while delivering superior reliability, which Gupta argues positions them more favorably on a comprehensive cost evaluation. He additionally characterized the Brookfield arrangement as transcending a simple financing commitment. The partners are constructing a blueprint for AI production facilities that integrates power generation, computational resources, facility architecture, and investment capital into a unified package from inception. Gupta presently holds the 343rd position among over 12,300 analysts monitored by TipRanks. His performance record specifically on BE is noteworthy — achieving an 82% accuracy rate and delivering an average return of 266.87% per recommendation across a one-year timeframe. Additional Contracts and Regulatory Tailwinds Building Bloom has multiple agreements advancing. AI cloud provider Nebius committed to implementing Bloom’s fuel cell technology, and Gupta anticipates collaborations with Oracle and utility provider AEP will accelerate too. Regarding policy developments, FERC recently acted to expedite grid interconnections for substantial data center requirements. This modification is encouraging additional operators to secure independent power sources instead of depending on grid availability — a dynamic that directly benefits Bloom’s offerings. Bloom’s revenue expanded 56.5% during the previous twelve months, based on InvestingPro data. Notwithstanding this expansion, the platform indicates the stock may be trading above its Fair Value calculation. The Street’s collective outlook on BE registers as a Moderate Buy, derived from nine Buy recommendations and 10 Hold ratings. The consensus price objective stands at $283.95, which would technically indicate modest downside from present trading levels. UBS’s $350 forecast now represents the most bullish target on Wall Street, exceeding the consensus by a considerable margin. The post UBS Sets New High for Bloom Energy (BE) Stock Following Massive $25B Brookfield Deal appeared first on Blockonomi.
Palantir (PLTR) Stock Surges 9% Following Major Nvidia AI Collaboration Announcement
Key Highlights PLTR shares jumped 8.8% on Wednesday, reaching $127.22 in its strongest four-day performance since early 2025 A strategic collaboration with Nvidia to develop tailored AI solutions for government agencies drove the recovery The stock had plummeted 39% year-to-date and shed 25% in June following a seven-session decline Wolfe Research assigned a “Peer Perform” rating, acknowledging superior enterprise AI capabilities despite elevated valuation Projections indicate 39% revenue compound annual growth rate through 2029, with optimistic scenarios reaching 55% Palantir Technologies (PLTR) shares surged 8.8% during Wednesday’s trading session, closing at $127.22 and completing a four-day advance of approximately 19% since June 25. This marked a dramatic reversal for shares that had experienced sustained downward pressure. The turnaround stems from a strategic collaboration with Nvidia unveiled Monday. The alliance focuses on developing customized AI solutions specifically for U.S. government organizations, merging Nvidia’s artificial intelligence infrastructure with Palantir’s operational platforms. The initiative aims to provide federal agencies with protected systems for developing and implementing AI models. Palantir describes the offering as an “intelligent engine.” CEO Alex Karp outlined the strategy during a Wednesday appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box. He emphasized that the collaboration centers on providing clients with “control over their compute, their models, their data stack and their alpha.” Karp further noted that Palantir maintains “critical infrastructure” throughout the United States, Ukraine, and Israel. He highlighted that AI large language models deployed “on the battlefield” operate through Palantir’s Ontology framework. The Ontology infrastructure enhances AI model security and accuracy—representing a fundamental element of Palantir’s value proposition to government customers. While this isn’t Palantir’s initial partnership with Nvidia, the announcement’s timing proved significant. It arrived precisely when PLTR had reached multi-month lows. Understanding the Recent Downturn Prior to this week’s recovery, Palantir had experienced significant headwinds. Shares had declined 39% during 2026 and tumbled 25% throughout June. A consecutive seven-session losing streak from June 16 through June 25 drove the stock through several critical technical thresholds. The decline bottomed at $107.27 on June 25. The underlying concern fueling the selloff: potential for AI technology to supplant the software platforms supporting it. Guggenheim challenged this perspective Wednesday, elevating ServiceNow and Salesforce to Buy ratings while characterizing the “AI eliminates software” theory as a “hallucination.” Palantir received additional support from financial disclosures revealing President Trump’s investment positions in various companies, including Palantir. Analyst Perspectives Wolfe Research initiated coverage of PLTR on June 16 with a Peer Perform designation. Analyst Alex Zukin characterized Palantir’s enterprise AI offerings as having “the best product market fit of any enterprise software company in the market today.” Despite this favorable product assessment, the premium valuation prevented a Buy recommendation. Wolfe’s metrics deserve attention: 150% net revenue retention, 85% year-over-year revenue expansion, and a 97% annual increase in residual deal value backlog—all supported by roughly 1,000 clients and 4,000 personnel. Wolfe’s baseline forecast projects 39% revenue compound annual growth from 2026 through 2029. An optimistic scenario elevates this figure to 55%, within a total addressable market exceeding $385 billion. PLTR also announced an expanded commercial agreement with Surf Air Mobility this week, contributing additional positive momentum. Following Wednesday’s close, Palantir’s market capitalization stood at approximately $279.7 billion. Typical daily trading volume averages around 45 million shares. The post Palantir (PLTR) Stock Surges 9% Following Major Nvidia AI Collaboration Announcement appeared first on Blockonomi.
Paramount Skydance (PSKY) Stock Climbs 3% Following EU Concessions on Warner Bros Deal
Key Points Shares of Paramount Skydance (PSKY) advanced 3.14% following the submission of regulatory concessions to European authorities regarding the Warner Bros Discovery takeover The massive transaction carries a price tag of $110 billion with debt included, or $81 billion on a debt-free basis European regulators have pushed back their decision timeline to July 22 to evaluate the proposed remedies Sources indicate Paramount may terminate its cinema distribution partnership with Universal Pictures as part of regulatory compliance The transaction continues to face examination from UK authorities and potential opposition from multiple American state governments Shares of Paramount Skydance (PSKY) registered a 3.14% increase on Wednesday following the media company’s presentation of regulatory remedies to European Union authorities, marking a significant step toward finalizing its massive $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD). Meanwhile, WBD shares saw a modest uptick of 0.56% in response to the development. In a statement, Paramount emphasized its eight-month engagement with European Commission officials, expressing “confidence that this remedy directly and comprehensively addresses any concerns expressed in the European Commission’s preliminary assessment.” The Commission acknowledged receipt of the proposed commitments on Tuesday and subsequently postponed its final decision from July 7 to July 22, allowing additional time for thorough evaluation of the submitted proposals. Although specific details of the concessions remain undisclosed, a person with knowledge of the negotiations informed Reuters that Paramount intends to dissolve its theatrical distribution partnership with Universal Pictures. This strategic sacrifice is designed to alleviate worries voiced by European cinema operators and exhibitors. The transaction has already received approval from the US Department of Justice. Nevertheless, multiple American states including California and New York are allegedly coordinating legal action to challenge the merger. UK Adds Another Layer of Scrutiny Across the Atlantic, UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced on Tuesday her potential intervention in the transaction based on public interest considerations, particularly focusing on implications for news media, children’s programming, and digital streaming platforms. The merger is simultaneously undergoing examination under the European Union’s foreign subsidies regulation framework. This additional scrutiny stems from the participation of sovereign wealth funds — specifically Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Qatar Investment Authority, and Abu Dhabi’s L’imad Holding Company — all of which are providing financial support for Paramount’s acquisition bid. Financing Raises Its Own Questions The foreign subsidy dimension introduces yet another complicating factor to an already intricate regulatory landscape. European Commission officials rarely outright reject transactions when companies present viable remedies, and Paramount’s optimistic messaging suggests negotiations between both parties are progressing toward resolution. Paramount has emphasized its pursuit of “timely clearance,” language that indicates the company’s desire to conclude the European regulatory process well ahead of the newly established July 22 deadline if circumstances permit. The Commission’s final determination must be issued no later than July 22. The post Paramount Skydance (PSKY) Stock Climbs 3% Following EU Concessions on Warner Bros Deal appeared first on Blockonomi.
Log in to explore more content
Join global crypto users on Binance Square
⚡️ Get latest and useful information about crypto.