Core Insights - The article emphasizes that stablecoins and tokenization are two significant growth drivers in the cryptocurrency space, providing long-term support beyond the typical volatility associated with crypto [1][8]. Stablecoins - Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged to $1 or another currency, supported by reserves or supply-demand mechanisms [3]. - There are nearly 300 stablecoins currently available, with Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) being popular examples [3]. - The GENIUS Act, passed in July 2025, provides a regulatory framework for stablecoins, which may lead to increased growth in this segment [3]. Tokenization - Tokenization refers to creating digital representations of traditional assets, allowing for more automated and accessible ownership and transfer [4]. - This concept extends to ETFs and funds, with several issuers already offering tokenized funds, including Franklin Templeton and BlackRock [4]. - BlackRock has shown interest in exploring tokenization through its iShares retail brand, reaffirmed during its October 14 earnings call [4]. ETFs Focused on Stablecoins and Tokenization - Amplify launched two ETFs on December 23, 2025, focusing on stablecoins and tokenization, which invest in companies and infrastructure benefiting from these themes rather than directly in stablecoins or tokenized assets [5]. - The Amplify Stablecoin Technology ETF (STBQ) allocates around 25% to crypto assets like XRP, Solana, Ethereum, and Chainlink, with the remaining 75% in equities of companies involved in stablecoin transactions [5]. - The Amplify Tokenization Technology ETF (TKNQ) follows a similar structure but focuses more on banks and companies involved in tokenization, holding names like Baidu and Citigroup [5]. Comparison with Broader Blockchain ETFs - Stablecoin and tokenization ETFs are more theme-specific compared to broader blockchain ETFs, which capture a wider range of crypto-related trends [7]. - Funds like the Amplify Blockchain Technology ETF (BLOK) include a broader array of holdings, such as crypto mining and infrastructure providers, while STBQ and TKNQ focus specifically on financial companies [7]. Conclusion - Stablecoins and tokenization are becoming foundational elements in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, with STBQ and TKNQ representing emerging investment opportunities in this space [8].

By Yantoultra Ngui and Kane Wu HONG KONG, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Chinese semiconductor designer Montage Technology plans a second listing in Hong Kong via a $800 million to $1 billion share offering ​as soon as this month, said two people with knowledge of the matter, adding to ‌the hectic pace of fundraising in the city. If the company meets the $1 billion target, the deal would be the largest ‌in Hong Kong since China's Zijin Gold International's $3.53 billion listing in September, LSEG data showed. The t ...

Chinese lidar maker Hesai announced plans on Monday to double its production capacity from 2 million units to 4 million units this year, as it looks to corner the global market for the laser-based sensors. That would be well up from the 1-million-plus unit mark that Hesai hit in 2025.Hesai’s push to grab more market share comes just one month after leading U.S. lidar-maker Luminar filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. That company is not expected to continue operating once its bankruptcy plan is approved, though ...

Market Overview - U.S. equities are showing a mixed but generally positive tone as Wall Street begins 2026, with a focus on technology and artificial intelligence [1] - Major indexes like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite initially showed strong gains but experienced some fluctuations throughout the session [1][2] Current Market Indexes and Trends - The S&P 500 Index opened up 0.48% and rose 0.7% in morning trading, but by midday, it had wavered, showing a slight decline at one point [2] - The Nasdaq Composite Index opened with a 1.03% gain and surged 1.3% in the morning, but also saw a slight retreat around midday [3] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average started positively, opening up 0.09% and rising 42 points, but later reports indicated a decline of 0.26% [4] Economic Indicators - The U.S. December S&P manufacturing PMI remained unchanged at 51.8, slightly down from 52.20 in November, with new orders falling for the first time in twelve months [6] - Exports have declined for the seventh consecutive month, indicating ongoing impacts from tariffs and trade tensions [6] Federal Reserve Monitoring - Market participants are closely watching the Federal Reserve's monetary policy stance, with a 15% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut anticipated at the next FOMC meeting [7] Major Stock News and Developments - Nvidia (NVDA) shares rose approximately $2.65, up 1.3% due to strong interest in AI-related stocks and a new licensing agreement with Groq [9] - Micron Technology (MU) is performing well, driven by supply-demand issues that could create a $100 billion high-bandwidth market by 2028 [10] - Tesla (TSLA) shares fell 0.6% after reporting declining sales for the second consecutive year [10][11] - Alphabet (GOOGL) initially rose 2% but later dropped 0.2%, while Microsoft (MSFT) fell 2.1%, impacting overall market momentum [12] - Broadcom (AVGO) shares increased by 1.9%, reflecting strong investor confidence [13] - Vertiv Holdings (VRT) climbed 8% after an upgrade from Barclays, citing substantial upside potential [13] - Baidu (BIDU) shares jumped 9.4% after announcing plans to spin off its AI chip unit, while Alibaba (BABA) rose 4.3% [14] - Nike, Inc. (NKE) was a top gainer, up 4.12%, following insider investments [15] - Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) and Moderna, Inc. (MRNA) were among the biggest losers, down 3.16% and 3.03% respectively [15] Leadership Changes - Warren Buffett stepped down from his position at Berkshire Hathaway, a significant development that will be closely monitored by investors [16]

Economic Overview - The economy in 2025 demonstrated resilience, overcoming challenges such as higher inflation, a slowing labor market, and fewer rate cuts than expected, maintaining steady growth without entering a recession [1] - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 indexes recorded gains of approximately +16.4% and +20.2% respectively, marking their longest winning streak since 2021 with double-digit gains for three consecutive years [2] Labor Market - The number of initial jobless claims in the U.S. fell by -16,000 to a one-month low of 199,000, which was better than the expected 219,000 [2] Stock Market Performance - In a recent trading session, major equity benchmarks ended lower, with notable declines in chip stocks like Micron Technology and KLA Corp, both dropping over -2% [3] - The "Magnificent Seven" stocks also faced losses, with Tesla down more than -1% and Meta Platforms down about -0.9% [3] - Conversely, Nike saw a rise of over +4% after its CEO purchased nearly $1 million worth of shares [3] Trade Developments - Positive sentiment in the market was bolstered by the U.S. postponing tariff hikes on certain goods, including upholstered furniture and kitchen cabinets, while also reducing proposed duties on Italian pasta [4][7] AI Sector Developments - Renewed optimism around AI was noted, particularly with the performance of Shanghai Biren Technology Co. in its Hong Kong trading debut and Baidu's AI chip unit filing for an IPO [5] Futures Market - March S&P 500 E-Mini futures rose by +0.63%, and March Nasdaq 100 E-Mini futures increased by +1.08%, indicating a strong start for Wall Street in the first trading session of 2026 [6] Eurozone Economic Indicators - The Euro Stoxx 50 Index reached a new record high, with defense stocks leading the gains despite weak PMI data indicating a contraction in Eurozone factory activity [9] - The Eurozone's December Manufacturing PMI was reported at 48.8, below expectations of 49.2, signaling a decline in manufacturing activity [10]

Baidu's artificial intelligence chip subsidiary Kunlunxin (Beijing) Technology has confidentially applied for an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, as the search and AI giant becomes the latest to join an investment frenzy amid China's drive for tech self-reliance. The Kunlunxin prospectus was submitted on Thursday but details such as the size and structure of the IPO had not yet been finalised, Baidu said in a statement on Friday. Baidu's Hong Kong-listed shares rose 7.5 per cent to HK$141.30 a ...

Asian markets began the new year Friday with gains, while US futures and oil prices also advanced.Hong Kong's Hang Seng jumped 2.2 per cent to 26,189.79 on a strong rally in tech shares.E-commerce giant Alibaba climbed 3.2 per cent and search engine and technology company Baidu jumped 7.5 per cent after it said it plans to spin off its artificial intelligence computer chip unit Kunlunxin, which would list shares in Hong Kong early 2027. The plan is subject to regulatory approvals.Markets were still closed i ...

Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) is one of the Best Affordable Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On December 22, Reuters reported that companies including Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER), Lyft, and Chinese Baidu have partnered to launch driverless taxi trials in the UK by next year. As a result of this partnership, Baidu’s Apollo Go RT6 will join ride-hailing platforms in London by 2026. In addition, Wayve, which is a London-based startup, is also expected to launch its trials in 2026, driven by ...

Hong Kong stocks rose for a third day on Friday, sending the benchmark gauge to its longest winning streak in three weeks, after softer US inflation data bolstered the case for monetary easing and allayed concerns about frothy valuations of global equities. The Hang Seng Index advanced 0.8 per cent to 25,690.53 at the close, paring the weekly loss to 1.1 per cent. The Hang Seng Tech Index gained 1.1 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index climbed 0.3 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index added 0. ...

Hong Kong stocks traded sideways on Thursday, with technology stocks retreating on growing anxiety that a global boom in artificial intelligence could turn into a bubble. The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.1 per cent to 25,498.13 at the close. The Hang Seng Tech Index dropped 0.7 per cent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index slid 0.6 per cent and the Shanghai Composite Index added 0.2 per cent. Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone and electric vehicle maker, tumbled 2.5 per cent to HK$40.20 and Pop Mart Internatio ...