Today, Trump Media acquires billions of dollars in assets for its crypto treasury, and the CEO of the Blockchain Association breaks down what the Genius Act becoming law means for the industry. Welcome to CNBC's Crypto World. I'm Mackenzie Seagalos.Crypto prices are mixed to kick off the week after President Trump signed a bill regulating stable coins in the US into law late Friday afternoon. As of noon Eastern, Bitcoin dropped slightly, but still traded above $118,000. Ether climbed more than half a percen ...

Crypto Regulation & Market Impact - The Genius Act, regulating stablecoins, is expected to be signed, adding legitimacy and safety to the crypto space [1] - Legislative clarity for stablecoins aims to modernize the payment system, potentially cementing the dollar as the world's reserve currency [2] - The regulation seeks to prevent innovation from moving abroad and to counter potential dominance by other countries like China in international standard setting [3][4] - Crypto companies like Coinbase, Robinhood, and Circle are seen as potential winners from the new regulations [5] Financial & Economic Implications - Stablecoins could introduce new competition in the foreign remittance space, offering faster and cheaper international money transfers compared to traditional methods [6] - Increased dollar-based trade facilitated by stablecoins could further solidify the dollar's position as the world's reserve currency [8] - The administration believes the economy is growing stronger than pessimists suggest, citing retail sales exceeding expectations [13] - The administration's economic plan aims to bring back affordable growth without inflation by increasing domestic production [14] Monetary Policy & Future Outlook - The administration is focused on selecting a Fed chair who will facilitate growth and ensure the right interest rate environment [17] - The administration suggests that if supply is unleashed, there is no reason to anticipate inflation, questioning the need for high interest rates [18]

JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Congressman Dusty Johnson says blockchain technology will transform every industry in the same way the internet has over the last 30 years. https://t.co/EARqKT64K9 ...

Stablecoin Usage - Stablecoins are used as the base pair for almost all crypto exchanges, facilitating entry and exit from crypto [1] - Merchants are increasingly using stablecoins to accept payments [1] - Stablecoins offer faster, smoother, cheaper, and global payment rails based on blockchain technology [1] Regulatory Impact & Adoption - Explicit authorization of stablecoin issuance and adoption is expected to expand their use [2] - Companies like banks, Visa, and Mastercard are likely to become more comfortable adopting stablecoins with an approved legal framework [2] Potential - Stablecoins are emerging as a new payment rail for the 21st century [2]

Web3 Gaming & Blockchain Adoption - A reputable game development studio is exploring Etherlink, indicating growing interest in blockchain solutions within the gaming industry [1] - The founder highlights the understanding of the 'crypto' aspect of gaming, suggesting a strategic approach to integrating blockchain technology [2] - Web3 Gaming is not dead, implying continued potential and innovation in the space [2] Technology & Infrastructure - Reaper Actual has chosen Etherlink, an EVM-compatible Layer 2 built on Tezos, as its blockchain infrastructure [3] - Etherlink offers speed, throughput, and low fees, essential for the demanding environment of the game [3] - Blockchain technology allows users to be in control of data, emphasizing user empowerment and data ownership [3] Game Features & Economy - Reaper Actual will have two versions: one on Steam and Epic Games Store without crypto elements, and another at Reaperactual(dot)com with blockchain integration [2] - The blockchain version supports buying and selling in-game items, enabling a transparent economy [2][3] - Players can potentially make real money through gun skins and mods, indicating a play-to-earn model [3]

Core Insights - Webus International Limited has signed a conditional Securities Purchase Agreement with Ripple Strategy Holdings for a senior equity line of credit of up to US$100 million [2][3] - The funding is intended to support the growth of Webus's XRP treasury strategy, which includes crypto-enabled payments and blockchain-based loyalty programs [4][5] - The facility is designed to be shareholder-friendly, allowing for drawdowns between $250,000 and $3 million over a 24-month period, depending on market conditions [3][5] Company Overview - Webus International Limited specializes in AI-driven mobility solutions, focusing on premium, customizable chauffeur services globally [2][6] - The company operates under the flagship brand "Wetour," offering high-end travel services such as airport transfers and luxury-chartered services [7] - Webus is exploring innovative treasury strategies through a digital asset management framework, with a potential cap of up to US$300 million for future XRP treasury operations [8] Strategic Goals - The funding will enhance Webus's ability to raise capital strategically while minimizing shareholder dilution, thereby accelerating growth in North America and Asia-Pacific [5] - The company aims to integrate blockchain technology for cross-border payment solutions and global expansion initiatives [8] - Webus leverages proprietary technology to provide real-time AI support and multilingual itinerary management for seamless mobility solutions [9]

🇺🇸 TODAY: The US House has passed the Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025 (HR1664), next heading to the Senate.The bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to promote blockchain technology in the US. https://t.co/I5P4io1iEC ...

Investment platform Republic said Wednesday that it is planning to use blockchain technology to sell investors exposure to hot unlisted startups, starting with Elon Musk’s rocket company SpaceX. https://t.co/EW2VxpJp05 ...

Core Viewpoint - Coinbase is seeking approval from the SEC to offer "tokenized equities," which is a significant priority for the company [1][4]. Group 1: Tokenized Equities Concept - Tokenizing equities involves converting company shares into digital tokens, allowing investors to hold tokens that represent ownership instead of the securities directly [2]. - Proponents argue that tokenized equities could lower trading costs, enable faster settlement, and allow for 24/7 trading [4]. Group 2: Regulatory Challenges - Currently, tokenized equities are not available for trading in the U.S., with firms like Kraken experimenting with the concept in select markets outside the U.S. [6]. - To offer tokenized equities in the U.S., Coinbase would need a "no action letter" or exemptive relief from the SEC, which would prevent enforcement actions against the company [7][10]. - The SEC has previously sued Coinbase for operating as an unregistered broker-dealer, but this case was dropped under the Trump administration [9][14]. Group 3: Market Implications - If granted approval, Coinbase could offer stock trading via blockchain technology, positioning itself against retail brokerages like Robinhood and Charles Schwab, potentially opening a new business segment [12][15]. - The current political climate, with Trump appointing industry-friendly regulators, may favor the approval of such initiatives, as seen by the favorable market reaction to cryptocurrencies [13].

Core Insights - The Zacks Securities and Exchanges industry is benefiting from a diversified product portfolio, increased trading volumes, and the adoption of crypto assets, with companies like Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), CME Group (CME), Nasdaq Inc. (NDAQ), and Cboe Global Markets (CBOE) expected to gain from these trends [1][3]. Industry Overview - The Zacks Securities and Exchanges industry includes companies that operate electronic marketplaces for trading stocks, options, bonds, and commodity contracts, generating revenue from fees and providing data and listing services [2]. - The industry is experiencing a rise in crypto asset adoption, but companies must navigate various regulatory requirements [2]. Trends Shaping the Industry - Trading volume is driven by volatility, with transaction and clearing fees being significant revenue sources. A pro-crypto environment under Trump's potential second term is expected to further increase trading activity [3]. - The securities exchanges market is projected to reach $49.6 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12.1% [3]. - Mergers and acquisitions are on the rise as companies seek to enhance growth through strategic partnerships and technology acquisitions [4]. - Continuous investment in technology, particularly in AI and blockchain, is crucial for improving trading efficiency and reducing risks [5]. Industry Performance - The Zacks Securities and Exchanges industry ranks 10, placing it in the top 4% of 251 Zacks industries, indicating strong near-term prospects [6][7]. - The industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Finance sector and the S&P 500, gaining 17.3% year-to-date compared to the sector's 3.9% increase and the S&P 500's decline of 1.8% [10]. Valuation Metrics - The industry currently trades at a trailing P/E of 24.69X, higher than the S&P 500's 21.36X and the sector's 16.03X, with historical trading ranges between 19.02X and 27.94X over the past five years [13]. Company Highlights - **Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)**: A leading global operator with a strong portfolio and risk management services, expected to benefit from digitization in the mortgage industry. EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 indicate year-over-year increases of 14.3% and 10.7%, respectively [17][18]. - **CME Group (CME)**: The largest futures exchange globally, focusing on expanding product offerings and strong liquidity, with EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 showing increases of 8.7% and 3.3% [21][22]. - **Cboe Global Markets (CBOE)**: A major stock exchange operator with a growing product line and recurring revenues, projecting EPS increases of 9.8% and 6.2% for 2025 and 2026 [25][26]. - **Nasdaq (NDAQ)**: A key provider of trading and marketplace technology, focusing on non-trading revenue growth, with EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 indicating increases of 13.1% and 11.7% [29][30].