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Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Regulatory Tailwinds Likely to Drive Cryptocurrency Momentum: 5 Picks
The cryptocurrency market has been witnessing a strong rally this month. Bitcoin (BTC), the largest cryptocurrency globally, touched the all-time high of 123,091.61 on July 14. Thereafter, it hovers around 118,000. Ethereum (ETH) rebounded sharply and is up more than 57% in the past month. Positive developments on the global tariff and trade front and the evaporation of a near-term recession fear in the U.S. economy boosted cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, this space gathers momentum predominantly through favorable regulatory developments. At this stage, it should be fruitful to invest in crypto-centric stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank for near-term gain. Five such stocks are: Robinhood Markets Inc. HOOD, Interactive Brokers Group Inc. IBKR, IREN Ltd. IREN, Visa Inc. V and Cipher Mining Inc. CIFR. Regulatory Tailwinds On July 18, President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins) seeking to regulate the stablecoin market of the nation. Stablecoins are digital assets that are built to maintain a stable value relative to a 'stable' asset like the US dollar. Giant retailers such as Walmart and Amazon are considering launching their own stablecoins to reduce dependence on traditional payment networks like plastic money. Two major cryptocurrency-related regulations still pending are The CLARITY Act and The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act. The CLARITY Act aims to define when crypto is a commodity or a security. The CLARITY Act would establish a regulatory framework for digital assets other than stablecoins. This will allow crypto exchanges to register with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission thereby reducing the Securities and Exchange Commission's regulation of digital currencies. The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act aims to prevent the Federal Reserve from issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) directly to individuals or indirectly through intermediaries. The bill also prohibits the Federal Reserve from developing or issuing a CBDC without explicit authorization from Congress. The chart below shows the price performance of our five picks in the past month. Robinhood Markets Inc. Robinhood Markets operates a financial services platform in the United States. Its platform allows users to invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds, options, gold, and cryptocurrencies. HOOD buys and sells Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and other cryptocurrencies using its Robinhood Crypto platform. Given the higher retail participation in markets, HOOD's trading revenues are expected to improve in the near future. Buyouts and product diversification efforts to become a leader in the active trader market will likely bolster its financials. HOOD's vertical integration will likely enhance its product velocity. Further, a robust liquidity position will help HOOD in sustainable share repurchases. HOOD currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Robinhood Markets has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 26.8% and 20.2%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 6.5% over the last 30 days. Interactive Brokers Group Inc. Zacks Rank #1 Interactive Brokers Group is a global automated electronic broker. IBKR executes, processes and trades in cryptocurrencies. IBKR's commodities futures trading desk also offers customers a chance to trade cryptocurrency futures. IBKR's efforts to develop proprietary software, lower compensation expenses relative to net revenues, enhance its emerging market customers and global footprint, along with relatively high rates, are expected to continue aiding revenues. IBKR's initiatives to expand its product suite and the reach of its services will support financials. Interactive Brokers Group has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 7.4% and 9.7%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 9.7% in the last 30 days. IREN Ltd. IREN is a Bitcoin mining company. IREN builds, owns and operates data center infrastructure with a focus on entry into regions where it can access abundant and/or under-utilized renewable energy to power its operations. IREN currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). IREN has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 86.1% and more than 100%, respectively, for the current year (ending June 2026). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 17.3% over the last 30 days. Visa Inc. Zacks Rank #2 Visa's ongoing shift to digital payments is advantageous for Visa, with strong domestic volumes supporting its overall performance. V is taking a significant step toward modernizing cross-border money movement. In a move aimed at enhancing the efficiency of global transactions, V is expanding its stablecoin settlement capabilities to the high-performing Solana blockchain. This expansion of V includes collaboration with prominent merchant acquirers Worldpay and Nuvei, marking a pivotal development in the world of digital payments. Visa has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 10.3% and 13.1%, respectively, for the current year (ending September 2025). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 0.1% over the last 30 days. Cipher Mining Inc. Zacks Rank #2 Cipher Mining is an industrial-scale bitcoin mining company. CIFR also offers high-performance computing (HPC) services, such as artificial intelligence. CIFR continues to develop its pipeline of power capacity at high-quality data center sites, either for bitcoin mining or HPC. Cipher Mining has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 72% and -150%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 18.6% in the last 60 days. Higher. Faster. Sooner. Buy These Stocks Now A small number of stocks are primed for a breakout, and you have a chance to get in before they take off. At any given time, there are only 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. On average, this list more than doubles the S&P 500. We've combed through the latest Strong Buys and selected 7 compelling companies likely to jump sooner and climb higher than any other stock you could buy this month. You'll learn everything you need to know about these exciting trades in our brand-new Special Report, 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Download the report free now >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Visa Inc. (V): Free Stock Analysis Report Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR): Free Stock Analysis Report Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD): Free Stock Analysis Report Cipher Mining Inc. (CIFR): Free Stock Analysis Report IREN Limited (IREN): Free Stock Analysis Report
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
House Freedom Caucus: How We're Delivering For Taxpayers in July 2025
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The House Freedom Caucus (HFC) accomplished some of its most effective work during July 2025. Hard work, attention to detail, and tough negotiations yielded significant improvements to two of the major initiatives in Congress throughout 2025: the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB); and the three digital asset-related bills—GENIUS, CLARITY, and the anti-Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Currency Surveillance State Acts. These victories didn't come easy. They were the product of late nights, relentless scrutiny of legislative text, and a refusal to cave to the laissez-faire, "go along to get along" mentality that has driven Washington towards a fiscal and constitutional crisis. The Freedom Caucus' mission has never been about making headlines—it's about protecting taxpayers and defending liberty, even when it means standing alone. Significant savings in the ever-growing federal spending appetite were enacted in the OBBB through sustained work by the HFC and other fiscal hawks. By applying relentless pressure, providing education to the public, and offering alternative solutions, the HFC helped secure significant savings for the American people in the final piece of legislation. The stakes couldn't be higher. The national debt now stands at a staggering $37 trillion and is rising by nearly $2 trillion annually. Without a decisive course correction, it's projected to soar past $50 trillion in the coming years—crippling future generations with crushing interest payments, stifling economic growth, and leaving America vulnerable to foreign adversaries who hold our debt. Washington elites might dismiss those warnings, but the Freedom Caucus understands what every American already knows: you can't spend your way into prosperity. The victories in the OBBB aren't just numbers on a ledger; they're a down payment on protecting the financial future of our children and grandchildren. WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 21: Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) (C), accompanied by Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) (L), Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) (2nd-L), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) (4th-R), House Freedom Caucus chair Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD)... WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 21: Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) (C), accompanied by Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) (L), Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) (2nd-L), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) (4th-R), House Freedom Caucus chair Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) (3rd-R), Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) (2nd-R) and Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) (R), speaks about the ongoing negotiations between House leadership, the White House and the House Freedom Caucus on the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" at the U.S. Capitol Building on May 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. MoreEqually important is the fight to stop the federal government from implementing a Central Bank Digital Currency. The Freedom Caucus sounded the alarm for months: a CBDC would not kill or bury the surveillance state, but crown it king, giving the government complete visibility and control over your personal finances. This is not a theoretical threat. The Boston Federal Reserve is already testing CBDC programs, and the examples of abuse are everywhere: China's social credit system, which punishes citizens for political dissent, and Canada freezing of truckers' bank accounts in 2022 for protesting vaccine mandates. Once a CBDC is enacted, those same tools could be used here at home, and no amount of political spin can disguise it as anything other than a direct assault on personal liberty. The anti-CBDC legislation advanced this month is a critical first step in putting up a firewall against this encroachment. Much work remains, but thanks to the Freedom Caucus and its allies, the conversation has shifted, and the American people are gaining awareness of the threats to their personal liberty. The lesson of July 2025 is clear: details matter. Large, complex, thousand-page bills often hide provisions that aren't just wasteful, but dangerous to the very foundation of our republic. Without legislators willing to read the fine print, fight for amendments, and push back against leadership, when necessary, those threats sail through unnoticed. The House Freedom Caucus has never been interested in cocktail party invitations or glowing words from the liberal media. Its members are interested in results—results that protect taxpayers, defend freedom, and keep government within its constitutional bounds. July provided proof that a committed minority can make a difference. The wins in the OBBB and the digital asset bills are not the end of the fight, but they're important victories in the broader battle for limited government and individual liberty. Our nation is better off today because a handful of lawmakers had the courage to stand firm, dig deep, and refuse to rubber-stamp flawed policies. That's what principled leadership looks like, and that's what the American People deserve. Freedom Caucus Members Chip Roy, Scott Perry, Keith Self, Lauren Boebert, Michael Cloud, Eric Burlison, Clay Higgins, Andrew Clyde, Andy Ogles, and Chairman Andy Harris, M.D. contributed to this article. The views expressed in this article are the writers' own.
TECHx
23-07-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Central Bank Launches AI Venture with Presight
Home » Emerging technologies » Fintech » Central Bank Launches AI Venture with Presight The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) and Presight, AI and big data analytics company, have announced the launch of a joint venture. The initiative supports the CBUAE's Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme (FIT). This strategic partnership marks a major milestone in the UAE's efforts to enhance resilience and integrate artificial intelligence across the financial ecosystem. The signing ceremony was witnessed by key officials, including: H.E. Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE H.E. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Vice Chairman of Presight H.E. Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services The agreement was signed by H.E. Ebrahim Obaid Al Zaabi, Assistant Governor for Monetary Policy and Financial Stability at CBUAE, and Mr. Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight. The joint venture will deliver sovereign, AI-powered platforms and services to strengthen the UAE's financial market infrastructure. It will support critical systems such as: Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Instant Payments Platform (Aani) Domestic Card Scheme (Jaywan) National Card Switch Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system Open Finance initiative (Nebras) H.E. Ebrahim Obaid Al Zaabi stated that the venture reinforces the UAE's commitment to building a secure, efficient, and future-ready financial system. He noted that combining the CBUAE's infrastructure strategy with Presight's technology will enhance the UAE's position as a global financial hub. Mr. Thomas Pramotedham added that the venture will apply advanced AI to key financial systems. He emphasized that this sovereign finance technology initiative is designed to accelerate innovation, resilience, and operational security.
Al Etihad
23-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Central Bank of UAE, Presight launch joint venture to support Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme
23 July 2025 11:25 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) and Presight, a leading AI and big data analytics company, have announced the launch of a groundbreaking joint venture aimed at supporting the Financial Infrastructure Transformation programme (FIT) launched by the strategic partnership marks a major milestone in the UAE's journey to strengthen resilience, and harness artificial intelligence across every facet of its financial signing ceremony for the joint venture was witnessed by Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE; Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi and Vice Chairman of Presight, and Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at agreement was signed by Ebrahim Obaid Al Zaabi, Assistant Governor for Monetary Policy and Financial Stability at CBUAE and Thomas Pramotedham, Chief Executive Officer of new joint venture will deliver sovereign, AI-powered technological platforms and services to support and enhance the UAE's financial market will play a central role in the development, maintenance, and technical support of various critical financial market infrastructures, including the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) infrastructure, Instant Payments Platform (Aani), Domestic Card Scheme (Jaywan), National Card Switch, Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system, and Open Finance (Nebras).Commenting on the agreement, Ebrahim Al Zaabi said, 'This collaboration marks a strategic step toward ensuring the UAE's financial market infrastructure remains resilient, secure, efficient and future-ready, while also supporting the accelerated transformation of the financial sector."By leveraging the leading role of the CBUAE's Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme and the technological expertise of Presight, this venture will strengthen the financial ecosystem of the UAE and the national economic stability, thereby enhancing the country's position as a global financial hub." Pramotedham said that this joint venture represents a decisive leap forward in applying advanced AI to the heart of the UAE's financial infrastructure. It is purpose-built to accelerate innovation, enhance resilience, and ensure the seamless evolution of critical financial systems.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bank of England considers shelving plans for a digital pound
LONDON: Bank of England officials are mulling whether to set aside plans to create a digital pound for households amid growing skepticism about the project's benefits, the latest sign of dwindling support for state-backed digital currencies globally. The BOE has been privately urging the banking industry to instead accelerate payment innovations that could result in similar benefits without the creation of a central bank digital currency - or CBDC - for consumers, according to people familiar with the matter. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Cybersecurity Technology Data Science Artificial Intelligence Leadership others Degree PGDM Product Management Design Thinking Finance CXO healthcare Management Digital Marketing Project Management Data Science Public Policy MBA Healthcare Others Operations Management Data Analytics MCA Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months MIT xPRO CERT-MIT xPRO PGC in Cybersecurity Starts on undefined Get Details The people said the central bank wants to be in a position to launch a CBDC if it is eventually warranted. But it is willing to step back if private businesses continue to roll out new electronic-payment technologies, and its staff believe the gains from pressing ahead with a digital pound launch have diminished. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cleanse your yoga mat like a pro: say goodbye to germs and bacteria! Kingdom Of Men Undo The BOE declined to comment. But Governor Andrew Bailey on Tuesday said at a Parliamentary hearing that "if the work with the commercial banks is successful, I would need a lot of convincing" on the need for so-called Britcoin. "I think that's a sensible place to do it," he told the Treasury Committee. "If that's a success, I question why we need to introduce a new form of money." Live Events The bank's latest approach marks a shift in its tone from only a few years ago, when BOE and Treasury officials said they thought a digital pound was "likely" to be needed. They will make a joint decision on whether to push ahead with the project once the current "design" phase is complete. The BOE governor previously voiced his doubts publicly and has put his focus on banks stepping up a push to tokenized deposits, which is seen as a way to create a stable bridge between traditional finance and digital assets. The change reflects the dwindling interest globally in the creation of state-led digital currencies as stablecoins and other payment innovations emerge. The Trump administration has blocked further work on a CBDC in the US, citing financial stability concerns, and last month South Korea's central bank halted its digital currency pilot program. In contrast, the European Central Bank is still pressing ahead with the launch of a digital euro. Recent research by BOE staff found that the benefits from launching a CBDC are diminishing and senior officials have stepped back from chairing a committee that discusses the project with the private sector in a possible sign of declining interest.
