Closer – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Fri, 22 Aug 2025 07:47:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.7 https://i0.wp.com/earlybirdsinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-New-Project-2024-12-17T235703.455.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Closer – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 We're Getting Closer to a Social Security COLA Announcement. Here's What We Know So Far. https://earlybirdsinvest.com/were-getting-closer-to-a-social-security-cola-announcement-heres-what-we-know-so-far/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/were-getting-closer-to-a-social-security-cola-announcement-heres-what-we-know-so-far/#respond Fri, 22 Aug 2025 07:47:57 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/were-getting-closer-to-a-social-security-cola-announcement-heres-what-we-know-so-far/ The big reveal is less than two months away, but there are already some clues about next year’s raise.

For people who reach retirement without much savings, Social Security can be a true lifeline. And it’s people in that situation who tend to be very reliant on the program’s cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs).

Social Security benefits are eligible for a COLA each year. That doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to get one, though.

Two people at a laptop.

Image source: Getty Images.

If there’s no rise in inflation from one year to the next, benefits don’t increase. Thankfully, though, the worst thing that happens is that they stay put. Social Security benefits can’t be adjusted downward, even if there’s a drop in inflation year over year.

At this point, many Social Security recipients are eager to know what raise they’ll be getting in 2026. And unfortunately, it’s too soon to have an official answer.

Social Security COLAs are based on third-quarter inflation data. This means that until data from September comes in, a COLA can’t be calculated. It’s for this reason that the Social Security Administration won’t be able to announce a COLA until Oct. 15.

However, based on inflation data so far, there are clues as to what year’s COLA might be. Whether you’re happy with the number, though, depends on how you look at things.

What we know about 2026’s Social Security COLA so far

In 2025, Social Security recipients saw their benefits increase by 2.5%. And many seniors were unhappy with that small a raise.

So far, next year’s COLA is potentially looking to be more promising. The Senior Citizens League, an advocacy group, is estimating that 2026’s raise will come in at 2.7%.

Of course, this number could wiggle upward or downward, depending on what inflation has in store for August and September. But either way, there’s a good chance seniors on Social Security will get a slightly larger raise in 2026 than they did this year.

Should you be happy with a 2.7% COLA?

That depends. On one hand, it’s higher than this year’s raise, and it’s not nothing. There have been many COLAs in the past that were much smaller (including a number of 0% COLA years).

On the other hand, 2.7% is hardly a large boost. If you’ve been struggling to keep up with your living expenses, you may find that a 2.7% Social Security COLA doesn’t do all that much for you.

But there’s another silver lining to a 2.7% COLA, or something in that vicinity. A moderate COLA is an indication that inflation isn’t rising at such a rapid pace.

There’s fear that in the coming months, tariffs will drive living costs up — not just for seniors, but Americans on a whole. If next year’s COLA ends up somewhere in the ballpark of 2.7%, it will be an indication of economic stability.

Think about your lifestyle carefully if you’re COLA-dependent

All told, you’ll have to wait until mid-October to see what the official word is on next year’s COLA. But if you’re worried it won’t be enough, it may be time to reassess your financial situation.

Think about the things you spend money on and the value they bring you. You may not be able to cut back on food or electricity, but you may be able to sell a nicer car and replace it with a cheaper one. Or you may be able to give up a car altogether if you live in a walkable neighborhood and no longer have a job to commute to on a daily basis.

Another thing worth considering is part-time work if you’re able to do it. Not only might that give you something to do with your time, but it could also improve your finances a lot more than a Social Security COLA — even a larger one.

]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/were-getting-closer-to-a-social-security-cola-announcement-heres-what-we-know-so-far/feed/ 0 54510
TMTG moves closer to launching spot Bitcoin ETF with amended S-1 filing https://earlybirdsinvest.com/tmtg-moves-closer-to-launching-spot-bitcoin-etf-with-amended-s-1-filing/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/tmtg-moves-closer-to-launching-spot-bitcoin-etf-with-amended-s-1-filing/#respond Tue, 12 Aug 2025 08:27:22 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/tmtg-moves-closer-to-launching-spot-bitcoin-etf-with-amended-s-1-filing/

Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) has filed its first amended registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the Truth Social Bitcoin ETF, advancing plans to enter the fast-growing spot Bitcoin ETF market.

The ETF, to be listed on NYSE Arca under the ticker B.T., will hold Bitcoin (BTC) directly and seek to track the flagship crypto’s market price. Crypto.com will act as the exclusive custodian, prime execution agent, and liquidity provider, while Yorkville America Digital will serve as the ETF’s sponsor.

The ETF’s structure allocates 70% of its assets to Bitcoin, with 15% in U.S. Treasury securities and 15% in cash or cash equivalents, aiming to balance exposure to the crypto with traditional financial instruments.

The launch remains subject to SEC approval of both the updated Form S-1 registration and a separate Form 19b-4 listing application. The company has not provided a specific launch date but indicated it expects the fund to go live before year-end.

TMTG, parent of the Truth Social social platform, streaming service Truth+, and fintech brand Truth.Fi, said the ETF forms part of a broader Bitcoin-focused strategy.

The strategy includes building a corporate Bitcoin treasury and expanding into digital asset products through its financial services division. The company has already committed substantial capital to Bitcoin acquisitions this year, positioning itself among the more aggressive corporate entrants into the sector.

If approved, the Truth Social Bitcoin ETF would enter a competitive landscape dominated by heavyweight issuers such as BlackRock, whose spot Bitcoin ETF has drawn billions in inflows since the first U.S. approvals in January and set multiple records.

The ETFs have attracted a mix of institutional and retail investors seeking regulated exposure to Bitcoin without the need for self-custody.

The filing also highlights the political dimension of TMTG’s crypto ambitions. President Donald Trump, the company’s majority shareholder, has made digital assets a policy priority, pledging to roll back what he calls restrictive regulations and promote U.S. leadership in the crypto economy.

A spot Bitcoin ETF tied to a political brand of Trump’s profile would be unprecedented in the market, potentially attracting a distinct investor base but also intensifying public and regulatory scrutiny.

The timing of the filing reflects an environment where spot Bitcoin ETFs are gaining mainstream acceptance and competitive differentiation is becoming critical. While the SEC has approved multiple products this year, new entrants face the challenge of building liquidity and investor trust in a market already served by established issuers.

Mentioned in this article
]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/tmtg-moves-closer-to-launching-spot-bitcoin-etf-with-amended-s-1-filing/feed/ 0 52794
These 2 Dirt Cheap Dividend Stocks Just Reported Fantastic Earnings — Here's Why You Should Take a Closer Look https://earlybirdsinvest.com/these-2-dirt-cheap-dividend-stocks-just-reported-fantastic-earnings-heres-why-you-should-take-a-closer-look/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/these-2-dirt-cheap-dividend-stocks-just-reported-fantastic-earnings-heres-why-you-should-take-a-closer-look/#respond Sat, 09 Aug 2025 14:22:54 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/these-2-dirt-cheap-dividend-stocks-just-reported-fantastic-earnings-heres-why-you-should-take-a-closer-look/ Not all stocks are expensive. These look like bargains and are firing on all cylinders.

Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, aren’t exactly known for issuing surprising earnings results, but several top-notch REITs have reported stronger-than-expected occupancy, investment activity, and rent growth.

Some of the REITs that have pleasantly surprised investors also happen to be trading for relatively cheap valuations, a breath of fresh air at a time when much of the stock market is at or near all-time highs. Here are two that could be worth a closer look for long-term investors right now.

A person looking at a laptop with a surprised expression.

Image source: Getty Images.

No signs of weak consumer spending here

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers (SKT -0.99%) is the only pure-play outlet mall REIT in the market, with a portfolio of about 40 outlet properties, primarily located along coastal and tourist-heavy areas.

In the second quarter, Tanger reported stellar 9.4% year-over-year growth in funds from operations (FFO), and all of the major portfolio metrics looked strong. Tanger’s portfolio occupancy was 96.6% at the end of the second quarter, an 80-basis-point sequential increase. And if you were worried about the health of the American consumer, it isn’t apparent in Tanger’s numbers — the average tenant had $465 per square foot in sales over the past 12 months, $27 more than a year ago.

Impressively, Tanger’s spreads on new and renewal leases was 12% during the second quarter, meaning that when a tenant renews their lease or a new tenant moves in, Tanger is making 12% more than it was previously.

In all, this was a fantastic quarter and Tanger raised its full-year FFO guidance on the strength of its results. But even now, Tanger trades for about 14 times FFO and has a 3.7% dividend yield that is nicely covered by its cash flow.

A rock-solid monthly dividend stock

Realty Income (O 0.69%) has a portfolio of more than 15,000 single-tenant properties, most of which are retail in nature. But it’s a different type of retail than Tanger owns. Realty Income chooses tenants that sell non-discretionary products, are service-based, or that are deeply discount-oriented. Their tenants sign long-term lease agreements that require them to cover taxes, insurance, and maintenance — all Realty Income has to do is get a quality tenant in place and enjoy years of growing income.

Realty Income’s results were solid all around. But perhaps the biggest surprise is that Realty Income is still finding plenty of attractive ways to put money to work, despite the unfavorable interest environment. In the second quarter alone, Realty Income invested $1.2 billion in properties at an average initial yield of 7.2%, and meanwhile it issued about $1.3 billion in new debt at an average interest rate of about 3.6%.

In fact, Realty Income raised its full-year investment guidance to $5 billion (previously $4 billion) and increased its full-year FFO guidance midpoint. Shares now trade for just 13.4 times expected FFO, and Realty Income pays a 5.7% dividend yield in monthly installments.

Why they’re worth a look now

Both of these REITs are firing on all cylinders, with solid occupancy, leasing activity, and tenant performance. And both are trading for surprisingly low valuations.

One big reason is that we’re still in a relatively high interest rate environment, and this is a negative catalyst for REITs. Higher interest rates mean that it costs more to raise growth capital, and they also put pressure on commercial real estate values. But as rates (hopefully) trend lower over the next couple of years, it could produce a positive tailwind for these two excellent businesses. I own both in my portfolio (Realty Income is one of my largest investments), and both look extremely attractive from a long-term perspective right now.

Matt Frankel has positions in Realty Income and Tanger. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Realty Income. The Motley Fool recommends Tanger. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/these-2-dirt-cheap-dividend-stocks-just-reported-fantastic-earnings-heres-why-you-should-take-a-closer-look/feed/ 0 52344
Gboard is one step closer to letting you save your favorite Emoji Kitchen creations (APK teardown) https://earlybirdsinvest.com/gboard-is-one-step-closer-to-letting-you-save-your-favorite-emoji-kitchen-creations-apk-teardown/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/gboard-is-one-step-closer-to-letting-you-save-your-favorite-emoji-kitchen-creations-apk-teardown/#respond Wed, 06 Aug 2025 08:49:42 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/gboard-is-one-step-closer-to-letting-you-save-your-favorite-emoji-kitchen-creations-apk-teardown/
Emoji Kitchen on an Android phone.

Joe Maring / Android Authority

TL;DR

  • Google is working on a new feature for Gboard’s Emoji Kitchen.
  • This feature will let you mark your Emoji Kitchen creations as favorites and use them again.
  • The functionality has yet to go live, but appears closer to completion.

⚠ An APK teardown helps predict features that may arrive on a service in the future based on work-in-progress code. However, it is possible that such predicted features may not make it to a public release.

We recently discovered new changes coming to Emoji Kitchen in Gboard. In case you’re unaware of the feature, Emoji Kitchen lets you create distinct-looking stickers by combining two or more emojis together. In the latest Gboard beta (version 15.7.3.787916401 beta), we found references to an upcoming feature that will let you save your sticker creations as “Favorites” for reusing later.

Although the functionality to save stickers as favorites is not available yet, we were able to tinker with the latest release and enable it to demonstrate how it could work when rolled out widely. While we spotted the functionality in June, we couldn’t get it to work back then. That changes with the recent beta update.

With this option enabled, every time we try out a new sticker created from an emoji combination, a pop-up emerges and prompts us to save the result as a favorite. When we wish to use the saved sticker next time, we can tap the heart-shaped icon in the top right corner of the Emoji Kitchen suggestions, which will reveal our favorites.

Since the dedicated Emoji Kitchen browser is limited to Pixel phones, we’re unsure of how Google could integrate it on Android devices from other brands. However, it is less likely that Google limits the feature to its own Pixel devices only.

Lastly, we’d like to reiterate that you can’t save Emoji Kitchen creations as Favorites just yet, but we can expect to roll out soon, considering it looks closer to completion in Gbaord’s latest beta. If you’re currently using Gboard beta, the keyboard app will still show the recent suggestions it made to you, regardless of whether you used them or not.

Thank you for being part of our community. Read our Comment Policy before posting.

]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/gboard-is-one-step-closer-to-letting-you-save-your-favorite-emoji-kitchen-creations-apk-teardown/feed/ 0 51762
WazirX Users One Step Closer To Crypto Funds: Revote Begins July 30 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/wazirx-users-one-step-closer-to-crypto-funds-revote-begins-july-30/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/wazirx-users-one-step-closer-to-crypto-funds-revote-begins-july-30/#respond Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:20:54 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/wazirx-users-one-step-closer-to-crypto-funds-revote-begins-july-30/

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Indian crypto exchange WazirX has revealed the date for a creditor revote that, if passed, could pave the way for the long-awaited fund distribution.

WazirX Has Revealed The Creditor Revote Timeline

In a post on X, WazirX has shared an update on the situation regarding user crypto distribution. The exchange fell prey to an infamous hack one year ago, in which attackers linked with the North Korean Lazarus Group made away with almost $235 million in digital asset funds.

The platform closed its deposits and withdrawals in response to the attack, and to this day, it hasn’t been able to resume operations. This means that the rest of the original $500 million in user funds, around $265 million, are still stuck in limbo.

Recent developments, however, have finally set things in motion. In June, WazirX’s parent company, Zettai PTE LTD, a Singapore-based entity that was responsible for handling user crypto, went to the Singapore High Court with a distribution proposal that had overwhelming support from the creditors behind it.

This plan, however, had ended up finding rejection. Earlier this month, the company again went to court with a revised proposal, and this time, the court ended up giving it a green light. Alongside the announcement of the court hearing decision, WazirX had said another creditor vote will need to happen before the proposal can move forward.

Now, the exchange has formally announced a date for it: July 30th. This revote will remain live until August 6th. “If the requisite majority of creditors vote FOR the Scheme once again, the token distribution will start within 10 business days after the Scheme is effective, just as planned,” noted WazirX in the post.

This means that for the first time in this saga, users finally have a potential timeline for distribution. Alongside the distribution process, the exchange also plans to restart operations.

Nischal Shetty, CEO of WazirX, has also talked about the process in an X post. “A restart will also help us work towards generating profits and distributing it back to all creditors,” said Shetty.

The court had previously rejected the plan due to concerns about compliance with Singapore’s Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA) and the involvement of Panama-based Zensui in the distribution process. The greenlight came as Zanmai Labs, the Indian company behind the exchange, was instead tasked with handling the funds.

It now remains to be seen whether creditors will vote in favor of the amended proposal, as they did for the last one, and potentially allow for an end to the long saga.

Bitcoin Has Seen A Sharp Profit-Taking Spree Recently

Bitcoin investors have participated in peak profit realization amounting to a whopping $3.3 billion recently, as CryptoQuant author Darkfrost has pointed out in an X post.

Bitcoin Net Realized Profit/Loss

The trend in the 7-day MA of the Bitcoin Realized Profit | Source: @Darkfost_Coc on X

Since this selloff, Bitcoin has been locked in sideways movement, with its price still floating around the $118,300 mark today.

Bitcoin Price Chart

Looks like the price of the coin has been unable to find a direction | Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView

Featured image from Dall-E, CryptoQuant.com, chart from TradingView.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/wazirx-users-one-step-closer-to-crypto-funds-revote-begins-july-30/feed/ 0 49488
South Korea moves closer to spot Bitcoin ETFs as FSC explores proposal https://earlybirdsinvest.com/south-korea-moves-closer-to-spot-bitcoin-etfs-as-fsc-explores-proposal/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/south-korea-moves-closer-to-spot-bitcoin-etfs-as-fsc-explores-proposal/#respond Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:55:21 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/south-korea-moves-closer-to-spot-bitcoin-etfs-as-fsc-explores-proposal/

South Korea’s top financial regulator is working on a detailed roadmap to support the launch of digital asset spot exchange-traded funds.

According to a June 19 report by Herald Economy, the Financial Services Commission revealed the move during a policy update to the State Affairs Planning Committee.

The FSC plans to roll out its proposal in the second half of the year. It will evaluate the implications of introducing crypto-based spot ETFs, including potential risks to financial stability, investor exposure, and the broader economy.

The agency also intends to build the necessary infrastructure for listing and managing such ETFs while ensuring investor safeguards.

This policy push aligns with campaign pledges made by President Lee Jae-myung, who previously advocated for allowing the issuance and trading of Bitcoin-based ETFs and similar investment products tied to digital assets.

Stablecoin oversight and fee structure under review

Beyond the ETF rollout, the FSC is advancing the second phase of its digital asset legislation.

This next step will focus on regulations for asset listings, disclosures, business practices, and crackdowns on unfair market activity.

A key part of the effort will be aligning stablecoin rules with international standards while protecting users and enhancing market transparency.

Notably, South Korean authorities are particularly concerned about the growing influence of US dollar-denominated stablecoins in the domestic market. Lee Chang-yong, the governor of the Bank of Korea, recently cautioned that won-pegged stablecoins could increase demand for the US dollar, raising macroeconomic risks.

Meanwhile, the FSC reportedly plans to launch a market-wide review of transaction fees charged by local crypto exchanges.

The review will initially target South Korea’s largest exchanges, including Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone.

Key areas of interest include how these platforms’ fees are structured, whether they disclose this information transparently, and the extent of voluntary fee reductions.

South Korea’s latest regulatory steps reflect its intent to balance innovation with user protection as it reshapes its crypto market policy

]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/south-korea-moves-closer-to-spot-bitcoin-etfs-as-fsc-explores-proposal/feed/ 0 42902
Trump’s Trade War Now Closer to Endgame As White House Loses Court Cases, According to Fundstrat’s Tom Lee https://earlybirdsinvest.com/trumps-trade-war-now-closer-to-endgame-as-white-house-loses-court-cases-according-to-fundstrats-tom-lee/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/trumps-trade-war-now-closer-to-endgame-as-white-house-loses-court-cases-according-to-fundstrats-tom-lee/#respond Mon, 02 Jun 2025 07:14:13 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/trumps-trade-war-now-closer-to-endgame-as-white-house-loses-court-cases-according-to-fundstrats-tom-lee/

The chief investment officer of investment firm Fundstrat says that President Donald Trump’s trade war is nearing its end as courts rule against the White House.

In a new video update on the Fundstrat Capital YouTube channel, Tom Lee says that court rulings against Trump’s tariffs suggest that the White House is losing leverage.

“In our view, the tariff war and concerns have a bark worse than the bite. Let me explain, for instance… on May 28th, the international trade court ruled against the Trump tariffs. Now it didn’t remove all of them, but it ruled against them and on Thursday, May 29th, the DC District Court Judge Contreras ruled that [the] tariffs are illegal.

So it’s two cases ruling against White House tariffs, but on the same day, the Federal Court of Appeals issued an administrative stay which reinstates the tariffs – at least through June 9th – but you can see this is getting quite complicated and the White House is insisting nothing has changed after the tariff rulings.

And in fact, Goldman Sachs highlights that there’s many measures the White House can take to implement or re-implement tariffs. But ultimately, the White House is losing leverage, and it’s taking us closer to the endgame.”

Lee also says that due to the rulings, Trump will struggle to revamp the trade war, and that the White House will be looking for an exit strategy on the matter soon.

Lee goes on to note that tariff visibility and other factors have led to a better investment outlook for stocks now compared to earlier this year.

“The investment outlook is better for stocks now arguably than it was in February 2025 because you’ve got tariff visibility, you have tax and deregulation visibility, [and] the companies survived [a] fifth major stress test… and the Fed is arguably more dovish next year.”

Follow us on X, Facebook and Telegram

Don’t Miss a Beat – Subscribe to get email alerts delivered directly to your inbox

Check Price Action

Surf The Daily Hodl Mix

&nbsp

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing.

Generated Image: Midjourney

]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/trumps-trade-war-now-closer-to-endgame-as-white-house-loses-court-cases-according-to-fundstrats-tom-lee/feed/ 0 39663
Ethereum’s Pectra update meets expectations, edges closer to Fusaka https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ethereums-pectra-update-meets-expectations-edges-closer-to-fusaka/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ethereums-pectra-update-meets-expectations-edges-closer-to-fusaka/#respond Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:42:56 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ethereums-pectra-update-meets-expectations-edges-closer-to-fusaka/

Ethereum Pectra hard fork’s blob capacity enhancement is operating within the thresholds analysts forecast, ethPandaOps said in a May 30 report

The update, which was initiated via the Ethereum Improvement Proposal 7691 (EIP-7691) on May 7, doubled the default blob count from three to six and lifted the ceiling from six to nine. Blobs are data pieces included in Ethereum blocks.

The report instrumented 123 Beacon-chain nodes across 27 countries, 29 in controlled data centers, and 94 in residential settings to track the “New Head” event. This is a timestamp recorded when a client declares a block and its blobs the new chain tip. 

The benchmark requires 66% of peers to reach New Head within four seconds, or the block risks being orphaned.

Working as expected for home users

Charts covering 50,025 slots through May 28 show home-user nodes accepted locally built solo-staker blocks in under four seconds 99.5% of the time, with only a handful of outliers. 

Regression across block size and arrival time projects that home nodes could tolerate up to 14 blobs before brushing the deadline, well above the nine-blob cap. 

The report concluded that “home users were able to support nine blobs,” validating pre-fork modeling that assumed bandwidth sensitivity at the network edge.

The report then stress-tested the model against a 60 million-gas worst-case block size, reflecting the upper bound under Pectra. 

The same regression trimmed safe capacity to 10 blobs, leaving a narrow margin but still clearing the live 6/9 envelope. 

The report noted that a higher gas cap would further tighten the window, reinforcing community calls to halt future gas limit increases until peer-to-peer data availability sampling (PeerDAS) ships in the subsequent Fusaka release.

Manageable relay timing

About 91% of main-chain blocks route through MEV-Boost relays, which insert a bid-acceptance round-trip between proposers and builders. 

Relay-sourced blocks reached New Head marginally slower, with home nodes registering 97.1% inside four seconds versus 99.5% for locally built blocks. 

A distribution plot attributes the tail to relays that delay header broadcasts as part of competitive timing strategies. Worst-case 60 million-gas simulations indicated a safe relay capacity of five blobs, but ethPandaOps expects relays to adjust once the competitive landscape penalizes late delivery.

Additionally, developers plan to shift from proposer-side blob propagation to PeerDAS under the Fusaka hard fork. 

EthPandaOps stated that the team is “heads-down” in integrating PeerDAS, which should reduce per-block bandwidth and open up room for higher gas limits and larger blob counts once deployed.

The report concluded that the telemetry from the first week of Pectra shows the 6/9 blob schedule functions as designed, giving client teams room to focus on Fusaka’s data-availability upgrades without immediate pressure to revisit bandwidth ceilings.

]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ethereums-pectra-update-meets-expectations-edges-closer-to-fusaka/feed/ 0 39435
XRP price set for 48% jump as spot ETF reality draws closer https://earlybirdsinvest.com/xrp-price-set-for-48-jump-as-spot-etf-reality-draws-closer/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/xrp-price-set-for-48-jump-as-spot-etf-reality-draws-closer/#respond Wed, 28 May 2025 12:34:32 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/xrp-price-set-for-48-jump-as-spot-etf-reality-draws-closer/

Key takeaways:

  • XRP’s falling wedge pattern signals a bullish reversal; 48% price surge potential.

  • SEC’s review of WisdomTree’s XRP ETF may spark investor interest as approval odds jump to 84% on Polymarket. 

XRP price is forming a falling wedge pattern on the daily chart, a technical chart formation associated with strong bullish momentum following an upward breakout. Could this technical setup, coupled with the SEC’s review of a spot XRP ETF application by WisdomTree, signal the start of a rally to $3.40 and higher?

XRP falling wedge pattern targets $3.40

From a technical perspective, XRP (XRP) price could gain significant momentum if it breaks out of this falling wedge pattern.

In technical analysis, a falling wedge is a bullish reversal chart pattern that comprises two converging trend lines that connect lower highs and lower lows. This convergence indicates a weakening downward momentum. 

XRP price is currently retesting the resistance provided by the upper trendline of the wedge at $2.42. A break above this level will likely trigger a quick rise in price, with the bulls seeing the technical target of the wedge at $3.40, a 48% increase from current prices.

XRP/USD daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The relative strength index (RSI) has climbed to 47 from 31 on April 8, indicating that bullish momentum is building up.

However, to sustain the ongoing recovery, XRP’s price has to first hold the support at $2.20 and then overcome the resistance between $2.60 and $2.80.

Several analysts are optimistic about a rebound higher, with pseudonymous trader Cryptowzrd saying that a validation of a falling wedge could see XRP break out toward $2.90.

“$XRP closed indecisively and is still maintaining a falling wedge formation,” the trader wrote in a May 28 post on X, adding: 

“A breakout of this wedge will push markets toward the $2.80 resistance. Above that resistance, we will eventually get to a new all-time high.”

XRP/USD daily chart. Source: Cryptowzrd

As Cointelegraph reported, XRP price must first break the key $2.48 resistance level to clear the path toward higher highs.

Spot XRP ETFs coming?

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially started reviewing the spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) application by the WisdomTree XRP Trust, which may provide investors with exposure to XRP. 

The notice published by the SEC on May 27 initiates a 21-day public comment period and a 240-day review timeline, reflecting a structured evaluation of investor protection and market manipulation risks. 

The product would track the price of XRP through the CME CF Ripple-Dollar Reference Rate, giving investors indirect exposure without needing to hold the asset directly.

The betting odds for an XRP ETF approval by Dec. 31 now stand at 84% on Polymarket. Over the past month, the probability of approval has swung by 21% in favor of the YES side, from around 63% on April 22.

XRP ETF approval odds on Polymarket. Source: Polymarket

Bloomberg senior ETF analysts predicted an 85% chance of spot XRP ETF approval after the change in leadership at the SEC.

Approval of these funds could unlock institutional capital, amplifying demand for XRP and potentially driving prices toward $3-$8. Some analysts predict XRP price to go as high as $50 if major players like BlackRock step in.

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/xrp-price-set-for-48-jump-as-spot-etf-reality-draws-closer/feed/ 0 38760
Texas Inches Closer to Holding Bitcoin in State Treasury https://earlybirdsinvest.com/texas-inches-closer-to-holding-bitcoin-in-state-treasury/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/texas-inches-closer-to-holding-bitcoin-in-state-treasury/#respond Fri, 23 May 2025 01:50:11 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/texas-inches-closer-to-holding-bitcoin-in-state-treasury/

On May 21, the Texas House of Representatives approved a bill that would allow the state to hold Bitcoin
BTC


$110,943.84

as part of its treasury.

The proposal, known as Senate Bill 21, has support from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. It was introduced by Senator Charles Schwertner and guided through the House by Representative Giovanni Capriglione.

The bill still needs the Senate to agree on some changes made by the House. If that happens, the next step is Governor Greg Abbott, who will decide whether to sign it.

Bullish vs Bearish Markets: How to Predict it? (Animated)

Did you know?

Want to get smarter & wealthier with crypto?

Subscribe – We publish new crypto explainer videos every week!

On May 20, the bill passed its second reading with a vote of 105 in favor and 23 against. By the third reading, opposition had grown, with 42 voting against it. The final count has not been officially confirmed yet.

According to the state legislature’s website, the vote totals are still considered unofficial until they are reviewed and certified.

A note from Jerry McGinty, who directs the state’s legislative budget board, said it is too early to know how much Bitcoin the state would buy or how much money would be needed. He also said any extra costs from managing the reserve might be covered using profits made from the fund itself.

If approved, the bill would let the state’s comptroller handle the Bitcoin reserve. The comptroller would be in charge of managing the assets and deciding how they are used. The bill also outlines rules for how the reserve would be reported and monitored.

Meanwhile, Kevin O’Leary, known for his role on Shark Tank, recently responded to US Senator Elizabeth Warren’s comments on the GENIUS Act. What did he say? Read the full story.

Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.


]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/texas-inches-closer-to-holding-bitcoin-in-state-treasury/feed/ 0 37775