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Morgan Stanley has joined the cryptocurrency trading market through its ETrade platform and implemented a 50-basis-point charge structure aimed at undercutting major competitors. The move puts the Wall Street giant in direct rivalry with services like Coinbase, Robinhood, and Charles Schwab as it expands access to millions of retail customers. 

The Wall Street giant is aggressively repositioning itself in the cryptocurrency trading market by leveraging its $13 billion acquisition of ETrade and a 50-basis-point pricing structure that undercuts major competitors. Before a full launch for all 8.6 million ETrade clients later this year, the service will first support Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. 

Morgan Stanley triggers crypto fee war among rivals

By implementing a 50-basis-point fee on its E*Trade platform, the bank positions itself as the most affordable mainstream financial player in the retail cryptocurrency market by charging less than Coinbase at 60 basis points, Robinhood at 95 basis points, and Charles Schwab at 75 basis points. 

The pricing approach focuses on cost-conscious retail investors as competition increases for beginner traders entering the digital asset market for the first time. Morgan Stanley’s action is indicative of a larger “race to the bottom” in trading costs, in which crypto-native platforms and traditional banking institutions are now directly competing on execution cost rather than product innovation. 

Wealth management executive Jed Finn of Morgan Stanley claimed that the strategy’s goal is to “disintermediate the disintermediators,” framing the cryptocurrency deployment as more than a trading expansion. The comment implies a fundamental shift in the company’s perspective, as it now sees cryptocurrency trading as a gateway to a broader digital asset ecosystem encompassing trading, wealth management, and institutional services, rather than a stand-alone product. 

The launch illustrates that Morgan Stanley is not running cryptocurrency access as a stand-alone product line but is incorporating it into its broader wealth and brokerage infrastructure. The bank increases exposure to digital assets through a retail investing channel already used by millions of customers by integrating trading directly into the ETrade platform.

According to executives, the endeavor is a part of a larger push to match new digital asset markets with traditional investment services. The approach goes beyond execution services; plans seem to include further integration between cryptocurrency holdings and other investment products on the website.

The expansion also coincides with major financial institutions accelerating their foray into digital assets in response to changes in the US regulatory landscape. Banks investigating cryptocurrency offerings now face fewer barriers due to the more accommodating governmental position, which has accelerated the development of regulated entry points for institutional and individual investors.

Morgan Stanley expands crypto strategy beyond pricing war

Morgan Stanley’s aggressive pricing is just one aspect of a broader push into digital assets that is intensifying industry competitiveness. The bank has been developing a full-stack cryptocurrency strategy over the past few months. This includes plans for additional Ethereum- and Solana-related products, as well as filings for spot Bitcoin and Solana exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This layered approach suggests the firm is positioning itself to compete across custody, asset management, and tokenized markets simultaneously. 

Beyond products, the bank is taking ownership of the underlying infrastructure. On February 18, the Wall Street giant submitted an application to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for a national trust bank charter, which would enable it to directly custody digital assets. The charter would also permit Morgan Stanley to provide trading and staking services inside a controlled environment. If authorized, this would put the bank in direct competition with infrastructure providers and crypto-native custodians, increasing pressure on companies that had hitherto controlled these markets. 

According to people familiar with the matter, the bank is also exploring services that would allow clients to convert crypto holdings into ETFs without triggering a sale, while also preparing for potential tokenized equity trading later this year. These initiatives signal a shift toward integrating blockchain-based assets into traditional capital markets.

The bank is reportedly investigating options that would enable customers to convert cryptocurrency holdings into ETFs without initiating a sale, while also preparing for possible tokenized equities trading later this year. These efforts point to a shift toward incorporating blockchain-based assets into conventional capital markets. 

This larger drive is taking place with substantial revenue at stake.  In 2025, Coinbase brought in $3.32 billion from consumer transactions, while Robinhood recorded about $1 billion from cryptocurrency-related activity.

Still letting the bank keep the best part? Watch our free video on being your own bank.

In a recent interview on Sean Hannity’s YouTube podcast, FBI head Kash Patel lauded AI for helping stop multiple violent attacks on innocent people.

“AI was never used at the FBI till we got there, literally crazy,” Patel said in his characteristically hopped up affect. “I’m using it everywhere.”

Specifically, Patel — who’s been accused of severe issues related to alcohol consumption — alleges that using AI the FBI has been able to foil numerous mass shootings at schools throughout the US.

“We stopped a school massacre in North Carolina because we got a tip from our private-sector partners who are building out AI infrastructure,” he bragged.

As with everything coming out of the Trump administration, we need to take this statement with a Mar-a-Lago-sized grain of salt. While it remains to be seen whether AI has really helped the FBI thwart mass casualty events, there’s extremely compelling evidence that the exact opposite is also true.

For starters, research has shown that AI chatbots are actually twice as likely to encourage humans to commit violent acts than step in and stop them. One Stanford study found that AI chatbots only discourage violence 16.7 percent of the time, while the same chatbots actively supported violent thoughts in an alarming 33.3 percent of cases.

In the real world, this is manifesting into a key pattern of violence. After the second shooting at Florida State University — the 2025 one, not the 2014 one — in which two were killed and seven injured, it was found that the perpetrator had not only confided in ChatGPT about his plans to commit a mass shooting, but used the chatbot to organize the attack.

The mass shooter in Tumbler Ridge, Canada conducted conversations with ChatGPT so disturbing that they were automatically flagged by the company’s internal moderation systems, spurring leadership at the company to debate whether to inform law enforcement; they ultimately didn’t, and the attack killed seven and injured dozens more.

Meanwhile in South Korea, police investigators allege a 21-year-old serial killer used ChatGPT to help plan at least two murders. A Connecticut man with a history of violent mental health episodes was likewise alleged to have killed his mother before taking his own life after long-running conversations with ChatGPT resulted in a disturbing break from reality. One wrongful death suit in Florida alleges Google’s chatbot, Gemini, encouraged a man to kill others in order to procure a “robot body” for his AI lover; failing that, he killed himself.

Elsewhere, AI chatbots have helped users overdose on drugs, plan bombing campaigns, and even engineer bioterror attacks while maximizing casualties.

At the end of the day, the evidence speaks for itself. Not only are AI chatbots not demonstrably preventing violence, they’re actively facilitating it. Unlike any technology before it, these systems provide users contemplating bloodshed with encouragement, tactical advice, and emotional reinforcements. If those in power refuse to acknowledge the reality of AI’s harms, the public will be left defenseless against a technology made to encourage our worst impulses.

More on AI and violence: The Military’s AI Fever Is Leading Into Disaster, Critics Say

The post FBI Director Kash Patel Says AI Has Stopped Numerous Violent Attacks Against America. We’d Love to See a Single Whiff of Evidence appeared first on Futurism.

Key takeaways

• Zcash price prediction for 2026 could reach a maximum value of $ 620.45
• By 2029, ZEC could reach a maximum price of $780.00
• In 2032, Zcash will range between $1,281.30 to $ 1,620.86

Zooko Wilcox-O’Hearn launched Zcash in 2016, and it has become one of the most sophisticated blockchain-based cryptocurrencies due to its privacy features. The Zcash network uses zero-knowledge proof technology (zk-SNARKs) to allow users to make “shielded” transactions where the value, sender, and receiver addresses are hidden, but the network remains verifiable.

Unlike open blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum, where the data of transactions is public but only in pseudo-anonymous form, Zcash has added the option of privacy at the protocol level. This dual-structure means that there is the possibility of both transparent and shielded transactions, making Zcash a special mix of regulatory friendliness and complete financial privacy.

Zcash’s long-term value continues to be a focus area for investors as the global crypto market adjusts to a changing macroeconomic environment, regulatory scrutiny, and growing demand for privacy-focused digital assets.

This analysis explores the future trajectory of Zcash, examining potential price movements from 2026 through 2032.

Zcash Price Prediction: An Overview

Zcash price prediction: Technical analysis

Zcash price analysis

• Today’s ZEC price analysis shows a recovery from $190 to above $570 after a strong April rally
• ZEC Price gained over 30% in 24 hours amid rising volume and bullish momentum
• Zcash Support is at $504, with resistance near $600

Zcash price analysis for 6 May 2026 shows that ZEC extended its bullish recovery, recovering from the February low at $190 to trade around $567 and $568. In the last 24 hours, Zcash has recorded a 10% surge. There was also a spike in trading volume to $1.91 billion. Market cap also increased to $9.45 billion, reflecting strong market participation.

Zcash price analysis 1-day chart

Analyzing the daily price chart, Zcash experienced strong bullish momentum as buying pressure increased. On the daily time frame, ZEC opened at $516.66, climbed to a high of $606.00, dropped to a low of $504.24, and closed around $568.42.

Price action shows a strong uptrend with consecutive higher highs, showing continued accumulation. However, the rally has pushed Zcash toward a critical resistance near $600, while immediate support is forming around $504 and $520, where buyers are likely to step in if a pullback occurs.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI-14) stands around 85.45, signaling overbought conditions. While this reflects strong momentum, it also indicates a possible short-term cooldown if buyers fail to sustain the current pace.

The daily MACD shows strong bullish momentum, with the MACD line at 46.93 trading well above the signal line at 28.03, supported by expanding green histograms indicating continued upward strength.

ZEC/USD 4-hour price chart

Analyzing the 4-hour chart, Zcash opened at $584.44, climbed to a high of $587.79, before trading near $573.56. The chart shows that bulls remain in control despite a short-term pullback from recent highs.

The RSI (14) is hovering around 80.57, indicating overbought conditions and suggesting a possible near-term consolidation. However, the trend remains bullish as buyers continue defending higher levels.

The MACD indicator shows the MACD line at 50.90 above the signal line at 35.97, with green histograms, confirming continued bullish momentum on the 4-hour timeframe.

Zcash technical indicators: Levels and Action

Daily simple moving average (SMA)

Daily exponential moving average (EMA)

What to expect from the Zcash price analysis next?

Zcash may continue its upward move if buyers hold above the $520 and $540 support zone, but the overbought RSI suggests a short consolidation is likely. A breakout above $600 could extend gains, while failure may trigger a pullback toward lower support levels.

Is Zcash a good investment?

Zcash (ZEC) is a digital asset known for its advanced privacy features, including zero-knowledge proofs that enhance transaction confidentiality and increase the utility of the network. For investors, Zcash offers potential profit due to its unique value proposition and growing ecosystem. Liquidity, access to major exchanges, and integrations with various exchanges significantly enhance the ability to buy Zcash and trade it efficiently, making it more accessible to a broader audience.

Notably, approximately 35% of Zcash’s supply is currently off the liquid market, and inflows from ETF approvals could significantly impact its price. Fundamental factors such as account activity, supply and demand dynamics, and market liquidity play a crucial role in influencing Zcash’s price, and these can be affected by events like hacks and regulatory developments. While Zcash appeals to privacy-conscious investors, it is important to consider these fundamental factors, as well as market performance, regulatory risks, and ongoing development, before deciding to invest and assessing whether it is a good time to buy Zcash.

Why is Zcash up today?

Zcash is up today after Multicoin Capital disclosed a significant position, boosting confidence in its privacy-focused narrative and triggering strong buying activity. The rally was further fueled by a short squeeze, with about $62 million in liquidations, alongside broader investor rotation into privacy coins like Monero and Dash.

What is the price prediction for Zcash in 2026?

The ZEC price prediction and Zcash forecast for 2026 indicate that the Zcash price is expected to reach a minimum of $461.76. Most analyst models project a bullish mid-year for Zcash, with the prediction suggesting resistance levels between $500 and $850 if certain catalysts occur. The mid-range target or average price for 2026 is forecast at $541.11, while Zcash could reach a maximum price of $620.45.

Will ZEC reach $500?

ZEC is expected to trade above the $400 to $600 range throughout 2026, suggesting potential for significant price appreciation compared to earlier years. If Zcash can break through key resistance levels within this range, it could unlock additional potential profit for investors.

Will ZEC reach $1000

The likelihood of Zcash (ZEC) reaching $1,000 depends on several factors, including market sentiment, adoption, regulatory changes, and overall cryptocurrency trends. Historically, ZEC peaked near $900 in 2017 but has struggled to regain those levels in recent years.

A long-term forecast for Zcash considers the long-term impact of factors such as institutional adoption, macroeconomic trends, and evolving market sentiment, all of which could play a crucial role in determining whether ZEC can achieve the $1,000 mark. For ZEC to reach $1,000, it would require significant institutional adoption, a surge in demand for privacy coins, and a strong bullish market cycle.

What is the future of Zcash?

Zcash (ZEC) has a promising yet uncertain future, shaped by adoption, regulation, and broader market trends. The overall Zcash outlook is influenced by its unique privacy features, which are increasingly relevant in a world where transparent blockchains can pose risks for institutional users due to heightened financial surveillance and regulatory compliance demands. Zcash appeals to users seeking anonymous transactions, and its price is highly tied to the “Privacy Gold” narrative, which is expected to drive long-term adoption.

However, increasing regulatory scrutiny could limit its availability. The coin’s success also depends on broader crypto market sentiment, competition from other privacy coins like Monero, and ongoing technological upgrades such as Halo. If ZEC gains institutional interest and expands into decentralized finance (DeFi), it may sustain long-term growth. Still, regulatory restrictions and evolving blockchain innovations could present challenges. Its future hinges on balancing privacy features with compliance and usability in the crypto space.

Does ZEC have a good long-term future?

Zcash’s price forecast indicates a generally positive long-term outlook, with a long-term forecast projecting steady price growth over the years. Factors such as regulatory developments and institutional adoption are expected to have a significant long-term impact on Zcash’s future value. By 2032, ZEC is expected to experience substantial price increases, suggesting a good long-term future with moderate to strong growth potential.

Recent news on Zcash

Zcash has released its Zebra 4.4.0 update to fix several critical security vulnerabilities, including issues that could have halted block production or caused network forks due to consensus failures. The update follows the discovery of long-standing flaws in the older zcashd system, prompting developers to accelerate migration toward the newer Zebra infrastructure.

Zcash price prediction May 2026

Zcash’s price prediction for next month (May 2026) suggests an uptrend, with the potential to reach $587.68 by the end of the month. For the upcoming week and next week, technical indicators point to possible price fluctuations, with tomorrow’s price expected to reflect short-term market sentiment. The minimum price projected for the coin is around $481.35, while the average is around $559.97. There is also a potential short-term impact on Zcash’s price due to market sentiment and recent events, which could influence price movements during this period.

Zcash price prediction 2026

The Zcash (ZEC) price is forecast to reach a minimum of $461.76 in 2026. This prediction is informed by on-chain metrics and chain activity, which show increasing utility and engagement within the Zcash ecosystem. Notably, a record high of circulating supply is now held in shielded pools, reflecting rising investor interest and strong network utility. Based on these factors, Zcash could reach a maximum price of $620.45 and an average forecast price of $541.11.

Zcash price prediction 2027-2032

This ZEC forecast for 2027-2032 is based on models that incorporate both technical and fundamental factors. The mid estimates below represent the average or median price predictions for each year, providing a balanced outlook within the broader forecast spectrum.

Zcash Price Prediction 2027

Based on market cycle expansion and gradual adoption trends, Zcash is expected to trade at a minimum of $510.00 in 2027. The price could rise to a maximum of $650.00, with an average trading value projected at around $560.00.

Zcash Price Prediction 2028

The price of Zcash is predicted to reach a minimum value of $505.85 in 2028. The Zcash price could reach a maximum value of $639.90 with the average trading price of $572.88 throughout 2028.

Zcash Price Prediction 2029

Based on moderated growth trends, Zcash is projected to trade at a minimum of $620.00 in 2029. The price could rise to a maximum of $780.00, with an average trading value estimated at $700.00.

Zcash Price Prediction 2030

The price of Zcash is predicted to reach a minimum value of $599.94 in 2030. The Zcash price could reach a maximum value of $801.78 with the average trading price of $700.86 throughout 2030.

Zcash Price Prediction 2031

According to our deep technical analysis of past price data of ZEC, in 2031, the price of Zcash is predicted to reach a minimum level of $824.41. The ZEC price can reach a maximum level of $987.49, with the average trading price of $905.95.

Zcash Price Prediction 2032

Zcash price is forecast to reach a lowest possible level of $1,281.30 in 2032. As per our findings, the ZEC price could reach a maximum possible level of $1,620.86 with the average forecast price of $1,451.08.

Zcash market price prediction: Analysts’ ZEC price forecast

Analysts use various charts, such as candlestick charts, to provide accurate Zcash price forecasts. These charts help identify trends, support and resistance levels, and offer insights into potential future price movements.

Cryptopolitan’s Zcash  price prediction

Our prediction suggests that the ZEC token will reach a low of $461 and a maximum price of $620 in the remaining part of 2026.

Zcash historic price sentiment

• Zcash launched in 2016 and briefly surged to nearly $6,000 before crashing and stabilizing between $40–$70, with its price moving significantly during rallies and corrections.
• In 2017, a partnership with JPMorgan Chase boosted prices to around $400, though it later dropped below $100.
• During the 2018 crypto boom, ZEC climbed close to $900 before declining again as the market cooled.
• By 2020, bullish momentum pushed Zcash back above $100, supported by network upgrades and its first halving.
• In 2021, ZEC peaked above $300, then fell sharply in 2022 to lows near $39.
• Throughout 2023, the price remained weak, fluctuating between $24 and $50, with movements often slowing near key support and resistance levels, indicating potential pauses or reversals.
• In 2024, Zcash traded mostly between $27 and $45, closing the year near $44.86.
• In early 2025, ZEC ranged from $32 to $55, showing a gradual recovery.
• By late 2025, strong momentum pushed prices from $120 to over $700, hitting a peak of $744 in November before dropping to around $450–$480 by year-end.
• In early 2026, Zcash fell sharply from $560 to $190, then stabilized between $200–$260.
• By April 2026, positive market catalysts triggered a rebound, pushing ZEC back to around $318–$328.
• At the start of May 2026, Zcash is trading around $577, marking a strong 37% increase, signaling renewed bullish momentum in the market.

Shares of Nvidia jumped around 5.39% to close at $207.09, bringing the chip company’s total worth back near the $5 trillion mark for the first time since geopolitical tensions sent markets tumbling earlier this year.

The graphics processor manufacturer last touched this valuation level before stock prices fell during market turbulence tied to the Iran conflict in early 2026. 

Wednesday’s rally puts Nvidia back among a small group of companies worth $5 trillion.

Nasdaq futures gained more than 1% as news emerged of progress on a peace agreement with Iran, while oil prices dropped sharply. 

This combination of events tends to benefit fast-growing technology companies like Nvidia that trade at high price-to-earnings multiples.

Nvidia’s current market value stands at $5.05 trillion, keeping it as the world’s most valuable company. 

Corning partnership secures optical infrastructure

To strengthen its position, Nvidia announced a $500 million investment in Corning, the company that makes fiber-optic cables. 

The deal includes two types of warrants that give Nvidia the right to buy Corning stock. 

A filing with securities regulators shows Nvidia received a warrant to purchase up to 15 million Corning shares at $180.00 each, plus another warrant for 3 million more shares at just $0.0001 per share.

Corning’s stock jumped roughly 14% after the news broke.

Beyond the financial arrangement, Corning committed to a major expansion of its American production facilities. 

The glassmaker will increase its U.S. optical-connectivity manufacturing by ten times its current size, construct three new factories in North Carolina and Texas, and hire more than 3,000 workers for well-paying positions.

Jensen Huang said in a statement: “AI is driving the largest infrastructure buildout of our time, and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate American manufacturing and supply chains. Together with Corning, we are inventing the future of computing with advanced optical technologies, building the foundation for AI infrastructure where intelligence moves at the speed of light.”

The Corning deal represents the third piece of a supply chain strategy Nvidia started in March. 

That month, the company put $4 billion into Coherent and Lumentum, two businesses that make laser components for Nvidia’s Spectrum-X co-packaged optics system.

Competition heats up in AI processor market

While Nvidia works to secure its suppliers, rivals are gaining ground in the chip market. 

As Cryptopolitan reported earlier, AMD saw its shares rise about 5% after reporting better-than-expected results. 

The company earned $1.37 per share on an adjusted basis and told investors to expect stronger sales ahead. 

AMD also said it anticipates growing demand for central processing units as these chips take on more work in artificial intelligence applications.

At the same time, major technology companies are developing their own processors to reduce reliance on Nvidia. 

Anthropic PBC plans to spend roughly $200 billion with Alphabet over five years, following Alphabet’s decision to sell its tensor processing unit chips to certain clients. 

Amazon.com Inc. said its Trainium custom AI chips have secured more than $225 billion in future revenue agreements. 

Meta is also getting ready to use chips it designed in-house.

Bill Stone, who oversees investments at Glenview Trust Company, pointed out the risk Nvidia faces: “The problem with having basically 100% market share is that there’s only one direction for it to go, and it certainly seems like these companies could be credible competitors.”

Still, Nvidia hasn’t lost much market position yet. 

The company controlled 86% of the AI accelerator market in 2025, the same percentage it held in 2024. 

Supporters of the stock argue that AI demand remains so high that multiple companies can succeed. 

Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft together expect to spend up to $725 billion this year on data centers and equipment, and these four customers make up about 45% of Nvidia’s total sales.

Nvidia will report its first-quarter earnings on May 20, which investors see as an important test of whether the company can maintain its lead.

The May earnings report will offer a clearer look at how these massive infrastructure investments are impacting the company’s bottom line.

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The Solana Foundation and Google Cloud have launched Pay.sh, a payment gateway designed to let artificial intelligence agents access and pay for application programming interfaces (APIs) using stablecoins.

The system introduces a pay-as-you-go model that allows AI agents to autonomously pay for data, compute, and services, using stablecoins on the Solana blockchain. The move reflects a broader shift toward machine-to-machine commerce.

Pay.sh acts as an API aggregation and payment layer, enabling agents to connect wallets, discover services, and settle payments per request using blockchain-based payment protocols. The model removes the need for traditional onboarding steps such as account creation, identity verification, and billing setup.

Introducing https://t.co/wP8Q8614MS, in collaboration with @googlecloud

For the first time agents can discover, access, and pay-per-request for APIs from Google Cloud including Gemini, BigQuery, Vertex AI, and more using stablecoins on Solana.

No accounts, no subscriptions,… pic.twitter.com/iV6Tc1t2fc

— Solana Foundation (@SolanaFndn) May 5, 2026

Infrastructure shift toward autonomous payments

The launch comes as developers and infrastructure providers race to build financial systems that AI agents can use independently, something traditional payment rails were never designed to support.

“Payment protocols … are starting to be built,” Rishin Sharma, head of AI growth at the Solana Foundation, said in March, referring to the emergence of systems tailored for autonomous software. “Agents aren’t able to transact in the same way over traditional card networks,” Sharma added, pointing to structural limitations in legacy systems.

He said newer standards, such as x402, are beginning to address that gap. “You can pay using a stablecoin,” Sharma said, describing how agents can directly transact for services.

Google Cloud ties reinforce enterprise positioning

Google Cloud’s involvement adds institutional weight to the initiative, signaling growing interest in blockchain-based infrastructure for enterprise and AI use cases.

The company has previously integrated Solana blockchain data into its BigQuery platform, aiming to expand access to analytics tools for developers and businesses.

“The Solana ecosystem is growing rapidly,” said Dan Albert, executive director of the Solana Foundation, noting that improved data access can support broader adoption.

Race to build agent payment rails

Pay.sh enters a competitive and still-forming market where crypto firms and fintech companies are building payment infrastructure specifically for AI agents.

Outlook for Pay.sh

Whether Pay.sh gains traction will depend on adoption from both API providers and developers building AI agents. The broader shift toward micro-payments and wallet-based identity could reshape how software interacts with digital services, but it remains in its early stages.

Sharma said the implications could be far-reaching as the technology matures. “These payment frameworks are basically going to be the rails that agents are orchestrating,” he said.

If you want a calmer entry point into DeFi crypto without the usual hype, start with this free video.

Circle Internet Group’s stock jumped nearly 20% on Monday after two US senators announced a bipartisan compromise on one of the most contentious issues holding up federal crypto legislation.

The deal, months in the making, drew loud opposition from the banking industry within hours of its release.

Lawmakers Push Stablecoin Compromise Despite Bank Resistance

In posts published on X on May 5, Senator Thom Tillis said he and Senator Angela Alsobrooks had reached a “consensus-based product” after working with industry stakeholders for months. According to Tillis, the agreement directly addresses one of the banking sector’s biggest concerns: deposit flight.

“Our compromise prohibits stablecoin rewards from resembling interest on bank deposits,” Tillis wrote, adding that banks had been “at the table” throughout negotiations.

At the same time, the proposal still allows crypto companies to offer alternative customer rewards, a concession that keeps parts of the existing business model intact.

The banking industry disagreed. A joint statement from the American Bankers Association, the Bank Policy Institute, the Consumer Bankers Association, the Financial Services Forum, and the Independent Community Bankers of America said the senators were “seeking to achieve the correct policy goal” but that the proposed language “falls short.”

The group cited research suggesting yield-bearing stablecoins could reduce consumer, small-business, and farm loans by one-fifth or more and pledged to send detailed suggestions to lawmakers in the coming days.

Tillis and Alsobrooks did not back down, with the pair saying the deal was locked and pointedly telling the banks that they “respectfully agree to disagree.”

Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal, who attended earlier White House meetings on this exact dispute back in February, was characteristically dry on X:

“I must say I feel obligated to offer my congratulations to the banking trades,” he wrote. “They’ve managed to do the impossible in our country these days: bring sensible Rs and Ds together.”

Circle Stock Rebounds

Markets responded almost immediately to the news, with Circle shares closing May 4 at around $120, up from roughly $100 the previous session. They then climbed further in after-hours trading to about $126.

That marks a sharp reversal from late March, when the stock dropped about 20% in a single day after earlier drafts of the legislation raised concerns about a blanket ban on stablecoin yield.

This time, the reaction has been different. The latest compromise still restricts interest-like payments but leaves room for other forms of rewards, which analysts have previously said match Circle’s existing model. The company already keeps the yield generated from reserves backing its USDC stablecoin rather than passing it on to users.

The post Circle Shares Jump 20% as Lawmakers Reach Stablecoin Deal appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Solana’s price action continues to flash caution signals, even as momentum indicators suggest oversold conditions. The broader market structure remains tilted to the downside, with bearish waves still unfolding and key support levels under pressure. Until a clear shift in structure and a strong bullish impulse emerge, the risk of further downside remains firmly on the table. 

Bearish Structure Dominates Solana On Lower Timeframe

In the current follow-up wave outlook for Solana on the 1-hour timeframe, Elliott Waves Academy highlights that bearish control remains firmly intact. The price has already experienced a strong impulsive decline, marking the first leg of a broader downward trend. This move is likely unfolding as waves 3–5 within wave (1)/(A), suggesting that the market is still in the early stages of a larger bearish cycle.

At this stage, price is approaching the 100% extension of the prior wave, aligning with a key support level of $78.33. This zone is technically significant and could act as a temporary reaction point where buyers attempt to slow down the decline or trigger a short-term bounce. If the market fails to produce a convincing reversal at this support, the bearish structure is expected to extend further through the sub-waves of wave 5, reinforcing sustained selling pressure in the medium term.

From a short-term perspective, a wave 2 corrective rebound may develop before the next leg down. This bounce could take the form of a sharp, channeled recovery, often seen in counter-trend moves. However, any breakdown below key support during or after this correction would confirm that the broader bearish trend remains dominant, making it essential to monitor price action and structure at these levels closely.

Weekly RSI Mirrors 2022 Bear Market Conditions

According to More Crypto Online, the weekly RSI on Solana’s chart is currently showing similarities to the conditions observed during the 2022 bear market, just before the final bottom. This resemblance has drawn attention, as it may offer clues about the market’s current position within a broader cycle.

Many market participants have pointed to the oversold RSI reading seen in February as a signal that a recovery could be underway. However, relying solely on RSI without confirmation from price structure can be misleading, especially in extended bearish phases.

The current setup closely mirrors early 2022, when the market experienced a prolonged period of sideways movement before eventually forming a final low in both price and RSI. That historical pattern suggests that more consolidation or downside could still occur before a true bottom is established. For now, the comparison remains valid until a clear impulsive move to the upside is confirmed. Furthermore, a strong bullish impulse would significantly improve the overall outlook for Solana.

Ferrari reported better-than-expected first-quarter profits on Tuesday, even as the global electric vehicle market continued to provide mixed signals to automakers.

The Italian sports car firm announced adjusted earnings per share of 2.33 euros, or around $2.72, exceeding analyst projections of 2.27 euros.

Revenue for the quarter totaled 1.85 billion euros. The figures kept up despite the company delivering fewer automobiles, 3,436 units, a 4.4% decrease from the same period the previous year.

Ferrari claimed it purposefully halted manufacturing to accommodate a planned move in its model portfolio.

The corporation also stuck to its annual targets. Ferrari estimates net revenues of 7.5 billion euros in 2026, with an adjusted operating profit of at least 2.22 billion euros.

The financial report comes just weeks before Ferrari debuts its first fully electric vehicle.

The Luce is set to make its world debut on May 25.

CEO Benedetto Vigna stated that excitement for the launch is at an all-time high.

“With only twenty days to the world premiere of the Ferrari Luce, the sense of anticipation has never been so high,” he said. Vigna did not share specific order numbers but noted the debut event is “fully booked, actually overbooked.”

He said Ferrari expects the car to bring in both existing customers and new buyers.

Ford pushes on despite EV losses

While Ferrari looks forward to its electric future with confidence, the broader EV sector is currently suffering.

Ford Motor Company, on the other hand, is moving on with its next generation of electric vehicles despite the fact that many other automakers are backing off.

The corporation has absorbed $19.5 billion in EV-related restructuring costs.

“Agility is key,” said Alan Clarke, Ford’s EV product leader. “The EV industry has had massive headwinds, and so we’ve had to adjust.”

Ford is relying on its Universal Electric Vehicle platform, or UEV, a technology created entirely from scratch.

According to the firm, the UEV is essential to its aim to transform its Model e electric unit from a loss-making operation to a profitable one by 2029.

The first car intended for the platform is a midsize pickup truck costing approximately $30,000, aimed at the US market, and set to come next year.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has described the US-built project as a $5 billion “bet” on America.

“It represents the most radical change on how we design and how we build vehicles at Ford since the Model T,” Farley said.

Hybrids gain ground as UK hits milestone

That bet is being made against a challenging backdrop.

According to new statistics from iSeeCars, used hybrid vehicles outperform both traditional cars and electric vehicles in the second-hand market.

Hybrid market share increased 41.8% year on year in the first quarter of 2026, much outpacing the 15.9% growth recorded in used EVs.

Used hybrid prices declined by 1.4% over the same period last year, while non-Tesla EV prices fell by 10.3%.

Across the Atlantic, the outlook is more positive. The UK new car market increased by 24.0% in April, with 149,247 registrations.

The month also commemorated a significant event. The country registered its two millionth battery electric car, with EV registrations up 59.1% from April of last year.

Battery electric vehicles accounted for 26.2% of all new automobile registrations during the month.

Nonetheless, the industry’s outlook for the entire year has been reduced.

Following a dismal first quarter, the estimated battery EV share for 2026 has been cut down to 26.8% from 28.5% previously.

According to industry groups, energy costs, production expenses, and charging infrastructure continue to be impediments to rapid adoption.

They argue that demand is not keeping up with government regulations, and they are now advocating for a policy rethink to better reflect what shoppers actually want.

Ford and Ferrari could be choosing to spend heavily now to avoid falling behind later.

Ferrari might be using its high profits from gas cars to fund the Luce, betting that luxury buyers will pay for brand prestige regardless of the engine.

Ford is taking a bigger risk by spending billions on the UEV platform to lower costs.

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The upcoming Ethereum scaling upgrade is drawing attention across the market, raising a critical question about whether a major leap in network capacity can translate into equally strong price growth. The idea sounds straightforward, but the relationship between infrastructure and valuation is rarely that direct.

Does A 300% Capacity Increase Translate To A 3x Ethereum Price Move?

The conversation begins with the expected “Glamsterdam” upgrade, recently highlighted by crypto commentator @Hasufl. The upgrade is set to raise Ethereum’s gas limit from about 60 million to roughly 200 million, marking a jump of more than three times its current execution capacity. There are also indications that this capacity may grow even further after the upgrade goes live.

This shift is not coming from a single change, but from several improvements working together. Proposer-builder separation gives more time for blocks to be assembled, helping transactions get processed more efficiently. Block access lists allow systems to prepare transaction data in advance, making it easier to handle multiple processes at once. Moreover, gas repricing adjustments are being introduced to better match actual resource usage, helping the network safely support higher limits. A related proposal also increases the cost of creating new data on the network, helping prevent it from growing too quickly.

Following coordinated efforts involving over 100 developers, there is now alignment around maintaining a gas limit close to 200 million after the upgrade. The direction is clear: increase how much the network can handle while keeping it stable and efficient.

Even with this strategy, higher capacity alone does not guarantee higher demand. Without a matching rise in usage, the impact remains more about improving structure than directly influencing price.

Lower Fees And Market Dynamics: Can $6,000 Be Reached?

One of the most notable implications of this upgrade is the possibility that transaction fees could remain near zero for an extended period if usage does not rise at the same pace as capacity. While lower fees improve accessibility and make the network more attractive to users and developers, they also reduce the congestion-driven pressure that has historically accompanied strong price rallies.

Ethereum is currently trading around $2,363 and is up by 2.2% over the past seven days, reflecting steady but moderate market movement. A rise to $6,000 would represent roughly a threefold increase, but such a move would require more than improved efficiency. It would depend on a significant expansion in user activity, capital inflows, and sustained demand across applications built on the network.

Past market cycles show that price surges tend to follow periods of intense adoption rather than infrastructure upgrades alone. While the Glamsterdam upgrade strengthens Ethereum’s long-term scalability and positions it for future growth, it does not directly drive valuation upward on its own.

In clear terms, a 300% increase in capacity does not equate to a 300% increase in price. The upgrade lays the groundwork, but market demand remains the deciding factor in whether Ethereum can approach the $6,000 level.

North Korea-linked actors have been frequently connected to large-scale crypto hacks, thefts, and laundering operations in recent years.

But the isolated nation’s foreign ministry denies involvement in global cyber fraud.

DPRK Slams “Reptile Media”

In an official statement, a spokesperson from the regime’s Foreign Ministry called the accusations unfounded and politically motivated by the United States and its institutions.

They described “reptile media organs” and “plot-breeding organizations” as spreading incorrect information about the DPRK to the international community. According to the report by state news agency KCNA, these claims falsely link the DPRK to cyber-related frauds occurring globally while portraying the US, which it said boasts the world’s most advanced cyber capabilities, as the biggest victim.

The spokesperson called this position unreasonable while arguing that the US itself conducts indiscriminate cyber attacks against other countries using its control over global IT infrastructure. The statement further described the narrative around a DPRK “cyber threat” as part of a broader continuation of “hostile policy” by successive US administrations, to damage the country’s image through false information for political purposes.

“It is our consistent policy stand to protect cyberspace, the common wealth of mankind, from all sorts of malicious acts and thoroughly reject any sinister attempt to use the cyber issue as a political tool for violating sovereignty and interfering in internal affairs of others.”

Fewer Attacks, Bigger Impact

The spokesperson also warned that the DPRK would not tolerate what it called increasingly confrontational actions by hostile forces across various domains, including cyberspace, and would take necessary measures to defend state interests and safeguard the rights of its citizens.

Recent findings by TRM Labs show that groups linked to North Korea were responsible for 76% of all crypto hack losses in 2026 through April, mainly due to two attacks worth $577 million. This share has risen steadily from under 10% in 2020-2021 to 64% in 2025, which was largely driven by the Bybit breach, still the biggest crypto hack on record. This year, incidents involving KelpDAO and Drift have made up a large portion of losses.

The blockchain intelligence firm found that the number of attacks has not increased, but their impact has. Just two incidents account for most of the losses so far, which shows a focus on fewer, but high-value targets. TRM experts also suggested the possible use of AI tools in planning and social engineering.

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