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XRP’s $2.16B long bet looks risky – But THIS could change the setup

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XRP’s $2.16B long bet looks risky - But THIS could change the setup


Going long on Ripple is not the best idea at this stage of the cycle.

From a technical perspective, XRP is already down more than 6% this month and is nowhere close to realizing its gains from July. In contrast, Ethereum has gained a solid 1.7% this month, making it clear that XRP is not attracting big institutional flows. With that said, the chart below becomes even more significant.

Specifically, almost $2.16 billion in fresh long positions have been opened recently, fueling frenzied speculation. Given the technical setup described above, this development makes XRP highly vulnerable to a massive long liquidity sweep.

 

xrp
Source: TradingView

Interestingly, Ripple [XRP] kicked off the week by breaking below the critical $1 level, adding more pressure to the long-heavy setup. If bulls fail to reclaim $1, the breakdown could open the door to deeper downside, a setup that can’t be ignored given the weaker institutional demand.

According to the SoSoValue, XRP ETFs have seen just over $3 million in net inflows so far in August, while Ethereum ETFs have pulled in over $2. That gap shows how much stronger the current capital rotation into ETH has been compared to XRP.

Taken together, the combination of weak technical performance and institutional flows suggests that the large $2.16 billion long bet on XRP looks like a risky trade. If XRP fails to reclaim $1, those leveraged longs could quickly turn into a short-covering squeeze, raising the question: Is Ripple on track for a break below $0.98?

XRP bulls take a risky bet 

One thing to consider when looking at the current bet is the timing of the move.

Notably, while XRP’s technical and institutional setup looks weak, some on-chain signals and liquidity flows are pointing to another direction. One of them is the XRP/ETH ratio, which analysts expect to rebound based on key technical signals. Notably, this is where the chart below begins to hold weight.

According to Token Terminal, RLUSD was the fastest-growing asset over the past seven days, adding $132 million, while Ripple was the faster-growing issuer, also adding $132 million. This suggests that RLUSD supply continues to expand, even as XRP struggles to gain momentum. This divergence is worth watching.

rlusdrlusd
Source: Token Terminal

Notably, the rising RLUSD supply and growing on-chain activity point to stronger network engagement across the XRP Ledger. That puts XRP in a better position if the broader market flips back to risk-on. If liquidity continues to build while the XRP/ETH ratio begins to recover, the current weakness could turn into a stronger rebound setup.

In this context, while $2.16 billion in long positions might seem too risky, the overall setup suggests that XRP bulls may have more conviction behind the trade than the current price action suggests.


Final Summary

  • XRP’s long-squeeze risk has intensified, with over $2.16 billion in long positions recently added.
  • Could XRP bulls be making a strategic bet?



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EliseAI Is in Talks for a $3.7 Billion Valuation in New Funding Round

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EliseAI Is in Talks for a $3.7 Billion Valuation in New Funding Round


The latest multi-billion dollar AI startup isn’t for writing code or generating images. It’s for answering your landlord.

New York-based property and housing management company EliseAI is in talks to raise a new round of funding at a $3.7 billion valuation, including $300 million in financing.

Andreessen Horowitz and Bessemer Venture Partners are in talks to lead the round, according to sources familiar with the round. The details are still being finalized, and the numbers could still change.

EliseAI, Andreessen Horowitz, and Bessemer Venture Partners didn’t respond to a request for comment.

It’s the latest sign that investors are betting AI can help automate everyday business operations. Founded in 2017, the startup sells AI assistants to housing operators. The company uses AI to automate communication and operations in real estate, such as apartment tour requests, appointment scheduling, and maintenance requests from tenants and owners.

Elise AI’s chatbot automates these interactions, freeing up time for management teams. The tech is also being used by customers in the healthcare industry for managing invoices and bills, as well as patient appointments.

The company last raised $250 million at a $2.2 billion valuation in August of 2025 from Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer, and Sapphire Ventures. In early 2025, EliseAI also hit $100 million in ARR, the predictable revenue a company expects to generate over a year from subscriptions or recurring contracts.





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Kraken’s parent Payward joins Anthropic’s Project Glasswing, taps Claude Mythos 5 for security

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Kraken's parent Payward joins Anthropic’s Project Glasswing, taps Claude Mythos 5 for security

AI is also emerging as a growing threat to crypto companies, giving attackers tools to find vulnerabilities faster, automate attacks and make phishing and social-engineering campaigns more convincing. That raises the stakes for an industry already a frequent target for hackers, while fueling a race to deploy the same technology on the defensive side.

Claude Mythos 5 is Anthropic’s most advanced model for defensive cybersecurity, designed to analyze code at scale, identify vulnerabilities and help developers fix them. Access has initially been limited to organizations that operate or defend critical infrastructure, as Anthropic works on safeguards for a broader rollout.

Payward argued that crypto platforms face security challenges similar to other critical financial infrastructure. Exchanges, custody systems and settlement rails operate around the clock and can present lucrative targets for attackers.

“Security has always been an unfair game. An attacker needs to find one flaw. A defender has to find all of them, first, every single day,” Payward co-CEO Arjun Sethi said in the release. “Frontier AI is the first thing that flips that asymmetry.”

Anthropic has said it plans to expand access to Mythos-class cybersecurity capabilities as it develops safeguards for wider use.

Read more: AI is making crypto security cheaper, faster and harder to ignore



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VELVET crypto’s 24% rally squeezes shorts – Why $1.75 is now in focus

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VELVET crypto’s 24% rally squeezes shorts - Why $1.75 is now in focus


Velvet [VELVET] extended its bullish run with an impressive 24% gain made over the past day, at press time.

Furthermore, with the VELVET tokens above their key EMAs, the bears seem to be on top as they eye the upcoming resistance at $1.75. Is the expected uptrend likely to materialize? 

VELVET Open Interest surges 

VELVET’s derivative markets have seen a rise in trading volume.

As per the latest data, the Open Interest (OI) on the network rose by 32% to $23.8 million in the last 24 hours, reflecting that traders are increasing their positions with the rising prices of the token.

The fact that the OI on VELVET is rising amid a 24% price gain reflects that fresh money is flowing into the market.

VELVET Open Interests
Source: Coinalyze

Short liquidations hit $202K

That’s not all; the derivatives market is also showing a strong imbalance between bullish and bearish positions. Short liquidations reached $202,400, roughly four times the $59,100 recorded in long liquidations. 

The divergence indicates that bearish positions are being squeezed as VELVET continues to move higher, potentially adding further buying pressure to the rally.

VELVET short liquidationsVELVET short liquidations
Source: Coinalyze

Trading volume hits monthly highs

Spot market activity is providing another confirmation of the ongoing momentum.

VELVET’s trading activity has stayed at month-high volume for five straight days, demonstrating continued market activity during the current advance. High volume may continue to supply the necessary liquidity for buying to test resistance on higher levels.

VELVET trading volumeVELVET trading volume
Source: Santiment

VELVET trades above key EMAs

The strengthening market activity is reflected clearly on VELVET’s daily chart.

The token is currently trading above all key Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs). Holding above these levels indicates that short- and medium-term momentum remains firmly tilted toward buyers.

A sustained position above the EMAs could keep the current bullish structure intact and increase the probability of a move toward $1.75.

VELVET price analysisVELVET price analysis
Source: TradingView

Can VELVET reach $1.75?

Various bullish indicators are backing the recent surge in the price of VELVET. 

Technically, the token is also trading above its key EMAs. Therefore, $1.75 now stands out as the next major resistance. If buyers maintain control and derivatives activity continues expanding, VELVET could extend its current rally toward the $1.75 level.

On the other hand, a sharp decline below the key EMAs would weaken the bullish setup and expose the token to a deeper correction.


Final Summary

  • VELVET surged 24% as Open Interest jumped 32% to $23.8 million.
  • The network’s short liquidations hit $202K, as bulls target $1.75.



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Best credit cards for gas (August 2026)

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Best credit cards for gas (August 2026)


Your annual gas rewards savings depend on how much you spend filling up your car’s fuel tank each year.

To develop our rewards predictions for the cards above, we used average consumer gasoline spending data. Based on that, we expect you can save around $50 to $100 annually using a card that earns 3x/3% or more at gas stations — and that’s before accounting for any other rewards categories or spending.

Starting from the average, you can use your own spending to determine which card offers the best savings for you.

If you have a long commute or take regular road trips, you may want to prioritize a card with no annual cap on gas rewards, for example, so you can ensure you maximize that spending year-round. On the other hand, if you spend closer to the national average (about $160 to $250 per month) on gas, you might be fine with a spending cap in exchange for a higher rewards rate up to that max.

Credit card issuers can have different standards for “gas” or “gas station” rewards categories, so it’s always important to read the terms of any new card before you apply.

Gas stations, for the purpose of rewards, usually means retailers that sell gasoline for cars, which you can either buy at the pump or purchase inside with an attendant. Boat marinas, as well as gas pumps at supermarkets, superstores like Walmart, and wholesale clubs like Costco may not count toward your gas rewards, but it often depends on how the transaction is coded by the merchant when you buy.

Some issuers also offer the same bonus rewards for both gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations. If you have an electric vehicle, look for this specifically within the terms of your card — if it’s not listed, you may not earn boosted rewards at EV charging stations.

Finally, look for any requirement of “U.S. gas stations” within your rewards agreement. Say, for example, you plan to rent a car on a vacation abroad and want to use your card to earn rewards internationally. Before doing so, make sure your card earns gas rewards worldwide (and don’t forget to check potential foreign transaction fees, too).

For our list of best gas credit cards, we primarily looked at general rewards credit cards that offer solid perks on gas station purchases. For most people with variable expenses and average spending on gas, we believe a more general rewards option can help maximize overall spending.

If you’re a regular at a particular gas station for its convenience or competitive gas prices — and you also spend a significant amount on filling up your gas tank each month — you may also consider a retail gas card offered by your preferred gas station chain.

However, there are restrictions to know, compared to more general rewards cards. For one, you’re more likely to earn rewards as discounts per gallon of gas than cash back or points: 5 cents off per gallon, for example, compared to 5% cash back on your overall purchase. Some retail gas credit cards (like store credit cards) are also limited to purchases with the gas station, so you can’t use them for any other regular spending.

Finally, while any credit card today is likely to have a very high interest rate, retail cards are notorious for raising those rates even higher. It’s important to pay off your balances in full anytime you can, but if you must carry a balance, you’ll accrue interest much more quickly with a variable APR of over 30%. Always read the card terms before you apply to understand your interest obligations.

Top gas credit cards can help you earn valuable cash back, points, or miles on all your fuel purchases and other eligible purchases at gas stations. This could be useful if you drive a lot for work or everyday errands. It could also make sense if you frequently use car rentals when traveling.

The best gas credit cards offer elevated rewards for making purchases at gas stations. These could include buying fuel or items inside a gas station, such as gift cards, food, and beverages. For frequent travelers, road trippers, RV enthusiasts, and anyone who drives a lot for work, gas credit cards are useful tools for earning rewards on purchases you already make.

Our recommended credit cards with gas rewards include:

  • Best for essentials: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

  • Best for cash-back categories: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

  • Best for business: American Express® Business Gold Card

  • Best for customized categories: Citi Custom Cash® Card

  • Best for travel rewards: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

While we haven’t found a card that consistently offers 5% back for gas purchases, some cards come close. 

The Citi Custom Cash Card offers 5% cash back on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 per billing cycle, then 1%) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Gas stations are an eligible category for earning up to 5% each billing cycle, making the Citi Custom Cash an excellent credit card for gas.

A card like the Chase Freedom Flex® may also fit the bill, but only for part of the year. With quarterly rotating categories, gas purchases may offer 5% back for up to three months at a time.

To find the best credit cards for gas, we used our existing rubrics for the best cash-back credit cards and best travel credit cards. Taking the top-rated cards from these rubrics, we compiled a list of rewards cards that could be good for people who spend a lot on gas. We especially took into consideration any cards that earned more rewards on gas station purchases.

We narrowed down our list by removing cards with lower rewards rates and fewer benefits. We did not include every rewards card from every issuer in our list. We did not include co-branded hotel or airline cards in our list.

We used available Bureau of Labor Statistics data and each card’s rewards rate to calculate the potential annual gas rewards.

Our final list comprises various high-ranking cards from our cash-back and travel card rubrics.


Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn’t include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.



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Compound bets $52 million, new leadership team in switch to institutional focus

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Compound bets $52 million, new leadership team in switch to institutional focus

“DeFi is a remarkable innovation; however, it has achieved limited institutional adoption,” Schnarch said in a statement. “Current product offerings fall short of meeting the traditional finance bar, especially as it pertains to compliance and technical requirements.”

The move is a logical response to the shift in DeFi’s user base, according to Ran Hammer, chief business officer at Orbs.

“Retail participation is a fraction of what it was, and the chain has quietly become a venue for settlement, execution and interaction between financial institutions,” Hammer said. “Since DeFi summer, the space has turned into something completely different, essentially a new financial layer for institutions. So bringing in leadership that speaks that language is exactly the right direction.”

The size of the allocated budget, the largest approved by Compound’s decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), may help underline its commitment.

“The $52 million and a bench with that much institutional experience is a serious move, and it should improve its execution,” said Himanshu Sahay, co-founder and chief technology officer of crypto lending firm Arch Lending, but institutions will want more than credentials. They “aren’t underwriting teams, they’re underwriting structures.”



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