[stock-market-ticker symbols=" ^NYA;CRYPTO:BTC;CRYPTO:ETH;CRYPTO:USDT;CRYPTO:USDC;CRYPTO:BNB;CRYPTO:ADA;CRYPTO:XRP;CRYPTO:SOL;CRYPTO:DOGE " stockExchange="NYSENASDAQ" width="100%" transparentbackground=1 palette="financial-light"]

Home Blog Page 49

How CredCore is Using AI to Fix a $5 Trillion Problem in Finance

0

When “Almost Right” Isn’t Good Enough

Imagine you’re applying for a student loan, and the bank’s computer system makes a tiny error in calculating your credit score. That small mistake could mean the difference between getting approved or rejected, or paying 5% interest versus 15%. In the world of credit and loans, there’s no room for “close enough.”

That’s the problem Saumil Annegiri and his team at CredCore are solving. During a recent interview with Fintech TV at Money 2020 USA in Las Vegas, Nevada, Saumil explained how his company is using artificial intelligence to bring absolute precision to the massive $5 trillion global credit market. And when we say massive, we mean it—this market includes everything from your credit card to massive loans between corporations.

What Exactly Is CredCore?

CredCore sits at the intersection of two powerful forces: credit and technology. As co-CEO and co-founder, Saumil Annegiri leads a company that’s trying to solve some of the biggest problems in how the world handles lending and borrowing money.

The credit market is enormous and complex. It includes both public credit (like bonds that anyone can buy) and private credit (like specialized loans between companies). Within this huge system, there are countless opportunities for errors, hidden risks, and inefficiencies. That’s where CredCore comes in.

Three Main Goals:

  1. Automate tedious processes: Much of credit analysis still involves humans manually reviewing documents and data—work that’s time-consuming and prone to human error.
  2. Identify hidden risks: Sometimes dangerous financial problems are lurking in places people don’t think to look. AI can spot patterns and red flags that humans might miss.
  3. Manage investments more effectively: By processing huge amounts of data quickly and accurately, CredCore helps investors make smarter decisions about where to put their money.

The “Almost Right” Problem

One of the most memorable things Saumil said during the interview perfectly captures why CredCore’s work matters: “Almost right is almost always wrong in credit.”

Think about what that means. In many areas of life, being “close enough” works fine. If you estimate that your school is 2 miles away when it’s actually 2.1 miles, no big deal. But in credit and finance, small errors can have huge consequences.

Here’s Why Precision Matters:

For individuals: A tiny error in your credit report could wrongly label you as high-risk, making it harder to get approved for loans, apartments, or even some jobs.

For companies: If a business gets a loan based on slightly incorrect data, they might borrow more than they can actually afford to pay back, leading to bankruptcy.

For investors: Making investment decisions based on “almost accurate” information could mean losing millions of dollars.

For the financial system: When lots of slightly wrong decisions pile up across the entire economy, it can contribute to major problems like the 2008 financial crisis.

This is why CredCore doesn’t just build AI and let it run wild. They’ve built something more sophisticated.

The Secret Sauce: Human Experts + AI

Here’s where CredCore does something really smart. Many tech companies believe AI can solve everything on its own. CredCore takes a different approach.

They employ domain experts—people who have spent years working in debt and credit and really understand how it all works. These experts work alongside the AI, training it and checking its work. It’s like having an experienced teacher guide a very smart but inexperienced student.

This combination ensures that CredCore’s AI models produce precise outcomes, not just pretty close ones. And here’s the best part for their clients: CredCore takes on the responsibility of making sure everything is accurate. Their clients don’t have to spend time and resources validating the AI’s work or making adjustments—CredCore handles all of that.

This isn’t just a nice extra feature. In the world of finance, where mistakes can cost millions, this oversight is absolutely essential. It’s what separates CredCore from other AI companies that might prioritize speed over accuracy.

Following the Money: CredCore’s Series A Funding

Saumil also shared some exciting news during the interview: CredCore recently completed their Series A funding round. For those unfamiliar with startup terminology, this is typically the first major round of investment a young company receives after proving their initial concept works.

What makes CredCore’s funding particularly interesting is who invested and why.

A Unique Mix of Investors:

Traditional Venture Capitalists: Companies like Inspired Capital and Avataar Ventures brought financial capital—the money CredCore needs to grow and hire more people.

Strategic Partners from Credit: CredCore also attracted investors who are major players in the credit industry itself, including Fitch Ratings, one of the biggest credit rating agencies in the world.

This second group is especially important. These aren’t just investors writing checks—they’re industry experts who can provide mentorship and insider knowledge about where the credit market is heading. It’s like getting both funding for your business and a advisory council of experienced professionals who want you to succeed.

This diverse mix of investors positions CredCore perfectly for their next phase of growth. They have the money to scale up, plus the guidance to make smart strategic decisions.

Why AI in Credit Matters Right Now

You might be wondering: why is this happening now? Why is AI suddenly becoming so important in finance?

Several trends are converging to make this the perfect moment for companies like CredCore:

Data explosion: Financial institutions now have access to massive amounts of data about borrowers, markets, and economic trends. Humans can’t possibly analyze it all quickly enough, but AI can.

Demand for speed: In today’s fast-moving economy, investors and lenders need answers in hours, not weeks. AI can process information exponentially faster than human analysts.

Complexity increase: Financial products and markets have become incredibly complicated. The old methods of analysis often can’t keep up with modern complexity.

Risk of another crisis: After the 2008 financial crisis, everyone in finance became more aware of how hidden risks can bring down entire economies. Better tools for identifying these risks are desperately needed.

Ethical investing growth: More investors want to know that their money is going to responsible, sustainable businesses. AI can help analyze companies across many more criteria than just profit.

The Bigger Picture: Sustainable and Responsible Finance

CredCore’s work connects to something bigger than just making credit analysis more efficient. Their technology supports what’s called “sustainable development goals” (SDGs)—a global framework for addressing major world challenges.

Here’s how that works:

When investors have better tools to analyze companies accurately, they can more easily identify businesses that are both profitable andresponsible. This means money can flow toward companies that:

  • Treat their workers fairly
  • Minimize environmental damage
  • Contribute positively to their communities
  • Operate transparently and ethically

By making it easier to evaluate these factors, CredCore helps support the growing movement toward impact investing—putting money where it can do good while still generating returns.

This matters because the global financial system has enormous power to shape the world. When $5 trillion in credit is allocated more thoughtfully and accurately, it can drive meaningful positive change.

What This Means for Different Groups

For students and young professionals: As AI transforms finance, new career opportunities are emerging that combine technology skills with financial knowledge. Understanding both domains will be increasingly valuable.

For borrowers: Better credit analysis could mean fairer treatment—getting approved when you deserve it, and getting accurate interest rates based on real risk, not errors or bias.

For investors: More precise analysis means better investment decisions, whether you’re investing for retirement or managing billions for a large institution.

For entrepreneurs: If you’re thinking about starting a business that needs funding, AI-powered credit analysis could mean faster decisions and potentially better terms if your business plan is solid.

For society: A more accurate, efficient credit system means money flows to where it can do the most good, supporting economic growth and stability.

Lessons from CredCore’s Approach

CredCore’s story offers several valuable lessons for anyone interested in technology, business, or finance:

Precision matters more than speed: In some industries, being fast isn’t enough if you’re not accurate. Knowing when precision is non-negotiable is crucial.

Combine AI with human expertise: The most powerful solutions often come from blending technology with domain knowledge, not replacing one with the other.

Choose your investors wisely: Money is important, but smart money (investors who also bring expertise and connections) is even more valuable.

Solve real problems: CredCore isn’t chasing trends—they’re addressing actual pain points in a massive market. That’s a solid foundation for a business.

Build trust through oversight: In industries where stakes are high, taking responsibility for accuracy builds credibility and differentiates you from competitors.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Credit and AI

As blockchain technology, AI, and sustainable investing continue to evolve, companies like CredCore are at the forefront of a major transformation in finance. The credit market isn’t going away—if anything, it’s growing. But how that market operates is changing dramatically.

We’re moving toward a world where:

  • Credit decisions are made faster and more accurately
  • Hidden risks are identified before they become crises
  • Investment capital flows more efficiently to deserving businesses
  • Technology handles the tedious work while humans focus on strategy and judgment
  • Financial systems are more transparent and accountable

CredCore exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking company that thrives in this environment. They’re not trying to replace the credit industry—they’re making it work better.

For high school students thinking about future careers, this is worth paying attention to. The intersection of technology and finance is creating entirely new job categories and opportunities. Whether you’re interested in computer science, economics, business, or mathematics, understanding how these fields come together will be increasingly important.

The question Saumil Annegiri and CredCore are answering is simple but profound: In a $5 trillion market where precision is everything, how do we harness the power of AI while ensuring absolute accuracy? Their answer—combining cutting-edge technology with deep human expertise and taking full responsibility for the results—might just be the blueprint for the future of financial technology.

And in a world where “almost right” really is “almost always wrong,” that precision could make all the difference.

Crypto Market Sentiment: Waiting for the Next Big Catalyst

Remy Blaire engages in a deep discussion about the current state of the cryptocurrency market with guest Andy Baehr, Head of Product & Research at Coindesk Indices. The segment opens with a focus on Bitcoin, which is holding steady above $102,000 as traders await clarity on the U.S. government’s reopening and broader economic signals. Remy highlights that Bitcoin ETFs have experienced their largest inflows since October, indicating that investors are still willing to buy the dips, despite a cautious and choppy market influenced by rising interest rates and a stronger U.S. dollar.

Andy describes the crypto markets as being in a “snooze button” phase, reflecting a lack of momentum. He notes that even after a positive shift in equity markets following hints of government reopening, Bitcoin remains at a critical support level, while Ether has dropped significantly from its late August highs. The conversation shifts to the catalysts that could potentially awaken the market, with both Remy and Andy acknowledging the sentiment-driven nature of current trading behaviors.

The discussion then turns to the upcoming December Federal Reserve meeting, which both host and guest believe could play a crucial role in shaping market liquidity and investor sentiment. Andy explains the importance of SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate) and Fed repo rates, particularly in relation to stablecoin activity. He elaborates on how these financial indicators impact the lending and borrowing of stablecoins, suggesting that a rise in stablecoin interest rates could signal a positive shift in market strength.

The Aftermath of the Longest U.S. Government Shutdown: Economic Impacts and Market Reactions

Remy Blaire discusses the recent end of the longest U.S. government shutdown in history, which lasted for 43 days. The shutdown had significant economic consequences, draining approximately $15 billion from the nation’s GDP each week and resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs. Remy highlights the lasting effects on productivity, consumer sentiment, and government operations.

Joining Remy to delve deeper into the implications of the shutdown is Gabriela Berrospi, CEO and Founder of Latino Wall Street. Gabriela shares her insights on the lingering effects of the shutdown, noting that while the government is now open, the economic repercussions will continue to be felt. She mentions an estimate that the GDP could be $11 billion lower by 2026 and expresses concern over the uncertainty surrounding the release of key economic data for October, particularly the unemployment rate, which may never be published.

As they discuss the current state of the markets, Remy points out that the Dow Industrials recently closed above the 48,000 mark for the first time. However, Gabriela emphasizes the importance of focusing on commodities in the current economic climate. She explains that the return to government operations means a return to “business as usual,” characterized by massive spending and deficits. Gabriela warns that this situation is unlikely to improve and suggests that the uncertainty surrounding government data and economic conditions will lead investors to seek refuge in commodities, particularly gold and silver, which are seen as safe havens during times of instability.

The conversation also touches on the potential for inflationary pressures resulting from government spending and proposed stimulus checks linked to tariffs. Gabriela articulates that all these factors contribute to an inflationary environment, making commodities an attractive investment option.

Smobler: Using AI and Blockchain to Change Gaming, Food Safety, and Shipping

0

From Theater to Tech: An Unexpected Journey

Dr. Loretta Chen never expected to become a tech entrepreneur. With a background in theater, she seemed destined for a career in the arts. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, everything changed. She watched her friends and colleagues in creative industries lose their jobs and struggle to find work. That’s when she decided to use technology to create something that could help people while making a real difference in the world.

The result? Smobler, a company that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology in three completely different industries. Recently, Dr. Chen sat down with Ashley Mastronardi at the New York Stock Exchange to explain how her company is bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds.

What Exactly Does Smobler Do?

Smobler focuses on three main areas that might seem totally unrelated at first, but they all share a common goal: using technology to solve real-world problems.

1. Educational Gaming That Actually Teaches You Something

If you’re a gamer, you’ve probably noticed that most video games are either purely for entertainment or filled with violence. Dr. Chen saw this as a missed opportunity. She believes gaming should be fun and educational.

Smobler’s gaming platform uses blockchain technology to create what she calls “edutainment”—games that are interactive and engaging but also help you learn valuable skills. Think of it as the opposite of mindless gaming. These games are designed to be non-violent and actually teach you things that could help you in real life, whether that’s problem-solving, critical thinking, or even financial literacy.

2. Making Food Safety Easier with AI

Starting a food business is incredibly complicated. You need to understand nutrition labels, follow strict safety rules, and create something called a HACCP plan (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)—basically a detailed plan for keeping food safe from farm to table.

For many food entrepreneurs, especially those just starting out, navigating these regulations can be overwhelming and time-consuming. That’s where Smobler’s AI tools come in. The company has developed artificial intelligence systems that help food business owners understand and comply with these complex rules much faster. This means new food products can get to market quicker while still meeting all the necessary safety standards.

3. Revolutionizing How Ships Refuel at Sea

This might be the most surprising part of Smobler’s business. Working with a company called Mysten Labs, Dr. Chen’s team is creating a digital tool that completely changes how ships refuel (called “bunkering” in the maritime industry).

Traditionally, the process of buying and transferring fuel to ships at sea involves lots of paperwork and complicated transactions. Smobler’s blockchain-based solution makes these transactions seamless and instant, even when ships are in the middle of the ocean. The company is also developing financing tools to help shipping companies manage their fuel costs more efficiently.

Why does this matter? The shipping industry is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly. By making fuel operations more efficient, Smobler is helping the industry move toward sustainability—something that benefits everyone on the planet.

The Power of Storytelling in Business

Dr. Chen has an interesting take on what makes entrepreneurs successful. She believes that running a business isn’t just about understanding numbers and finances—it’s also about being able to tell a compelling story.

This makes sense when you think about her theater background. Just like a good play needs a strong narrative to connect with the audience, a good business needs a clear story that explains why it exists and why people should care. Dr. Chen uses storytelling to help Smobler connect with customers, investors, and partners. It’s not just about what the company does; it’s about why it matters.

Why Smobler Matters for the Future

What makes Smobler particularly interesting is how it connects cutting-edge technology with real-world needs. The company isn’t just creating technology for technology’s sake—it’s using AI and blockchain to:

  • Make learning more engaging and accessible
  • Help small food businesses succeed
  • Make the shipping industry more sustainable

All of these efforts support what the United Nations calls Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a blueprint for creating a better, more equitable world. By focusing on education, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, Smobler is showing how technology companies can do well financially while also doing good for society.

Lessons from Dr. Chen’s Journey

Dr. Chen’s story offers several important lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:

Adaptability is crucial. When the pandemic upended her industry, she didn’t give up—she pivoted to something completely new.

Your background matters, even if it seems unrelated. Her theater experience gave her skills in storytelling and communication that turned out to be incredibly valuable in the tech world.

Look for problems that need solving. Smobler exists because Dr. Chen saw people struggling and wanted to help. The best businesses often come from identifying real needs.

You don’t have to choose between making money and making a difference. Smobler proves that companies can be profitable while also contributing to education, sustainability, and social good.

The Bigger Picture

As blockchain technology and AI continue to develop, companies like Smobler are showing us what’s possible when these tools are used thoughtfully. Rather than just chasing trends, Dr. Chen has built a company that uses advanced technology to address meaningful challenges in education, food safety, and environmental sustainability.

For students thinking about their future careers, Smobler’s story is a reminder that entrepreneurship can take many forms. You don’t need to follow a traditional path, and your unique background—whatever it is—might be exactly what the world needs. Dr. Chen’s journey from theater to tech entrepreneurship proves that with creativity, determination, and a genuine desire to help others, you can build something truly innovative.

As we move further into the digital age, the world needs more entrepreneurs who can combine technical skills with empathy, creativity, and a commitment to making things better. Dr. Loretta Chen and Smobler are leading the way, showing that the future of technology isn’t just about what we can build—it’s about what we can improve.

PrizePicks and Polymarket Are Changing How Sports Fans Bet on Games

0

A New Way to Put Your Sports Knowledge to the Test

If you follow sports, you’ve probably heard friends debate who’s going to win the big game or whether a star player will score over 20 points. What if you could actually put money on those predictions—not against a casino, but against other fans just like you? That’s exactly what’s happening with a groundbreaking partnership between PrizePicks and Polymarket.

Yesterday, Remy Blair from Fintech TV sat down with Mike Ybarra, CEO of PrizePicks, to discuss their innovative collaboration. Together, these companies are launching the first federally regulated prediction market specifically designed for sports fans. This isn’t just another betting app—it’s a completely new way to engage with sports that combines blockchain technology, social connectivity, and a marketplace where fans compete against each other instead of against the house.

What Exactly Is PrizePicks?

PrizePicks has been the number one Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operator for several years running. If you’re not familiar with DFS, here’s the basic idea: instead of managing a fantasy team for an entire season, you pick players for a single day or week and compete based on their real-game performance.

PrizePicks made this concept incredibly popular by making it simple, fast, and engaging. But the company isn’t stopping there. By partnering with Polymarket, they’re taking things to the next level.

How Is This Different from Regular Sports Betting?

This is where things get interesting. Traditional sports betting works like this: you place a bet with a sportsbook (the “house”), and the house sets the odds. If you win, the house pays you. If you lose, the house keeps your money. The house always has an edge built into the system.

Prediction markets work completely differently. Instead of betting against a company, you’re betting against other people. Think of it like a stock market, but instead of buying shares of companies, you’re buying and selling predictions about sports outcomes.

Here’s How It Works:

Let’s say you think the 49ers will beat the Rams. You can buy a “share” in that prediction. If other people disagree and think the Rams will win, they can buy shares in that outcome. The price of each prediction goes up or down based on what everyone thinks will happen—just like supply and demand in any marketplace.

When the game ends, if you were right, you get paid based on how many shares you bought. If you were wrong, you lose your investment. The key difference? You’re competing against other fans’ opinions, not against a company that’s designed to always have an advantage.

Why Use Blockchain Technology?

Polymarket brings blockchain infrastructure to this partnership, which might sound complicated, but it actually makes things better for users in several important ways:

Transparency: Every transaction is recorded on the blockchain, which means everything is visible and can’t be changed or manipulated. You can see exactly what’s happening in the market at all times.

Trust: Because the system runs on blockchain, there’s no single company controlling the outcome. The technology itself ensures fairness, which gives users more confidence that they’re getting a fair shake.

Federal Regulation: Unlike some betting platforms that operate in legal gray areas, this prediction market is federally regulated, meaning it follows official rules and provides legal protections for users.

Mike Ybarra emphasized that this transparent nature could fundamentally change how fans interact with sports. When you can see exactly how the market is moving and know that everything is recorded publicly, it creates a different level of trust than traditional betting.

What Can You Actually Predict?

The partnership will allow fans to make predictions on all sorts of matchups and outcomes:

  • Game winners: Will the Giants beat the Jets?
  • Point spreads: Will a team win by more than a certain number of points?
  • Player performance: Will a specific player score over a certain number of points?
  • Various other metrics: Rebounds, assists, yards gained, and more

Basically, if you have an opinion about how a game or player will perform, there’s probably a market for it. This gives fans way more options than traditional fantasy sports or simple win/loss bets.

Who’s Using PrizePicks?

One of the most interesting things Ybarra shared is who’s actually using the platform. PrizePicks attracts a young, diverse audience that’s highly engaged with the brand. These users aren’t passive—they’re constantly giving feedback and asking for new features.

This demographic reality drives the company to keep innovating. When your users are actively involved and vocal about what they want, you have to stay responsive and keep improving. That’s partly why this partnership with Polymarket happened—PrizePicks customers were asking for more engaging options, and the company listened.

Expansion Across the Country

Here’s something that could make this even bigger: the prediction market is expected to roll out in 38 states, including places like Washington that haven’t had access to PrizePicks before. This massive expansion means millions more sports fans could soon have access to this new way of engaging with games.

For PrizePicks, this represents a huge opportunity to grow their user base and compete more effectively against traditional sportsbooks and other fantasy sports platforms. For users in states that previously couldn’t participate, it opens up a whole new world of sports engagement.

The Social Side of Sports Betting

Mike Ybarra also talked about where he sees this industry heading in the future. His vision? Making prediction markets more social and interactive.

Imagine being able to create a private prediction market just for your friend group. You and your friends could compete against each other on specific games or matchups, share your results, and build a community around your shared love of sports. This concept of “social betting” takes advantage of how connected we all are through technology and social media.

Think about how much more fun trash-talking becomes when there’s actually something on the line between friends. Or how satisfying it would be to prove you know your team better than your friends do. This social element could transform prediction markets from a solo activity into something you do with your community.

Why This Matters Beyond Sports

While this partnership is focused on sports, the implications reach much further. Here’s why:

It’s changing gambling regulations: By creating a federally regulated prediction market, PrizePicks and Polymarket are helping shape how the government thinks about these new types of platforms. This could influence regulations in other areas.

It’s making blockchain practical: Many people hear about blockchain and think of cryptocurrency hype or scams. This partnership shows how blockchain can actually solve real problems (like transparency and trust) in mainstream applications.

It’s about financial literacy: Prediction markets work like financial markets. By participating, users learn about concepts like supply and demand, market prices, and risk assessment—skills that translate to understanding investments and economics.

It could extend to other areas: If prediction markets work well for sports, why not for other things? People already create informal prediction markets around elections, entertainment awards, and even business outcomes. This could be the beginning of a much larger trend.

Lessons from PrizePicks’ Approach

The PrizePicks story offers valuable insights for anyone interested in business, technology, or entrepreneurship:

Listen to your customers: PrizePicks developed this partnership because users were asking for more engaging options. Successful companies pay attention to what their audience wants.

Stay innovative: Even when you’re the number one operator in your space, you can’t rest. PrizePicks continues to push boundaries and try new things.

Use technology thoughtfully: The blockchain integration isn’t just about being trendy—it solves real problems around transparency and trust.

Think about the social element: As our lives become more connected online, building social features into platforms makes them more engaging and sticky.

Play by the rules: By ensuring federal regulation, PrizePicks builds legitimacy and trust rather than operating in legal gray areas.

What Comes Next?

As this partnership rolls out across 38 states, we’ll get to see whether prediction markets become the next big thing in sports entertainment. Will fans embrace this new model of competing against each other rather than against the house? Will the transparency of blockchain technology actually build more trust? Will the social features create vibrant communities of sports enthusiasts?

The answers to these questions could shape not just the future of sports betting, but how we think about entertainment, finance, and technology working together. PrizePicks and Polymarket are betting (pun intended) that fans are ready for something new—a more transparent, engaging, and social way to put their sports knowledge to the test.

For high school students thinking about the future of technology and business, this partnership is worth watching. It demonstrates how established companies can innovate by embracing new technologies, how listening to customers drives product development, and how different industries (sports, finance, and technology) can merge to create something entirely new.

Whether you’re a sports fan, a tech enthusiast, or just someone interested in how businesses evolve, the PrizePicks and Polymarket collaboration shows us that the future of entertainment is interactive, social, and built on technologies that prioritize transparency and trust. And that’s a future that could change far more than just how we watch the game.

Coinbase breakup, CFTC hearing, Crypto boost, Polymarket partner

0

Coinbase and stablecoin startup BVNK have reportedly ended their discussions on a monumental $2 billion acquisition deal. This deal would have significantly bolstered Coinbase’s institutional stablecoin offerings. While the decision was mutual, the reasons behind the cancellation remain unclear.

As the U.S. government shutdown is expected to conclude this week, the Senate Agriculture Committee is gearing up for a crucial hearing. This hearing is regarding President Trump’s nominee for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Michael Selig, currently the chief counsel for the crypto task force at the SEC, will face senators next week as they consider his nomination.

Despite recent market corrections, institutional investors are showing resilience and confidence in digital assets. A report from Swiss crypto banking giant Signum reveals that over 61% of institutions plan to increase their cryptocurrency investments in the coming months. Additionally, 55% of them are maintaining a bullish short-term outlook. PrizePix is making waves by partnering with PolyMarket to venture into the prediction market space. They are integrating event contracts into their app for a broader range of user engagement. Jane King has the latest from the NYSE.

Stablecoins vs. Gold: The Future of Digital Assets

Remy Blaire welcomes James Altucher, a Digital Treasury Asset Manager at StableX Technologies, to discuss the current state and future of digital asset treasuries. The conversation begins with an overview of the fluctuating digital asset treasury trade, which has seen both highs and lows throughout the year.

James provides insights into the growing number of digital asset treasury companies, which have reached nearly 200. He explains that these companies, including notable examples like MicroStrategy and StableX Technologies, are designed to give mainstream investors access to cryptocurrency investments. He emphasizes the importance of digital asset treasuries in facilitating exposure to the rapidly expanding crypto market, particularly through stablecoins.

The discussion shifts to stablecoins, with James highlighting their significant role in the digital economy. He reveals that stablecoin transactions amounted to $27 trillion last year and are projected to reach $50 trillion this year. James elaborates on the infrastructure required for stablecoins, which includes exchanges, lenders, and other services, drawing parallels to the traditional banking system. He also mentions the U.S. government’s increasing recognition of stablecoins, citing the recent passage of the Genius Act, which regulates them and positions stablecoins as a major player in the financial landscape.

As the segment progresses, Remy asks James about the relevance of gold in investment portfolios, given its recent price rally. James expresses a strong opinion against investing in gold, arguing that it lacks functional use compared to cryptocurrencies. He asserts that crypto serves as a true hedge against inflation and has practical applications, unlike gold, which he describes as merely a rock that has been historically viewed as a store of value.

In conclusion, James predicts a significant shift in the financial ecosystem, suggesting that while gold has traditionally been seen as a safe investment, the younger generation is increasingly inclined to invest in digital assets. He foresees a future where cryptocurrency will play a dominant role, potentially surpassing gold in value.

eToro’s Q3 Earnings: A Deep Dive into Retail Investor Trends and Market Growth

Remy Blaire is joined by Yoni Assia, the CEO of eToro, to discuss the company’s recent third-quarter earnings and the broader trends in the financial markets. The segment opens with Remy highlighting eToro’s impressive performance, reporting a 28% growth in revenue year-over-year and nearly 40% growth in net income. Yoni shares that eToro generated over $800 million in revenue and more than $300 million in net income over the past year, attributing this success to the rise of retail investors, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly engaging in trading across various asset classes, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, and precious metals.

As the conversation progresses, Yoni emphasizes the significance of the current administration’s favorable stance towards blockchain technology and digital assets. He reflects on eToro’s long history in the crypto space, having started buying Bitcoin at $5 and launching it on their platform when it was priced at $100 in 2013. Yoni expresses excitement about the convergence of crypto markets and capital markets, noting that the SEC Chair is advocating for moving capital markets on-chain, a vision eToro has been championing for over a decade.

Remy and Yoni also discuss the shift towards 24/7 trading, with eToro recently implementing 24-5 trading for many stocks, resulting in 30% of their trading volume occurring outside of regular market hours. Yoni highlights the demand from investors for trading experiences that mirror the accessibility of crypto markets.

The segment further explores the role of artificial intelligence in trading, with Yoni explaining how eToro has introduced APIs that allow customers to utilize AI for developing trading strategies. This innovation is particularly appealing to younger investors who are interested in social investing and technology-driven solutions.

In addition to discussing eToro’s growth and technological advancements, Yoni addresses the company’s strategy for maintaining competitiveness in the market. He underscores the importance of customer satisfaction and education, as well as the continuous introduction of new products. With a strong balance sheet post-IPO, eToro is actively seeking acquisition opportunities to enhance its offerings.

Finally, Remy and Yoni touch on the emerging field of prediction markets. Yoni reveals that eToro is exploring ways to connect its non-custodial wallet to enable customers to participate in prediction markets using cryptocurrencies, indicating a commitment to innovation and expansion in the evolving financial landscape.

Navigating the AI-Driven Market: Risks and Strategies with Jim Rickards

Remy Blaire engages in a thought-provoking conversation with James Rickards, the editor of “Strategic Intelligence” and a New York Times bestselling author known for his works such as The New Great Depression and Currency Wars. The segment marks the one-year anniversary of Rickards’ book, MoneyGPT, which explores the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial markets.

Remy opens the discussion by highlighting the rapid growth of AI technologies, particularly since the launch of OpenAI’s GPT-4, which reached 100 million users in just two months. She emphasizes the dual nature of AI’s impact, noting its potential to create significant market risks alongside its benefits.

Rickards shares his perspective on AI, asserting that while it is a powerful tool that has permeated various aspects of daily life—from smart appliances to trading algorithms—it also introduces substantial dangers, especially in the stock market. He explains that over 95% of trading is now fully automated, raising concerns about the potential for market crashes when AI-driven strategies are employed en masse.

Using the analogy of a baseball game, Rickards illustrates the “fallacy of composition,” where individual actions that seem beneficial can lead to collective failure. He warns that if all investors decide to sell during a market downturn, it could result in a rapid and irreversible market collapse, exacerbated by AI’s continuous sell signals.

The conversation shifts to the biases inherent in AI systems. Rickards points out that while developers strive to eliminate human biases, they often replace them with their own, leading to skewed outputs. He cautions that as AI increasingly learns from flawed outputs, the quality of information it processes may deteriorate, potentially resulting in chaotic market conditions.

Remy asks Rickards about specific safeguards that could be implemented in the financial sector and national security to prevent AI from amplifying crises. He suggests that rather than imposing rigid ethical frameworks, subject matter experts should apply their judgment to AI outputs, recognizing and addressing biases without enforcing a singular perspective.

Rickards proposes a more nuanced approach to market regulation, likening it to “pumping the brakes” instead of slamming them. He advocates for a system where, during significant market drops, only a portion of sell orders are executed, allowing time for reflection and decision-making rather than an immediate market shutdown.

Diversifying Risk: How to Use Ex-Sector Funds in Your Investment Strategy

Remy Blaire engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Simeon Hyman, the Global Investment Strategist at ProShares. The conversation centers around the current investment landscape, which has been characterized by volatility and unpredictability, particularly in the year 2025.

Remy opens the segment by highlighting the challenges investors face, including tech booms, price swings across various asset classes, and the constant disruption caused by factors such as artificial intelligence and global shifts. She introduces the concept of Ex-Sector ETFs, a strategy that allows investors to step back from specific industries when risks rise without abandoning the broader market.

Simeon celebrates the 10th anniversary of ProShares’ Ex-Sector ETFs, explaining how these funds work by allowing investors to eliminate exposure to a particular sector of the S&P 500. He details the available options, including SPXT (Ex-Technology), SPXE (Ex-Energy), SPXV (Ex-Healthcare), and SPXN (Ex-Financials). Simeon emphasizes that many investors typically have a view on one sector rather than the entire market, making these ETFs a straightforward tool for managing risk.

Throughout the segment, Simeon provides practical examples to illustrate the utility of Ex-Sector ETFs. He discusses how an investor with a bearish view on the energy sector can exclude it from their portfolio, especially when oil prices are declining. He also addresses the significant weight of the technology sector in the S&P 500, suggesting that while it may be tempting to eliminate it entirely, investors can use the Ex-Technology ETF to adjust their exposure without completely abandoning their tech investments.

Remy and Simeon also explore the importance of considering one’s employment sector when making investment decisions. Simeon points out that for individuals working in sectors like healthcare, where their income stream is substantial, it may be wise to reduce their investment exposure to that same sector to diversify their risk.

As the conversation shifts to broader market dynamics, they discuss how political factors, such as regulatory changes and tariffs, can influence investment strategies. Simeon cautions against assuming that sectors are undervalued simply because they appear cheap compared to technology, advising investors to remain mindful of the political landscape, particularly in sectors like healthcare.

The segment also addresses the scenario of receiving a large single stock position as a gift or inheritance. Simeon suggests that using an Ex-Sector ETF, like SPXT for technology, can help balance out the exposure without incurring capital gains taxes from selling the stock.