Friend.Tech Drives Base Activity, Visa Experiments with Off-Chain Gas Payments
Equity indices are declining today on higher-than-expected PPI data for July. The SPY 1.10% and QQQ 0.88% have fallen 0.24% and 0.88%, respectively, while U.S. Treasury yields have risen across the board. Crypto markets are faring better, with BTC (+0.17%) trading near $29.5k and ETH (+0.12%) hovering around $1,850. Rocket Pool (RPL) has been a strong performer over the last three trading days, rising 11.30% after Coinbase announced a strategic investment in the liquid staking provider. Looking ahead, the SECâs second deadline on Arkâs spot Bitcoin ETF is 8/13 (Sunday), so many expect a decision to be announced after market close today. The consensus is that they will defer the decision. A deferral would make early September the next key date to watch as multiple ETF applicants, including Blackrock, approach their decision deadlines.
