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Gold Price Plunges After Biggest Drop in 12 Years

Gold suffered its worst single-day drop in 12 years, tumbling more than 6% amid profit-taking and a firmer dollar. Still, the long-term outlook remains bullish thanks to central bank buying and inflation hedging.

By Nathan Cole | Edited by MS Team Published: Updated:
Gold Price Plunges After Biggest Drop in 12 Years
Gold’s dramatic decline underscores volatility, but central bank demand keeps the long-term trajectory intact. Photo: Smallswing / Unsplash

Gold prices plunged sharply on Tuesday, falling more than 6% in a single session – the steepest daily decline the metal has seen in roughly a decade. The collapse followed a blistering rally that pushed gold significantly higher this year and left it vulnerable to a sharp correction.

Even so, analysts at Swiss private bank Lombard Odier and veteran investor Bill Gross say the long-term fundamentals remain intact – driven by central-bank accumulation, inflation hedging and geopolitical concerns.

What Triggered the Sharp Drop

The sell-off was driven in large part by heavy profit-taking and a stronger-than-expected U.S. dollar, which made gold more expensive for foreign buyers and reduced its safe-haven appeal. Technical readings flagged overbought conditions, and the sudden reversal has drawn comparisons to trading behaviour more commonly seen in speculative equities than in bullion.

Lombard Odier analysts noted that while gold is “significantly overbought” in the short term, it remains well supported by structural demand. They highlighted how central banks have steadily increased holdings since 2008 and argued that further diversification away from U.S. dollar-based assets could underpin future gains. Bill Gross went further – likening gold’s surge to “meme and momentum stocks,” and cautioning that the latest drop might mark a cyclical peak in the short-term.

Outlook, Risks & What to Watch

From a medium-term standpoint, gold continues to benefit from elevated inflation, weak real yields and sustained geopolitical uncertainty – factors that favour its role as a store of value. Lombard Odier has upgraded its 12-month target to $4,600 per ounce, citing these flows. Other forecasts are higher still, expecting prices to push beyond $5,000 per ounce by 2026.

However, several risks remain. The sharp decline underscores gold’s growing sensitivity to market sentiment and rate expectations – characteristics more common in equity-like assets than in traditional hedges. A sustained rebound in the dollar, an unexpected hawkish turn by the Fed, or fading geopolitical flashpoints could weaken demand.

Investors will be watching upcoming inflation reports, central-bank reserve announcements and technical support levels around $4,000 per ounce. If liquidity dries up, the correction could deepen further – especially given the high concentration of speculative positioning revealed in recent moves.

As previously covered, gold’s bull leg may be intact, but the current corrective phase signals a moment of recalibration. For investors willing to hold the course, the dip may offer a long-term entry point – though the near term is unlikely to be smooth.

Commodities, Markets, News
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PayPal Restructures Into Three Core Units to Accelerate Growth Strategy

PayPal announced a strategic reorganization into three business segments, aiming to streamline operations and support future growth.

By Emma Clarke | Edited by Oleg Petrenko Published:
PayPal Restructures Into Three Core Units to Accelerate Growth Strategy
PayPal announced a strategic reorganization into three business segments to streamline operations and drive future growth. Photo: Oleg Petrenko / MarketSpeaker

PayPal has announced a strategic restructuring aimed at simplifying its operations and sharpening its focus on key growth areas, as competition intensifies across digital payments and financial technology.

The company will reorganize into three core business segments: Payments and Checkout with PayPal, Consumer Financial Services centered around Venmo, and a dedicated Cryptocurrency and Payment Services unit.

The move reflects a broader effort to streamline decision-making and align resources with areas of highest growth potential.

Restructuring Targets Focus and Operational Efficiency

The new structure is designed to clarify PayPal’s strategic priorities and improve execution across its core platforms.

The Payments and Checkout segment will focus on merchant services and transaction processing, while the Venmo-led Consumer Financial Services unit will target user engagement and financial products.

The addition of a dedicated crypto and payment services division highlights PayPal’s continued commitment to digital assets and blockchain-based solutions.

As previously covered, fintech companies have been restructuring operations to better compete in a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by AI, crypto, and changing consumer behavior.

The simplified structure is expected to enhance accountability and accelerate product development across the organization.

Market Implications Highlight Competitive Positioning

The restructuring underscores PayPal’s efforts to remain competitive as new entrants and established players expand their offerings in payments and financial services.

Investors are likely to focus on how effectively the company can execute under the new structure and drive growth in each segment.

The emphasis on crypto services also reflects ongoing demand for digital asset integration within mainstream financial platforms.

At the same time, the payments sector remains highly competitive, with pressure on margins and user growth.

For markets, the move reinforces a key theme: fintech companies are increasingly reorganizing to focus on core strengths while adapting to emerging technologies.

PayPal’s success will depend on its ability to balance innovation with operational efficiency in a crowded and rapidly changing market.

Big Tech & Innovation, Business, News
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Anthropic Eyes $50 Billion Funding Round at Up to $900 Billion Valuation

Anthropic is reportedly in talks to raise up to $50 billion at a valuation approaching $900 billion, reflecting surging demand for AI investments.

By Sophia Reynolds | Edited by Oleg Petrenko Published:
Anthropic Eyes $50 Billion Funding Round at Up to $900 Billion Valuation
Anthropic is reportedly in talks to raise up to $50 billion at a valuation nearing $900 billion, underscoring strong demand for AI investments. Photo: Oleg Petrenko / MarketSpeaker

Anthropic is reportedly exploring a new funding round of up to $50 billion at a valuation between $850 billion and $900 billion, underscoring the extraordinary pace of capital inflows into artificial intelligence companies.

The potential raise would rank among the largest private funding rounds ever, positioning Anthropic as one of the most valuable technology companies globally even before a public listing.

The discussions come amid strong investor demand, with multiple pre-emptive offers reportedly submitted at elevated valuations.

Investor Demand Drives Record-Scale Funding Talks

Anthropic’s rapid valuation growth reflects intense competition among investors seeking exposure to leading AI developers.

The company, known for its Claude AI models, has emerged as a major competitor in the generative AI space, attracting significant interest from both institutional and strategic investors.

Large funding rounds have become increasingly common in the sector, as companies require substantial capital to build infrastructure, train models, and scale operations.

As previously covered, venture capital and private equity firms have significantly increased allocations to AI, driving valuations higher across the industry.

The potential $50 billion raise would further solidify Anthropic’s position as a central player in the global AI race.

Market Implications Highlight AI Valuation Surge

The scale of the proposed funding round highlights both the opportunity and the risks associated with current AI valuations.

While strong demand supports higher pricing, analysts caution that expectations for growth and monetization are also rising.

Investors will be closely watching whether companies like Anthropic can translate technological leadership into sustainable revenue streams.

At the same time, large private valuations may influence public markets, particularly as companies prepare for potential IPOs.

For markets, the development reinforces a key theme: AI remains one of the most capital-intensive and competitive sectors, with funding levels continuing to reach unprecedented levels.

Anthropic’s next move could set a benchmark for future fundraising and shape investor sentiment heading into a potential wave of major technology listings.

Markets, News, Stocks
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Meta to Pay Creators in Stablecoins via Stripe in Select Markets

Meta will begin paying creators in stablecoins through Stripe, starting in Colombia and the Philippines, as it expands digital payment options.

By David Sinclair | Edited by Oleg Petrenko Published:
Meta to Pay Creators in Stablecoins via Stripe in Select Markets
Meta will start paying creators in stablecoins via Stripe, initially in Colombia and the Philippines, as it expands its digital payment options. Photo: Oleg Petrenko / MarketSpeaker

Meta is set to begin paying creators in stablecoins through a partnership with Stripe, marking a renewed step into digital payments after its earlier cryptocurrency ambitions stalled.

The program will initially launch in Colombia and the Philippines, where creators will be able to receive payments in stablecoins and convert them into local currency.

The move highlights Meta’s effort to expand monetization tools for creators while leveraging blockchain-based payment infrastructure without issuing its own token.

Stablecoin Strategy Reflects Shift After Libra Setback

The initiative comes after Meta’s high-profile Libra (later Diem) project was discontinued in 2022 following regulatory pushback.

Instead of launching its own cryptocurrency, Meta is now opting to integrate existing stablecoin solutions, reducing regulatory risk while still benefiting from faster and cheaper cross-border payments.

Stripe’s infrastructure will facilitate the transactions, providing a compliant and scalable framework for handling crypto-based payouts.

As previously covered, stablecoins have gained traction as a practical use case for blockchain technology, particularly in international payments and remittances.

The focus on emerging markets reflects demand for more efficient payment systems in regions where traditional banking infrastructure can be limited or costly.

Market Implications Highlight Growing Role of Crypto Payments

The rollout underscores a broader trend of major technology companies exploring crypto-based payment solutions without directly issuing digital assets.

For creators, stablecoin payouts could offer faster settlement times and reduced fees compared to traditional payment methods.

For Meta, the move represents a cautious re-entry into the digital finance space, balancing innovation with regulatory considerations.

At the same time, adoption will depend on user trust, ease of conversion to local currencies, and regulatory clarity in different jurisdictions.

For markets, the development reinforces a key theme: stablecoins are emerging as one of the most viable applications of crypto technology, particularly for payments and financial inclusion.

Meta’s approach may serve as a model for other platforms seeking to integrate blockchain-based solutions without taking on the risks associated with launching proprietary tokens.

Crypto, Markets, News
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SpaceX IPO Structure Gives Musk Near-Total Control Over Leadership Decisions

SpaceX’s planned dual-class share structure will give Elon Musk dominant voting power, allowing him to retain control over key decisions, including leadership changes.

By Daniel Wright | Edited by Oleg Petrenko Published:
SpaceX IPO Structure Gives Musk Near-Total Control Over Leadership Decisions
SpaceX’s planned dual-class share structure will grant Elon Musk dominant voting power, enabling him to retain control over key decisions, including leadership changes. Photo: Gage Skidmore / X

SpaceX is preparing to go public with a dual-class share structure that will grant Elon Musk near-total control over the company, even after listing shares on public markets.

Under the proposed structure, the company will issue two classes of shares: standard shares for public investors and high-voting shares primarily held by founders and early investors.

Musk is expected to hold the majority of the high-voting stock, effectively giving him the ability to control major corporate decisions unilaterally.

Dual-Class Structure Ensures Founder Control

The dual-class system allows Musk to retain decision-making authority over key aspects of the company, including executive leadership and board composition.

This means that even as public investors buy into SpaceX, their voting power will remain limited compared to Musk’s concentrated control.

Such structures are increasingly common among major technology companies, enabling founders to pursue long-term strategies without being constrained by short-term market pressures.

As previously covered, similar governance models have been used by companies like Meta and Alphabet, where founders maintain outsized voting rights.

For SpaceX, the approach is designed to preserve strategic continuity as the company scales operations and enters public markets.

Market Implications Highlight Governance Trade-Offs

While the structure may appeal to investors seeking exposure to SpaceX’s growth, it also raises governance concerns.

Limited shareholder influence can reduce accountability and increase the risk of decisions being concentrated in the hands of a single individual.

At the same time, supporters argue that founder-led control can support long-term innovation, particularly in capital-intensive and high-risk industries like aerospace.

For investors, the key consideration will be whether Musk’s leadership continues to deliver strong performance and strategic execution.

The structure also reinforces a broader trend in tech IPOs, where companies prioritize control over traditional shareholder rights.

SpaceX’s governance model will likely become a focal point for market debate as the company moves closer to its anticipated public listing.

Markets, News, Stocks
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SoftBank Plans $100 Billion IPO for New AI and Robotics Venture Roze

SoftBank is preparing to spin off and list Roze, a new AI and robotics infrastructure company, in a potential $100 billion IPO in the U.S.

By Daniel Wright | Edited by Oleg Petrenko Published:
SoftBank Plans $100 Billion IPO for New AI and Robotics Venture Roze
SoftBank is planning to spin off and list Roze, a new AI and robotics infrastructure company, in a potential $100 billion U.S. IPO. Photo: SoftBank / X

SoftBank is planning to create and publicly list a new company called Roze, focused on robotics and AI data center infrastructure, in what could become one of the largest IPOs in the sector.

The proposed listing, expected in the United States, could value the company at up to $100 billion, reflecting strong investor appetite for businesses positioned at the intersection of artificial intelligence and physical infrastructure.

The move underscores SoftBank’s continued strategy of building and monetizing large-scale technology ventures tied to emerging industry trends.

New Venture Targets AI Infrastructure and Automation

Roze is expected to focus on building and operating data centers while integrating robotics to improve construction efficiency and operational performance.

The concept reflects a growing industry shift toward combining automation with infrastructure development, as demand for AI computing capacity accelerates.

By leveraging robotics, the company aims to streamline the deployment of data centers, reducing costs and timelines in a sector facing rapid expansion.

As previously covered, AI infrastructure has become a critical investment theme, with companies racing to build capacity to support large-scale computing needs.

SoftBank’s involvement highlights its continued commitment to high-growth technology sectors, following previous investments in AI, telecommunications, and advanced computing.

Market Implications Highlight Growing AI Infrastructure Race

The planned IPO adds to a broader wave of large-scale listings tied to AI and next-generation technologies, signaling strong momentum in capital markets.

Investors are increasingly targeting companies that provide the underlying infrastructure for AI, viewing them as long-term beneficiaries of the sector’s growth.

At the same time, the scale of the proposed valuation raises questions about sustainability and execution risk, particularly in capital-intensive industries like data centers.

Competition is also intensifying, with major technology firms and private investors deploying significant resources into similar projects.

For markets, the development reinforces a key theme: the AI boom is expanding beyond software into physical infrastructure, creating new opportunities and risks for investors.

Roze’s eventual IPO will be closely watched as a test of market appetite for large-scale, infrastructure-driven AI companies.

Markets, News, Stocks
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