Author: Gabby

During the initial month of the OKX Card’s availability in Europe, holders primarily used their cryptocurrency for everyday essentials rather than luxury items. According to data from the exchange, grocery stores and supermarkets accounted for over a quarter of all transactions settled through the card between late January and late February 2026. Restaurants and fast food outlets made up an additional 18%, bringing the total food-related spending to 44% of all purchases.

The figures, which cover the top 20 merchant categories by transaction count, volume, or unique users, indicate a shift in how stablecoins are being spent. Instead of high-value purchases, the card was frequently used for routine expenses like groceries, takeaways, and small online orders. The data also includes details on country-specific spending patterns, such as French users making more bakery purchases, German users favoring online marketplaces, and Dutch users leading in supermarket spending. In Poland, a notable share of transactions occurred at convenience stores and fuel stations.

The OKX Card, launched in partnership with Mastercard and Nuvei, allows users to spend stablecoins at any location that accepts Mastercard, with automatic conversion at the point of sale. This integration aims to make crypto payments more mainstream by connecting digital balances to traditional card networks. Broader market trends support these findings, with earlier reports from Cex.io indicating that nearly half of all crypto card transactions in Europe are under 10 euros.

While the data only reflects early usage among OKX Card holders in the European Economic Area, it provides insight into how everyday crypto payments might evolve as infrastructure improves. The mix of spending categories suggests that stablecoin cards are increasingly being used for routine financial activities, which is considered a key test for their long-term adoption.

RootData has released a detailed map showcasing 30 core Web3 collaborators that are integrating with Hyperliquid’s layer-1 blockchain as the platform evolves into a comprehensive on-chain liquidity operating system. The ecosystem spans stablecoins, cross-chain infrastructure, wallets, DeFi protocols, institutional custody, and trading venues, collectively forming a robust financial stack.

Hyperliquid’s broader ecosystem now includes 145 high-quality projects, indicating a shift where developers view Hyperliquid as a foundational liquidity layer rather than just another trading venue. Key custodians like Anchorage Digital, BitGo, and Fireblocks are among the partners, enabling institutional capital to flow into Hyperliquid’s L1. Trading firms such as Bybit, trade.xyz, and IMC Trading are also listed, helping to deepen order books and facilitate large-scale market making.

The stablecoin layer includes integrations with Circle’s USDC, Tether’s USDT, and Ethena’s synthetic dollar, ensuring native dollarization for derivatives and DeFi. Cross-chain and oracle infrastructure from Chainlink, Axelar, deBridge, and Ripple-related rails provide standardized data feeds and capital routes while maintaining low latency. On the user front, wallets like Phantom, Rabby Wallet, and DeBank reduce friction for retail and power users interacting with Hyperliquid’s L1 and DeFi applications.

DeFi protocols such as Pendle-style yield products, Felix, HypurrFi, and HyperBeat are building natively on Hyperliquid, extending use cases beyond perpetuals into structured yield, credit, and other instruments. The institutional side is reinforced by prime brokers like HyperLink and Hybra Finance. RootData argues that Hyperliquid is replicating the ecosystem model of centralized exchanges but with all operations executed on-chain, transforming custody, front-ends, and institutional access around a shared liquidity backbone. This visualization effort aligns with RootData’s practice of mapping partner networks for major players like Mastercard and Crypto.com, enhancing transparency and trust in the crypto space.

Joseph Lubin, co-founder of Ethereum and CEO of Consensys, has voiced strong support for Ethereum Digital Asset Treasuries (DATs), referring to them as a “profound innovation” in the crypto space. Speaking at Consensus 2026, Lubin highlighted companies like Strategy, SharpLink, and BitMine as exemplary DATs that accumulate ETH without leverage, effectively creating permanent capital for the ecosystem. He warned against weak imitations that could introduce risk, emphasizing the importance of disciplined, unlevered ETH treasuries. In a significant show of commitment, Lubin and Consensys have pledged 30,000 ETH to DeFi United’s recovery efforts following the KelpDAO exploit, underscoring the collaborative spirit of Ethereum’s community. Additionally, he discussed Ethereum’s roadmap toward quantum-safe cryptography, contrasting it with Bitcoin’s challenges in migrating vulnerable addresses. These moves reinforce Lubin’s vision of Ethereum as a resilient, forward-looking platform.

The memecoin Dogwifhat (WIF), built on Solana, has been added to Upbit, a major South Korean exchange, for spot trading in Korean won, Bitcoin, and USDT pairs. This move, announced on May 6, provides WIF with access to one of Asia’s most active retail crypto markets.

Upbit specified that WIF transactions would only be supported via the Solana network. Users were reminded to verify the network and token contract before making transfers. The exchange also listed the specific contract address for WIF and warned that unsupported deposits might require a refund process.

To manage early trading volatility, Upbit implemented standard controls, including a five-minute restriction on buy orders after trading began and limitations on certain sell orders and order types for about two hours. These measures are typical for new listings to stabilize order flow as liquidity develops.

Following the announcement, WIF’s price saw a notable uptick. Data from Crypto.news recorded WIF trading at $0.241142 on May 6, marking a 25.35% increase over 24 hours. The token’s 24-hour volume reached $217.36 million, with a market cap of $240.9 million, and it posted a 33.73% gain over the week. Despite this rally, WIF remains far from its all-time high of $4.83 from March 31, 2024.

Dogwifhat is a memecoin based on an internet meme of a Shiba Inu in a pink hat. Upbit describes it as a community-driven token, but such assets often rely on social hype rather than fundamental value. The exchange cautioned that digital assets can experience rapid price swings, a risk heightened by new listings that may attract speculative traders.

Data from Pump.fun, highlighted in a previous Crypto.news report on Solana memecoin trading, underscores the risk: between 49% and 50.6% of tracked wallets incurred losses in March 2026. This context is relevant for WIF, as its value is heavily influenced by market sentiment and trading activity.

The Upbit listing adds to Dogwifhat’s growing exchange presence. Robinhood listed WIF in November 2024, and Coinbase expanded trading to New York users later. However, the token has also faced controversies, such as scrutiny over a delayed Las Vegas Sphere campaign linked to Dogwifhat supporters.

Matt Hougan, the chief investment officer at Bitwise Asset Management, believes that stablecoin payments trials by major technology firms could propel the market to $4 trillion by 2030. Currently, the stablecoin market is valued at approximately $300 billion. Hougan’s optimism is fueled by pilot programs from companies like DoorDash and Meta, which are testing stablecoin-based payouts for their global workforces.

DoorDash, in collaboration with Stripe, is experimenting with stablecoin payments for its nearly 10 million Dashers across more than 40 countries. Meanwhile, Meta has initiated similar programs for creators in the Philippines and Colombia, utilizing Solana and Polygon networks for distributing earnings. Although these trials remain modest in dollar volume, Hougan emphasizes that they significantly boost his confidence in long-term adoption.

According to Hougan, the key advantage of stablecoins lies not in lower transaction costs but in operational simplicity. Companies can send payments to a single wallet address without relying on traditional banking systems or managing multiple currency conversions. This ease of use is expected to attract more global tech firms with distributed workforces, potentially introducing millions of new users to crypto-based payment systems.

Data from CoinGecko indicates that the total supply of dollar-pegged stablecoins has surpassed $302 billion, with Tether’s USDT accounting for around $189.5 billion and Circle’s USDC contributing about $79 billion. Traditional payment companies are also investing in stablecoin infrastructure. Western Union launched its USDPT stablecoin on Solana for continuous settlement across over 200 countries, and Visa reported a $7 billion annualized run rate for its stablecoin settlement pilot, which now supports nine blockchains and more than 130 card programs in over 50 countries.

The stablecoin sector’s growth is further supported by venture capital interest. Andreessen Horowitz raised $2.2 billion for its fifth crypto fund, with stablecoins identified as a key area of sustained usage. In a blog post, a16z Crypto partners highlighted that stablecoin adoption has expanded through market downturns. They noted that stablecoins are evolving from mere price parity instruments into foundational infrastructure for payments, settlement, and programmable finance on public blockchains.

Regulatory progress in the U.S., including the GENIUS Act, could provide additional clarity and fuel growth in on-chain finance. Hougan’s analysis underscores the transformative potential of stablecoins as big tech companies integrate them into mainstream payment systems.

Robert Kiyosaki, the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, has issued a stark warning about an impending retirement disaster for baby boomers. He predicts that by 2026, millions of retirees could face financial ruin, with some even becoming homeless. Kiyosaki has long criticized traditional retirement systems, arguing that government bonds and market-based accounts are failing due to inflation and debt.

In his latest remarks, Kiyosaki emphasized that Bitcoin and Ether could serve as reliable stores of value during economic turmoil. He also recommended gold, silver, oil, and food production as alternative assets. According to Kiyosaki, these investments form a foundation for financial survival, though he cautions that crypto remains volatile and not a guaranteed income source.

Kiyosaki’s warnings extend beyond prices. He claims the shift from pension plans to 401(k)-style accounts has left workers vulnerable to market swings. This transition, he argues, began with policy changes in 1974 and now threatens to destabilize retirement for millions.

However, skeptics question Kiyosaki’s track record. Some past predictions of market crashes have missed their marks, and his price targets—like Bitcoin reaching $750,000—lack a clear methodology. Despite these doubts, his views continue to influence discussions on inflation-proof savings.

Currently, Bitcoin trades near $82,750 and Ethereum near $2,420, according to Crypto.news data. These levels highlight ongoing debate about crypto’s role in retirement planning.

Apple is on track to introduce a new capability that empowers users to select which third-party artificial intelligence models drive text and image generation tasks across its upcoming operating systems. According to insider reports, the feature—codenamed “Extensions” internally—will debut with iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 later this year. It will enable users to navigate to the Settings app and decide which AI services handle Apple Intelligence functions.

To make this possible, AI developers can integrate support for the feature through their App Store applications. Apple has already been experimenting with connections to models from Google and Anthropic. The flexibility is expected to enhance user control over how AI tools work on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, while helping Apple compete with Microsoft and Google, both of which have already launched consumer AI products.

Google’s Gemini model is also slated to bolster an upgraded version of Siri later this year, marking another step in Apple’s AI expansion. The company plans to reveal more details at its annual developer conference in June, where the next phase of its AI strategy will be outlined.

This development follows a recent settlement in which Apple agreed to pay $250 million to resolve claims that it exaggerated the capabilities of Apple Intelligence and Siri. The proposed class action lawsuit, filed last year, accused Apple of misleading consumers through advertising that promised enhanced Siri functionality and other AI features. Apple denied wrongdoing but chose to settle.

Bitcoin has surged past the $82,000 resistance level, signaling a potential climb toward $85,000, driven by reduced geopolitical tensions and strong institutional demand.

The cryptocurrency hit an intraday high of $82,400 on Wednesday, recovering from lows around $80,500, according to market data. This rally was fueled by a drop in crude oil prices after the US announced a temporary halt in military operations amid improved talks with Iran. Lower energy costs eased inflation fears, boosting investor appetite for risk assets like Bitcoin.

Institutional interest remains robust, with US spot Bitcoin ETFs attracting over $5 billion in net inflows over the past month, including nearly $1.5 billion in the last three trading sessions alone. This persistent inflow underscores continued confidence from large investors despite macroeconomic uncertainty.

Technical analysis points to further upside. Bitcoin has cleared the 0.5 Fibonacci retracement level near $80,183 and now eyes the 0.618 level at $84,386, with $85,000 as the next major barrier. The MACD indicator shows a bullish crossover, with the histogram turning positive, while the Aroon Up line hit 100 against a subdued Aroon Down at 50, indicating strong bullish momentum.

Should buying pressure hold above $82,000, analysts expect Bitcoin to test the $84,000–$85,000 zone in the coming days. However, a drop below $81,000 could lead to a retest of $80,000 support before another attempt higher.