# Spending Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "Spending", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

Ether.fi Monthly Spending Surpasses $100 Million, Yet Its Token Drops 21%. Can the Buyback Vote Save It?

Ether.fi, an on-chain financial account platform, has seen its Cash spending business grow significantly, with monthly transaction volume increasing from $54.3M in January to over $100M in July. Despite this strong operational growth, its native token ETHFI is down 21% year-to-date, trading around $0.55. The platform's integrated account combines savings/yield (staking), spending/transfers via Cash, trading, and borrowing against collateral, aiming to create a sticky user ecosystem. Cash is now a major revenue driver, accounting for 46% of total revenue in July. A key catalyst is a community vote ending September 3rd on a proposal to use a portion of protocol fees—primarily from card transactions—for weekly ETHFI buybacks. Based on July data, this could create an annual buyback fund of approximately $16M. Analysts note that while the business is expanding, ETHFI's valuation metrics remain under pressure. The token trades at 14.2x annualized revenue. The success of the buyback proposal, which requires reaching a quorum of 1M ETHFI votes, is seen as a potential near-term driver for the token's price.

marsbit09/02 05:51

Ether.fi Monthly Spending Surpasses $100 Million, Yet Its Token Drops 21%. Can the Buyback Vote Save It?

marsbit09/02 05:51

Cryptocurrencies, Artificial Intelligence, and Online Bookmakers Drive Record $517 Million Corporate Spending on Election Campaigning

Cryptocurrency, AI, and online gambling companies are behind record corporate spending of $517 million on the 2026 U.S. elections, according to Public Citizen. This amount, directed toward congressional races in just 15 months, already exceeds total corporate spending for the entire 2024 cycle. Funds are channeled through Super PACs and affiliated networks, allowing unlimited donations. Key contributors include companies like Coinbase, Ripple, Andreessen Horowitz, and Meta, alongside personal spending from billionaires such as Elon Musk and Sergey Brin. The crypto industry's main Super PAC, Fairshake, with a war chest of $193 million, has shifted strategy to support politicians based on policy stance rather than party, targeting critics like Senator Sherrod Brown, who has since softened his opposition. With an estimated $11.6 billion in total political ad spending expected, corporate cash is a major driver. Fairshake still has $130 million available for the November elections, and Musk plans to spend beyond his current $90 million, signaling that corporate political investment will continue to surge.

cryptonews.ru08/21 05:28

Cryptocurrencies, Artificial Intelligence, and Online Bookmakers Drive Record $517 Million Corporate Spending on Election Campaigning

cryptonews.ru08/21 05:28

In July, Crypto Card Spending Increased by 2.5 Times to $759 Million

In July 2026, spending on cryptocurrency-linked payment cards soared 2.5 times year-over-year to reach $759 million. This surge was driven by 9 million purchases, up from 5.2 million transactions in July 2025, with an average purchase value of around $86. The primary driver was U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins, which accounted for 84% of all tracked spending. USDC held a 58% share, while USDT accounted for 26%. This marks a significant increase from the previous year when their combined share was 55%. Adjusted transaction volume grew 63% from May and 125% from June 2025, despite a $7.7 billion contraction in the overall stablecoin market. Meanwhile, the popularity of euro-pegged tokens plummeted from 88% in early 2024 to just 2% by July 2026. The Optimism blockchain led in processing these card transactions with a 29% share, followed by Solana and Base at 19% each. Despite the notable growth, the volume of crypto card transactions remains modest compared to traditional payment systems, which process trillions of dollars monthly.

cryptonews.ru08/18 22:34

In July, Crypto Card Spending Increased by 2.5 Times to $759 Million

cryptonews.ru08/18 22:34

CFTC Prepares Request for AI Computational Power Futures Amid CME's Plans for October Launch

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is preparing a request for comment on futures contracts tied to computing power, a critical resource for artificial intelligence (AI) development. This move, pending review by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, could potentially delay the planned October launch of such futures by CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange, which still require regulatory approval. Following White House review, the CFTC is expected to open a public comment period, typically lasting 30 or 60 days, as regulators assess the new market where participants could trade and hedge the value of computing power. CME announced last week it plans to launch two computing-power futures contracts on October 5, pending approval, effectively turning AI computing into a tradable commodity similar to oil or electricity. This development occurs as AI transforms the economy and investment landscape, driving unprecedented expansion in data centers and computing infrastructure. Recent estimates suggest spending on AI infrastructure could reach about 2–2.5% of U.S. GDP this year.

cryptonews.ru08/17 18:16

CFTC Prepares Request for AI Computational Power Futures Amid CME's Plans for October Launch

cryptonews.ru08/17 18:16

CFTC seeks public input on AI compute futures contracts as CME eyes October launch

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is moving to solicit public comments on proposed futures contracts tied to computing capacity, a critical resource for AI development. This process, which requires White House review, could affect the launch timeline for similar products planned by major exchanges like CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange. CME has announced its intention to launch two compute futures contracts in early October, pending regulatory approval. These contracts would treat AI computing power as a tradable commodity. The move comes amid massive AI-driven investments in data centers, with infrastructure spending estimated to be a significant portion of US GDP this year.

cointelegraph08/17 17:21

CFTC seeks public input on AI compute futures contracts as CME eyes October launch

cointelegraph08/17 17:21

US National Debt Set to Break WWII Record Soon

According to the U.S. Congressional Budget Office, the national debt of the United States is approaching the record levels seen in 1946 and is projected to exceed that peak in 2030. The total debt currently stands at approximately $39.9 trillion. This figure includes securities held in federal accounts, which were not counted in the World War II-era debt calculations. The CBO forecasts the debt will reach 101% of GDP by the end of fiscal year 2026, surpass the 1946 peak of 106% shortly after, and climb to 120% by 2036. The current debt situation differs significantly from the post-World War II period. In 1944, wartime spending peaked at 42.7% of GDP but fell to 14% by 1949 as mobilization ended, aiding debt reduction. Today, there is no clear end date for high spending pressures. The CBO's latest projections estimate spending at 24.4% of GDP and revenues at 17.8% in 2036. The sustained spending growth is largely driven by rising costs for social security and healthcare benefits, fueled by an aging population. The number of Americans aged 65 and older is nearly three times greater than 50 years ago and is expected to increase by another 15% between 2027 and 2036.

cryptonews.ru08/13 16:17

US National Debt Set to Break WWII Record Soon

cryptonews.ru08/13 16:17

Dollar-backed stablecoins capture 84% of card spending, while the share of euro-backed coins drops to 2%

In July, spending via cryptocurrency payment cards surged to $759 million, approximately 2.5 times higher than the previous year. According to a16z crypto, the dollar-pegged stablecoin USDC now accounts for 58% of this volume, while the share of euro-backed stablecoins like EURe has plummeted to around 2%, down from about 88% at the start of 2024. The overall number of card purchases reached about 9 million in July, averaging roughly $86 per transaction. These cards enable users to spend stablecoins anywhere traditional cards are accepted, converting the cryptocurrency to local currency at checkout. Users can hold stablecoins on-chain or deposit them with the card issuer, with no traditional bank account required. Blockchain data shows a significant shift in the networks used for these payments. While Gnosis chain dominated initially, by July, Optimism accounted for about 29% of card spending, with Solana and Base each handling around 19%. Gnosis's share fell to approximately 2%. The report highlights rapid global growth for stablecoin-based cards, which operate primarily on the Visa network. Recent industry moves, including a partnership between Visa and Bridge (owned by Stripe), aim to expand such card programs to over 100 countries by year-end, potentially enabling spending at more than 175 million Visa merchant locations.

cryptonews.ru08/10 19:34

Dollar-backed stablecoins capture 84% of card spending, while the share of euro-backed coins drops to 2%

cryptonews.ru08/10 19:34

Understanding Crypto Payment Cards in 5 Charts: Stablecoins Move from On-Chain to Real-World Spending

5 Charts to Understand Crypto Payment Cards: Stablecoins Move from On-Chain to Real-World Spending Stablecoins are increasingly used for everyday purchases through crypto payment cards, a sector now processing over $750 million monthly. These cards allow users to spend cryptocurrencies at any merchant accepting traditional card networks, with the crypto (primarily stablecoins) instantly converted to fiat currency at checkout. Merchants receive standard payments. Users don't necessarily need a bank account. Some products require holding stablecoins with the issuer, while others work directly with self-custody wallets. These cards provide global access to USD-denominated services. Data shows monthly transaction volume reached $759 million in July 2026, a 2.5x increase from $306 million a year prior, with nearly 9 million transactions that month. The average transaction value is about $86. Initially concentrated on Gnosis Chain (home to Gnosis Pay, the first Visa card linked to a self-custody wallet), transaction volume has diversified across blockchains. As of July, Optimism leads with 29%, followed by Solana and Base at 19% each, while Gnosis Chain has fallen to 2%. Euro-pegged stablecoins, once dominant (88% in early 2024), now represent only 2% of volume. Dollar-pegged stablecoins USDC and USDT now lead, accounting for 58% and 26% of transactions respectively. While still small compared to traditional card networks, the sector is growing rapidly. It leverages existing infrastructure, with nearly all covered products operating on the Visa network. Regulatory developments like the GENIUS Act have contributed to this acceleration.

marsbit08/10 04:40

Understanding Crypto Payment Cards in 5 Charts: Stablecoins Move from On-Chain to Real-World Spending

marsbit08/10 04:40

Low Investment Isn't Apple's Immunity Pass

While Meta and Google face investor scrutiny over ballooning AI capital expenditures, Apple's minimal AI investment has paradoxically become a strength. Its market cap recently reclaimed the global top spot, surpassing $5 trillion. The irony is deep: Apple's own AI efforts have lagged, with "Apple Intelligence" delayed and core talent lost, forcing reliance on partners like Google Gemini and Alibaba's Qianwen. Its Q3 FY2026 (Q2 CY) earnings initially seemed stellar. Revenue hit $109.4B (up 16% YoY), with iPhone and Mac sales, growing 22% and 29% respectively, driving most of the growth. However, the stock fell over 8% post-earnings. The primary concern was a weaker Q4 revenue growth forecast of 9-11%, below expectations, due to looming supply chain constraints. Apple is feeling the indirect cost of the AI boom. Soaring memory and chip prices, fueled by massive data center investments from Microsoft, Amazon, and others, are forcing Apple to raise Mac and iPad prices significantly. The upcoming iPhone launch is also expected to see substantial price hikes. Despite avoiding heavy AI infrastructure spending—its capital expenditures are actually down 28%—Apple cannot escape the industry-wide supply and cost pressures. While Apple's operating cash flow remains robust, its substantial R&D spending (up 32% YoY) has yet to yield major AI breakthroughs. As Tim Cook prepares to step down as CEO, Apple faces a challenging transition: balancing its premium hardware success against the strategic and cost pressures of the AI era it has so far cautiously navigated.

marsbit08/01 02:26

Low Investment Isn't Apple's Immunity Pass

marsbit08/01 02:26

Amazon shares surge on AWS growth and Anthropic profit boost

Amazon reported second-quarter 2026 net income of $62.6 billion, driven significantly by a surge in the valuation of its investment in Anthropic. Revenue rose 20% to $200.61 billion, exceeding forecasts. The stock jumped over 10%. Key growth came from Amazon Web Services (AWS), with sales up 37% to $42.2 billion, marking its fastest growth rate in 18 quarters. AWS's AI and chip business units each surpassed $25 billion in annual revenue. Amazon raised its 2026 capital expenditure forecast to $220 billion due to strong AI demand outpacing available capacity. Operating profit climbed to $27.5 billion. Advertising revenue grew 26% to $19.81 billion. Operating cash flow over the trailing twelve months increased 33% to $161.4 billion.

cryptonews.ru07/31 05:31

Amazon shares surge on AWS growth and Anthropic profit boost