Big Tech Companies to Significantly Increase Capital Expenditure by 2026
The Kobeissi Letter posted on X that major technology companies, including Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft, are projected to significantly increase their capital expenditures (CapEx) by 2026. The combined CapEx of these companies is expected to rise by 70% year-over-year, reaching a record $610 billion. This figure is nearly three times the $217 billion projected for 2024 and more than four times the levels of 2023.
Amazon is anticipated to lead this surge with planned spending of $200 billion, followed by Alphabet at $180 billion, Meta at $125 billion, and Microsoft at $105 billion. Each of these companies is expected to spend nearly as much in 2026 alone as they did in the previous two years combined, or even more. Individually, all four companies would break the record for the highest annual CapEx spent by a single company over the last decade.
This unprecedented increase in spending is largely driven by the rush to develop AI infrastructure, highlighting the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the tech industry.
Binance to Conduct Tron (TRC20) Wallet Maintenance
According to the announcement from Binance, the platform is scheduled to perform wallet maintenance for Tron (TRC20) on 2026-02-11 at 07:00 (UTC). To facilitate this maintenance, deposits and withdrawals on the Tron (TRC20) network will be temporarily suspended starting from 2026-02-11 at 06:55 (UTC). The maintenance is expected to last approximately one hour.
During this period, the trading of tokens on the Tron (TRC20) network will remain unaffected. Binance assures users that all technical requirements will be managed by the platform, ensuring a smooth process. Once the network upgrade is confirmed to be stable, deposits and withdrawals will be reopened. No further announcements will be made regarding the completion of the maintenance. Users are advised to refer to the original English version of the announcement for the most accurate information.
U.S. Banks Oppose Direct Federal Reserve Access for Crypto Firms
Major U.S. banking organizations have expressed opposition to crypto and fintech companies gaining direct access to the Federal Reserve's payment system. According to NS3.AI, these banks have requested a 12-month observation period before any applications from such companies are considered. Additionally, they urge the Federal Reserve to limit access for regulated stablecoin issuers until their operational safety is demonstrated.
Concerns have been raised regarding the 'streamlined account' proposal, which banks argue could introduce new risks, such as bank runs, and allow these companies to bypass traditional partner banks. The banking organizations emphasize the need for careful evaluation to ensure the stability and security of the financial system.
On February 10, Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov shared insights on the current state of the cryptocurrency market via a detailed post on the X platform. According to BlockBeats, Nazarov emphasized that cycles are a normal part of the crypto industry, highlighting how these cycles reveal the sector's development level and the trends that will define the next phase of adoption and value creation. He noted that there are currently no significant risk management failures leading to major institutional collapses or systemic risk spread, indicating improved risk management in this cycle compared to the previous one.
Nazarov further stated that regardless of cryptocurrency price fluctuations, the trend of real-world assets being tokenized on blockchain continues to accelerate. This suggests that the tokenization of real-world assets is not closely tied to cryptocurrency prices but possesses unique value that can grow independently of Bitcoin or other crypto assets' market prices. This trend is expected to fundamentally transform the industry landscape.
Tech Funds See Significant Inflows Amid Market Shifts
U.S. technology funds experienced a substantial inflow of $6 billion last week, marking the largest influx in eight weeks. According to BlockBeats, this data was reported by The Kobeissi Letter, citing BofA Research.
Overall, the stock market saw an inflow of $34.6 billion, with $87.2 billion moving into cash and $23 billion into bonds. In contrast, investors withdrew $1.2 billion from the utilities sector over the past two weeks, the largest outflow since November 2024.
These financial movements indicate a rapid increase in investor interest in technology stocks.
Goldman Sachs Anticipates Active Year for South African Deals Amid Economic Reforms
Goldman Sachs forecasts a significant increase in deal activity for South Africa, driven by structural reforms and a surge in commodity markets. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the potential for the continent's largest economy to capitalize on these developments. The financial institution sees opportunities arising from changes in economic policies and the favorable conditions in the commodities sector. As South Africa navigates these transformations, Goldman Sachs remains optimistic about the prospects for increased investment and business transactions in the region.
Hong Kong Victory Securities Suspends Crypto Trading for Mainland China Users
Hong Kong Victory Securities has announced the suspension of cryptocurrency trading functions for users with Mainland China identities, effective February 9, 2026. According to NS3.AI, this decision allows only withdrawals for affected users and follows previous restrictions such as buying bans and address verification pauses. These measures are in compliance with regulations set by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and policies from Mainland China. Meanwhile, non-Mainland tax residents can continue to trade cryptocurrencies normally on the platform.
Optimism's mainnet has announced the addition of support for the ERC-8004 standard. According to ChainCatcher, this standard facilitates interaction between AI agents across various organizations by enabling a discovery mechanism and portable reputation. This development aims to ensure the seamless flow of reputation, paving the way for a global interoperable market for AI services.
Vitalik Buterin Envisions Ethereum and AI Collaboration to Enhance Markets and Governance
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has outlined a vision for the integration of Ethereum with artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to enhance markets, financial safety, and human agency. According to Cointelegraph, Buterin shared his thoughts in an X post on Monday, emphasizing that AI should empower humans rather than replace them, although he acknowledged that the immediate future involves more conventional ideas.
Buterin identified four key areas where Ethereum and AI could intersect: facilitating trustless and private interactions with AI, establishing Ethereum as an economic layer for AI-to-AI interactions, utilizing AI to verify onchain data, and improving market and governance efficiency. He stressed the importance of developing new tools and integrations to ensure AI use remains private, preventing data leaks and protecting personal identities. The rise of AI chatbots has heightened concerns over private data leaks, as highlighted by Cointelegraph Magazine, which noted that chat logs from platforms like ChatGPT could potentially be used in legal proceedings.
Buterin proposed the need for tools that support the use of large language models (LLMs) locally on personal devices, employing zero-knowledge proofs for anonymous API calls, and enhancing cryptographic technology to verify AI-generated work. He also envisions AI serving as a user's intermediary to the blockchain, with AI agents capable of verifying and auditing transactions, interacting with decentralized applications, and suggesting transactions to users. This AI verification could significantly benefit the crypto sector, especially as sophisticated scams, such as address poisoning, continue to rise.
Buterin believes AI bots could economically interact to manage onchain activities for users, making cryptocurrency more accessible. He suggested that bots could be deployed to hire each other, handle API calls, and make security deposits, emphasizing that these economies should enable more decentralized authority rather than exist for their own sake.
Furthermore, Buterin sees potential for AI to enhance onchain governance and markets by using LLMs to overcome human limitations in attention and decision-making. He noted that while prediction markets and decentralized governance are theoretically appealing, they are constrained by human cognitive limits. By leveraging LLMs, these limitations can be addressed, allowing for a reevaluation of these concepts and scaling human judgment.
Hyundai Motor Shares Rise Following Robotics Unit Video Release
Hyundai Motor's stock experienced an uptick after the company's robotics division unveiled a video showcasing its Atlas humanoid robot performing a cartwheel and backflip. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the robot's impressive dexterity and lifelike movements, which have captured significant attention. The video release has sparked interest in Hyundai's advancements in robotics technology, contributing to the positive market response.
Ark Invest Increases Stake in Bullish with Additional Stock Purchase
Ark Invest, led by Cathie Wood, has increased its investment in Bullish by acquiring an additional 57,164 shares valued at $1.83 million on February 10. According to BlockBeats, this purchase follows a significant rise in Bullish's stock price, which saw a single-day increase of 16.76%.
Last Friday, Ark Invest had already purchased 393,057 shares of Bullish, amounting to approximately $10.8 million.
XRP spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States experienced a notable single-day net inflow of $6.31 million on February 9. According to NS3.AI, the Franklin XRP ETF was at the forefront, attracting $3.15 million in inflows, while the Canary XRP ETF followed with $2.31 million. The total net asset value of these ETFs has now reached $1.04 billion, indicating robust cumulative investor interest.
Tokenized U.S. Treasury Market Surpasses $10 Billion
The tokenized U.S. Treasury market has exceeded $10 billion, marking a significant milestone in the financial sector. According to PANews, Cointelegraph's monitoring reveals that Ondo Finance, Securitize, Circle, and Superstate are the primary issuers driving this growth. This development highlights the increasing interest and adoption of tokenized assets in the market.
PLS Group Secures Lithium Offtake Agreement with Canmax Technologies
PLS Group has entered into a lithium offtake agreement with Canmax Technologies, marking a significant milestone as the first Australian miner to secure a supply deal that ensures a minimum price for the battery metal. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the importance of this agreement in the context of the growing demand for lithium, a key component in battery production.
The agreement is expected to provide stability and predictability for PLS Group amid fluctuating market conditions. This deal underscores the strategic importance of lithium in the global shift towards renewable energy and electric vehicles.
The partnership between PLS Group and Canmax Technologies reflects a broader trend in the mining industry, where companies are increasingly seeking to lock in prices for critical minerals to mitigate risks associated with market volatility. This move is likely to influence other miners to pursue similar agreements as they navigate the evolving landscape of the energy sector.
Japan Viewed as Stabilizing Force Amid US-China Tensions
Asia's middle powers are increasingly looking to Japan as a stabilizing influence in the region amidst the ongoing tensions between the United States and China. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the growing perception of Japan's role in maintaining regional stability. As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, Japan's diplomatic efforts and strategic positioning are being recognized by neighboring countries as crucial in navigating the complexities of US-China relations.
Copper and Aluminum Prices Stabilize Amid Chinese Buying Slowdown
Copper and aluminum prices maintained their gains as a rally driven by Chinese purchasing showed signs of slowing down. Bloomberg posted on X, indicating that the market's momentum has stalled as China nears a significant holiday period. The metals had previously experienced a surge in demand, largely fueled by Chinese buyers, contributing to the upward trend in prices.
The slowdown comes as the country prepares for its holiday season, which typically impacts trading activities and market dynamics. Analysts are closely monitoring the situation to assess how the holiday period might affect future demand and pricing for these commodities.
The rally in copper and aluminum had been notable, with Chinese buying playing a crucial role in driving prices higher. However, the approach of the holiday period has introduced uncertainty into the market, leading to a stabilization in prices.
Market participants are now evaluating the potential implications of reduced trading activity during the holiday season, which could influence the metals' market trajectory in the coming weeks. The situation remains fluid, with traders and analysts keeping a close watch on developments in China and their impact on global commodity markets.
Xiaomi CEO Addresses U.S. Market Entry Speculation
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun has clarified the company's stance on entering the U.S. market. According to Ming Pao, Lei Jun responded to inquiries on social media regarding a YU7 vehicle spotted on a California highway with local test plates. He stated that Xiaomi currently has no plans to enter the U.S. market.
Thai Equities Surge Following Bhumjaithai Party's Election Victory
Global investors have shown renewed interest in Thai equities following the Bhumjaithai Party's decisive victory in Sunday's election. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting that the party's win is expected to ensure policy continuity, which has attracted international funds back into the market. The election results have provided a sense of stability and predictability, encouraging foreign investment in Thailand's financial markets. Analysts suggest that the Bhumjaithai Party's policies will likely support economic growth and maintain investor confidence. The influx of global funds is seen as a positive sign for Thailand's economy, which has been seeking to bolster its financial sector amid global uncertainties. The election outcome is anticipated to reinforce Thailand's position as a favorable destination for international investors, contributing to the country's economic resilience.
Adani Energy Secures $750 Million Loan from Japanese Banks
Adani Energy has successfully obtained a $750 million loan, with two Japanese banks leading the financing, according to sources. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting this development as a significant indicator of the growing interest of Japanese lenders in the Indian market. This move underscores the increasing financial collaboration between Japan and India, reflecting a broader trend of international investment in India's energy sector.
Citadel Securities Appoints New Global Head of Structured Products
Ken Griffin’s Citadel Securities has appointed Richard Smerin from Morgan Stanley as the global head of structured products, according to a source. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting this as part of a series of significant hires in Asia. Smerin's recruitment is seen as a strategic move to bolster Citadel's presence and capabilities in the region. The firm has been actively expanding its team with experienced professionals to enhance its operations and market influence. This appointment underscores Citadel's commitment to strengthening its structured products division and its overall growth strategy in Asia.