The Nasdaq-listed IREN stock surged 5.18% on Thursday, closing the day’s trade at $41.65. On Wednesday’s trading session, the renewable energy firm had risen 7.6%. It printed two consecutive home runs this week with more than double-digit gains since Monday. The development is making investors jump on the bandwagon to make the most of the rally. The equity is also trading below $50, making it affordable for retail investors to trade.

Also Read: Lululemon Stock Falls 18% as Earnings Miss Wall Street Estimates

Why Did the Asset Rise Sharply This Week?

IREN stock skyrocketed in value after the company reported $1 billion in annual recurring revenue (ARR). The main catalyst came after it targeted $4 billion by the end of this year. The $3 billion gap is due to commissioning, testing, and customer acceptance, which should be closed by December 31, 2026. While the existing business has already crossed the $1 billion milestone, the subsequent closure is what’s driving the prices up. The company is also slowly moving away from its traditional business of Bitcoin mining, which has already fallen by 40%.

How High Can IREN Stock Rise Next?

Gautam Chhugani, the Managing Director at Bernstein, is the only Wall Street analyst to go fully bullish on IREN stock. He maintained a buy rating on the equity and wrote in a note to clients on Thursday (September 3, 2026) that IREN could reach a price target of $100 next. That’s an uptick and return on investment (ROI) of approximately 145% from its current price of $41.

It also marks a profit of more than $100 per share if traders take an entry position today. An investment of $1,000 in IREN stock could turn into $2,450 if the price prediction turns out to be accurate. The analyst wrote that IREN’s aggressive, highly profitable transition from a Bitcoin miner into a hyperscale AI cloud infrastructure provider makes it a heavyweight in the AI data center circles. He called IREN a premier “neocloud” representing the physical layer of the AI boom.

China and Egypt have officially agreed to settle cross-border transactions in local currencies and move away from the US dollar. Both countries have extended their swap agreement and discussed deepening cooperation in sectors like construction, energy, manufacturing, and agriculture. The Xi Jinping administration has established the Renminbi (RMB) Clearing Bank of Africa, which gives Egypt direct access to China’s financial system. The move is to promote more Chinese yuan-based transactions to bolster the local currency.

Chinese investment in Egypt had already reached $10 billion, reflecting growing confidence in its monetary system. Egypt is among China’s largest trading partners in Africa, and the advocacy of using local currencies rather than the US dollar could soon spread to other nations on the continent. Xi Jinping has been on an official State visit to Egypt since Tuesday, holding high-level talks with the Egyptian leadership. During the discussions, both agreed to increase cooperation across several sectors, including construction, energy, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Also Read: Netherlands Moves 86 Tonnes of Gold From the US, Cites ‘Geopolitical Unrest’

US Dollar Dependency to Reduce Between China and Egypt

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi confirmed the deal and assured that local currencies will replace the US dollar dependency. “I take this opportunity to announce the agreement to launch the third phase of expansion of the Egyptian-Chinese industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which launches a new phase of business in key sectors such as renewable energy, automobile manufacturing, textiles and chemical fibres,” he said at the start of bilateral talks.

The proposed initiative will establish a large integrated industrial complex in Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE). Both countries are also exploring another $2 billion in new investment in an economic partnership. Most likely, this agreement could be used to settle in local currencies rather than the US dollar. China has been aggressive in pushing the Chinese yuan ahead and is now focusing on Africa.

The Dutch Central Bank (DNB) confirmed on Wednesday that it moved 86 tonnes of gold out of the US. The central bank cited “increasing geopolitical unrest” as the reason for moving its assets from the country. The gold stock was moved from the US and Canada to London, stressing that it could be traded more easily there than in New York and Ottawa. The US, which was once considered the bedrock of safe investments, is experiencing a major shift. The rising National debt above $40 trillion and its indulgence in wars and conflict are adding to the baggage.

“This makes it the quickest for DNB to deploy in a crisis situation,” said DNB in a statement. “With this step, we have improved the deployability of the gold reserves. We assume that we will never need to deploy the gold, but it is nevertheless necessary to strengthen our resilience and preparedness,” said DNB President Olaf Sleijpen. The total Dutch gold stock amounts to 612.4 tonnes, worth a staggering $84 billion. Netherlands had held 31.3% of its gold in New York and 19.7% in Ottawa.

The share of the Netherlands ‘ gold held in London now surged from 18.1 percent to 32.1 percent. The central bank also holds another 30% of its reserves in the homeland of the Netherlands. The transfer from the US was done partially by buying and selling in parts. “By combining buying and selling and physical transport, the risks associated with physically moving a large quantity of gold have been spread,” said the DNB.

Also Read: Countries That Brought the Highest Number of Gold in 2026

The Safety of the US Comes Into Question

Netherlands is a close ally of the US and a European power that can influence other neighbouring countries. If an ally can come close to losing trust in the US, other countries could follow suit. The US could be at a loss if many other countries begin pulling their gold and other assets out. The White House’ foreign policies and tariffs are among the reasons for the fall out.

Microsoft stock (NASDAQ: MSFT) has dipped below the psychological level of $500 on Thursday. The fall comes after investors are weighing in on the massive AI costs that the software titan is spending to build the infrastructure. Concerns are rising about whether AI capex can generate sufficient returns for the company’s expansion plans. Wall Street has been intensifying the scrutiny every quarter, keeping its investments in check.

The renewed pressure on Microsoft stock comes even after the company remains the beneficiary of cloud computing and AI demand. The Satya Nadella-led company is seeing billions in revenue from Azure, enterprise software, and its partnerships with OpenAI and other firms supporting its long-term growth trajectory. However, Wall Street is becoming increasingly worried about its spending, which they feel is outweighing its growth.

Also Read: Barclays Hikes Its Nvidia Stock Price Target

What Next For Microsoft Stock?

Bank of America Securities analyst Tal Liani, the Managing Director in the equity research group, is seeing through the noise. When Microsoft stock dipped below the $500 level, he increased his price target for MSFT. The analyst also reiterated the buy call, urging institutional clients to take an entry position in the equity.

Microsoft stock’s new price target from Bank of America Securities is now $600. That could be a profit of nearly $100 per share if traders take an entry position in the equity today. It also marks an uptick and return on investment (ROI) of approximately 20% from its current price. Therefore, an investment of $1,000 could turn into $1,200 next if the forecast turns out to be accurate.

The Bank of America Securities analyst wrote in the note to clients on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) that he sees Azure’s valuation unlocking potential profits for Microsoft. Azure had posted 39% growth in fiscal Q3 and 43% in Q4, with management guiding to 45% in Q1 2027. It outbeat Wall Street’s estimate of 40.6%, and the analyst sees the numbers growing next quarter. This is among the reasons why he increased Microsoft’s stock price target to $600.

Everything on the SHIB.IO website is working to date, except for the Shibarium page, which shows the data on how many Shiba Inu tokens are being burned and sent to the dead wallet. The website is unable to fetch data, with the screen loading option taking forever to provide the numbers. “Failed to load burn information,” reads the website, highlighted in red.

Also Read: How Much Shiba Inu Is Needed To Become A Millionaire At ATH?

Shiba Inu: Shibarium Burn Data Fails To Load

Shibarium was built to ease trading activity and reduce transaction fees for investors. While the trading fee was at its minimum, the amount collected was used to burn SHIB tokens. Therefore, its primary work is to reduce the circulation of Shiba Inu and make the tokens scarce. The next process is to display the data on how many SHIB tokens are being sent to the dead wallet.

Sadly, that information is now unavailable anywhere on the Shibarium page. The last time the screen was loading, Shibarium had burned more than 1 billion SHIB tokens. That was on May 21, 2025, when Watcher Guru reported Shibarium’s milestone of burning 1 billion tokens. The team either abandoned the burn data or there could simply be a glitch on the page. Either way, Shiba Inu investors have the right to know the burn amount, as Shibarium was marketed as a burning mill of SHIB tokens.

The sad state of affairs and neglect is obviously reflected in the charts. Shiba Inu is down nearly 58% in a year, and is trading at $0.0000055. There are now slim chances of it deleting its fifth zero and trading at its prime of $0.00001. New investments have completely dried up, and nobody knows how many tokens Shibarium is currently burning. With a circulating supply of 549 trillion tokens, the road to $0.01 is extremely narrow. As its critics said back in the day, the world ending tomorrow has more chances than Shiba Inu reaching $0.01.

Bitcoin has reclaimed the $77,500 level on Thursday and is gearing up to breach the $78,000 zone. The leading cryptocurrency dipped to the $76,200 level on Wednesday, sparking fears in the market that a downturn could be on the cards. The price reclaim is a positive signal that the larger cryptocurrency market wanted to see. XRP also remains on the front foot this month with prices hovering around the $1.37 zone.

It has held on to its support levels and maintained a healthy balance between $1.40 and $1.30. However, the broader cryptocurrency market might soon face heightened volatility as the Fed is scheduled for an interest rate decision on September 15 and 16. The market mostly fluctuates on the heels of the meeting, leading to instability. XRP and Bitcoin are likely to be affected as the days progress towards the meeting.

Also Read: XRP Faces 6% Weekly Price Dip: How Low Will It Go?

Will XRP & Bitcoin Head South in September?

Leading cryptocurrency exchange platform Bitfinex wrote in its recent blog, cautioning users about the market’s performance during the Fed interest rate decision. It also provided historical context on Bitcoin and XRP, saying that the month has been bearish for years. The trading platform expects a price pullback, warning traders to be on their toes mid-September.

“September has historically been a bearish month for Bitcoin, with an average return of -2.95 percent since 2013. With August’s momentum carrying into the month, we expect that any intra-month correction leaves the odds in favour of continuation higher on the higher timeframes,” read the report. This puts XRP and Bitcoin on a sticky wicket, and both cryptocurrencies might have peaked in value.

The sudden rise in value came only after President Donald Trump announced last month that the US is considering buying a “sizeable” amount of Bitcoins. This led to major cryptocurrencies surging in value, including Ripple’s XRP. The market has to sustain the uptick for another month to prepare itself for the next leg. The Fed meeting will decide which direction the market takes in the next two weeks.

The XAU/USD index is hovering at the $4,300 level on Wednesday and is moving sideways in the charts. From retail traders to institutional funds and central banks, everyone is after the glittery metal for investments. Several countries in the Global South, Asia, Africa, and Europe have been relentlessly buying the commodity this year. It is among the top-performing assets in the last five years, as prices have spiked nearly 150%

Also Read: 2 Biggest Enemies of the US Dollar in 2026

Top Buyers of Gold in 2026

A total of seven countries have been steadily accumulating gold in 2026. Their central banks have been purchasing billions worth of the metal and diversifying their reserves. The US dollar is facing tough competition with gold, as central bank managers are reducing dependency on the currency. The ballooning $40 trillion National debt is also among the reasons why the US dollar is frowned upon.

Below is the list of countries that have purchased the highest amount of gold in 2026:

1. Poland 82 tonnes $11.72 billion
2. Uzbekistan 41 tonnes $5.86 billion
3. China 40 tonnes $5.72 billion
4. Kazakhstan 27 tonnes $3.86 billion
5. Czech Republic 11 tonnes $1.57 billion
6. Singapore 10 tonnes $1.43 billion
7. Chile 8 tonnes $1.14 billion

In total, the central banks of these seven countries have purchased 219 tonnes of gold. The total worth of the accumulation is a staggering $31.3 billion. Most of them are already in profit after the purchase, and are likely to continue with the buying spree. The overall market has been responding positively to the commodity, with analysts predicting it could go much higher by the end of the year.

John LaForge, Chief Alternative Strategist at Ned Davis Research, has also predicted that gold prices could go above $10,000. He stressed that the uncontrolled US National debt at $40 trillion will lead to the metal ballooning in value. This is among the boldest price predictions made for the commodity this year. The overall consensus of analysts has remained bullish on the glittery metal.

Nvidia stock (NASDAQ: NVDA) opened Wednesday’s trading session at $217. It fell nearly 1.5% the previous day and is mostly trading sideways in September. It did not see a massive jump in the charts even after delivering robust quarterly earnings last week. Revenues soared above $108 billion with margins rising by 74%. Operating expenses were only $9.2 billion, making it stand out from the rest of its competitors.

However, the market is in AI fatigue mode, as every earnings call from the company has made the stock tank or trade sideways, even after posting strong revenues. On the heels of the disconnect, leading global investment bank Barclays has hiked its Nvidia stock price target and maintained its buy rating. Raimo Lenschow, the Managing Director at Barclays, wrote in a note to clients on Tuesday (September 1, 2026), urging institutional clients to begin accumulating NVDA.

Also Read: Nvidia Is the Best Stock Right Now as $420 Target Emerges

Nvidia Stock Price Prediction: Barclays New Target

The Barclays analyst has predicted that Nvidia stock could reach a price target of $275 next. That would be a profit of $58 per share if traders take an entry position in the equity today. It also marks an uptick and return on investment (ROI) of approximately 27% from its current price. Therefore, an investment of $1,000 could turn into $1,270 if the price prediction from Lenschow turns out to be accurate. An entry position even at the current levels is promising.

That’s stellar gains, as very few assets are delivering double-digit gains lately. Nvidia stock has remained the darling of the market, even during the ongoing price grind. Also, Raimo Lenschow is a five-star-rated analyst with a success rate of 55.4%. Traders have earned average returns of nearly 11% from his previous price predictions. He is also inside the top 1,000 Wall Street analysts, with a significant track record.

The BRICS alliance grew from its original founding members of five to an 11-member bloc in 2025. In the last three years, chatter about the group preparing to launch a currency backed by gold was doing the rounds. However, the reality is starkly different, as under the 18th summit in India’s New Delhi, the alliance has no common central bank, no unified monetary policy, and no single banknote in development.

BRICS is not in a position of strength during the upcoming 2026 summit. The stories of de-dollarization are mostly limited to a few trades over the years. The settlements in local currencies are mostly forced due to the US sanctions on Russia and Iran. It is only China taking advantage of the situation and pushing the Chinese yuan for trade. Russia is also benefiting from the ordeal, as the Russian ruble is being used for cross-border transactions.

If you remove these, the rest of the cross-border transactions are going through with the US dollar. While India is managing to score a few settlements in the rupee, the majority of its deals are also paid in the US dollar. The Modi administration has repeatedly renounced the idea of a BRICS currency for a year. Higher officials have also been distancing themselves from the idea of de-dollarization. While analysts say this is due to Trump’s tariff threats, the notion goes much deeper.

Also Read: BRICS on Mission To Boost Trade With Southern African Countries

India Holds the Trump Card on the Formation of a Common BRICS Currency

India, which hosts the 18th BRICS summit on September 12 and 13, 2026, needs the US dollar the most. The country hosts the IT backend sector of the US, and all invoicing is done in the US dollar. Skipping the flow here could have devastating effects on India, including the rupee and stock market crashing. India’s housing and consumption market also stands on the very backbone of the IT boom. A misstep here can prove costly to India, and therefore, not every member is on board with the idea of a BRICS common currency.

The US dollar has remained at the top of the charts for several decades, and being at the top comes with its own perils, as it leads to having several enemies. Many countries and detractors are looking to pull the greenback down and replace it with their own local currencies. The tug of war has been ongoing for decades, but gained full steam in 2022, after the White House imposed sanctions on Russia for invading and waging war against its neighbouring country Ukraine.

Also Read: Michael Saylor’s Strategy Resumes Buying Bitcoin: Spends $370 Million on BTC

The US Dollar’s Enemies Are Not Foreign

The DXY index, which tracks the performance of the US dollar, has been range-bound this year. It hovered at 99 on Wednesday and is up 1.53% year-to-date. However, in 2026, the US dollar has a different set of enemies that are close to home. While foreign adversaries are unable to topple the USD, the situation in the homeland is actually affecting the markets. The average person on the street is the one bearing the brunt of the effects.

These are now the 2 most important enemies of the US dollar in 2026:

1. Federal Reserve expectations: The Feds are in a sticky wicket, as not raising interest rates weakens the US dollar. If they raise rates, global investors who want better fixed returns will flock into the markets. However, that comes with a price, as the common man will find it expensive to borrow money. This leads to a slower economy, as consumption reduces.
2. Stubborn inflation: The current US inflation rate is 3.4%, which is well above the normal 2% level. The geopolitical uncertainty has led to this situation, in which prices of everyday commodities have surged. From everyday essentials to gas prices and construction costs, all of these are taking a big bite out of paychecks. Inflation is eroding the purchasing power of the US dollar, and the common man is the one being hit.

Michael Saylor’s Strategy has resumed its Bitcoin buying spree after nearly a 10-week pause. The firm returned in its signature style by accumulating $370 million in BTC on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The restart in buying came after the broader digital-asset market saw growing confidence in the sector as President Donald Trump announced last week that the US is considering buying a “sizeable” amount of the world’s largest cryptocurrency.

Also Read: Strong Dollar And High Rate Hike Odds: Bitcoin Crash Incoming?

Bitcoin: Michael Saylor’s Strategy Goes on a Buying Spree

Bitcoin went from a low of $62,000 to a high of $78,000 in just two days after the announcement. It also pulled several other cryptocurrencies up along with it, including XRP, which went from $1.10 to $1.57. Strategt had raised $602.8 million through the sale of common stock to help fund the purchases and bought back $151.8 million of preferred shares. The rebound in BTC has helped Michael Saylor’s Strategy stock (NASDAQ: MSFT) surge by nearly 12% in a week.

Overall, MSTR has also seen a dynamic price rise of 40% in a month. It went from a low of $94 to a high of $137, before closing Monday’s trading session at $132. While Bitcoin remains the company’s largest holding, it is also reshaping its treasury. Last week, the firm created a separate cash pool, giving management more flexibility to meet preferred-stock dividends. This extends to debt payments and other corporate needs, which management aims to meet.

These two reserves already total a staggering $5.1 billion and $1.61 billion in the cash pool, respectively. Strategy has been the largest buyer of Bitcoin and holds approximately 818,869 BTC as a primary treasury reserve asset. The holdings are worth a staggering $64.2 billion at today’s price. Another rebound in Bitcoin’s value could put its value on a much higher pedestal. Michael Saylor has been bullish on BTC since he first purchased it on August 11, 2020. He bought 21,454 BTC worth $250 million back then.

Dell Technologies stock (NYSE: DELL) opened Tuesday’s trading session at $456. The software titan is all set to release its fiscal second-quarter 2027 earnings call today on September 1, 2026, after trading hours. Wall Street is maintaining a bullish outlook with estimates broadly aligning with the management’s prior guidance. The estimates from Wall Street include revenues between $44 billion and $45 billion and non-GAAP earnings per share of approximately $4.80.

The optimism follows the strong first quarter results, where the company reported revenue of $43.84 billion. That was up 88% year over year, and a non-GAAP EPS of $4.86. Following the previous quarterly results, Wall Street has raised its forecast, projecting annual revenue of $165 billion to $169 billion. The AI-optimized server revenue is also projected to be about $60 billion. Dell stock is on the brink of a rally or a downturn, and the earnings call will decide the direction.

Also Read: Nvidia Has Bad News For AMD And Intel: Find Out Here

Dell Stock Target Before the Earnings Call

Leading stock market price prediction firm TipRanks has turned bullish on Dell Technologies stock. The analytical firm quoted 14 Wall Street analysts, with 11 of them giving it a buy rating and three a ‘hold’ call. The overall consensus has projected that the software titan could reach a high of $700 next. The timeframe to reach the target is in the next 12 months, according to the stock market analysts.

That’s an uptick and return on investment (ROI) of approximately 53% from its current price of $456. Therefore, an investment of $1,000 could turn into $1,500+ if the price prediction turns out to be accurate. It is also stellar returns for a timespan of 12 months, as not every asset can generate this much gain in a year. Dell stock is among the most-watched assets, as it has risen more than 250% year-to-date. A rise of this scale is now a common occurrence in the AI sector.

Nvidia stock (NASDAQ: NVDA) opened Monday’s trading session at $217 after plunging nearly 4.6% on Friday. It fell from a high of $228 and slipped south the entire day. On the heels of the recent downturn, a trading expert has cautioned that NVDA is flashing a bearish signal and supported the thesis with a chart-based analysis.

The expert published by TradingShot on TradingView argued that Nvidia stock is mirroring technical conditions to previous major price corrections, including the 2018 and 2022 crashes. He even went ahead and cautioned investors that NVDA stands a chance of crashing 40% from its current price. It would be a market-shaking crash if such a scenario plays out and realigns the tech sector.

The analyst shared a chart explaining that Nvidia stock has been trading within an 11-year ascending channel dating back to July 2015. He stressed that this phase has historically gone through cyclic bullish and bearish phases and produced major tops and bottoms. The expert argued that NVDA’s current cycle has peaked in May 2026, when it reached a yearly high of $236.

TradingShot referred to the sine-wave cycle of 2018 and 2022, identifying the major turning points. Based on the pattern, he predicted that Nvidia stock could plummet to the $130 zone next. The timeline he gave for such a doomsday scenario to play out is by the end of 2026. He noted that the initial downside target is $170, and according to historical levels, could plunge to $130. His thesis aligns with the weekly 100-week moving average and several key support levels from 2025 and 2026.

Also Read: Micron Stock: HBM Shortage & Tight DRAM Supply Fuel Bullish Case

Can Nvidia Stock Really Crash to $130? Here’s Our Take

Historical contexts can never replay the same way that they occurred years ago. Each market dynamic and macroeconomic factor is different. There was no AI boom when the previous crash occurred, and that tech is now a global phenomenon. Nvidia stands at the top of the AI growth, with revenues ranging from $1 billion each day. Therefore, the cushion of support already exists for Nvidia stock, and an unprecedented crash can take place if an untoward incident takes place.

Several members of the BRICS alliance are signing new deals with southern African countries in a bid to boost bilateral trade. The latest is Brazil, where the Lula da Silva administration announced a Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) to organize business missions in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will lead the talks with representatives and is scheduled to take place between 26 August and 2 September 2026, according to a report from Brazil 247.

Also Read: India Ready To Pitch BRICS Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)

Southern African Countries Gain Trade Deals With BRICS Members

BRICS member Brazil’s itinerary includes visits to South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, and Ethiopia. The project aims to strengthen trade relations with the southern African nations and establish the presence of Brazilian companies in the region. The move will help South African countries receive business projects and help their economies. This makes foreign policy with the region friendly and extends ties to newer businesses. The bloc is actively seeking new partnerships and is mostly successful in its endeavors.

In addition, BRICS members India and China have also been forging business relationships with Southern African countries. India is seeking partnerships in the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industry. The Modi administration is also seeking deals in critical minerals to enhance business agendas. ANI reported that these deals were already signed by India with the presence of Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry.

On the other hand, BRICS member China has already established a business route with Southern African countries. In the first half of 2026, trade between the two exceeded $208 billion, reported Tunis Afrique Presse. China adopted a zero-tariff model with its African counterparts and maintained a diplomatic relationship. During May and June, China’s imports of African products had already exceeded $28 billion. The bloc members are gaining a stronghold in the region, which was mostly ignored by the West.

Shiba Inu is trading at $0.0000055 on Monday, and this support level could be tested in the coming days as 145.9 billion SHIB tokens have been moved to exchanges, signalling a potential sell-off. These tokens were moved on August 29, 2026, and the chances of them being dumped remain high. The inflows to exchanges don’t guarantee immediate sell-offs, but they signal a gradual process in hitting the exit button. The risk of a downturn is high, and an entry position into SHIB can prove hazardous.

The coming weeks could be a test for Shiba Inu’s price zone, as billions of tokens are likely to be liquidated. This could lead to a price drop, and the $0.0000055 floor could be tested. If buying activity remains strong this week, the price can stabilize. However, SHIB is now receiving no new influx of funds, and money from first-time investors has mostly dried up. Traders are looking elsewhere for profits, as the dog-themed token has been on the back foot for over three years.

Also Read: Can Shiba Inu Delete A Zero If Bitcoin Hits $100,000?

Can Shiba Inu Still Rise From Here?

Yes, Shiba Inu can still rise from here if it attracts large buying pressure. In addition, if Shibarium burns billions of tokens every day, SHIB can fight off the selling pressure and scale up in value. Nonetheless, chances of these occurring in real time remain slim. Shibarium has burned more than 1 billion SHIB tokens in the three years since its launch in August 2023. The scale is very minimal, compared to what it was marketed to do before its launch.

The team had predicted that Shibarium could burn trillions of tokens each year and send tokens to the deal wallet. None of them turned out to be a reality, and traders are now paying the price of their lacklustre performance. Investors have been holding their bags for nearly half a decade now, and have not even seen a break-even in price. This has led to an erosion of trust in Shiba Inu, and not everyone is paying attention to it anymore.

Ripple’s native token is hovering around the $1.37 level on Monday and has dipped 2% in the day’s trade. The leading altcoin had a remarkable run in August, surging nearly 27% in a month. In the last two weeks alone, the cryptocurrency spiked 35%, delivering stellar gains to investors. It went from a low of $1.06 to a high of $1.58 in August, as the broader cryptocurrency market experienced a rally. Now that August has come to an end, will XRP maintain the same positive momentum in September 2026?

XRP has a history of erasing profits after a month through a relentless decline. However, historical context cannot be taken into consideration while estimating the future, as market dynamics are different every cycle. Leading on-chain metrics and price prediction firm CoinCodex has given a new forecast for XRP for September 2026. According to the price estimates, the leading altcoin could remain in the green and continue its bullish trajectory. This makes Ripple’s token a must-watch asset as it has good upside potential.

Also Read: XRP Is Ready to Create a New Wave of Crypto Millionaires

How High Can XRP Reach in September 2026?

XRP is set to generate double-digit gains in September 2026, according to the latest price prediction from CoinCodex. The on-chain metrics firm has projected that the leading altcoin could reach a high of $1.50 in September. That’s an uptick and return on investment (ROI) of approximately 10% from its current price of $1.37. Therefore, an investment of $1,000 could turn into $1,100 if the price prediction turns out to be accurate.

It’s stellar gains if the estimate turns out to be accurate, as not every asset is capable of delivering 10% gains in a month. The time to ride the bull is alive in September 2026, and XRP investors can make the most out of it. The overall cryptocurrency market is experiencing optimism after Bitcoin went from $62,000 to $78,000. Bitcoin is still holding up at $77,000 and is gearing up for a leg-up towards the $80,000 level. An uptick from here could pull other cryptocurrencies up in value and reach new monthly highs.

India is all set to pitch the idea of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) at the upcoming BRICS summit on September 12 and 13, reported the Hindu Business Line quoting a source close to the development. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had proposed linking the digital currencies of all member central banks for trade and transactions early in January. If the proposal goes through, the alliance could see a paradigm shift in how they settle cross-border transactions.

The source said on the condition of anonymity that finance ministers of all member nations are set to meet in early September to discuss the way forward on CBDCs. “The BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) track is expected to meet again in early September to provide greater clarity on the possible way forward on CBDC and fast payment system linkages that could be adopted at the BRICS Summit,” a source tracking the matter told Businessline.

Also Read: Cuba Applies To Join BRICS Alliance Ahead of the 2026 Summit

BRICS CBDC Mechanism Can Cut Costs, Save Billions in Transaction Fees

The CBDC payment system can save the BRICS alliance billions in transaction fees during settlements. The conversion rate will no longer be applicable, as the bloc will sideline the US dollar for trade. The digital currency will only be available to member nations, and the mechanism will not allow other currencies to enter. This will also make the 11-member bloc self-reliant and not dependent on external forces for payment services. The US dollar will be the hardest hit if the development plays out as planned.

BRICS has been eyeing CBDC currency for over three years, and could see a breakthrough at the 2026 summit. India is set to host the 18th summit in New Delhi next month. The high-level meeting will be attended by world leaders, finance ministers, diplomats, and other dignitaries. All eyes are on the summit, as the alliance is set to realign the ways of payment settlements. Several other developing countries could join the mechanism if it becomes a success in the global markets.

An 82-year-old woman’s caretaker was allegedly caught siphoning $50,000 from her accounts over many months to fund repeated bingo sessions at nearby machines. The elderly woman had hired a 42-year-old woman, Sinora John, to take care of her daily needs. She was bedridden after suffering a broken femur and other fractures in April 2025, according to a report from the Post Guam.

Also Read: Central Banks Buy $47 Billion Worth of Gold in 3 Months

Caretaker Steals $50,000 From Elderly Woman’s Debit Cards

The caretaker formed a close bond with the victim, which allowed her to gain access to her debit cards. Sinora made repeated unauthorized ATM transactions and withdrew money almost every day, sometimes even reaching $900 per day. The victim uncovered the activity after retrieving mail for the first time in over a year. Upon confrontation, the caretaker admitted to stealing the money and apologized to the 82-year-old victim.

The caretaker then proposed to repay the amount every month in installments. The elderly woman informed the police about the ordeal and got the 42-year-old arrested. Sinora admitted that she knew the woman’s PIN and used her debit cards without her permission for personal expenses. The bank records show that she had withdrawn a total of 50,366.89 across several months.

“After checking with her bank, however, the victim discovered that over time those unauthorized transactions exceeded $50,000. Sinora was confronted by the victim again, and again she admitted to taking the funds for her personal use and begged the victim not to contact the police. She admitted to withdrawing upwards of $900 per day, mostly to play bingo. In her written statement, she confessed to stealing about $50,000,” reported the police on the caretaker’s withdrawals.

The caretaker has no criminal history and was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. However, she faces conviction on all counts, including special allegations for targeting a vulnerable victim. All of these could result in 20 years or 45 to 80 years behind bars. Prosecutors have also sought an enhanced penalty due to the victim’s vulnerabilities. The woman is also facing allegations of identity theft and fraudulent credit card use.

Central banks around the world have purchased a record 289 tonnes of gold in the last three months. The overall worth of the accumulation is a record $47.38 billion, according to the World Gold Council. The buying spree is increasing every quarter as central banks diversify their reserves in 2026. The US dollar is no longer the dominant asset in reserves, as the glittery metal is taking its place. Institutional funds and retail investors are also the largest buyers of the metal.

Also Read: De-Dollarization Is Not Over, Warns Chief Economist at CICC

Poland and China Lead the Gold Accumulation Spree in Q2 of 2026

Poland remains the top buyer by accumulating 51 tonnes of gold. China comes second after adding 33 tonnes of the precious metal during the second quarter of 2026. Gold accumulation in the first quarter of 2026 topped 345 tonnes. The accumulation took place in Q1 when the XAU/USD index fell nearly 14% from January highs. This created a buying window, as prices dipped and central banks made use of the development.

“Central banks made significant gold purchases in Q2 (289t). After a notable Q1 slowdown following a downward revision to our data, buying among this cohort recovered sharply to the lofty levels that have been typical in the last four years,” read a report from the World Gold Council. The frenzy buying kick-started in 2022, after the US imposed sanctions on Russia. Since then, the XAU/USD index has been soaring and has risen more than 150%.

However, gold faced a correction in the last six months, as prices dipped 14%. Several market commentators remain bullish on the commodity, predicting it could breach the $6,000 wall. Only one analyst gave out a bold projection, estimating that gold could climb above $10,000. John LaForge, Chief Alternative Strategist at Ned Davis Research, said that if the US National debt is not controlled, the commodity could reach $10,000 next.

The recent rise in the US dollar’s share of global foreign exchange does not imply that de-dollarization is seeing a trend reversal, said Miao Yanliang, the Chief Economist at China International Capital Corp (CICC). He wrote in a piece in the Financial Times that long-term diversification is real, and the US dollar will not be spared in the global currency markets.

Also Read: $1 Now Costs 2 Million Rials in Iran, See What It Can Buy

De-Dollarization Is a Long-Term Trend, US Dollar To Lose Big, Cautions Economist

The economist stressed that de-dollarization will continue due to the faltering US Treasuries. For decades, they have sustained the US dollar’s dominance, but the rising National debt is making central banks reconsider their decision. Diversification, he said, will only keep increasing in the coming years, chipping away at the US dollar’s dominance.

“One reason de-dollarization may persist lies in US Treasuries. For decades, they have underpinned the dollar’s international role by providing deep liquidity and a widely accepted store of value. As US public debt has risen and the international use of financial measures such as sanctions has expanded, some institutions have begun to re-examine their use of Treasuries,” he said.

“For reserve managers, the prudent conclusion is that the shape of the international reserve system and the dollar’s role within it is still evolving. But recent developments do not yet amount to a definitive end to diversification,” he said. He cautioned that central banks are still considering de-dollarization, as the US dollar is hurting their reserves. From gold to local currencies and other commodities, they are actively pursuing diversification.

De-dollarization has been a hot topic this decade, with several countries looking to end reliance on the currency. The strengthening of local currencies is now a top priority for both poor and emerging economies. The US imposing sanctions, pressing tariffs, and the rising debt have made them cautious of the US dollar. The upcoming decades could see a major shift in the global world order.

Island nation Cuba has officially applied to join the BRICS alliance, and the expression of interest comes weeks before the 2026 summit. The 18th summit is scheduled to be held on September 12 and 13 in India’s capital, New Delhi. Dignitaries from around the world are set to attend the summit that can redraw trade and cross-border transactions.

Also Read: BRICS Nations Hold 17.4% of Global Gold Reserves as UBS Targets $5,200

BRICS 2026 Summit: Cuba Aims For Membership in the Alliance

Being part of BRICS is a top priority for Cuba, said a diplomat who is overseeing the process. He said that the island nation is committed to full-fledged membership and not a partner country. The application comes as the US has tightened its sanctions, enforcing a comprehensive trade embargo and strict economic restrictions preventing it from initiating exports and imports.

Joining the BRICS alliance can ease Cuba’s financial tribulations and get its economy up and running. Trade deals with China, Russia, India, and the UAE, among other members, can strengthen its GDP. The bloc also trades in local currency, and this could lift the Cuban peso. Several countries want to gain BRICS membership in an effort to uplift their nation’s economy.

Also Read: BRICS 2026 Summit Faces Food Risk, Posh Hotels Booked For Hygiene Lapse

“Cuba remains committed to plans to become a full-fledged member of BRICS. This is a top priority for our country, especially in these difficult times, amid the unprecedented escalation of the US economic war against Cuba and its non-stop threats to use force to destroy the Cuban Revolution,” the Cuban Embassy told the Izvestia daily. Whether BRICS will approve Cuba’s application, the upcoming summit will decide.

“The new phase of economic opening initiated in Cuba should contribute positively to the expansion of ties with BRICS, as it broadens the country’s capabilities in foreign economic relations, creates more opportunities for foreign investment, and enables greater synergy with the economic and financial institutions of BRICS member countries,” read the statement.

Amazon stock (NASDAQ: AMZN) opened Friday’s trading session at $256 after falling by more than 1.5% the previous day. The e-commerce and cloud enterprise giant has remained range-bound this week with little to no price spurts. The wild swings are a rare occurrence in Q3 of 2026, and the development is testing investors’ patience.

On the heels of the ongoing price grind, equity research firm Evercore ISI has reiterated its price prediction for Amazon stock. The firm has predicted that AMZN could comfortably go above the $350 level and deliver double-digit returns to investors. Taking an entry level at the current levels would still be beneficial to investors, according to the estimates.

Also Read: Mizuho Securities Lowers SanDisk Stock Price Target (SNDK)

How High Will Amazon Stock Go? (AMZN)

Mark Mahaney, the Senior Managing Director who heads Evercore’s Internet Research team, has reiterated Amazon’s stock price target. In a note sent to clients on Thursday (August 27, 2026), he urged institutional clients to begin their accumulation phase on AMZN. The analyst remains bullish on the equity and predicted that the ongoing price grind is the best buying opportunity.

Evercore ISI’s analyst Mark Mahaney predicts that Amazon stock could reach a price target of $355. That’s nearly a profit of $100 per share if traders take an entry position at today’s price. It also marks an uptick and return on investment (ROI) of approximately 39% from its current price. Therefore, an investment of $1,000 in AMZN could turn into $1,390 if the price prediction turns out to be accurate.

Mark Mahaney is a five-star-rated analyst with a success rate of 59.3%. Traders have earned an average return of 15.1% from its price predictions. He is also listed under the top 500 stock market analysts and is a respected name on Wall Street. Therefore, his Amazon stock price prediction can be taken seriously, as most of his projections have met the target.

Nvidia reported better-than-expected results in its fiscal second-quarter earnings call on Wednesday (August, 26, 2026). It topped all estimates, including earnings per share of $2.22 adjusted vs. $2.10 estimated and revenues of $96.22 billion vs. $92.17 billion estimated. This led to Nvidia stock (NASDAQ: NVDA) jumping nearly 9% in value, reaching $227 on the company’s forecast for next fiscal year.

Also Read: Mizuho Securities Lowers SanDisk Stock Price Target (SNDK)

Nvidia Stock: A ‘70% Growth’ Comment From the CFO Shakes Up the Market

Colette Kress, the Chief Financial Officer of Nvidia, made a stunning revelation during an interview with CNBC analysts that the company expects fiscal 2028 revenue growth of 70%. This completely outruns Wall Street analysts’ expectations of 44%. She said that customer forecasts “point to our growth doubling next year.” Nvidia is always known to beat expectations; therefore, her words are taken literally. Nvidia stock pumped up after the comment, indicating strong forecasts for 2028.

The CFO’s comments came at a time when the earnings call showed that net income for Nvidia in the quarter had more than doubled to $53.95 billion from $24.76 billion. Even after a historic rally from 2020, investors are still making a beeline to accumulate Nvidia stock. The company sits at the center of the AI world and is the backbone of the sector’s boom. Its chips have been widely used to advance AI models in data centers around the world.

Nvidia stock cooled down in late 2025 and early 2026 due to investor fatigue. It also stagnated in value in Q2 this year, but picked up steam in Q3. It has risen around 20% year-to-date, and the positive momentum could drive prices further. Accumulating NVDA even at the $225 range could still be beneficial to investors. The equity can generate phenomenal gains if traders hold on to it for the long term. An investment window of five to 10 years should be ideal to book profits.

Gold prices have been the talk of the town since 2022, after the US imposed sanctions on Russia. In the last five years, the XAU/USD index went from $1,500 to $4,600, recording an impressive rally. The price still remains bullish despite the robust performance and is now looking to climb above the $5,000 mark. Though it entered multiple correction phases over the years, it quickly bounced back, reclaiming lost territory.

Also Read: $1 Now Costs 2 Million Rials in Iran, See What It Can Buy

Why US National Debt Can Help Gold Prices Surge

On the heels of the bullish momentum, a bearish stance has hit the market, and it is the $40 trillion US National debt. John LaForge, Chief Alternative Strategist at Ned Davis Research, said to KitcoNews that if the US National debt is not brought under control, gold prices will find room to surge beyond the $10,000 mark. He even went ahead and claimed that the XAU/USD index could hit a high of $12,000. He stressed that this could be a reality if the government fails to control the increasing debt.

“The longer we let it go, and we don’t pay this stuff back, and we keep piling all these debts up, the higher gold prices can go,” he said. “I think we can still see multiple years of higher prices because I don’t get the sense at all that, globally, politicians and leaders want to deal with it,” LaForge said. Gold has been among the top-performing commodities, with prices rising every quarter.

He revealed that central banks’ fixation with gold is yet to cool down. In addition, institutional funds and retail investors have also been heavily accumulating the metal. This powers up gold prices further, at a time when the US National debt is rising. “This is the biggest tailwind gold has had,” said LaForge. He explained that very few lawmakers are concerned about reducing the US National debt. This is the reason why gold prices could double or triple next, he summed it up.

Manpreet Kohli, the Chief Executive Officer of Saitama has lost his UK court hearings in connection with $7.5 billion token fraud charges. Kohli could likely be extradited to the US to face trial, as prosecutors have charged him with wire fraud and cryptocurrency market manipulation.

According to the charges, Kohli made nearly $20 million while Saitama promoters publicly claimed to hold or buy tokens while privately selling them. The FBI followed up with the investigation, cracking down on the scam, which involved several cover-ups from the team.

The FBI had to create a new NexFundAI to investigate wash trading and fake trading volume emerging from Saitama. The CEO remains free on a £200,000 bail, and can only appeal his extradition after the UK court sends the case to British ministers for a decision.

However, Reuters reported that Judge Samuel Goozee has rejected Kohli’s appeal and sent the case to British ministers on August 19, 2026. The lawmakers will now have to decide whether to order his extradition to the US. Saitama’s CEO Manpreet Kohli is a 45-year-old Indian national currently living in the UK.

Also Read: High Volatility Coming For Bitcoin: Here’s What To Know

US Extradition of Saitama CEO Manpreet Kohli Likely

Judge Goozee said in his final hearing, “I find there are clearly appropriate arrangements in place both during transit and within the prison system in the US,” and spoke about the Saitama CEO’s mental health, reducing the suicide risk “to an acceptable level.” The British ministers will now take the next necessary steps regarding the extradition process.

The Saitama CEO was first arrested in 2024 by the London police. The arrest came after multiple individuals and businesses accused him of manipulating the cryptocurrency market. They sought the help of US authorities, including the FBI, who created their own cryptocurrency, NexFundAI, and used undercover agents to find his trading activity.

A simple $1 now costs 2 million rials in Iran, as the local currency has fallen to an all-time low. The drop in value comes as the US tightened sanctions against the country, strangling its national economy. Tensions first rose over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear programme, which led to the first sanctions under the Obama administration. The decades-long sanctions have diminished its economy, leading to the rial becoming fragile.

The rials crash has led to inflation, with daily essentials skyrocketing across the Middle Eastern nation. The price rise is adding to the misery of the local population, and the costs of food products have spiked. Luxury items are off the cards, and people are fighting for basic necessities. The situation in Iran is grim, with no sign of a quick economic recovery in place. The general public is bearing the pain and has no option but to struggle for a living.

Also Read: Harvard Economist Explains How US Sanctions Strengthen De-Dollarization

What Can 2 Million Rials Buy in Iran?

Before the US-Iran war, 2 million rials could buy 4 kgs of tomatoes, half a kg of chicken, and less than a liter of cooking oil. After the war broke out in February, people could buy less than half of what they could for the same amount. Tomatoes have increased by 71%, chicken by 74%, and cooking oil by 177%. This is making life extremely difficult for Iranians as inflation is eating up their purchasing power.

The change in ‘what people eat’ is concerning, as it can lead to malnutrition in children. A couple with a child revealed to Al Jazeera that the cost of raising a kid has become cumbersome. “My husband and I both work, and we have a one-year-old child. The daily cost of childcare at daycare centres has now reached around 5 million riyals ($2.5), which is difficult for us to afford.” The rial is now under severe pressure, and if Iran does not turn around its economy, the people will suffer the most.

SanDisk stock (NASDAQ: SNDK) is among the most sought-after equities in the global stock market. Its unprecedented rise of 450% in 2026 stands as a testament to how high the demand to acquire it is. Both institutional funds and retail investors are making a beeline to accumulate the asset. While institutional money buys in billions, retail investors are loading up on fractions of shares. SNDK is already at $1,500; therefore, owning hundreds of shares for retail traders is unaffordable.

SanDisk stock has remained range-bound in August and saw a dip of nearly 4.3% this week. Traders are re-evaluating their investments, as the market is experiencing a memory price shock. The volatility comes after the NAND price surge, eclipsing the ongoing tensions in the broader markets. On the heels of the clawback, leading Japanese investment banking and securities firm Mizuho Securities has briefly lowered SNDK’s price target.

SanDisk Stock Gets a Haircut From Mizuho Securities

Vijay Rakesh, the Managing Director at Mizuho Securities, lowered SanDisk’s stock price target. In a note sent to clients on Tuesday (August 25, 2026), he cut SNDK’s price target from $1,900 to $1,875. That’s a reduction of $25, at a time when the semiconductor market is entering a cyclical phase. Other semiconductor stocks like Micron, Seagate, and SK Hynix are all trading sideways this week.

However, even after the haircut, SanDisk stock can still deliver profits to investors. The current price target for SNDK is $1,875. That’s a profit of another $375 per share if the price prediction turns out to be accurate. The leading high-bandwidth manufacturer (HBM) is currently trading at the $1,500 level. That’s an uptick and return on investment (ROI) of approximately 25% from its current price. Therefore, an investment of $1,000 could turn into $1,250 if SNDK reaches the mentioned target.

Kenneth Rogoff, the American economist and Professor at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, explained in a recent interview how the aggressive tactics of the US, including imposing sanctions on developing countries are strengthening de-dollarization around the world. The US is wielding the “dollar weapon” and instead of helping its economy, is destroying it, he said. America stands at the crosshairs of a massive economic shift that can realign the global financial sector.

Also Read: Can SK Hynix Mirror SanDisk and Micron Stock’s Price Performance?

De-Dollarization Will Rise Whenever the US Gets Aggressive, Says Harvard Economist

The hegemony of the US dollar is being challenged due to the aggressive stance of the White House. If President Donald Trump continues with the threats, a day will not be far when de-dollarization becomes reality, he warned. He stressed that weaponizing the US dollar bears no fruit, except for the decline of its hegemony. If the US declares a financial war, it will be on the losing side, said the economist.

Rogoff explained that not just China, but even America’s closest allies in Europe, are considering de-dollarization. “Not only China but also Europe has already been expanding its own international financial systems and taking measures to trade outside the dollar system,” he said. “If the US declares an all-out financial war, these movements will accelerate dramatically.” Power could be distributed and not remain concentrated with the US if aggression increases.

He also criticized Trump’s foreign policy for threatening developing countries with tariffs and sanctions. All of these pave the way for de-dollarization to grow and change into a new form. “Trump’s recent aggressive use of tariffs and financial sanctions signals the beginning of the end of the ‘Pax Dollar’ era. Using them fully against China could lead to Chinese counterattacks and the expansion of alternative payment networks. This ultimately weakens the very foundation of that power in the long term.”

Several Wall Street commentators have predicted that SK Hynix stock (NASDAQ: SKHY) could mirror SanDisk and Micron’s price performance. South Korea’s leading semiconductor giant SK Hynix opened Thursday’s trading session at $158. The equity has seen mixed reactions since its July 10 launch on American indices via the ADR route at $150. It climbed to a high of $195 and fell to a low of $124, and has been sending mixed signals ever since.

Also Read: Wall Street Analysts Raises AMD Stock Target, Predicts Intel Overtake

SK Hynix Stock: Can it See a Meteoric Rise Like SanDisk and Micron?

SanDisk stock (NASDAQ: SNDK) has risen nearly 450% year-to-date, while Micron (NASDAQ: MU) has spiked close to 200% during the same timeframe. Both these firms are strong pillars in AI growth, and without their presence, the next-gen tech could face several setbacks. While SanDisk is primarily a pure enterprise NAND/SSD firm, Micron is a balanced DRAM/NAND player. On the other hand, SK Hynix stands apart as it holds a near-monopolistic grip on HBM3e / HBM4 supply for top AI GPU platforms, including Nvidia.

Therefore, SK Hynix does not mirror SanDisk and Micron, but operates at a different level altogether. Its margins are so lucrative that it records 70%+ operating margins on HBM4 expansion. The stage that SKHY is standing on is much different than that of SNDK and MU. So can SK Hynix rise like SanDisk and Micron stock next? The answer to this lies in how Wall Street operates and differentiates these assets.

For instance, SanDisk and Micron stock routinely see an influx of institutional funds worth billions. The level of inflow into SK Hynix stock is comparatively low due to it being a new equity in the US markets. Its value has mostly been hovering around its launch price of $150 for weeks. Institutional giants are yet to go fully bullish on SKHY, and the asset is less than two months old. The majority of investors are still in the wait-and-watch mode before taking an entry position.

In conclusion, SK Hynix stock might not mirror SanDisk and Micron at this juncture of time. Wall Street is mostly cautious of SKHY as it entered the US market via the ADR route. A dual-listing comes with a grey cloud, as it always has a chance of re-rating and de-listing. It is not fully insulated from the US market and can face several structural changes.

Ripple’s native cryptocurrency XRP had a phenomenal run this week, surging nearly 31% over the past seven days. It went from a low of $1.15 to a high of $1.66 this week, but found support at $1.40. The leading altcoin is now looking to move upward, as buying activity has increased. The latest data from Traders Union shows that Spot XRP ETFs saw a total inflow of $1.57 billion in a week. The lowest single-day inflow was $125 million on August 20, 2026. The influx of funds has only increased since then, strengthening the altcoin’s prospects in the charts.

Now that XRP is maintaining its momentum, traders are increasingly cautious about the next downturn. The altcoin has a history of erasing gains after a rally, which makes taking an entry position now a risky affair. Moreover, the one thing that’s keeping the market up is Bitcoin’s performance. BTC is sustaining its $78,000 level and has not seen any backward momentum. The White House considering buying a sizeable number of Bitcoins is what’s keeping the broader cryptocurrency market up.

Also Read: XRP Just Flashed a Rare Signal: A Major Move Could Be Coming

XRP Downside Target To Keep an Eye on

XRP has found immediate support at the $1.40 level as it has crossed above its MA-20 but remains below the MA-50. The altcoin also continues to hold above the long-term MA-200 this week. This shows that the altcoin is in a position of strength and the downward trend might not be too drastic. Traders Union has predicted that the downward target for XRP could fall at the $1.30 zone. However, they gave the altcoin a 55% chance of surging in value.

According to the price prediction, XRP could reach a high of $1.57 next. Analysts and fintech firms remain bullish on XRP’s prospects this time around. The cryptocurrency markets are breathing a sigh of relief in August after experiencing a dampened year. A leg-up from here could make the market go further bullish, with retail traders opening up their wallets.

Alphabet’s Google stock (NASDAQ: GOOG) opened Wednesday’s trading session at $343. The search engine giant has seen a rise of nearly 9% year-to-date and is finding ways to reclaim the $400+ territory. The bears are currently in control of the equity, as its price has not seen a spurt. Several macroeconomic conditions are affecting GOOG, including the company’s decision to raise capex from $180 billion to $205 billion to build its AI infrastructure for 2026.

On the heels of the price grind, leading investment bank Morgan Stanley has maintained its buy rating on Google stock. In a note sent to clients on Tuesday (August 25, 2026), the bank urged institutional clients to accumulate GOOG. The price prediction for the search engine giant remains bullish with a double-digit uptick. Traders who take an entry position even at the current levels stand a chance to earn profits, according to the investment bank’s forecast.

Also Read: Wall Street Names 2 AI Stocks For 66% and 46% Growth: Find Out

Google Stock: Morgan Stanley’s Price Target

Brian Nowak, the Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, has predicted that Google stock would reach a target of $400 next. That’s a profit of nearly $57 per share if traders take an entry position today. It is also an uptick and return on investment (ROI) of approximately 17% from its current price. Therefore, an investment of $1,000 could turn into $1,170 if the price predictions from Morgan Stanley turn out to be accurate.

Morgan Stanley’s analyst is confident that Google stock will reclaim the $400 zone. The last time GOOG was above $400 was in mid-May, and it’s been more than three months trading below the level. Traders are also caught in a catch-22 situation, as prices are struggling to keep pace above $375. While investment banks remain confident in Google stock’s prospects, retail traders remain skeptical. A risk at this time could pay off if the price target from Morgan Stanley is met.

The US-based publicly listed Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR), with a market cap of $94 billion, and has a presence in India’s capital city New Delhi and operates under the name JW Marriott, has been booked by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which is a statutory body that regulates food, after authorities inspected its kitchen and found cockroaches, flies, and food past its expiry date. The hotel is one of the two selected to accommodate foreign dignitaries and diplomats who will attend the BRICS 2026 summit.

Also Read: Only 35% of Trade Among BRICS Countries Settled in the US Dollar

JW Marriott Under the Scanner Ahead of the BRICS 2026 Summit

JW Marriott, which is located in New Delhi’s Aerocity, has been flagged for a series of safety lapses. Expired food products, pests, issues with refrigeration and storage, inadequate segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, and deficiencies in food handling were found. Two bread packets were found bearing expired stickers. In addition, officials found the pastry section had several expired cake bases. This comes just weeks before the BRICS 2026 summit, where expats are set to be accommodated.

Hyatt was also raided by FSSAI officials and found several shortcomings. The FSSAI report read that 87 kilograms of expired sweets were found in the confectionery area. A foul smell was also reported in the kitchen area in the findings. The FSSAI has laid the net wide and is inspecting the suppliers of the food items. The licences of the suppliers could also be at risk if found to have safety issues. Other food products like ghee, mayonnaise, lentils and sauces were sent to the lab for testing. The shortcomings before the BRICS 2026 summit put JW Marriott under the scanner. JW Marriott is a 5-star-hotel, serving expensive dishes to customers.

The BRICS 2026 summit is scheduled to be held on September 12 and 13. Discussions about linking the national currencies of members into CBDCs are likely to be discussed. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had proposed this in January and could lead the talks. Many other trade deals could be signed among the bloc members. Settling trade in local currencies will take first priority and not the US dollar. Security has also been beefed up around the capital for the BRICS 2026 summit.

The broader cryptocurrency market surged this week, with Bitcoin rising from $62,000 to $78,000. The phenomenal rise occurred in less than a week, yielding traders massive profits. The cryptocurrency market is brimming with positivity for the first time this year, after President Donald Trump announced that the US government is considering buying a “sizeable” amount of Bitcoins. This made the market spike in value, and investors turned bullish. Leading meme currency Dogecoin also rose nearly 25%, and is the biggest surge recorded in 2026.

On the heels of the ongoing rally, chatter is rife on social media that Dogecoin can breach the $1 level. The meme currency has been trying hard to get there since 2021, and it’s been five years since that dream was kept alive. However, the meme coin has only disappointed investors since then, as prices have only moved south. After reaching an all-time high of $0.73 in May 2021, DOGE went on a relentless slump. It plunged to the $0.10 mark in 2024-2025 and has remained there for two years straight.

Also Read: Crypto To Benefit From Liquidity Surge As Stocks Slump?

Can Dogecoin Reach $1?

The bubble has burst, and Dogecoin is already down nearly 7% on Wednesday. Despite the rally, Dogecoin is unable to sustain its positive momentum in the charts. Even after the 25% rally in a week, DOGE failed to sustain itself above the $0.10 zone. Its price is now at $0.08 and is on the lower side of the barrel. This is the reason why traders no longer take meme currencies seriously. It can wipe away profits in a week and begin trading at square one.

Meme currencies are now seen as a piranha fish that quickly eats up whatever is gained. If Dogecoin cannot even reach $0.10 and maintain the momentum, $1 is out of the equation. The entire meme currency market is now part of history, with investors giving it a miss. The entire meme currency market is now part of history, with investors giving it a miss. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP, among other cryptocurrencies, are in focus. None of the meme currencies have managed to sustain themselves in the indices.

Alphabet’s Google stock (NASDAQ: GOOG) opened Monday’s trading session at $341. The search giant remains range-bound this month with little to no major price fluctuations. Investments have remained stagnant since May after it reached a yearly high of $408. Add to this, the recent earnings call saw Alphabet’s AI capex rising from $180 billion to $205 billion for 2026. This added to the company’s woes, as Wall Street has been against overspending in the AI sector.

Also Read: Is Google Stock a Buy Today? Cloud Growth Meets AI Monetization

Google Stock: Bernstein Gives a Hold Rating

Leading global asset management firm Bernstein has given Google stock a ‘hold’ rating. The development indicates that the leading equity might remain range-bound for some more time in the charts. Wall Street analysts have been skeptical of GOOG’s price run after the hike in capex. The company is yet to see full revenues pouring in, as most of them are in the backlog.

Mark Shmulik, the senior analyst from Bernstein, has also given Google stock a price target of $385. However, the analyst’s previous target for GOOG was $390, and he gave it a haircut of $5. That’s an uptick and return on investment (ROI) of approximately 11% from its current price. Therefore, an investment of $1,000 could turn into $1,100+ if the price prediction turns out to be accurate.

Mark Shmulik is a five-star-rated analyst with a success rate of 69.4%. Traders have earned average returns of 19% from his estimations. He is ranked inside the top 1,000 Wall Street analysts list and is among the closely watched financial strategists when it comes to price predictions. Therefore, his ‘hold’ rating for Google stock has mostly dampened the equity’s projection.

The price has been stagnant for three months, which has made traders look at other tech stocks. From Micron to SanDisk and SK Hynix, these stocks are moving the market this month. Google stock, on the other hand, has been slow with little to no price spurts. If this continues, GOOG could end up seeing other equities take the top 10 spot.

Nvidia stock (NASDAQ: NVDA) is bracing for the fiscal second-quarter 2027 financial results on Thursday, August 27, 2026. This comes at a time when NVDA is comfortably trading above the $200 zone at $214. Analysts are highly optimistic about its revenues, and a miss on the estimates could send the stock tanking. NVDA has delivered robust revenues in the last few quarters, and despite that, the stock has fumbled in the charts. So a miss in the estimates could make it worse for the equity if the numbers don’t hold up.

Also Read: When Will SpaceX Stock Go Back Up? The 35% Rebound Offers a Crucial Clue

Nvidia Stock: Earnings Call Expectations From Wall Street

Wall Street expects Nvidia to report a second-quarter adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.09 on revenue of $92 billion, according to a report from Bloomberg. That marks a 96% year-to-year jump in the company’s overall revenue. It is also a continuation of a quarter-over-quarter financial acceleration in the broader AI sector. If this estimate is met, Nvidia stock stands a chance to scale up in the charts this week.

In addition, revenues from data centers are anticipated to top $85.4 billion, up by 107%. Hyperscaler revenue is expected to reach $43.5 billion, while ACIE sales are projected to reach $41.7 billion. Achieving this is a challenge for Nvidia, as many of its clients like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are building their own hyperscalers and eating into its revenues. These results will be closely watched to monitor how dominant the hardware giant is in this sector.

The next earnings call can make or break Nvidia stock’s price trajectory this week. Traders who take an entry position before Thursday stand in the crosshairs of a major risk. If the expectations are not met, NVDA’s fall could be brutal and erase a large portion of the invested amount. If the company exceeds expectations, investors could see fruitful returns. The risk-to-reward ratio here remains equal for all.

The 95-year-old legendary investor Warren Buffett had previously revealed to a Trust that he wants 90% of the money his wife inherits after his death to be invested in just one fund. The founder of Berkshire Hathaway has seen an overall gain of 6,099,294% (six million percent) from 1964 to 2025. That’s an incredible stock market run, making him the richest investor to ever live. He has been in the market for more than six decades. Despite having enormous wealth, he invests in companies he knows what they do. He does not believe in extreme diversification, but consolidates into stocks he trusts.

Also Read: XRP’s Meteoric Rise: $1,000 Turned $1,500 in 7 Days

Warren Buffett’s Will: Here’s Where 90% of His Wife’s Inheritance Will Go

In a letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders in 2013, Warren Buffett outlined his plan and directives in his will. He wrote in the will that the Trust will only give 10% of the cash inherited to his wife, and that it should be invested in short-term government bonds. However, he wrote that the remaining 90% of the amount should be invested in only one fund, which is a low-cost S&P 500 index.

“One bequest provides that cash will be delivered to a trustee for my wife’s benefit,” Warren Buffett wrote in the will. “My advice to the trustee could not be more simple: Put 10% of the cash in short-term government bonds and 90% in a very low-cost S&P 500 index fund.” The billionaire has been bullish on the S&P 500 index for years and strongly believes in its growth. He has urged investors to stay invested in the index for the long term, as the rewards can be life-changing.

The S&P 500 index was at 1,400 in 2013 when Warren Buffett made his will. It is now close to 7,700 in 2026 and has weathered all storms that have come its way. That’s a rise of nearly 450% since then, and it has still risen despite experiencing a decade’s worth of turmoil. The S&P 500 index could grow much bigger in the next 10 years, and reward traders with phenomenal gains. Staying invested for a minimum of 10 years is what can change one’s financial perspective.

Warren Buffett’s net worth currently stands at $140 billion in 2026. Roughly 99% of his fortune comes from the stock market and his investment acumen. He ranks among the top 15 wealthiest individuals globally and is extremely financially disciplined.

The cryptocurrency market is full of surprises, and analysts cannot really write off tokens that don’t perform well. It just needs a global financial development to change course and deliver quick profits none would have imagined. A similar course played out last week, sending leading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP, among others, skyrocketing in the charts. The majority of the assets delivered double-digit gains, making the portfolio of investors swell.

Also Read: XRP Could Be A Gem In The Next Bull Run: 2 Reasons To Hold

XRP on the Rise: The Bull Gets Ready to Rally

Just a week ago, Ripple’s native token fell below the $1 mark, hitting a low of $0.99. Fears were rife that the altcoin could plunge further and fall to the $0.80 zone. While traders remained skeptical about its performance, a surprise element hit the cryptocurrency markets. President Donald Trump announced that the US will consider buying a “sizeable” amount of Bitcoin. He also revealed that the US will buy other cryptocurrencies, which led to altcoins soaring.

Bitcoin went from $62,000 to $77,000 in a week, while Ethereum soared to $2,500 from $1,800. XRP has risen nearly 50% since then and is attracting bullish sentiment. An investment of $1,000 made last week in XRP has turned into $1,500 in a short period. Positivity is back in the market, and short-term traders have made phenomenal gains. If this positive momentum holds strong, XRP could climb to the $1.75 level.

The positivity is likely to continue as the US Treasury announced plans to double its long-dated bond buyback limits. This lowers long-term bond yields and can lead investors back into risk-on assets like cryptocurrencies. XRP is one of the altcoins to benefit the most from the ongoing change in development. However, the market dynamics evolve every day, and it is advised to keep an eye on the financial changes. Taking an entry at the top can lead to losses due to changes in the wind’s direction.

SanDisk stock (NASDAQ: SNDK) opened Friday’s trading session at $1,600 and is looking to further scale up in the indices. The leading high-bandwidth manufacturer (HBM) has spiked 480% year-to-date and is among the top-performing equities in the market. Traders who took an entry position at any point in 2025 are all sitting on heaps of profits. The AI boom is what led to SNDK’s phenomenal run, as the company is supplying memory to data centers.

Also Read: Will Micron Stock Go Up Another 200% By 2027? CEO’s $10B AI Memory Bet

Bernstein’s Latest Price Prediction For SanDisk Stock

Mark Newman, the Managing Director and Senior Analyst covering Technology Hardware at Bernstein, has reiterated his price prediction for SanDisk stock. After SNDK touched the $1,600 range, Newman wrote in a note to clients urging institutions to begin accumulating the memory giant. He predicted that the equity will have a meteoric rise and leave its current price behind by a large margin.

The Bernstein analyst predicted that SanDisk stock would reach a price target of $3,000. That’s a profit of $1,400 per share if traders take an entry position in the asset today. It is also an uptick and return on investment (ROI) of approximately 87% from its current price. Therefore, an investment of $1,000 could turn into $1,870 if the price prediction turns out to be accurate. The AI boom is yet to subside, and demand for the technology is robust globally.

That would be stellar gains, and SanDisk stock has the capabilities of maintaining its dominance. It had reached a yearly high of $2,354 in June this year but fell below $990 in July. Traders who took the risk at $990 have made 60% gains in less than a month. The AI sector, especially semiconductor stocks, is highly cyclical and has both sharp corrections and upward ticks. Accumulating it at its lows can deliver phenomenal gains when the market sees a recovery.

Nvidia stock (NASDAQ: NVDA) opened Friday’s trading bell at $216 and has been range-bound in August. Prices have not seen a spurt nor a downturn, and have been trading sideways for two weeks. Even during the ongoing price stagnation, Nvidia remains the undisputed monarch of the AI boom and commands a position at the top of the chain. Its significance cannot be erased because its fundamental strength outstrips its short-term price stagnation.

Also Read: Nvidia Earnings Report Due On Aug 26: What To Expect?

Nvidia Stock: Is NVDA Cheap or Expensive Now?

The latest data shows that Nvidia’s net income is soaring 70% year-over-year, and is increasing its valuation. With a market cap of $5.26 trillion, the numbers will only increase with the growing net income, making valuations rise faster. In addition, Nvidia guided to $91 billion in revenue for its upcoming quarter, and the majority of this came from the rising demand for the Blackwell and Vera Rubin platforms. Almost none of the company’s products are showing signs of slowing down, making Nvidia stock a prime buy candidate.

Other hardware companies survive on thin margins, but Nvidia dominates 64%+ operating margins. Even the Non-GAAP gross margins are operating above 70%, making revenues much stronger. Another development that makes Nvidia stand apart is that the company is not solely dependent on tech titans like Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet, among others, for revenues. It is financially backing AI hubs and infrastructure projects that are delivering an additional stream of revenue. This can keep Nvidia stock in the limelight, as the business is diversified across all platforms of AI.

Going through all these developments, Nvidia stock is trading at a structural discount compared to its earnings power. In conclusion, Nvidia stock is still cheap at the $216 level, as its business model is aligned perfectly with building the next-gen AI technology. Traders who take an entry position at these current levels can make the most out of it in the next five to 10 years. The AI industry is likely to stabilize then, as it fully enters the mainstream areas of everyday life.

Thomas Kaplan, the Chairman of the Electrum Group, a New York-based private investment advisory firm, gave out a bold price prediction on gold. The Chairman forecasted that gold could rise 10 times higher from its current value. He compared today’s scenario to 1987, when prices skyrocketed from then on after experiencing a crash.

“I can see gold going to $30,000, $40,000 and $50,000 without a problem,” Kaplan said to Kitco News. “Seeing gold go up another tenfold from here, to me, is not just likely, but inevitable,” he said. The XAU/USD index is trading at the $4,500 level on Friday, at the time of his bold prediction. Gold prices need to rise nearly 1,000% for his prediction to become a reality.

Also Read: SpaceX (SPCX): 319 Million Shares Unlock, But Stock Falls 7%

Gold Prices To $50,000: What’s the Timeframe?

When asked if his price prediction on gold is focused on the short-term or long-term, Kaplan explained that it doesn’t matter, as prices will shoot up in both scenarios. “It doesn’t matter, because in the long term, even in the medium term, gold and silver are going to multiply from where they are,” he said. He stressed that the developments of 1987 could play out again in 2026.

“We could have a 1987 moment. That was the best buying opportunity of the entire bull market. You can’t see it on a long-term chart. The crash of 1987, it really did seem like the world was falling in upon itself, and yet when you look back over that chart, you can’t see it. Certainly a person of my vintage would need glasses to be able to perceive it. It’s that minute,” he said.

Kalpan’s price target on gold prices is the boldest ever made by any analyst. A 1,000% rise from here would test the limits of the most sought-after commodity. Though it has risen more than 150% in the last five years, a 1,000% rise has never occurred. The target defies market sentiments and stands on its own. Whether it will reach $50,000 or not, only time will tell.

Exactly a year ago today, Alphabet’s Google stock (NASDAQ: GOOG) was trading at $200. It is now at $341, an increase of $141 in the last 365 days. That’s a great return, as AI-based assets have given remarkable gains since 2025.

Google stock has risen 70% in a year, turning an investment of $1,000 into $1,700. It had also climbed above the $400 zone in May, and at that point generated 100% gains, with traders doubling their money in less than a year. The run has been phenomenal, as the majority of stocks connected with the growth of AI have rewarded investors.

However, historical performances cannot be clubbed with the future. The market dynamics shift, and more so in the ever-evolving AI sector. Even lagging for a week and delaying a launch can have serious consequences on the charts. In such a sticky situation, can Google stock manage to deliver the desired results? In this article, we will explain whether Google stock is a buy or a miss now.

Also Read: Moderna Stock Soars 177%: Why Analysts Are Still Split on What Comes Next

Can Google Stock Sustain Its Rally?

Alphabet’s Google stock, despite being on the back foot, has not experienced a dramatic fall since mid-May. Its price has been constantly moving around the $340 to $365 zone for nearly three months. It is finding support at the $340 zone, and allowing investors a window to hold on for the long term.

Google stock is currently in a consolidation phase, and the rally would most likely continue. The reason Alphabet could sustain this rally is that Google Cloud revenue has surged 82% year-over-year. The spike highlights that clients are actively paying for Gemini models and AI tools. The revenues are surging, while Alphabet is gaining new clients to use its AI projects.

This will bring a wave of fresh revenues into its fold, a continuous earnings stream. This development will thoroughly strengthen Google stock and now allow prices to see a drastic crash. Accumulating GOOG at these levels is beneficial, as the long-term prospects are promising. Buying now and waiting for the next 5 to 10 years would be rewarding to investors.

The BRICS alliance has taken its de-dollarization agenda quite seriously since 2022 and has begun using local currencies for settlements. The bloc is focused on strengthening its local currencies and using them for payments. This strengthens their GDP and also eases import and export transaction fees for businesses.

BRICS Settle 65% of Trade in Local Currencies, US Dollar Makes Just 35%

Pradip Dhir, the Director of Pranan Consulting, shared a report highlighting that the BRICS alliance has used the US dollar for only 35% of cross-border trade. The remaining 65% of transactions were made in local currencies. That’s a significant share in domestic currencies, leaving the US dollar far behind in transactions.

Trade between BRICS member China and Russia was heavily settled in local currencies and not the US dollar. India, in part, also paid in rupees, rubles, and dirhams for payments among BRICS members. In addition, Iran has been using the Chinese yuan for settlements due to sanctions by the US. All of these combined put local currency usage at 65%, compared to 35% in the US dollar.

Also Read: India To Discuss CBDC Payments at BRICS Summit in September

Russia and China have been settling payments in the yuan and ruble simultaneously since 2022. Even Saudi Arabia, which had to join BRICS, has been accepting the yuan for oil deals. This strategic shift makes BRICS reduce its US dollar dependency and focus on using local currencies. China has also tailor-made several deals catering to local currency settlements since 2024.

The BRICS alliance has been making the US dollar a villain on the global financial stage. After US President Donald Trump’s reelection, the bloc walked back on the de-dollarization agenda. This came after Trump threatened to impose tariffs on member countries and was even ready to levy a 100% tariff. The threats worked, and member nations dropped the de-dollarization agenda, temporarily.

Eastern European nation Belarus is advancing the de-dollarization agenda with Uzbekistan and has formed a proposal to settle mutual trade in local currencies. Roman Golovchenko, the National Bank Chairman of Belarus, said in a press conference that “all conditions exist” in financial co-operation between the two countries. The Chairman revealed that Belarus is opening many Nostro accounts to make it easier for exporters in Uzbekistan to pay in national currencies.

While a large portion of payments are settled in the US dollar, the new agreement would allow payments in local currencies. Belarus has long been eyeing de-dollarization as a way to strengthen its national currency. Trade between the two countries is expected to reach $2 billion by the end of 2026. The numbers have doubled this year, as the trade turnover in 2025 stood at $1 billion. The development highlights the growing cross-border transactions between the two nations.

“The task has been set to bring trade turnover to $2 billion by the end of the year,” said Golovchenko. “It currently stands at more than $1 billion; last year it was just short of $1 billion. The second priority is the expansion of industrial cooperation between entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan and Belarus.” This shows that the two are serious about de-dollarization, as settlements in local currencies can go beyond $1 billion. This makes their respective GDP’s stronger, and also gives their currencies a boost in the forex markets.

Also Read: President Trump: US Considers Buying “Sizable” Amount of Bitcoin

De-Dollarization: Belarus Plans Local Currency Settlements With Uzbekistan

Several developing countries are looking forward to adopting the de-dollarization agenda for the benefit of their local currencies. The US national debt breaching the $40 trillion mark is also a cause of concern. “On our side, we are satisfied with the financial and banking cooperation with the Republic of Uzbekistan. We have no problems, despite all the difficulties with servicing foreign-economic transactions and conducting settlement operations. Our banks maintain correspondent relations with a large number of Uzbekistani banks. Several dozen mutual Loro and Nostro accounts have been opened. So everything is in order here as well,” Golovchenko summed it up.

Leading meme currency Shiba Inu has surged 8% on Thursday as it attempts to reclaim lost ground. The sudden rise has come as a surprise, as traders seldom thought it could surge in value. The rise is linked to President Donald Trump’s recent statement, in which he revealed that the US is considering buying a “sizeable” amount of Bitcoin.

The announcement made Bitcoin hit $70,000, while Ethereum is close to reaching $2,300. XRP and Solana have spiked nearly 12%, and the overall cryptocurrency market is pumped up. This is why Shiba Inu shot up 8% and is likely to continue going further up today. While prices are heading north, investors’ confidence in SHIB is still in the south.

Shiba Inu is struggling to find takers, and new and first-time investors are hardly interested in the token. The number of buyers has dried up, with no sizeable amount of investment entering its fold. SHIB is now a token of old holders, who are mostly waiting to break even. They are forced to hold on to their bags against their will. The relentless price downturn for three years has eroded all confidence in the token.

Also Read: 3 Events Thats Could Turn Shiba Inu (SHIB) Bullish

Will Shiba Inu’s Rally Continue?

The chances of Shiba Inu’s rally continuing for the next few months are slim. Even if the US buys Bitcoin, the frenzy could likely last for a month. The market would enter the stagnation zone again after the dust settles. SHIB is mostly on the negative side of the market with little to no traction lately. Therefore, it would be more affected once the dust settles, and chances remain that it could erase the gains it generated.

Traders who are willing to take the risk can enter Shiba Inu now and pull out when the price rises. Being quick in selling is the only way to make a profit in SHIB currently. Holding on to the token in the hope of a further rise is not a wise decision. It could take months, if not years, to just break even. In conclusion, this is the right time for short-term investments and not to go long.

The latest data from CryptoQuant sheds light on the fact that investors have pulled out 240 million XRP tokens from exchanges in the last three months. The withdrawal has reflected negatively in the charts, as Ripple’s native token fell to the $1 level in August. The data also shows that the amount of withdrawals has outnumbered the purchases, indicating weakness in XRP.

South Korea’s Upbit saw the highest number of withdrawals with 110 million tokens removed. Bithumb saw 30 million XRP tokens being withdrawn, and many more exchanges experienced the same. The relentless fall from $3.65 to $1 is among the reasons for the sell-offs. Holding on for the long term will only force traders to hoard the tokens against their will. A sell-off allows them the opportunity to invest in other assets, and make more out of it.

XRP had dipped below the $1 zone this week, touching a low of $0.97. However, it saw a rebound in value and is currently trading at $1.11 on Thursday. Despite the turnaround, Ripple’s native token remains at the crossroads of a major price change. The change is mostly downward and not upward. The withdrawal of 240 million XRP tokens stands in testament to the eroding confidence of the altcoin.

Also Read: XRP Could Be A Gem In The Next Bull Run: 2 Reasons To Hold

Will XRP Recover From Here?

A quick recovery is off the cards, as the market is more focused on AI technology. The industry has received an influx of investments from both retail and institutional clients. What once flowed into the cryptocurrency market is now diverted into AI stocks. The reason for the massive inflow is that the assets have been delivering constant gains. Even after a dip, the bounceback is much bigger, and this is what’s making traders confident about its prospects. XRP is currently unable to match these returns, which has led to a series of withdrawals from traders.

The Narendra Modi-led government will likely keep discussions on the digital currency (CBDC) payment link among member nations as a key talking point at the upcoming BRICS 2026 summit in New Delhi, according to a report from South Africa’s IOL. The 18th summit is scheduled to take place on September 12-13, with member leaders attending a yearly roundtable. The event will be closely watched by the West, especially the US, under the helm of President Donald Trump.

Also Read: BRICS Pushes Dollar Alternative With CBDCs, Pix and New Payment Rails

CBDC Currencies: A Key Event at BRICS Summit 2026 in India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had previously proposed building a digital CBDC payment bridge in local currencies among BRICS nations. This topic could be the center of discussion and tabled at the summit. The bloc has been cooperative in pushing local currencies ahead for trade and commerce. Countries such as China and Russia have been vocal on strengthening domestic currencies, rather than using the US dollar.

“This is precisely why the payment-system interconnectivity proposal, tabled by India, has taken on such urgent weight. The war has exposed a fundamental truth: BRICS nations remain captive to a financial system they do not control. A multi-CBDC bridge, or linked fast-payment rails, would allow direct settlements in local currencies, bypassing the dollar as an intermediary, shielding (BRICS) members from the kind of currency-driven ranking dilemma India has just endured,” read the report.

The RBI’s decision on BRICS linking CBDC payments comes at a time when India is aiming to internationalize the rupee. The Modi-led government has opened a number of special Vostro accounts, making it easier to pay in the rupee directly. The success of the project is what led to the RBI’s judgement about the CBDC currencies. Since the outbreak of the US-Iran war, developing countries are increasingly looking to cut ties with the dollar.

Alphabet’s Class A Google stock (NASDAQ: GOOGL) opened Wednesday’s trading session at $344. The search giant is having a rough path in August with little to no price spurts. Skepticism about the equity rose after Alphabet announced in its Q2 earnings that it would increase its capex on AI from $180 billion to $205 billion. This is what’s making its price stagnate in the charts, as Wall Street is concerned about overspending.

Also Read: Intel Stock Below $100: Is This a Buying Opportunity or Warning?

Google Stock Is Still a Buy? Here’s Your Answer

Alphabet is monetizing its Google Cloud Platform (GCP) by shifting enterprise contracts by allowing clients to use Gemini to test their AI models. Clients are now actively paying Google to use Gemini and custom chips in their everyday work. The GCP’s scale has already reached $24.8 billion in Q2 revenue, up 82% year-over-year. The development highlights that Google is turning its AI model into a real, high-margin software business. For long-term investors, this is an assurance that Google’s revenues are coming from all corners, which eventually strengthens its stock prospects.

Google has a history of maintaining financial discipline in spending even when its capex has breached the limit. The search engine giant is monetizing its Cloud enterprise with its AI model for testing, gaining two revenue streams at once. The revenue stream for the company is high compared to its competitors, making Google stock a lucrative long-term asset. The Cloud business is directly benefiting Gemini and vice versa, making both have a strong footprint.

In conclusion, Google stock is still considered a buy, as the company’s business models are on the right track. Alphabet is positioning itself to gain revenue from various streams, leveraging its AI potential and dynamics. Its competitors are still searching for a clear AI blueprint to monetize their paths. Alphabet, on the other hand, is already doing it, and stays ahead of the curve.

Bank of America Securities reiterates its Nvidia stock (NASDAQ: NVDA) price target in a note to clients sent on Tuesday (August 18, 2026). BofA is highly bullish on the GPU manufacturer and highlighted several points that can take its price above the $300 mark. The leading bank urged institutional clients to take entry positions into NVDA, suggesting that a rally is closely on the cards.

Vivek Arya, the Managing Director and Senior Analyst at Bank of America Securities, reiterated Nvidia’s stock price target of $350. NVDA opened Wednesday’s trading session at $219, and BofA’s estimates suggest the equity can deliver a profit of nearly $130 per share if traders take an entry position into the equity today. This makes the hardware lucrative, as the upside potential remains immense.

Also Read: SpaceX (SPCX): Did Elon Musk Just Give Biggest Buy Signal Yet?

Primary Takeaways Behind the $350 Nvidia Stock Price Target From Bank of America

Bank of America Securities highlighted in the note to clients that Nvidia’s massive $105 billion infrastructure commitment to OpenAI positions the stock for a takeoff. The company’s strategy is to supply power, real estate, and chips to neo-clouds and frontier labs. The bank stressed that Nvidia’s shift from being a hardware manufacturer to an active builder of AI technology keeps it on the front foot in the broader markets. It has already taken the lead in the sector, with several firms depending on its products for scalability.

Viver Arya also highlighted Nvidia’s strategic safety net to safeguard itself when orders slow down. For instance, Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft are increasingly building their own custom silicon chips. Since Nvidia is backing neo-clouds and frontier labs, this gives space for a massive secondary market. It expands the buyer network and protects the company’s revenue if cloud giants slow down their order pace. The beneficiary of this is Nvidia stock, as the revenue can come even when orders cool down.

A new Chinese cryptocurrency called Niu Lai, named after a movie of the same name, has rewarded initial investors with life-changing returns. Early risk-takers have seen their investments balloon to more than $1 million in just a week after its launch. On-chain data and metrics firm Lookonchain was the first to dish out the transaction, highlighting the meteoric rise. This was a novice and obscure cryptocurrency, which only a few traders dared to take an entry position in.

A trader invested a mere $148 into the Chinese cryptocurrency Niu Lai, but missed out on taking home a whopping $1.3 million. He sold everything when his investment rose nearly 900% and took home $1,430. Just a few days later, that same investment of $148, if he had held on to it, could have made him a fortune of $1.3 million. He pressed the sell button a tad early and missed out on life-changing gains.

Also Read: Wells Fargo’s Gold Price Target For the End of 2026

“This guy spent just $148 to buy 37.96 million of $牛来, now worth $1.3 million. But he sold everything too early for a profit of $1,430. He missed out on a $1.3 million profit,” revealed Lookonchain. The metrics firm also mentioned the wallet address for users to further look into the transactions. This is a missed opportunity for the cryptocurrency trader, who would be upset now seeing the gains he could have actually made if he was a bit more patient.

Cryptocurrency Market: Why Selling Early & Holding On Are Equally Dangerous

The development highlights the lesson that holding on for the long term could be the most beneficial. However, this can sometimes work for you or against you in the broader cryptocurrency market. New cryptocurrencies are known for their boom and bust cycles, and there is no way to predict how high or low they can trade. Trades like these are mostly luck-based and have nothing to do with conviction or strategy. The risk is solely on the trader, as these cryptocurrencies do not run on previous chart cycles and candles.