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Block Announces $5B Buyback and 30% Annual Growth Goal in Bold Three-Year Strategy

20 November 2025 at 09:28

Block, Inc. shares soared almost 9% on Wednesday after revealing plans to achieve $15.8 billion in gross profit by 2028 and announcing a $5 billion share repurchase, underscoring confidence in continued profitability.

The three-year outlook, launched at the 2025 Investor Day, marks a strategic shift for the Jack Dorsey-led company. Block is moving beyond its core point-of-sale operation into consumer services, artificial intelligence tools, and Bitcoin infrastructure.

Comprehensive Financial Targets Reflect Transformation

Block mapped out a roadmap targeting mid-teens percentage gross profit growth annually through 2028. The company expects adjusted operating income to rise about 30% per year, reaching $4.6 billion by 2028. Adjusted earnings per share are projected to grow by more than 30% each year, reaching $5.50 in 2028.

The event featured a rare appearance by CEO Jack Dorsey. The stock had dropped 30% earlier in 2025 due to competition in payments. However, the trading halt and subsequent announcement quickly reversed that decline.

For fiscal year 2026, Block projects gross profit rising 17% to nearly $12 billion. Adjusted operating income and earnings per share are each expected to climb by more than 30%, reaching $2.7 billion and $3.20, respectively. The new non-GAAP cash flow metric, which accounts for capital needs in lending, is forecast to get 25% of gross profit—more than $4 billion—by 2028.

Block aims to achieve the “Rule of 40” benchmark in 2026 and sustain it through 2028. This performance measure, combining revenue growth and profit margin over 40%, is a key target for software and fintech firms. Block’s official release emphasized efficiency, scale, and product innovation in its financial networks.

The expanded buyback program adds $5 billion to the $1.1 billion remaining from a previous authorization. In total, Block now has about $6.1 billion available for share repurchases, signaling confidence in cash generation.

Recent Performance Lays Out Growth Platform

Block reported mixed Q3 results, with earnings and revenue slightly missing analyst expectations. However, gross profit rose 18.3%, driven primarily by Cash App’s 24.3% increase. Square also contributed with a 9.2% gain in gross profit.

Cash App remained Block’s growth engine. Monthly active users reached 58 million, with profit per user rising 25.3%. Gross Payment Volume grew 10.9% year-over-year.

Subscription and services revenue increased 22.6%, indicating healthy recurring income streams. Bitcoin-related revenue, however, fell 19%. Despite this, Block maintains strong liquidity with ample cash reserves against manageable debt levels.

Management noted that since 2022’s investor day, gross profit has nearly doubled and adjusted EBITDA has tripled. The company now runs 26 products generating over $100 million in annual gross profit, showing healthy diversification across its portfolio.

Strategic Initiatives Broaden Block’s Reach

Block’s expansion plan includes ventures in tech and finance beyond payment processing. Its brands include Square, Cash App, Afterpay (buy-now-pay-later), TIDAL (music streaming), Bitkey (Bitcoin wallets), and Proto (Bitcoin mining products).

In October, Square launched Square Bitcoin, enabling over 4 million US merchants to accept and manage Bitcoin through existing Square systems. Merchants can accept Bitcoin at checkout, convert up to 50% of daily sales, and manage holdings on the Square Dashboard.

The Bitcoin payment program began with zero transaction fees for 1 year, starting November 10, 2025. The rollout covers all US states except New York due to regulatory limits. The 2024 pilot saw merchants accumulate 142 BTC, indicating strong interest in BNB and other cryptocurrencies among retailers.

The company is deploying artificial intelligence tools for merchants and expanding Cash App’s financial services. Management stressed technical unification and efficiency across the ecosystem. These efforts aim to reduce reliance on the core point-of-sale business, where competition from PayPal, Stripe, and traditional processors has grown.

COO and CFO Amrita Ahuja underscored Block’s focus on scale and long-term value. Leadership voiced confidence in innovation and investment as drivers of compounding growth and margin expansion through 2028.

10 years ago today we IPO’d…we’ve always been about the neighborhood. https://t.co/0Hq4e0QM2L pic.twitter.com/DQDotT0DOZ

— Block Investor Relations (@BlockIR) November 20, 2025

Over its 10-year journey since its 2015 IPO, Block has transformed from a card reader provider into a diversified fintech giant. The November 19 announcements seek to chart a clear path as the company matures in core markets and pursues growth in cryptocurrency infrastructure and AI-driven services.

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Nvidia Posts $57B Record Revenue Pushing Bitcoin Above $91K

20 November 2025 at 07:54

Nvidia surprised markets by posting fiscal third-quarter revenue of $57.01 billion, beating Wall Street estimates by almost $2 billion.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin rebounded above $91,000 after briefly dipping below $89,000, as analysts attributed much of the crypto market’s decline to growing concerns about a potential AI bubble.

Nvidia Smashes Wall Street Targets During Volatility

The chip giant reported $1.30 earnings per share and revenue of $57.01 billion for its fiscal third quarter, outperforming estimates of $1.26 EPS and $55.2 billion in revenue. Its data center business, which enables AI applications, contributed $51.2 billion—showing a sharp rise from previous periods.

CEO Jensen Huang noted ongoing strong demand for the company’s Blackwell chip architecture and cloud GPUs, reporting that products remain sold out. Nvidia’s forward guidance was also robust, with projected fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $65 billion—beating analyst forecasts of $62 billion.

CFO Colette Kress pointed to another driver behind the firm’s results: CUDA-powered accelerators are extending hardware lifespans, boosting customer value, and solidifying Nvidia’s competitive edge in AI infrastructure. While the gaming unit drew $4.3 billion in revenue—slightly under expectations—it still delivered solid returns.

Nvidia’s market value recently surpassed $5 trillion, reinforcing its status as the world’s most valuable company. The stock has climbed 37% year-to-date and 25% over the last 12 months. Shares surged 5% following the earnings report, while chipmakers like AMD and Micron also rode the AI wave.

Bitcoin Rebounds as AI Investment Sentiment Returns

Bitcoin recovered on Thursday morning in Asia, jumping above $91,000 after testing lows below $89,000. The quick rebound implies some investors view current prices as entry opportunities despite uncertainty.

Major investors have recently shown caution toward AI stocks. Peter Thiel exited a $100 million stake in Nvidia. SoftBank sold about $5.8 billion in shares. These moves sparked debate over whether AI-driven rallies can last.

Regulators have also flagged risks. The Bank of England warned of systemic threats from widespread AI use in finance. The IMF cited bubble risks in its global stability assessments.

A Bank of America survey found 45% of fund managers see an AI bubble as the most significant market threat. Google CEO Sundar Pichai and JP Morgan’s Daniel Pinto warned of “irrationality”. Klarna’s CEO expressed concern over massive data center investments driven by AI demand.

However, Nvidia’s Q3 results revived AI investment sentiment. Nvidia defended its business model during its earnings call, while the data center’s accounting methods had been questioned. The strong results proved AI demand remains robust despite skepticism. Bitcoin prices also appeared to benefit from the renewed optimism.

Risk Correlations Deepen Across Crypto and Equities

Recent market turmoil has shown an increased correlation between cryptocurrencies and traditional risk assets. Bitcoin’s decline has mirrored declines across major stock indices such as the S&P 500, Nikkei 225, Hang Seng, and Stoxx Europe 600. Crypto-linked stocks are now more often seen as closely tied to the global risk environment.

Gold, usually considered a haven, also fell amid uncertainty. Rising US interest rates and reduced hopes for near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts have pressured both gold and cryptocurrencies. The global crypto market lost over $1 trillion in value over the last six weeks, losing a quarter of its value since October.

Technical outlooks on Bitcoin remain split. Some analysts interpret current trading as re-accumulation—long-term investors buying at lower prices. Others argue that buyer fatigue signals a possible deeper correction ahead.

Nvidia’s robust results offer some reassurance to investors amid concerns about a bubble. However, whether this can restore wider market confidence or prove to be an outlier remains uncertain as investors navigate complex signals around technology valuations and the economic outlook.

The post Nvidia Posts $57B Record Revenue Pushing Bitcoin Above $91K appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Bitcoin ETF Outflows Persist: Whales Feast and Retail Vanishes

18 November 2025 at 10:09

The US Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) keep flowing out as the crypto Fear and Greed Index dropped to 11, reflecting extreme fear.

Retail investors have stayed out of the market during this downturn, while data shows that whales are the primary buyers amid the selloff.

ETF Outflows and Retail Absence Signal Market Shift

US Bitcoin spot ETFs have experienced persistent capital flight, with holdings declining from 441,000 BTC on October 10 to about 271,000 BTC by mid-November. This marks a sharp reversal from institutional support earlier this year.

According to Farside Investors data, Bitcoin ETFs have now logged four consecutive days of outflows, extending the defensive tone that has dominated the month. Earlier in the period, redemptions peaked at well over $800 million in a single day, highlighting how sharply sentiment had soured. The latest figure shows a much smaller outflow of around $60 million, but still signals that buyers remain cautious and momentum has yet to turn.

Spot average order size. Source: CryptoQuant

Spot average order size metrics show that retail traders are not returning, even as Bitcoin has dropped almost 27% from its October 6 all-time high of $126,272.76. Exchange data from Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and OKX indicates larger order sizes, highlighting whale activity rather than small-scale retail buyers.

The Fear and Greed Index plummeted to 11, underscoring extreme market fear. Historically, such levels correlate with market bottoms, but retail investors remain cautious and reluctant to engage. In the morning hours in Asia, Bitcoin traded at somewhere between $91,000 and $92,000, down more than 3% in 24 hours and 13-14% for the week. Ethereum briefly slipped below $3,000, and Solana was at around $130, declining over 5% in 24 hours and 21% over the week.

Whale Accumulation amid Market Weakness

As retail investors sit on the sidelines, large players continue to accumulate aggressively. A whale purchased 10,275 ETH at $3,032 for $31.16 million USDT within 24 hours before November 17, based on on-chain monitoring by OnchainLens. Between November 12 and November 17, this address acquired a total of 13,612 ETH for $41.89 million USDT, at an average price of $3,077.

Whale Ethereum purchases on Nansen
Nansen transaction log showing whale’s $31.16M ETH purchase over 24 hours. Source: OnchainLens

Permanent Bitcoin holders—wallets that have never recorded outflows—are supporting what CryptoQuant describes as the largest accumulation surge in recent selloffs. Permanent holder demand rose from 159,000 BTC to 345,000 BTC, marking the biggest absorption in several cycles. This substantial accumulation occurred even as the price fell, highlighting a stark divergence between long-term and short-term market behaviors.

This divergence between whale accumulation and retail caution highlights a shift in market dynamics. However, CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju notes that the current dip involves long-term holders rotating coins among themselves rather than new money entering the market. This suggests the drawdown does not mark the start of a new bear market, though current conditions may not present the classic buy-the-dip moment sought by retail.

CryptoQuant Bitcoin permanent holder demand chart
30-day permanent holder demand showing record accumulation during price selloff. Source: CryptoQuant

Structural Changes and Institutional Dynamics

This selloff differs from past crypto winters. Major financial institutions, including JPMorgan, now accept Bitcoin as collateral for loans despite its price weakness. This evolving infrastructure offers more support compared to previous bearish cycles. Deeper liquidity is available, helping to steady the market.

Technical signals remain bearish for now. Bitcoin has dropped more than 20% from its record high; recently, its 50-day moving average fell below its 200-day moving average—a “death cross.”

Macroeconomic factors add more pressure. The Federal Reserve delayed interest rate cuts, and global central banks maintain tightening. Falling Treasury liquidity creates headwinds for risk assets. Still, analysts see longer-term macro trends—such as high sovereign debt and ongoing geopolitical tensions—as supportive for Bitcoin in the future.

Mining firms are adjusting accordingly. Frank Holmes, executive chairman of HIVE Digital Technologies, emphasized that his company will continue mining and holding Bitcoin, unlike competitors who are pivoting to high-performance computing. He contends that building Tier 3 data centers for GPU work is both costly and complex, so his mine-and-hold strategy will continue despite volatility.

The post Bitcoin ETF Outflows Persist: Whales Feast and Retail Vanishes appeared first on BeInCrypto.

End of an Era: ‘CryptoKitty Age Star’ DappRadar Shuts Down, Token Tanks 38%

18 November 2025 at 08:27

DappRadar, the leading blockchain analytics platform tracking decentralized applications since 2018, will permanently shut down due to ongoing financial challenges that made continued operations unsustainable.

Founded during the CryptoKitties boom, DappRadar became essential for millions of users and thousands of developers seeking blockchain insights. The company will address matters regarding its DAO and RADAR token separately, as stated in its closure notice.

Seven-Year Journey Ends Amid Financial Pressures

The closure of DappRadar marks the end of an influential era for blockchain data analytics. Starting in 2018, DappRadar capitalized on the momentum of CryptoKitties, showcasing the versatility of blockchain applications. At its peak, it delivered analytics for hundreds of blockchains, covering key data points such as transaction volumes, trades, and user activity.

The platform became a go-to resource for developers, investors, and analysts. DappRadar aggregated real-time data across more than 50 blockchains, spanning decentralized finance, gaming, and NFTs. Its analytics empowered users to track trends and assess the performance of blockchain networks.

DappRadar shutdown announcement
DappRadar’s official shutdown announcement after seven years of operations. Source: DappRadar

Despite these successes, financial realities outpaced DappRadar’s expansion. In their official announcement, the co-founders, Skirmantas and Dragos, highlighted financial unsustainability as the key factor behind the shutdown. Their decision spotlights broader challenges for blockchain analytics platforms in 2025, amid increased market volatility and shifting user interests.

The European Central Bank reported a drop in crypto market capitalization to $2.8 trillion by March 2025, emphasizing the volatility affecting crypto businesses. Blockchain analytics services also face mounting technical hurdles, including data accessibility, scalability, and tracking the rapidly increasing number of blockchain networks.

Wind-Down Process and Token Considerations

DappRadar’s shutdown affects multiple stakeholders: users, developers dependent on its data feeds, and RADAR token holders. RADAR price plunged 38% after the company’s announcement, which clarified that DAO and token matters will be communicated separately. While specifics remain unclear, this careful approach suggests a commitment to responsible management.

The founders reiterated their dedication to transparency throughout the wind-down process. By inviting community feedback, they recognized DappRadar’s influence among millions of users seeking dependable blockchain analytics. The shutdown may prompt developers and analysts to seek alternative solutions, potentially disrupting data workflows.

DappRadar’s exit leaves a gap among analytics providers. While competitors like Chainalysis and blockchain-specific explorers remain, DappRadar was unique in offering a cross-chain view of decentralized applications and markets.

Industry Context and Future Outlook

The closure comes at a time of rapid transformation in the cryptocurrency sector. Despite the broader digital asset market exceeding $4 trillion in 2025, individual firms confronted persistent profitability concerns. Analytics companies in particular struggle with rising infrastructure costs and with generating sustainable revenue.

Research from Global Market Insights estimates the crypto trading platform market at $27 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 12.6% through 2034. Notably, most of this growth centers around trading, not analytics, underscoring the revenue challenges analytics providers face. Monetization models favor trading and financial services, making sustainability difficult for analytics-driven firms.

DappRadar’s shutdown affects multiple stakeholders, including RADAR token holders. Source: Coingecko

Blockchain analytics platforms also navigate technical complexities. Issues with data quality arise from chain forks and stale blocks, while interoperability between blockchains complicates unified analytics. As a result, operational costs remain high, with few revenue offsets, especially as more free tools become available.

DappRadar’s closure raises questions about the long-term viability of multi-chain analytics platforms. Will new competitors fill this gap, or will the market fragment into smaller, niche services? Although uncertain, DappRadar’s seven-year run demonstrates both the promise and difficulty of building foundational blockchain infrastructure in a rapidly evolving market.

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Crypto Bloodbath: Bitcoin Loses $92K: Ethereum Slips $3K — Worst Drop in Months

18 November 2025 at 07:33

Bitcoin plunged to a six-month low of $91,545 on Tuesday morning in Asia, breaching key support. Ethereum also slipped below $3,000, highlighting widespread market weakness.

The crypto downturn aligned with traditional markets, which endured their worst session in a month.

Market Plunge Erases Weeks of Gains

Bitcoin lost 3.21% on November 17, bringing its value down by 27% from its October all-time high. Ethereum posted a deeper 4.22% fall to $2,978. Major altcoins also saw sharp weekly declines. Solana tumbled 22.51%, XRP slid 16.73%, and Cardano fell 22.12% over the seven-day period.

Losses extended beyond crypto. The S&P 500 dropped 61.70 points to 6,672.41, and the Nasdaq fell 192.51 points to 22,708.07. Both closed below their 50-day moving averages, ending streaks not seen since 2007 and 1995.

Bitcoin lost 3.21% on November 17. Source: BeInCrypto

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by more than 550 points as investors anticipated Nvidia’s earnings. Technical analysts saw the breaks as short-term bearish, focusing on the 200-day average as support. Money moved into healthcare and energy while retail investors reduced risk.

Bitcoin CME Gap Closes After Seven-Month Overhang

A major technical event unfolded as Bitcoin filled the last large CME futures gap near $92,000. The gap, open since April 2025, resulted from the CME’s weekend closure while spot exchanges continued trading. These price gaps typically get filled, removing technical overhang, though this does not guarantee a price reversal.

Cryptocurrency trader DaanCryptoTrades confirmed the closure on social media, noting that the risk had been eliminated. Despite removing a downside target, weak demand could still lead to further declines. The technical picture remains fragile.

Bitcoin CME futures gap filled
Bitcoin CME Gap closure confirmed. Source: DaanCrypto

Traders are now at a crossroads. With the gap closed, there is less immediate risk below, but price action is still weak. Volatility and liquidity responses in upcoming sessions will determine whether Bitcoin loses momentum to slide lower or forms a base.

Macro Headwinds and Fed Rate Cut Uncertainty

Broader economic signals added to market stress. The Empire State Manufacturing Index surged to 18.7, up 8 points from the previous month. This strong result reduced the odds of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December. Market probabilities shifted: Polymarket put the chance of no cut at 55%, while CME Group data pointed to a 60% chance of an unchanged policy.

Polymarket put the chance of no cut at 55%. Source: Polymarket

Research firm 10X Research said new buyer activity stalled around October 10. The Fed’s more hawkish signals added pressure. Their analysis warned that conditions remain vulnerable to further liquidations.

The industry’s sentiment index neared recent lows, reflecting shaken market psychology. Option data highlighted a switch: put volume exceeded call volume in the last day, even as calls typically dominate. This shift signals traders bracing for more downside or betting on a drop.

Option data highlighted a switch: put volume exceeded call volume in the last day. Source: Coinglass

On-Chain Signals Point to Capitulation Phase

On-chain analytics from Glassnode and Bitfinex showed that realized losses were stabilizing, suggesting that short-term holders are capitulating. History indicates that market bottoms often follow waves of selling by those who bought at recent highs. A lasting recovery, however, requires long-term accumulation.

Analyst Benjamin Cowen suggested Bitcoin could test the 200-week exponential moving average between $60,000 and $70,000. However, he also noted that a relief rally is possible first. Analyst forecasts vary, reflecting ongoing uncertainty and the potential for a short-term bounce amid notable technical damage.

While I think Bitcoin will go to the 200W SMA ($60k-$70k) in 2026, there is a high probability it will have a bounce back to the 200D SMA before going that low.

All prior cycle bear markets were confirmed by a macro lower high at the 200D SMA. pic.twitter.com/1S477LVLhf

— Benjamin Cowen (@intocryptoverse) November 17, 2025

Bearish projections surfaced on social media. Roman Trading cited $76,000 as the next support level, citing broken patterns and weakening momentum. While these are individual opinions, they show traders are wary of more downside.

The coming days will reveal if Bitcoin can hold above $90,000 or if sellers increase pressure. Economic data, central bank remarks, and institutional flows will likely steer the direction. For now, risk remains elevated as both bulls and bears wait for clearer signals.

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France Lifts Travel Ban on Telegram Founder Pavel Durov

14 November 2025 at 08:29

France has officially lifted all travel restrictions on Telegram founder Pavel Durov as of November 13, 2025, bringing to an end a year of mandatory police check-ins and movement restrictions. The dual French-Russian citizen, detained in Paris in August 2024, can now cross borders freely without judicial oversight.

This development is pivotal in an ongoing criminal investigation that could lead to Durov facing up to 10 years in prison and fines of over $550,000.

From Detention to Freedom: Timeline of Durov’s Legal Restrictions

Durov’s legal troubles began when authorities arrested him at Paris’s Le Bourget Airport in August 2024. The charges involved allegations that Telegram enabled organized crime due to insufficient content moderation. French prosecutors accused the platform of refusing to cooperate in tackling illegal content, with a particular focus on child sex abuse material.

Initially, Durov was barred from leaving France and had to report regularly to the police in Nice. Over several months, the restrictions eased, permitting short, controlled trips to the United Arab Emirates for no more than two weeks. However, he remained under French jurisdiction until now.

According to France 24, Durov complied with all requirements for one year before authorities lifted both travel and judicial restrictions. As a result, mandatory police check-ins and all geographic limitations on his movement were eliminated.

Durov faced three interrogations by French authorities. His lawyers consistently challenged the investigation’s legitimacy and methods, arguing that they violated both domestic and European law.

Criminal Investigation Remains Active as Restrictions End

Although Durov is free to travel, the criminal investigation is ongoing. French authorities are examining Telegram’s alleged role in facilitating illicit transactions, the distribution of child sex abuse imagery, and enabling illegal content. The charges focus on complicity in organized crime rather than direct involvement.

The case portrays Telegram as a platform vulnerable to criminal misuse because of its limited content moderation. During questioning in December 2024, Durov acknowledged growing criminal abuse on Telegram and promised stronger oversight. The platform has since introduced additional moderation tools.

Telegram implemented advanced AI-powered moderation systems in early 2024, according to company documentation. In 2025, the platform reported blocking more than 34 million groups and channels, demonstrating increased enforcement. These steps address frequent criticism that Telegram enables criminal networks.

Despite compliance efforts, Durov still faces the risk of 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $550,000 if convicted. The investigation could set key precedents for platform accountability in Europe, especially for encrypted messaging services popular within cryptocurrency communities.

Durov Criticizes French Authorities, Voices Free Speech Concerns

During the investigation, Durov has publicly criticized French authorities and expressed concerns regarding government overreach. He accused prosecutors of procedural errors and argued that his arrest harmed France’s reputation as a supporter of freedom. Durov has characterized the proceedings as an attack on free speech and encryption.

His defense argues that Telegram acts as a neutral platform, not a vehicle for crime. Durov has positioned himself as a defender of privacy and free expression, standing against what he considers European censorship. This view has resonated with cryptocurrency and privacy advocates who regard encrypted communications as vital to digital freedom.

Social media reactions to the removal of the travel ban have been positive among Durov’s supporters. Nevertheless, the broader legal implications are unresolved. Both Paris prosecutors and Durov’s legal team declined public comment on the current status, so questions about trial timing and outcomes remain.

The case underscores ongoing tensions between privacy-focused tech platforms and regulatory enforcement. As France’s investigation continues, its outcome could influence the regulation of messaging services and platform accountability for user content across Europe. For now, Durov’s restored freedom of movement represents a partial win, yet the legal dispute is far from settled.

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