hodler

14 Feb 2026, 17:41

USDC Savings in 2026: How to Earn Predictable Interest on Stablecoins

Stablecoins were designed to remove volatility from crypto markets. In 2026, they serve another purpose: generating predictable passive income. USDC is now widely used not only for trading and settlement but also as interest-bearing savings assets. For many users, stablecoin savings accounts offer a middle ground between traditional banking and crypto investing — combining steady yield with liquidity. This article explains how USDC savings work, where the interest comes from, and what to look for when choosing a platform. How Stablecoin Savings Accounts Generate Interest A stablecoin savings account pools deposits and allocates them into yield-generating strategies. These typically include lending to overcollateralized borrowers, short-term liquidity provision, or conservative credit arrangements. Interest earned from these activities is distributed to depositors. The structure of the savings account determines how flexible and predictable the experience is. Some platforms require fixed commitments in exchange for higher APR. Others provide flexible savings that accrue interest daily while allowing withdrawals at any time. In 2026, flexibility has become a key consideration. Clapp Flexible Savings Offer Predictable Yield Without Lockups Clapp Flexible Savings account reflects the modern stablecoin savings model. Users can earn interest on USDT and USDC with daily compounding and instant access. The APY is clearly displayed in the app and does not rely on loyalty tiers or conditional bonuses. Interest begins accruing immediately after deposit and is credited daily, allowing balances to grow steadily. Liquidity is central to the structure. Users can withdraw funds at any time without losing accrued interest. For those who prefer guaranteed returns, Clapp also offers fixed-term savings accounts with higher APRs. But its flexible product is designed specifically for users who want predictable interest without sacrificing control. Clapp operates as a registered VASP in the Czech Republic under EU AML standards, with institutional-grade custody infrastructure supporting asset security. Fixed Stablecoin Savings: Higher APR with Commitment For users willing to commit funds for a defined period, Clapp also offers Fixed Savings accounts designed to secure higher returns. Unlike flexible accounts, fixed savings require locking assets for a set term. In exchange, the interest rate is guaranteed for the entire duration. The APR you see at sign-up does not change, regardless of market volatility. Clapp offers fixed terms of 1, 3, 6, or 12 months, with longer commitments earning higher APR. For stablecoins such as USDT and USDC, rates can reach up to 8.2% APR. ETH fixed savings can earn up to 6% APR, while BTC can earn up to 5% APR. An optional auto-renewal feature allows both principal and earned interest to roll into a new term automatically, making it easier to maintain compounding over time. Risks to Consider Stablecoin savings are not risk-free. Centralized platforms carry custodial and counterparty risk. Stablecoins themselves carry issuer and peg risk. DeFi-based yield introduces smart contract risk. Evaluating platform transparency, regulatory standing, and custody infrastructure is essential before depositing funds. Predictable yield should not come at the expense of clarity. Choosing the Right Stablecoin Savings Approach When evaluating USDT and USDC savings options, consider: Is the APY clearly defined? Are funds accessible at any time? Is the rate promotional or sustainable? How is yield generated? What regulatory framework supports the platform? In most cases, users seeking predictable income favor flexible savings accounts with transparent rate structures. Final Thoughts USDT and USDC savings have become one of the most practical forms of crypto passive income in 2026. Stablecoins provide price stability, while modern savings accounts provide structured yield. Platforms like Clapp demonstrate how predictable interest, daily compounding, and instant access can coexist without lockups or unnecessary complexity. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

14 Feb 2026, 17:16

HTX and AINFT Collaborate to Build New Web3 AI Gateway, Offering Free Access to Leading AI Models and 40,000 USDT Prize Pool

BitcoinWorld HTX and AINFT Collaborate to Build New Web3 AI Gateway, Offering Free Access to Leading AI Models and 40,000 USDT Prize Pool PANAMA CITY , Feb. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As global artificial intelligence capabilities continue to advance and Web3 infrastructure matures, AI and the crypto ecosystems are entering a new phase of seamless integration. HTX has recently collaborated with AINFT to co-hosted a special AI Challenge campaign featuring a combined prize pool of 40,000 USDT. This innovative event invites users worldwide to experience a new generation of Web3-native AI access. AINFT: Web3 Gateway to AI AINFT positions itself as a Web3-native AI gateway designed to provide permissionless, seamless access to leading large language models (LLMs). Users can log in instantly by signing via a TronLink wallet, eliminating the need for email registration or KYC verification and enabling direct on-chain identity authentication. The platform integrates top-tier AI models including Claude Opus 4.5, ChatGPT-5.2, and Gemini 3 Pro, offering unified access for dialogue, reasoning, and content creation across multiple scenarios. To lower entry barriers, AINFT provides each new user with a one-time allocation of one million free points, allowing immediate access to premium AI models without upfront payment. Once the free quota is exhausted, users can top up on demand using USDT, USDD, USD1, TRX, or NFTs on the TRON network. The platform’s official TRC20 token, $NFT , offers an additional 20% bonus in points when used for payment, supporting a flexible pay-as-you-go model with no subscription requirements. 40,000 USDT Prize Pool: Multiple Rewards in the Second Season The campaign runs through March 13 at 08:00 (UTC). Following strong engagement in the first phase, Season 2 was launched with an initial 4,000 USDT prize pool unlocked. The overall campaign prize pool totals 40,000 USDT. To participate, users must log in to AINFT’s official website , connect their TronLink wallet, submit their HTX UID and wallet address through the designated form , and complete both the AI challenge tasks on AINFT and the trading tasks on HTX. AINFT AI Challenge Offers 13,000 USDT Prize Pool Users who log in to AINFT and participate in the challenge can compete for three separate prize pools. Boosted Gift Package: Unlocks progressively based on the number of valid connected wallets within the community. For Season Two, if the valid address count reaches 5,000, the rewards of up to 7,000 USDT will be activated. Early Bird Gift Package: Rewards the first 500 users each season who connect via TronLink and claim their initial points. 25 users will be selected per season to receive 20 USDT each. Deposit Gift Package: Users who complete a deposit of any amount during the period will automatically enter a lucky draw. Twenty winners will be selected to share 500 USDT. Exclusive Triple Rewards for HTX Users: Share 27,000 USDT Users who complete the registration form and submit their HTX UID and TronLink wallet address can unlock three exclusive incentives: Point Bonus: 1 million points will be awarded to HTX users who access AINFT through the designated link and connect a TronLink wallet. [ Join now >> ] Welcome Bonus: A 20 USDT bonus is available for users who join AINFT events and sign up for an HTX account during the campaign. Limited to the first 950 registered users. Trading Reward: Users who complete HTX trading tasks—at least 100 USDT in spot volume or 500 USDT in futures volume—will receive a 40 USDT airdrop. Limited to the first 200 qualified users. Ecosystem Synergy: Practical Case of AI and Crypto As a global exchange that has long focused on AI-related sectors and innovative asset discovery, HTX continues to support high-quality AI projects and promote collaboration across technology, traffic, and users. As AI computing demand increases and crypto payment systems mature, decentralized AI portals are expected to become cornerstones of next-generation Web3 infrastructure. The collaboration between HTX and AINFT represents a forward-looking position within this trend. Looking ahead, HTX will continue working with high-quality ecosystem partners to build a more open, efficient, and sustainable Web3 innovation network, providing global users with forward-looking digital asset opportunities and application experiences. About HTX Founded in 2013, HTX (formerly Huobi) has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses. As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide. To learn more about HTX, please visit https://www.htx.com/ or HTX Square , and follow HTX on X , Telegram , and Discord . This post HTX and AINFT Collaborate to Build New Web3 AI Gateway, Offering Free Access to Leading AI Models and 40,000 USDT Prize Pool first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

14 Feb 2026, 17:00

VIRTUAL rallies 10% – Can bulls flip $0.68 or face THIS risk?

Virtuals Protocol team sends more than $7 million VIRTUAL into Binance just before the 10% pump.

14 Feb 2026, 15:40

Ark Invest Returns To Coinbase After Sell-Off As Stock Surges

Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest moved back into Coinbase Global shares at the end of the week after recently trimming exposure across several exchange-traded funds. The asset manager accumulated stock across its flagship ARK Innovation, Next Generation Internet, and Fintech Innovation funds in a coordinated buying move. ARK purchased 66,545 shares through ARKK, added 16,832 through ARKW, and picked up 9,477 more via ARKF according to daily trade disclosures released by the firm. The combined transaction represented roughly $15 million in additional exposure to the cryptocurrency exchange operator. Coinbase shares jumped sharply the same day, closing at $164.32 after rising about 16.4% before gaining modestly again in extended trading. The rebound coincided with improving investor sentiment following recent volatility in digital asset markets and renewed interest in technology-linked equities. Alongside Coinbase, ARK also increased its holdings in Roblox Corporation across the same group of funds as part of broader portfolio adjustments. Reversal After Recent Reductions The new accumulation came shortly after ARK reduced its Coinbase exposure earlier in February. The firm sold around $17.4 million worth of shares on February 5, marking its first reduction of the year and its first since August 2025. Another $22 million in Coinbase stock was sold the following day as the manager rotated funds toward the digital-asset platform Bullish. Coinbase had previously weighed heavily on ARK performance during the fourth quarter of 2025 amid a wider cryptocurrency downturn. During that period the exchange’s shares declined more sharply than both Bitcoin and Ether as market trading activity weakened. The renewed buying suggests ARK views the recent sell-off as a valuation opportunity rather than a structural shift in the company’s prospects. Earnings Pressure And Market Conditions Coinbase recently reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $667 million, ending eight consecutive profitable quarters. Earnings per share came in at 66 cents compared with expectations of 92 cents while net revenue fell 21.5% year-over-year to $1.78 billion. Transaction revenue declined nearly 37% to $982.7 million, reflecting weaker trading volumes during a softer crypto market environment. Subscription and services revenue, however, rose more than 13% to $727.4 million as recurring product demand partially offset trading weakness. The company generated $420 million in transaction revenue early in the first quarter but warned subscription and services revenue could decline. The mixed outlook highlights how sensitive crypto exchanges remain to broader digital asset sentiment cycles.

14 Feb 2026, 15:30

Truth Social Pushes Into Crypto ETFs With BTC, ETH and CRO Exposure

Truth Social Funds has filed a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for two digital asset exchange-traded funds tied to bitcoin, ethereum, and cronos, adding staking rewards to the equation. Trump Media Affiliate Files for Dual Crypto ETFs The proposed products are the Truth Social Cronos Yield Maximizer ETF and the

14 Feb 2026, 15:14

Musk's Grok gains on Gemini, ChatGPT, defying deepfake regulatory backlash

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence business xAI is under pressure from regulators on many continents after its chatbot Grok created AI-generated, inappropriate pictures of actual people, despite the fact that the company claims significant user growth and concludes a major merger with SpaceX. Last month, Grok flooded the X social media platform with AI-altered images of real individuals after users requested them. The episode sparked outrage worldwide and triggered investigations by governments and regulators. Although X announced restrictions that stopped Grok’s own account on the platform from creating such images, Reuters confirmed earlier this month that the chatbot itself still generates them when users ask it to. Regulators in three regions open investigations The impact has spread to three major jurisdictions. The European Unio n op ened a formal investigation against Grok after estimations revealed that it had created millions of deepfake photos in only a few days. The EU might levy substantial fines . The Japanese government has requested improvements from X and submitted written inquiries, citing concerns over the generation of inappropriate images. In the United States, California has gone one step further and issued a cease-and-desist order to xAI, ordering the business to stop producing such content. Despite the controversy, Grok’s numbers tell a different story in terms of audience growth. The chatbot’s share of the U.S. market jumped to 17.8% last month, up from 14% in December and just 1.9% in January, according to data from research firm Apptopia . That puts Grok in third place among chatbots used in the United States, behind OpenAI’s ChatGPT in first and Google Gemini in second. ChatGPT’s U.S. market share fell drastically to 52.9% last month, down from 80.9% in January o f the pr evious year. Gemini moved in the other direction, increasing its share to 29.4% from 17.3% throughout the same time. Grok made considerable progress on a worldwide scale. According to Similarweb data, the chatbot, up from 271.2 million the previous month, surpassed its Chinese competitor DeepSeek. Grok earned 314 million global web views in January. Source: SimilarWeb These findings come against the background of phenomenal industry-wide expansion, with Apptopia statistics suggesting a 152% year-over-year growth rate in the chatbot market. Grok’s success may be ascribed in large part to its deep integration with the X platform. The chatbot appears in the app’s navigation bar and is available in several tiers of X’s premium membership plans, guaranteeing constant exposure to the platform’s user base. The growth matters financially for xAI, which has been burning through cash to build the computing infrastructure needed to compete with better-funded rivals in Silicon Valley. The compan y la unched roughly three years ago. SpaceX acquisition creates a $1.25 trillion entity Earlier this month, SpaceX, Musk’s rocket and satellite firm, bought xAI for $250 billion. CNBC said that the merged corporation is worth $1.25 trillion, making it the biggest merger of its kind. The deal was structured as a share exchange, which is intended to safeguard SpaceX from any obligations associated with xAI. The acquisition takes place as SpaceX prepares for its first public offering, but xAI’s ongoing troubles hamper the process. On Wednesday, Musk also made management changes at xAI after several co-founders left the company. Of the original 12 co-founders, only half remain. Musk, speaking on X, said the company had been “reorganized” to “improve the speed of execution,” adding that this “required parting ways with some people.” He also said, “We are hiring aggressively.” Musk defined Grok’s mission at a 2025 event as creating a “maximally truth-seeking AI,” a declared goal that now stands in stark contrast to the ethical problems the business is being required to face. Get 8% CASHBACK when you spend crypto with COCA Visa card. Order your FREE card.