1 Sept 2025, 06:57

London AI Firm Satsuma Technology Adds 22.65 Bitcoin to Holdings, Now Holds 1,148.65 BTC

COINOTAG reported on September 1 that, citing the Twitter account @btcNLNico, London-based artificial intelligence firm Satsuma Technology increased its bitcoin holdings by 22.65 BTC as of August 8, taking the

1 Sept 2025, 06:23

Alibaba’s Hong Kong-listed shares rose 15%

Alibaba’s shares jumped more than 15% on Monday, marking their biggest single-day rally since early 2023, after the company reported explosive growth in artificial intelligence revenue. The e-commerce giant said sales from AI-related products surged by triple digits, while its cloud division grew 26% to 33.4 billion yuan ($4.7 billion), far surpassing analyst expectations. The cloud unit, which powers Alibaba’s AI services, has become a key driver of the company’s expansion. The results highlight the e-commerce company’s transformation from a retail-heavy business into a diversified technology player. Analysts noted that AI is no longer a side project but a central growth engine for the company. Charu Chanana , chief investment strategist at Saxo Markets, said Alibaba was being extremely strategic about its long-term relevance in the tech stack, adding that the surge in AI and cloud proved the company was no longer just an e-commerce powerhouse. Alibaba surges as AI and cloud push fuel investor confidence Alibaba’s Hong Kong-listed shares logged their biggest gain since February, adding billions to the company’s market value in just one trading day. The sharp reversal regained confidence in the company’s long-term trajectory. The surge rippled across China’s tech sector. Baidu rose nearly 6%, while Tencent climbed more than 3%, as investors wagered that Alibaba’s strong results signal broader momentum for the country’s artificial intelligence industry. Analysts said the rally reflects how closely AI optimism has become tied to stock performance in Asia’s technology market. The contrast with rivals was sharp. JD.com and Meituan remain in bruising price wars in food delivery and online shopping. Both companies have seen profits pinched to the point where Meituan even warned of big losses earlier this quarter. That pressure has resulted in a new wave of investor caution around traditional internet commerce. Meanwhile, Alibaba is doubling down on artificial intelligence and cloud computing fields, which the company has said are more lucrative and scalable than its retail. Boosting its technology prowess will not only allow the company to diversify its revenue sources, but it could also shelter it from the intense price wars that characterize e-commerce. A key aspect of this approach is investment in AI hardware. The company is developing its AI chip to reduce dependence on foreign semiconductors. Analysts see this as critical because US restrictions are increasingly cutting off access to powerful chips necessary to train large AI models. Designing its own hardware could give Alibaba an advantage in constructing faster, cheaper, and more secure AI systems adapted to Chinese markets. Market analysts say this mix, a powerful cloud business, surging AI offerings, and calculated self-reliance, drives investor support for the e-commerce company’s turn. It makes the company a retail giant and one of the leading players in China’s race to become a dominant force in next-generation technology. Alibaba doubles down on AI to drive growth and outpace rivals Alibaba’s leaders have emphasized that artificial intelligence is a core part of the company’s strategy. CEO Eddie Wu said earlier this year that Alibaba is now focused on building towards artificial general intelligence (AGI) as its “main goal. Recent updates included an open-source video generation model and upgrades to large language models supporting e-commerce, logistics, and cloud services. The capabilities are being extended not only to China but also to international platforms like Lazada and AliExpress. Although Alibaba continues to feel pressure in traditional online commerce from JD.com and Meituan, analysts believe AI will protect Alibaba somewhat from price wars in parts of the industry. Analysts at Morgan Stanley called Alibaba “China’s best AI enabler thesis” as they noted how well the company could scale AI services across businesses. Still, Alibaba Group Chairman Joe Tsai has expressed concerns about a potential bubble in AI data center construction. At the HSBC Global Investment Summit in Hong Kong earlier this year, he noted that the rapid global expansion of server farms, spanning from the US to Asia, could outpace actual demand. Sign up to Bybit and start trading with $30,050 in welcome gifts

1 Sept 2025, 04:10

Alarming Crypto Hacks: Industry Suffers $163M Loss in August

BitcoinWorld Alarming Crypto Hacks: Industry Suffers $163M Loss in August The world of digital assets, while incredibly innovative, often presents significant risks. August served as a stark reminder of this reality, as the cryptocurrency industry faced a substantial blow. A staggering $163 million was lost to crypto hacks across 16 separate incidents, according to blockchain security firm PeckShield. This alarming figure highlights the persistent challenges in securing digital wealth. It also underscores the sophisticated threats that platforms and individual users constantly encounter. The financial impact was substantial, leaving many in the community deeply concerned about the safety of their investments. What Was the True Cost of August’s Crypto Hacks? The total amount lost in August represents an approximately 15% increase from the $142 million reported in July. This indicates a worrying upward trend in security breaches within the crypto space. These incidents were not isolated to a single type of attack or platform. Instead, they showcased a diverse range of vulnerabilities exploited by malicious actors. The largest portion of these losses, an astonishing $91.4 million, stemmed from multiple anonymous Bitcoin (BTC) addresses. This particular detail is significant. It suggests a broad range of potential attack vectors. These could range from individual wallet compromises to sophisticated phishing scams targeting unidentifiable holders. Moreover, the incidents extended to well-known entities: BtcTurk: This prominent Turkish cryptocurrency exchange was hit, resulting in a substantial loss of $54 million. Such an attack on a centralized exchange often impacts a large number of users simultaneously, eroding trust and causing widespread disruption. odin.fun: Another incident targeted odin.fun, leading to a $7 million loss. While smaller in scale than the BtcTurk breach, it still contributes to the overall picture of vulnerability within the ecosystem. These figures from PeckShield paint a clear picture: crypto hacks are a pervasive and evolving threat. It’s a challenge the industry simply cannot afford to ignore. The methods are becoming more sophisticated, and the targets are increasingly diverse. Why Are Crypto Hacks Becoming More Frequent? The continuous rise in crypto hacks can be attributed to several interconnected factors. As the crypto market expands and attracts more participants, it naturally becomes a more lucrative target for cybercriminals. The decentralized nature of many crypto projects, while offering distinct benefits, can also present complex security challenges if not implemented with extreme care. Furthermore, human error remains a significant vulnerability. This includes falling for phishing scams or failing to adopt strong security practices. The rapid pace of innovation in the blockchain space means new protocols and platforms are constantly emerging. While this innovation is exciting, it also means that security audits and robust testing might not always keep pace. This can leave exploitable loopholes for attackers. Malicious actors are quick to identify and exploit these vulnerabilities, often using advanced techniques that require deep technical understanding. Essential Defenses: Protecting Your Assets from Crypto Hacks Given the alarming trend of crypto hacks , what steps can individuals and platforms take to safeguard their digital assets? Proactive security measures are no longer optional; they are absolutely essential. Here are some actionable insights to protect your investments: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always use 2FA on all your crypto accounts and wallets. Hardware-based 2FA (like YubiKey) is generally more secure than SMS-based 2FA. Utilize Hardware Wallets: For significant holdings, hardware wallets (e.g., Ledger, Trezor) offer superior security. They keep your private keys offline, making them impervious to online hacks. Beware of Phishing Scams: Always double-check URLs and email senders meticulously. Malicious actors often create fake websites or send deceptive emails to trick users into revealing their credentials. Never click suspicious links. Regularly Update Software: Keep your operating system, antivirus software, and crypto wallet applications updated. This helps patch known vulnerabilities and strengthens your defenses. Employ Strong, Unique Passwords: Use complex, unique passwords for each of your crypto-related accounts. A reputable password manager can significantly help you manage these securely. Continuous Education: Stay informed about the latest security threats and best practices in the crypto space. Knowledge and vigilance are your first lines of defense against crypto hacks . For platforms and projects, rigorous security audits, well-funded bug bounty programs, and continuous monitoring are paramount. Collaborating with specialized blockchain security firms like PeckShield can provide invaluable expertise in identifying and mitigating risks before they escalate into costly breaches. A Call for Enhanced Blockchain Security Against Crypto Hacks The $163 million lost to crypto hacks in August serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for enhanced security measures across the entire cryptocurrency ecosystem. While the industry continues to innovate and grow, it must also prioritize the safety and trust of its users. Every hack, regardless of its size, erodes confidence and hinders mainstream adoption. By fostering a culture of robust security practices, continuous vigilance, and collaborative efforts, the crypto community can work towards a more secure future. This ensures that the incredible potential of blockchain technology is realized without constant threats looming overhead. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What was the total amount lost to crypto hacks in August? According to blockchain security firm PeckShield, the cryptocurrency industry lost a total of $163 million across 16 separate hacking incidents in August. 2. Which incidents contributed most to the August losses? The largest portion, $91.4 million, came from multiple anonymous BTC addresses. Other significant incidents included hacks targeting BtcTurk ($54 million) and odin.fun ($7 million). 3. Why are crypto hacks increasing? The increase can be attributed to the growing crypto market, sophisticated cybercriminal tactics, complex security challenges in decentralized systems, human error, and new protocols emerging faster than comprehensive security audits can keep pace. 4. What are the most effective ways to protect my crypto assets? Key measures include enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), using hardware wallets for significant holdings, being vigilant against phishing scams, regularly updating software, employing strong unique passwords, and continuously educating yourself on security best practices. 5. How do blockchain security firms like PeckShield help? Firms like PeckShield provide essential services such as rigorous security audits, bug bounty programs, and continuous monitoring. They help identify and mitigate risks before they can result in costly breaches for platforms and projects. 6. What is the long-term impact of these hacks on the crypto industry? Consistent crypto hacks erode user confidence, hinder mainstream adoption, and can lead to increased regulatory scrutiny. However, they also drive innovation in security solutions and foster a stronger emphasis on robust protective measures within the ecosystem. If you found this article informative and believe in the importance of crypto security, please share it with your network! Help us spread awareness about safeguarding digital assets and contribute to a more secure cryptocurrency ecosystem. Your share makes a difference! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action. This post Alarming Crypto Hacks: Industry Suffers $163M Loss in August first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

1 Sept 2025, 01:10

Solana Block Confirmation Time: A Revolutionary Leap to 150ms

BitcoinWorld Solana Block Confirmation Time: A Revolutionary Leap to 150ms The Solana community has just made a groundbreaking decision. They overwhelmingly approved governance proposal SIMD-0326, known as Alpenglow. This isn’t just a technical tweak; it’s a monumental shift. Once implemented, the Solana block confirmation time is set to plummet from 12.8 seconds to an astonishing 150 milliseconds. Imagine the impact on network speed and user experience – it’s truly revolutionary. What’s Changing with Solana Block Confirmation Time? The approval of proposal SIMD-0326, with a resounding 99.6% community vote, signals a new era for the Solana network. This pivotal change will dramatically reduce the time it takes for a transaction to be officially confirmed on the blockchain. Currently, users experience a waiting period of approximately 12.8 seconds. However, thanks to Alpenglow, this wait will shrink to an almost imperceptible 150 milliseconds. This is not a minor adjustment; it represents an over 85x increase in confirmation speed. Such a significant improvement directly impacts the responsiveness and efficiency of every interaction on the Solana blockchain. Why Does Faster Solana Block Confirmation Time Matter? This dramatic reduction in Solana block confirmation time isn’t just a number; it translates directly into tangible benefits for everyone using the network. It addresses one of the core challenges in blockchain adoption: speed and user experience. Enhanced User Experience: Transactions will feel virtually instantaneous. Whether you’re swapping tokens, buying an NFT, or interacting with a decentralized application, the lag will be almost eliminated. This makes the network feel incredibly responsive and intuitive. Boosted dApp Performance: Decentralized applications built on Solana will operate with unprecedented fluidity. Imagine gaming, financial platforms, or social applications running as smoothly as their centralized counterparts, but with all the benefits of decentralization. Greater Scalability: This upgrade further solidifies Solana’s position as a leading high-throughput blockchain. It allows the network to handle an even larger volume of transactions more efficiently, preparing it for mass adoption. Increased Developer Appeal: A faster, more reliable network is inherently more attractive to developers. This can foster greater innovation and encourage more projects to build on Solana, expanding its vibrant ecosystem. Ultimately, this move makes Solana a more compelling platform for a wider range of applications and users. The Technical Nuances Behind Solana’s Speed Boost Achieving such a significant cut in Solana block confirmation time isn’t magic; it’s the result of clever and sophisticated engineering. The Alpenglow proposal specifically targets optimizations within Solana’s unique Tower BFT (Byzantine Fault Tolerance) consensus mechanism. This innovative approach is key to how Solana processes transactions. Essentially, the upgrade refines how validators, the nodes that secure the network, reach agreement on the state of the blockchain. It streamlines the communication and validation steps, ensuring that blocks are finalized with greater agility. This means the network can confirm transactions faster without compromising the robust security and decentralization that are fundamental to Solana. What Challenges Might Arise from This Solana Block Confirmation Time Upgrade? While the prospect of a faster Solana block confirmation time is undeniably exciting, such a significant network upgrade requires careful consideration and execution. Implementing changes of this magnitude can sometimes introduce new complexities. For instance, there might be increased demands on validator hardware or network bandwidth to maintain optimal performance under the new, faster confirmation schedule. The community and developers will need to vigilantly monitor the network post-implementation for any unforeseen challenges or performance bottlenecks. However, given the rigorous testing and overwhelming community consensus behind SIMD-0326, the Solana ecosystem is well-prepared to navigate these potential hurdles and ensure a smooth transition. The approval and upcoming implementation of SIMD-0326 mark a truly pivotal moment for Solana. This dramatic reduction in Solana block confirmation time underscores the network’s unwavering commitment to innovation, scalability, and delivering an unparalleled user experience. It positions Solana even more strongly in the competitive blockchain landscape, setting new benchmarks for speed and efficiency. This move isn’t just about making the network faster; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in decentralized technology. The future looks incredibly bright for Solana users and developers alike, promising a more fluid, responsive, and powerful blockchain experience that could reshape how we interact with digital assets and applications. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is SIMD-0326 (Alpenglow)? A1: SIMD-0326, also known as Alpenglow, is a governance proposal passed by the Solana community. Its primary goal is to significantly reduce the network’s block confirmation time, enhancing overall speed and efficiency. Q2: How much will the Solana block confirmation time be reduced? A2: Once implemented, the Solana network’s block confirmation time is expected to decrease dramatically from 12.8 seconds to just 150 milliseconds. Q3: What are the main benefits of this faster confirmation time? A3: The key benefits include an enhanced user experience with near-instant transactions, improved performance for decentralized applications (dApps), greater network scalability, and increased appeal for developers looking to build on Solana. Q4: How does this change affect network security? A4: The technical optimizations are designed to achieve faster confirmation times without compromising Solana’s robust security or decentralization. The network’s consensus mechanism is being refined for efficiency, not weakened. Q5: When will these changes be implemented? A5: While the proposal has passed, the exact implementation timeline will depend on the development and deployment phases. The community will be updated as progress is made. Q6: Is this the fastest any blockchain has ever been? A6: While many blockchains strive for speed, a 150ms block confirmation time places Solana among the very fastest in the industry, significantly outperforming many established networks. Did you find this deep dive into Solana’s incredible speed upgrade insightful? Share this article with your friends, colleagues, and fellow crypto enthusiasts on social media to spread the word about this monumental leap forward for the Solana network! To learn more about the latest Solana block confirmation time advancements, explore our article on key developments shaping Solana ‘s network performance . This post Solana Block Confirmation Time: A Revolutionary Leap to 150ms first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

31 Aug 2025, 17:43

Wall Street investors are fleeing U.S. stocks in September and moving into foreign banks and gold miners

Wall Street is officially spooked. September started with warning signs flashing across every major index, pushing investors straight into foreign banks and gold miners. This is about survival. August ended with the S&P 500 breaching 6,500 , and the Dow Jones notching fresh highs. But that meant nothing to those who’ve been here before. Historically, this month tanks the markets, and nobody’s betting against that now. Data from Dow Jones shows that the Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq usually take their worst hit in September. So investors are bailing on U.S. stocks and heading overseas. According to CNBC, money managers are diving deep into international equities in 2025. Demand’s climbing fast. One of the biggest moves came from Lazard Asset Management, whose global portfolios are loading up on European and Asian banks, gold miners, and chipmakers. They’re backing away from the U.S. market, blaming stretched valuations, dollar weakness, and geopolitical messes, and building new positions through the Lazard International Dynamic Equity ETF, a $422 million fund that launched in May after converting from a mutual fund. It carries a 0.40% expense ratio and currently holds a five-star Morningstar rating. Lazard bets on foreign banks and miners as U.S. tech gets dumped Paul Moghtader, managing director at Lazard and the head of the firm’s Advantage Team, told CNBC that volatility in 2025 has gotten worse, not better. “Markets are increasingly volatile and risky. We’re seeing risk injected from many different sources, and an international exposure is getting more attractive relative to U.S. for many reasons, including the valuation, more shareholder focus,” Paul said. He said he breaks every stock down using four categories: valuation, growth, quality, and sentiment. They even factor in how a company’s beta relates to GDP growth, a macroeconomic layer that Paul said lets them weigh the risk or opportunity of every position inside a real-world backdrop. The Lazard ETF, trading under the ticker IEQ, now includes stocks like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, BNP Paribas, Novartis, Tencent Holdings, and Samsung Electronics. Canadian gold miners are also in, thanks to strong signals from Lazard’s in-house screening models. The firm’s overweight on European banks, particularly BNP, which is the second-largest holding after Taiwan Semi. BNP now holds just over 2% of the entire fund. Paul pointed to BNP’s AXA Investment Managers acquisition, finalized on June 30, which made BNP the fifth-biggest asset manager in Europe. Other top bank names in IEQ include Societe Generale, Barclays, Japan Post Bank, and State Bank of India. Societe Generale is up a massive 94% this year, helped by strong Q2 earnings and a rebound in retail operations. Barclays is up 34%, and Japan Post Bank has gained 25%. Lazard’s strategy favors these names for their low valuations and above-average dividend yields, a sharp contrast to overvalued U.S. tech. The ETF also includes a smaller position in Canadian gold miners. Around 1% of the portfolio is in Barrick Mining, Kinross Gold, and Torex Gold. Barrick is up 72% this year, and Kinross has exploded by 125%. Paul said the team sees gold as protection against macro uncertainty, especially in a year like this, where both rates and currencies are unpredictable. The portfolio has been moving away from software entirely. Lazard dumped names like AppLovin, Gartner, and Cadence Design Systems in August, citing the rise of AI. Paul said software development is becoming easier and cheaper with AI tools, making some companies less attractive from a value and growth standpoint. In response, the firm has picked up shares in Amphenol, Erickson, Western Digital, and NetGear, betting instead on hardware and connectivity players. Outside of Lazard’s moves, broader sector shifts are showing similar cracks. Europe’s banking sector hit its highest level since 2008 at the beginning of August. Names like Commerzbank are up over 100% year-to-date, thanks to strong earnings and renewed deal activity. Meanwhile, media stocks are falling apart. They’ve dropped more than 8% over the last two months. AI concerns are tearing into European names, especially in advertising. WPP posted a 71% fall in pre-tax profit in the first half of the year and slashed its full-year outlook, making it the worst performer in the entire sector.ft. Sign up to Bybit and start trading with $30,050 in welcome gifts

31 Aug 2025, 14:38

Pi Network’s Latest Update Explained – And Why It’s a Big Deal

TL;DR The team behind Pi Network introduced a new update just a few days ago that many users had wanted for years – support for Linux. Here’s why the Core Team believes it could be a game-changer, at least for those opting to use the alternative OS. Why the Linux Addition Matters? As CryptoPotato reported at the end of last week, the Pi ecosystem has expanded its OS capabilities beyond Windows and Mac with the release of its Linux Node software. The move aims to enhance the project’s decentralized backbone, as the team is also preparing for a major protocol upgrade from version 19 to 23. Obviously, the introduction of a third OS alternative allows for greater flexibility for developers and partners. Until now, many of them had to rely on custom node builds to work with Pi’s infrastructure. Now, they can migrate to standardized node software, which should ensure faster maintenance, smoother protocol updates, and overall network consistency. For the tech-savvy, the Linux Node allows greater participation in the ecosystem, even though it’s not directly linked to mining rewards. It still provides broader accessibility for devs and open-source contributors who prefer such environments. The aforementioned upgrade from version 19 to 23 is considered the most ambitious one for the protocol yet. It’s influenced by Stellar and aims to bring expanded functionality and improved control layers. Its rollout will be staged in a few steps to minimize disruption: Testnet1 upgrades begin this week, with minor outages possible as the new community node container is deployed. Testnet2 and Mainnet will follow in the coming weeks, bringing the full ecosystem to protocol version 23. Short outages may also affect centralized exchanges (CEXs) as they adapt to the upgrade. This upgrade also aims to address some of the KYC issues with the project, but we will dedicate a separate article on this, as there has already been community backlash or doubts, to say the least. PI Token Reacts Perhaps driven by these positive developments within the broader Pi ecosystem, the protocol’s native token is among the few that ended the week in the green . Unlike most of its altcoin brethren, PI has jumped by over 5% since this time last week and trades close to $0.37 as of press time. Recall that the asset plunged to a new all-time low on August 26 of $0.33 (on CoinGecko) but has recovered 10% of value since then. However, it could face some enhanced selling pressure in the following days due to the large number of token unlocks scheduled for September 2 and September 6. After that, though, the unlocks should reduce the pressure, at least in theory. PI Token Unlock Schedule. Source: Piscan The post Pi Network’s Latest Update Explained – And Why It’s a Big Deal appeared first on CryptoPotato .