Financial infrastructure company Stripe has launched stablecoin accounts in over 100 countries that will allow users to transact using stablecoins. The feature was announced during Stripe’s annual user event in San Francisco, where the company revealed a broader push into…

Stripe stablecoin accounts go live in over 100 countries

Space and Time, a blockchain project supported by Microsoft, has launched its 
public, permissionless mainnet to bring zero-knowledge (ZK)-proven data 
infrastructure to crypto applications.
Built by MakeInfinite Labs, Space and Time offers a decentralized, verifiable 
database for smart contracts to query historical, crosschain and offchain 
data, according to a news release shared with Cointelegraph.
The platform indexes data from major networks like Ethereum and makes it 
accessible through a decentralized network of validators. Developers can query 
this data using Space and Time&#8217;s Proof of SQL &#8212; a sub-second ZK coprocessor 
that delivers cryptographic proofs with every query.
&#8220;Prior to Space and Time, onchain applications had no way to query basic user 
data from a database of blockchain activity without introducing security risks 
and tampering,&#8221; said Scott Dykstra, co-founder at Space and Time.
He added that developers can now build onchain apps with built-in security, 
using cryptographic proofs to connect cloud databases to smart contracts.
_Source:__Space and Time_
 _**Related:**__**How does zero-knowledge proof authentication help create a 
portable digital identity solution?**_
## Major builders already on Space and Time
Dykstra said prominent financial institutions, major cloud providers like 
Microsoft Azure and Google BigQuery, and some of the biggest projects in 
crypto, including Chainlink, Sui and ZKsync, have either integrated or are 
building with tools or data services in the Space and Time ecosystem.
He also told Cointelegraph that SXT, the native utility token for Space and 
Time, is planned for release on May 8.
&#8220;Space and Time mainnet is permissionless, and we encourage the community to 
join the network as validators and delegated stakers,&#8221; Dykstra said.
He added that the testnet had more than 30 validators worldwide, including in 
the US, Europe, Asia and Latin America.
_**Related:**__**Aptos launches keyless wallets that use ZK-proofs to verify 
identities**_
MakeInfinite Labs (previously Space and Time Labs), the original contributors 
to Space and Time, held a strategic round led by Microsoft in 2022. They also 
supported the follow-on Series A round in 2024.
MakeInfinite Labs has also contributed to other projects within the crypto 
space, including Blitzar and the Chainlink DeFi Yield Index.
_**Magazine:**__**Adam Back says Bitcoin price cycle &#8217;10x bigger&#8217; but will 
still decisively break above $100K**_

Microsoft-backed Space and Time mainnet launches with major builders

## What is ​VanEck&#8217;s Onchain Economy ETF ($NODE)
_VanEck &#8216;s Onchain Economy ETF ($NODE) exposes investors to companies driving 
blockchain adoption across multiple industries. The fund is scheduled to begin 
trading on May 14, 2025, following its inception on May 13, 2025._
As the global economy shifts to a digital core, NODE offers active equity 
investment in real-world companies shaping that future. This ETF is actively 
managed, meaning a portfolio manager and not just an algorithm, selects the 
included stocks.
The ETF may allocate up to 25% of its assets to crypto-linked exchange-traded 
products (ETPs) via a Cayman Islands subsidiary, providing indirect exposure 
to digital assets while adhering to US tax regulations. With a management fee 
of 0.69%, $NODE offers a diversified approach to participating in the evolving 
digital asset economy without direct cryptocurrency investments.
## How VanEck&#8217;s $NODE ETF builds its portfolio
_VanEck &#8216;s $NODE ETF is designed to expose investors to companies at the 
forefront of blockchain and digital asset innovation. The ETF plans to hold 
between 30 and 60 stocks selected from over 130 publicly traded enterprises 
integral to the digital asset ecosystem._
These stocks may span across the following sectors:
 * **Data centers:** Infrastructure hubs that deliver the computational power necessary for blockchain networks. 
 * **Cryptocurrency exchanges:** These platforms, like Coinbase, facilitate the trading and exchange of digital assets. 
 * **Miners:** Organizations that verify Bitcoin (BTC) transactions. 
 * **Crypto-holding companies:** Publicly listed businesses that include Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies as part of their treasury. 
 * **Traditional financial institutions:** Established banks and financial service providers incorporating blockchain solutions into their offerings. 
 * **Consumer and gaming enterprises:** Enterprises adopting blockchain technology in consumer applications and gaming platforms. 
 * **Asset managers:** Professionals and firms developing and overseeing investment vehicles tied to digital asset markets. 
 * **Energy infrastructure providers:** Businesses offering energy solutions tailored to support blockchain and crypto mining operations. 
 * **Semiconductor and hardware firms:** Companies such as Nvidia that design and manufacture chips and specialized mining equipment.
To further diversify its portfolio, $NODE may allocate up to 25% of its assets 
to cryptocurrency ETPs, providing indirect exposure to digital assets. This 
allocation is managed through a Cayman Islands subsidiary, allowing the ETF to 
navigate US tax regulations effectively. VanEck employs a rigorous selection 
process for its holdings, combining fundamental analysis, market trend 
assessment, strategic positioning and valuation metrics to identify companies 
leading the digital transformation.
According to a Jan. 15 filing with US regulators regarding the proposed ETF, 
at least 80% of its investments could be allocated to &#8220;digital transformation 
companies&#8221; and digital asset instruments.
_**Did you know?** Crypto ETFs let you invest in digital assets like Bitcoin 
or blockchain stocks without setting up a crypto wallet. They are traded on 
traditional exchanges and offer regulated exposure to crypto markets, making 
them accessible to mainstream investors and institutions._
## How VanEck&#8217;s $NODE ETF uses blockchain and Bitcoin cycle metrics to 
optimize investment
_VanEck &#8216;s Onchain Economy ETF ($NODE) offers a unique approach to blockchain 
investment. It focuses on companies leveraging blockchain for real-world 
applications, rather than tracking the price of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin 
(BTC) or Ether (ETH). _
Each company in the $NODE portfolio has either blockchain central to its 
business model or future strategy. VanEck evaluates firms based on their 
tangible progress and innovation. Companies in the ETF&#8217;s portfolio may include 
sectors like fintech, supply chain, gaming and digital identity.
To manage market volatility, VanEck utilizes Bitcoin cycle indicators &#8212; 
metrics based on historical BTC price patterns &#8212; to adjust the ETF&#8217;s risk 
exposure dynamically. This approach helps optimize performance by aligning the 
portfolio with broader market sentiment and crypto-economic cycles.
By investing in $NODE, investors gain exposure to the expanding influence of 
blockchain beyond speculative assets. This helps investors capture the long- 
term growth potential of real-world blockchain integration across industries. 
The ETF reflects a forward-looking strategy reflecting how blockchain 
transforms the global economy.
_**Did you know?** Canada launched the world&#8217;s first spot Bitcoin ETF &#8211; 
Purpose Bitcoin ETF (BTCC) &#8211; in February 2021. It beat the US to market and 
sparked a wave of regulated crypto investment products globally._
## Difference between $NODE and general equity ETFs
_VanEck &#8216;s $NODE ETF stands apart from general equity ETFs in strategy and 
focus. Unlike broad-market funds that track indexes like the S&amp;P 500 or FTSE 
100, $NODE invests exclusively in companies adopting and building blockchain 
technology._
While general equity ETFs typically use passive strategies, $NODE is actively 
managed. VanEck&#8217;s fund managers handpick portfolio companies based on their 
real-world contributions to the blockchain economy. A management fee supports 
this hands-on approach, allowing the ETF to stay aligned with the fast- 
changing blockchain landscape.
$NODE does not hold Bitcoin or Ether. Instead, it uses Bitcoin cycle signals 
&#8212; like regular &#8220;halving&#8221; events that cut new supply and long-term price 
trends &#8212; to decide when to take more or less risk in its investments. This 
helps VanEck adjust the fund as the crypto market changes, which can affect 
how much money flows into blockchain projects, how many people start using 
them and overall market sentiment.
By focusing on blockchain&#8217;s real-world business use rather than cryptocurrency 
speculation, $NODE offers investors a way to participate in the digital 
transformation of industries worldwide. It&#8217;s a future-facing alternative to 
general equity ETF models.
The following table illustrates the difference between $NODE and general 
equity ETFs:
## How to buy $NODE
_To buy VanEck &#8216;s Onchain Economy ETF ($NODE), investors need a brokerage 
account that provides them access to the Cboe BZX Exchange, where the ETF is 
listed. _
Once you have set up and funded the account, search for the ticker symbol 
&#8220;NODE.&#8221; Review the ETF&#8217;s details, including its management fee and investment 
strategy, before placing a buy order.
$NODE trades during regular market hours like any standard stock or ETF. As 
with any investment, you should understand the fund&#8217;s objectives, holdings and 
risks beforehand to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk 
tolerance.
**Did you know?** In January 2024, the US SEC approved multiple spot Bitcoin 
ETFs, including those from BlackRock and Fidelity. This marked a significant 
regulatory milestone and _fueled billions in inflows within weeks._
## $NODE: Institutional interest and key risks amid regulatory shifts
_VanEck &#8216;s launch of the $NODE ETF comes amid rising institutional interest in 
crypto-linked investments and a more supportive regulatory backdrop. Still, 
the fund carries unique risks tied to the volatile crypto ecosystem._
The launch aligns with positive regulatory developments, such as the proposed 
US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and potential stablecoin legislation, signaling 
stronger institutional engagement. $NODE aims to capture surging demand for 
crypto-equity exposure. A March 2025 survey showed that 68% of financial 
advisers now seek such options for their clients.
Macro trends are also favorable: Bitcoin&#8217;s market dominance rose to 62.2% in 
Q1 2025, driven by institutional preference for regulated vehicles. Public 
companies collectively added 100,000 BTC to their treasuries, underscoring 
corporate confidence in Bitcoin. VanEck&#8217;s bullish outlook targets &#8211; $180,000 
BTC and $520 Solana (SOL) by year-end &#8212; further reflect sector momentum.
However, $NODE is not immune to crypto-sector risks. While it doesn&#8217;t hold 
cryptocurrencies directly, its portfolio is still exposed to market 
volatility, Bitcoin price swings and potential tech stock corrections. 
Regulatory setbacks may also affect the broader blockchain industry. 
Additionally, its derivatives strategy, managed through a Cayman subsidiary, 
introduces counterparty and liquidity risks.
Investors should weigh these factors carefully, balancing the fund&#8217;s 
compliance-driven structure and VanEck&#8217;s asset management reputation against 
these sector-specific vulnerabilities.

What is VanEck’s Onchain Economy ETF ($NODE) and how does it work?

As of 7 May 2025, India opened “Operation Sindoor,” a series of precision 
air‑strikes on nine sites inside Pakistan‑administered territory, while 
Pakistan says it has shot down five Indian fighter jets in the largest air 
engagement between the rivals since 2019. While the India-Pakistan conflict 
escalates, casting a shadow of fear and uncertainty, families face an 
unthinkable reality: fleeing […]

Escaping the India-Pakistan Conflict With Wealth Intact

The XRP price is once again showing bullishness, even after the altcoin has 
been plagued by dips. This time around, the cryptocurrency is forming a rather 
interesting pattern that suggests a continuation of the bullish rally that 
began back in April. While this pattern is yet to be complete, a total 
formation would be extremely bullish for the altcoin’s price. XRP Price Breaks 
Out Of Yo-Yo Movement So far, the XRP price has been bouncing at support just 
above $2, something that crypto analyst MetaShackle on the TradingView website 
likened to a ‘yo-yo’ movement. In place of this has been a rising bullish 
pattern, which is known as a Reverse Dragon Pattern. Related Reading: 72% Of 
Binance Traders Go Long On Dogecoin, What Does This Mean For Price? This 
Reverse Dragon Pattern has been forming on the daily chart, and history shows 
that this means the XRP price has the potential to rise faster from here. So 
far, the analyst explains that the Dragon head is already forming on the daily 
chart. This is forming above the upper trend line shown in the chart below. 
The next phase of this, if completed, would be a strong upward move as bulls 
regain control. Additionally, MetaShackle predicts “a liquidation candle in 
the general area of the Weak Dojo/Reverse Waterfall line.” The upward movement 
is expected to continue, and as this trend plays out over the next few weeks, 
the XRP price is expected to rise above $3 this month. Analyst Shows Where 
Price Could Be Headed Next While MetaShackle sees the XRP price going up with 
the formation of the Reverse Dragon Pattern, another crypto analyst has given 
possible scenarios that could play out from here besides the bullish one. This 
goes into whether the bulls win, the bears take over, or the current tug-of- 
war for control continues. Related Reading: XRP Price Still On Bullish Path To 
$5 As Long As This Level Holds The first scenario, is if the price breaks the 
resistance at $2.3612. In this case, the crypto analyst does expect the price 
to continue to go up. This uptrend is expected to see it break multiple major 
levels before finally finding resistance at $2.9 again. Another scenario is 
when the bulls break below support at $2.03445, which is yet to happen. This 
could trigger further crashes for the XRP price, and the downtrend could push 
it toward $1.6, where there is support at $1.63339. Last but not least is if 
the bulls and bears continue to vie for control with no clear winner. In this 
case, the crypto analyst believes the sideways movement would continue. &#8220;At 
this moment, there is hidden divergence appearing on XRPUSD as if it will 
strengthen the bearish mood,” the analyst explains. “If the price breaks the 
resistance level, the hidden divergence will be cancelled.” Featured image 
from Dall.E, chart from TradingView.com

XRP Is Forms Bullish Reverse Dragon Head Pattern, How High Can Price Go?

A recent statement from the Bitcoin Core team revealed that the controversial 
change to lift the current guardrails on OP_RETURN restrictions will be 
implemented in the next version. The statement explains that the decision was 
made because it aligns with the current bitcoin ethos. Bitcoin Core Decides to 
Lift OP_RETURN Guardrails Even After Controversy The […]