Stocks

On 14 March 2026, Robinhood's Head of Crypto Johann Kerbrat explained why the firm is building Robinhood Chain, an Ethereum Layer 2 based on the Arbitrum stack, instead of launching a new Layer 1 blockchain. The network underpins a tokenization push that has already brought about 2,000 U.S. stocks and ETFs on-chain for European users, while evolving SEC guidance and potential exchange-level oversight of centralized sequencers cloud the outlook for a planned U.S. mainnet later in 2026.

Bitcoin briefly climbed above $73,000 on Friday and held the $70,000 area as weak US economic data and conflict in Iran pushed investors toward scarce assets. Despite four straight days of net spot Bitcoin ETF inflows and a 14% rally from Feb. 24 to March 4, BTC remains tightly correlated with tech stocks and vulnerable to macro headwinds like elevated oil prices. Analysts suggest the five‑month decline from the $126,000 peak in October 2025 may still be in play, and recent price action has yet to confirm a decisive breakout.

Crypto exchange KuCoin announced on Friday the launch of USDt‑settled perpetual derivatives linked to Tesla and Strategy stocks via TSLAUSDT and MSTRUSDT contracts. These synthetic products track equity price movements without share ownership, can be traded 24/7 with a minimum position size of 1 USDt, and may face access limits in some jurisdictions.

Data from the U.S. Treasury Department show the US national debt has increased by about $543,000,000,000 since December 12th, with the total now reported at $38.88 billion, roughly 7% higher than a year ago. Former Representative Ron Paul warns the ongoing confrontation involving Iran, the US and Israel could intensify borrowing, pressure the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates and expand bond purchases, and potentially set the stage for a downturn more severe than the Great Depression.

Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) closed the session on March 12, 2026, at $395.01, down 3.14% despite a wave of high-profile AI and energy announcements. The stock faced heavy selling pressure as the broader market tumbled following escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which pushed Brent crude oil prices above $100 per barrel.

In a Wednesday report, Binance Research said historical data suggest US midterm elections have often preceded strong rebounds in both Bitcoin and US equities, highlighting the 12 months after previous votes. The study noted that, in the three past midterm cycles tracked, the S&P 500 gained an average 19% and Bitcoin rose 54% in the year that followed, even though BTC posted negative returns during those midterm years. Analysts also cautioned that near-term price action may be shaped more by the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran and rising oil prices.

Dollar General, Futu Holdings and DICK'S Sporting Goods each reported fourth-quarter figures that topped earnings and revenue forecasts, with notable gains in sales and EPS. The three companies also issued upbeat guidance for fiscal 2026, outlining plans for store expansion, international growth and customer-focused initiatives.

On March 11, 2026, FDIC Chairman Travis Hill proposed a rule that would exclude all payment stablecoins from federal deposit insurance, even when reserves are held at insured banks. Tokenized deposits issued by FDIC-insured institutions would remain covered up to $250,000, while the move aligns with the GENIUS Act of July 2025, which bans government safety nets and interest payments for stablecoin holders. The proposal is expected to face industry feedback during a public comment period and could push risk-averse users toward regulated tokenized deposit products.

On Wednesday, White House Council of Advisors for Digital Assets executive director Patrick Witt argued that foreign demand for dollar-backed stablecoins represents fresh capital flowing into the US banking system. His comments arrive as banks and crypto firms clash over the US CLARITY and GENIUS Acts and the potential impact of stablecoin yields on traditional bank deposits.

Circle Internet Group (NYSE: CRCL) closed the session on March 11, 2026, at $112.81, down 4.47% as investors locked in profits following a massive 147% rally from its yearly lows. The volatility extended into after-hours trading, with the stock slipping an additional 1.60% to $111.01. Despite this short-term cooling, the underlying fundamentals remain explosive as the market capitalization of USDC nears a historic $80 billion milestone.