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  • Palo Alto Networks CEO: AI Token Prices Must Plummet 90% for Enterprise Scale Adoption

    Palo Alto Networks CEO: AI Token Prices Must Plummet 90% for Enterprise Scale Adoption

    Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora has issued a stark warning: current artificial intelligence token pricing is too high to support broad enterprise adoption. In a recent interview, Arora argued that token costs need to fall by as much as 90% within the next two years before companies can deploy AI across daily operations at scale.

    Arora acknowledged that recent improvements in token efficiency—such as a 54% reduction in tokens used for agentic coding by OpenAI’s latest model—are “a good start.” However, he emphasized that the industry still requires another major reduction. He expects token costs to drop to about 20% of current levels within 12 months, and potentially to just 10% the following year. Lower prices would allow businesses to run more automated tasks without straining technology budgets and would enable longer-term AI project planning.

    Arora is not alone in questioning present AI pricing. Palantir CEO Alex Karp has also criticized token-based pricing from major AI developers, suggesting many companies may delay adoption while they evaluate value. Karp pointed to open-weight models as a cheaper alternative, giving firms more control over costs and infrastructure. Meanwhile, several Chinese developers have released lower-cost models that compete with U.S. products, expanding enterprise options for balancing performance, security, and operating expenses.

    Despite these pricing concerns, massive infrastructure investments continue. Companies like SpaceX and Amazon have raised billions in debt to fund data centers, chips, and energy capacity. Arora noted that strong demand for AI could sustain this spending while the market adjusts. “The demand continues to be infinite,” he said, adding that costs and investment levels may eventually balance as models become more efficient.

    For enterprises, the next wave of AI adoption hinges on how quickly providers reduce token costs. Companies are testing more tools, but predictable and lower pricing is essential before they can expand use across daily workflows.

  • Kusumgar IPO Allotment Status Released: How to Check and Expected 38% Listing Gain

    Kusumgar IPO Allotment Status Released: How to Check and Expected 38% Listing Gain

    The Kusumgar IPO allotment status was announced on July 13, 2026, following an overwhelmingly positive response from investors. The public issue saw a massive subscription of 128.85 times, with Qualified Institutional Buyers leading demand, followed by Non-Institutional Investors and retail participants. As a result, many applicants saw their chances of securing shares reduced due to the high oversubscription.

    How to Check Your IPO Allotment Status

    Investors can verify their allotment status on the official websites of BSE, NSE, or the registrar, Bigshare Services. The process is straightforward:

    • On NSE: Select the IPO, enter your application number or PAN, and submit.
    • On BSE: Choose the equity issue, select Kusumgar Limited, enter your application number or PAN, complete the captcha, and submit.
    • On Bigshare Services: Use the same details (PAN, application number, or DP/Client ID) to check the result.

    Shares allotted to successful applicants will be credited to their Demat accounts on July 14. Unsuccessful bidders will have their blocked funds released on the same day. The company is scheduled to make its stock market debut on July 15 on both the NSE and BSE.

    Kusumgar IPO GMP and Listing Expectations

    The strong subscription reflects high investor confidence. The grey market premium (GMP) for the Kusumgar IPO stands at Rs. 160 as of July 13. Based on the upper issue price of Rs. 419 per share, the estimated listing price is around Rs. 579, implying a potential listing gain of approximately 38% if market conditions remain favorable. However, GMP is an unofficial indicator and can change rapidly, so the final listing price may differ.

    Company Profile and IPO Details

    Founded in 1990, Kusumgar manufactures engineered synthetic fabrics for industries including aerospace, defense, automotive, industrial equipment, and outdoor products. The company operates seven manufacturing units across Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. The Rs. 650 crore IPO was entirely an Offer for Sale, meaning existing shareholders sold their shares, and the company will not receive any fresh funds from the issue.

  • Sam Neill, Jurassic Park Star, Dies at 78; His $20 Million Fortune and Legacy Revealed

    Sam Neill, Jurassic Park Star, Dies at 78; His $20 Million Fortune and Legacy Revealed

    Beloved actor Sam Neill, known worldwide for portraying Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, passed away at the age of 78 in Sydney on July 13. His family confirmed that Neill had been cancer-free after battling stage-three angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. The New Zealand-born star left behind an estimated net worth of $20 million (approximately Rs. 172 crore), accumulated over a career spanning more than five decades.

    Neill appeared in over 150 movies and television productions, including Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park III, Jurassic World Dominion, The Piano, The Hunt for Red October, Peaky Blinders, and The Tudors. His acting career was the mainstay of his wealth, establishing him as one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed performers.

    Beyond Hollywood, Neill built a successful side venture: Two Paddocks, a vineyard in Central Otago, New Zealand. Established in the 1990s, the vineyard is renowned for producing high-quality Pinot Noir and Riesling wines. He also invested in additional land to diversify his income sources.

    Born in Omagh, Northern Ireland, in 1947, Neill moved to New Zealand at age seven. He is survived by four children and eight grandchildren. His iconic role in the Jurassic Park series cemented his place among the most successful actors on the silver screen.

  • XRP Price Stabilizes Near $1.08 as CLARITY Act Progress and Ripple’s European Expansion Drive Optimism

    XRP Price Stabilizes Near $1.08 as CLARITY Act Progress and Ripple’s European Expansion Drive Optimism

    XRP traded near $1.08 on July 13, 2026, as investors weighed improving long-term developments against continued uncertainty across the wider cryptocurrency market. The digital asset remained within a trading range of $1.00 to $1.13 while traders awaited fresh catalysts that could shape the next price move.

    At the same time, regulatory progress, Ripple’s expanding institutional presence, and growing XRP Ledger adoption supported the long-term outlook, although macroeconomic concerns continued to limit stronger market momentum. As a result, many participants maintained a cautious approach while monitoring upcoming regulatory and market events.

    CLARITY Act and European Approval Draw Market Attention

    The proposed CLARITY Act remains one of the most closely watched developments for XRP. The legislation aims to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States. It previously cleared the Senate Banking Committee and was expected to reach the full Senate in July.

    The latest update indicates that the full Senate vote is now scheduled for August. According to the available information, the legislation could classify XRP as a digital commodity across most markets if lawmakers approve the measure.

    Although the delayed vote slowed immediate market expectations, many analysts continue to identify the legislation as a major long-term event for XRP. Meanwhile, investors continue tracking its progress as they assess future regulatory clarity. Could regulatory certainty become the catalyst that shifts XRP out of its current trading range?

    Besides developments in the United States, Ripple secured full Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) authorization in Luxembourg. Consequently, the company can now operate within a regulated framework across member countries of the European Economic Area.

    Institutional Activity Supports XRP Ledger Growth

    Institutional participation continues to support XRP alongside expanding utility across the XRP Ledger ecosystem. The network increasingly serves payment services, liquidity management, and institutional transactions.

    At the same time, tokenization of real-world assets has become one of the fastest-growing applications on XRPL. Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin also supports settlements across the ecosystem while providing additional liquidity for enterprise digital asset payments.

    Furthermore, Ripple continues expanding its on-demand liquidity services throughout Asia, Latin America, and other regions. These services allow banks and payment providers to settle cross-border transactions without maintaining pre-funded accounts.

    Ripple Prime, together with custody and treasury management services, also continues to add institutional clients. During the past month, spot XRP ETFs recorded inflows between $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion, although weekly inflows and outflows continued as investors responded to changing market conditions. Large wallets also continued accumulating XRP during market pullbacks. Even so, the available information indicates that prices may remain restrained without stronger bullish sentiment.

    Macro Conditions Continue to Shape Market Direction

    XRP continues moving alongside broader cryptocurrency market conditions. The token also remains closely correlated with Bitcoin, linking its short-term performance to overall digital asset sentiment. Meanwhile, expectations that U.S. interest rates could remain higher for longer continue supporting the U.S. dollar while reducing demand for higher-risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

    Elsewhere, the reported agreement reached during U.S. and Iran talks may reduce geopolitical uncertainty and broader market volatility. Even so, the information suggests that any direct benefit for crypto assets could remain limited.

    Looking ahead, market participants continue monitoring several developments, including progress on the CLARITY Act, institutional positioning through spot XRP ETFs, growth in RLUSD adoption, rising XRPL transaction activity, Ripple’s European expansion following MiCA implementation, and future comments from the U.S. Federal Reserve regarding monetary policy.

    What’s Next?

    XRP price remained near $1.08 as investors balanced regulatory progress, Ripple’s European expansion, and growing XRP Ledger adoption against broader macroeconomic uncertainty. Market participants continue watching the CLARITY Act, Spot XRP ETFs, RLUSD growth, and Federal Reserve policy for the next major catalyst.

  • US Stock Futures Decline as Middle East Tensions Drive Oil Prices Higher, Stoking Market Anxiety

    US Stock Futures Decline as Middle East Tensions Drive Oil Prices Higher, Stoking Market Anxiety

    US stock futures edged lower on Monday as renewed tensions in the Middle East unsettled investors and sent crude oil prices higher, raising concerns over inflation and global economic growth.

    Nasdaq futures suffered the biggest loss, with S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures indicating the market will open lower as investors weighed the impact of rising energy prices amid uncertainty over the interest rate outlook.

    Oil Rise Puts Pressure on Market Sentiment

    Oil prices increased amid growing tensions between the United States and Iran. Concerns about potential oil supply disruptions have arisen due to the strategically located Strait of Hormuz, which is among the most active oil transportation routes worldwide.

    Brent crude oil has been hovering near $79 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate has exceeded $74 per barrel. Increased oil prices have caused inflation concerns.

    Tech and semiconductor stocks continued to underperform as investors cut positions in growth sectors. Increasing bond rates have contributed to weakness in tech stocks due to their sensitivity to rate changes.

    Attention Turns to Earnings and Inflation Reports

    Despite geopolitical and market uncertainties, investors are preparing for yet another busy week on Wall Street. Several big US banks are expected to report earnings next week, kicking off the earnings season. Market participants will watch how tech firms perform during earnings in the upcoming days.

    Moreover, investors will consider figures on US inflation and statements by Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, which may have a strong impact on market expectations for further Fed action. Any indications of inflation persistence, especially following the oil price hike, may add to the list of reasons to maintain high interest rates.

    For now, investors are trying to weigh geopolitical influences against company earnings and economic data. It seems that all these issues will play an important role in global markets in the coming days.

  • StepX Neo: The World’s First Agentic AI Smartphone Beats OpenAI to the Punch

    StepX Neo: The World’s First Agentic AI Smartphone Beats OpenAI to the Punch

    StepX has officially unveiled the StepX Neo, which it claims is the world’s first agentic smartphone. While many expected OpenAI to launch the first truly AI-driven phone, the Chinese manufacturer has taken an unexpected lead. The StepX Neo is built around an AI-first operating system and a deeply integrated assistant called Amoo, promising smarter automation and seamless app integration.

    A Phone Designed Around an AI Agent

    Unlike other smartphones that simply add AI features to existing operating systems, StepX designed the hardware, software, and AI model as a single cohesive system. The device runs on Step AOS, an operating system purpose-built for AI agents. Amoo, the company’s own AI assistant, is embedded deeply into the phone and can handle complex tasks that go far beyond a typical chatbot or voice assistant. This integrated approach puts StepX ahead of OpenAI in a race many expected the American company to win first.

    Second Screen and Major App Partnerships

    The StepX Neo features a secondary display on the back, providing quick access to notifications and AI features without needing to unlock the main screen. The company has not yet revealed exact details about how this second screen will function. The phone also includes a dual-camera setup, though specifications for the cameras, RAM, storage, and battery remain undisclosed.

    StepX has confirmed partnerships with several major apps and services, including Meituan, WPS, CapCut, Ctrip, Gaode Maps, and Alipay. Amoo can leverage these partnerships to execute tasks across multiple apps, reducing the need for users to switch between applications manually. The assistant works in the background to connect these services autonomously.

    Bold Claims, But Many Questions Remain

    While the StepX Neo sounds impressive on paper, many details are still missing. StepX has not announced a launch date or pricing. Industry experts expect the phone to launch in China sometime next year and target the premium segment. Whether it will be available in other markets, such as India, remains unclear.

    This announcement raises an interesting question for the industry: Can a lesser-known company beat established giants like OpenAI to a major AI milestone? StepX certainly believes so. The coming months will reveal whether the StepX Neo lives up to its bold claims. Until official specs and pricing are released, the device remains a promising concept rather than a finished product.

  • New Pokémon Leak Suggests Higher Game Prices and Dual-Version Incentives

    New Pokémon Leak Suggests Higher Game Prices and Dual-Version Incentives

    A leaked document linked to The Pokémon Company has sparked fresh debate among fans. The leak suggests the company discussed raising the price of future Pokémon games and explored new ways to encourage players to purchase both versions of a title. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the timing has intensified speculation, especially after Nintendo increased prices on some first-party Switch 2 games.

    The leaked presentation, reportedly from the Teraleak, shows that The Pokémon Company has been considering higher pricing since the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield in 2019. It also outlines strategies to add more value for players who buy both versions of a game. However, the external factors that initially drove these discussions no longer exist, meaning prices have remained stable so far.

    Pokémon games have followed a dual-version format for years, each offering exclusive Pokémon and minor differences. Many fans buy a single digital copy, while others collect both physical and digital editions. The leak indicates the company may aim to make buying both versions more attractive in the future.

    The report gained further attention after Pokémon Winds and Waves appeared at a higher price on some retailer listings. Nintendo has not confirmed the game’s final price, so fans should treat these reports as speculation for now.

    The leak also raises broader questions about Nintendo’s pricing strategy. The company has already launched some Switch 2 games at higher price points, including Mario Kart World and upgraded The Legend of Zelda titles. If Pokémon follows suit, it may signal a wider pricing shift rather than a one-off change.

    Neither Nintendo nor The Pokémon Company has issued an official statement on the matter. Until they do, the leak remains an internal concept rather than a confirmed decision.

  • TSMC Posts Record Q2 Revenue as AI Chip Demand Drives 36% Growth

    TSMC Posts Record Q2 Revenue as AI Chip Demand Drives 36% Growth

    Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. reported record second-quarter revenue as demand for chips used in artificial intelligence systems lifted sales. The company generated NT$1.27 trillion, or about $39.62 billion, from April through June. Revenue rose 36% from a year earlier and came in slightly above the NT$1.264 trillion estimate drawn from 20 analysts.

    The result placed TSMC near the upper end of its official revenue forecast of $39 billion to $40.2 billion. The chipmaker supplies advanced processors to major technology companies, including NVIDIA and Apple.

    Investors now turn to the full earnings report, where profit, margins, spending and the next sales forecast will receive closer attention. TSMC gives its quarterly guidance in US dollars rather than Taiwan dollars, so currency movements can affect direct comparisons with reported sales.

    June Revenue Records Sharp Annual Growth

    TSMC generated NT$442.68 billion in June revenue. Sales rose 67.9% from June 2025 and increased 6.2% from May. The annual rise marked the company’s fastest monthly growth rate in 2026 and completed a record quarter for the Taiwan-based chip producer.

    Meanwhile, first-half revenue reached about NT$2.4 trillion, equal to approximately $74.99 billion. That figure was 35.6% higher than the same period last year. First-half sales were equal to about 63% of TSMC’s full-year revenue for 2025. TSMC originally planned the June report for Friday, July 10, but delayed the release after Typhoon Bavi closed financial markets in Taipei.

    AI Chip Orders Support TSMC Sales

    TSMC produces semiconductors designed by other companies and operates the world’s largest dedicated chip foundry business. Its production network gives the company a central role in supplying processors used by AI developers, cloud providers, smartphone makers and computer companies.

    Strong demand for high-performance computing chips has supported recent revenue growth. The brief sales statement did not show how much June revenue came directly from AI-related products. It also gave no product or customer revenue breakdown.

    Additionally, Taiwan plans to expand advanced chip packaging capacity in Chiayi Science Park. TSMC will add two more packaging plants at the site, according to Taiwan’s science and technology minister. The first facility already runs mass production, while officials expect the second facility to begin operations soon. Advanced packaging combines several chip parts for demanding AI computing systems.

    Earnings Report Shifts Focus to Outlook

    TSMC will release its full second-quarter results on Thursday, July 16. The earnings conference starts at 2 p.m. Taiwan time. Analysts expect second-quarter net profit to rise 58.8% from a year earlier, though the monthly sales statement did not include profit, earnings per share or margin figures.

    Investors will watch the company’s third-quarter revenue forecast, gross margin range and capital spending plans. TSMC previously guided for a second-quarter gross margin of 65.5% to 67.5% and an operating margin of 56.5% to 58.5%. Management did not issue updated guidance with the June sales release.

    TSMC’s Taipei-listed shares closed 1% higher on Monday before the sales figures became public. The broader Taiwan market finished the session almost unchanged. The company carried a market value of about $1.96 trillion at the time of the report, making it Asia’s most valuable publicly traded company.

  • Solana (SOL) Price Outlook Brightens as SBI Launches Dedicated Blockchain Venture in Japan

    Solana (SOL) Price Outlook Brightens as SBI Launches Dedicated Blockchain Venture in Japan

    Solana has captured renewed market attention after two prominent analysts projected higher price targets, while Japan’s SBI Group unveiled a new Solana-focused venture. The developments come amid improved on-chain activity and a contrasting slowdown in exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows.

    Analysts Raise Price Targets for Solana

    Crypto trader Ansem predicted that Solana could move toward $150 over the coming months, saying that many on-chain altcoins appear ready for a breakout after extended consolidation. He expects Solana to first reclaim the top of its trading range near $84 before advancing to the $150 target, which would represent an increase of roughly 98% from the current price of about $75.8.

    Analyst Michaël van de Poppe offered a more cautious outlook, identifying $100 as a possible near-term target if key support at $76.6 remains intact. He said that holding that level is crucial for confirming continued upward momentum, and if support holds, Solana could trade above $100 within one to two months.

    On-Chain Data Strengthens Amid Softer ETF Demand

    Despite the technical optimism, on-chain activity has continued to improve. BeInCrypto reported that Solana’s total value locked (TVL) climbed to its highest level since early June, suggesting fresh capital has entered the network. Deposits across Solana-based applications increased, long-term holders accumulated tokens, and active wallet addresses approached yearly highs.

    Meanwhile, both open interest and funding rates declined, indicating that spot demand—rather than leveraged trading—drove recent activity. However, institutional demand painted a different picture. According to SoSoValue data, Solana spot exchange-traded funds recorded their first monthly net outflow in June 2026, totaling about $790,000. July brought some recovery with month-to-date inflows of roughly $3.65 million, but those figures remained far below the $199.21 million recorded during the October launch and the $419.38 million peak in November.

    Broader market risks also continued to weigh on sentiment. Renewed US-Iran tensions and the possibility of higher interest rates created additional uncertainty for cryptocurrency markets.

    SBI Launches Solana-Focused Venture to Boost Japan’s On-Chain Finance

    Separately, SBI announced a partnership that will place the Solana Foundation alongside SBI and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group within SBI R3 Japan. The company plans to rename the business SBI Solana Global after completing required corporate procedures.

    The new venture intends to use Solana as its primary blockchain infrastructure, aiming to connect Japan’s regulated financial system, domestic assets, and legal framework with international blockchain markets. SBI said the platform will support the issuance and distribution of yen stablecoins, including JPYSC, alongside tokenized corporate bonds, commercial paper, investment funds, and real estate products. The company also plans to provide integrated issuance, distribution, and settlement services throughout the on-chain lifecycle of assets.

    Future business areas listed by the partners include cross-border payments, institutional blockchain services, and payment systems for AI agents. However, no launch dates, revenue forecasts, client commitments, or details about regulatory approvals for individual services were provided. This project expands SBI’s broader digital asset strategy, which has previously included a regulated yen stablecoin developed with Startale and the launch of Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin in Japan through SBI VC Trade.

    What’s Next for Solana?

    Solana has attracted renewed attention as analysts project higher price targets while on-chain activity strengthens despite softer ETF demand. Simultaneously, SBI’s expanded commitment to the Solana ecosystem adds another institutional development for the network. Market participants will continue monitoring both adoption trends and broader economic conditions.