Ethereum Is Set To Launch a New Standard for the AI Agent Economy on Mainnet This Week
Ethereum is preparing to roll out a new mainnet standard that could reshape how artificial intelligence systems operate within Web3. The proposed upgrade, known as ERC-8004, is designed to support the emerging AI agent economy by giving autonomous agents a verifiable on-chain identity and reputation system. Developers suggest the launch could happen as early as this week, placing Ethereum at the center of efforts to merge decentralized infrastructure with machine-driven decision-making. The timing is notable. AI agents are already executing trades, analyzing data, and coordinating tasks across platforms. What has been missing is a neutral and trusted way for these agents to recognize and evaluate one another without relying on centralized intermediaries. ERC-8004 aims to close that gap. A Shared Identity Layer for AI Agents ERC-8004 introduces a standardized framework that allows AI agents to verify their credibility across platforms using blockchain-based identity registries. Each agent can maintain a persistent on-chain profile that records its identity and reputation, making its past behavior visible and auditable. This matters because AI-to-AI interactions are becoming more frequent and more valuable. When agents negotiate trades, provide services, or exchange data, trust becomes a technical requirement rather than a social one. With ERC-8004, agents can independently verify who they are interacting with and assess whether that counterparty has a reliable history. Ethereum’s official channels have highlighted that this approach enables AI agents to interact across organizations while keeping credibility consistent everywhere. By anchoring trust to Ethereum’s blockchain, the standard removes the need for centralized gatekeepers that traditionally control identity and reputation systems. Why Ethereum Is Pushing This Now The push for ERC-8004 reflects a broader realization among developers: traditional trust models were built for humans, not machines. As AI systems increasingly act on behalf of users and protocols, those models do not scale. Ethereum developers have positioned the blockchain as a neutral coordination layer. Under the new standard, most computation and interaction remains off-chain to manage costs, while Ethereum serves as the settlement and verification layer. This design allows agents to prove identity and reputation without congesting the network. According to Ethereum’s AI leadership, the network is uniquely suited to secure AI-to-AI interactions because it combines decentralization, transparency, and strong settlement guarantees. ERC-8004 builds on that foundation by offering a common language for AI agents operating in different ecosystems. Implications for DeFi and Autonomous Markets The introduction of a verifiable AI agent standard has direct implications for decentralized finance and on-chain governance. Automated trading strategies, risk assessment tools, and analytics agents could operate with greater autonomy, backed by reputations that other protocols can inspect. Over time, this could lead to decentralized AI service markets where agents compete, cooperate, and transact without human oversight. Analysts are particularly focused on how ERC-8004 might integrate with Ethereum layer-2 networks such as Base, where lower fees make frequent agent interactions more practical. Developers are also exploring how autonomous agents could handle payments and settlements directly, turning them into economic actors rather than passive tools. If successful, this would mark a shift in how value is created and exchanged on-chain. What to Watch After Launch While enthusiasm is high, the real test for ERC-8004 will be adoption. Its impact depends on how quickly developers integrate the standard into live applications and whether meaningful use cases emerge beyond early experiments. Market participants are watching for signs of traction, including the growth of on-chain registries, cross-platform interoperability, and real-world deployments of AI-driven services. If ERC-8004 gains momentum, it could accelerate the formation of open AI markets built on Ethereum’s infrastructure. For now, the upcoming mainnet launch signals Ethereum’s intent to play a long-term role in decentralized AI. By formalizing trust between autonomous agents, the network is laying groundwork for a future where machines transact, cooperate, and compete under transparent, verifiable rules.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino Says the Firm Aims To Allocate 10–15% of Its Portfolio to Gold
Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, is planning a notable shift in how it manages its corporate investments. Speaking to Reuters, CEO Paolo Ardoino revealed that the company intends to allocate between 10% and 15% of its investment portfolio to physical gold, placing the precious metal alongside Bitcoin as a core long-term holding. The move comes at a time when global markets are increasingly shaped by geopolitical tension, concerns over fiat currency stability, and a strong rally in gold prices. While Tether has long emphasized conservative reserve management for its stablecoin operations, Ardoino’s comments highlight a broader strategy for the firm’s own profits and balance sheet. “For our own portfolio, it’s reasonable that we are going to have around 10% in bitcoin and 10% to 15% in gold,” Ardoino said in a video interview with Reuters. Key Takeaways A Growing Bet on Physical Gold Tether’s exposure to gold is not new, but the scale is expanding. The company disclosed that it currently holds about 130 metric tons of physical gold, following the addition of 27 tons in the fourth quarter alone. According to Ardoino, Tether has been buying gold at a pace of roughly two tons per week, underscoring a steady accumulation rather than a one-off purchase. The gold is physically stored in Switzerland, and Ardoino emphasized that Tether intends to maintain direct ownership of the bullion. Unlike some institutional investors that rely on paper gold or exchange-traded products, Tether’s preference for physical custody reflects a desire to minimize counterparty risk. Notably, the company does not operate with a fixed gold-buying target. Instead, decisions around further accumulation are reviewed on a quarterly basis, allowing flexibility in response to market conditions. Gold, Bitcoin, and a Question of Preference Ardoino framed the firm’s allocation to gold and Bitcoin as complementary rather than competitive. While Bitcoin has often been described as “digital gold,” Tether’s strategy suggests it sees value in holding both assets side by side. “It’s hard to decide which one I like the most. It is almost like you have two children and have to decide which one is more beautiful,” Ardoino remarked. This balanced approach stands out at a time when gold has significantly outperformed Bitcoin. Gold prices surged by about 64% last year and have continued to climb this year, repeatedly setting new all-time highs. The rally has been fueled by falling confidence in the U.S. dollar, concerns over central bank independence, and heightened demand for traditional safe-haven assets. In contrast, Bitcoin has lagged behind gold’s momentum, prompting renewed debate among investors about the role of digital assets versus physical stores of value during periods of global stress. Backing Stablecoins With Real Assets Tether’s gold holdings also play a functional role in its product lineup. The company said it purchased large quantities of gold last year to support both its flagship USDT stablecoin and its gold-backed token, XAUT. USDT remains the dominant dollar-pegged stablecoin, with around $186 billion worth of tokens in circulation. XAUT, which is directly backed by physical gold, has a circulating supply valued at roughly $2.7 billion. Each XAUT token represents ownership of a specific amount of gold stored in secure vaults, offering token holders exposure to bullion without direct custody. Tether’s broader reserve strategy for USDT continues to rely heavily on U.S. Treasury bills and other liquid assets. The firm has repeatedly stated that its stablecoins are fully backed, with reserves designed to ensure 1:1 redemptions at all times. A Response to Global Uncertainty Ardoino linked Tether’s growing interest in gold to broader macroeconomic and geopolitical concerns. According to him, the company began buying significant amounts of gold in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued as global tensions intensified. “The world is not in a happy place at this moment. Gold is making all-time highs every single day. Why? Because everyone is scared,” he said. This perspective mirrors a wider trend among institutional investors who are increasing allocations to hard assets as a hedge against inflation, currency debasement, and political risk. Profits, Scale, and Long-Term Strategy Beyond gold and Bitcoin, Tether has been deploying its profits across a diverse range of assets, including U.S. Treasuries, technology investments, and gold royalty firms. Ardoino noted that the company employs around 250 people and expects profitability to remain strong. He said Tether’s profit in 2026 could surpass the estimated $10 billion earned in 2025 and potentially exceed the $13.7 billion recorded in 2024, highlighting the scale of cash flow generated by its stablecoin business. While Ardoino did not disclose the total size of Tether’s investment portfolio, the planned allocation suggests that gold could eventually outweigh Bitcoin in percentage terms. If fully implemented, this would mark a rare example of a major crypto-native company formally prioritizing a traditional asset over digital alternatives. What It Signals for the Crypto Market Tether’s strategy sends a clear signal to the broader crypto industry. Even as blockchain-based assets continue to gain adoption, the company behind the most widely used stablecoin is doubling down on physical reserves and conservative asset management. For stablecoin users, the emphasis on gold and Treasuries reinforces Tether’s message of stability and redemption reliability. For investors, it reflects a pragmatic view of risk—one that acknowledges the appeal of Bitcoin while still leaning on centuries-old stores of value during uncertain times. As markets continue to grapple with economic and political instability, Tether’s growing gold stack may become one of the most closely watched components of its balance sheet.
PrimeXBT Affiliate Program Review: Up to 50% RevShare + 7 Better Alternatives
For many content creators, traders, and influencers, the biggest challenge isn’t just building an audience, it’s finding reliable ways to monetize that audience. While ads and sponsorships can work, they’re not always consistent. That’s why affiliate marketing has become one of the most popular income streams in the crypto and fintech space. Over the past few years, affiliate programs in this industry have grown rapidly. Platforms like Binance, Bybit, and Coinbase now compete to attract marketers with high commissions, fast payouts, and lifetime revenue models. But with so many options, it’s not always clear which program offers the best long-term value. This brings us to the PrimeXBT Affiliate Program, a partnership model that rewards users for bringing new traders to the platform. PrimeXBT is a global trading exchange known for crypto, Forex, commodities, and stock indices, offering leverage and low-cost trading. Its affiliate program promises strong earning potential through up to 50% lifetime revenue share, CPA payouts up to $2,500 per client, and even a multi-tier referral structure that pays you from your network’s referrals. On paper, these are impressive numbers. But here’s the catch: not every program is right for everyone. While PrimeXBT does offer high payouts, there may be better alternatives depending on your niche, audience type, and geographic reach. Some competitors provide lower payout thresholds, more flexible tracking tools, or higher base commissions that could fit your strategy better. In this article, we’ll give you a complete breakdown of the PrimeXBT Affiliate Program, including how it works, payout structures, pros and cons, and who it’s best suited for. We’ll also compare it with proven alternatives so you can decide whether PrimeXBT should be your top choice or if another program might deliver stronger long-term earnings. Key Takeaway What is the PrimeXBT Affiliate Program? The PrimeXBT Affiliate Program is a structured partnership model that allows individuals and businesses to earn commissions by bringing new traders to the PrimeXBT trading platform. Instead of making money only by trading, affiliates can generate income by helping others discover and use PrimeXBT’s services. This makes it an attractive option for content creators, financial bloggers, educators, influencers, and even professional trading communities who want to monetize their audiences. PrimeXBT was founded in 2018 and has since grown into a multi-asset trading platform that supports crypto, Forex, indices, and commodities with leverage. The company is headquartered in Seychelles, with global operations serving traders in over 150 countries. Over the years, it has built credibility by consistently ranking among the top margin trading platforms for retail and professional traders. PrimeXBT emphasizes low trading fees, deep liquidity, and advanced tools, making it a competitive choice in the global trading landscape. The affiliate program is built around a revenue share model and CPA (Cost Per Acquisition) model. Affiliates can earn up to 50% of trading fees generated by their referrals for the lifetime of those accounts. Additionally, CPA options pay a one-time flat rate per qualified referral, which can go as high as $2,500 per client depending on trading volume and region. The PrimeXBT Affiliate Program is best suited for crypto and finance influencers with large audiences, trading educators and analysts who provide guides or signal services, website owners or bloggers in the investing and fintech niche, and professional brokers or introducing partners through the IB program. In general, anyone with an engaged audience interested in crypto, Forex, or leveraged trading can benefit from joining. What sets PrimeXBT apart is its multi-tier structure, meaning affiliates not only earn from their direct referrals but also from the sub-referrals brought in by those users. This creates a potential “network effect” where earnings grow beyond first-level signups. It’s important to distinguish between the affiliate program and the referral (Refer-a-Friend) program. The referral program is more casual, usually offering smaller rewards or bonuses for inviting friends to trade. By contrast, the affiliate program is a professional-level income model, with structured commissions, dashboards, tracking tools, and multi-tier earnings. PrimeXBT’s affiliate program is globally accessible, with only a few regional restrictions due to regulations. Most affiliates from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America can participate, making it a wide-reaching opportunity compared to some exchanges that limit affiliates to specific countries. Unlike some programs listed on large affiliate marketplaces like Impact, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate, PrimeXBT runs its program directly. Affiliates can sign up through the PrimeXBT website, get access to a dedicated affiliate dashboard, and track real-time earnings and referrals. This direct approach ensures better support, quicker updates, and faster payouts. Also Read: Best Trading Platforms For Day Trading in 2026 Program Details Table Metric Details Commission Rate Up to 50% RevShare or CPA up to $2,500 per client Cookie Duration 90 days Payment Frequency Monthly Minimum Payout $100 Payment Methods Bitcoin (BTC), USDT (Tether), Bank Transfer Affiliate Network Direct (via PrimeXBT Partners) Sub-affiliate Commissions Yes – multi-tier (20%, 15%, 10%, 5% across 4 levels) Available Countries 150+ countries (restrictions apply in U.S., Canada, and sanctioned regions) Free to Join Yes Tier System Yes – 4-tier structure for referrals How the PrimeXBT Program Works The PrimeXBT Affiliate Program is built to be beginner-friendly, while still offering powerful tools for professional marketers and brokers. To succeed, it helps to understand exactly how the system works, from applying to monitoring your results. Below is a full breakdown of the process. Application Process (Step-by-Step with Timeline) Getting started with PrimeXBT takes only a few steps: Timeline: In most cases, accounts are approved within 24–72 hours. Some applicants may be asked to provide extra details about their traffic sources or audience before approval. Approval Requirements PrimeXBT keeps its affiliate approval process fairly open, but there are still some important requirements. Affiliates must promote the platform through legitimate traffic sources such as real websites, social media channels, or client networks. Activities like spam, misleading claims, or incentivized traffic are strictly prohibited. The program also enforces jurisdiction checks, meaning applicants from restricted regions like the U.S., Canada, or sanctioned countries are not eligible. While anyone can apply, PrimeXBT
Best Trading Platforms For Day Trading in 2026
Day trading is all about speed, and to stay ahead, you need more than just market know-how, you need the right trading platform. Whether you’re a newbie dipping your toes into the market or a seasoned pro refining your strategies, the platform you choose can be the difference between success and frustration. The best platforms provide real-time data, quick trade execution, low fees, and powerful tools to analyze and act fast. With so many options available, some overflowing with features and others designed for simplicity, how do you choose the right one? Let’s find out. Key Takeaway What is Day Trading? Day trading is a fast-paced trading style where traders buy and sell financial instruments like stocks, forex, crypto, or commodities within the same trading day. The goal is to capitalize on small price movements that happen throughout the day. Unlike long-term investors who hold assets for months or years, day traders close out all positions before the market closes. Think of it like flipping products at a flea market: you buy low in the morning and hope to sell higher before the day ends. Day trading requires a sharp eye, quick decisions, and constant market monitoring. It’s a strategy used by many to generate daily income, and it’s become even more popular thanks to technology, mobile apps, and zero-commission trading. In day trading, seconds matter. The difference between profit and loss can come down to how fast your order gets executed or whether you have the right tools to analyze the market in real time A good day trading platform offers: Platform Best For Stock Option Futures Security features Unique features UEEx fast, high-leverage crypto day trading with automation and copy-trading tools. 1.50% 1.50% 0.05% Distributed cold storage,- Access control with IP and wallet whitelisting,- Proof of Reserve Copy trading, notable privacy feature providing each user with 2000 unique addresses, Native token, UE Coin, boosts functionality through transaction Interactive broker Professional and active traders needing global access, low fees, and advanced tools $0 (Lite)$0.0005–$0.0035 (Pro) $0.15–$0.65 per contract (tiered) $0.25–$0.85 per contract Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)-SIPC protection (up to $500K)- Additional insurance via Lloyd’s of London- Strong encryption and secure login protocols Access to 150+ global markets- IBKR Lite & IBKR Pro account options- Fractional shares (for U.S. clients) Trade station Active traders, options traders, and algorithmic strategy developers $0 $0.60 per contract $1.50 per contract($0.50 for micro e-minis) Encrypted data transfers and secure login credentials EasyLanguage for custom algorithm building- Advanced charting and backtesting tools Robinhood Beginners who want a quick and easy start $0 $0.00 per contract Not supported 2FA + SIPC protection up to $500,000 Instant deposits and commission-free trading in a simple, mobile-first app Webull Tech-savvy beginners and intermediate traders $0 $0.55 per contract (index options) Not supported Biometric login, 2FA, SIPC, Apex Clearing insurance Free advanced charting and paper trading with real-time data Etoro Social traders and crypto-curious beginners $0 for stocks (no leverage) Not supported Not supported SSL encryption, FCA/CySEC regulated, cold wallet storage CopyTrader lets you follow and copy pro traders automatically Zulu Trade Passive traders who prefer automation Varies by connected broker Varies by connected broker Varies Encrypted transactions + regulated broker connections Follower-trader network with automated signal copying Tastytrade Active options traders and strategy testers $0 $1.00 to open, $0 to close $2.50 per contract ($1.50 for micro) SIPC protection + secure account monitoring Options-focused tools with capped fees and custom strategy builders Meta Trade Forex and CFD traders Depends on broker Depends on broker Depends on broker Encrypted client-server communication Expert Advisors (EAs) for custom bots and deep backtesting UEEx: Best for fast, high-leverage crypto day trading with automation and copy trading tools. UEEx is a rapidly growing trading platform designed for fast, high-frequency trading in both crypto and traditional assets. It’s especially popular among traders who want to use leverage, automate strategies, or copy successful traders. With its fast execution speed and user-friendly interface, UEEx is built for day traders who need quick moves, multiple asset options, and flexible tools. Pros Cons Interactive Brokers (IBKR): Best Broker for Professional and Active Traders Interactive Brokers, also known as IBKR, is a top choice for professional day traders. It offers access to over 150 global markets, meaning you can trade stocks, options, forex, futures, and more in one place. They also offer charting tools that allow you to study stocks using different chart styles and indicators. Pro Con Fees (for U.S. users): Also Read: Best Crypto Exchanges in Burundi(2026 Review) Trade Station: Active traders, options traders, and Algorithmic Strategy Developers TradeStation is another top trading platform in professional day trading. Known for its powerful desktop platform and deep customization, it’s perfect for those who want to test strategies, automate trades, or code their own trading systems. Their custom scripting language allows you to create your own indicators, alerts, and automated strategies even if you’re not a programmer. TradeStation supports stocks, options, futures, crypto, and more. It also features EasyLanguage programming, exceptional order execution readily. Pro Cons Fees Robinhood: Best for Beginners who want a quick and easy start Robinhood is a beginner-friendly trading app that helped popularize commission-free stock trading in the U.S. It’s built for simplicity, making it easy for new traders to start buying and selling stocks, ETFs, and options, all from a clean mobile app. It has $0 commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and options, user-friendly mobile and web platform and a Real-time market data and basic research tools Pro Cons Fees Webull: Best For Tech-savvy beginners and intermediate traders Webull is perfect for traders who want to go beyond the basics, but still value a mobile-first experience. Webull allows you to practice your strategies with simulated trades using real-time data. It also gives you the opportunity to trade pre market and after-hours, something many beginner platforms don’t offer. Webull is a great option for day traders with smaller accounts and simpler trading needs. Pro Cons Fees Also Read: Best Crypto Exchanges in Uruguay (2026 Review) EToro:
