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  • ‘SNL U.K.’ Weekend Update Pokes Fun at Trump and Iran’s Mixed Messages About Deal Negotiations: ‘Oh My God, Just Kiss Already!’

    ‘SNL U.K.’ Weekend Update Pokes Fun at Trump and Iran’s Mixed Messages About Deal Negotiations: ‘Oh My God, Just Kiss Already!’

    “SNL U.K.’s” Weekend Update returned in the show’s second week with one-liners about U.S. and Iran’s mixed messages about a deal to end the war, the death of the owner of OnlyFans and more.

    Paddy Young kicked off the show with a zinger about Trump and Iran communicating very different things about a potential deal to end the current conflict.

    “While Trump has been insisting that Iran wants a deal so badly, an Iranian military spokesperson has said, quote, ‘Our first and last word from the very first day has been, is and will remain: Someone like us will never come to terms with someone like you. Not now and not ever,’” Young said, adding: “Oh my God, just kiss already!”

    Later on in the segment, the death of OnlyFans owner Leonid Radvinsky came up. “So gentlemen, when you’re visiting the site this week, lower your penises to half mast,” Young joked. “Beautiful funeral, by the way. Wasn’t a dry tissue in the house.”

    Young and co-anchor Ania Magliano then debuted a new bit titled “hand-in-hand,” where they delivered some good news amidst all the bad. “And now, it seems like the whole world is at war. Russia and Ukraine, the Middle East, Chappell Roan and that tiny girl,” Magliano said. “War. We could just making jokes about it. But first, we just want to check: Are you OK?”

    “This is hand-in-hand with Anya and Pad,” Young said. “We’re here to tell you that it’s going to be OK,” Magliano added, as Young finished her sentence: “Because we’ve got each other.”

    “World War III. Sounds scary, huh? But we’ve already had two,” Magliano continued. “And don’t they say good things come in threes?”

    Carrying on the topic, Magliano pointed out that “if London gets bombed, house prices will drop.”

    “And so will house numbers,” she added. “We’ll all get to live across the two houses that are left. Like in ‘Friends’!”

  • Shinya Tsukamoto Vietnam Veteran Drama ‘Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People?’ Sets Japan Release

    Shinya Tsukamoto Vietnam Veteran Drama ‘Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People?’ Sets Japan Release

    Shinya’s Tsukamoto’s “Mr. Nelson, Did You Kill People?” is headed to Japanese cinemas.

    The film rounds out the Japanese director’s informal trilogy of 20th-century war films, coming after “Fires on the Plain” – which landed in the main competition at the 71st Venice International Film Festival – and “Shadow of Fire.” The project gestated for seven years before reaching the screen.

    Rodney Hicks takes the title role. The actor is known for his involvement with Broadway’s “Rent” from its opening to its closing night run, and for his turn as Uncle Charlie in the Netflix series “Forever.” Triple award-winner Geoffrey Rush – who has taken home Oscar, Emmy and Tony honors over his career – plays VA physician Dr. Daniels, a role that follows celebrated credits including “Shine,” “The King’s Speech” and the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. Tatyana Ali, familiar to audiences from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and the Emmy-winning “Abbott Elementary,” plays Nelson’s wife Linda. The film also marks the screen debut of Mark Merphy, who portrays Nelson as a young man in flashback. Filming took place across the U.S., Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.

    The film is rooted in the real-life account of Allen Nelson, an African American veteran of the Vietnam War who, after returning from combat, went on to give more than 1,200 lectures throughout Japan bearing witness to his wartime experiences. Nelson, who is buried in Japan, spoke candidly about his inner torment as someone who had taken lives during the conflict — the psychological terrain that Tsukamoto has described as “the wounds of those who perpetrated war.”

    The film traces Nelson’s journey from a poverty-stricken childhood in New York through his decision to enlist in the Marines at 18, seeing in military service a path out of discrimination and hardship. After a stint at Camp Hansen in Okinawa, he was dispatched to the Vietnam front lines in 1966. He came home five years later plagued by sleeplessness, hair-trigger fear responses and fractured family ties that ultimately left him living on the streets. Dr. Daniels eventually intervenes in an effort to pull him back from the edge.

    Tsukamoto has said he first came across the original nonfiction book while immersed in research for “Fires on the Plain,” and that it never left him. He described the filmmaking process as a seven-year tug of war between wanting to tell the story and being overwhelmed by its darkness. “In today’s world, where conflicts are raging in various places, I’ve come to feel this reality more acutely than ever,” Tsukamoto said.

    The film is produced and distributed in Japan by Kinoshita Group and Kino Films, the company behind the local release of “Conclave” and the upcoming Japanese rollout of the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” in June.

    Tsukamoto’s body of work stretches back decades, taking in the internationally celebrated body-horror film “Tetsuo: The Iron Man” (1989) and the samurai drama “Killing” (2018), which also competed in Venice’s main section. The Japan release announcement was timed to coincide with National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29.

  • Kim Kardashian’s New Energy Drink Promises No Jitters. Does It Live Up to the Hype?

    Kim Kardashian’s New Energy Drink Promises No Jitters. Does It Live Up to the Hype?

    Close up of Kim KardashianShare on Pinterest
    Kim Kardashian has released a new energy drink with paraxanthine instead of caffeine. Image credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images
    • Kim Kardashian has launched a new energy drink called Update.
    • Instead of caffeine, the drink contains paraxanthine.
    • Paraxanthine is a compound naturally produced by the body when it breaks down caffeine.

    Kim Kardashian has launched a new energy drink called Update, which claims to have zero sugar, zero calories, and zero artificial flavors or colors.

    The drink is also caffeine-free and is powered by paraxanthine, a compound the body naturally produces when it breaks down caffeine.

    The promotional material for Update states that it “delivers smooth, steady energy without the jitters, crashes, or sleep disruption commonly associated with traditional energy drinks.”

    The new drink doesn’t rely solely on paraxanthine for energy. Update contains other ingredients commonly found in energy drinks and supplements, including alpha-GPC, often marketed for cognitive performance, and sucralose, an artificial sweetener.

    “It is important to speak to your healthcare provider about any supplement or energy beverage that you may be considering, even ones that are labeled ‘natural,’” said Jonathan Jennings, MD, board certified internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan.

    “Appropriate dosing is still being investigated, so it is important to follow recommended ingestion amounts,” he told Healthline.

    Avery Zenker, a registered dietitian at MyHealthTeam, said it’s important to prioritize a healthy lifestyle, quality sleep, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental hygiene, rather than rely on energy drinks for a boost.

    Healthline spoke with experts about paraxanthine in Kim Kardashian’s energy drink to learn more about this caffeine-free alternative.

    These interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

    Jennings: Paraxanthine is a breakdown product of caffeine. When you ingest caffeine, it is broken down in the liver into three metabolites that have different impacts on the body.

    Paraxanthine is the predominant breakdown component of caffeine. Theobromine and theophylline are the other metabolites, and [are] associated with the uncomfortable side effects of caffeine such as anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, and rapid heartbeats.

    Zenker: It’s tough to say which is “better” since there are numerous factors to consider. Both caffeine and paraxanthine have their pros and cons.

    Caffeine might be the better choice for some people, while paraxanthine may be optimal for others. There’s more research on the health impacts of caffeine, as well as more anecdotal evidence.

    Caffeine is more widely known due to its popularity in beverages around the world, such as coffee and tea. That said, paraxanthine has some promising emerging research.

    Paraxanthine may have some advantages compared to caffeine, such as equivalent or even stronger energizing effects with [fewer] side effects. More research is needed to determine more conclusive differences between caffeine and paraxanthine.

    Jennings: There are some preclinical studies that suggest that paraxanthine promotes alertness better and for longer periods of time than equal amounts of caffeine.

    Rodent studies have also demonstrated less toxicity at higher doses when compared to caffeine.

    Preliminary data suggest that the elimination of theobromine and theophylline may make paraxanthine more effective, better tolerated, and safer than caffeine.

    Zenker: There’s significantly more data for the health impacts of caffeine than paraxanthine. Both caffeine and paraxanthine are nervous system stimulants, which promote wakefulness.

    Research finds that both compounds produce similar effects on the nervous system, including increased blood pressure and adrenaline. They both block adenosine receptors, which is what makes you feel less tired.

    Caffeine is known to have potential side effects, especially when consumed in excess, such as anxiety and elevated blood pressure, while paraxanthine may have [fewer] side effects. Paraxanthine may have some additional benefits on cognition and nervous system function that caffeine alone doesn’t exhibit.

    Paraxanthine is one of the main compounds that’s created as caffeine is metabolized. Paraxanthine isn’t new, but it’s still not widely used in products as much as caffeine.

    Jennings: L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. There is some evidence that when combined with caffeine, it may enhance cognitive performance, focus, and improve alertness.

    Alpha-glycerylphosphorycholine ( A-GPC) is a compound essential in the production of neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is important for nerve communication and muscle contraction. Supplementation with A-GPC is believed to assist with maintaining choline levels and aid in improving cognition.

    Methylcobalamin is the more bioavailable form of [vitamin] B12, which is essential for the body’s protection of DNA, support of brain cells, and immune functioning. There is data that suggests this form of B12 offers support to the body for longer periods of time.

    Zenker: L-theanine is known for its potential to improve attention and reduce anxiety, particularly when combined with caffeine. It has a calming effect that’s often described as relaxed yet alert. The dose of L-theanine matters, too. When the quantity of L-theanine isn’t listed on the label, it’s possible that it isn’t an effective quantity.

    Alpha-GPC is a form of choline, which is an essential micronutrient involved in nervous system function. It is generally considered safe, but some research has linked high intakes to health risks like increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Side effects at typical doses are uncommon but can include headaches, acid reflux, nausea, or dizziness.

    Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin involved in energy production. Vitamin B12 helps the body convert the calories from food we eat into ATP, the body’s primary energy source.

    It is important for nervous system function, energy production, and red blood cell synthesis. Vitamin B12 is often included in energy drinks at high doses. Vitamin B12 is more likely to lead to noticeable energy increases in people with low B12 but not those with baseline normal levels. Vitamin B12 in energy drinks isn’t known to cause an immediate energy boost, but could improve energy over time in those with baseline low levels.

    Vitamin B12 is water-soluble, so excess intake is excreted through the urine and has a low risk of toxicity.

    Jennings: All the supporting ingredients have preclinical evidence suggesting significant benefits for cognition and alertness compared to caffeine. However, there is a lack of quality outcome-based human clinical trials for paraxanthine and L-theanine.

    Zenker: I’d first consider why you are looking for an energy drink in the first place. Having an energy drink once in a while is fine, but frequent reliance on them may suggest underlying issues to address.

    Energy drinks may make you feel better short term, but they don’t undo the adverse health effects of poor sleep, an imbalanced diet, or lifestyle deficits. Ideally, we don’t need to rely on energy drinks to feel energized.

    If you’re trying a new energy drink, start small. Don’t consume the whole thing quickly before you have time to assess how you feel. Individual tolerance to energy drinks can vary. Read the nutrition facts, ingredient lists, and content of active compounds like caffeine.

    Not all energy drinks are created equal, so if you do choose to consume one, make sure it’s aligned with your health priorities.

  • Austria is pursuing a social media ban for kids under 14

    Austria is the latest country to prepare a social media ban for its children, but it’s going even further than others by including anyone under 14. In a press release, the Austrian government said it has introduced a comprehensive catalogue of measures meant to shield minors from the harms of social media. According to the press release, an official bill will be introduced by the end of June.

    Andreas Babler, a vice chancellor and leader of the Social Democratic Party of Austria, said the government’s efforts would include the new age restriction, improved media literacy and clear rules for social media platforms. Austrian lawmakers didn’t detail what the upcoming rules would be, but the country is likely to follow in the footsteps of many others who have or are pursuing similar bans. While Australia was the first to implement a social media ban for anyone under 16, other European countries like Spain and the UK are also looking into comparable restrictions.

    More recently, Indonesia approved new regulations that would prevent anyone under 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Roblox. Indonesia’s social media ban just went into effect, but the country only specified that the law’s implementation would be carried out gradually until all platforms are in compliance, according to AP.

  • Watch the trailer for Science Saru’s Ghost in the Shell anime series

    A new trailer has given us our best look yet at the upcoming The Ghost in the Shell anime. While it might not tell us all that much about the direction the show will go in plot-wise, it sure is aesthetically pleasing, with a throwback art style that looks a lot more like the original manga than we’ve seen with other adaptations. The series will be released on Prime Video this July.

    The Ghost in the Shell is being produced by Science Saru. The studio hasn’t revealed much about its story, only noting that it’s based on Masamune Shirow’s manga, so it isn’t entirely clear yet how closely it will follow the source material. The franchise has certainly seen its fair share of questionable adaptations over the years. But, this glimpse at the art style seems like a promising indicator. An exact release date hasn’t yet been announced, but July isn’t too far away now.

  • Robert Kiyosaki Highlights Bitcoin Strategy as He Flags Incoming Market Crash Risk

    Robert Kiyosaki Highlights Bitcoin Strategy as He Flags Incoming Market Crash Risk

    Rising concerns over a potential market downturn are reshaping investment strategies, as Robert Kiyosaki highlights a long-term approach focused on assets outside traditional financial systems while positioning for opportunities during a potential crash.

    Kiyosaki Outlines Plan to Get Richer During Market Crash

    Market uncertainty surrounding a potential economic downturn and market crash is leading investors to reconsider portfolio strategies, as Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki outlined his approach on X on March 27. He referenced writings by Edgar Cayce and Nostradamus in discussions of financial turmoil while stressing a move toward nontraditional assets.

    Kiyosaki described a long-standing strategy focused on accumulating and holding assets that cannot be created by monetary authorities. He explained: “Those who have followed me for years already know I do not invest in stocks such as the S&P 500, U.S. bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, or save cash. I do not invest in anything the government, banks, or Wall Street prints.” He further emphasized his positioning around a potential crisis and crash scenario, stating:

    “I love oil… real estate, golf, silver, bitcoin, ethereum, and food production.”

    “I planned to get richer in a crash,” the acclaimed author stated.

    References to Edgar Cayce and Nostradamus are frequently cited in discussions about economic downturns, though their writings do not provide precise modern forecasts. Cayce is associated with anticipating the 1929 crash, while Nostradamus described broad financial distress rather than specific market events.

    Activity in late 2025 reflected a tactical shift in capital allocation, when Kiyosaki disclosed selling approximately $2.25 million worth of bitcoin in November last year, at roughly $90,000 per coin, from an original purchase price near $6,000. He indicated the move was intended to generate additional cash flow, redirecting proceeds into two surgical centers and a billboard business, which he estimated could produce $27,500 in monthly tax-free income.

    Kiyosaki Continues Accumulating Bitcoin and Real Assets

    Recent posts this week indicate a return to accumulation, with the investor stating he is buying rather than selling ahead of a potential 2026 crash. He noted that he continues to hold his initial bitcoin and is adding to crypto holdings using income generated from oil production, cattle operations, and publishing activities.

    The author also detailed his global business operations, including book publishing, distributing the Cashflow board game in more than 50 languages, cattle ventures, oil production in Texas and North Dakota, and managing 1,500 rental units acquired through debt. He stressed:

    “I save real gold, silver, bitcoin, and ethereum.”

    Additional remarks reinforced his preference for tangible and decentralized holdings during periods of financial instability. “Like many of you, I had no money to start with… But just bought small assets, held for years and almost never sold,” Kiyosaki noted. He added: “Most of you know I bought my first 6 bitcoin for $600, all the money I had and did not eat for days.” He reiterated: “I like real. I hate fake.”

    FAQ 🧭

    • Why is Robert Kiyosaki avoiding traditional assets?
      He believes assets tied to central banks lose value during currency expansion.
    • What assets does Kiyosaki prioritize?
      He focuses on real estate, oil, metals, and cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ethereum.
    • How does his strategy handle economic downturn risk?
      It relies on tangible production and long-term holding rather than market timing.
    • What is the key principle behind his investment approach?
      He emphasizes simplicity and accumulation of assets he considers real and scarce.
  • Why Crypto-Backed Mortgages Matter for Expanding Access to Homeownership

    Why Crypto-Backed Mortgages Matter for Expanding Access to Homeownership

    Crypto-backed mortgages gain traction as housing costs strain affordability, positioning digital assets as an alternative pathway to unlock homeownership while reshaping how lenders assess wealth and borrower eligibility.

    Housing Affordability Pressures Drive Crypto Mortgage Innovation

    Growing barriers to homeownership are prompting financial firms to redefine how wealth is evaluated, with Coinbase partnering with Better Home & Finance Holding Company to enable crypto-backed mortgages supported by Fannie Mae that allow borrowers to use bitcoin or $USDC instead of cash for down payments.

    Access constraints stem from structural shifts in housing affordability and borrower qualification standards. According to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Cost of Housing Index (CHI) released in March 2026, a typical family earning the national median income of $104,200 needed 34% of their income to cover the total mortgage payment on a median-priced new home in Q4 2025. For lower-income households earning 50% of the median, these costs reached 67% of their earnings, a level the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) classifies as a severe cost burden. Coinbase stated:

    “This first-of-its-kind mortgage product, offered by Better and powered by Coinbase, expands access to homeownership.”

    Crypto Assets Challenge Traditional Mortgage Barriers

    Traditional lending models prioritize income history, credit profiles, and liquid savings, limiting eligibility to individuals with established capital. Coinbase explained: “Prospective homeowners will soon be able to use bitcoin or $USDC in their Coinbase accounts to fund their cash down payments.”

    For the mortgage product offered by Better and powered by Coinbase, collateral requirements introduce defined thresholds, where bitcoin-backed loans require at least 250% of the fiat down payment value, while $USDC-backed loans require 125%, meaning a $250,000 BTC pledge or $125,000 in $USDC can unlock a $100,000 down payment loan.

    Forced liquidation introduces tradeoffs, including forfeiting potential price appreciation and triggering tax liabilities, which can discourage participation in the housing market. Crypto-backed structures alter that dynamic by converting digital holdings into usable collateral, allowing borrowers to secure financing without selling assets.

    Coinbase concluded:

    “This is a major step forward for crypto’s real-world utility, with this new offering providing the unique benefit of added stability and government backing.”

    By linking crypto collateral to mortgages supported by Fannie Mae, the model expands eligibility beyond conventional profiles while integrating digital assets into regulated housing finance systems.

    FAQ 🧭

    • How do crypto-backed mortgages impact housing demand?
      They may expand buyer pools by unlocking liquidity from digital assets without requiring liquidation.
    • What risks should investors consider in crypto mortgage models?
      Volatility in collateral value and regulatory shifts could affect loan stability and adoption.
    • Why are firms like Coinbase entering mortgage markets?
      They aim to extend crypto utility into real-world finance and capture new lending revenue streams.
    • Could crypto collateral change traditional credit evaluation?
      Yes, it introduces alternative wealth metrics that may reduce reliance on income and credit history.

  • ‘Project Hail Mary’ Author Andy Weir Says Paramount Rejected His ‘Star Trek’ Pitch: Their “Shows Are Sh**”

    The author of Project Hail Mary is firing a photon torpedo at Paramount+’s Star Trek efforts.

    Bestselling writer Andy Weir criticized modern Trek shows while on the Critical Drinker podcast last week, and even revealed he pitched a Trek show that was shot down by Paramount.

    The topic began with the podcast’s host, Will Jordan, saying how refreshing the box office hit Project Hail Mary has been, especially for audiences who grew up on Star Trek and now suffer from “a lack of” such sci-fi efforts nowadays.

    “Yeah, I saw a … I forgot who it was — I wish I could remember who it was who said it, some analyst — he said something like: ‘All modern science fiction TV shows and movies have been heavily influenced by the original Star Trek — except for the current batch of Star Trek shows,’” Weir said.

    Marsden replied, “Yes!” and they both laughed.

    At first, Weir left that comment open to interpretation, but then added, “I’m Gen X, so my sci-fi was like original series Star Trek reruns and Lost in Space reruns. And there wasn’t really much in the way of [new] sci-fi that was airing — where people are off in space doing cool things — until we got to [Star Trek: The Next Generation].”

    Later, Marsden brought up the divisive Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which Paramount+ recently confirmed will end after its already-shot second season.

    “I think we can probably safely never talk about it again,” Marsden quipped.

    “It’s gone baby!” Weir cheerfully agreed. “It’s all gone.”

    Marsden said his advice to Paramount is to de-canonize everything Star Trek from Enterprise onward.

    “Okay, you’re a little more severe than I am,” Weir said. “I’ll give you my opinion and I’m just a consumer. I like Strange New Worlds. I think it’s pretty good. I didn’t hate Enterprise. I thought it was kind of weird. Lower Decks I thought was entertaining and fun. All the others, they can go. And here’s another thing: I pitched a Star Trek show to Paramount and I was in Zoom with the showrunners with all the shows and spent a lot of time talking to [executive producer Alex Kurtzman]. I don’t like a lot of the new Trek. He, as a person, is a really nice guy. But at the same time, those shows are shit. He is a nice guy. But they didn’t accept my pitch so, you know, fuck ’em.”

    The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Paramount for comment.

    Paramount+’s Star Trek efforts are seemingly taking a break in Spacedock. For the first time in many years, there are no current Trek projects in production, though there are two more years of Strange New Worlds left and another season of Starfleet Academy left to air.

    There is also speculation surrounding Alex Kurtzman’s future with the franchise, who has lead Paramount’s Star Trek TV revival. His deal with CBS Studios goes through the end of 2026; Paramount+ is currently in talks with Kurtzman and his Secret Hideout production company about renewing or extending his deal.

    When news of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’s cancellation broke, Kurtzman, alongside EPs Noga Landau and Gaia Violo, released an open letter that addressed some of the criticism surrounding the show.

    The letter reads, “Whether you’re working on Star Trek or part of the marvel that is Star Trek fandom — its very heart, soul, and conscience — the joy comes from adventuring across boundaries of time, space, and the humanly possible in service to [Gene] Roddenberry’s transformative vision of the future. That incomparable vision was fueled by an inexhaustible optimism. Star Trek places its bet on the best in human nature. It dares to imagine a society of ‘infinite diversity in infinite combinations,’ free of war, hate, poverty, disease, and repression, and dedicated to the spirit of scientific inquiry and respect for all life, whether carbon or silicon-based, green-skinned or blue.”

    “But make no mistake: Gene Roddenberry wasn’t some starry-eyed dreamer. He was a decorated Army bomber pilot in the Pacific Theater. He had seen first-hand the grim consequences of the worst of human nature. And his vision of the future wasn’t just a promise of hope. It was also a warning. In a fraught, frightening time of intolerance and violence, Star Trek said: Look! We made it! But just barely. First, we had to put all those ancient scourges behind us. It said that what makes us glorious as a species, and gives us hope for the future and the galaxy is inextricably linked to what makes us dangerous to each other, to this one world we presently inhabit, and to ourselves. That dual message — of hope and of warning — isn’t just a pretty dream but a call to action, to think about who we are in a different way,” the letter continued.

  • Binance OTC Volume Jumps to 25% of 2025 in Early 2026

    Binance OTC Volume Jumps to 25% of 2025 in Early 2026

    Over-the-counter (OTC) trading on Binance has started 2026 with strong momentum. In just January and February, the platform has already reached 25% of its total OTC volume from all of 2025. This sharp rise points to growing interest from large investors. These traders prefer private deals over public exchanges.

    As a result, OTC desks are seeing more activity than before. While this trend suggests the market is entering a new phase. Institutional players are stepping in with bigger trades and longer-term plans.

    Institutional Demand Drives Growth

    According to Binance CEO Richard Teng, demand for deep liquidity is rising fast. He noted that institutions want smooth execution for large trades. They also want to avoid moving prices too much. OTC trading helps solve this problem. It allows buyers and sellers to trade directly.

    In just two months of 2026, we’ve already hit 25% of last year’s total OTC volume.

    The institutional demand for deep liquidity and trusted execution is stronger than ever.https://t.co/qFxZtwj1LV

    — Richard Teng (@_RichardTeng) March 28, 2026

    This reduces slippage and keeps trades more stable. With this, more funds and large investors are choosing OTC desks. They see them as safer and more efficient for big transactions.

    Bitcoin and Stablecoins Take the Lead

    Bitcoin played a major role in Binance’s growth. Its share in OTC trades jumped sharply. In January, it made up just 4.91% of volume. By February, it surged to 45.81%. This shows that institutions are actively building Bitcoin positions. Many see current price levels as a good entry point.

    At the same time, stablecoin-to-crypto trades also increased. These trades more than doubled in one month. Their share rose from 21.43% to 48.95%. This shift highlights a clear trend. Traders are using stablecoins more often to move into crypto positions. It also shows growing trust in stablecoin liquidity.

    Large Trades Show Market Strength

    One standout trade shows how strong Binance OTC execution has become. A $105 million conversion from WBETH to ETH was completed in just two hours. Even more impressive, the trade had very low slippage. It was about 75% better than what regular order books would offer.

    This kind of efficiency attracts big players. It shows that large trades can happen smoothly without major price impact. As a result, OTC desks are becoming key tools for institutions entering crypto markets.

    What This Means for the Market?

    The rapid growth in OTC volume signals a bigger shift. The crypto market is becoming more mature. It is no longer driven only by retail traders. Instead, institutions are now playing a larger role. They bring bigger capital and longer-term strategies.

    Moreover, rising OTC activity on Binance often points to accumulation phases. Large players quietly build positions before major price moves. For now, the data suggests confidence is growing. Institutions are not waiting on the sidelines anymore. They are actively entering the market. But doing it quietly through OTC channels. If this trend continues, it could support stronger price stability. As it may also set the stage for the next major market move.

  • Could You Still Retire with 1,000 XRP Amid Recent Price Crash?

    Discussions around retiring with a 1,000 $XRP investment have re-emerged despite the ongoing market-wide downturn.

    $XRP’s recent price struggles have dampened optimism among investors, particularly those hoping to retire from their $XRP holdings. With the token down 63% from its peak, most investors are focused on recovering losses rather than making profits, as the market faces one of its weakest periods in years.

    Despite this, Jake Claver maintains a long-term bullish outlook, recently arguing that patience and consistent accumulation could still pay off. In his most recent commentary, the $XRP community voice assessed the possibility of retiring with 1,000 $XRP.

    Key Points

    • $XRP currently trades at $1.32, marking a 63% drop from its $3.6 all-time high in July 2025 and a 27.7% decline in Q1 2026.
    • The token would need a 172% increase to return to its previous peak for all existing investors to break even.
    • Jake Claver believes long-term holders who have accumulated $XRP over five to eight years may still see rewards, though newer investors may need more time.
    • He projects that $XRP could reach $1,000 by 2027, depending on several factors, despite his initial 2025 timeline failing to play out.
    • At $1,000 per $XRP, 1,000 tokens would equal $1 million, but Claver believes most investors may need 10,000 tokens to actually retire comfortably.

    $XRP Suffers Market Downturn

    Claver, who serves as the CEO of Digital Ascension Group, made the latest comments during a video presentation amid $XRP’s current turbulence. For context, $XRP is still struggling through a market downturn that has weakened investor confidence.

    Right now, $XRP trades at $1.32, which marks a sharp 63% drop from its all-time high of $3.6 reached in July 2025.

    The token has also fallen 27.7% in Q1 2026 alone, putting it on track for its worst first quarter since 2018, when it dropped 74.81% after reaching a peak. To return to the $3.6 level, $XRP would need to rise by 172%, which would allow all existing investors to recover their losses.

    New $XRP Investors May Need More Patience

    Despite the current situation, Jake Claver still believes in the long-term potential of $XRP. He suggests that even holding 1,000 $XRP could still help investors push toward future financial success.

    He explained that people with less than 1,000 $XRP cannot prepare in the same way as wealthier investors who keep their holdings in cold wallets. To him, those with smaller amounts should stay patient and avoid making rushed decisions.

    He pointed out that many long-term holders have stayed in the market for five to eight years, regularly adding to their holdings through dollar-cost averaging, and putting themselves in a better position over time.

    New Investors Seeing Losses

    Claver then argued that newer investors who bought at higher prices can still do well, but they should expect to wait longer before seeing meaningful returns, especially compared to those who started earlier.

    For context, $XRP has fallen about 53.5% since the downtrend began in Q4 2025, dealing a massive blow to new investors. Specifically, someone who bought 1,000 $XRP in October 2025 at $2.84, spending $2,840, would now have holdings worth $1,320 at the current price of $1.32, indicating a loss of $1,520.

    Claver believes that such investments can still recover over time, but he clarified that this recovery may take a while and will require patience.

    Could You Retire with 1,000 $XRP?

    Claver then presented a very optimistic outlook where $XRP reaches $1,000 per token. In this case, 1,000 $XRP would be worth $1 million, which could change many people’s lives. However, he pointed out that $1 million may not be enough to retire comfortably today, especially for younger people.

    According to him, someone in their 70s might still need around $3 million to $5 million to cover living costs, especially if they live another 20 to 30 years. He added that while being a millionaire meant a lot in the 1990s, today it does not carry the same financial strength.

    As a result, Claver suggested that a more comfortable retirement today may require around $10 million. Based on this suggestion, investors would need to hold 10,000 $XRP if the price reaches $1,000 per token, giving a total value of $10 million.

    New Projected Timeline for $XRP to Hit $1,000

    Claver believes $XRP could reach $1,000 by the end of 2027, and possibly even sooner, such as in 2026, depending on factors like derivatives markets and wider adoption.

    Notably, this comes after he earlier predicted that $XRP would hit $1,000 by the end of 2025, even when it was trading around $2, which meant it would have needed a rise of about 49,900%. The prediction did not come true, as the price dropped instead. He later explained that the expected events that could have supported that rise did not happen.

    In his recent commentary, he noted that if someone holds 10,000 $XRP at $1,000 each, the total $10 million could generate about 5% yearly returns, which equals $500,000 per year. He believes this level of income would allow most people to live comfortably in many parts of the United States.

    However, he noted that expensive areas like California, New York, Las Vegas, and Miami may still require more income, while places like Dallas would allow a more comfortable lifestyle at that level.