Veritas Pharma Inc is a Canada based company focused on the development of proprietary cannabis strains for specific disease conditions. The company's cannabis clinical development pipeline includes chronic and acute pain, nausea and vomiting and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Veritas Pharma

Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH)&nbsp;traded 6.96% lower at $1,970.96 over 24 hours. The Vitalik Buterin co-founded cryptocurrency was in the red 25.32% in a seven-day trailing period.
What Happened: ETH followed the broader&nbsp;trend into a decline as the overall cryptocurrency&nbsp;market capitalization fell 6.27% to $1.33 trillion over 24 hours.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-buy-ethereum/" style="text-decoration-line:none">How To Buy Ethereum (ETH)</a>
The market capitalization of ETH stood at $229.48 billion at press time, a decline of 6.99% over 24 hours. Trading volumes rose 61.56% to $36.70 billion.
ETH is down 54.8% since it touched an all-time high of $4,362.35 last month.
Why It Matters: The latest cryptocurrency rout has been precipitated by a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/06/21658127/why-is-bitcoin-tanking-today" style="text-decoration-line:none">crackdown in China</a> after the country&rsquo;s central bank instructed financial institutions to stop providing trading, clearing, and settlement for cryptocurrency transactions.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/06/21638193/dogecoin-headed-to-5-cents-after-losing-crucial-support-level-and-even-elon-musk-ca" style="text-decoration-line:none">Dogecoin Headed To 5 Cents After Losing Crucial Support Level And Even Elon Musk Can&#39;t Save It, Says Bitcoin Bull</a>
Meanwhile, Barry Silbert-led Digital Currency Group, which owns Grayscale Investments announced plans to purchase $50 million worth of shares of Grayscale Ethereum Classic Trust (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/etcg#OTC">ETCG</a>).
ETC is&nbsp;often viewed&nbsp;as a rival to ETH and the DCG move could be fueling the bearish sentiments further.
Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@zoltantasi?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Zoltan Tasi</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/ethereum?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>
&nbsp;

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

News

Markets

Movers

Trading Ideas

$ETC

$ETH

ETCG

Why Is Ethereum Plunging Today

Cathie Wood on Monday maintained she&rsquo;s not concerned about inflation and rising interests as much as the cracks in the commodity markets, which could pose a bigger risk.
What Happened: The&nbsp;Ark Investment Management CEO&nbsp;said &quot;cracks&quot; in the commodity markets are becoming evident. Wood cites how in the past six weeks lumber prices have dropped more than 46% to $897.90 per thousand board feet while copper prices have dropped roughly 12.78% to $4.16.
&ldquo;We believe oil prices will not be far behind, despite the significant cutbacks in energy-related capital spending, particularly if drivers in the ride-sharing space take advantage of the lower total cost of EV ownership,&rdquo; Wood wrote in a note.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/21/05/21097791/why-cramer-sees-cathie-woods-top-tech-picks-heading-further-lower" style="text-decoration:none">Why Cramer Sees Cathie Wood&#39;s Top Tech Picks Heading Further Lower</a>
Wood said a V-shaped recovery over the past nine months has moved the global equity markets value stocks from growth, adding that she believes fears of inflation and higher interest rates were boosted by rising commodity prices.&nbsp;
&ldquo;While others extrapolated those trends into the future, Ark has maintained that inflation would prove temporary thanks both to the base effects caused by the price collapses last year and to supply chain bottlenecks that will cause double- and triple-ordering of supplies, a massive inventory overhang, and a commodity price collapse,&rdquo; Wood said.
Why It Matters: Mad Money host and former hedge fund manager Jim Cramer had last month warned rising inflation is taking a toll on tech stocks, and tech-heavy investors such as Wood could see more pain in the near future.
He had then suggested investors in technology stocks should either brace up for more pain or cut losses on the next sharp move up as turbo-charged growth stocks are getting hit in the current inflationary environment where bond yields are on the rise as well which in turn makes the future earnings from stocks less attractive.
Ark counts Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsla#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), Teladoc Health (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tdoc#NYSE">TDOC</a>) and Roku Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rok#NASDAQ">ROK</a>) as its largest holdings.
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NUehKZBLBCQ" width="560"></iframe>

Analyst Color

Economics

Analyst Ratings

TDOC

TSLA

Cathie Wood Maintains Inflation To Prove Temporary, Says 'Cracks' In Commodity Markets Evident

Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) co-creator Billy Markus has sparked optimism in the Dogecoin community after he revealed he has purchased the meme cryptocurrency on the dip, for the first time in eight years.
What Happened: Markus, who goes by the username Shibetoshi Nakamato on Twitter, disclosed that he has purchased 2,500 of the Shiba Inu-themed coins, adding that it was the first time he bought any crypto since 2013.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I bought dogecoin after 8 years of vowing never to buy crypto again, an hour ago.
I have checked the price 7 times so far since then. I was up 10% and now it&rsquo;s back to up 3%.
Anyway, this seems healthy.
&mdash; Shibetoshi Nakamoto (@BillyM2k) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyM2k/status/1407168185409757187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>The prices of cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin and apex cryptocurrency <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/is-bitcoin-a-good-investment/">Bitcoin</a> (CRYPTO:BTC), have fallen in recent days amid a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/06/21657974/dogecoin-tanks-28-in-massive-crypto-rout-ethereum-falls-below-2-000-mark">growing crackdown</a> on cryptocurrencies in China. Nevertheless, the purchase of the meme coin by Markus could instill&nbsp;confidence among the Dogecoin community.
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-buy-dogecoin-doge/">How To Buy Dogecoin (DOGE)</a>
Markus urged the Dogecoin community to stay positive, noting that good things will happen to an excited community with active people doing things.
He also advised Dogecoin holders on what they should do and not do when crypto is not considered to be a &ldquo;good store of value&rdquo; thing.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Perfectly appropriate things to do when crypto is doing the not-good-store-of-value thing: 
- hodl 
- buy 
- sell some 
- sell all
Inappropriate things to do: 
- blame devs 
- blame former devs 
- blame elon 
- blame anyone else for the speculative risk you took
&mdash; Shibetoshi Nakamoto (@BillyM2k) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillyM2k/status/1406977018156048389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Why It Matters: Dogecoin has shot to prominence this year, buoyed by endorsements from Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsla#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk and other celebrities. However, the meme cryptocurrency is down 73.2% from the all-time high of $0.7376 it touched in May.
Markus <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/03/20158912/exclusive-dogecoin-creator-says-what-sets-meme-crypto-apart-from-thousands-of-failed-coins">revealed</a><a href="http://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/03/20158912/exclusive-dogecoin-creator-says-what-sets-meme-crypto-apart-from-thousands-of-failed-coins"> earlier this year that he sold off </a>his entire cryptocurrency holdings in 2015 for an amount equivalent to what a used&nbsp;Civic car from Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hmc#NYSE">HMC</a>) would cost at that time.
Price Action: Dogecoin is down 27.4% during the past 24 hours, trading at $0.1954 at press time.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/06/21638193/dogecoin-headed-to-5-cents-after-losing-crucial-support-level-and-even-elon-musk-ca">Dogecoin Headed To 5 Cents After Losing Crucial Support Level And Even Elon Musk Can&#39;t Save It, Says Bitcoin Bull</a>
Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/http_gallery/25494234645">Furtherfield Gallery</a> on Flickr

Long Ideas

$BTC

$DOGE

Dogecoin Co-Creator Buys Into Meme Coin On Dip For First Time In 8 Years, Strikes A Message Of Hope

Carl Nassib, defensive end for Las Vegas Raiders, announced on social media Monday that he was gay.
What Happened: In a video posted on the Twitter account of the National Football League, Nassib said he wanted to &ldquo;take a quick moment to say&rdquo; that he&rsquo;s gay.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest,&rdquo; said Nassib.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m a pretty private person, so I hope you guys know that I&rsquo;m really not doing this for attention.&rdquo;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Raiders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Raiders</a> DE Carl Nassib announced today that he&rsquo;s gay. He also shared he&#39;s donating $100,000 to the <a href="https://twitter.com/TrevorProject?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TrevorProject</a>, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ youth.
The NFL family is proud of you, Carl.&nbsp; <a href="https://t.co/HXbcBuLg2X">pic.twitter.com/HXbcBuLg2X</a>
&mdash; NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1407104118573830144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Why It Matters: Nassib has become the first active player for the NFL to come out as gay, CNN <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/06/21/us/nfl-carl-nassib-gay-spt/index.html" style="text-decoration-line:none">reported</a>.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that the &ldquo;NFL family is proud of Carl for courageously sharing his truth today,&rdquo; as per CNN.
Nassib also announced he was donating $100,000 to The&nbsp;Trevor Project, a crisis intervention and suicide prevention organization that works with LGBTQ youth.
Photo by<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carl_Nassib_(43568056204).jpg"> Erik Drost</a> on Wikimedia

Sports

General

Raiders' Carl Nassib Becomes First Active NFL Player To Be Openly Gay

Boeing Co&rsquo;s (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ba#NYSE">BA</a>) longtime top lobbyist and political strategist Tim Keating has left the company, Reuters reported on Monday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/boeing-says-chief-lobbyist-keating-has-left-company-2021-06-22/" style="text-decoration:none">citing</a> a company memo.
What Happened: Boeing confirmed Keating&#39;s exit and that the planemaker is hunting for a replacement without providing any details on the abrupt exit, the report noted.&nbsp;
Marc Allen, Boeing&#39;s chief strategy officer, would serve as the interim head of government relations while the company looks for a permanent replacement.
Keating helped the U.S. planemaker navigate through its worst-ever crisis after two back-to-back fatal 737 MAX crashes.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/06/21374677/boeing-will-be-flying-as-high-as-300-this-year-lebenthal" style="text-decoration:none">Boeing Will Be Flying As High As $300 This Year: Lebenthal</a>
The planemaker has taken down Keating&rsquo;s biography from the Boeing website on Monday evening, the report said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Why It Matters: Keating joined Boeing in 2008 and was known to be a close aide of former CEO Dennis Muilenburg, as <a href="https://www.defenseone.com/business/2021/06/boeings-top-lobbyist-leaves-company/174854/" style="text-decoration:none">per</a> Defense One, which first reported the news.
Price Action: Boeing shares closed 3.34% higher at $245.28 on Monday.
Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@etien_nl?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Etienne Jong</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/boeing?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>

Management

Media

Boeing Said To Have Lost Its Top Lobbyist In Washington

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/is-bitcoin-a-good-investment/" style="text-decoration-line:none">Bitcoin</a> (CRYPTO: BTC) has tanked over 18.5% over the last seven days and was down over 6% on a 24-hour basis.
What Happened: The apex cryptocurrency traded 6.12% lower at $32,928.97 over 24 hours and was down 18.61% over a seven-day period at press time.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-buy-bitcoin/" style="text-decoration-line:none">How To Buy Bitcoin (BTC)</a>
BTC market capitalization stood at $614.87 billion at press time, a decline of 6.48% over 24 hours. Trading volumes rose 59.23% to $57.62 billion in the same period.
Why Is It Moving?&nbsp;China&rsquo;s central bank, The People&rsquo;s Bank of China, instructed the country&rsquo;s major financial institutions to stop providing trading, clearing and settlement for cryptocurrency transactions, as per a statement, first <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/pboc-says-banks-must-block-crypto-transactions" style="text-decoration-line:none">reported</a> by CoinDesk.
Financial institutions and banks have agreed to fall in line and <a href="https://www.psbc.com/cn/gyyc/zygg/202106/t20210621_103650.html" style="text-decoration-line:none">follow</a> the PBOC&rsquo;s guidelines, noted CoinDesk.
The latest action from China&rsquo;s central bank comes after a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/06/21635080/chinas-cryptocurrency-mining-crackdown-intensifies-spreads-to-sichuan" style="text-decoration-line:none">crackdown by Chinese authorities </a>on mining in the country&rsquo;s Sichuan province, which is a major cryptocurrency mining center.
The environmental concerns related to Bitcoin mining, brought on by&nbsp;Tesla Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsla#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk, also likely continue to contribute to the weakness.&nbsp;
MicroStrategy Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mstr#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) on Monday announced acquiring additional bitcoins, with total holdings now crossing over 105,000 BTC.
Bitcoin&rsquo;s decline is not isolated, other cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) have also tanked, with Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) falling below the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/06/21657974/dogecoin-tanks-28-in-massive-crypto-rout-ethereum-falls-below-2-000-mark" style="text-decoration-line:none">psychologically important $2,000 mark.</a>
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/06/21560924/dogecoin-bear-barry-silbert-says-99-of-cryptocurrencies-are-overpriced" style="text-decoration-line:none">Dogecoin Bear Barry Silbert Says 99% Of Cryptocurrencies Are Overpriced</a>

MSTR

Why Is Bitcoin Tanking Today?

Major cryptocurrencies slumped Monday night with the rout denting global cryptocurrency market capitalization by 14.5% to $1.27 trillion.
What Happened: The apex cryptocurrency, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/is-bitcoin-a-good-investment/" style="text-decoration-line:none">Bitcoin</a> (CRYPTO: BTC), traded 7.6% lower at $32,578.56 over 24 hours at press time. BTC is down 18.81% over a seven-day trailing period.
Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) traded 11.65% lower at $1,945.41 over 24 hours. ETH was in the red 25.23% for the week.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-buy-ethereum/" style="text-decoration-line:none">How To Buy Ethereum (ETH)</a>
Dogecoin (DOGE) was down 27.9% at $0.196 at press time. The Shiba Inu-themed coin has plunged 40.08% over seven days.
XRP (CRYPTO: XRP), Polkadot (CRYPTO: DOT), and Cardano (ADA) also traded in the red at press time over 24 hours. XRP was down 16.48% at $0.62, DOT fell 19.6% to $16.19, and ADA traded 13.22% lower at $1.22.
There were virtually no gainers over 24 hours with the Ethereum-based stablecoin Dai (CRYPTO: DAI) the only coin trading in the green, up a measly 0.03% at $1, as per CoinMarketCap data.
Why It Matters: Most major cryptocurrencies have sharply reversed course since they hit their all-time highs. BTC is down 49.68% from an all-time high of $64,863.10, ETH has fallen 55.47% since it hit $4,362.35 last month, and DOGE has slumped a massive 73.37% from the heady highs of $0.74 in May.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/06/21638137/you-can-now-buy-bitcoin-dogecoin-ethereum-alongside-apples-oranges-at-h-e-bs-houston-store" style="text-decoration-line:none">You Can Now Buy Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum Alongside Apples, Oranges At H-E-B&#39;s Houston Stores</a>
On-chain activity across the board is &ldquo;remarkably low&rdquo; across both Bitcoin and Ethereum, as per Glassnode.
According to Glassnode, the total transfer volume is touching levels seen in 2021 and early 2021. Bitcoin active addresses fell 24% from a sustained peak of 1.16 million from March to early May. Current active addresses number 884,000, a level since the same time last year.&nbsp;
The fall in Ethereum active addresses is even greater at 30%. The current activity of 474,000 active addresses/day was last seen in the quarter ended March.
The on-chain data analytics firm also pointed to multiple regions enforcing bans on the industry in China.
&ldquo;As the Chinese mining industry comes to grips with the logistical challenges of relocating, migrating or selling their hardware and facilities, some are likely to liquidate a portion of their accumulated BTC treasuries,&rdquo; as per Glassnode.
On Monday, Pseudonymous analyst Tyler Durden claimed on social media that Dogecoin was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/21/06/21638193/dogecoin-headed-to-5-cents-after-losing-crucial-support-level-and-even-elon-musk-ca" style="text-decoration-line:none">headed to $0.05 levels</a> and even Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsla#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk couldn&rsquo;t save the meme coin.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/06/21582185/bitcoin-bull-michael-saylor-on-ethereum-altcoins-says-there-is-place-for-everybody" style="text-decoration-line:none">Bitcoin Bull Michael Saylor On Ethereum, Altcoins Says &#39;There Is Place For Everybody&#39;</a>

$ADA

$DAI

$DOT

$XRP

Dogecoin Tanks 28% In Massive Crypto Rout, Ethereum Falls Below $2,000 Mark

Tesla Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsla#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) CEO Elon Musk on Monday reiterated plans to hold an AI Day in about a month aimed to provide a boost to its recruiting plans.&nbsp;
What Happened: The AI day this year will go over the progress with &ldquo;Tesla software &amp; hardware&rdquo; for training and inference with the purpose of recruiting, Musk tweeted.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In general, anyone interested in working on physical-word AI problems, should consider joining Tesla. Fastest path to deploying your ideas irl.
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1407040628530294791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>The electric vehicle maker holds themed events&nbsp;from time to time that reveal details on its progress and plans for the future.&nbsp;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/06/21581470/elon-musk-says-new-hvac-firmware-coming-soon-in-tesla-evs-that-will-be-quieter" style="text-decoration:none">Elon Musk Says New HVAC Firmware Coming &#39;Soon&#39; In Tesla EVs And Will Be &#39;Quieter&#39;</a>
Why It Matters: Musk has been teasing the AI day on Twitter. In January, replying to a tweet seeking information about Tesla&#39;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/20/08/17123002/elon-musk-looks-for-ai-experts-as-tesla-develops-dojo-supercomputer" style="text-decoration:none">Dojo supercomputer</a>, a computer expected to help train Tesla&#39;s self-driving software, Musk had hinted plans to reveal more later in the year.
In April, he gave a more firm timeline of &ldquo;July&rdquo; for AI Day. Artificial Intelligence is key to Musk&rsquo;s full self-driving goals and the company has been vocal about <a href="https://www.tesla.com/autopilotAI" style="text-decoration:none">hiring</a> in the area of hardware, neural networks, autonomy algorithms, coding and evaluation.&nbsp;
The Palo Alto, California-based company had a total of 70,757 employees as of 2020-end.
Price Action: Tesla shares closed 0.40% lower at $620/83 on Monday.
Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/electric-vehicles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here&nbsp;</a>to check out Benzinga&#39;s EV Hub for the latest electric vehicles news.

Events

Tech

Elon Musk Says Tesla AI Day Planned For July; Recruiting On Agenda

e-commerce platform company ContextLogic Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wish#NASDAQ">WISH</a>), better known as Wish,&nbsp;is seeing the highest interest on Reddit&rsquo;s r/WallStreetBets forum as the stock surged on Monday.
What Happened: Wish has emerged as the most-discussed stock on the forum with 1,710 mentions, during the last 24 hours at press time, data from Quiver Quantitative showed.
Exchange-traded fund SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/spy#NYSE">SPY</a>) was a distant second with 724 mentions, followed by renewable natural gas company Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/clne#NASDAQ">CLNE</a>) with 601 mentions.
The other stocks that are trending on the forum include movie theatre chain AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/amc#NYSE">AMC</a>), Canada-based tech giant BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bb#NYSE">BB</a>), videogame retailer GameStop Corp. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gme#NYSE">GME</a>), oil and gas producer Torchlight Energy Resources Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/trch#NASDAQ">TRCH</a>) and medical insurance technology company Clover Health Investments Corp. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/clov#NASDAQ">CLOV</a>).
Meanwhile, steelmaker Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/clf#NYSE">CLF</a>) and software company Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pltr#NYSE">PLTR</a>) saw a drop in mentions and do not feature among the ten most-discussed stocks.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/21/06/21648047/why-contextlogic-stock-is-trading-higher-today">Why ContextLogic Stock Is Trading Higher Today</a>
Why It Matters: Wish continues to be a favorite with retail investors as they discuss price targets, while SPDR S&amp;P 500 shares experienced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options/21/06/21647687/unusual-options-activity-insight-spdr-s-p-500">unusual options activity</a> on Monday.
Torchlight Energy&rsquo;s shares surged on Monday after it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/small-cap/21/06/21641662/why-torchlight-stock-is-blazing-higher-today">announced</a> an agreement to extend the date to close its business combination with Metamaterial Inc. (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mmatf#OTC">MMATF</a>) to June 30.
Price Action: Wish shares closed 18.4% higher in Monday&rsquo;s regular trading session at $13.50 and further rose almost 2.9% in the after-hours session to $13.89.
SPDR S&amp;P 500 shares closed 1.4% higher in the regular trading session at $420.86 and edged up less than 0.1% in the after-hours session to $421.21.
Clean Energy Fuels shares closed almost 4.6% lower in the regular trading session at $11.24.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options/21/06/21648184/the-spy-flies-higher-options-traders-look-the-other-way">The SPY Flies Higher, Options Traders Look The Other Way</a>

Small Cap

CLNE

CLOV

MMATF

PLTR

TRCH

WISH

Wish Sees Extremely-High WallStreetBets Interest As Stock Surges; Clean Energy Fuels, AMC, BlackBerry Other Top Trends

What A Welcome US Equity Market Pullback! Fading Emotion.

Life is rarely predictable, and things are always changing around us. Whether you&rsquo;ve moved several times in your life or have always stayed in the same place, there&rsquo;s no telling what the next chapter contains. In the near future, many Americans will wrap up their lives in one state and move to another. This might be due to a transfer, a family issue, or any other reason why moving is the best option.
Most Americans are on the move in the search for a better life. In fact, there&rsquo;s a lot of data on what states people are leaving behind and which states they&rsquo;re moving to. Work seems to be the topmost reason for this move, though the quality of life and opportunities in certain states are also major factors. With recent events instilling the importance of family in our mindsets, it&rsquo;s no surprise that more Americans are also relocating to be closer to their loved ones.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Are you curious about which states people are leaving and which states they&rsquo;re moving to? Perhaps, you&rsquo;re confused about your own next move? Let&rsquo;s check out some of the top examples to clear things up.&nbsp;
10 States That People Are Leaving
Here are 10 states that people are looking to move out of:&nbsp;
1. New Jersey
We might have heard a lot of great aspects of New Jersey: the people are friendly, it&rsquo;s known as the Garden State, and the location is a convenient one. However, it&rsquo;s now also one of the states with the highest taxes, so outbound moves were recently estimated at a whopping 69.5 percent. In fact, New Jersey has been the topmost state for outbound moves for at least three years running.&nbsp;
The most common reason for such moves in 2020 was retirement. Next on the list was to be closer to relatives. Taxes are also a major reason, though the price of everything seems to have gone up. This includes decent education, groceries, tolls, etc.&nbsp;
2. New York
A tiny studio apartment in the heart of New York might be a glamorous aim, but the rent you pay for it is abysmal. The cost of living in New York is the fifth highest in the country, and the prices just seem to be increasing steadily with time. With all these factors, it&rsquo;s no surprise that outbound moves from these states are around 66.9 percent.
3. Illinois
The downtown skyline in Chicago, Illinois may be one of the most iconic sights in the state. Unfortunately, this doesn&rsquo;t make up for the economic trouble of many residents there. The outbound moves from Illinois are around 66.4 percent, a percentage which is slowly going up.&nbsp;
Illinois voters may have rejected the ballot to increase the income tax rate, but there are so many other issues to consider. Education costs are driving up overall taxes, so those who want something more reasonable are looking to move out from Illinois.&nbsp;
4. Connecticut
If you are or ever have been a resident of Connecticut, you&rsquo;d know that the cost of living is sky-high these days. When an average worker gets their paycheck, a huge chunk of it is lost to daily expenses. With savings becoming so difficult to maintain, 63.5 percent of moves in Connecticut are headed out of the state.&nbsp;
Data also shows that the utilities, housing, and even retirement is a huge expense here. The seaside might be a nice touch, but most people are looking elsewhere for proper jobs and a secure retirement plan.&nbsp;
5. California
All that sunshine, glitz, and glamor might make California seem like a great place to live. With outbound moves at 58.7 percent now, though, this state is among the top ten that people leave behind. Gorgeous sunsets, balmy breezes, and all those palm trees can&rsquo;t make up for the fact that the appeal has worn off.&nbsp;
While you do have the promise of exciting job opportunities in Silicon Valley and Hollywood in California, you&rsquo;re also in the third most costly area in the whole United States. Many residents on their way out agree that the high mortgage prices, rent rates, and gas prices are just too much to handle. Years-long droughts, power outages, high taxes, fire risks, and low insurance coverage are just other factors that are driving people out.&nbsp;
6. Kansas
There are several reasons why the outbound moves are at 58.6 percent for Kansas state. In a nutshell, it seems like people aren&rsquo;t able to reach their full earning potential in this area.&nbsp;
Around half of these outbound moves were aimed at looking for work elsewhere. The rest moved for the sake of returning, being closer to family, and perhaps, a faster-paced life. While the cost of living is quite low in Kansas (fourth-lowest in the country), the local culture lacks oomph and excitement.&nbsp;
7. North Dakota
North Dakota is known for its open spaces and parks, but they&rsquo;re probably getting emptier now. With the outbound moves estimated at around 56.7 percent, it seems like folks are getting a bit bored in this state. More than half of the moves were due to better job opportunities. While it might not be hard to get a job in North Dakota, these might not be the jobs that young people are looking for. This is one of the reasons they&rsquo;re trying out other jobs that match their skills and interests.&nbsp;
8. Massachusetts
This state has a lot of history; we have the Mayflower, Harvard, and so much more. Unfortunately, the affordability is simply not there. The outbound moves here are about 56.6 percent, mostly due to the premium you have to pay just to survive.&nbsp;
Most of the expenses stem from the lack of housing here. Construction is expensive, and certain rules make it so that luxury housing is more common than affordable options.&nbsp;
9. Ohio
There might be songs about what a cozy place Ohio is to live, but they&rsquo;re probably quite dated now. Outbound moves are at 56.1 percent here due to multiple reasons.&nbsp;
For one, the unemployment rate is too high for comfort. Wages are a bit below the national average, while the unpredictable weather has made it difficult to plan for the future. There&rsquo;s very little pleasant weather to enjoy, with extreme temperatures, either way, driving up the energy bills.&nbsp;
10. Maryland
Outbound moves in Maryland are about 55 percent, with the main culprit being expensive housing. Retiring so near the sea might seem attractive, but the more practical decision is to move elsewhere for your golden years. Around half the folks leaving Maryland are above 55. The cost of daily living is simply too high for those on a limited income.&nbsp;
10 States People Are Moving to
If you&rsquo;re wondering why people are snapping up homes, or even&nbsp;<a href="https://cedarspringsme.com/homes-for-sale/">mobile homes for sale</a>, they&rsquo;re probably on the move to the following states:&nbsp;
1. Idaho
Also sometimes called the Gem State, Idaho seems to be the place for families to settle and raise their kids. Inbound moves are currently at around 70.1 percent, which is the highest one in the country for 2020 at least.&nbsp;
The reasons behind these moves are fairly straightforward. This state has a flourishing job market, coupled with a relatively low cost of daily living. It&rsquo;s a practically tempting location for those who want to have a career in IT but don&rsquo;t want to deal with the high costs of major tech hubs like Silicon Valley in California.&nbsp;
Overall, Idaho is also a place where you can know your kids&rsquo; teachers as well as the bus drivers. The friendly environment, quality education, and a feeling of community is what attract family folks the most.&nbsp;
2. South Carolina
Again, the low cost of living is one of the biggest draws to this state. Inbound moves are at 64 percent for now. The nice weather is also a great attraction as is the peaceful lifestyle and interesting landscape.&nbsp;
Since this place is a bit more laid-back, it&rsquo;s more of a destination for retirees. Plus, the low prices also mean that one&rsquo;s income gets stronger even if it doesn&#39;t get higher.&nbsp;
3. Oregon
There are now many tech spots to rival California, and Oregon is one of them. Additionally, it has a lovely natural landscape to offer, with trees, rivers, and vegetation. There&rsquo;s no lack of jobs in the tech industry here, causing inbound moves to be at 62.5 percent. Hillsboro, Portland, and their general area are known as the Silicon Forest to some, which tells you a lot about the job opportunities.&nbsp;
4. South Dakota
North Dakota might be out, but South Dakota is definitely in this time. With inbound moves at 62.3 percent, the Mount Rushmore state might see a surge in its tiny population quite soon.&nbsp;
People who crave more of the outdoors are flocking to the area. There&rsquo;s hardly any smog, and you can catch the distinctive smell of fields on an everyday basis. Red sunsets, gorgeous sunrises, clear night skies, and other sights make this a haven for many folks. However, do make sure you have a proper job before settling down in this state.&nbsp;
5. Arizona
Retirees are moving to this state at a rapid pace, making the inbound moves rise to 61.6 percent. The area gets sun the whole year round, and the cost of living is fairly low. Plus, you&rsquo;re close enough to the Grand Canyon to take the grandkids on a fun trip!
In fact, some say that Arizona can be great for any kind of lifestyle. There are artist-friendly communities, ranches, and urban areas for those who like them.
6. North Carolina
North Carolina has inbound moves at 60.2 percent, with the main reason being the delightful low real estate prices. Overall, most people can get a great home on a largish plot at just a fraction of the usual cost for metro areas. The scenery is also nothing to sneeze at, though you will have to prepare for hurricane season.
7. Tennessee
If you&rsquo;re a fan of nature and don&rsquo;t like paying income tax, this state is the one to go for. The inbound moves at 60 percent here, mostly due to the low taxes. Property taxes are already low, while there&rsquo;s simply no income tax at all. Be warned, however; sales taxes are still&nbsp; very much a thing here. Plus, cities such as Memphis do have a crime problem.&nbsp;
8. Alabama
When you&rsquo;re a doctor or lawyer, Alabama is among the best choices in the United States. Inbound moves are 59.7 percent, so other people are also getting the same idea. The cost of living is fairly low, and you&rsquo;d have a lot of automatic respect due to your profession.&nbsp;
9. Florida
For those who love summer vacation, moving to Florida should be in the books. The inbound moves are an estimated 59.6 percent, which means that you could be enjoying your retirement there right now. Warm weather, beaches, palm trees, and other temptations await!
If you mean to keep working, however, tie-down a job before moving to this state. The tourism industry was the backbone of the economy here, but the coronavirus pandemic turned that sector on its head. There are a lot of unemployment claims around, so make sure you&rsquo;re covered.&nbsp;
10. Wyoming
With inbound moves at 58 percent, Wyoming promises several national parks, scenic landscapes, and a low population density. Overall, it&rsquo;s a haven for nature lovers as well as entrepreneurs. Registering a business is easy and cheap, with no individual income tax to hamper your style.&nbsp;
The Takeaway
Leaving your home state and settling down elsewhere is a big decision. However, the attractions in certain states and the problems in others are not easy to ignore. If you&rsquo;re considering a move at some point, make sure you&rsquo;re doing it for the right reasons. A bit of research will tell you a lot about what each state has to offer. With the right information in hand, you&rsquo;d hopefully be able to achieve that ideal lifestyle very soon!

Top 10 States People Are Moving To And Leaving From

We often say the bond market tends to lead us into good or bad situations. After all, bond traders are so paranoid about losing money or buying power they could have predicted seven of the last two recessions (sarcasm). Yet, following the tracks of bond players tends to be a winning formula, it&#39;s the timing that is often a bit out of sync with the markets.
<div>
<div>Flash to the Fed meeting last week, the statement and press conference that followed basically told us what they have been saying months about inflation being transitory, but with one slight change. The committee started talking about recent inflation trends and perhaps setting a stop on accommodative policy.&nbsp;We expected that discussion sooner or later, but we could have looked to the bond market for better clarity than even the Fed provided.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>You see, if inflation were a real problem the bond vigilantes would be out in droves selling bonds like there was no tomorrow.&nbsp;But that has not been happening, rather the opposite. Bond BUYING has been sharp and vigorous over the last month, with yields falling again.&nbsp;What happened to all the talk of the 10-year&nbsp;bond reaching 2% or more? The Fed has been seeking 2% or higher inflation for an extended period, perhaps twelve months or more.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>That seems to be asking a lot, but certainly we see that strong trends in price action reflected in CPI and PPI data. If that is that case, then what gives? Shouldn&#39;t we see a drop in bond prices rather than a pickup? That&#39;s the rub here, and the bond market seems to believe the Fed in that inflation trends are not blowing in the wind currently. &nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The yield curve is flattening more and more with the spread of 2/10 bond yields at its lowest level since February and still falling.&nbsp;Simply put the bond market is reflecting little inflation in the economy and growth prospects are dimming for 2022 and beyond.&nbsp;Certainly not what the Fed has been looking for, so market conditions may stay the same for the foreseeable future.</div>
</div>

The Fed Is More Hawkish - Now What?

According to <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/4f8044bf-8f0f-46b4-9fb7-6d0eba723017">Intertrust&rsquo;s latest survey</a>, 98% of CFOs say their hedge funds would look to invest up to 7.2% of their assets in <a href="https://www.valuewalk.com/2020/01/gold-versus-bitcoin/">cryptocurrencies</a> by 2026, and such percentage would account for around $312 billion if replicated across the business. However, faced with regulatory obscurity and reputational risk, how can hedge funds wring the juice out of the crypto world?
Hedge Funds Expect to Invest More in Cryptocurrency
It is no secret that hedge fund managers are overflowing with intent, especially in the U.S., where 17% of surveyed CFOs openly stated that they expect to have up to 10.6% of their assets in cryptocurrencies in the next five years &ndash;namely Bitcoin with 10%.
Last May, the talk on Wall Street was that JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jpm#NYSE">JPM</a>) would launch an actively managed investment fund based on Bitcoins this summer, with a strong interest in offering its clients secure access to Bitcoin investments, hence backing up Intertrust&rsquo;s survey findings.
The wave is getting bigger, as payment methods such as Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal accept cryptocurrencies. Also financial entities such as Morgan Stanley (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ms#NYSE">MS</a>), BlackRock (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/blk#NYSE">BLK</a>), or Fidelity already market investment funds and ETFs on crypto assets.
Putting the Toe in Dark Water
What is more interesting, is that some traditional fund managers even went to capitalize on the Bitcoin&nbsp;(CRYPTO:BTC)&nbsp;price boom last year. Billionaire investor Paul Tudor Jones II, of Tudor Investment Corporation, revealed that he owns a small percentage of Bitcoin, while pioneer Stan Druckenmiller followed suit by stating that he invested in the benchmark cryptocurrency to dampen the risk of U.S. inflation &ndash;which hit an all-time record in May.
&ldquo;I like Bitcoin as a portfolio diversifier. Everybody asks me what should I do with my Bitcoin? The only thing I know for certain, I want 5% in gold, 5% in Bitcoin, 5% in cash, 5% in commodities. At this point in time, I don&rsquo;t know what I want to do with the other 80% until I see what the Fed is going to do,&rdquo; Jones told <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/14/tudor-jones-likes-bitcoin-calls-it-a-great-portfolio-diversifier-to-protect-his-wealth-over-time.html">CNBC</a>.
However, some in the EU remain coy. Jaime Mart&iacute;nez, Asset Allocation Global Director at Spanish giant BBVA (CRYPTO:BBVA)&nbsp;AM, told <a href="https://www.eleconomista.es/mercados-cotizaciones/noticias/11233590/05/21/Las-grandes-gestoras-espanolas-rechazan-invertir-en-criptomonedas.html">El Economista</a>: &ldquo;In 10 years it will be much more normal (&hellip;) Today, we are not going to complicate our clients with things that we do not control well. Another thing is that in Switzerland access is given to whoever wants to do it, it is different. We are not planning to make movements in that sense at the moment.&rdquo;
Still, James Delaney, director of government affairs at the Association Investment Management Association, told <a href="https://www.hedgeweek.com/2021/06/15/301891/arbitrage-strategies-boost-crypto-hedge-funds-regulatory-headaches-remain">Barclays</a> that around 90% of hedge funds investing in digital assets aim to roll out more capital into the asset class by the end of 2021, while nearly 25% of hedge fund managers still yet to invest are at least in the late-stage planning to invest or looking to invest.
Hazy Regulation to Straddle
Delaney goes on to assert that removing or easing the barriers spawned from regulatory uncertainty would help encourage wary market participants to engage more decidedly with the crypto sector. Similarly, Anthony Tu-Sekine, head of blockchain and cryptocurrency group at Seward &amp; Kissel, opines that the regulatory landscape in the US at the moment is &ldquo;something of a mixed bag.&rdquo;
&ldquo;In the crypto mainstream, if you have investments in Bitcoin and Ether&nbsp;(CRYPTO:USDT), I don&rsquo;t think there&rsquo;s a huge danger that regulators will change the mind on their existing guidance with respect to those assets,&rdquo; he says.
The problem lies, however, in the more obscure crypto assets, as Tu-Sekine believes there is &ldquo;significant regulatory risk as market authorities continue to play catch-up on the fringe elements.&rdquo; He adds that the regulatory response by the Biden administration remains &ldquo;somewhat in flux.&rdquo;
According to Steven D&#39;Mello, partner at Albourne Partners, who took part in Barclays&#39; recent DigitalAssetsLIVE event, &ldquo;Managers should be proactively sweeping assets off-exchange, to protect against some of that regulatory risk that exchanges face.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Managers that have to self-custody assets where perhaps there&rsquo;s no custody solution available should be aware of the SEC custody rule in the requirements, and what it means to potentially not meet them,&rdquo; he concludes.

Hedge Funds: Putting The Toe In Dark Cryptocurrency Waters

<img alt="Fintech Header" src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/2786381/hubfs/Fintech%20Header.png?upscale=true&amp;width=800&amp;upscale=true&amp;name=Fintech%20Header.png" />
Quote To Start The Day: &quot;When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.&rdquo;
Source: <a href="https://www.wow4u.com/quotationsauthor/?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">Paulo Coelho</a>
One Big Thing In Fintech: Uphold, a fintech providing investors single-wallet access to cryptocurrencies, fractional U.S. equities, commodities, carbon credits and FX, last week formally announced the launch of smart limit orders.
As part of the development, Benzinga chatted with CEO JP Thieriot.
Source: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/06/21620286/fintech-spotlight-meet-uphold-a-more-versatile-home-for-your-finances?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">Benzinga</a>
<img src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/2786381/hubfs/giphy-Jun-21-2021-11-29-46-48-PM.gif?upscale=true&amp;width=800&amp;upscale=true&amp;name=giphy-Jun-21-2021-11-29-46-48-PM.gif" />
Other Key Fintech Developments:
<ul>
<li>Kredivo <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kredivo-closes-an-additional-us100m-warehouse-financing-facility-with-victory-park-capital-expanding-the-total-facility-to-us200m-301315073.html?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">secures</a> $100M in financing.</li>
<li>Tiger Global wills to <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/18/tiger-global-in-talks-to-back-bharatpe-at-2-5-billion-valuation/?tpcc=nltermsheet&amp;utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">back</a> BharatPe.</li>
<li>Mexico is a <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/375254?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">hub</a> of fintech startups.</li>
<li>Fintech Blend <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/fintech-company-blend-labs-files-for-ipo-2021-06-21?siteid=rss&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20marketwatch%2Fmarketpulse%20%28MarketWatch.com%20-%20MarketPulse%29&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_source=feedburner&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">filed</a> for a public offer.</li>
<li>BBVA looking to <a href="https://www.thetradenews.com/bbva-looks-to-grow-quantitative-business-with-alpima-platform/?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">grow</a> with ALPIMA.</li>
<li>Nascar driver getting <a href="https://fortune.com/2021/06/21/nascar-landon-cassill-paid-in-crypto-bitcoin-litecoin-voyager/?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">paid</a> in crypto.</li>
<li>PBOC <a href="https://www.theblockcrypto.com/post/109098/pboc-orders-chinese-banks-to-cut-off-accounts-for-crypto-otc-merchants-reiterating-2017-banking-ban?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">cracks</a> down on crypto trade.</li>
<li>Tesseract <a href="https://www.theblockcrypto.com/post/108779/finnish-crypto-lender-tesseract-25-million-investment?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">added</a> a $25M Series A.</li>
<li>EU&rsquo;s data protection <a href="https://www.theblockcrypto.com/linked/109180/eu-data-protection-body-says-digital-euro-designs-must-prioritize-privacy?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">targets</a> privacy.</li>
<li><a href="https://thehustle.co/%F0%9F%92%B2-is-shopify-a-fintech-company/?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">Analysis</a>: Could Shopify be a fintech?</li>
<li>Blocktrace is <a href="https://www.theblockcrypto.com/post/108869/blockchain-analytics-firm-creates-api-that-pools-data-from-elliptic-ciphertrace?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">launching</a> Fusion API.</li>
<li>Morgan Stanley <a href="https://www.theblockcrypto.com/post/109113/morgan-stanley-invests-blockchain-securitize?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">co-leading</a> a round.</li>
<li>Goldman <a href="https://www.marketsmedia.com/goldman-sachs-launches-transaction-banking-in-uk/?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">intros</a> transaction banking.</li>
<li>BBVA taps Alpima to <a href="https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/88179/bbva-selects-alpima-to-scale-up-quants-business?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">scale</a> quants.</li>
<li>Aveni <a href="https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/88175/edinburgh-fintech-seals-seven-figure-investment-to-launch-ai-tool-for-vulnerable-customers?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">secures</a> an AI tech investment.</li>
<li>Fintech startup Volt <a href="https://pitchbook.com/newsletter/fintech-startup-volt-collects-235m?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">collects</a> $23.5M.</li>
<li>Morgan Stanley <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-21/morgan-stanley-backs-blockchain-with-investment-in-securitize?sref=TBDibEcD&amp;utm_content=article-5838&amp;utm_campaign=article_email&amp;utm_source=sg&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">backing</a> Securitize.</li>
<li>Amber Group has <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/currencies/news/amber-group-bitcoin-crypto-startup-investment-tiger-global-coinbase-2021-6-1030538186?utm_content=article-5838&amp;utm_campaign=article_email&amp;utm_source=sg&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">hit</a> $1B valuation.</li>
<li>Digital asset trade venues are <a href="https://www.marketsmedia.com/digital-asset-trading-venues-on-the-rise/?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">rising</a>.</li>
<li>AI tech to <a href="https://www.marketsmedia.com/ai-to-cut-settlement-failures-in-securities-services/?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">cut</a> into settlement failure.</li>
<li>Fintech startup Mfast <a href="https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/companies/fintech-startup-mfast-raises-1-5-mln-4297406.html?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">raises</a> $1.5M.</li>
<li>Insurance companies <a href="https://gomedici.com/fintech-investments-by-top-insurance-companies?__s=qrhns7ismi8vpdeora7d&amp;utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">target</a> fintech.</li>
<li>Expensify <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210621005119/en/Expensify.org-Pays-People-to-Get-Vaccinated-as-an-Extension-of-Their-Grocery-Reimbursement-Program?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">paying</a> you to get vaccine.</li>
<li>MoneyLion <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/moneylion-adds-accomplished-media-and-tech-executives--matt-derella-lisa-gersh-michael-paull--to-its-board-of-directors-301316060.html?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">adds</a> to team executives.</li>
<li>Revolut <a href="https://finledger.com/2021/06/21/fintech-app-revolut-doubles-losses-but-increases-revenue-57/?utm_campaign=Newsletter%20-%20Daily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsmi=135265719&amp;utm_content=135265719&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">doubles</a> loss, adds revenue.</li>
<li>Bitcoin IRA <a href="https://apnews.com/press-release/pr-newswire/bitcoin-business-technology-19aad2dd5f3c4d9663e06c4cb1eae0d9?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">releases</a> first crypto IRA.</li>
<li>DataRails <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/datarails-extends-series-a-funding-round-with-additional-25m-for-a-total-of-43-5m-301316378.html?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">extended</a> Series A round.</li>
</ul>
Watch Out For This: Overall, the most common reason why someone would buy directly from a company was that it was simply the cheaper option; customers don&rsquo;t need to make up for the additional transportation and handling costs that are tacked on to items being sold in large retail outlets.
Source: <a href="https://couponfollow.com/research/direct-to-consumer-everything?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">Coupon Follow</a>
<img src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/2786381/hubfs/giphy%20(1)-Jun-21-2021-11-29-45-45-PM.gif?upscale=true&amp;width=800&amp;upscale=true&amp;name=giphy%20(1)-Jun-21-2021-11-29-45-45-PM.gif" />
Interesting Reads:
<ul>
<li>Jeep Grand Wagoneer <a href="https://jalopnik.com/the-2022-jeep-grand-wagoneers-fuel-economy-is-predictab-1847141861?utm_source=jalopnik_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=2021-06-21&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">gets</a> 15 mpg.</li>
<li>Investors <a href="https://www.axios.com/investors-2021-fear-labor-growth-inflation-e1124941-eff3-4b95-a200-98cd9fa320a3.html?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">fear</a> inflation, labor supply.</li>
<li>Airlines, unions to intro <a href="https://www.axios.com/unruly-passengers-airlines-doj-d431bdc9-7a07-45ba-932c-a31e74b7108d.html?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">prosecution</a>.</li>
<li>California is <a href="https://www.axios.com/california-unpaid-rent-eviction-covid-738781aa-9e61-4dd5-b9fa-be773f29a5f1.html?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">paying</a> off accrued rents.</li>
<li>US <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-extends-travel-restrictions-canada-mexico-land-borders-through-july-21-2021-06-20/?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">extends</a> border travel restrictions.</li>
<li>China&rsquo;s progress over trade <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-21/china-s-progress-on-u-s-trade-deal-slows-again-in-may?sref=TBDibEcD&amp;utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">slowing</a>.</li>
<li>148-year-old tunnel a big <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2021/06/18/amtrak-maryland-baltimore-rail-tunnel/?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">bottleneck</a>.</li>
</ul>
Market Moving Headline: We remain constructive on U.S. stocks as the economic restart gains pace. Yet as the cycle evolves, investors will increasingly divert their attention toward the potential party spoilers. A chief concern is inflation, and whether the rising prices seen in some pockets of the economy are transitory or the first signs of an enduring new regime. We expect fears of inflation will be enough to stoke volatility in stocks, even amid Fed assurances of continued accommodation. Similarly, tax policy may become a volatility trigger as lawmakers debate the proposals.
Economically sensitive cyclical stocks have had a very strong run year-to-date. We don&rsquo;t think their full potential is exhausted, but we do see an opportunity to also turn attention to quality stocks as the cycle&rsquo;s next beneficiaries.
Source: <a href="https://www.blackrock.com/us/individual/insights/taking-stock-quarterly-outlook?utm_campaign=Fintech%20-%20BZ%20Fintech%20Daily%20Beat&amp;utm_source=hs_email&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4dDxHWhxZU7p2xRI26LdgE7ywF41NIt5eY_4C7Kd1fOy0DXyqVR1KxO_YjtZDuStb72AQ">BlackRock</a>
<img src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/2786381/hubfs/giphy%20(2)-Jun-21-2021-11-29-26-44-PM.gif?upscale=true&amp;width=800&amp;upscale=true&amp;name=giphy%20(2)-Jun-21-2021-11-29-26-44-PM.gif" />

Fintech news covering the emerging Financial Technology services sector

Fintech

Fintech Focus For June 22, 2021

You don&rsquo;t need a substantial amount of capital to invest in high-quality real estate assets that provide passive income.
REITs offer a means for virtually anyone to become a real estate investor, and these three make it even easier with a price tag of less than $10 per share, and dividend yields above 5%.&nbsp;
<h2>Bluerock Residential Growth REIT (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/brg#NYSE">BRG</a>)</h2>
Bluerock is a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/residential-reits/">residential REIT</a> that invests in multifamily properties in markets with some of the highest population and job growth in the country. The stock price also offers one of the best values among apartment REITs with a P/FFO multiple of around 14x.
Bluerock is also one of the highest dividend residential REITs with a 6.88% yield.
Want to learn more about investing in REITs? See <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-invest-reits/">How to Invest in REITs</a>
<h2>Annaly Capital Management (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nly#NYSE">NLY</a>)</h2>
Annaly is the largest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mortgage-reits/">mortgage REIT</a> in terms of market cap and is sitting on over $85 billion in assets. The company primarily invests in agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS), meaning the majority of their portfolio is guaranteed by the Federal Government.
If you have the appetite for the risks that come with mortgage REITs, Annaly is worth taking a look at with its 9.7% dividend yield.&nbsp;
<h2>Whitestone REIT (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wsr#NYSE">WSR</a>)</h2>
Whitestone is a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/retail-reits/">retail REIT</a> that invests in community-centered shopping centers. The REIT has a diverse tenant base of businesses providing daily necessities and needed services, making it more protected against e-commerce than many other retail REITs. The company targets opportunistic acquisitions with significant upside in U.S. markets that are experiencing the highest population growth.
The company also pays a monthly dividend and has a yield of 5.32%.

REIT

Dividends

Real Estate

3 High Dividend REIT Stocks Under $10

One of the most dynamic MLB players this season has been Shohei Ohtani.
Playing as both a pitcher and hitter, Ohtani is accomplishing feats not seen for decades in the league. The Angels star recently homered in three straight games, which could have rewarded sports bettors quite well.
Ohtani Stats: In the 2021 season, Ohtani is batting .272 with 54 RBIs and 23 home runs. Ohtani ranks second in the AL in slugging percentage, total bases and also ranks third in RBIs.
Ohtani also has a 3-1 record in 10 games as the starting pitcher with an ERA of 2.70 and WHIP of 1.16 along with 73 strikeouts in 53 innings pitched.
With his 23 home runs, Ohtani is tied for first in the AL and also leads the league with a 10.4 at-bats per home run ratio.
In a recent series with the Detroit Tigers, Ohtani dominated hitting four home runs in three games. This included hitting home runs in three straight games on June 18, June 19 and June 20.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/21/06/21412160/double-your-money-if-shohei-ohtani-wins-the-american-league-mvp?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+benzinga+%28Benzinga+News+Feed%29">Double Your Money If Shohei Ohtani Wins The American League MVP&nbsp;</a>
Betting $100 on Home Runs: A popular bet on Ohtani with his home run lead is betting on him to hit a home run in games.
Wagering $100 on Ohtani to hit a home run on June 18, paid out a profit of $300 at +300 odds. Betting $100 paid a profit of $225 on June 19. Betting $100 on a home run from Ohtani paid a profit of $350 on June 20.
Those three $100 bets paid out a profit of $875.
Bettors could also have let their profits ride and roll it into a continued bet on Ohtani to hit more home runs.
After getting a profit of $300 from the $100 bet on June 18, bettors could have placed all $400 on Ohtani to hit a home run on June 19. That bet would have paid out a profit of $900 and $1,000 total. Taking that $1,000 into the June 20 bet of Ohtani hitting a home run paid out a profit of $3,500 good for $3,600 total.
A $100 bet on Ohtani to hit a home run in three straight games with the winnings put into the next matchup turned the $100 into $3,600.
Photo credit:&nbsp;<a href="https://flickr.com/photos/13813081@N06/41944510991">hj_west, Flickr</a>

If You Bet $100 On Shohei Ohtani To Hit A HR In 3 Straight Games, Here's What Your Payout Would've Been

Shares of Globalstar (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gsat#NYSE">GSAT</a>) traded up more than 17% on Monday after B. Riley&nbsp;initiated coverage&nbsp;with a Buy rating&nbsp;with a price target of $3.25.
Globalstar operates a low-Earth orbit satellite constellation network. The satellites are used for phone communications and low-speed data communications.
If shares do hit B. Riley&#39;s price target, investors who get in today will be able to collect more than 100% gain. The 52-week high for the stock is $2.98 a share, with a 52-week low of $0.29 a share.
&quot;Globalstar and its sponsors, after years of development, support, and patience, are at long last starting to realize a return on satellite system and spectrum assets, making 2021 an excellent time, in our opinion, to buy GSAT,&quot; according to Riley analyst Mike Crawford.
Globalstar&#39;s stock is up more than 300% throughout the last six months, as demand for mobile data has increased. The company has had impressive growth numbers, and the stock looks to be a good value.
Shares closed up 17% at $1.51.

Penny Stocks

Price Target

Initiation

GSAT

Why Globalstar's Stock Surged 17% Today

Victoria Vaughan (Arsenova)&nbsp;is a former CEO of Cointelegraph, who was in charge of growing the brand from a very small brand to a worldwide company.
How It All Started
Victoria had never heard about cryptocurrency before 2012. Not a lot of people did. She was working at a tech startup at the time, and part of her job included attending international conferences.
During one of the events, she was approached by a tech geek who tried to explain to her what this whole &ldquo;crypto thing&rdquo; is and why it&rsquo;s going to &ldquo;be the new money.&rdquo;
Victoria admits that she didn&rsquo;t really understand the concept at the time but was intrigued.
And in 2013, when Bitcoin was only $125,&nbsp;she accepted an offer to work at a startup that looked like a blog and had ambitious plans to become a crypto publication.
<img alt="" src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/2021/June/21/cointel.jpeg" style="height:215px; width:565px" />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Image: Cointelegraph
&ldquo;It was just a couple of people, and we would publish two articles a week,&rdquo; Victoria says.
&ldquo;There was no clear understanding of how we&rsquo;re going to build a media company, but we were eager to build an international brand.&rdquo;
And she started with hiring people.
Growing The Team
&ldquo;The entire process of finding the right people was painful. You had to choose either someone who knows about crypto but might not have the right skill set for the job, or someone who has experience in their respective skills and taught them about the cryptocurrency world.&rdquo;
From that point, the publication started growing slowly but surely.
But it&rsquo;s not all about the growth from the editorial side, it is also about the strategy, the management, and the reputation.
&ldquo;We&nbsp;already had a couple of players in the game who were doing well, and we needed to figure out how we can be different, and of course, how to make money.&rdquo;
<img alt="" src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/2021/June/21/cointelegraph.jpeg" style="height:376px; width:565px" />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Image: Cointelegraph
The idea behind famous Cointelegraph cartoon images was to make every reader feel comfortable with such a complicated industry &ndash; from institutional investors to traders and to someone who&rsquo;s just learning about the space.
&ldquo;We didn&rsquo;t want to be perceived as too dry or soulless, or complicated, so we came up with a creative solution.&ldquo;
Later on, the images became a part of brand recognition worldwide.
The Strategy That Worked
As for the numbers part, Victoria shared that, in her experience, building the right sales system and advertising offers, as well as operational strategy, is essential.
&ldquo;We would adjust our offerings to the market demand, but we also understood that we have to offer something that other publications didn&rsquo;t.&rdquo;
So Victoria came up with a plan.
&ldquo;In 2013-2014, the industry had a number of websites managed by enthusiasts, while we&rsquo;re good at building products, but not at monetizing. We partnered with such platforms as CoinMarketCap, Whattomine, Coingecko, and several others.&rdquo;
&ldquo;We bought out all the advertising places there possibly is&nbsp;and thus, have had the largest advertising share in the industry. One of our partnership requirements was placing news &ndash;&ndash;our traffic by more than 200%, and the revenue by more than 300%.&rdquo;
In 2017-2018, when BTC fluctuated as high as $19,000 skyrocketing from $900, the interest in being advertised outside the industry websites grew, and the Cointelegraph team expanded the sales plan accordingly.
&quot;We have made a number of partnerships with media platforms, such as Investing.com, VentureBeat, The Next Web, Bloomberg, and several others, and were able to offer sponsored content placement on a big number of publications. This strategy had a great success and drove our revenues significantly.&rdquo;
<img alt="" src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/2021/June/21/2021-06-21_16.32.36.jpg" style="height:210px; width:565px" />
Victoria speaking at an international conference, 2018. Image: Personal photo of Victoria
Volatility&nbsp;
The worst part of the volatile crypto market is not only losing money if you don&rsquo;t get out of your positions at the right time, it&rsquo;s also managing people and budgets.
&ldquo;Early on, we tried to balance between hiring a lot of people and spending huge amounts of money during peak, or bull, market, and suffering the consequences of losing money and firing people when &lsquo;crypto winters,&rsquo; a period when prices plummet and do not grow for a significant amount of time,&nbsp;would come,&rdquo; the former CEO remembers.
&ldquo;With time, we learned how to operate our business right: We would coordinate earnings and spendings to ensure we could survive when the peak interest passes. And we would hire people that the business really needed despite how much profit we would make.&rdquo;
Overall, Victoria says, the team has grown from just a couple of people to more than 100 employees worldwide.
Stagnant Success
&ldquo;We grew from what was about 0 views to 15 million unique visitors in a matter of three years. And from what was two articles per week, we started publishing over 20 materials a day.&rdquo;
But the growth beyond the cryptocurrency industry seemed stagnant.
In 2017, the crypto industry was certainly more recognized and known than in 2014, but major corporations and institutions remained skeptical to sets their foot in the game.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We analyzed the market and came to a decision that expanding the business and building presence in countries around the world might help break the stigma around the industry.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Starting&nbsp;with just a few countries, like Japan, Spain, and Italy, the team was trying&nbsp;this&nbsp;theory out.&rdquo;
While building an international presence, Cointelegraph&nbsp;decided&nbsp;to scale through local partners.
&ldquo;We launched a franchise program and were looking for partners with experience in running media businesses and wanted to enter the crypto space. From our side, we provided brand recognition, whereas the local partners would bring their resources. This strategy&nbsp;worked very well.&quot;
<img alt="" src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/2021/June/21/screen_shot_2021-06-21_at_6.13.57_pm.png" style="height:264px; width:565px" />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Image: Cointelegraph China
&ldquo;It took us a couple of years to make it right, and we were finally able to report to our readers in nine more languages &ndash;&ndash; Arabic, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Turkish.&rdquo;
And, according to Victoria, this decision also reflected well on sales and profits.
The Price Of Working In Crypto
Working in the cryptocurrency industry is no easy job for everyone. But for a news outlet, it is something of a nightmare. You have to be on alert all the time. The markets don&rsquo;t sleep, and neither do you.
&ldquo;Endless hours &ndash;&ndash; it takes its toll on you,&rdquo; Victoria admits.
And for someone who runs a company and makes crucial decisions every day, it becomes critical to keep your mind in shape.
&ldquo;I enjoy horse riding in my very limited free time. It helps me feel closer to nature and free my mind,&rdquo; Victoria shared. &ldquo;And going to the spa, having a massage, is always a good idea.&rdquo;
Victoria shared that despite all the challenges she had been through, she is very to have been a part of Cointelegraph&#39;s journey.
&quot;Look back at how we started, I am tremendously proud of what we were able to achieve in several years.&nbsp;We&#39;ve had a fantastic team that helped the publication and achieved significant goals. I am grateful I had a chance to be a part of this fantastic team.&quot;
&nbsp;
*Victoria has joined the blockchain space in 2013 and was a CEO at Cointelegraph for over four&nbsp;years, bringing the company to top positions on the market.&nbsp;She has also contributed to the success of such well-known brands as Bitcoin.com Exchange, Scalable Solutions, and many others.

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From Doubts And Struggles To International Recognition: Building One The Biggest Crypto Publications In The World

One of the great debates in Major League Baseball is when a pitcher delivers an exceptional season, do they deserve to win the Most Valuable Player award in addition to the Cy Young Award? It is one of the rarer accomplishments in baseball and only the most historic seasons are even given consideration.
Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets&nbsp;is having one of those seasons right now.
Through 11 starts, his ERA is 0.54, an incomprehensible number for a starting pitcher. Since 1950, the lowest ERA posted by a qualified starting pitcher over the course of a season was 1.12 by Bob Gibson in 1968.
DeGrom is having an all-time great season, but is it enough to win the MVP award? He is currently the favorite at +185 according to Draftkings Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dkng#NASDAQ">DKNG</a>), but it is rare for pitchers to win baseball&rsquo;s highest honor.
Since the Cy Young Award was introduced in 1956, only 11 pitchers have won the MVP award. For context, 130 MVP awards have been given out since then, meaning a pitcher has won less than 10% of the time.
Before the Cy Young Award, 14 pitchers won MVP, so it was still a rare accomplishment.
DeGrom&rsquo;s numbers are eye-popping. Since opening the season at +4000 to win the MVP, deGrom has taken the league by storm. He has driven in more runs &mdash; six &mdash; as a hitter than allowed on the mound, which is four.
His 14.9 strikeouts per nine innings are by far the most in the league. When he won the Cy Young Award in 2018 and 2019, he posted ERA&rsquo;s of 1.70 and 2.43.
He had the best ERA in the major leagues in 2018 and finished 5th in MVP voting.
In the past 20 years, only Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander have won the MVP as pitchers. Both had incredible seasons, but also played key roles on contending teams.
For a pitcher to win the award, they need to be on winning squads. Fortunately for deGrom, the Mets are in first place in the NL East and are on track to easily reach the playoffs.
He is also the heavy favorite to win the Cy Young award at -305. In the MVP race, Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres&nbsp;has the second-best odds at +250 while Ronald Acuna Jr.&nbsp;of the Atlanta Braves is the only other player better than +2500 at +450. Both players are having excellent seasons, but nothing near as historic as deGrom.
A stint on the injured list has prevented deGrom from reaching qualified status so far, meaning he is not atop many statistical leaderboards. He will soon reach the minimum number of innings pitched and will take command of the ERA category, among many others.
Should deGrom win the MVP award in the National League, he would become just the 25th pitcher to do so and the 12th in the Cy Young era.
Below are the other 11 winners and some key stats to compare to deGrom&rsquo;s:
Clayton Kershaw, 2014 
1.77 ERA, 21-3 record
Justin Verlander, 2011 
2.40 ERA, 24-5 record
Dennis Eckersley, 1992 
1.91 ERA, 51 saves
Roger Clemens, 1986 
2.48 ERA, 24-4 record
Willie Hernandez, 1984 
1.92 ERA, 32 saves, 80 games pitched
Rollie Fingers, 1981 
1.04 ERA, 32 saves
Vida Blue, 1971 
1.82 ERA, 24-8 record, 312 innings pitched
Denny McLain, 1968 
1.96 ERA, 31-6 record
Bob Gibson, 1968 
1.12 ERA, 22-9 record
Sandy Koufax, 1963 
1.88 ERA, 25-5 record
Don Newcombe, 1956 
3.06 ERA, 27-7 record, 18 complete games
Photo: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/slgc/47150054212">slgckgc, Flickr</a>

DKNG

Will Jacob deGrom's Incredible Season Be Enough To Be Named NL MVP And Cy Young Award Winner?

The week of June 21 is setting up to be one of the busiest IPO weeks in some time with more than dozen companies that could go public with listings.
Here is a look at some of the biggest IPOs of the week with the details investors should know.
Unicycle Therapeutics: Biotech company Unicycle Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/uncy#NASDAQ">UNCY</a>) is <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1766140/000121390021031134/ea142218-s1a1_unicycive.htm">focused </a>on preventing chronic kidney diseases. The company has two drugs licensed from Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sppi#NASDAQ">SPPI</a>). The company plans to sell 2.6 million shares at a price point of $8.50 to $10.50.
Full Truck Alliance: The world&rsquo;s largest digital freight platform Full Truck Alliance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1838413/000119312521190972/d260023df1a.htm">plans </a>to sell 82.5 million ADS at a price point of $17 to $19.
The company makes logistics better for powering China&rsquo;s transportation and infrastructure. The company operates in more than 300 cities in China, the world&rsquo;s largest road transportation market at $951.5 billion in 2020.
Full Truck Alliance represented 20% of all heavy-duty and medium-duty trucking fulfilled orders in 2020 for China.
The company said it is in the early stages of monetization with several fee-based programs rolled out in late 2020. The company had revenue of $395.5 million in 2020 and $132.9 million in the first quarter of 2021.&nbsp;
The company plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange as &quot;YMM.&quot;
First Advantage Corporation: A global provider of services like criminal backgrounds, drug screens, work verification, data analytics and social media monitoring is set to go <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1210677/000119312521189386/d147929ds1a.htm">public</a>. First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fa#NASDAQ">FA</a>) had more than&nbsp;30,000 customers in 2020 and performed more than 75 million screens.
The company counts five of the top ten private sector employers, 55% of the Fortune 100 and one-third of the Fortune 500 as customers. The company is seeking to sell 21.3 million shares at a price point of $13 to $15. Workday Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wday#NASDAQ">WDAY</a>) will own 5.8% of the company after the offering.
Sprinklr: Counting around 50% of the Fortune 100 as customers, Sprinklr, Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cxm#NYSE">CXM</a>) <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1569345/000119312521189523/d58050ds1a.htm">empowers </a>large brands to make their customers happier. The company had 69 customers that represented 12 month revenue of $1 million or more. Fiscal 2021 revenue of $386.9 million was up 19% year-over-year.
The company uses artificial intelligence to make predictions for its partners every day.
Sprinklr is planning to sell 19 million shares at a price point of $18 to $20.
Soulgate: Virtual social playground Soulgate&nbsp;is <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1832879/000119312521193127/d109555df1a.htm">planning </a>to sell 13.2 million ADS at a price point of $13 to $15. The company powers a metaverse for younger generations with a large Gen Z user base.
Soulgate had 33.2 million MAUs in 2020, up 109% year-over-year. The company had 9.1 million DAU as of March, up from 5.9 million at the end of 2020. The company&rsquo;s users known as &ldquo;Soulers&rdquo; spend an average of 40 minutes daily on the platform. It plans to list on Nasdaq under the ticker &quot;SSR.&quot;
Bright Health Group Inc: Healthcare company Bright Health Group Inc&nbsp;is <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1671284/000110465921081209/tm217793-13_s1a.htm">planning </a>on selling 60 million shares at a price point of $20 to $23. The company operates in 99 markets across 13 states and works with more than 200,000 providers and over 600,000 members. The company&rsquo;s revenue was $1.2 billion in 2020 and $874.6 million in the first quarter of 2021. It is planning to list on the NYSE&nbsp;as &quot;BHG.&quot;
Related Link:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/06/21555942/ipo-preview-walkme-atai-life-sciences-highlight-week-of-many-offerings"> IPO Preview: WalkMe, Atai Life Sciences Highlight Week Of Many Offerings</a>
Doximity: Digital medical professional platform company Doximity Inc <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1516513/000162828021012207/doximity-sx1a1.htm">plans </a>to sell 23.3 million shares at a price point of $20 to $23.
The company helps physicians be more productive and provide better care for patients. Doximity is used by 80% of all U.S. physicians. The company is used by 20 of the top 20 pharmaceutical manufacturers and 20 of the top 20 hospitals in the U.S.
Revenue for the company was $116 million in 2020.
Miromatrix Medical: Life sciences company Miromatrix Medical&nbsp;is <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1527096/000110465921081710/tm2111005-11_s1a.htm">working </a>on technology to bioengineer fully transplantable human organs with a mission to eliminate the organ transplant waiting list which has more than&nbsp;114,000 people in the U.S. Miromatrix has collaborations with Mayo Clinic, Mount Sinai and the Texas Heart Institute.
The company is working on plans for liver and kidney bioengineered organs initially. Investors in Miromatrix include Baxter International Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bax#NYSE">BAX</a>) at 17%, Davita Inc (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dva#NYSE">DVA</a>) at 15.2% and CareDx Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cdna#NASDAQ">CDNA</a>) at 5.7%. The company plans to list on Nasdaq as &quot;MIRO.&quot;
Confluent: Data infrastructure company Confluent Inc is <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1699838/000119312521191615/d63025ds1a.htm">seeking </a>to sell 23 million shares at a price point of $29 to $33.
The company helps more than 2,500 customers with omnichannel solutions, real-time inventory management solutions and other items. The company&rsquo;s revenue was $236.6 million in 2020 and $77.0 million in the first quarter of 2021.
Sixty of the company&rsquo;s customers represent $1 million annually and 560 customers represent $100,000 in revenue annually.
Mister Car Wash: The nation&rsquo;s largest car wash brand is<a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1853513/000119312521192606/d117644ds1a.htm"> going public</a> with and&nbsp;IPO.
The company had 344 locations in 21 states as of the end of March. In the last twelve months ending March, the company washed 59.6 million cars and had revenue of $595 million. The company&rsquo;s 1.4 million unlimited wash club members represent 62% of sales. Same-store sales for the company have averaged 7% over the last 11 years.
It plans to list on the NYSE as &quot;MCW.&quot;
(Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@romaindancre?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Romain Dancre</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/signimg-documents?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>)

IPOs

CDNA

SPPI

UNCY

WDAY

IPO Preview: Full Truck Alliance, Sprinklr, Mister Car Wash, Soulgate Lead Busy Week Of 10+ Offerings

Veritas Pharma in a definitive agreement to acquire Indigenous Bloom Hemp

VRTHF

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 28, 2020) - &#160;Veritas Pharma Inc. (CSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VRT#CSE">VRT</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VRTHF#OTC">VRTHF</a>) (FSE: 2VP) ("Veritas" or the "Company") wishes to announces that it has entered into debt settlement agreements with directors and officers to settle debt in the amount of $94,750 by the issuance of 1,263,333 common shares at a deemed price of $0.075 per share. The shares will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of issuance. About Veritas PharmaVeritas has developed some intellectual property relating to various cannabis strains. It is the Company's aim to advance the science behind medical cannabis, by developing the most effective cannabis-based treatments for specific disease conditions and to acquire income-producing assets in the cannabis industry. The Company's mission is to commercialize its proprietary cannabis products. In addition, Veritas aims to utilize its expertise to enter into mergers and acquisitions with various cannabis industry participants in order to generate revenue by the end of 2020.Veritas Pharma Inc. is a publicly traded company in Canada, on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker VRT; in the United States, on the OTC under the ticker VRTHF; and in Germany, on the Frankfurt exchange under the ticker 2VP. For more information, please visit our website: <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/QWpacGwa">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a>On behalf of the Board of DirectorsPeter McFadden Interim Chief Executive Officer &#38; CFOFurther information about the Company is available on our website at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/mMxVUGOK">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a> or under our profile on SEDAR at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/kMYDUOap">www.sedar.com</a>, and on the CSE website at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/BQLKCBk5">www.thecse.com</a>.Investor and Public Relations Contact Veritas Pharma Inc. Telephone: +1.416.918.6785 Email: <a href="mailto:ir@veritaspharmainc.com">ir@veritaspharmainc.com</a> Website: <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/5KeLho0r">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a><img src="https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4859/60710_7d76c59274466be1_logo.jpg" id="corporateNewsLogo" alt="Corporate Logo" />To view the source version of this press release, please visit <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/LgpaczRJ">https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/60710</a><img src="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/newsinfo/60710/197" alt="" />

Press Releases

Veritas Pharma Announces Debt Settlement

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 9, 2020) - Veritas Pharma Inc. (CSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VRT#CSE">VRT</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VRTHF#OTC">VRTHF</a>) (FSE: 2VPA) ("Veritas" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a business combination agreement dated September 4, 2020 (the "Business Combination Agreement") to acquire Indigenous Bloom Hemp Corporation ("HempCo") by way of a three cornered amalgamation pursuant to the provisions of the Canada Business Corporations Act. The transaction is at arm's length and constitutes a "fundamental change" under the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE").HempCo operates a large-scale industrial hemp farm in Southern Manitoba on approximately 347 acres of zoned farmland. The primary business of Hempco is the sale of hemp biomass, flower and phytocannabinoid rich extracts derived from the hemp biomass. Currently, Hempco is operating under a third-party cultivation license. However, HempCo has applied to Health Canada for its own license and will transition to that license once approved. HempCo's first hemp harvest is expected to be completed in October of this year. As of June 15, 2020, HempCo had current assets of $558,160 (unaudited) and current liabilities of $836,295 (unaudited). Veritas obtained an independent third party valuation which concluded that the fair market value of the Hempco shares on April 30, 2020 was in the range of $23,000,000 to $28,000,000.Veritas interim CEO and CFO, Mr. Peter McFadden, commented, "It has been a long process, but we are now very excited to announce that we have executed the definitive agreement with Indigenous Bloom Hemp Corporation, which expects its inaugural hemp harvest to start in October of this year."The following is a summary of the terms of the Business Combination Agreement:<ol style="list-style-type: decimal;"><li>HempCo will amalgamate (the "Amalgamation") with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Veritas and, upon completion of the Amalgamation, the amalgamated corporation will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Veritas, will continue the business of Hempco and will be named "Indigenous Bloom Hemp Corporation".</li><li>Veritas will consolidate its common shares on a one post-consolidation share for two pre-consolidation shares basis (the "Consolidation") and, as consideration for the Amalgamation, Veritas will issue to the shareholders of Hempco post-consolidation common shares having an aggregate value of $28,000,000 at a deemed price per share equal to the closing price of the Veritas shares on the CSE on the last trading day prior to the effective date of the Amalgamation.</li><li>The closing of the Amalgamation is subject to a number of conditions precedent, including conditional acceptance for filing by the CSE, approval of the Amalgamation and Consolidation by the shareholders of Veritas and approval of the Amalgamation by the shareholders of Hempco.</li><li>The effective date of the Amalgamation is expected to occur within five business days following the satisfaction or waiver of all the conditions precedent contained in the Amalgamation Agreement.</li><li>All post-consolidation common shares held by the principles of Veritas following the completion of the Amalgamation will be held in escrow for a period of 36 months, and will released from escrow as to 10% of the post-consolidation shares on the date the shares commence trading on the CSE following completion of the Amalgamation and as to 15% every six months thereafter. </li><li>Upon completion of the Amalgamation, the new board of directors and management of Veritas will be as follows:</li></ol><table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #000000;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" border="0"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Name</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Title</td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Peter McFadden</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Interim CEO and CFO</td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Mark Roseborough</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Chairman of the Board</td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Nick Standish</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Director</td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Blair Lowther</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Director</td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Sharon Blady</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Director</td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Howard Ash</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Director</td></tr><tr><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Greg Van Wyk</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; width: 50%;" align="center">Director</td></tr></tbody></table>&#160;To the knowledge of the Company, Michael Matvieshen of Kelowna, British Columbia is the only person who beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of Hempco. No person is expected to own more than 20% of the issued and outstanding post-consolidation common shares of Veritas on completion of the Amalgamation.About Veritas Pharma Veritas Pharma Inc. has developed intellectual property relating to various cannabis strains. The Company's goal is to advance the science behind medical cannabis, by developing the most effective cannabis based treatments for specific disease conditions and to acquire income producing assets in the cannabis industry. The Company's mission is to commercialize its proprietary cannabis products. In addition, Veritas aims to utilize its expertise to enter into mergers and acquisitions with various cannabis industry participants in order to fulfil its goal of revenue generation by the end of the second quarter of 2020. Veritas Pharma Inc. is a publicly traded company in Canada, on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker VRT; in the United States, on the OTC under the ticker VRTHF; and in Germany, on the Frankfurt exchange under the ticker 2VP. For more information, please visit our website: <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/oBZYTJWM">veritaspharmainc.com </a>On behalf of the Board of Directors "Peter McFadden" Peter McFadden Interim Chief Executive Officer &#38; CFO Further information about the Company is available on our website at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/ObegfOKG">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a> or under our profile on SEDAR at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/Pb8pfWNA">www.sedar.com</a>, and on the CSE website at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/wprXfMX1">www.thecse.com</a>. Investor and Public Relations Contact Veritas Pharma Inc. Telephone: +1.416.918.6785 Email: <a href="mailto:ir@veritaspharmainc.com">ir@veritaspharmainc.com</a> Website: <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/g4b5T4v5">www.veritaspharmainc.com </a>The CSE has not reviewed, nor approved or disapproved the content of this press release. <img src="https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4859/63522_515e14bff4cbfac4_logo.jpg" id="corporateNewsLogo" alt="Corporate Logo" />To view the source version of this press release, please visit <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/p5Z0uEZ3">https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/63522</a><img src="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/newsinfo/63522/197" alt="" />

Veritas Pharma Enters into Definitive Agreement to Acquire Indigenous Bloom Hemp Corporation

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2020) - Veritas Pharma Inc. (CSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VRT#CSE">VRT</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VRTHF#OTC">VRTHF</a>) (FSE: 2VPA) ("Veritas" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it expects to complete the Due Diligence process for the acquisition of Indigenous Bloom Hemp Corporation ("HempCo") within the first half of January 2021 and announce the dates and process by which the shareholders will have an opportunity to approve the completion of this transaction.Veritas interim CEO and CFO, Mr. Peter McFadden, commented, "It has been a taxing few months, we have now nearly completed an extensive audit of HempCo and are more certain now than before that this transaction will provide our shareholders with substantial value."As announced on September 9th, 2020, the closing of this transaction will require the approval of Veritas' Shareholders, HempCo's Shareholders, and a final approval by Canadian Securities and Exchange ("CSE"). Additionally, Veritas Pharma would like to announce the resignation of Mr. Nick Standish as of December 22, 2020. Veritas would like to wish Mr. Standish success in all his future endeavours and thank him for all his contributions during the past two years.About Indigenous Bloom Hemp Corporation ("HempCo")HempCo operates a large-scale industrial hemp farm in Southern Manitoba on approximately 347 acres of zoned farmland. The primary business of the Company is the sale of hemp biomass, flower, and phytocannabinoid rich extracts derived from hemp biomass. Currently, the company is operating under a third-party cultivation license. However, HempCo has applied to Health Canada for its own license and will transition to that license once approved. About Veritas Pharma Veritas Pharma Inc. has developed some intellectual property relating to various cannabis strains. It is the Company's aim to advance the science behind medical cannabis, by developing the most effective cannabis based treatments for specific disease conditions and acquire income producing assets in the cannabis industry. The Company's mission is to commercialize its proprietary cannabis products. In addition, Veritas aims to utilize its expertise to enter into mergers and acquisitions with various cannabis industry participants in order to fulfil its aims to enter revenue generation by the end of the second quarter of 2020. Veritas Pharma Inc. is a publicly traded company in Canada, on the Canadian Stock Exchange under the ticker VRT; in the United States, on the OTC under the ticker VRTHF; and in Germany, on the Frankfurt exchange under the ticker 2VP. For more information, please visit our website: <a href="http://www.veritaspharmainc.com">www.veritaspharmainc.com.</a> On behalf of the Board of Directors "Peter McFadden" Peter McFadden Interim Chief Executive Officer &#38; CFO Further information about the Company is available on our website at <a href="http://www.veritaspharmainc.com" title="www.veritaspharmainc.com">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a> or under our profile on SEDAR at <a href="http://www.sedar.com">www.sedar.com</a>, and on the CSE website at <a href="http://www.thecse.com">www.thecse.com</a>. Investor and Public Relations Contact Veritas Pharma Inc. Telephone: +1.416.918.6785 Email: <a href="mailto:ir@veritaspharmainc.com">ir@veritaspharmainc.com </a>Website: <a href="http://www.veritaspharmainc.com" title="www.veritaspharmainc.com">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a> The CSE has not reviewed, nor approved or disapproved the content of this press release. <img src="https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4859/70946_4025ee5744d3eb2c_logo.jpg" id="corporateNewsLogo" alt="Corporate Logo" />To view the source version of this press release, please visit <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/70946">https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/70946</a><img src="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/newsinfo/70946/197" alt="" />

Veritas Pharma Announces Timeline Update on the Acquisition of Indigenous Bloom Hemp Corporation and Provides Board Update

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 9, 2021) - Veritas Pharma Inc. (CSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VRT#CSE">VRT</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VRTHF#OTC">VRTHF</a>) (FSE: 2VP) ("Veritas" or the "Company") announces that's its Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders will be held at 3200 - 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia on April 6, 2021 at 12:00 noon (Pacific time) for the following purposes:<ul style="list-style-type: disc;"><li>To receive the Report of the Directors, including their report on the acquisition of Indigenous Bloom Hemp Corporation;</li><li>To receive the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020 and the report of the auditors;</li><li>To determine the number of directors and elect directors for the ensuing year;</li><li>To appoint MNP LLP as the auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and to authorize the Directors to fix their remuneration;</li><li>To consider and, if thought advisable, to pass, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution, the full text of which is set forth in the Management Information Circular ("Circular"), approving the acquisition of Indigenous Bloom Hemp Corporation ("Hempco") by way of its amalgamation with the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, 12302161 Canada Inc. ("Newco"), and the transactions contemplated in the Business Combination Agreement dated September 4, 2020, among the Company, Hempco and Newco; </li><li>To consider and, if thought advisable, to pass, with or without variation, a special resolution, the full text of which is set forth in the Circular, consolidating the issued and outstanding Veritas Common Shares on the basis of 2 pre-consolidation common shares for one post-consolidation common share; and</li><li>To transact such other business, including amendments to the foregoing, as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.</li></ul>All relevant information will be mailed to shareholders and additional information will be available on the Veritas Pharma website at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/V5WYuqmQQ">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a>.About Veritas Pharma Veritas Pharma Inc. has developed some intellectual property relating to various cannabis strains. It is the Company's aim to advance the science behind medical cannabis, by developing the most effective cannabis based treatments for specific disease conditions and acquire income producing assets in the cannabis industry. The Company's mission is to commercialize its proprietary cannabis products. In addition, Veritas aims to utilize its expertise to enter into mergers and acquisitions with various cannabis industry participants in order to fulfil its aims to enter revenue generation by the end of the second quarter of 2021. Veritas Pharma Inc. is a publicly traded company in Canada, on the Canadian Stock Exchange under the ticker VRT; in the United States, on the OTC under the ticker VRTHF; and in Germany, on the Frankfurt exchange under the ticker 2VP. For more information, please visit our website: <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/bqWRur8NQ">veritaspharmainc.com</a> On behalf of the Board of Directors "Peter McFadden" Peter McFadden Interim Chief Executive Officer &#38; CFO Further information about the Company is available on our website at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/3PaMiaOyA">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a> or under our profile on SEDAR at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/Njg0iq0rJ">www.sedar.com</a>, and on the CSE website at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/XoW7FeEkA">www.thecse.com</a>. Investor and Public Relations Contact Veritas Pharma Inc. Telephone: +1.416.918.6785 Email: <a href="mailto:ir@veritaspharmainc.com">ir@veritaspharmainc.com</a> Website: <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/D1QzSw51G">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a> The CSE has not reviewed, nor approved or disapproved the content of this press release. <img src="https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4859/76613_c72ddc09548908ce_logo.jpg" id="corporateNewsLogo" alt="Corporate Logo" />To view the source version of this press release, please visit <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/rVbEHOZMv">https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76613</a><img src="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/newsinfo/76613/197" alt="" />

Veritas Pharma Announces the Date for the Annual General and Special Meeting of the Shareholders

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 30, 2021) - Veritas Pharma Inc. (CSE:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VRT#CSE">VRT</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VRTHF#OTC">VRTHF</a>) (FSE: 2VP) ("Veritas" or the "Company") has postponed the date of its Annual General and Special Meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders from April 6, 2021 to April 29, 2021. The Meeting will be held at 3200 - 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia at 12:00 noon (Pacific time). The reason for the postponement is to provide time for the mailing and review of an amendment (the "Amendment") to the Company's Information Circular dated March 1, 2021 (the "Circular"). The purpose of the amendment is to provide additional disclosure pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") relating to the Company's proposed acquisition of Indigenous Bloom Hemp Corporation by way of its amalgamation (the "Amalgamation") with the Company's wholly owned subsidiary 12302161 Canada Inc. In addition to minority shareholder approval pursuant to the provisions of MI 61-101, the resolution approving the Amalgamation will also require approval of shareholders by way of special resolution. A new Proxy and Voting Instruction Form will be mailed to shareholders along with the Amendment. The previous Proxy and Voting Instruction Form mailed with the Circular will now be null and void. Shareholders are encouraged to carefully read the Circular and the Amendment and to return the Proxy or Voting Instruction Form mailed with the Amendment in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Proxy and Voting Instruction Form. About Veritas PharmaVeritas has developed intellectual property relating to various cannabis strains. It is the Company's aim to advance the science behind medical cannabis, by developing the most effective cannabis-based treatments for specific disease conditions and to acquire income-producing assets in the cannabis industry. The Company's mission is to commercialize its proprietary cannabis products. In addition, Veritas aims to utilize its expertise to enter into mergers and acquisitions with various cannabis industry participants in order to fulfill its aims to enter revenue generation by the end of the second quarter of 2021.Veritas Pharma Inc. is a publicly traded company in Canada, on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker VRT; in the United States, on the OTC under the ticker VRTHF; and in Germany, on the Frankfurt exchange under the ticker 2VP. For more information, please visit our website: <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/XXbWieAL7">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a>On behalf of the Board of DirectorsPeter McFadden Interim Chief Executive Officer &#38; CFOFurther information about the Company is available on our website at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/DgbQIw78N">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a> or under our profile on SEDAR at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/rqobuOBWM">www.sedar.com</a>, and on the CSE website at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/VabWSqo7R">www.thecse.com</a>.Investor and Public Relations ContactVeritas Pharma Inc. Telephone: +1.416.918.6785 Email: <a href="mailto:ir@veritaspharmainc.com">ir@veritaspharmainc.com</a> Website: <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/zyRbfP0n5">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a><img src="https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4859/78873_f52f527c04475bbf_logo.jpg" id="corporateNewsLogo" alt="Corporate Logo" />To view the source version of this press release, please visit <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/4zPasEDop">https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78873</a><img src="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/newsinfo/78873/197" alt="" />

Veritas Provides Amendment to the Information Circular and Postpones Annual General and Special Meeting to April 29th, 2021

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2021) - Veritas Pharma Inc. (CSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRT#CSE">VRT</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTHF#OTC">VRTHF</a>) (FSE: 2VP) ("Veritas" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of its Annual and Special Meeting of the Shareholders (the "Meeting") held on April 29th, 2021. At the Meeting, shareholders approved the acquisition of Indigenous Bloom Hemp Corporation ("HempCo") by special resolution. Details of the acquisition are in the Company's Information Circular dated March 1, 2021, the amendment thereto dated March 24, 2021 and in the Company's news release dated September 9, 2020. The acquisition also received minority approval of shareholders pursuant to the provisions of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Shareholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The acquisition was approved by 99.98% of the votes cast by all shareholders and by 99.94% of the votes cast by the minority shareholders. The acquisition was exempt from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 under section 5.5(b) thereof in that no securities of Veritas are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, Aequitas NEO Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Stock market, or a stock exchange outside of Canada and the United States other than the Alternative Investment market of the London Stock Exchange or the PLUS markets operated by PLUS Markets Group plc. Shareholders also approved the consolidation of the Company's common shares on the basis of one post-consolidation common share for every two pre-consolidation common shares by way of special resolution. The acquisition and share consolidation remain subject to acceptance for filing by the Canadian Securities Exchange.Veritas' Interim CEO, Mr. Peter McFadden, commented, "we are extremely pleased to see that our shareholders have the same level of enthusiasm as the management in acquiring HempCo. I believe that this acquisition provides a new dawn for Veritas where we can begin to deliver on our promise to shareholders to create value by engaging in projects that have potential to be profitable in short to mid-term."Shareholders also voted on the election of directors and Mark Roseborough, Blair Lowther, Sharon Brady, Howard Ash and Greg Van Wyk were elected to board of directors. Mark Rosenborough will be appointed as Chairman and CEO and Peter McFadden will be appointed as CFO.About Indigenous Bloom Hemp CorporationHempCo currently operates a large-scale industrial hemp farm in Southern Manitoba on approximately 347 acres of zoned farmland. The primary focus of HempCo is the sale of hemp biomass, flower, and phytocannabinoid rich extracts derived from hemp biomass. This growing region in Manitoba is widely regarded in the industry as one of the best climates in North America for the cultivation of Hemp, and is a key part of the Company's growth strategy.HempCo currently operates under a third-party license to cultivate and handle hemp, per the 2018 Cannabis Act. HempCo has applied for its own license and will transition to that license once approved. Beyond Manitoba, HempCo is currently either engaged in, or negotiating, processing agreements in British Columbia and other provinces, making it possible to have sales of Bulk PCR Hemp Extract in late 2020 or early 2021.HempCo is currently planting a crop across these 347 acres using cannabidiol dominant genetics. Additionally, HempCo has mechanized substantial parts of its operation, including the harvesting of products, as well as tunnel/barrel dryers for post harvesting. The Company currently has marketed three primary products, and is in the process of diversifying its product line as the Company grows.HempCo's long-term vision is to achieve vertical integration of its operations, positioning it as a leading producer of industrial hemp and hemp derived products in North America and globally.About Veritas PharmaVeritas has developed intellectual property relating to various cannabis strains. It is the Company's aim to advance the science behind medical cannabis, by developing the most effective cannabis-based treatments for specific disease conditions and to acquire income-producing assets in the cannabis industry. The Company's mission is to commercialize its proprietary cannabis products. In addition, Veritas aims to utilize its expertise to enter into mergers and acquisitions with various cannabis industry participants in order to fulfill its aims to enter revenue generation.Veritas Pharma Inc. is a publicly traded company in Canada, on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker VRT; in the United States, on the OTC under the ticker VRTHF; and in Germany, on the Frankfurt exchange under the ticker 2VP. For more information, please visit our website: <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/jMW2FkG2K" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a>.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsPeter McFadden Interim Chief Executive Officer &#38; CFOFurther information about the Company is available on our website at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/vQbgIeLbe" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a> or under our profile on SEDAR at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/JJoPsEXBx">www.sedar.com</a>, and on the CSE website at <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/G4BkhAq2Q">www.thecse.com</a>.Investor and Public Relations ContactVeritas Pharma Inc. Telephone: +1.416.918.6785 Email: <a href="mailto:ir@veritaspharmainc.com">ir@veritaspharmainc.com</a> Website: <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/QL0ec80Wz">www.veritaspharmainc.com</a><img src="https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4859/82455_23a07e9fb412584d_logo.jpg" id="corporateNewsLogo" alt="Corporate Logo" />To view the source version of this press release, please visit <a href="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/redirect/mDbriRorb">https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/82455</a>.<img src="https://www.newsfilecorp.com/newsinfo/82455/197" alt="" />

Veritas Announces the Results of Annual and Special Meeting of the Shareholders Including Shareholder's Approval of the Acquisition of Indigenous Bloom Hemp Corporation

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