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Rekt Drinks x MoonPay “Moon Crush” Collab Drop Sells Out, as National Bank of Kazakhstan Launches “Evo” Stablecoin

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

Rekt Drinks’ limited-edition collaboration with MoonPay, the peach-raspberry flavored sparkling water called Moon Crush, completely sold out during its launch on September 19, 2025.

This drop marked a massive milestone for the Web3 beverage brand, pushing their total sales past 1 million cans in under a year since their debut in November 2024.

The drop flew off the shelves in seconds, aligning with pre-launch hype on prediction markets like Myriad, where users bet heavily on it vanishing in under 5 minutes. It built on Rekt’s track record—their first “Liquidated Lime” flavor sold 222,000 cans in less than 48 hours across 32 countries.

Buyers earned “Drank Points” redeemable for REKT tokens the brand’s meme coin, which peaked at a $583M market cap in August 2025, blending crypto incentives with real-world refreshment.

MoonPay, a crypto payments gateway, teamed up to bridge fiat-to-crypto users. Rekt co-founder Ovie Faruq called it a “perfect sense” collab for expanding into mainstream beverage territory, while MoonPay President Keith Grossman praised the “delicious and deeply connected” tie to crypto culture.

This success highlights Rekt’s digital-first strategy, with prior collabs (e.g., OpenSea, Base, Jupiter) driving direct-to-consumer sales via their site. It’s now expanding to retail like 7-Eleven in LA, evolving from meme coin/NFT roots into a full cultural brand with merch, events, and podcasts.

Rekt’s zero-alcohol, zero-caffeine sparkling waters are “born on the blockchain, brewed for real life”—pastel meme-art cans that scream crypto slang like “REKT” for those wrecked trades.

The rapid sell-out (seconds) and surpassing 1 million cans sold in under a year solidify Rekt Drinks as a legitimate player in the Web3 consumer goods space. It proves that blockchain-based brands can drive real-world product demand, leveraging crypto culture and token incentives.

Partnering with MoonPay, a fiat-to-crypto gateway, signals Rekt’s intent to bridge niche crypto communities with mainstream consumers. This could normalize crypto-linked products, making Web3 branding more accessible and appealing to non-crypto natives.

The “consume-to-earn” model earning tokens through purchases sets a precedent for gamifying physical product sales. This could inspire other brands to integrate tokenomics, potentially reshaping e-commerce and loyalty programs in both Web3 and traditional markets.

Selling out in seconds via a direct-to-consumer site, fueled by social media hype, highlights the power of digital-first, community-driven marketing. It suggests Web3 brands can compete with established beverage giants without heavy reliance on traditional distribution—at least initially.

Rekt’s pivot from meme coin/NFT origins to a cultural brand with merch, events, podcasts positions it as a lifestyle movement. This could attract more partnerships or investments but risks diluting its crypto-native edge if mainstream appeal overshadows its roots.

The hype-driven sell-out raises the bar for future drops. Rekt must maintain scarcity-driven excitement without alienating fans if supply issues persist. Overhype or mismanaged restocks could dampen community trust, especially with REKT token volatility peaked at $583M market cap.

Success may draw attention from traditional beverage giants (e.g., Monster, Red Bull) or inspire copycat Web3 brands. Rekt’s zero-alcohol, zero-caffeine niche gives it an edge in health-conscious markets, but scaling production and retail presence will be critical to stay competitive.

Token incentives tied to physical goods could attract regulatory attention, especially if REKT tokens are deemed securities or if consumer protections around crypto rewards are questioned. Rekt and MoonPay’s fiat-crypto integration must navigate evolving global regulations.

Overall, this sell-out validates Rekt’s model but underscores the need for strategic scaling, regulatory awareness, and sustained community engagement to maintain momentum in both Web3 and mainstream markets.

National Bank of Kazakhstan Launches “Evo” Stablecoin

The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) announced the launch of a pilot project for Evo (KZTE), a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT).

This initiative marks a significant step in integrating blockchain technology with traditional finance, positioning Kazakhstan as a pioneer in Central Asia’s digital asset ecosystem. The project operates within the NBK’s Digital Assets Regulatory Sandbox, which was officially launched in July 2025 to test innovative financial tools under controlled conditions.

The stablecoin is issued by Intebix a licensed digital asset exchange in the Astana International Financial Centre and Eurasian Bank. It is built on the Solana blockchain for its speed and efficiency. Mastercard is collaborating to enable global interoperability, allowing KZTE to connect with international stablecoin networks for seamless payments and exchanges.

Evo aims to bridge crypto and fiat systems by facilitating cryptocurrency exchanges, crypto-fiat conversions, and transactions via crypto-linked cards. It supports the NBK’s broader strategy to foster a national digital asset market, including potential applications in cross-border payments and public finance.

While the NBK does not directly issue the stablecoin, it provides the regulatory framework for testing. This builds on earlier sandbox admissions in July 2025, which included three tenge-backed stablecoin pilots among eight projects. The Evo pilot is the first to go live, highlighting Kazakhstan’s proactive role in stablecoin development.

In July 2025, the NBK tested over 10 use cases for its digital tenge (CBDC), including VAT refunds and sovereign wealth fund projects.
September 2025 also saw announcements for a state digital asset fund to build a crypto reserve by 2026, and pilots allowing stablecoin payments for regulatory fees.

Experts note this as one of the first instances of a central bank actively facilitating national stablecoin issuance. This development underscores Kazakhstan’s transformation from a Bitcoin mining hub to a full-fledged digital finance innovator, potentially influencing regional adoption of stablecoins.

By launching a tenge-pegged stablecoin, Kazakhstan establishes itself as a leader in Central Asia’s digital finance landscape, outpacing neighbors in blockchain adoption. The pilot bridges crypto and fiat systems, enabling seamless crypto-fiat conversions, crypto-linked card payments, and exchange operations.

This fosters trust in digital assets among traditional financial institutions and consumers. The project aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader initiatives, such as the digital tenge (CBDC) and the planned “CryptoCity” sandbox in Alatau, signaling a long-term commitment to digital innovation.

Evo could make financial services more accessible, especially for underbanked populations, by enabling low-cost, blockchain-based transactions. With Mastercard’s involvement, Evo has the potential to streamline international transactions, reducing costs and settlement times compared to traditional systems.

The pilot complements Kazakhstan’s plan to build a state digital asset fund by 2026, potentially strengthening national reserves with crypto-backed assets. The NBK’s progressive regulatory sandbox and stablecoin pilot could attract foreign investment and fintech companies to the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC).

The NBK’s Digital Assets Regulatory Sandbox provides a controlled environment for testing, offering a potential blueprint for other countries exploring stablecoin frameworks. The pilot demonstrates a cautious yet innovative approach, with the NBK overseeing issuers (Intebix, Eurasian Bank) without directly issuing the stablecoin, minimizing risk to monetary policy.

Kazakhstan’s success could encourage neighboring countries like Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan to accelerate their own digital asset regulations. Using Solana’s high-speed, low-cost blockchain enhances the scalability and efficiency of Evo, potentially setting a standard for future stablecoin projects globally.

Mastercard’s collaboration ensures Evo can integrate with global payment networks, increasing its utility and adoption potential. Kazakhstan’s entry into the stablecoin market positions it alongside major players like the U.S. (USDT, USDC) and UAE (JPM Coin, AED stablecoins), but with a focus on national currency backing.

As one of the first central bank-supported stablecoin pilots in an emerging market, Evo could inspire similar projects in other developing economies, particularly those with volatile currencies. The involvement of established players like Eurasian Bank and Mastercard boosts credibility, potentially encouraging wider adoption among businesses and consumers.

While the sandbox mitigates risks, scaling Evo beyond the pilot phase could face challenges related to compliance, anti-money laundering (AML), and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements. Public and business uptake may be slow due to limited crypto literacy or skepticism about stablecoin stability.

The Evo stablecoin pilot positions Kazakhstan as a forward-thinking player in the global digital finance landscape. It has the potential to enhance financial inclusion, streamline cross-border payments, and attract investment, while setting a regulatory precedent for stablecoin adoption.

However, its success will depend on effective scaling, public adoption, and navigating global competition. The project’s outcomes could shape not only Kazakhstan’s financial future but also influence digital asset strategies across emerging markets.

Gold Hits New All-Time High of $3,759.12 Per Ounce

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

Spot gold (XAU/USD) has surged to a fresh all-time high today, September 23, 2025, peaking at $3,759.12 per ounce. This marks another milestone in what has been a banner year for the precious metal, with prices up over 42% year-over-year and nearly 35% since January 2025.

The current trading price hovers around $3,744.74, reflecting a 1.69% daily gain as of late yesterday. Gold’s relentless climb isn’t happening in a vacuum—it’s fueled by a potent mix of macroeconomic and geopolitical factors:

Markets are pricing in a near-certain 25 basis-point cut at the Federal Reserve’s September 17-18 meeting, with broader easing expectations through 2025-2026. Lower rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold.

Sticky inflation tracked via U.S. CPI and stagflation risks are pushing investors toward safe-haven assets. Gold’s role as an inflation hedge is amplified by U.S. policy uncertainties and global trade tensions.

Central banks are forecasted to purchase around 900 tonnes in 2025, driven by diversification needs. Investor demand, especially from ETFs and Chinese markets, is adding fuel to the fire. Ongoing tensions (e.g., U.S. elections, Middle East conflicts) are boosting gold’s appeal amid volatile equities and a softening USD.

This isn’t the first ATH of the month—gold first breached $3,700 on September 17 and topped $3,500 earlier in early September. Analysts like those at ANZ and UBS have raised year-end targets to $3,800, with some forecasting $4,200 by 2026 and peaks near $5,155 by 2030.

Resistance levels are eyed at $3,754 (H4 chart), with supports at $3,714 and $3,672—any dip could sweep liquidity lower. Broader chatter links it to stocks and Bitcoin nearing highs, with RSI readings on gold at levels not seen since the 1980s, hinting at potential overbought conditions but sustained momentum.

While pullbacks are possible (e.g., to test supports), the consensus remains bullish—gold could test $3,800 soon if rate-cut bets hold and risks escalate. If you’re trading or investing, watch Friday’s U.S. nonfarm payrolls for fresh cues. This run underscores gold’s resilience in a world of uncertainty—classic safe-haven playbook.

Gold’s rise suggests investors are bracing for uncertainty, driven by sticky inflation, potential stagflation, and U.S. policy volatility post-election. This could pressure riskier assets like equities, with S&P 500 futures already showing choppiness.

Wealth preservation is taking precedence, with gold acting as a hedge against currency debasement and market corrections. Expect continued inflows into gold ETFs and physical gold. Emerging markets, especially those with weaker currencies, may see increased gold demand as a store of value, potentially straining local monetary policies.

A softening U.S. dollar DXY down ~2% this month amplifies gold’s appeal, especially for non-USD investors. A weaker USD could persist if Fed easing outpaces other central banks. With U.S. CPI still above the Fed’s 2% target, gold’s role as an inflation hedge is reinforced, particularly as real yields remain low or negative.

Gold’s RSI nearing overbought levels (last seen in the 1980s) suggests potential for short-term pullbacks to supports at $3,714 or $3,672. Traders on X are eyeing these levels for buy-the-dip strategies. High leverage in futures markets COMEX open interest up 5% month-on-month could amplify volatility if sentiment shifts.

Gold’s historical correlation with inflation makes it a go-to asset for preserving purchasing power, especially as M2 money supply growth raises long-term debasement concerns. The World Gold Council forecasts ~900 tonnes of central bank gold purchases in 2025, led by China and India, to hedge against USD dominance and sanctions risks.

Resistance at $3,754 (H4) and $3,800; supports at $3,714 and $3,672. A dip could offer buying opportunities, but overbought RSI warns of a potential pause. Escalation in Middle East or U.S.-China trade rhetoric could drive gold toward $3,800-$4,000 by year-end.

Gold’s surge to $3,759.12 reflects a perfect storm of Fed easing, inflation fears, geopolitical risks, and robust demand from central banks and investors. The implications point to sustained safe-haven demand, potential equity market pressure, and a bullish outlook for gold possibly $4,200 by 2026.

The CZ-Backed Challenger, ASTER DEX, Is Shaking Up Perps Trading

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

Aster DEX, a multi-chain decentralized exchange (DEX) specializing in perpetual futures (perps) and spot trading, has rapidly ascended as a formidable rival to Hyperliquid in the DeFi derivatives space.

Launched in mid-September 2025 via a stealth token generation event (TGE) and rebranding from Astherus/APX Finance, Aster operates across BNB Chain, Ethereum, Solana, and Arbitrum, with its own privacy-focused Layer-1 (Aster Chain) in development.

Backed by YZi Labs and publicly endorsed by Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the platform emphasizes MEV-resistant execution, yield-bearing collateral (e.g., asBNB staking at ~30% APY or USDF stablecoins), hidden orders for privacy, and up to 1001x leverage—features designed to attract both retail degens and institutional traders.

CZ’s endorsement on September 17, 2025, via a tweet sharing Aster’s price chart with “Well done! Good start. Keep building!”—his first non-BNB shoutout—ignited the surge, amassing over 3 million impressions and fueling speculation of Binance listing.

This has positioned Aster as a “Binance cartel” play, with analysts drawing parallels to past CZ-backed successes like MYX Finance (1,000% returns in days) and BNB’s historical pumps.

Aster Surpasses Hyperliquid

Aster has indeed flipped Hyperliquid in Total Value Locked (TVL), a key metric for liquidity and user trust in DEXs. Within days of launch, Aster’s TVL rocketed from $3.72 million to over $1 billion, hitting $758 million by September 20—eclipsing Hyperliquid’s $686 million at the time.

By September 21, Aster maintained a lead at $674 million vs. Hyperliquid’s $671 million, per DeFiLlama data. This flip occurred despite Aster’s youth: it achieved $1.005 billion TVL in its first 24 hours, driven by 330,000 new wallets and incentives like Stage 2 points farming (rewarding volume, holdings, PnL, and referrals for future airdrops).

Hyperliquid, the 2025 perps leader with 73% market share and $320 billion in yearly volume, remains dominant in trading activity ($4.15 billion 24h volume vs. Aster’s $1.72 billion).

However, Aster’s multi-chain liquidity aggregation and features like 24/7 US stock perps (e.g., Tesla, Nvidia) are eroding that edge, with projections for Aster to capture more share via ZK proofs and intent-based cross-chain automation by year-end.

Aster’s TVL growth stems from yield incentives (e.g., ALP pools sharing fees/PnL) and community allocation: 53.5% of $ASTER supply for airdrops, far above the typical 30%. Critics note potential UI bugs and fewer pairs 101 symbols vs. Hyperliquid’s broader memecoin coverage, but whale activity—like a $7.5 million buy and $1.12 million profit on APX conversions—signals conviction.

$ASTER Hits $9B FDV in Under a Week

$ASTER launched at ~$0.084 on September 17, exploding 1,650% to $0.528 in 24 hours amid $345 million volume and 330,000 new users. By September 22, it traded at $1.49 up 19.51% daily, pushing market cap to $2.47 billion and fully diluted valuation to ~$9-10 billion (total supply: 8 billion tokens, 1.7 billion circulating).

This 17x+ run from launch equates to a $9B FDV in just 5 days, defying airdrop unlock fears (704 million tokens distributed initially). At a $9B FDV, $ASTER trades at a fraction of Hyperliquid’s $52-58B, with a superior TVL:FDV ratio (~1:13 vs. Hyperliquid’s 1:80).

Revenue stands at $50 million+ YTD ($2 million in the last week), with 4.7% DEX market share. Tokenomics favor community: 30% ecosystem, 7% treasury (governance-locked), 5% team (vested), and 4.5% liquidity. Upcoming catalysts include Stage 2 airdrops (5x multipliers for asBNB/ALP holders) and Aster Chain mainnet.

$ASTER’s volume-to-market-cap ratio (0.47x) indicates high speculation, but fundamentals like $17 billion daily perp volume potential and privacy tools (hidden orders) substantiate the hype. Risks include token overhang and competition from Lighter/edgeX, but CZ’s history suggests aggressive growth plays.

Aster’s trajectory mirrors Hyperliquid’s 2024 dominance but with Binance ecosystem synergies. If it sustains TVL inflows and captures 10-20% more volume, $ASTER could 3-5x from here, targeting $15-30B FDV.

Trade on Aster DEX (asterdex.com) or exchanges like KCEX/PancakeSwap; stake for yields and farm points. The DeFi perps market—now multi-billion daily—is ripe for multi-chain disruption. As one X user put it: “The perps DEX wars are far from over.”

United States Antimony Secures $245m Defense Contract as Trump Administration Ramps Up Strategic Mineral Push

By
Samuel Nwite
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0

United States Antimony Corporation (UAMY.A) announced on Tuesday that it has secured a sole-source, five-year contract worth up to $245 million from the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to supply antimony metal ingots for the national defense stockpile.

The contract, one of the largest in USAC’s history, underscores a broader Trump administration drive to fortify U.S. supply chains for critical minerals amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing reliance on imports from China and other foreign suppliers.

Strategic Importance of Antimony

Antimony, a lesser-known but vital element, plays a crucial role in U.S. defense and industrial applications. It is used in munitions, military-grade alloys, batteries, and flame-retardant materials. Defense officials have repeatedly flagged the mineral as a vulnerability in America’s industrial base, noting that the United States imports the vast majority of its supply from overseas, particularly China and Russia.

The Pentagon is signaling its intent to rebuild domestic production capacity and reduce reliance on adversarial nations by tapping USAC, which operates the only two antimony smelters in North America.

“This contract is incredibly meaningful for all our employees to play such a strategic role in strengthening our nation’s defense readiness,” said USAC CEO Gary C. Evans in a statement.

The company added that it is ready to begin immediate fulfillment from its domestic facilities, with the first delivery order expected this week.

President Donald Trump has made mineral security a cornerstone of his national security and economic independence agenda. Since returning to the office, Trump has signed a series of executive orders and policy directives to secure access to critical minerals, ranging from rare earth elements to battery metals, viewing them as linchpins for defense readiness and future manufacturing competitiveness.

The antimony deal follows months of negotiations and builds on a growing partnership between USAC and the Department of Defense that accelerated in late 2024. It also dovetails with the administration’s broader push to restore domestic industrial capabilities weakened by decades of offshoring.

How the U.S. Lost Its Antimony Edge

Until the mid-20th century, the United States maintained a modest but steady domestic supply of antimony, largely sourced from mines in Idaho, Montana, and Nevada. By the 1990s, however, most of those operations had shuttered, leaving U.S. smelters dependent on foreign concentrate. At the same time, China emerged as the dominant global supplier, eventually controlling more than 80% of world output.

As domestic mining faded, the U.S. stockpile dwindled, leaving defense planners increasingly uneasy about strategic vulnerabilities. Antimony’s role in ammunition and military-grade compounds meant that disruptions in supply could have direct implications for national security.

The U.S. has faced periodic supply shocks in the past, including in the late 2010s when China imposed export restrictions, driving up costs for Western manufacturers. Those episodes underscored the risks of dependence, setting the stage for the Trump administration’s current push to reestablish domestic capacity.

The U.S. move echoes steps taken by other Western nations in recent years. The European Union has created a Critical Raw Materials Act to reduce reliance on China for rare earths and other strategic minerals. Japan and Australia have similarly partnered to diversify supplies and expand domestic processing capacity. For Washington, the USAC contract represents a concrete step toward achieving similar resilience in an area where U.S. dependence has been acute.

Industry analysts believe that the contract could also serve as a template for future government-private sector partnerships across other critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earths.

Market Impact

News of the deal is expected to bolster investor confidence in USAC, a relatively small-cap company now tasked with playing an outsized role in U.S. defense preparedness. Beyond its immediate financial implications, the contract positions USAC at the center of America’s mineral security strategy over the next five years.

For defense planners, the move is expected to reduce a strategic vulnerability, while for USAC, it marks a transformation from a niche smelter into a critical national supplier, and the revival of an industry once thought permanently outsourced.

Meta Escalates Fight Against AI Regulation With New Super PAC

By
Samuel Nwite
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0
Facebook founder and properties

Meta has dramatically raised the stakes in Big Tech’s battle over artificial intelligence oversight, committing “tens of millions” of dollars to a newly launched super PAC designed to influence state-level politics, Axios reports.

The group, called the American Technology Excellence Project, will back candidates in the 2026 midterms who embrace AI development and oppose restrictive tech policies. The move comes as statehouses across the U.S. consider an unprecedented wave of legislation in the absence of federal action.

According to policy trackers, more than 1,000 AI-related bills were introduced in state legislatures during the 2025 session, ranging from transparency mandates to outright bans on certain AI applications. For Silicon Valley, the patchwork is increasingly viewed as a major business risk.

A Bipartisan Political Machine

Meta’s super PAC is structured to appeal across party lines. Republican strategist Brian Baker will co-lead the effort alongside Hilltop Public Solutions, a prominent Democratic consulting firm. The bipartisan leadership reflects Meta’s intention to align with politicians who prioritize innovation, regardless of partisan affiliation.

Company spokesperson Rachel Holland described the PAC’s focus as promoting U.S. technological leadership, defending AI progress, and ensuring parents maintain control over how children use AI and online apps. That last priority is a direct response to heightened scrutiny over child safety after internal documents revealed that Meta chatbots had engaged in “romantic” conversations with minors, while whistleblowers alleged the company suppressed research into those risks.

California at the Forefront

Meta has already tested this approach with a California-focused PAC launched last month. California is the epicenter of AI legislation, with two bills on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. SB 243 would regulate AI companion chatbots to protect minors and vulnerable users, while SB 53 would impose sweeping transparency requirements on large AI companies. How Newsom acts on these bills could set the tone for the rest of the country.

Brian Rice, Meta’s VP of public policy, said the new PAC will “support the election of state candidates across the country who embrace AI development, champion the U.S. technology industry, and defend American tech leadership at home and abroad.” His language reflects a broader Silicon Valley concern: that fragmented state-level rules could slow down innovation and leave the U.S. lagging in its race with China for AI dominance.

Silicon Valley’s Broader Political Offensive

Meta is not alone in this fight. Just last month, Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI president Greg Brockman unveiled their own pro-AI super PAC, with a war chest of $100 million. That group shares Meta’s goal of preventing what the industry sees as harmful state-level restrictions, arguing that AI development must remain agile and nationally coherent to compete globally.

Where Meta’s PAC leans heavily on its parental control message and a bipartisan management team, the Andreessen Horowitz–OpenAI venture reflects Silicon Valley’s pure financial muscle and its emphasis on keeping AI policy firmly in federal hands. Their strategy aligns with a failed proposal earlier this year that would have barred states from regulating AI for 10 years — a measure narrowly excluded from the federal budget after fierce debate.

Taken together, the two PACs reveal the contours of a high-stakes lobbying arms race. Meta has positioned itself as a tech company seeking to balance safety messaging with innovation, hoping to soften regulatory scrutiny by emphasizing family concerns. Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI, by contrast, have adopted a more straightforward posture, openly spending to make sure AI innovation is not slowed down by what they see as politically fragmented rules.

Meta has yet to disclose which states the American Technology Excellence Project will prioritize, or how many staffers it will employ. But with two of Silicon Valley’s biggest players now bankrolling political machines, the fight over AI regulation is poised to dominate next year’s midterms.

Meta’s gamble is to pair a child-safety message with political spending to blunt the impact of bills like California’s SB 243 and SB 53, while for Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI, the calculus is to use money to keep statehouses at bay and keep AI’s regulatory battles in Washington.

Either way, the message from Silicon Valley is that the race to shape AI policy is no longer just a matter of lobbying. It is now one of the most expensive political projects in American technology history.

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