Crypto Firm Bullish Rockets 84% in Blockbuster IPO Debut
Crypto Firm Bullish Soars 84% in Debut After $1.1 Billion IPO
Crypto Firm Bullish Rockets 84% in Blockbuster IPO Debut
On its first day of trading, cryptocurrency exchange Bullish raised a remarkable 1.1 billion dollars, a stunning display of investor enthusiasm as it surged 84% above its initial public offering price. One of the most successful public listings for a crypto-linked company in recent memory, this performance hints at investors' renewed interest in digital asset exposure. Bullish priced its debut at 37 dollars per share, exceeding earlier guidance of 28 to 33 dollars. The offering consisted of 30 million shares, raising approximately 1.11 billion dollars in proceeds and placing the company’s initial valuation around 5.4 billion dollars. On debut day, shares opened near 90 dollars, soared to an intraday high of 118 dollars, and settled at 68 dollars, still representing a robust 84% premium over the IPO price.
The company’s extraordinary market debut comes amid an upswing in institutional interest in cryptocurrency platforms. Bullish, in contrast to numerous retail-oriented exchanges, places a strong emphasis on serving institutional clients like proprietary trading firms, hedge funds, and large liquidity providers. Its pitch to investors has emphasized this strategic positioning. Additionally, the company has substantial cryptocurrency reserves, totaling approximately 2 billion dollars in Bitcoin and Ether. These reserves provide both operational capital and market credibility. Investor confidence has been further bolstered by Bullish's leadership. At the helm is Tom Farley, former president of the New York Stock Exchange, whose experience in navigating regulated financial markets offers a distinct advantage in the often volatile and uncertain world of digital assets. Additionally, the company owns CoinDesk, a leading provider of cryptocurrency news and data, extending its influence into media and market intelligence in addition to trading. Its debut stands in contrast to the prolonged IPO drought in the cryptocurrency industry, which has seen few significant listings since the previous year's bear market downturn. The strong performance is similar to other recent successes, like Circle's debut in June, when shares nearly tripled in value. Both of these scenarios suggest that the capital markets for digital assets may be warming up. The timing could not be better for Bullish. Major cryptocurrencies are trading close to record highs, with Ether and Bitcoin both trading above $120,000. The regulatory climate in the United States has also changed significantly. New stablecoin legislation and the easing of certain restrictions have reassured both institutional investors and the companies seeking to serve them.
Nevertheless, the debut also demonstrated the volatility that often accompanies crypto-related securities. The sharp rise to 118 dollars before falling back to 68 dollars underscores the rapid shifts that can occur within a single trading session. As the stock settles into regular trading patterns, such fluctuations will be an important factor that investors should keep an eye on. The company still needs to work on its finances. Bullish reported a first-quarter loss of 349 million dollars, although it projects a significant turnaround in the second quarter, with expected earnings between 106 million and 109 million dollars. Its ability to meet these projections will greatly influence investor enthusiasm. Bullish's success may inspire other digital asset companies to seek public listings in the future. Potential entrants could include exchanges like Gemini and asset managers such as Grayscale. A favorable market backdrop and an investor base eager for exposure to the crypto economy would benefit these businesses, like Bullish. Bullish will be needed in the future to strike a balance between stability and growth. The pursuit of a highly sought-after New York BitLicense, prudent management of its substantial crypto holdings, regulatory compliance, and strategic use of its media platform will all be crucial. Maintaining market confidence will also require controlling stock price volatility and meeting earnings expectations. If Bullish can navigate these challenges, it stands to become one of the defining companies of the next chapter in cryptocurrency’s integration into mainstream finance. Despite recent industry setbacks, investor optimism for digital assets remains strong, and the film's blockbuster debut is a win for its backers.
About the Creator
GLOBAL NEWS
World News Updated
Short News upload
Technology News
Keep reading
More stories from GLOBAL NEWS and writers in The Swamp and other communities.
US national debt surges to record breaking 37 trillion
US debt rises to a record-breaking 37 trillion dollars. The US Treasury Department confirmed on August 12, 2025, that the national debt has reached 37 trillion dollars. According to pre-pandemic forecasts, this level was not expected to be reached until after 2030. This milestone demonstrates the rapid pace of borrowing in recent years, driven by unprecedented spending responses to the COVID 19 pandemic and recent tax and spending legislation that has widened the federal deficit. The new tax cuts and spending programs that were enacted earlier this year will, according to the Congressional Budget Office, generate more than four trillion dollars in additional borrowing over the next ten years. While supporters of these measures argue that they stimulate growth and competitiveness, opponents warn that they deepen fiscal imbalances and make the nation more susceptible to economic shocks. The country has added trillions at a record pace in just over five years, which is particularly striking when compared to the previous quarter century, when the debt grew more gradually. In the past two years alone, the federal government has been adding roughly one trillion dollars to the debt every five months, more than double the historical average rate. This acceleration is particularly striking when compared to the previous quarter century, when the debt grew more gradually. Before 2020, debt projections showed a steady but slower rise, with the 37 trillion mark coming much The Peter G. Peterson Foundation's chief executive officer, Michael Peterson, has expressed concern about the consequences of such a rapid debt accumulation. He points out that large and growing federal borrowing puts upward pressure on interest rates, raises costs for consumers and businesses, reduces private sector investment, and creates a cycle that results in more borrowing, higher interest payments, and an ever-increasing debt load. The Government Accountability Office has also outlined the real-world effects of rising debt on Americans. Rising national debt can raise borrowing costs for consumers, making credit cards, mortgages, and car loans more expensive. Businesses may have less access to capital, which could limit hiring, wage growth, and investment. Rising debt also contributes to inflationary pressures, making everyday goods and services more expensive. Beyond the dollar figure, analysts point to the debt to GDP ratio as a crucial indicator of fiscal health. As of the middle of 2025, this ratio is still historically high, and if current trends continue, it is on track to surpass the peak reached during World War II by 2027. Mandatory programs like Social Security and Medicare consume a significant portion of the budget, and rapidly rising interest costs make it difficult for lawmakers to reduce deficits without deeply affecting politically sensitive areas. Despite these concerns, the United States still has advantages that a lot of other countries don't have. The US dollar is still the world's primary reserve currency, and there is still a strong demand for Treasury bonds all over the world. This demand has historically allowed the federal government to borrow at relatively low rates. However, some economists warn that if debt continues to grow unchecked, investor confidence could weaken over time, which could force the government to pay higher interest in order to attract buyers. Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, says that she hopes the milestone will awaken policymakers to the urgency of the problem. She argues that changes will need to be made quickly to prevent the debt from spiraling further out of control. Looking ahead, many fiscal experts hope that crossing the 37 trillion dollar threshold will spark serious discussions in Washington about long-term debt reduction. However, the path forward is uncertain due to political polarization and competing priorities. Both major parties have proposed fiscal reforms, but there are still deep disagreements about whether to focus on spending cuts, revenue increases, or a combination of the two. Without bipartisan agreement, a comprehensive debt reduction is unlikely to occur soon. The federal government is currently carrying the largest debt load in its history and growing at an unprecedented rate. In the coming years, it will be up to policymakers to decide whether they will take decisive steps to slow this growth or whether the country will continue along its current trajectory, which could result in higher costs and less flexibility to respond to future crises. The upcoming debates in Washington will determine whether the 37 trillion mark becomes a turning point toward fiscal discipline or simply another waypoint on the path to even higher levels of national debt. This latest milestone is not just a symbolic number on a balance sheet; rather, it represents a mounting fiscal challenge with real implications for interest rates, wages, inflation, and the overall economic resilience of the United States.
By GLOBAL NEWS5 months ago in The Swamp
By Dumping Tonnes of Sand Into the Ocean for 12 Years, China Has Created Brand-New Islands From Scratch
Over the past twelve years, China has quietly carried out one of the most ambitious and controversial engineering projects in modern history: the creation of entirely new islands by dumping millions of tonnes of sand into the ocean. What began as small-scale land reclamation has evolved into a sweeping transformation of the South China Sea, reshaping geography, geopolitics, and international relations. How Artificial Islands Are Created The process behind these artificial islands is deceptively simple but technically complex. Specialized dredging ships extract sand from the seabed and pump it onto shallow reefs and submerged rocks. Over time, layer upon layer of sand is deposited, gradually rising above sea level. Once land emerges, it is reinforced with concrete, rock barriers, and infrastructure to prevent erosion. China has used this method extensively, particularly on disputed reefs and shoals. What were once barely visible features at low tide have become full-fledged islands, complete with runways, ports, radar systems, and buildings. Why the South China Sea Matters The South China Sea is one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. An estimated one-third of global maritime trade passes through it each year, carrying trillions of dollars’ worth of goods. The region is also believed to hold vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and rich fishing grounds. Multiple countries — including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan — claim parts of the sea. China, however, asserts sweeping sovereignty over most of it, marked by its controversial “nine-dash line.” The creation of artificial islands has strengthened China’s physical presence and reinforced its territorial claims. From Sandbars to Strategic Strongholds What makes China’s island-building campaign particularly significant is how quickly reclaimed land has been militarized. Satellite imagery and independent analyses show airstrips long enough to handle military aircraft, deep-water harbors capable of hosting naval vessels, and advanced surveillance systems. These installations allow China to project power far beyond its mainland coast, extending its reach across Southeast Asia. Critics argue that these islands act as unsinkable aircraft carriers, altering the balance of power in the region. Environmental Consequences Beneath the Surface While the geopolitical implications are widely debated, the environmental cost is equally alarming. The dredging process destroys coral reefs, which are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Sediment clouds generated during sand dumping smother marine life, disrupt fish breeding grounds, and permanently alter underwater landscapes. Marine scientists warn that damage to coral reefs can take decades — if it recovers at all. For coastal communities that rely on fishing, these changes threaten livelihoods and food security. International Law and Global Pushback China’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from the international community. In 2016, an international tribunal ruled that China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea had no legal basis under international law. The ruling also stated that artificial islands do not generate territorial waters or exclusive economic zones. China rejected the decision, calling it invalid and continuing its construction activities. Meanwhile, other nations have responded with diplomatic protests and increased naval patrols, including freedom-of-navigation operations by the United States and its allies. A New Kind of Territorial Expansion Historically, empires expanded by conquering land. China’s island-building represents a new model: creating territory where none existed before. This approach blurs the line between engineering achievement and strategic maneuvering, raising difficult questions about how international law should adapt to technological capabilities. If artificial islands become widely accepted as legitimate territory, it could set a precedent for other nations to reshape oceans for strategic advantage. The Broader Global Implications Beyond Asia, China’s actions have sparked global debate about maritime governance, environmental responsibility, and the future of territorial disputes. Smaller nations fear being sidelined, while major powers worry about the erosion of established international norms. At the same time, the sheer scale of the project highlights China’s engineering capacity and long-term planning. Turning submerged reefs into permanent landmass within just over a decade is a feat few countries could replicate. Conclusion: Engineering the Future of Power By dumping tonnes of sand into the ocean for over a decade, China has not merely created islands — it has reshaped the strategic landscape of an entire region. These artificial islands stand as symbols of ambition, controversy, and a shifting world order. As technology continues to expand what is physically possible, the challenge for the global community will be ensuring that innovation does not come at the cost of environmental destruction, regional stability, and international law. The islands may be made of sand, but their impact is anything but fragile.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohi7 days ago in The Swamp
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.