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Robinhood shares hit record high amid introduction of new tokens

CANNES — Fifteen years after flipping burgers at a McDonald‘s and teaching himself to code at night in a cramped apartment near the French Riviera, Robinhood crypto chief Johann Kerbrat is back.

The last time he lived around Cannes, he was 21 — with no connections, no funding, and no formal business training. But he had a knack for programming and a drive to solve real-world problems.

Kerbrat, who is now senior vice president and crypto GM at Robinhood, quit his job just before starting university in nearby Nice, and soon after launched his first fintech startup: a no-code payments company built from scratch to help small merchants create e-commerce sites without hiring developers.

“It was in my little studio — probably smaller than your bathroom,” he said. “Initially, we didn’t have any employees, but it was right at the beginning of e-commerce. Back then, if you were a merchant you didn’t really have an option, you had to hire an agency and spend tens of thousands of euros. The idea was to let people build their own thing without any technical knowledge — kind of what Shopify is doing now.”

But the timing was right. The early 2010s brought a boom in online commerce, and Kerbrat’s tool gave small merchants a chance to compete. It also opened his eyes to how fragile and expensive the global financial system really was.

A classmate from Greece told him how his family’s bank accounts had been frozen during the eurozone crisis. Around the same time, merchants using his platform were struggling with high fees, chargebacks, and fraud. And then the Bitcoin white paper landed.

“I was like, ‘Okay, that’s a solution for everything,’ ” he said

Now, from Château de la Croix des Gardes, a Belle Époque mansion perched along the same coastline where he once lived and worked the night shift in fast food, he’s part of the most ambitious crypto product suite in Robinhood’s history.

On Monday the company announced an expanded offering of tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs across Europe, crypto staking in the U.S., perpetual futures for eligible EU traders, and a new Layer 2 blockchain optimized for real-world asset settlement and 24/7 trading.

“It’s absolutely surreal,” said Kerbrat, seated inside the iconic Carlton Hotel — a five-star landmark that once felt impossibly out of reach. “When I was younger, I used to walk past this place — and I could have never, never stayed here.”

Robinhood Crypto GM discusses trading platform's deal with Canadian crypto firm WonderFi

The announcement coincides with the Ethereum Community Conference, hosted in Cannes for the first time, and Robinhood’s latest regulatory approvals across Europe.

Robinhood’s latest move is its most serious push yet to blend traditional finance with blockchain-based infrastructure.

Shares hit a record high following the announcement and are up over 100% this year.

Kerbrat said the goal isn’t to dazzle with features. It’s to make crypto disappear into the background. He likened it to plumbing.

“You don’t think about how water gets to your tap,” he said. “You just expect it to be there.”

But there is still plumbing to build out.

At the heart of Monday’s launch are tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs, now available to customers in 30 EU and European Economic Area countries. The tokens — built first on Arbitrum — offer 24/5 access, dividend support, and zero commission or spread from Robinhood. Eventually, they’ll migrate to a custom Layer 2 blockchain built to support tokenized assets, seamless bridging, and self-custody.

In the U.S., Robinhood is debuting staking for Ethereum and Solana, allowing users to earn rewards by supporting network operations. In Europe, crypto perpetual futures will offer eligible users up to 3x leverage, routed through Bitstamp. Other upgrades include smart exchange routing, tax lot management, and advanced charting tools — all designed to make crypto feel as seamless and intuitive as trading stocks.

“When we talk about mass adoption,” Kerbrat said, “This is what it looks like. A product people use — without needing to know how it works.”

For Kerbrat, who spent his adolescence between Cannes and Nice, the return isn’t just symbolic. It’s a measure of how far he’s come — and how much still feels the same.

His father worked in IT. His mother stayed home with him and his sister. One day, his dad brought home a clunky old Apple computer with a black-and-white screen and that was the spark. By 7, he was experimenting. By 11, he was programming regularly. And by 17, he was already trying to fix the broken parts of the internet economy he saw around him.

His parents, now living further inland, drove in just in time to watch the launch. They remember the early days, he said — the tiny apartment, the first lines of code, the endless conversations with merchants who didn’t quite believe his pitch — that anyone could build an e-commerce site without knowing how to code.

“We chose Cannes because of licensing, and because the conference was here,” he said. “But I’m not going to pretend it doesn’t feel good.”

He paused, letting the moment settle.

“I never thought I’d be back here like this.”

Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev on state of retail investing, crypto bill and prediction markets

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Environment

EU double standards on Russian LNG or economic reality?

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3 hours ago

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September 11, 2025

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EU double standards on Russian LNG or economic reality?

Several European countries including Germany, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands and France have announced new LNG projects or the expansion to existing ones in response to shutdown of Russian gas pipelines.

Michael Sohn | Afp | Getty Images

So I’m sure you would have all seen U.S. President Donald Trump this week urged the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100% on India and China to stop them buying cheap Russian oil.

A move that the U.S. administration said it would also match in an approach designed to ratchet up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to talk seriously about peace in Ukraine.

This makes sense in many ways, as we all know – stop the flow of oil money, increase economic problems for Putin and force him to the peace table.

So far, so good…. and yet the accusations of double standards soon started flying out of New Delhi and elsewhere, and it’s fair to say India and other buyers of Russian commodities have a fair point.

Part of the problem is having the adequate supply of infrastructure to bring other kinds of energy sources into Europe, according to Italgas CEO Paolo Gallo.

And Italy is a “clear example [of] how we were able to significantly, massively reduce the importation of Russia, of Russian gas. But that is thanks to our speed to Eni, but thanks to our infrastructure. If we didn’t have the infrastructure, we couldn’t have switched from Russia to other source of LNG,” Gallo told me on Thursday.

Italy’s been going strong at building out its LNG infrastructure to reduce its dependency on Russian gas. Now, a big part in that effort’s come from energy firm Eni, in which the Italian government has a major share.

Let me remind you that Europe still imports vast quantities of Russian commodities, including liquified natural gas. In fact, Europe is still the biggest buyer of Russian LNG on the world market.

Yes, three years into the war and Europe is still buying 51% of Russian LNG!

Pres. Trump says U.S. and India continue to negotiate trade deal

And before we start pointing the finger at the usual recalcitrant EU suspects, let us remember that it’s not Slovakia or Hungary who are the biggest single country importers. No, this falls squarely on the shoulders of countries like France, Spain and Netherlands.

Astounded, confused disappointed? Well wait for this bit.

Despite promising to cut out all Russian LNG from the EU by the end of 2027, in the first six months of 2025 Europe grew — yes, grew — it’s hiked Russian LNG imports from 3.47 billion euros ($4 billion) to 4.48 billion euros’ worth.

As for the bloc’s bilateral trade with Russia? It was hitting 67.5 billion euros last year. You had imports from the region at 35.9 billion euros, properly dominated by fuel and mining products, and then you had EU exports to Russia not that far behind at 31.5 billion euros in 2024.

Double standards, hypocrisy, economic reality? I’ll let you make up your mind.

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Environment

US EV sales smash records in August as Tesla loses ground

Published

13 hours ago

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September 10, 2025

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US EV sales smash records in August as Tesla loses ground

US EV sales set yet another record in August, with 146,332 EVs sold, according to the latest numbers from Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book.

That gave EV sales in August a 9.9% share of total new car sales, up from 9.1% in July and the highest yet. With the federal EV tax credit set to expire on September 30, analysts say Q3 2025 is shaping up to be the strongest quarter for EV sales in US history. The current record holder is Q4 2024, when 365,824 EVs were sold.

Prices ticked higher, too. The average transaction price (ATP) for an EV in August was $57,245, 3.1% more than July’s revised lower ATP of $55,562. Year-over-year, though, EV prices were basically flat, down just 0.1%. The wave of EV sales also helped push up the overall market’s ATP.

Incentives, while not as high as July’s record, remained hefty. EV buyers received discounts averaging over $9,000 in August, equal to 16% of ATP. That’s more than double the incentive rate in the overall auto market and up from 13.6% a year ago.

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Tesla, still the US EV sales leader by far, is under pressure. Its ATP rose 2.9% in August to $54,468, which was still down 5.5% year-over-year. Tesla sales dropped 6.7% year-over-year, and the company’s share of the US EV market slid to 38% – its lowest point ever.

Stephanie Valdez Streaty, senior analyst at Cox Automotive, said, “The one constant in the automotive business is that fresh product sells well. While Tesla’s Model Y update has slowed the company’s sales decline, it’s not getting easier for the EV pioneer because the market is now flooded with all-new, fresh EVs from mainstream competitors – consumers have more choice than ever. The current surge in EV sales is being driven by product innovation, motivated dealers, and an urgency ahead of the IRA tax credit phase-out.”

Read more: Tesla leads price cuts as US EV sales post 2nd-best month ever

The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.


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Anker SOLIX Fan Fest Sale takes up to 63% off power stations, Tenways CGO600 Pro e-bikes with free $217 bundle $1,599, Bluetti, more

Published

17 hours ago

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September 10, 2025

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Anker SOLIX Fan Fest Sale takes up to 63% off power stations, Tenways CGO600 Pro e-bikes with free 7 bundle ,599, Bluetti, more

Leading today’s march of Green Deals is Anker’s SOLIX Fan Fest Sale that has increased savings on power stations from Labor Day up to 63%, with offers like the new SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station starting at $1,649, among others. We also have Tenways’ End of Season Sale that is offering an increased $217 in FREE gear on its CGO600 Pro Lightweight Commuter e-bikes at $1,599, as well as the first discount hitting Bluetti’s new Elite 30 V2 Power Station bundled with a carrying case for $259. From there, EGO has given folks a return low price on an advanced pole saw alongside its Nexus power station, with three one-day only deals from Greenworks and Worx, and more waiting for you below. Plus, there are all the hangover deals collected at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s EcoFlow Home Backup/Hurricane Preparedness Sale, the $799 promotion on Vanpower’s City Vanture Urban Commuter e-bike, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Anker’s SOLIX Fan Fest Sale increases savings on power stations as high as 63% with deals starting from $120

Anker has launched its SOLIX Fan Fest Sale running through September 21, with up to 63% discounts on its massive power station and accessory lineup – which is an increase from the brand’s Labor Day event. Alongside the low prices we spotted on the EverFrost 2 electric coolers, as well as the launch deals on the new C1000 Gen 2 station, we also noticed the brand’s other recent release, the SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station dropping to $1,649 shipped during this sale, which sits $1 under Amazon’s pricing. It fetches $2,599 at full price, with discounts having mostly gone as low as $1,699, unless the sales offered bonus savings that saw the cost drop to $1,614 or the one-time $1,599 rate we saw during Prime Day. The deal here is the third-best we have tracked, saving you $950 off the going rate and bringing you one of the latest, upgraded backup power solutions from the Anker flag.

Unlike the new C1000 Gen 2 station, which is a more compact backup option, Anker’s SOLIX F3000 power station brings a whole lot more punch to its game, as it starts with a 3,072Wh LiFePO4 battery capacity that can expand up to 24kWh with investments into the compatible expansion batteries (bundles available below). There are 11 output ports to connect devices/appliances (including a TT-30R AC port for RV backup), which will receive up to 3,600W of power that can be doubled to 7,200W when two stations are connected together.

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One of the SOLIX F3000 power station’s notable upgraded features is the addition of passthrough charging, which it can receive from a generator for up to 3,600W of input, bringing extra versatility to emergency power failures. You’ll also have to options to plug into a standard AC outlet or even charge from an EV. There’s also the max 2,400W solar input that can have it fully recharged in under two hours with optimal sunlight.

***Note: Some of these power stations – particularly the F3800 models, which also get free protective covers – have automatic 5% extra savings that will be added in your cart. Those differences have not been factored in to bracket prices.

Anker’s Fan Fest F3000 deals:

If you want to browse the entirety of Anker’s SOLIX Fan Fest Sale, which includes the above SOLIX F3000 power station discounts, be sure to check out our original and curated coverage of those deals here.

man and woman sit on beach with Tenways CGO600 Pro e-bikes

Tenways End of Season Sale drops 37-pound CGO600 Pro e-bikes to $1,599 with $217 in FREE gear ($2,116 value)

Tenways is continuing most of its Labor Day savings within its newly launched End of Season Sale, which is taking up to $500 off select e-bikes, while also offering an additional $200 discount when buying two. Among the lineup, Tenways’ popular CGO600 Pro Lightweight Commuter e-bikes (both the chain-drive and belt-drive variants) are dropping back down to $1,599 shipped, while also coming with $118 in free gear and a complimentary gift box (a $99 value). Coming down off its $1,899 full tag price, things have been taken lower in the past, though since March we’ve been seeing tariff hikes keep the price up at $1,599, with occasional falls lower to $1,499. You’re still getting a solid $517 savings package with this deal, not to mention the additional savings you can get buying two together and/or verifying your status as a medical provider, first responder, teacher, or military member (giving you an extra $150 off).

If you want to learn more about this lightweight commuter, or browse the other e-bike deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

man and woman sit at table in nature with Bluetti's Elite 30 V2 power station

Bluetti’s new Elite 30 V2 power station bundled with a carrying case gets first discount to $259, more from $219

Through its official Amazon storefront, Bluetti is offering the first chance at savings on its new Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station bundled with a carrying bag at $259 shipped, after clipping the on-page $140 off coupon, which is unavailable directly from the brand’s website and has no option to buy the bag separately. This bundle package just hit Amazon five days ago, carrying a $399 price tag, with today’s deal being a first-ever chance to save on it. All-in-all, you’re getting $140 in total savings that sets the bar for future discounts down the road.

If you want to learn more about this station’s capabilities, as well as browse the other bundles, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

EGO's 56V 10-inch carbon fiber pole saw being used to cut off tree branch

Grab EGO’s carbon fiber telescopic pole saw with an LED guide light and 2.5Ah battery at its $299 low

Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 10-inch Cordless Carbon Fiber Telescopic LED Cut Line Indicator Pole Saw with 2.5Ah battery at $299 shipped. It’s been recently fetching around $389 at full price, with the discounts we’ve seen this year having dropped the costs to this same low rate twice before. It’s coming back around for a $90 markdown, letting you expand your outdoor arsenal at the best price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this pole saw, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man prepping food in pot on burner being powered by EGO Power+ Nexus portable power station

EGO’s modular Nexus power station with two 7.5Ah batteries can also refuel your arsenal at $899

At Amazon, you can currently find the EGO Power+ Nexus Portable Power Station with two 7.5Ah batteries at $899 shipped. This bundled package usually runs for $1,099 without discounts, which we’ve mostly seen keeping down near $999 with discounts. While these drops to $899 are usually rare sightings, the price has been holding out strong since mid-August, with no telling how much longer it may last. Aside from the $838 low we saw once back during Black Friday, you’re otherwise looking at the best tracked price, which saves you $200 off the going rate. If you already have a collection of EGO ARC batteries, you can pick the station up on its own for $593.

If you want to learn more about this power station’s capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man cleaning driveway with Greenworks 1,900 PSI electric pressure washer

Greenworks’ framed 1,900 PSI electric pressure washer back at $120 while the 12-inch cleaner attachment is at $23 (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Greenworks 1,900 PSI Electric Framed Pressure Washer at $119.99 shipped (currently unavailable on Amazon and beating the brand’s direct website by $30), which is running parallel to the one-day-only discount we’re also seeing on the brand’s 12-inch Surface Cleaner Attachment at $22.99 shipped. That pressure washer would normally run you $200 at full price, with discounts mostly taking it to this rate or higher, more often as a one-day-only deal, which has only been beaten out by a one-time discount to $118. For the rest of the day, you can pick one up at $80 off to tackle your outdoor cleaning needs at the next-best price we have tracked – landing just $2 above the all-time low.

If you want to learn more about the pressure washer or cleaner attachment, be sure to check out our original coverage of these one-day-only deals here.

split photo showing the Worx Pegasus 2-in-1 work table and sawhorse holding bags of cement

Gain more portable workspace with Worx’s Pegasus 2-in-1 folding table & sawhorse at $95 (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Worx Pegasus 2-in-1 Folding Work Table & Sawhorse at $94.99 shipped, which beats out Amazon’s pricing by $42. It usually fetches $140 to $150 at full price across various marketplaces, with discounts over the last year having mostly kept costs above $110, though we have spied some short-term falls as low as $90. For the rest of the day, you can pick it up here with a $55 markdown that lands it at the second-best price of the last 12 months – just $5 above the low we last saw in January.

If you want to learn more about this work table/sawhorse, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


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