Prediction market platform Kalshi has closed a $1 billion funding round, valuing the company at $40 billion, in what is likely its final round before an initial public offering (IPO).

U.S. consumer price growth accelerated in September, a development that may further support the Federal Reserve’s move to raise interest rates again in December after its pause on rate hikes this week. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported Thursday that the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, rose 0.5% month-over-month in September and 3.6% year-over-year. The faster price gains confirm inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% long-term annual target. Core PCE, which excludes volatile food and energy categories, rose 3.1% year-over-year and 0.3% month-over-month in September, matching August’s core monthly increase. The day prior, Fed officials voted 10-2 to hold interest rates steady, with two policymakers dissenting in favor of a rate hike. Investors expect the Fed may raise rates again at its final meeting of the year in December, and potentially multiple times next year.

According to Arkham's monitoring, Chainlink repurchased approximately 92,800 LINK tokens in the past two hours, valued at around $1.07 million. The repurchase volume is over 4,500 tokens higher than that of last week.

Legendary investor Stan Druckenmiller published a statement announcing he is pleased to join Trade.xyz as an investor, expressing anticipation for the firm’s collaboration with Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) to bring Hyperliquid-based 24/7 perpetual contracts to the U.S. As a market participant, he also looks forward to leveraging Trade.xyz’s innovative products to enhance his investment workflows. Druckenmiller, a legendary macro hedge fund manager and former chief trader of Soros Quantum Fund, led iconic trades including the 1992 British pound "Black Wednesday" bet, later founded Duquesne Capital, and is long famed for precise macro trend positioning and rare, sustained excess returns, recognized as one of the most influential macro investors of the modern era.

Huobi HTX announced that the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) had initiated legal proceedings against the exchange in the UK. Following a period of constructive communication between both parties, the matter has now been resolved. Huobi HTX has always sincerely cooperated with the FCA, actively collaborated with the regulator, and responded proactively to its concerns over the UK market. During this period, in line with its commitment to upholding compliance standards, Huobi HTX gradually strengthened restrictions related to the UK market and exit arrangements, and rolled out corresponding operational measures. These measures were already implemented before the settlement was reached. The settlement further reinforces the aforementioned measures, and does not constitute an admission by Huobi HTX of any legal liability, wrongdoing, or violation. The settlement eliminates relevant legal uncertainty, aligning with the exchange’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its compliance standards. This allows Huobi HTX to focus on its core priority: delivering high-value services to users and achieving long-term sustainable growth. Huobi HTX thanks all parties for their professional cooperation in resolving this matter, and will continue to focus on serving users responsibly. Looking ahead, Huobi HTX is willing to engage in constructive cooperation with all industry stakeholders, including partnering with regulators where appropriate, to jointly safeguard user interests and promote the healthy development of the digital asset ecosystem.

Over the past few hours, 5 whales have all opened long positions on $HYPE, totaling 597,912 $HYPE ($52.7M).

U.S. September core PCE price index rose 3.1% year-over-year, in line with market expectations of 3.10%, up slightly from the prior reading of 3.00%.