Is Meta Plotting a Stablecoin Comeback Years After Libra’s Flop?

Written by Leo Miller

Harkening back to the late 2010s, Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) is reportedly exploring the use of cryptocurrencies in its business, specifically stablecoins. Meta had its first foray into stablecoins in June 2019 with Libra. Ultimately, due to regulatory issues and reputational risk, Libra was unsuccessful. This came despite the Libra Association having payment behemoths like Mastercard (NYSE: MA) and Visa (NYSE: V) among its founding members.

The Libra Association was set up to govern Libra independently of Meta. However, by October 2019, both Mastercard and Visa had left the association. Meta attempted to rebrand Libra as “Diem.” This also failed as the Federal Reserve was a “key opponent to Diem launching.” Meta ultimately ended the project in early 2022.

Since 2019, the cryptocurrency industry and general views around it have evolved significantly. So, why is Meta apparently looking to enter this space again, and could it be more successful this time around? What are the potential benefits to Meta’s business? One can answer these questions by looking at how Meta’s business and the crypto space have changed. However, understanding stablecoins overall is an important prerequisite.

Stablecoin and Libra Deep Dive

Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a relatively stable value. Their value may be pegged to the U.S. dollar or a commodity like gold, which aids in their ability to act as a medium of exchange rather than a highly volatile cryptocurrency.

In theory, a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar has two benefits. First, it could create similar levels of trust among transacting parties, such as using the dollar, as both parties know its value will stay close to the currency. At the same time, the stablecoin could allow these parties to take advantage of the benefits of blockchain technology.

Meta believed Libra could reduce the friction and costs involved in making payments, creating a way to do so “as easily as you can send a photo.” This aimed to increase engagement on its platforms and allow the company to take a slice of the payments market. Today, the tech giant’s stablecoin intrigue appears to be a bit different.

Stablecoins Can Aid Meta’s Fast-Growing International Business

Meta’s international business has grown by leaps and bounds since 2019. International advertising revenue is now coming in at an annual rate that is around $62 billion higher compared to Q1 2019. In Q1 2025, nearly 56% of Meta’s advertising revenue came from outside the United States and Canada.

Thus, Meta’s cross-border transaction volume is likely much larger. This is because Meta pays users on its apps to create content. On Facebook alone, Meta said in October 2024 that it paid content creators $2 billion over the past year. The company is also reportedly trying to lure creators from TikTok, offering payments of $50,000 per month to post short-form videos on Instagram. Overall, many of these creators are likely not in the United States, which is the key reason for Meta’s interest in stablecoins.

Paying these creators traditionally requires wire transfers with high fees. Banks may charge these fees to both the receiver and the sender. Using stablecoins for these payments would allow Meta to avoid paying these fees, which could help increase the company’s margins in the long run. Additionally, content creators could see a reduction in the fees they pay. This would make them more likely to want to create content on Meta, increasing engagement.

There is reason to believe that Meta’s next stablecoin venture could be much more successful. Citigroup (NYSE: C) says that as of March 2025, the total value of stablecoins has grown to $230 billion, around 30x larger than five years ago. They think this figure could grow to $1.6 trillion by 2030. This highlights the growing awareness of stablecoins. Additionally, regulators worldwide, including those in the United States, are becoming more accepting of stablecoins. They are actively developing regulatory frameworks that could legitimize stablecoins as formal parts of the financial system.

Stablecoins: A Potentially Beneficial Initiative for Meta Going Forward

Overall, using stablecoins is a forward-thinking way for Meta to potentially boost margins and increase engagement on its platforms. Still, Meta has not definitively announced that it is pursuing the use of stablecoins. However, the increasing awareness, growth prospects, and improving regulatory views on stablecoins make this far from a pie-in-the-sky notion. It will be interesting to see if Meta adds legitimacy to these reports in the near future.

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Silver’s Options Sizzle: Are Traders Betting on a Breakout?

Written by Jeffrey Neal Johnson

A notable wave of trading activity swept through several silver-linked assets in early June. Investors saw a significant jump in call option volumes for multiple silver-related equities. Call options give the holder the right, not the requirement, to buy an asset, such as a stock or ETF share, at a pre-set price by a specific date. When call volume spikes, it often signals that some traders believe the asset’s price is poised to rise.

This unusual call option volume and increased investor interest in multiple stocks and ETFs at the same time warrant a closer look to see what’s stirring in the silver sector.

Unpacking the Action: A Look at Specific Silver Plays

The heightened call option volume in early June varied across multiple silver-related securities, each telling a slightly different story. Separately, they tell four stories of bullish catalysts and heightened investor sentiment, but when combined, they start to reveal the bigger picture of a sector accumulating interest and investment.

iShares Silver Trust: A Price Play on Silver Bullion?

The iShares Silver Trust (NYSEARCA: SLV), an ETF that aims to track the price of silver bullion, saw 599,279 call option contracts traded. This volume was 57.8% above its usual average.

The high call volume may suggest that some traders expect silver prices to rebound soon or are preparing for further price fluctuations.

Because SLV tracks physical silver, this option’s activity directly reflects views on the metal itself, likely influenced by broader economic news or general market coverage.

First Majestic: Mining News Ignites Options Interest?

First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE: AG), a company focused mainly on silver production, experienced a call option volume of 39,607 contracts, an 80.9% increase from its average. First Majestic’s stock price has also climbed around 18% to $7.28 during the first week of June, with a high trading volume.

This mix of soaring call options, a rising stock price, and heavy trading often points to strong positive sentiment. Recent good news from the company has also likely played a role.

For instance, on May 28, 2025, First Majestic announced a significant gold-silver discovery at its Santa Elena property. This, along with strong financial results from the first quarter of 2025, could lead traders to expect more gains from the stock.

Pan American Silver: Big Deal Draws Options Traders?

Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE: PAAS), a large, diversified silver producer, recorded 9,098 call option contracts traded, up 25.7% from its average.

The company’s stock price also rose, gaining nearly 10% in early June. This increased call activity, alongside positive news indicators, suggests investors are reacting well to recent company moves.

A key factor is likely Pan American’s May 11, 2025, announcement of a deal to acquire MAG Silver Corp. for $2.1 billion. This strategic acquisition is expected to significantly boost Pan American’s silver output and potential future earnings, which could, in turn, lift its stock price and attract optimistic options bets.

Junior Miners: High Hopes for Smaller Players?

The Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (NYSEARCA: SILJ), which holds smaller silver mining and exploration companies, saw its call option volume hit 14,925 contracts. This was a striking 97.7% leap above its average, and it was also the most significant percentage increase among these assets. SILJ’s price also increased by around 10% in early June.

This dramatic percentage jump in calls for SILJ points to strong speculative interest in this part of the silver market. Junior miners often have stock prices that move more sharply with silver prices.

The high option activity here suggests that some traders may be betting on substantial returns from these smaller firms if silver prices continue to climb or if positive news persists for the sector.

Beyond Options: What This Means for the Silver Market

When call option volume rises sharply across different types of silver assets, it can signal a broader increase in investor focus on the entire silver sector. Some traders may be positioning for potential price gains.

Silver’s appeal comes from several areas. Demand from industries utilizing silver in green technologies, such as solar panels, electronics and the automotive sector, remains strong.

Silver is also a well-known precious metal. It is often regarded as a valuable investment that retains its value, especially during economic uncertainty or rising inflation. These core factors continue to support interest in the metal.

What Spiking Call Volumes Say About Silver’s Next Move

The notable surge in call option activity across our four assets in early June clearly shows heightened investor focus on the silver sector. This flurry of bullish bets, reflected in the increased demand for call options, suggests that a market segment is positioning for potential upward price movements in silver bullion and mining equities.

Whether driven by specific company news or broader shifts in sentiment towards precious metals, the data points to a renewed speculative interest. The significant percentage increase in call volume underscores a willingness among some traders to embrace higher-risk, potentially higher-reward scenarios within the silver space.

Ultimately, this concentrated options activity serves as a strong indicator that silver and its related securities captured significant market attention. At the same time, the direct motivations behind each trade can vary, the collective signal points towards a period of dynamic interest and re-evaluation for the silver complex.

How these expectations play out will depend on ongoing market fundamentals, company performance, and the broader economic landscape, ensuring that the silver narrative will remain one to watch.

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AT&T: Is This Telecom Giant a Buy or a Bye for Your Portfolio?

Written by Jeffrey Neal Johnson

Investor focus on AT&T (NYSE: T) is starting to sharpen, with the company’s stock price making a healthy upward move of nearly 50% over the past year as of early June 2025. This renewed market interest comes as the telecommunications heavyweight nears a critical crossroads in its strategic plans.

AT&T is actively channeling funds into future-focused growth areas while also managing its large, established business and the expectations of its shareholders. As AT&T continues to tackle its challenges and grow its network, is there a clear path to value for investors now, or is the signal still a little too weak to make that call?

AT&T’s High-Speed Growth Plan

AT&T is heavily investing in its fiber optic and 5G networks. These technologies are seen as crucial for future income and market standing. Expanding its fiber network is a top priority for AT&T. By the first quarter of the 2025 earnings report, the company had already connected infrastructure to 29.5 million homes and businesses with its fiber internet. In that quarter alone, AT&T added 261,000 new fiber customers.

This marked the 21st consecutive quarter with over 200,000 new fiber sign-ups, signaling strong demand for this premium service, which can lead to higher and more predictable revenue.

A major part of this strategy is the planned $5.75 billion cash purchase of Lumen Technologies’ Mass Markets fiber business. This deal, expected to be finalized in the first half of 2026, will add about one million new fiber customers and reach over four million more locations in 11 states.

AT&T aims to have around 60 million total fiber locations by the end of 2030. Expanding its market reach in this way can directly boost service revenues, a key factor influencing company earnings and investor valuations.

Advancing the 5G Experience

Beyond fiber, AT&T continues to improve its 5G wireless network. The company is utilizing its 5G system, which offers multiple service tiers, including the new faster 5G+, to attract and retain customers. These new plans are designed to bring in more subscribers from targeted age groups, such as seniors and Gen X.

AT&T also encourages customers to bundle services, combining fiber internet with 5G wireless. Currently, over 40% of AT&T Fiber households also use AT&T wireless.

This can lead to higher Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), meaning more income per customer, and can also help keep customers loyal for longer. Both outcomes support stronger financial results for AT&T and can improve how investors view the stock.

Is AT&T’s Stock Built on Solid Ground?

A company’s financial health is a vital factor for investors. AT&T’s ability to generate cash, pay dividends to shareholders, and manage its debt is central to its stock’s appeal. While the company has suffered its fair share of challenges in the past, consider this:

• Free Cash Flow: AT&T generated $3.1 billion in free cash flow (excluding DIRECTV) in Q1 2025 and aims for $16+ billion for the year. This ample cash flow funds network upgrades, dividends, and debt reduction, boosting investor confidence.
• Giving Back to Shareholders: AT&T is recognized for its dividend returns, currently paying a $1.11 annual dividend per share. In early June 2025, this offered a 4.05% yield, attracting income-seeking investors. The dividend is financially sound, representing about 20.32% of the company’s cash flow.
• Share Repurchases: AT&T plans to repurchase at least $3 billion of its stock by the end of 2025, part of a $10 billion share buyback initiative. This can boost remaining share value and indicate management’s confidence in the stock.
• Better Debt Load Management: AT&T’s debt has been a key concern for investors for several quarters. In Q1 2025, the company’s net debt was $119.1 billion, with a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 1.0, indicating that its debt was roughly equal to its shareholder equity. Management is closely monitoring this target and is utilizing free cash flow to continue reducing debt, potentially enhancing stock valuation.

What Could Slow AT&T’s Progress?

AT&T has been tackling its challenges head-on on but there are still things that add risk to the company that investors should continue to watch for:

• Intense Competition: The telecommunications industry is highly competitive, with AT&T competing against major rivals in the wireless and broadband internet markets. This competition pressures prices, potentially reduces profit margins, and requires substantial investment to stay competitive.
• Business Wireline Decline: The Business Wireline segment is experiencing declining revenue due to long-term industry changes and a shift away from older communication services. AT&T needs to manage this by transitioning customers to newer fiber and internet-based solutions.
• Strategic Project Risks: Large strategic projects, such as integrating Lumen Mass Markets’ fiber business, involve uncertainties and require careful execution to achieve the intended benefits.

AT&T: A Cautious Case for Investor Optimism?

While substantial debt and intense competition remain valid concerns, AT&T’s clear strategy, focused on high-growth fiber and 5G networks, presents a compelling positive counterweight.

This direction is supported by healthy free cash flow and a commitment to returning value to shareholders through dividends and stock buybacks.

For investors who value dividend income and have a long-term vision, AT&T’s current path offers a cautiously optimistic outlook.

The company’s success in expanding its fiber network and diligently managing its debt will be crucial for the stock’s future performance.

However, the overall picture suggests that for the right type of investor, AT&T represents a call that should be made rather than one that should be quickly sent to voicemail.

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