Founded in 2012, Coinbase is the leading cryptocurrency exchange platform in the United States. The company intends to be the safe and regulation-compliant point of entry for retail investors and institutions into the cryptocurrency economy. Users can establish an account directly with the firm, instead of using an intermediary, and many choose to allow Coinbase to act as a custodian for their cryptocurrency, giving the company breadth beyond that of a traditional financial exchange. While the company still generates the majority of its revenue from transaction fees charged to its retail customers, Coinbase uses internal investment and acquisitions to expand into adjacent businesses, such as prime brokerage and data analytics.

Stocks are higher at midday on Friday, with a healthy newsflow that includes earnings reports, a non-farm payrolls report that significantly beat expectations, and an update on consumer sentiment that showed consumers are feeling pain at the pump. Indeed, the University of Michigan's survey was at the lowest level on record.

Block, which changed its name from Square in late 2021, is a technology platform company that provides payment and point-of-sale solutions to merchants worldwide. While changing its name, Block retained many of its well-known product titles, including its Square terminals. The company provides merchants with hardware for sales and payment solutions, along with software that converts iPads to payment terminals. Payments can be made on Square terminals via a tap, dip, or swipe or through the company's Block Cash electronic tender. Block also provides Cash App, which allows consumers to send, spend, and store money on an app. Block processes transactions in the U.S. and internationally.

Founded in 2012, Coinbase is the leading cryptocurrency exchange platform in the United States. The company intends to be the safe and regulation-compliant point of entry for retail investors and institutions into the cryptocurrency economy. Users can establish an account directly with the firm, instead of using an intermediary, and many choose to allow Coinbase to act as a custodian for their cryptocurrency, giving the company breadth beyond that of a traditional financial exchange. While the company still generates the majority of its revenue from transaction fees charged to its retail customers, Coinbase uses internal investment and acquisitions to expand into adjacent businesses, such as prime brokerage and data analytics.