Investing Updates: Investors pull $15bn from DeFi as latest hack sparks security fears

Source:

https://www.dlnews.com/articles/defi/investors-pull-money-from-defi-after-kelpdao-hack/

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Investor confidence in decentralised finance (DeFi) has taken a sharp hit after a series of major hacks, triggering over $15 billion in withdrawals from leading protocols. The latest incident involved Kelp DAO, a restaking app on Ethereum, where hackers stole approximately $294 million. The attack is part of a broader wave of cybercrime linked to North Korean groups, which have already taken nearly $600 million from crypto platforms in 2026.

The fallout has been significant. Total Value Locked (TVL) across DeFi platforms dropped sharply, with Aave alone losing about $10 billion—roughly 22% of its deposits. Other major platforms, including Morpho and Sky, also saw substantial outflows. These declines were partly due to their exposure to Kelp DAO’s compromised rsETH token. Even unrelated ecosystems were affected, as Kamino on Solana recorded $280 million in withdrawals.

Security concerns are intensifying as attacks grow more advanced. Hackers are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to scan code for vulnerabilities and executing complex, coordinated exploits—such as forging cross-chain messages in the Kelp DAO breach. Earlier in April, another major exploit targeted Drift on Solana, highlighting systemic weaknesses.

While DeFi has long been a target for hackers, the scale and sophistication of recent attacks are alarming investors. Losses from crypto hacks exceeded $3.4 billion in 2025, and 2026 is already on track to rival or surpass that figure. Unlike traditional finance, DeFi transactions are typically irreversible, meaning stolen funds are rarely recovered.

Overall, rising security risks are undermining trust in DeFi just as the sector seeks greater institutional adoption, posing a significant challenge to its growth.

Investing Updates: Singapore’s OCBC launches tokenized gold fund on Ethereum and Solana

Source:

https://cointelegraph.com/news/ocbc-tokenized-gold-fund-ethereum-solana

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OCBC Bank has launched a tokenized physical gold fund, marking a significant step in bridging traditional finance with blockchain technology. The fund’s digital token, GOLDX, is issued on both Ethereum and Solana, allowing investors to gain exposure to gold through blockchain-based assets.

The initiative was developed in partnership with Lion Global Investors and digital asset exchange DigiFT. It is primarily targeted at institutional investors, hedge funds, and asset managers, though it also aims to attract high-net-worth individuals active in crypto and Web3 ecosystems. Investors can subscribe using either fiat currencies or stablecoins, with tokens delivered directly to their blockchain wallets.

GOLDX represents on-chain access to the LionGlobal Singapore Physical Gold Fund, which launched in December and held about $525 million in assets under management as of mid-April 2026. This structure allows investors to benefit from gold exposure while leveraging the flexibility, transparency, and accessibility of blockchain technology.

The launch comes amid rapid growth in tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), which have surpassed $29 billion in value on public blockchains—an increase of over 10% in the past month alone. OCBC sees this as a key opportunity to expand its digital asset strategy and integrate decentralized finance (DeFi) with traditional financial products.

This is not OCBC’s first move into tokenization; the bank previously introduced a tokenized equity-linked note in 2023. With total assets of around $526 billion as of end-2025, OCBC’s latest initiative signals growing confidence among major financial institutions in blockchain-based investment products and the broader digital asset ecosystem.

Gaming Updates: Dragon Quest Smash/Grow is out now on iOS and Android, bringing a twist to the JRPG series

Source:

https://www.pocketgamer.com/dragon-quest-smash-grow/out-now/

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Dragon Quest Smash/Grow has launched on iOS and Android, offering a fresh spin on the long-running Dragon Quest formula. Developed by Square Enix, the mobile title blends traditional RPG progression with Survivors-style isometric action, creating a hybrid experience aimed at both longtime fans and newcomers.

Players take on the role of a nameless hero tasked with saving the world of Valdecia, which is threatened by mysterious space-time ruptures known as Rifts. These Rifts unleash iconic monsters from across the series, and players must battle through dungeon-like stages before facing powerful “alpha” bosses at the end of each run. Gameplay revolves around building a party of three adventurers, each with distinct classes and abilities, and gradually strengthening them through leveling and upgrades.

The game leans heavily into the franchise’s roots, featuring familiar enemy designs inspired by Akira Toriyama, alongside a nostalgic fantasy setting. At the same time, it introduces modern mobile-friendly mechanics, including automated combat elements and streamlined progression systems designed for quick sessions.

Reception appears mixed. While the game’s polished 3D visuals, variety of classes, and nostalgic appeal are clear strengths, some players may find its heavy reliance on auto-play and grinding less engaging. The blend of action and RPG systems may not fully satisfy those seeking deeper interactivity, but it still offers a competent and accessible experience.

Overall, Dragon Quest Smash/Grow represents another attempt to adapt a classic JRPG franchise for mobile audiences. Though not groundbreaking, it provides a solid mix of familiar charm and new mechanics, making it worth trying—especially for fans of the series.

Gaming Updates: The 10 Most Anticipated Indie Games Of 2026

Source:

https://gamerant.com/most-anticipated-upcoming-new-indie-games-2026/

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2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for indie games, with a diverse lineup spanning genres, styles, and storytelling approaches. Even after strong early releases like Cairn and Perfect Tides: Station to Station, the upcoming slate suggests the year’s best is still ahead.

Leading the list is Mina the Hollower, a retro-inspired action-adventure from Yacht Club Games that blends pixel art with fast-paced combat and exploration. Denshattack! offers a unique arcade platformer twist, letting players control a trick-performing train through vibrant levels, while Dead as Disco mixes rhythm and combat in a stylish, music-driven beat-’em-up.

Several titles push creative boundaries. Titanium Court combines match-3 puzzles with strategy and surreal storytelling, while ONTOS delivers a psychological sci-fi mystery centered on identity and existential choices. Zero Parades: For Dead Spies leans into narrative depth, offering a dialogue-heavy RPG focused on espionage and internal conflict rather than combat.

Cozy and social experiences also stand out. Witchbrook invites players into a magical school life simulator with farming, relationships, and spellcasting, while Coffee Talk Tokyo continues its relaxing café storytelling formula with new characters and branching narratives. Big Walk emphasizes cooperative exploration, encouraging players to solve puzzles and communicate creatively in a shared world.

Rounding out the list, At Fate’s End blends emotional storytelling with action-adventure gameplay, focusing on family conflict and player-driven choices.

Overall, 2026’s indie lineup highlights the creativity and risk-taking that define the scene. From experimental mechanics to heartfelt narratives, these games demonstrate how indie developers continue to innovate, offering experiences that rival—and often surpass—big-budget titles in originality and impact.

LifeStyle Updates: Dragon Ball Super Reveals New Anime Releasing Later This Year

Source:

https://gamerant.com/dragon-ball-super-frieza-anime/

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The future of the Dragon Ball Super franchise has been officially unveiled during Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour 2026, marking its 40th anniversary with major announcements.

The highlight is Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, a remake of the original “Battle of Gods” arc, set to air in Fall 2026 on Fuji TV. This new version will feature upgraded animation, improved art direction, and additional scenes, aiming to more faithfully adapt the manga by Akira Toriyama and Toyotarou. It is expected to address criticisms of the original anime’s early episodes, which were known for weaker animation quality, while reducing filler content for a tighter narrative.

At the end of the newly released trailer, a second anime titled Dragon Ball Super: Frieza was teased. Confirmed by Goku’s voice actress Masako Nozawa, this installment will be an enhanced retelling of the Resurrection F arc, focusing on Goku and Frieza’s battle.

Importantly, these releases are just the beginning of a much larger remake project. Future arcs are expected to follow in sequence, including Universe 6, Goku Black, and Jiren sagas, before adapting the Dragon Ball Super: Broly storyline into episodic format. The series will then progress into newer manga arcs like the Galactic Patrol (Moro Saga), Granolah the Survivor, and eventually a remake of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.

This long-term roadmap suggests a comprehensive effort by Toei Animation to modernize and align the anime closely with the manga, ultimately leading toward adapting the anticipated Black Frieza saga.

Investing Updates: CapitaLand Ascendas REIT preferential offering oversubscribed with strong excess demand

Source:

https://growbeansprout.com/capitaland-ascendas-reit-preferential-offering-allotment-2026

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The preferential offering by CapitaLand Ascendas REIT was strongly oversubscribed, signalling robust investor demand despite mixed participation from existing unitholders.

Launched at S$2.35 per unit on the basis of 28 new units per 1,000 held, the offering aimed to fund part of a S$1.4 billion acquisition in Singapore and Japan. Total applications reached 315.4 million units—about 244% of the 129.1 million units available—driven largely by excess applications rather than initial entitlements.

Valid acceptances from entitled unitholders amounted to 96.1 million units, or 74.45% of the total offering, indicating that not all investors took up their allocated shares. This left around 33 million units available for excess allocation. However, demand for excess units surged to 219.3 million units—about 6.6 times the available balance—meaning applicants are unlikely to receive their full requested amounts.

Importantly, the REIT’s sponsor, CLI RE Fund Investments, fully subscribed to its entitlement, reinforcing confidence in the exercise. Post-offering, it will hold about 16.07% of total units.

From a fundamentals perspective, the acquisitions funded by this exercise are expected to be accretive. Pro forma figures suggest a 2.1% increase in FY2025 distribution per unit (DPU), rising further to around 4.1% when including additional acquisitions. Financial metrics remain stable, with only a slight increase in leverage and an improvement in net asset value.

Overall, the strong excess demand helps absorb unsubscribed units and reduces overhang concerns. Combined with attractive valuation metrics—such as a dividend yield of 5.9% above historical averages—the REIT remains appealing for income-focused investors.

Investing Updates: Why I Think It Make Sense To Invest Your CPF OA Savings In A Global Portfolio Through Endowus

Source:

https://dollarsandsense.sg/why-i-think-it-make-sense-to-invest-your-cpf-oa-savings-in-a-global-portfolio-through-endowus/

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The author argues that investing excess CPF Ordinary Account (OA) savings through Endowus can be a sensible way to achieve higher long-term growth—provided certain conditions are met.

First, “excess” OA funds refer to amounts beyond what is needed to cover mortgage payments for a few years as a safety buffer. Once this buffer is secured, leaving all funds in the OA earning a risk-free 2.5% may not be the most efficient strategy for long-term retirement growth. Investing offers the potential for higher returns, though not without trade-offs.

A key consideration is cost. OA interest is both risk-free and fee-free, whereas investing through Endowus involves a 0.40% annual management fee plus underlying fund fees. Therefore, returns must exceed these costs to justify investing.

Risk is another major factor. Unlike guaranteed OA interest, investment returns fluctuate and may result in losses. This risk can be managed by choosing conservative portfolios, maintaining a long investment horizon (ideally 10+ years), and diversifying globally to reduce concentration in any single market.

The author prefers Endowus’ advised portfolios rather than building a DIY portfolio, citing convenience and lack of time. These portfolios also provide global exposure, which helps overcome Singapore’s small and concentrated market, allowing access to major international companies and sectors.

Ultimately, investing CPF OA savings is not for everyone. It only makes sense if one has sufficient housing reserves, accepts market risk, and has decades before retirement. While transferring OA funds to the Special Account is a safer alternative, investing part of excess OA savings in a globally diversified portfolio may offer better long-term growth for those with the right profile.

Investing Updates: What to Expect in the Week Ahead (Retail Sales, Flash PMIs & Earnings from TSLA, INTC, BA)

Source: 

https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/what-to-expect-in-the-week-ahead-retail-sales-flash-116429112279046?futusource=news_hotnews_list&client_hour_clock=24&clientlang=2&clienttype=121&clientver=16.10.15508&is_visitor=0&main_broker=WwoJMTAwOApdCg%3D%3D&my_cid=103096561&sg_cid=103096561&skintype=3&us_cid=103096561&user_id=103096561&user_id_type=3&global_content=%7B%22promote_content%22%3A%22mm%3Afeed%3A116429112279046%22%2C%22invite%22%3A%22103096561%22%7D

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The week ahead is packed with major earnings, key economic data, and ongoing geopolitical concerns, all of which could shape market direction after equities recently hit record highs.

Earnings focus:
Heavyweights across sectors are reporting. Healthcare giant UnitedHealth kicks off Monday under pressure from margin concerns, while GE Aerospace and RTX are expected to benefit from strong aerospace and defense demand. On Tuesday, Boeing remains in turnaround mode with expected losses, making production progress and cash burn critical. Tesla headlines the week, with investors watching vehicle deliveries, AI developments, robotaxi timelines, and energy storage growth after a weak revenue backdrop. IBM and Lam Research will provide insight into AI software and semiconductor demand.

Midweek, attention shifts to American Express and Intel. AmEx faces slowing consumer spending trends, while Intel’s strong stock rally contrasts with near-zero earnings expectations, setting up potential volatility. Newmont may benefit from surging gold prices. By Thursday, Procter & Gamble will highlight consumer resilience amid tariffs, currency headwinds, and weak sentiment.

Economic data:
Retail sales (Monday) will gauge consumer strength, while Wednesday’s Flash PMIs are the most important macro release, offering an early look at April business activity and the impact of tariffs and energy costs. Jobless claims will also be monitored for labor market signals.

Market backdrop:
Markets enter the week with strong momentum. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq recently hit record highs, driven by AI optimism, easing geopolitical tensions, and strong earnings. Tech and AI-linked stocks led gains, with sharp rebounds in companies like Oracle, Tesla, and Microsoft.

Overall, this week combines high-stakes earnings with crucial economic indicators, making it a key test of whether the current market rally can sustain its momentum.

Sports Updates: The Singaporean Guide To The Cost Of Watching The FIFA World Cup 2026

Source:

https://dollarsandsense.sg/the-singaporean-guide-to-the-cost-of-watching-the-fifa-world-cup-2026/

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The guide outlines how much Singaporeans will need to pay to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting that costs can range from zero to under $100 depending on viewing preferences.

The 2026 tournament is the largest ever, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across North America. For Singapore viewers, match timings are relatively convenient, with most games airing in the morning or early evening. A major improvement is the increase in free-to-air coverage. A total of 28 matches—including the opening game, selected group matches, both semi-finals, the third-place playoff, and the final—will be broadcast on Mediacorp’s Channel 5 and streamed on meWATCH. Casual fans can therefore follow key moments at no cost.

For full access, viewers can purchase the official Season Pass, available via meWATCH as well as Singtel and StarHub platforms. The early-bird price is S$98 (until 30 April 2026), rising to S$118 thereafter. This includes all 104 matches in HD, along with on-demand replays.

Compared with previous tournaments, pricing has remained unchanged from 2022 despite a significant increase in matches. This makes 2026 the best-value edition on a per-match basis, dropping from about $1.53 per match in 2022 to roughly $0.94 in 2026.

Ultimately, the actual cost depends on viewing habits. Casual viewers can rely entirely on free coverage, while dedicated fans can secure comprehensive access at a relatively attractive price if they subscribe early.

Technology Updates: Could This AI-Simulated Brain Lead to Human Mind-Uploading?

Source:

https://gizmodo.com/could-this-ai-simulated-brain-lead-to-human-mind-uploading-2000747452

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The article examines whether recent advances in AI brain simulation could eventually enable human mind-uploading, but concludes that such a prospect remains highly uncertain.

Inspired by Richard Feynman’s idea that true understanding requires creation, AI researchers have long attempted to replicate the brain’s processes. San Francisco startup Eon Systems claims a breakthrough with a “virtual fly” powered by a full digital replica of a fruit fly’s brain, or connectome. This model includes about 125,000 neurons and 50 million synaptic connections, and reportedly mimics real neural activity with 95% accuracy. Unlike typical AI models, the system is presented as a true digital twin of a biological brain rather than a behavioural imitation.

Eon views this as an early step toward mind-uploading—the idea that a perfectly simulated brain would reproduce consciousness, memories, and subjective experience. This aligns with transhumanist beliefs that humans could transcend biological limits through technology.

However, many experts strongly disagree. Neuroscientists like Karl Friston argue that simulating brain processes does not necessarily produce consciousness, calling it a “category error.” Similarly, Anil Seth compares the claim to assuming a simulated rainstorm makes a computer wet—highlighting the gap between simulation and subjective experience.

Technical challenges also remain immense. Eon aims to simulate a mouse brain next, but even that is far more complex, and mapping a human brain—estimated at up to 99 billion neurons—appears vastly more difficult. Additionally, the brain’s constantly changing synaptic connections may make perfect replication impossible.

While full mind-uploading is likely far off, the technology could still deliver practical benefits, such as accelerating neuroscience and medical research.