ARB Token Soars 17% Amid Robinhood-Arbitrum Partnership Buzz
Shares of Optimism (ARB), the Ethereum L2 blockchain token, climbed 17.1% in 24 hours, driving the price above $0.36 amid speculation of a potential collaboration with trading platform Robinhood Markets.
The price surge occurred after a Bloomberg report surfaced a month ago suggesting Robinhood was exploring blockchain options, including Arbitrum and Solana, for its European platform.
On Sunday evening, Robinhood posted on X (formerly X) confirming a series of conversations set for Monday. Expected participants mentioned included Robinhood’s Crypto General Manager, Johann Kerbrat, Optimism’s Chief Strategy Officer, A.J. Warner, and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin.
The talks were scheduled during a Robinhood Europe-hosted event in Cannes, France, described by the firm as their “biggest crypto announcements of the year.”
Previous Rumors and Market Reactions
Speculation around a potential deal involving Robinhood and Arbitrum has roots in a May 8 Bloomberg report detailing Robinhood’s search for a blockchain partnership to enable European access to USD-denominated stocks.
In May, analysts observed that while both Arbitrum and Solana were candidates, no finalized agreement existed at that time.
Robinhood’s social media announcement in late May appeared dismissive of ongoing rumors regarding a blockchain partnership.
Despite the delay, the market reacted decisively to the latest developments. The ARB token climbed substantially after Robinhood’s teaser post on X. Trading data showed the price jumping from approximately $0.31 to an intraday peak of $0.386—a rise of nearly +25 cents in less than a day.
This performance pushed the 24-hour gain to nearly 17%, confirming ARB as the largest single-day percentage increase among tracked cryptocurrencies.
However, despite the recent recovery, ARB remains highly sensitive. Cryptocurrency analysts note ARB has dropped nearly 50% year-to-date and erased around 85% of its value since hitting a peak near $2.40 early last year.
Robinhood’s Ticker Movement
In U.S. pre-market trading, Robinhood Markets Inc. (HOOD) shares also benefited from the anticipation, climbing around 1.65% to reach $84.26 as of late Sunday evening derivatives data.
This market reaction underscores investor positioning towards a significant event involving the trading platform.
Expert Observations Fueling Speculation
Market observers are closely analyzing the clear patterns forming before the Monday meeting. Some interpreted Robinhood’s initial Twitter post as a near-final confirmation of a strategic tie-up.
Independent observers chimed in. Eric Connor, a former Ethereum developer, characterized the development on social media as suggesting a definite outcome:
“Looks like Robinhood chose Arbitrum,” the crypto expert wrote.
Similarly, venture capital analyst Omar Kanji fielded expectations expectantly: “Pure speculation, but imo [in my opinion] Ethereum + Arbitrum + RH only means one thing. Robinhood going to announce its chain tomorrow.”
The coordinated appearance of high-profile figures like Vitalik Buterin (Ethereum’s co-founder) alongside Robinhood executives for a fireside chat further intensifies the expectation of a primary announcement on Monday.
