CLARITY Act Heads for Senate Vote as Intel Jumps on CPU Price Hike Report

The U.S. crypto market structure debate moved back into focus this week as Senate Republicans released an updated CLARITY Act ahead of a key procedural vote on September 15. The revised bill incorporates more than 100 changes requested by Democrats, but disagreements over ethics provisions remain unresolved.

XRP is also approaching an important technical test, with the token trading around $1.38 and the monthly 20 EMA near $1.55 emerging as a key resistance level. The upcoming CLARITY Act vote is among several XRP-related developments drawing attention, although some widely circulated claims lack official confirmation.

Meanwhile, Intel shares surged after reports that the chipmaker could raise PC processor prices by another 10% in October, adding to signs that the company is prioritizing margins as it expands its advanced manufacturing operations.

1. CLARITY Act heads for key Senate vote

Senate Republicans released a revised 630-page CLARITY Act ahead of a September 15 cloture vote. The new draft includes more than 100 changes requested by Democrats, including provisions allowing certain non-decentralized trading protocols to register with the CFTC and additional clarification around DeFi, prediction markets, and credit union crypto activities.

However, a major dispute over ethics provisions remains unresolved, and Democrats have yet to support the updated bill. Stablecoin rewards are another point of contention. The cloture vote requires at least 60 senators to advance the legislation, making bipartisan support critical to its prospects.

2. XRP faces key resistance at $1.55

XRP is trading around $1.38, putting the $1.55 monthly 20 EMA in focus as a potentially important resistance level. A sustained move above $1.55 could put $2.00 and $2.70 in view, while a rejection would leave XRP exposed to lower support levels, including $0.85.

Regulatory developments are also drawing attention, particularly the September 15 CLARITY Act vote. However, the vote is only a procedural Senate step and would not immediately determine XRP's regulatory classification. Other recent claims involving the SEC, SWIFT, and Schwab have also been overstated beyond what official records support.

3. Intel jumps on reported CPU price hike

Intel shares surged 9.05% to $104.47 on September 8 following a report that the chipmaker could raise PC CPU prices by about 10% in October. Intel has not confirmed the reported increase, which would follow earlier price adjustments as the company focuses on higher-margin products amid rising semiconductor costs and AI-driven demand.

Intel's financial performance has improved, with second-quarter gross margin reaching 42% and revenue posting its strongest growth in more than 15 years. Its foundry business remains a challenge, however, recording a $2.1 billion operating loss despite progress in advanced manufacturing and High-NA EUV technology.