[Bernstein Reiterates Optimism on Circle: Q2 Performance Eases Stablecoin Competition Concerns, Maintains $140 Price Target] According to The Block, research firm Bernstein has reiterated its 'Outperform' rating on Circle following the release of the company's Q2 2026 financial report and maintained its $140 price target, stating that the latest performance serves as a 'counter-validation' against bearish market views. Bernstein analysts noted that the market's two primary concerns about Circle—intensifying stablecoin competition and the potential impact of interest rate changes on reserve income—have underestimated USDC's long-term growth potential, as well as Circle's advantages in distribution channels, liquidity, and regulatory compliance. Investors may not have fully accounted for Circle's future revenue opportunities from transaction fees, its partner ecosystem, and the Arc blockchain.