Key Takeaways

• Coinbase has officially launched stock trading and prediction markets (powered by Kalshi) on its main app, moving closer to its goal of becoming a financial “everything app.”

• The platform now allows US users to trade stocks and ETFs 24/7 alongside their crypto portfolios, with plans to introduce 50x leverage perpetuals for both assets early next year.

• Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong noted that 87% of Americans believe the current financial system is unfair, positioning this update as a way to “tokenize the world” and simplify retail finance.

Coinbase Launches Stock Trading and Prediction Markets

At its recent year-end conference, Coinbase unveiled its most ambitious update yet: a transition from a dedicated crypto exchange to a comprehensive “Everything Exchange.” You can now trade stocks directly on Coinbase! Max Branzburg just announced that equities and ETFs have officially joined the app’s lineup.

The coolest part? It’s all powered by the same infrastructure used for crypto, which means you aren’t stuck waiting for the opening bell. You can now manage your entire portfolio—from Bitcoin to Blue Chips—any time of day, all in one place.

In addition to equities, Coinbase is diving into the booming prediction markets sector through a partnership with the regulated platform Kalshi. Users can now trade on real-world outcomes—ranging from election results to economic indicators—directly within the Coinbase interface. This follows the massive success seen by platforms like Polymarket during the 2024 election cycle. By integrating these features, Coinbase is effectively positioning itself as a direct competitor to Robinhood, but with the added advantage of deep “onchain” roots and a unified wallet for all asset classes.

Closing the Gap: Coinbase vs. Robinhood

The rebranding of the Coinbase wallet as an “everything app” highlights a strategic shift toward financial consolidation. While Coinbase’s current market value sits under $66 billion, its rival Robinhood is valued at over $104 billion. Critics and analysts, including Glider CEO Brian Huang, suggest that Coinbase is currently undervalued given its technological “leg up” in the coming era of asset tokenization. Huang noted that while Coinbase currently mimics Robinhood’s offerings, its true differentiator will be moving these stocks “onchain.”

The roadmap for 2026 includes several high-impact features:

• 24/7 Perpetuals: Outside the US, users will soon be able to trade crypto and stocks with up to 50x leverage.
• Coinbase Tokenize: A new institutional platform designed to bring real-world assets like real estate and private funds onto the blockchain.
• AI Advisor: A new “Coinbase Advisor” tool aimed at providing elite financial guidance to the masses.

By offering a 3.5% APY on USDC and a single app for stocks, crypto, and predictions, Coinbase is making a play for the entire retail wallet. The “everything app” is no longer a crypto-native experiment; it is a bid to replace traditional banking and brokerage apps with a more efficient, blockchain-powered alternative.

Final Thoughts

Coinbase is no longer just a place to buy Bitcoin; it is evolving into a central hub for all modern finance. By integrating stocks and prediction markets, the “Everything Exchange” is setting a new standard for how retail investors interact with global markets 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy stocks on Coinbase now?
Yes, stock trading is currently being rolled out to US-based users through the main Coinbase app.

What are prediction markets on Coinbase?
They are event-based contracts where you can bet on the outcome of events like sports or elections, powered by Kalshi.

What is the “Everything App” goal?
Coinbase aims to consolidate crypto, stocks, social features, and financial advice into a single, unified mobile platform.