Iran's warning impacts market sentiment, highlighting geopolitical tensions and uncertainty, potentially affecting diplomatic and military strategies.

The post Iran’s army chief warns of ‘total destruction’ for ground invasion appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Egypt's diplomatic engagement with Russia could significantly influence ceasefire prospects, impacting geopolitical stability and market dynamics.

The post Egyptian foreign minister to meet Putin over Iran conflict appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The IRGC's threat heightens geopolitical risks, impacting economic stability and complicating diplomatic efforts for a U.S.-Iran ceasefire.

The post Iran’s IRGC vows retaliation against U.S., escalating tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Russia's mediation offer highlights its strategic aim to influence global diplomacy while maintaining a non-escalatory stance.

The post Kremlin offers to mediate Iran war, calls NATO hostile appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Iran's internet blackout and military actions may heighten unrest, but traders see regime control persisting, impacting market confidence.

The post Iran’s internet blackout and military escalation signal regime instability appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin Magazine

Interactive Brokers Adds Bitcoin Trading in European Economic Area

Interactive Brokers has launched crypto trading for eligible retail investors across the European Economic Area, extending its digital asset offering through Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited, an authorized crypto-asset service provider.

The rollout gives users access to 11 digital assets, including Bitcoin, alongside equities, options, futures, currencies, bonds, and mutual funds within a single account interface.

The offering is enabled through an integration with Zero Hash, which provides backend crypto and stablecoin infrastructure for institutional platforms. The partnership expands an existing relationship between the two firms and opens access to a market of roughly 450 million people across the EEA.

Clients can trade these assets across Interactive Brokers’ platform suite, including Trader Workstation, IBKR Desktop, Client Portal, IBKR Mobile, and IBKR GlobalTrader.

The company said the integration allows investors to manage digital assets and traditional securities in one place. The platform provides a unified portfolio view and shared infrastructure for execution, risk monitoring, and capital allocation.

“Our clients want the flexibility to diversify into crypto-assets while maintaining the tools, pricing, and trust they rely on,” said CEO Milan Galik. He added that combining asset classes within one platform supports more efficient management of liquidity and portfolio exposure.

Interactive Brokers set commission rates between 0.12% and 0.18% of trade value. The firm said the service avoids spreads, markups, and custody fees, while allowing limit orders for price control. Crypto markets on the platform operate on a continuous basis, reflecting the 24/7 structure of digital asset trading.

Growing bitcoin offerings in Europe 

The EEA expansion builds on existing crypto offerings in other regions. Interactive Brokers already provides digital asset trading in the United States through its domestic entity and in the United Kingdom through Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited. 

The latest rollout marks a continuation of the firm’s effort to integrate crypto within its global brokerage framework.

The move comes as European regulators implement new digital asset rules that formalize licensing requirements for crypto service providers. By operating through its Irish affiliate, Interactive Brokers aligns its offering with regional regulatory standards while expanding product access for retail clients.

The firm said the launch addresses demand from investors seeking exposure to crypto markets without relying on separate exchanges or wallets. By consolidating asset classes under one platform, Interactive Brokers positions its brokerage model as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.

This post Interactive Brokers Adds Bitcoin Trading in European Economic Area first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

U.S. Treasury Launches First GENIUS Act Rulemaking With 87-Page Proposal

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has formally begun implementing the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, releasing its first notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) and opening a 60-day public comment period.

The 87-page proposal outlines how the Treasury will determine whether state-level stablecoin regulatory regimes are “substantially similar” to the federal framework—a key threshold allowing smaller issuers to remain under state supervision.

Under the GENIUS Act, stablecoin issuers with less than $10 billion in outstanding supply can opt for state-level regulation, provided those regimes meet or exceed federal standards. The proposed rule establishes broad principles to guide that determination, while leaving states flexibility in areas like licensing, supervision, and enforcement.

According to the document, the Treasury draws a clear distinction between “uniform requirements” — such as reserve backing and anti-money laundering compliance — and “state-calibrated requirements,” where local regulators retain discretion, including capital and risk management standards.

Notably, the proposal anchors the federal benchmark largely to rules and interpretations issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, signaling its central role in overseeing nonbank stablecoin issuers that transition to federal supervision after crossing the $10 billion threshold.

The rule also clarifies that state frameworks may exceed federal requirements, so long as they do not conflict with federal law or undermine overall comparability.

U.S. crypto legislation progress

The NPRM marks Treasury’s first formal step in translating the GENIUS Act — enacted in July 2025 — into an operational regulatory regime for payment stablecoins, with final rules expected after the public comment period closes.

State regimes would also be barred from weakening core disclosure standards, with issuers required to publish reserve composition reports at least monthly — matching federal frequency requirements. 

Naming restrictions would similarly apply across both frameworks, preventing state-regulated issuers from using prohibited terms in stablecoin branding. 

The proposal underscores that federal law remains the baseline, noting that any future legislation passed by Congress governing stablecoin issuers would automatically apply to state-regulated firms unless explicitly stated otherwise. 

The 2025 passage of the GENIUS Act marked a turning point in U.S. crypto policy, establishing the first federal framework for stablecoins and requiring full reserve backing, AML compliance, and regular disclosures. 

The law is widely seen as legitimizing dollar-backed stablecoins while reinforcing U.S. monetary dominance.

Since then, attention has shifted to implementation and follow-on legislation. Treasury reports issued under the GENIUS Act are expanding oversight tools, including measures targeting illicit finance and crypto mixers. 

At the same time, disputes between banks and crypto firms, especially over whether stablecoins can offer yield, have slowed broader market structure efforts.

Meanwhile, Congress is advancing complementary bills like the Clarity Act to define SEC and CFTC jurisdiction, signaling a broader push toward a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets.

This post U.S. Treasury Launches First GENIUS Act Rulemaking With 87-Page Proposal first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Citadel-Backed EDX Markets Applies for US Trust Bank Charter to Expand Crypto Services

EDX Markets, a cryptocurrency exchange backed by Citadel Securities, has applied for a national trust bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, marking a step toward deeper integration between digital asset firms and the US banking system.

The application, made public on April 1 according to recent filings, would allow EDX Markets to offer custody, asset management and principal trading services while continuing to operate its existing order-matching platform. The firm said the charter would place key functions such as custody and settlement under a regulated banking structure.

EDX Markets framed the move as part of an effort to reshape crypto market structure along lines seen in traditional finance. 

In its filing, the company argued that combining brokerage, exchange and custody functions within a single entity creates conflicts of interest and introduces operational risk. 

A trust bank model, it said, would separate custody and settlement from trading activity, aligning digital asset infrastructure with established financial market practices.

Banks are coming to crypto

Chief executive Tony Acuña-Rohter said the firm expects large banks to play a central role in the next phase of digital asset adoption. He said obtaining a trust charter would position EDX Markets to serve institutional clients that require regulated custody and settlement systems.

The application arrives during a shift in federal policy toward digital assets. Under the current administration, regulators have shown greater openness to crypto firms seeking entry into the banking system. Several companies have pursued similar charters in recent months as part of a broader push to operate under federal supervision.

In December, regulators granted conditional approval for trust bank charters to firms including Circle Internet Group and Ripple. Those approvals signaled a willingness to bring digital asset firms into the regulatory perimeter that governs custody and asset management.

EDX Markets said its proposed structure would reduce systemic risk by separating functions that are often combined on crypto platforms. 

The company pointed to traditional equities and derivatives markets, where exchanges, brokers, custodians and market makers operate as distinct entities. That separation, it said, limits conflicts between trade execution and asset custody while strengthening safeguards for client funds.

Founded in 2022, EDX Markets was built to serve institutional investors and financial firms entering the digital asset sector. In addition to Citadel Securities, its backers include Virtu Financial, Fidelity Digital Assets and Hudson River Trading. 

The platform was designed to mirror the structure of traditional financial markets, with a focus on separating trading activity from custody and settlement.

If approved, the trust charter would allow EDX Markets to expand its custody and settlement capabilities under federal oversight. National trust banks are permitted to hold client assets, provide fiduciary services and manage portfolios, subject to supervision by the OCC.

This post Citadel-Backed EDX Markets Applies for US Trust Bank Charter to Expand Crypto Services first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Genius Group (GNS) Dumps All Bitcoin Holdings to Clear Debt, Plans Treasury Rebuild

Genius Group sold its entire Bitcoin reserves to repay $8.5 million in debt, the company said today. The firm entered a Bitcoin first strategy in late 2024 after the US election, allocating most reserves to Bitcoin and building a treasury position that reached 440 BTC by February 2025.

After a court order blocked fundraising and share issuance, the company sold portions of its holdings and reduced exposure. In February 2026, Genius Group held about 84 BTC after prior sales that included roughly 86 BTC in the month before.

The remaining Bitcoin was liquidated to remove $8.5 million in liabilities and support debt repayment, leaving the company without crypto reserves and selling at a loss.

Genius Group reported Q1 2026 operational revenue of $3.3 million, up 171 percent from the prior year, with gross profit at $2.0 million and net operating profit at $2.7 million.

Adjusted EBITDA reached $600,000 as the company shifted focus toward higher margin education programs and experiential learning.

Genius Group: Rebuilding a bitcoin treasury at the right time

The company said it will rebuild its Bitcoin treasury when market conditions support renewed accumulation.

“In addition to an ongoing focus on profitable operations, the Company has restructured its debt agreements, selling the remainder of its Bitcoin Treasury and repaying in full the Company’s $8.5 million in debt. The Company will recommence building its Bitcoin Treasury when it believes market conditions are more favourable,” the company wrote in a release. 

Chief executive Roger Hamilton said the group focus remains on three units: Genius School, Genius Academy, and Genius Resorts. The group said legal actions progressed during the quarter and management focus stayed on operations and growth initiatives.

Genius Group outlined a series of operational and strategic developments as it continues to reposition its business around education technology and experiential learning. The company said its Genius Academy division expanded AI-powered learning programs tailored for enterprises and government partners, aimed at workforce training and skills development. 

Genius School also launched in Bali integrated primary middle and secondary curriculum under Cambridge system with focus on future education model

At the same time, Genius Resorts contributed incremental revenue through experiential education offerings, including hosted learning events in Bali that blend curriculum with immersive, on-site instruction.

The firm also reported progress on its broader infrastructure ambitions in Southeast Asia, citing continued expansion of its “Genius City” initiative in Bali. The project is designed to scale both student and residential capacity, building out a combined education and living hub.

On the financial side, the company pointed to insider buying as a signal of confidence, with its CEO accumulating a total of 5.5 million shares since 2024. Revenue growth was driven by expansion across business lines, alongside a shift toward higher-margin segments that improved the company’s overall gross margin profile. 

Genius Group also reported a return to net profitability, supported by a reduced debt burden and the restructuring of financing agreements. Adjusted EBITDA turned positive, which the company said aligns with its operational targets for fiscal 2026.

This post Genius Group (GNS) Dumps All Bitcoin Holdings to Clear Debt, Plans Treasury Rebuild first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

HRF’s Bitcoin Development Fund Announces Support for 26 Projects Worldwide

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) has announced 1.5 billion satoshis in new grants through its Bitcoin Development Fund (BDF), expanding support for projects focused on Bitcoin infrastructure, privacy, and education.

The funding round targets open-source developers, researchers, and educational initiatives working across Bitcoin’s ecosystem, with an emphasis on tools that strengthen financial privacy and censorship resistance. According to HRF, the grants are intended to advance Bitcoin-based technologies that can support dissidents and human rights defenders operating under authoritarian regimes.

The organization estimates its efforts ultimately serve billions of people living under restrictive political systems, where access to open financial networks and uncensorable payment rails can be limited or surveilled. Supported projects will span software development, Bitcoin research, and grassroots education programs across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

HRF said the initiative is designed to reinforce Bitcoin’s role as a tool for financial freedom, enabling journalists, nonprofit organizations, and activists to more securely communicate, organize, and receive support globally through Bitcoin.

HRF’s grantees for the first quarter of 2026 include:

Bitcoin Privacy

Bitcoin Core P2P Privacy Enhancements

Bitcoin Core P2P privacy enhancements are an important area of ongoing work. Bitcoin Core developer Naiyoma is developing improvements to make it harder to track nodes running across multiple networks. This work strengthens the privacy of Bitcoin’s most widely used software implementations. HRF’s grant will enable Naiyoma to work full-time on these enhancements, helping activists and everyday users run Bitcoin infrastructure more safely in environments where financial activity may be monitored.

JoinMarket-NG

Bitcoin’s public ledger makes transactions traceable. CoinJoin is a privacy technique that improves this by combining multiple users’ transactions. This makes it harder to link payments to specific individuals. JoinMarket-NG is a new implementation of this technique that uses a peer-to-peer liquidity market, where some users provide liquidity and earn fees, while others pay for increased privacy. This grant will support development and the external security audits needed to fully launch JoinMarket-NG as an open-source tool that improves financial privacy for those who need it most.

Bitcoin Payments

Banxaas

Many people in heavily-authoritarian West Africa lack simple ways to convert between local currency and Bitcoin without banks or custodial services. Banxaas is a local platform created by Bitcoin developer Nourou that allows people to instantly exchange between the CFA franc and bitcoin without requiring accounts. Removing the many barriers common to centralized exchanges offers a way for more people in West Africa to use Bitcoin. HRF’s grant will help finalize Banxass’s mobile app development and integrate more mobile money providers into the service to expand bitcoin payments across the region.

ChapSmart

Tanzanians sending and receiving money across borders face some of the highest remittance fees in the world, losing a significant portion of every transfer to banks and intermediaries. ChapSmart, a Bitcoin application built by software developer Brian Mosha, helps Tanzanians send remittances, pay bills, and access Bitcoin — instantly and affordably — by bridging the Lightning Network directly to M-Pesa. It connects Bitcoin to existing payment rails, making the app usable for everyday activities. HRF’s grant will support development, outreach, and education to help Tanzanians preserve their savings and transact more freely under the country’s increasingly authoritarian regime.

Minmo

Centralized digital asset exchanges require users to submit sensitive user data. This creates surveillance risks for human rights defenders transacting under dictatorships. Minmo offers an alternative. It connects users with trusted local agents who facilitate exchanges between fiat currencies and bitcoin without relying on centralized platforms. Embedding these services into apps and community networks allows people to access bitcoin through trusted intermediaries rather than data-collecting exchanges. HRF’s grant will support Minmo’s operational growth, infrastructure, and expand access to bitcoin for dissidents facing financial repression.

Tando

In Kenya, most merchants rely on M-PESA, a mobile money system for digital payments. To provide Kenyans with greater financial freedom and global payment options, African technologist Sabina Waithira Gitau co-founded Tando, a payment app that lets anyone pay merchants with bitcoin while merchants receive Kenyan shillings through an integration with M-PESA. This allows Kenyans to spend bitcoin from their own Lightning wallets as everyday money in Kenya. HRF’s funding will support Tando’s expansion into new countries in the region, enabling more people to transact with the global mobile money that is bitcoin.

Tapnob

Across much of Africa, using bitcoin for everyday payments often requires high fees or complicated withdrawal processes. Tapnob addresses this by allowing users to buy bitcoin through local bank transfers and convert only the amount needed into local currency. This lets people cover daily expenses or send cross-border support in local currency, while preserving the value of their savings in bitcoin. HRF’s grant will support Tapnob’s expansion across the continent and the development of educational resources to help individuals use bitcoin to transact more freely.

Bitcoin Development

rawBit

Building secure applications on Bitcoin requires understanding how transactions and scripts work at the protocol level, which can pose a steep learning curve for new developers. The rawBit platform lowers this barrier with a free, open-source visual editor that lets users build and inspect raw transactions using drag-and-drop tools. Helping more developers understand Bitcoin’s underlying mechanics strengthens the open-source infrastructure upon which people under financial repression depend. While the platform already includes 14 interactive lessons, HRF’s grant will support new modules on advanced topics like Taproot and the Lightning Network. 

doblon8

Safely approving Bitcoin transactions without exposing sensitive data to the internet is a real concern for some users. One solution is air-gapped signing, where a Bitcoin transaction is made without ever connecting to the internet. Sparrow Wallet, a non-custodial Bitcoin wallet, supports this functionality using a webcam integration to scan QR codes. Bitcoin developer doblon8 is improving this feature by replacing outdated scanning software with faster, more reliable code. This grant will help strengthen this feature, making it easier and safer for human rights defenders to use Sparrow Wallet to manage their bitcoin.

Bitcoin Community

Bitcoin Benin

Benin remains tied to the CFA franc, a colonial-era monetary system that limits economic sovereignty and restricts access to the global economy. Bitcoin Benin, a local group of educators and developers, is building a Bitcoin Knowledge Hub to develop an alternative. The Hub will be a physical learning center and co-working space where individuals can learn how to use and build Bitcoin tools. HRF’s grant will support the hub’s infrastructure and the 2026 Bitcoin Mastermind conference, funding workshops and training programs expected to reach more than 1,000 participants.

Bitcoin for Good

Refugees, asylum seekers, and people living under authoritarian rule are often excluded from traditional banking systems. This makes it difficult for already vulnerable people to send, receive, and store their money. Bitcoin for Good, a program of the Groundswell Project founded by the late human rights activist Hadiyah Masieh, works with these groups to help use Bitcoin for remittances, savings, and direct donations. The program provides hands-on training for individuals who cannot rely on conventional financial services. HRF’s grant will fund community outreach and documentation to expand the program and replicate it in new communities.

Bitcoin House Malaysia

In Malaysia’s evolving political and regulatory environment, there is growing awareness of how financial systems and policies can influence public expression and community engagement. Bitcoin House Malaysia, an education hub in Kuala Lumpur founded by Nostr developer Shaun Time, offers hands-on learning for students to explore Bitcoin and other open-source technologies that promote free expression and financial autonomy. This grant will support operations and technical workshops, helping a local community build and use tools that strengthen resilience against censorship and centralized financial constraints.

Summer of Bitcoin

Students around the world — particularly those living under dictatorships and broken economies — lack a pathway to contribute to Bitcoin’s open-source development. Summer of Bitcoin meets this need by providing a global internship that pairs students with experienced mentors. Participants contribute to Bitcoin’s codebase through a developer track and improve user interfaces through a designer track while gaining hands-on experience. HRF’s funding will support student stipends and mentorship compensation, helping cultivate a more diverse group of contributors to Bitcoin’s development that reflects global needs.

Yes Bitcoin Haiti

In Haiti, persistent currency instability makes it difficult for many people to preserve the value of their work and savings. Local education initiative and community Yes Bitcoin Haiti is building a circular economy where individuals and merchants can earn, spend, and save without relying on the local currency. The initiative also undertakes educational outreach to local human rights defenders. HRF’s grant will support Bitcoin adoption and leadership development to equip Haitians and local civil society with the tools to transact freely in Bitcoin and preserve the value of their hard-earned labor within an open, borderless financial system.

Freedom Tech

The Activist Atlas

Oftentimes, activists meet at conferences, build powerful connections, and then lose contact once the event ends. To foster ongoing collaboration, Cato Policy Analyst Nick Anthony and Bitcoin educator Paco de la India created the Activist Atlas, an interactive digital platform that allows changemakers to stay connected, discover one another’s work, and coordinate year-round while introducing freedom technologies like Bitcoin for donations and Nostr for secure communication. HRF’s grant will support the platform’s launch and help grow a global network of activists using freedom tech to remain inspired and operational.

Krux

Securely holding bitcoin often requires specialized signing devices that rely on proprietary components. This makes them costly or difficult to obtain in corrupt regimes or weak economies. Krux is open-source software that transforms widely available devices into secure Bitcoin signing devices. It supports offline transactions and is available in 10 languages to broaden accessibility. HRF’s grant will support software developer Odudex in refining the project so more people can securely hold bitcoin under authoritarian regimes.

LearnNostr

Despite its potential as a censorship-resistant communication protocol, Nostr remains difficult for newcomers to understand and use. To lower these hurdles, educational platform LearnNostr provides a beginner-focused introduction that breaks the protocol down into practical lessons. Created by data scientist Cristy Almonte, the curriculum teaches real-world use cases (such as pseudonymous identities and secure publishing) for those living under the grip of dictators. HRF’s funding will support the platform’s development and help more people living under censorship communicate safely.

NetBlocks Internet Observatory

Authoritarian regimes increasingly shut down the internet and block platforms to silence dissent, obscure human rights abuses, and disrupt financial alternatives. NetBlocks, an internet observatory founded by technologist Alp Toker, tracks and documents these disruptions in real time. Its reporting creates a global record of internet censorship that helps hold authoritarian regimes accountable. HRF’s support will sustain this monitoring so activists and civil society can expose digital repression as it happens.

Bitcoin Research & Education

AmityAge
In many authoritarian countries, activists and civil society groups face currency instability, financial restrictions, and surveillance. To alleviate these pain points, Bitcoin initiative AmityAge launched the Bitcoin Educators Academy, a program that prepares local educators to teach financial sovereignty under repression. HRF’s support will fund event costs for five academies, training 75 educators in essential soft and communication skills to teach self-custody and the use of permissionless financial tools in their regions in a clear and understandable way.

Base58

For Bitcoin to function as freedom money, its development must remain neutral and independent. To better understand whether funding influences that independence, Base58, a technical Bitcoin education school, will publish “Funding and Open Source Contributions to Bitcoin,” a research report analyzing how funding sources shape open-source contributions using quantitative and visual data. HRF’s support will fund the personnel and equipment needed to complete this two-month study.

Bitcoin Policy Norway

Norway is considering a Bitcoin mining ban that could set a precedent across Nordic and European democracies if policymakers misunderstand Bitcoin’s broader role in financial freedom. This could provide cover for authoritarian regimes to implement more repressive policies. To address this risk, the Bitcoin Policy Norway launched Bitcoin Education for Norwegian Policymakers. This initiative will provide officials, aid organizations, and media with evidence-based research and testimonials from dissidents resisting authoritarian regimes on Bitcoin’s human rights applications. HRF’s grant will support operations, travel, and outreach to ensure decision-makers understand Bitcoin’s value and avoid policies that could restrict access to this technology.

BTC Shule

In Burundi, state control over financial access leaves little room for independent alternatives. BTC Shule, a local Bitcoin community founded by social entrepreneur ₿elyï, will launch an eight-month accelerator program to train developers to build open-source Bitcoin tools suited for this specific environment. The program will offer meetups and mentorship for participants. HRF funding will support a hackathon, stipends, and operational costs to build freedom tech tailored to Burundi’s local financial realities under an authoritarian regime.

Daniel Batten

Authoritarian regulation often determines whether people can legally use Bitcoin, shaping its potential as a tool for financial freedom in the places where it is most needed. Bitcoin researcher Daniel Batten will examine this issue through data-driven research and educational outreach. His work will focus on informing and training activists and civil society in countries such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Egypt. HRF’s grant will help fund the research, production, and outreach that enable individuals to use Bitcoin more freely.

DIYbitcoin

In repressive environments, access to Bitcoin tools can be costly, restricted, or monitored. DIYbitcoin is a resource that helps individuals bypass these barriers by teaching them how to build and operate their own hardware using open-source software and affordable, off-the-shelf components. The project will create a multilingual library of visual do-it-yourself guides tailored to communities across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. This grant will fund workshops and educator training to help local communities adopt self-custody and run their own Bitcoin infrastructure.

Economic Inclusion Group

Financial exclusion is increasingly used by dictators to silence civil society and restrict democratic participation. To document and expose this growing pattern, Jorge Jraissati, president of the Economic Inclusion Group, is leading a research initiative titled Documenting, Communicating, and Protecting Victims of Financial Exclusion. The project will document 100 cases of dissidents cut off from financial systems worldwide. It will share these stories through articles, podcasts, and social media to reach more than three million people. HRF’s grant will support researchers and operational costs to publish these cases.

SeedSigner User Guide

Hardware wallets are one of the safest ways to store Bitcoin, but they can be expensive and technically challenging, especially for those new to self-custody. SeedSigner, an open-source hardware wallet, allows users to build their own signing devices from inexpensive, widely available components. However, its limited documentation can make the setup process more challenging for newcomers. Easy, a contributor to the SeedSigner project, is creating a step-by-step user guide to simplify the process. HRF’s funding will support the development of this resource, helping human rights defenders with limited resources securely store and manage their bitcoin.

This post HRF’s Bitcoin Development Fund Announces Support for 26 Projects Worldwide first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

On Mar. 31, Moody's assigned provisional Ba2 ratings to up to $100 million in taxable revenue bonds for the Waverose Finance Project. The bonds are secured by a loan to NH CleanSpark Borrower Trust 2026-1, with Bitcoin (BTC) as the pledged collateral.

Those numbers set the conditions under which traditional finance agreed to work with Bitcoin at all: 72.06 cents of credit for every dollar of collateral value, a two-day exposure window to act on price moves, and 1.60x initial collateral coverage, which forces action when it drops to 1.40x.

Bitcoin has spent years auditioning for legitimacy as a store of value, a corporate treasury reserve, and an ETF asset. The New Hampshire deal points to Bitcoin as collateral.

Collateral is where an asset earns credit utility, something institutions can borrow against inside structures that credit markets can understand, price, and, when necessary, liquidate fast. That is the line Bitcoin just crossed.

Why this matters: This is the first time Bitcoin has been formally translated into credit terms that public markets understand. Instead of being held or traded, BTC is now being assigned a borrowing value, a liquidation threshold, and a stress price, turning it from an asset into usable financial collateral. That shift opens a new source of liquidity for holders, but also introduces a system where price drops can trigger automatic selling across multiple structures at once.

The opening price of trust

The Waverose structure is a taxable conduit revenue bond.

New Hampshire’s role ends at the conduit, and bondholders carry all loss risk. This is limited-recourse, institutional plumbing.

Two things follow from that structure. First, it keeps risk quarantined: if the collateral breaks down, bondholders absorb the loss. Second, it lays out the precise terms on which traditional finance decided Bitcoin could enter the credit system.

At 1.60x initial collateral coverage, the bond starts with debt equal to about 62.5% of collateral value. The 1.40x trigger, at which automatic action kicks in, implies a debt of roughly 71.4%.

The structure hits its wire trip when BTC falls by approximately 12.5% from issuance pricing, a move Bitcoin has executed routinely.

Moody's stressed the collateral value at 72.06% of the market price. Mapped to Bitcoin's Apr. 1 price in the $68,000 zone, the stress zone lands near $49,600.

Standard Chartered put its near-term bear case for Bitcoin at $50,000, and the traditional finance firms calibrated their first public finance haircut on Bitcoin almost exactly on top of a downside path that one of the world's largest banks still considers reachable.

From owned to pledged

New Hampshire arrived alongside two other recent moves pointing in the same direction.

In February, S&P assigned the first-ever rating to a structured finance transaction backed by Bitcoin. The transaction was the Ledn Issuer Trust 2026-1, with roughly $199.1 million in loans secured by 4,078.87 BTC, carrying a fair market value of approximately $356.9 million, implying an LTV of about 55.8% at inception.

In March, Better and Coinbase launched what they called the first crypto-backed conforming mortgage, in which a borrower pledges $250,000 in BTC to fund a $100,000 down payment, while the first lien stays Fannie Mae-backed.

Bitcoin received three credit wrappers in roughly six weeks, each with different haircuts, liquidation mechanics, and regulatory constraints. Together, they describe a process in which Bitcoin enters credit markets through multiple doors at once, and those doors are edging closer to ordinary household finance.

The US municipal market carried $4.4 trillion in outstanding bonds as of the fourth quarter of 2025. Households held 48% directly and about 21% through mutual funds.

Munis occupy a specific psychological slot in American savings culture, sitting where advisors park money for clients who want safety adjacent to tax efficiency.

The Waverose bond lands in the taxable conduit corner. Taxable muni issuance ran only about $33 billion in 2025, less than 6% of the market total. At $100 million, this deal represents roughly 0.0023% of the outstanding muni market.

One mechanism for two potential futures

For Bitcoin holders and treasury-heavy firms, collateral utility cuts in opposite directions depending on where the price goes.

Strategy held 762,099 BTC as of Mar. 31. Between Mar. 4 and 25, MARA sold 15,133 BTC for about $1.1 billion to fund a debt repurchase, which were outright spot sales to cover a balance sheet obligation.

A functioning BTC-collateral market sits between the two postures of full accumulation and outright liquidation, while providing credit against reserves that lets holders raise capital while keeping their Bitcoin position.

Fidelity noted in March that public companies and ETFs together hold roughly 12% of Bitcoin's circulating supply, and that 2025 was Bitcoin's least volatile year on record, based on annualized realized volatility.

If that holds and Bitcoin trades toward the $100,000-$150,000 range Bernstein projected for late 2026, the collateral channel becomes genuinely attractive. BTC-rich firms carry large reserves at lower realized volatility, lenders build confidence in liquidation assumptions, and the haircut required to access credit shrinks across successive deal cycles.

Each rated transaction adds data to Bitcoin's nearly empty track record as pledged collateral. A second deal, a third, a cluster, and the pricing of trust starts to compress.

The bear case runs through the opposite direction of the same mechanism. Bitcoin revisiting $50,000, near Standard Chartered's downside projection and close to the Moody's stress zone from current prices, turns the operational question live.

Firms start to wonder whether the liquidation mechanics work cleanly when every BTC-backed structure needs to exit at once.

S&P's rating work on the Ledn ABS flagged operational and counterparty risk, event risk, and liquidation mechanics as the core uncertainties for Bitcoin-backed credit. It noted the market's ability to absorb forced selling from multiple structures tripping triggers inside the same price window.

A structure that reduces forced selling in calm markets can concentrate it in turbulent ones. That is the inherent geometry of collateralized credit, and Bitcoin's volatility makes the geometry sharper than it would be for any conventional pledged asset.

The first version of Bitcoin-backed public finance is small, speculative-grade, and built for taxable conduit territory. The architecture is constrained because those constraints were the only terms on which the credit system would engage.

What Moody's released on Mar. 31 was a pricing schedule for Bitcoin's entry into credit markets: the conditions under which bond investors set for accepting it as collateral.

Future deals will be negotiated on that schedule, tightening haircuts if volatility falls, widening them if it rises, testing different custody arrangements, and pushing toward the investment-grade boundary.

Each iteration adds institutional memory to a market that currently has almost none.

Bitcoin took years to become something institutions could buy through regulated channels. Becoming something they can lend against will follow the same logic of incremental, conditional growth, built on an accumulating track record.

The post Moody’s prices Bitcoin at a 28% haircut — and sets the trigger for forced selling appeared first on CryptoSlate.

The core change is a 100% rakeback mechanic applied to the first nine loyalty levels. During this introductory window, which covers up to $1,000 in cumulative wagers, the platform returns the entirety of its house margin to the player. The expected casino profit during this phase is effectively zero, with Rakebit covering the cost as a user acquisition incentive.

Once players advance past Level 9, the system transitions to a permanent 10% base rakeback paired with daily cashback rewards. Cashback begins at 2% and increases through the remaining tiers, reaching a maximum of 25% at the highest levels.

The redesigned progression curve addresses what the platform described as issues with the previous model, where early levels progressed too slowly and top-tier players reached the cap prematurely. The expanded 50-level structure distributes rewards more evenly across the full player lifecycle.

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The post Rakebit Upgrades Rewards Program to 50 Levels, Offers Full Rakeback on First $1,000 Wagered appeared first on CryptoSlate.

What looks like a geopolitical threat aimed at US multinationals could quickly become a crypto story too.

That is because several of the companies threatened by Iran now sit inside the infrastructure, payments, and corporate treasury layers that parts of the digital-asset industry rely on.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the IRGC warned that US companies in the region would be targeted from April 1 and named firms including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla, and Boeing. Other multinationals mentioned in the reports included JPMorgan Chase, Oracle, Palantir, Cisco, HP, and Nvidia.

Why this matters: Crypto is no longer exposed only through exchanges and token prices. It now depends on cloud platforms, banking rails, and public companies with Bitcoin exposure, which means geopolitical threats aimed at mainstream firms can spill into digital assets faster than many investors expect.

The group said those companies would be treated as “legitimate targets” in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

For crypto markets, the significance is not that these are digital-asset companies in the narrow sense. It is that several of the firms named by Iran sit inside the operating stack that now supports large parts of the industry, from cloud computing and data processing to tokenized payments, treasury management, and corporate Bitcoin exposure.

The threat also comes after the war had already begun to hit infrastructure across the Gulf. Last month, Amazon Web Services data centers in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain were damaged by drone strikes, disrupting cloud services and prolonging recovery efforts.

That episode showed how quickly geopolitical conflict can spill into the technical systems that businesses rely on, including companies tied to digital assets.

Meanwhile, the broader conflict has already expanded well beyond a conventional military exchange. Over more than a month of fighting, the US and Israel have struck Iranian energy and other national infrastructure, while Iran has launched more than 3,000 drones and missiles toward the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

Against that backdrop, the IRGC’s threat points to a wider phase of economic and corporate pressure, one that could extend into parts of the infrastructure surrounding crypto.

Which crypto-related firms are affected?

Not all of the companies named by the IRGC are crypto-native businesses. Still, several already have direct or indirect ties to the industry, making them relevant to the market beyond the usual reaction of Bitcoin and other tokens to war headlines.

• Google is the clearest example because it sits deep inside crypto’s operating stack, and its Web3 business is not a peripheral effort.

Google Cloud, a subsidiary of Google, offers managed node infrastructure, analytics tools, and developer services for blockchain applications, and works with firms such as Cardano-backed Midnight blockchain, Coinbase, and others.

In fact, the firm recently took a major step into blockchain infrastructure development with the launch of the Google Cloud Universal Ledger (GCUL). This is a Layer 1 blockchain network designed to enable faster payments and cross-border settlement.

Apart from that, Google has also emerged as an important financial backer behind Bitcoin miners’ shift toward artificial intelligence.

Rather than acquiring mining companies outright, the Alphabet-owned company has provided at least $5 billion in disclosed credit support tied to a handful of miners’ AI projects.

That backing has helped reframe some previously unrated Bitcoin miners as infrastructure-linked borrowers that lenders can view less as pure commodity businesses and more as counterparties with strategic data-center potential.

All of this does not make Google a crypto company, but it does place the firm close to one of the industry’s most important restructurings.

• JPMorgan’s link is different, but just as relevant.

Over the past years, the US banking giant has expanded its exposure to the crypto industry in several ways designed to foster adoption and growth.

For context, JP Morgan launched Kinexys in 2020 as a digital-asset service platform and has since processed more than $3 trillion of transactions.

The bank describes Kinexys as a blockchain-based payment rail that allows participating clients to move funds around the clock, including across borders, with availability spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The bank reportedly plans to double daily transaction values on its Kinexys blockchain platform to $10 billion.

Apart from that, JPMorgan has also pushed further into on-chain finance through its asset-management arm.

In December, it launched MONY on the public Ethereum network, giving qualified investors access to a tokenized money market fund backed by Treasuries and repurchase agreements. The firm also piloted JPMD, its dollar-denominated deposit token, on the Coinbase-backed Base network.

• Tesla is the most direct balance-sheet link among the companies named.

The Elon Musk-led company is not part of crypto’s infrastructure in the same way as Google or JPMorgan, but it remains one of the listed firms with measurable digital-asset exposure on its books.

According to data from BitcoinTreasuries.com, Tesla holds 11,509 Bitcoin as of press time, making it one of the top 20 public firms worldwide with BTC exposure. In fact, Tesla is the only top 10 company by market capitalization with exposure to the top crypto.

This stands it out in the broader market and confirms its conviction in the emerging industry.

Outside of Bitcoin, the company has also shown significant adoption for Dogecoin, the largest memecoin by market capitalization.

These efforts, alongside Musk's enduring interest in the crypto industry, make it a significant player within the sector.

The core shift here is simple: crypto risk is no longer confined to crypto-native companies.

As the sector becomes more entangled with big tech, banks, and public-company treasuries, threats aimed at those firms can become market-relevant for digital assets even when no exchange or blockchain company is directly named.

Other firms with crypto links

Beyond those first-order examples, the IRGC list also includes companies with looser but still notable ties to digital assets.

NVIDIA is one of them. The company is now defined primarily by AI computing and data-center revenue, but it previously had a long and sometimes contentious history with crypto mining.

Demand for its chips surged during earlier mining cycles, bringing both revenue upside and later legal scrutiny over disclosures tied to that business.

However, NVIDIA is no longer central to mining as it once was, but its historical connection to the sector remains part of the market’s memory, especially when crypto and AI capital spending begin to overlap.

Meanwhile, Microsoft’s involvement with the emerging industry is more institutional and infrastructure-led.

The company’s crypto exposure has centered on enterprise blockchain through Azure rather than direct token holdings. It has accepted Bitcoin through BitPay in limited contexts, while also pursuing blockchain-as-a-service tools, decentralized identity work through ION, and research into secure computing systems relevant to digital infrastructure.

At the corporate treasury level, Microsoft has kept its distance. Its shareholders voted against adding Bitcoin to the balance sheet after the board recommended rejecting it. The board said such an assessment was unnecessary and preferred stable, low-risk investments over the volatility of crypto.

Taken together, the companies named by Iran show how far crypto’s exposure now extends beyond exchanges and token prices.

The industry’s links to cloud providers, global banks, AI infrastructure, and corporate treasuries mean geopolitical threats aimed at mainstream US firms can quickly become relevant to digital assets as well.

The next test is whether this threat remains rhetorical or starts to affect the companies and infrastructure layers that parts of crypto now depend on. If that happens, the market impact may show up first through cloud resilience, payments flows, and risk sentiment before it appears in token prices themselves.

The post Iran threatens major US companies in the Middle East creating new risk for crypto appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Bitcoin is pushing back toward $70,000 as macro pressure eases, but each attempt is still being sold into. The market is improving on the outside while failing to resolve a key internal constraint.

Macro relief improves the backdrop as Bitcoin meets a crowded zone above $70,000

Bitcoin has opened April with a cleaner macro backdrop than the one that defined the final stretch of March.

The war premium in crude eased after reports that the U.S. could leave Iran within weeks if a peace deal advances, a shift that pushed Brent down to $99.44 and WTI to $97.55. Currency markets reflected the same cooling impulse, with the Dollar Index sliding to 99.534.

Rates softened into the week’s main U.S. macro event, with the 2-year Treasury yield near 3.76% and the 10-year near 4.28%. That combination has historically improved the operating environment for risk assets, including Bitcoin.

Price responded in kind. Bitcoin price traded around $68,724 on April 1, after swinging through an intraday range between roughly $66,000 and $69,2000.

Those numbers look contained at the daily close, although the structure under the surface carries more tension than a flat range suggests. The market has moved away from outright macro panic, while it has yet to secure the kind of broad, persistent demand that turns relief into expansion.

The result is a compressed setup, where a friendlier external backdrop meets thinner conviction near a heavily traded resistance zone.

Why this matters: It separates environment from execution. Macro conditions are becoming more supportive, but price is still failing at the same level. That gap typically resolves in one of two ways: either demand expands enough to absorb supply, or repeated rejection turns into a deeper pullback. The next move depends on which side gives first.

The key level in that equation remains $70,000. Glassnode’s recent market analysis shows Bitcoin struggling to secure clean closes above that area since early February. The same report shows realized profit momentum contracting by roughly 63%, a signal that the willingness to chase higher prices has cooled.

The pressure point comes from the group of recent buyers' trading decisions. Glassnode identifies the cost basis of holders with coins aged 1 week to 1 month at around $70,000, placing a dense block of supply directly overhead. When price revisits that zone, participants who bought the breakout often become sellers on a return to breakeven.

Repeated rejection can emerge from that structure even when the macro background improves.

This leaves Bitcoin in an unusually clear weekly frame. Oil has backed away from the highs, the dollar has softened, and yields have eased. Each of those shifts reduces one layer of pressure.

Yet the move above $70,000 still requires fresh demand capable of absorbing supply from recent entrants and late breakout buyers. That requirement sits at the center of the market’s current posture.

Stronger macro conditions have reopened the door for another push higher. Market structure still requires proof.

The next stage depends on how these layers interact. A cooler geopolitical premium in crude can continue to ease inflation stress. A softer dollar can improve liquidity conditions at the margin. Lower yields can support broad risk appetite.

Bitcoin still trades through its own internal constraint, which is the concentration of overhead supply close to the breakout zone. In that sense, the market enters the week with a better external environment and a more difficult internal test.

That distinction shapes the setup around Friday’s payrolls release and the weekend that follows.

Neutral funding, compressed volatility, and lighter leverage leave Bitcoin waiting for a conviction shift

The strongest fresh signal inside crypto comes from the derivatives complex. During stronger directional advances, perpetual funding usually leans clearly positive as traders pay to hold long exposure. That posture has faded.

Data from Coinalyze shows Bitcoin open interest near $20.1 billion, with average funding around -0.0046% and predicted funding near +0.0002%. That mix describes a derivatives market close to neutral.

The positive carry that often accompanies crowded bullish positioning has thinned sharply. The reset carries two implications. First, leverage has already been cleaned out to a meaningful degree. Second, the market is no longer leaning heavily enough in one direction to make the next move obvious from funding alone.

That reset becomes more important when paired with recent liquidation activity. Coinalyze places 24-hour liquidations near $48.6 million, a relatively modest figure given the range Bitcoin has traded through over the last several sessions.

Post-liquidation markets often enter a cleaner positioning state, where the next move can develop with fewer forced participants in the way. A reduction in open interest after leverage flushes also changes the character of the market.

The move that follows often emerges from a base that has already cleared excess exposure.

Volatility data reinforces the same reading. Glassnode’s implied volatility series showed Bitcoin at 52.32 on April 1, a level consistent with compression after a period of larger macro-driven swings. Recent market commentary has also noted realized volatility sliding from roughly 80 to just above 50.

Compression of that kind often precedes expansion, especially once expiry-related flows pass through the market and directional traders begin to rebuild. The setup points to conditions for a larger move once a convincing catalyst arrives.

Intraday behavior adds another layer. Daily closes have stayed relatively muted, although the path inside each session has become more unstable. Bitcoin has posted larger intraday swings while the broad range remains intact.

The pattern points to a market where conviction is fragmenting under the surface. Traders remain active, yet they are not pressing a broad directional consensus through the close. That condition often develops near turning points, where one side has lost momentum, and the other side has not yet secured control.

The market is no longer under pressure from leverage or macro shocks. The only unresolved question is whether buyers are strong enough to clear the $70,000 supply zone.

The buyer exhaustion argument fits within this structure, though it needs refinement. Broad demand has thinned at higher levels rather than vanished across the board. Spot flow data support that narrower conclusion.

Farside’s U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF figures show flows improving after a late-March drawdown, moving from -$225.5 million on March 27 to +$69.4 million on March 30 and +$117.5 million on March 31. CoinShares also reported $790 million in weekly Bitcoin inflows.

Marginal buying power above $70,000 has thinned, while demand at lower levels still exists. That distinction explains why dips can find support and why rallies continue to stall near the same zone.

The market, therefore, sits in a reset phase defined by three linked conditions: leverage has been reduced, volatility has compressed, and conviction above resistance remains incomplete. Each condition narrows the field for the next move.

Traders looking for a clear signal from funding are finding neutrality. Investors looking for evidence of structural demand are finding it in ETF flows, though not yet at a scale that clears the overhang supply in a single attempt.

The setup is less about panic and more about hesitation. In practice, that often creates a more binary reaction once macro data arrive.

Payrolls, oil, and yields now define the next test as Bitcoin moves into a macro-sensitive weekend

The week’s decisive catalyst comes from the U.S. labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the March Employment Situation on Friday, April 3, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern. Consensus expectations tracked by major media point to roughly 60,000 new jobs with unemployment at 4.4%.

That estimate lands after a run of softer labor and confidence data. February job openings fell to 6.9 million, and hires dropped to 4.85 million, the weakest hiring pace since April 2020. Consumers are also showing strain.

The Conference Board’s March consumer confidence index fell to 91.8, while the expectations component slid to 70.9, a level often associated with recession risk.

Those readings shape the macro frame around Bitcoin directly. A softer jobs report could reinforce the recent decline in yields and extend pressure on the dollar, conditions that usually support scarce, liquid risk assets. That path would give Bitcoin a cleaner chance to test whether demand can finally absorb the $70,000 overhang.

A stronger report would carry a different consequence. Yields could rebuild, the dollar could firm, and the relief that followed the cooling in oil could fade quickly. In that case, Bitcoin would face a macro headwind while also confronting a dense resistance zone formed by recent buyers.

The calendar adds one more wrinkle. Friday’s data arrive into a holiday-affected schedule that leaves many traditional markets closed for Good Friday, while crypto continues trading.

That sequencing raises the odds that Bitcoin becomes one of the first venues where the market expresses a real-time reaction to payrolls into the weekend. The implication is practical. Macro data can hit a thinner cross-asset environment, and Bitcoin can become the first liquid expression of repricing before other major markets reopen.

In periods of geopolitical tension and shifting rates expectations, that timing effect can amplify moves that would otherwise look more measured.

Oil remains the external swing factor. If Brent stays below $100 and WTI holds under the psychologically important triple-digit zone, the inflation impulse that dominated the previous week continues to ease. That would support the softer-dollar, lower-yield mix that has already begun to reappear.

A renewed spike in crude would revive the pressure chain that links energy, inflation expectations, rates, and the dollar. Bitcoin has already shown that it trades through that macro ladder quickly. Over the last 24 hours, the balance of risk has shifted toward relief, with crude pulling back and bond yields easing instead of pressing higher.

For Bitcoin itself, the weekly map is now relatively clean. Supportive forces sit in one column, easing oil, a softer dollar, lower yields, healthier ETF inflows, reduced leverage, and compressed volatility. Restrictive forces sit in the other, thinner marginal demand above $70,000, a dense block of breakeven supply from recent buyers, and a derivatives complex that has not rebuilt strong directional conviction.

The interaction between those columns gives the market its current shape. This is a decision phase, driven less by broad panic and more by the absence of decisive control from either side.

The next test, therefore, sits in plain view. If payrolls and follow-through macro pricing preserve the current relief conditions, Bitcoin can challenge the upper boundary with a cleaner base under it than it had a few sessions ago.

The next move is now tied to a clear trigger. If payrolls reinforce the current easing in yields and the dollar, Bitcoin will test whether demand can finally absorb the $70,000 supply block. If macro pressure rebuilds, rejection at the same level risks turning into a more sustained pullback. The level is defined. The catalyst is scheduled. What remains unresolved is whether demand is ready to take control.

The post Bitcoin seems ready to push past $70k but one group keeps stopping the rally appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Bitcoin is no longer responding to rising global liquidity the way it did in the last cycle. Even as money supply expands, a stronger dollar is tightening financial conditions faster than liquidity can lift prices.

Bitcoin traders love one chart more than almost any other: global M2 liquidity with a time lag.

More money expanding across the world eventually finds its way into risk assets, and Bitcoin rides the wave. For stretches of the past cycle, that framing looked clean enough to treat as a rule.

That framing runs into trouble right now. Broad money is still climbing, yet Bitcoin is trading like an asset pinned under a macro ceiling.

Why this matters: This marks a shift in how macro signals are translating into crypto markets. Liquidity expansion alone is no longer enough to drive price in the short term, as faster-moving forces like dollar strength and rate expectations are taking priority.

For investors, that changes how Bitcoin should be interpreted: less as a simple liquidity proxy, and more as a market reacting to competing macro speeds.

FRED data show US M2 at $22.667 trillion in February, up from $22.469 trillion in January and $22.387 trillion in December.

Those numbers describe a clearly expansionary backdrop, while a Bitcoin price near $68,000 registers something else entirely.

Traders are collapsing two distinct macro transmission speeds into a single chart and expecting a tidy result.

Two clocks, one price

M2 is a monthly stock measure. It accumulates gradually, over quarters, and its influence on risk assets is similarly slow.

When liquidity conditions expand, it tends to ease financial conditions broadly, lowering hurdle rates, loosening credit availability, and nudging capital toward riskier positions.

Yet that process takes months to manifest in prices fully.

Dollar strength operates on a different clock entirely. When the dollar index climbs, financial conditions tighten almost immediately.

The Federal Reserve's own minutes are explicit: a stronger dollar, together with higher yields and lower equity prices, tightens financial conditions as a package.

BIS research supports the same transmission, and IMF analysis finds that a 10% dollar appreciation linked to global financial market forces reduces output in emerging markets by 1.9% within a year, worsening credit availability and capital inflows in the process.

March demonstrated exactly that hierarchy. The dollar index logged a 2.35% monthly gain and a 1.7% quarterly gain in its best quarter since late 2024, as safe-haven demand, the war in Iran, oil shock, and a sharp repricing of Fed rate-cut expectations all pushed investors back into the greenback.

From its late-January four-year low, the dollar index had already rebounded roughly 5% by mid-March.

Over that same stretch, US M2 climbed about 1.25%. The brake moved roughly four times faster than the fuel.

The key shift is not that liquidity has stopped expanding, but that it is being outrun by faster tightening forces. Bitcoin is reacting to the speed of change, not just the direction.

Why Bitcoin absorbs dollar moves first

Bitcoin sits in an unusual position among risk assets. It trades continuously across global venues, prices against dollars and dollar proxies, and attracts a global investor base, making dollar-denominated return calculations.

That makes it one of the fastest markets to absorb dollar tightening before M2's slow accumulation can work its way through credit channels, capital flows, and broader risk appetite.

The oil shock amplifies this, as commodity surveys in March raised the 2026 Brent forecast to $82.85 per barrel from $63.85 the prior month, the steepest upward revision in the survey's history, and warned Brent could reach $190 if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed.

An oil shock of that scale raises inflation expectations, forcing markets to price out rate cuts. The market had moved from pricing at least 50 basis points of Fed easing by December to barely one quarter point of cuts fully priced.

That repricing arrives in dollar and rate markets within days, and the M2 data for the corresponding period will not even be published for another month.

A subtler point reinforces this. Most popular “global M2” charts aggregate foreign money stocks and convert them into dollars, which means exchange-rate moves affect the composite by construction.

When the dollar strengthens, it compresses the dollar value of foreign-currency aggregates even as local-currency measures hold steady.

As one data provider notes, exchange rate fluctuations can have a similar effect on overall liquidity and should be considered alongside raw money-supply figures.

The dollar then functions on two levels: as a competing variable running alongside the M2 chart, and as a variable that already enters the composite calculation directly.

Dollar strength can simultaneously slow the chart's climb and compromise the importance of the chart's direction for Bitcoin.

What the M2 thesis actually says

All of this narrows the M2 thesis. Broad money is a useful proxy for background liquidity conditions over multi-month windows, particularly when the dollar is stable or weakening.

In those environments, the gradual accumulation of money supply can act as a slow tailwind for risk assets, with Bitcoin among the more sensitive beneficiaries.

The relationship looks cleaner in calmer macro regimes precisely because the fast variable, the dollar, is pulling in the same direction, or at least staying out of the way.

The current episode confirms the hierarchy: when dollar strength and risk aversion dominate the short-run picture, they can keep Bitcoin pinned well below where a climbing M2 line alone would place it.

The bull case is that the dollar's March surge proves temporary. If geopolitical stress eases, oil retreats from its highs, and markets reprice some Fed easing back in, the dollar's tightening impulse will weaken quickly.

Some strategists see part of the March dollar move as a risk premium that could fade if conditions stabilize. In that environment, the background M2 tailwind reasserts itself over the coming months, Bitcoin's divergence from the liquidity chart closes, and the traders who called the M2 thesis broken look premature.

The bear case is the dollar extending its advantage. HSBC strategists said the dollar holds the upper hand as long as oil prices, risk aversion, and cross-asset volatility stay elevated.

In that scenario, Bitcoin can continue diverging from the M2 script longer than most liquidity watchers expect. Every month of elevated oil and compressed rate-cut expectations delays the moment when background money growth can translate into market performance.

The next test is whether the dollar’s momentum breaks before liquidity can catch up. If the dollar stabilizes or reverses, Bitcoin has room to realign with the underlying expansion in money supply. If not, the divergence can persist longer than liquidity models imply, forcing traders to recalibrate what actually drives price in the current cycle.

The post Bitcoin breaks from M2 money supply as dollar strength overrides global cash growth appeared first on CryptoSlate.

As tensions in the Middle East reached a boiling point, risk assets—including $Bitcoin and major altcoins—faced a sharp "risk-off" liquidation. However, as diplomatic channels begin to signal a potential de-escalation, savvy investors are looking at the "blood in the streets" as a generational entry point.

Historically, markets overreact to geopolitical shocks. If a resolution is reached in early April, the pent-up liquidity currently sitting in stablecoins is expected to flood back into high-conviction projects that were unfairly hammered during the panic.

Is April a Good Time to Buy Crypto?

Potentially, as April 2026 is shaping up to be a prime recovery month. With many tokens trading at 20-30% discounts from their Q1 highs, the current "oversold" conditions on the RSI (Relative Strength Index) suggest a relief rally is imminent.

1. Ethereum (ETH): The Race Back to $3,000

$Ethereum remains the backbone of the decentralized economy. During the recent March turbulence, ETH slipped below its psychological support, but the fundamentals remain unshaken.

• Recovery Catalyst: The successful implementation of the "Prague" upgrade earlier this year has further reduced Layer-2 costs.
• Price Target: Analysts expect a swift recovery to the $3,000 mark as institutional ETH ETFs see renewed inflows once the global macro outlook stabilizes.

Investors should monitor the ETH price closely, as its recovery usually leads the broader altcoin market.

2. PEPE: The Volatility King

For those with a higher risk appetite, $PEPE remains the go-to memecoin for catching rapid bounces. Memecoins often act as high-beta plays on market sentiment; when the market turns green, PEPE tends to move twice as fast as the majors.

• Current State: PEPE lost significant ground in March but has maintained a strong community floor.
• Why Buy: Its extreme volatility makes it an ideal candidate for a "relief rally" play. As retail investors return to the market in April, the low-unit bias of PEPE often attracts massive speculative volume.

3. XRP: Regulatory Clarity Meets Institutional Adoption

$XRP has faced a double-whammy of geopolitical pressure and a temporary "capital flight" toward safer havens. However, its role in cross-border payments, especially in the Middle East, makes it a unique asset to watch as regional stability returns.

• Market Position: Having secured full regulatory clarity in late 2025, XRP is no longer a "gamble" but a utility-driven asset.
• Outlook: It has lost nearly 15% in the last month, making the XRP price highly attractive for those betting on the continued expansion of RippleNet.

4. Cardano (ADA): The "Deep Value" Opportunity

$Cardano is currently one of the most oversold "blue-chip" altcoins. While critics point to its slower price action, the network's resilience and growing DeFi TVL (Total Value Locked) suggest it is undervalued.

• The Dip: ADA has hit multi-month lows, hovering near critical demand zones.
• The Play: Historically, ADA performs well in the second stage of a market recovery.

5. Solana (SOL): The Ecosystem Powerhouse

No "Top 5" list for 2026 is complete without $Solana. Despite the market-wide dip, Solana continues to lead in retail transaction volume and NFT activity.

• Technical Outlook: SOL has shown incredible strength in bouncing off the $80-$100 support range.
• Why April: With the Firedancer upgrade nearing full optimization, Solana's throughput is unmatched. Any return of "risk-on" sentiment will likely see SOL outperform Bitcoin in percentage gains. You can compare Solana's performance against other majors on our exchange comparison page.

Top 5 Cryptos to Buy in April 2026

A major development has just hit the crypto industry. The U.S. Department of Justice has charged multiple individuals linked to crypto “market-making” firms for allegedly manipulating token prices and trading volumes.

According to the allegations, these actors engaged in coordinated schemes to artificially inflate volume and prices — commonly known as wash trading and pump-and-dump operations.

👉 In simple terms:

• Fake volume was created
• Prices were pushed higher
• Retail investors bought in
• Then positions were offloaded

This isn’t a new suspicion in crypto — but this time, it’s being formally prosecuted.

How Fake Volume Has Been Shaping Crypto Prices

For years, a significant portion of crypto trading activity has been questioned. Some market makers didn’t just provide liquidity — they allegedly manufactured it.

This artificial activity created the illusion of strong demand, tighter spreads, and active markets. In reality, part of that liquidity may have been recycled capital, designed to attract real buyers into inflated conditions.

👉 This matters because markets rely on liquidity to function smoothly.

If part of that liquidity was fake, then price stability itself may have been partially artificial.

What Changes Now?

If regulators successfully crack down on these practices, the immediate impact won’t necessarily be bullish. Instead, markets could enter a transition phase where:

• Liquidity becomes thinner
• Order books become less stable
• Price movements become sharper and less predictable

👉 In other words:
Crypto markets may become more “real” — but also more brutal.

Why This Comes at a Critical Time

This shift is happening while markets are already under pressure from broader macro conditions.

Geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices, and tightening liquidity are creating a fragile environment for risk assets. Even strong or bullish news has struggled to sustain upward momentum in recent sessions.

👉 That means crypto is now facing a double pressure:

• External macro stress
• Internal structural changes

What This Means for Investors

For traders and investors, this new phase changes how the market should be approached.

Lower artificial liquidity means:

• Breakouts may fail faster
• Dumps may accelerate more aggressively
• Volatility may increase across all timeframes

At the same time, this transition could ultimately strengthen the market.

With less manipulation, price discovery becomes more transparent, and long-term trust in the ecosystem can improve.

Final Thought

Crypto may not just be correcting — it may be recalibrating.

As fake volume disappears and enforcement increases, the market is shifting from an artificially supported environment to a more natural one.

👉 And in that transition, price action could become significantly more unforgiving.

Panic Grips the XRP Ledger Community

Early this morning, traders on a major US-based cryptocurrency exchange witnessed a terrifying anomaly: the $XRP price appeared to disintegrate, falling from its stable market value of $1.34 to exactly $0.01. The "crash" happened in a matter of seconds, creating a massive red candle on the hourly charts that suggested a total collapse of the asset’s valuation.

Did XRP Really Drop to $0.01?

If you saw the price alert on your phone and felt your heart skip a beat, you aren't alone—but you can breathe easy. XRP has not actually crashed to 1 cent. This was an elaborate April Fools' Day prank executed by the exchange’s interface team to mock the "XRP to $0.01" memes that have circulated in bear markets for years. While the UI displayed a penny valuation, the global XRP price remained steady at its actual market rate across all other global platforms.

Liquidity vs. UI Glitches

In the world of crypto trading, there is a huge difference between a real market event and a visual one:

• Real Flash Crash: Occurs when massive sell orders exhaust all available buy orders (liquidity), causing the price to hit bottom for a few milliseconds.
• UI "Prank" or Glitch: A change in how the data is shown to the user without affecting the actual underlying trades or the blockchain's integrity.

Today’s event was purely a visual trick. Actual orders placed at $0.01 were not filled, as the exchange's matching engine was still operating at the real market price of $1.34.

Ripple’s Regulatory Context in 2026

The timing of the prank was particularly effective because of the high-stakes environment surrounding Ripple. As of today, April 1, 2026, Ripple has officially activated its National Trust Bank status under new OCC rules, a milestone that has kept XRP news at the forefront of the financial world.

How to Protect Yourself from Real Market Volatility

While today's 1-cent price was a joke, real volatility is a constant in the crypto space. To ensure your assets are safe from actual exchange failures or technical errors, consider the following:

• Self-Custody: Move your long-term holdings into hardware wallets to avoid being affected by exchange-side UI glitches or outages.
• Verify via Aggregators: Always cross-reference prices on sites like CoinMarketCap before making a panic-driven trade.
• Exchange Diversity: Use multiple exchanges to ensure that a localized glitch on one platform doesn't freeze your entire portfolio.

Prank vs. Reality Comparison

The Morning the "World Computer" Stood Still

Early this morning, things got tense fast. Several on-chain monitoring tools started flagging what looked like a serious issue on the Ethereum network—something as extreme as a “state-level” breach.

Within minutes, rumors spread across social media claiming that someone had taken control of the consensus layer, potentially allowing transactions to be reversed and $ETH to be double-spent. For about half an hour, the market reacted hard. Ethereum’s price swung wildly as panic selling kicked in across major decentralized exchanges.

Was the Ethereum Blockchain Actually Hacked?

If you are looking for confirmation of a total network collapse, you can rest easy. The Ethereum blockchain was not hacked. This "exploit" was an elaborate April Fools' Day scenario designed to test the community's response to misinformation and to highlight the recent "Quantum Readiness" upgrades in the 2026 Ethereum roadmap. While the data feeds on certain community dashboards were intentionally "glitched" to show a 51% attack in progress, the actual Ethereum blockchain remained perfectly secure and operational.

Can a Blockchain Truly Be Hacked?

When people talk about "hacking a blockchain," they usually refer to one of two things:

1. Protocol-Level Attacks (51% Attack): In a Proof of Stake (PoS) system like $Ethereum, an attacker would need to control more than half of all staked ETH. As of 2026, the cost to acquire enough ETH to do this would be in the hundreds of billions of dollars, making it economically irrational.
2. Smart Contract Exploits: This is where most "hacks" actually happen. The blockchain itself is fine, but the code of a specific app (like a lending protocol) has a flaw.

Recent 2026 reports from Chainalysis confirm that while DeFi exploits continue to occur, the underlying Ethereum base layer has never been successfully "hacked" since its inception.

The Reality of Ethereum Security in 2026

Ethereum’s security model is currently at its strongest point in history. Following the 2022 "Merge," the network transitioned to Proof of Stake, and subsequent upgrades in 2025 and 2026 have focused on "Hardening the Layer 1 foundation."

Why a 51% Attack is Nearly Impossible

To compromise the network today, an attacker would face:

• Slashing: If a validator acts maliciously, their staked ETH is automatically destroyed by the protocol.
• Social Consensus: If a massive attack occurred, the community could coordinate a "hard fork" to ignore the attacker's chain, effectively vaporizing billions of dollars of the attacker's capital.
• Quantum Resistance: The 2026 roadmap explicitly introduced post-quantum cryptography to protect against future threats from advanced computing.

The "Hack" vs. Reality

Distinguishing Between Blockchain and Application Hacks

While the Ethereum blockchain is secure, users often confuse it with the applications running on top of it. For example, recent 2026 security audits have shown that 90% of "Ethereum hacks" are actually:

• Phishing: Users signing malicious permissions.
• Bridge Vulnerabilities: Flaws in the code that moves assets between different chains.
• Governance Attacks: Manipulating a DAO's voting system.

To stay safe, it is crucial to use secure hardware wallets and trade only on reputable exchange platforms that provide high-tier security features and insurance funds.

Early this morning, users of a prominent European cryptocurrency exchange were greeted by a chart that defied all logic. The $Bitcoin price appeared to collapse in a vertical line, crashing from its stable range of approximately $68,000 down to a mere $1,000. For several minutes, social media platforms were set ablaze with screenshots of the "crash," as traders rushed to deposit funds in hopes of catching the ultimate discount.

Was This a Real Market Event?

The sight of a 99.9% drop in the world's largest digital asset naturally sparked fears of a catastrophic systemic failure or a "fat finger" trade of historic proportions. However, investors can breathe a sigh of relief. This was an elaborate April Fools' Day prank. The exchange in question intentionally modified its front-end display to show the $100 price point as a nod to Bitcoin's early trading days, but no actual liquidations or trades occurred at this level.

What is a Flash Crash?

A flash crash is a genuine market phenomenon where a lack of buy orders (liquidity) leads to a rapid, temporary collapse in price. While today’s event was a scripted joke, real flash crashes have occurred in the past due to:

• High-frequency trading (HFT) algorithm errors.
• Massive sell orders hitting "thin" order books.
• Technical glitches in exchange matching engines.

In today's case, the global Bitcoin price remained steady on all other major platforms like Coinbase and Binance, confirming that the "crash" was localized and cosmetic.

The Reality of the Current Market

Despite the morning's humor, the actual crypto news cycle shows a market characterized by consolidation. Recent data indicates that Bitcoin is currently navigating "macro jitters," with prices hovering around the $69,000 mark as investors weigh geopolitical tensions and interest rate trajectories.

Why the Joke Hit So Hard

The $1,000 price target was chosen because it represents a "holy grail" for latecomers to the space—a price not seen since 2013. By displaying this specific number, the exchange targeted the psychological FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) that drives much of the retail crypto trading activity.

"I almost threw my coffee at the monitor," one trader shared. "I knew it was April 1st, but seeing that red candle touch $100 makes your survival instincts kick in before your brain does."

Protecting Your Portfolio from Real Volatility

While we can laugh at a scheduled prank, real market anomalies do happen. High-authority financial outlets like Bloomberg often highlight the risks of keeping entire portfolios on centralized exchanges. To mitigate the risk of actual technical glitches or exchange-side issues, many experts recommend:

• Cold Storage: Using hardware wallets to remove assets from the "line of fire" of exchange glitches.
• Diversified Order Books: Spreading trades across multiple high-volume exchanges to ensure price discovery is accurate.

Summary of the "Crash"

Volatility Shares, the company that launched the first leveraged crypto fund in the U.S., is expanding its roster to smaller digital assets

Solana-based perpetuals DEX Drift Protocol has suffered an exploit impacting more than $200 million in funds.

Google's cheapest video model yet targets developers burned by high generation costs, arriving just days after OpenAI pulled the plug on Sora.

Elon Musk’s rocket company has confidentially submitted IPO paperwork to U.S. regulators, potentially setting up one of the largest public listings in history.

The Fed governor has previously said that stablecoins risk undermining the U.S. central bank’s credibility.

A high-stakes legislative standoff over the future of U.S. cryptocurrency regulation may finally be coming to an end.

Researcher has disclosed Ripple's most recent XRP holdings before the latest escrow unlock.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has fired back at Avalanche founder Emin Gün Sirer following a provocative April Fools' joke.

Shiba Inu is pivoting, and not in the right direction: things are changing in favor of bulls.

Drift Protocol, a prominent decentralized exchange (DEX) built on the Solana blockchain, has suffered a massive $270 million exploit.

As we enter 2026, with the continued development of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin mining remains a hot topic. However, facing high mining machine costs and rising energy prices, cloud mining is gradually becoming a more popular option. Especially in the US, more and more users are searching for keywords such as “passive cryptocurrency income,” “cloud mining,” and “mobile Bitcoin mining rigs,” looking for convenient and efficient mining methods.

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Cryptocurrency mining is gradually becoming a popular way to make money. A delivery driver in the US easily earns up to $10,000 a day by mining using YIMiner. This mining tool is simple to operate, requiring no professional technical background, and ordinary users can quickly get started.

YIMiner: One of the best cloud mining platforms in 2026

YIMiner is a cloud mining platform focused on clean energy mining. Its unique feature is that it utilizes hydropower, geothermal energy, and wind-solar hybrid energy to build a mining ecosystem. Its mining centers are located in Iceland, Norway, Texas, Uruguay, and Paraguay, regions known for their low energy costs and sustainable development. Yiminer is an ideal choice for users seeking stable returns while supporting environmental initiatives.

Yiminer offers short-term mining contracts and smart hashrate allocation, making it particularly suitable for users who prefer short-term investments.

How to get started with Yiminer?

Starting cloud mining with Yiminer is very simple. Users only need to register to receive a $15 bonus from the platform to experience the mining services. After registration, users can choose suitable mining contracts based on their needs and monitor their earnings in real time. The platform also supports fast withdrawals, allowing users to transfer their earnings to their accounts at any time.

Who should choose Yiminer?

Yiminer is particularly suitable for the following groups:

1. Novice investors: No need to purchase expensive equipment; simply register and choose a contract to start.
2. Short-term investors: Users who prefer short-term returns can quickly profit through flexible contracts.
3. Environmental Supporters: Yiminer uses clean energy, making it suitable for users who value sustainable development.
4. Mobile Users: The platform is designed for mobile-friendliness, allowing for convenient management of mining activities anytime, anywhere.

In short, in this digital age, cloud mining is not only an investment method but also a future-oriented lifestyle. Yiminer provides users with a gateway to the world of cryptocurrency and is worth looking forward to. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced investor, you can find a suitable mining journey here.

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Company Website: https://yiminer.com

The post YIMiner has launched a mobile application that supports cloud mining of XRP, BTC, and ETH, allowing users to participate in mining anytime, anywhere. appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways

• Iranian forces launched an attack on an Amazon Web Services data center located in Bahrain, resulting in temporary service disruptions
• This marks the second assault on Amazon’s Bahrain infrastructure; previous strikes targeted facilities in the UAE
• On March 31, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard designated 18 American technology corporations as legitimate military objectives
• The threat roster features major corporations such as Microsoft, Nvidia, Google, Apple, Meta, Tesla, and additional tech leaders
• Iranian authorities justify these operations by claiming the data centers facilitate U.S. military and intelligence operations

Amazon’s cloud services division has experienced another assault in the Middle Eastern theater. On Wednesday, Iranian forces targeted an AWS data center in Bahrain, leading to temporary service interruptions.

This represents the second attack on Amazon’s Bahrain infrastructure. Previously during the ongoing hostilities, Iranian forces struck two AWS facilities in the United Arab Emirates along with another commercial data center in Bahrain.

Bahrain’s interior ministry verified that Civil Defence personnel responded to a blaze at the location following the Iranian offensive. Officials indicated they were implementing security protocols at the site.

Amazon.com, Inc., AMZN

Prior to this recent assault, Amazon had already issued warnings that its AWS infrastructure in Bahrain faced disruption due to “drone activity” in the vicinity.

The attacks have triggered widespread outages affecting applications and digital platforms throughout the UAE and surrounding territories. Financial institutions and governmental organizations dependent on AWS systems experienced service interruptions.

Revolutionary Guard Names American Tech Companies as Military Objectives

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared the attacks were directed at data facilities that provide support for “the adversary’s” military and intelligence functions.

On March 31, Iranian authorities formally classified 18 American technology enterprises as valid military targets. This designation encompasses Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia, Google, Apple, Meta, HP, Tesla, Oracle, Boeing, Cisco, and IBM.

The April 1 assault on Amazon’s Bahrain operation represented the first confirmed direct attack on a specifically named U.S. technology company following that declaration.

Iran’s focus on data center infrastructure demonstrates a comprehensive tactical approach. Reports indicate that U.S. military personnel have utilized artificial intelligence platforms, including Anthropic’s Claude system, for analytical and operational purposes. AWS cloud infrastructure allegedly hosts classified government information and applications.

The reliance of U.S. military capabilities on AI systems has transformed cloud computing facilities into a novel battlefield dimension in the conflict.

Understanding Big Tech’s Middle Eastern Expansion

American technology corporations have pursued aggressive expansion strategies in the Middle East over recent years. Economical energy prices and abundant real estate made the region appealing for constructing AI infrastructure.

Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and other industry leaders have committed substantial capital to major data center developments throughout Gulf nations. This expansion strategy has now positioned them as physical targets within an active combat zone.

Wall Street analysts maintain a consensus Strong Buy rating on Amazon’s stock, with 43 analysts issuing opinions—40 Buy ratings and three Hold ratings over the past three months. The average analyst price target reaches $279.88, suggesting approximately 33% potential upside from present trading levels.

The Bahrain incident represents the latest verified attack on American technology infrastructure in the Middle Eastern region.

The post Amazon (AMZN) Bahrain Data Center Hit by Iranian Strike Amid Rising Tech Industry Threats appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

• Over $1 billion in ETH derivatives sell volume was recorded within one hour of Trump’s Iran remarks.
• Binance alone absorbed $968 million of that selling pressure, the most of any exchange globally. 
• ETH dropped approximately 4–5% intraday, trading at $2,047.24 with a 4.26% 24-hour decline. (
• The S&P 500 shed $500 billion in market cap as Trump signaled possible strikes on Iran within weeks. 

ETH recorded over $1 billion in derivatives sell volume within one hour on Thursday. Markets had expected U.S. President Donald Trump to de-escalate tensions around the Iran conflict.

Instead, Trump stated the U.S. would strike Iran if necessary. He added the mission would end within two to three weeks. Global markets reacted sharply, sending shockwaves across traditional and crypto assets.

Derivatives Market Absorbs a Massive Wave of ETH Selling

The ETH derivatives market recorded more than $1 billion in sell orders in just one hour. Binance alone contributed $968 million of that volume within the same timeframe.

The exchange currently leads the entire industry in trading volume. This made the scale of the sell-off particularly notable. The concentration of selling on one platform raised concerns among market observers.

The sell-off unfolded swiftly and caught many market participants off guard. Selling pressure mounted quickly across major crypto derivatives platforms following Trump’s remarks.

ETH’s price fell by approximately 4–5% as a direct result. The move marked one of the sharper intraday corrections on the ETH chart in recent weeks.

Crypto analyst Darkfost flagged the sell-off on social media shortly after the event. The analyst pointed out that $968 million of that total came from Binance alone, within just one hour.

As of writing, ETH is priced at $2,047.24, with a 24-hour trading volume of $20,741,030,628. The asset is down 4.26% over the past 24 hours and 3.55% over the past seven days.

Traditional Markets React Sharply to Trump’s Iran Comments

Trump’s remarks triggered an immediate and broad reaction across traditional financial markets. The S&P 500 lost $500 billion in market capitalization within minutes of his speech.

Traders processed the news rapidly and adjusted their positions across multiple asset classes. U.S. Treasury bonds, in contrast, moved higher during the same period. The divergence between equities and bonds pointed clearly to a risk-off response from global investors.

Investors shifted away from equities and riskier assets and moved toward safer instruments instead. This pattern quickly extended into the cryptocurrency market, pulling ETH lower along the way.

The correlation between traditional risk-off behavior and crypto selling became visible across multiple asset classes simultaneously. ETH’s seven-day decline of 3.55% reflected this sustained downward pressure.

The broader environment is now characterized by extreme uncertainty across all major asset classes. Price action in both traditional and crypto markets has grown increasingly erratic and unstable.

Geopolitical developments, particularly Trump’s Iran stance, are now acting as key drivers of market volatility. Market observers are advising traders to reduce risk exposure, avoid excessive leverage, and remain cautious until clearer signals emerge.

The post ETH Sees Over $1 Billion in Derivatives Selling After Trump’s Iran Remarks appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights

• Merger negotiations between Estee Lauder (EL) and Puig are moving forward, with the potential transaction primarily structured as a stock deal
• Bloomberg sources suggest an official announcement may arrive in the coming weeks
• Marc Puig, Puig’s Executive Chairman, is anticipated to secure a board position in the merged entity
• The proposed combination would establish a luxury beauty conglomerate worth approximately $40 billion
• Since merger confirmation, EL shares have dropped roughly 15% while Puig stock has climbed 11%

The initial disclosure of merger negotiations between Estée Lauder and Puig came on March 23, when both corporations publicly acknowledged ongoing discussions without revealing specific deal parameters.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., EL

According to a Bloomberg report published April 1, sources with knowledge of the situation indicate that negotiations have advanced significantly, with a potential announcement timeline measured in weeks rather than months.

The deal structure under consideration would predominantly involve stock rather than cash. Both Estee Lauder and Puig declined to provide immediate commentary when contacted.

Should the transaction reach completion, it would unite iconic brands such as Tom Ford, Clinique, Carolina Herrera, and Rabanne within a single corporate umbrella.

The resulting company would command a valuation in the neighborhood of $40 billion, positioning it as a formidable player in the premium beauty industry.

Puig currently holds a market capitalization of roughly 9.8 billion euros. Estee Lauder’s shares, traded on the New York Stock Exchange, reflect a valuation near $27 billion.

Marc Puig, who transitioned out of the chief executive role just last month, is positioned to assume a board seat with the combined organization. Industry observers view him as instrumental to successful integration efforts.

His transition from CEO to Executive Chairman has been characterized as a deliberate preparation for increased merger and acquisition involvement.

Despite substantial progress, no binding agreement has been finalized. Bloomberg’s sources cautioned that negotiations remain fluid and could potentially stall or collapse.

Stock Performance Following News

Estee Lauder shares have experienced approximately 15% depreciation since the March 23 public confirmation of merger exploration. Puig’s Madrid-listed stock has demonstrated inverse momentum, appreciating roughly 11% during the identical timeframe.

The April 2 premarket session extended EL’s decline, with shares falling more than 2% immediately following Bloomberg’s updated reporting.

Strategic Context and Corporate Transformation

Estee Lauder is simultaneously executing a comprehensive organizational restructuring under CEO Stéphane de La Faverie. Key initiatives include accelerating digital commerce capabilities, with expanded distribution through platforms like Amazon.

Puig has similarly undergone internal reorganization, deliberately shifting Marc Puig away from operational responsibilities toward strategic transaction leadership.

The proposed merger would significantly bolster Estee Lauder’s fragrance capabilities, a category where Puig has cultivated substantial expertise and market presence. Estee Lauder currently ranks as the world’s second-largest cosmetics company, trailing only L’Oréal.

The post Estee Lauder (EL) Stock Slips 2% as Puig Merger Negotiations Progress appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

• Precious metals reversed course as spot gold declined 4.3% following Trump’s Middle East policy announcement
• The President warned of intense military action against Iran within two to three weeks
• Silver experienced a sharper 7% decline, with platinum and palladium following suit
• UBS reaffirmed its positive gold stance, projecting $5,000 per ounce average for 2026
• The investment bank sees potential dips to $4,000 as strategic entry points

Precious metals experienced a significant downturn Thursday following President Donald Trump’s evening address that created fresh uncertainty regarding the escalating Middle East situation.

The yellow metal plummeted by as much as 4.3%, halting its four-session rally. By 2:12 p.m. Singapore time, spot gold was changing hands at $4,562.88 per ounce. Meanwhile, silver suffered a steeper 7% decline to $69.86. Both platinum and palladium registered losses as well.

In his address, Trump suggested the conflict was approaching its conclusion while simultaneously threatening to hit Iran “extremely hard” within the coming two to three weeks. The President claimed military objectives were close to completion and called on allies dependent on Middle Eastern energy supplies to assist in addressing the near-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Prior to the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz served as a critical passage for approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Anxieties surrounding energy transportation through this strategic waterway contributed to rising crude prices.

The greenback strengthened, with the US dollar index climbing 0.4% after Trump’s remarks. Stock markets also retreated as investor risk tolerance diminished.

Christopher Wong, a strategist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp, observed that Trump’s address “essentially portrayed the conflict as a military victory narrative, rather than a peace agreement.” He pointed out that gold had touched an intra-day peak of $4,800 earlier, but suggested upward momentum might fade given concerns about potential US ground troops entering Iran.

Gold had already endured a challenging March. The precious metal plunged almost 12% during that period, marking its worst monthly showing since October 2008. Elevated crude prices sparked inflation worries, which diminished prospects for interest rate reductions and pressured gold values.

Prior to Trump’s speech, market participants had anticipated the Federal Reserve might lower rates to bolster economic activity if the conflict continued. That sentiment changed following the President’s aggressive stance.

With trading paused for the Good Friday holiday, Wong noted that investors’ desire to minimize exposure before the extended weekend also played a role in market movements.

UBS Maintains Optimistic Gold Perspective

Despite Thursday’s selloff, UBS is holding firm on its constructive gold outlook. Strategist Joni Teves stated in a Thursday research note that the firm interprets the price decline as an attractive buying opportunity.

UBS made a modest adjustment to its 2026 gold projection, lowering it to $5,000 per ounce from $5,200, acknowledging the recent retreat from January’s record peak. The firm’s 2027 outlook remains unchanged at $4,800, with 2028 at $4,250.

Teves explained that speculative positions have been unwound and exchange-traded fund redemptions have been limited, creating space for investors to reestablish holdings. Chinese gold ETFs continue registering net positive flows, while domestic physical buying remains robust.

According to UBS, any price correction approaching the $4,000 threshold should be considered an opportunity to accumulate positions.

Silver Projections Adjusted Lower

UBS reduced its 2026 silver target to $91.9 per ounce from $105. Teves highlighted that silver’s industrial applications make it more vulnerable to any deceleration in worldwide economic expansion.

Spot silver was last quoted at $69.86 on Thursday.

The post Gold Plunges Over 4% as Trump’s Iran Remarks Spark Major Market Reversal appeared first on Blockonomi.

Bitcoin was rejected at $69,200 yesterday and plunged toward $66,000 earlier this morning after Trump’s latest statement that the war against Iran will continue with more strikes.

The altcoins are in the red as well, with ETH dropping to $2,050, while SOL and HYPE are down by over 5%. XRP has managed to overtake BNB in terms of market cap positioning.

BTC Dropped by $3K

Bitcoin’s weekly correction began last Wednesday when the asset was rejected at $72,000 and plunged to $65,600 by Friday. After losing over $6,000 in just a few days, the asset rebounded and remained above $66,000 during the weekend.

It dipped to a monthly low at $65,000 on Monday morning when some of the legacy financial markets opened. The bulls finally stepped up at this point and didn’t allow another leg down. Instead, BTC regained some traction and, despite the enhanced volatility due to the contrasting reports coming on the war in the Middle East, jumped to $69,200 yesterday.

However, then came Trump’s anticipated speech in which he was expected to de-escalate the tension in Iran, according to reports. However, the reality was just the opposite, as he said the conflict is likely to intensify and BTC dumped to just over $66,000, losing $3,000 from yesterday’s peak.

Although it has recovered some ground since then, it still trades below $67,000, and its market cap is down to $1.335 trillion on CG. Its dominance over the alts is above 56%.

XRP Flips BNB

The altcoins are deep in the red as well on a daily scale. Ethereum has lost over 3% of value and is down to $2,050 as of now. SOL, HYPE, LINK, and AVAX have plunged by 5-6%, while BCH, ADA, and DOGE are down by around 3-4%.

Although XRP has dropped by nearly 3% as well, it has managed to flip BNB in terms of market cap. There are also a couple of double-digit gains, but green is scarce today. STABLE and ALGO have rocketed by over 19% in a day.

The total crypto market cap dipped by $100 billion from top to bottom before rebounding to $2.380 trillion as of now.

The post XRP Surpasses BNB Amid Altcoin Crash, BTC Price Dropped by $3K: Market Watch appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Over the last few months, conflict in the Middle East has put pressure on crypto markets. Bitcoin faced a fresh decline of nearly 3% on Friday as the price dropped toward $66,000 from $69,200 yesterday.

Now, pseudonymous analyst Mr. Wall Street warned that the second quarter could be “full of blood” as downside risks build across both market structure and macro conditions.

Short-Term Hope Fades

In a recent post on X, the analyst said his earlier thesis of short-term bullishness and mid-term bearishness has now fully transformed to a bearish stance across both timeframes. He pointed to the recent 27% rally from $60,000 to $76,000 as a move driven by market makers to create liquidity for a larger downside move.

According to him, even if Bitcoin briefly pushes higher to sweep upside liquidity, such a move would only be temporary before a broader decline. Upon noticing the change, he stated that he closed his short-term long positions at $68,000 and opened shorts, while also placing additional short orders between $77,000 and $83,000 in anticipation of potential liquidity grabs.

He added that a large amount of liquidity has built up below the current price in recent weeks, along with levels from the 2024 summer range, which supports the thesis of a potential Bitcoin drop to $40,000-$45,000. Beyond technical factors, ongoing geopolitical risks have a crucial role to play. A possible escalation involving the United States and Iran could trigger a global recession driven largely by a sharp rise in oil prices, which is expected to weigh heavily on risk assets like Bitcoin.

Volatility Ahead

Echoing similar concerns around weakening fundamentals, João Wedson, founder of Alphractal, flagged reduced network activity. In his latest analysis, Wedson found that Bitcoin’s daily transaction fees, measured in US dollars, have dropped to levels last seen during previous market bottoms and now rank among the lowest observed in the past several years.

Such low fee generation indicates weak network demand, a condition that has historically led to periods of intense volatility.

In a separate post, Wedson warned traders against chasing upward price movements during a bearish market, while arguing that such behavior often benefits larger players rather than retail investors. The analyst stated that repeatedly buying into green candles in a downtrend is not a sound investment strategy, but instead provides exit liquidity for whales looking to offload positions.

The post ‘Q2 Will Be Full of Blood’: Analyst Flips Fully Bearish on Bitcoin appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Bitcoin prices fell below $67,000 on Thursday morning, dropping to $66,770 following Donald Trump’s latest update on the war with Iran.

“We are on track to complete all of America’s military objectives shortly, very shortly,” the President said at the White House on Wednesday. “We’re going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks,” he added.

The POTUS said that the US imports almost no oil through the Hormuz Strait and will not be taking any in the future.

“Between threatening Iran’s power plants, saying the Iran War would last 2-3 more weeks, and calling out NATO, there was nothing new,” observed the Kobeissi Letter.

“Yet, the market is now trading like the Iran war is ramping up for another month-long escalation. Why? Because he didn’t explicitly de-escalate.”

Selling Pressure Remains High

While crypto and stock futures tanked, oil prices surged back over $100 per barrel again, further pressuring the economies of nations that rely on the Middle East for their fuel supplies.

Zooming out shows that Bitcoin is still in the middle of its two-month range-bound channel, and there hasn’t been any major panic selling since early February.

Markets after Trump’s address.

No ceasefire, 2-3 more weeks of war and strait of Hormuz stays closed.

Nasdaq down 1.40% to 23,758.
Bitcoin down 2.28% to $67,202.
Gold down 2.90% to $4,692.

Oil up 6% to $103.51.
Straight up from $98 in one move.

Everything that was… pic.twitter.com/CubY55u3fg

— Bull Theory (@BullTheoryio) April 2, 2026

However, CryptoQuant observed that Bitcoin whales have flipped from buyers to sellers. Holders of wallets containing 1,000 to 10,000 BTC are now distributing, with 1-year holdings falling 188,000 BTC after more than 200,000 BTC of accumulation in 2024, it noted.

“This isn’t short-term. The 365-day trend is declining, signaling structural selling pressure.”

Overall, Bitcoin spot demand remains in “deep contraction,” despite accelerating ETF and Strategy purchases, it stated before adding that the 30-day apparent demand growth stands at -63K BTC, “indicating that broader market selling pressure continues to outweigh institutional accumulation.”

In a separate post, CryptoQuant analyst ‘Woominkyu’ said that Bitcoin’s “supply in profit” has hit a multi-year floor, while “supply in loss” is spiking. “This alignment has historically marked the terminal phase of market corrections,” they said.

Elsewhere on Crypto Markets

Ethereum prices dipped back below $2,100 again, but were holding above the psychological $2,000 level at the time of writing.

The altcoins have been hit harder as usual, with heavier losses for BNB, Solana, Bitcoin Cash, Hyperliquid, and Canton.

“Everything that was rallying on peace hopes sold off immediately,” said ‘Bull Theory.’

The post Bitcoin Falls to $66K as Trump Signals Further Escalation in Iran appeared first on CryptoPotato.

The Solana blockchain processed about $650 billion in stablecoin transactions in February 2026, setting a new monthly record, according to The Kobeissi Letter.

That spike placed stablecoin activity far above traditional benchmarks, with monthly volumes now approaching $2 trillion and outpacing CME gold future trading by a wide margin.

Solana Leads Record-Breaking Surge in Stablecoin Activity

The Kobeissi Letter says that Solana’s stablecoin volume in February was almost three times what it was in January. This was partly because of new products being released, as well as changing market conditions.

The market commentary account also noted that there are expectations of another increase when the March numbers come out, linking the potential rise to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The same narrative was shared in a report from QCP Capital, which revealed that stablecoin liquidity rose last month even as equities and precious metals folded from the pressure generated by the war being waged by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. At the time, USDC reached a record $81.1 billion, although data from DefiLlama shows the figure has since dropped back to just over $77 billion.

Part of the growth on Solana appears to be tied to new stablecoin offerings, including the rollout of Western Union’s USDPT and Jupiter’s JUPUSD. According to The Kobeissi Letter, part of JUPUSD’s attraction was its ability to return yield to users within its ecosystem, although such features are currently the subject of heated debate between banks and the crypto industry, with banks looking to codify digital asset firms not providing yield on stablecoins in the CLARITY Act.

The scale of stablecoin activity now dwarfs some traditional markets in comparison. Take, for example, the CME Group’s gold futures trading, which recently reached about $208 billion per month, making it about nine times smaller than the nearly $2 trillion recorded for stablecoin transaction volumes.

What’s Happening in the Broader Stablecoin Market

The stablecoin market as a whole has been growing steadily across several chains, with Ethereum boasting the most supply of circulating stablecoins at about $170 billion. It is followed by Tron, which has $86 billion, with Solana, by comparison, at around $16 billion.

In terms of cumulative transaction volumes, Ethereum is still the clear winner with about $52 trillion worth of transactions over time, followed by Base and Tron with $34.7 trillion and $23.8 trillion, respectively, per data from Artemis. Meanwhile, Solana has managed to pull slightly over $19 trillion.

A recent report from Ripple shows that increasing institutional interest is behind these figures. It revealed that 74% of finance executives see stablecoins as useful tools for treasury operations, with 72% of institutions now viewing the fiat-backed crypto assets as necessary to remain competitive.

The post Solana Sets Monthly Record as Stablecoin Volume Hits $650B appeared first on CryptoPotato.

The average transaction fee on the Bitcoin network has fallen below $0.40 for the first time since 2017, according to on-chain data shared by analyst Darkfost.

The drop is markedly different from other times in the past when low costs were triggered by low usage, as it has come while daily transaction counts are still relatively high.

What Is Driving Down Fees

According to Darkfost, the decline is largely due to the introduction of inscriptions, a technical adjustment that helps limit the weight of transactions in each block. In doing so, the adjustment appears to have reduced competition for block space, which has led to lower fees even though activity hasn’t dropped yet.

“Even though this was implemented through a soft fork, it still represents a significant development for Bitcoin,” Darkfost said of the change.”

The analyst also noted that, on average, the Bitcoin network’s processed transactions have remained relatively stable, which they described as “far from low.” They also pointed out that historically, the highest fees on Bitcoin have often appeared during price peaks, while the lowest came near bear market phases, similar to what is being experienced currently.

At the time of writing, BTC was trading close to $69,000. This is down more than 17% from the past year and about 45% from its all-time high of over $126,000 in October 2025. The 30-day performance is a little better; CoinGecko data shows that BTC gained almost 4% in that time, while it lost 7% in the last week.

The elevated volatility has been due in part to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which saw BTC drop to the $65,000 level on Monday, recover past $68,000 on Tuesday, and fall again to $66,000, before climbing back toward $69,000 after reports emerged that U.S. President Donald Trump planned to deliver a major update on the conflict.

This Is Where Bitcoin Goes Next

Analysts have suggested that the price behavior described above matches patterns seen during consolidation periods, when value moved within set ranges, and traders tried to figure out which way to go.

On Monday, Coinglass reported that momentum was largely tentative, with the short-term structure still being defined by lower highs. At the same time, observers at CryptoQuant noted that Bitcoin had dipped back into an accumulation zone, with large holders becoming more active on Binance, depositing large batches of the cryptocurrency.

From all the data, the market appears to be neither in an uptrend nor in a downtrend but rather trading in a wide band, identified by Daan Crypto Trades as lying between $60,000 and $80,000, with the lower transaction costs coinciding with a period of price consolidation and cautious positioning.

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