Geopolitical tensions and market skepticism are reshaping investor strategies amid rising inflation and volatile conditions.

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AI's unchecked growth threatens societal stability as companies prioritize profits over ethical considerations.

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The rise of AI-driven transactions could revolutionize digital economies, emphasizing automation and efficiency in financial systems.

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Psychedelics like psilocybin could revolutionize anti-aging by enhancing brain neuroplasticity and altering perception.

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Metanova Labs revolutionizes drug discovery by leveraging decentralized AI to screen billions of molecules efficiently.

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Bitcoin Magazine

Bitcoin Volatility Falls as Asset Matures, Charles Schwab Report Finds

A new report from Charles Schwab suggests bitcoin is shedding one of its defining traits: extreme volatility. That might be good or bad news.

According to the firm’s analysis, bitcoin’s price swings have declined sharply in recent years, with the asset now exhibiting less volatility than some of the largest U.S. technology stocks. The report found BTC’s historical volatility (HV) dropped to 42% in 2025 — roughly half of what it recorded in 2021 — marking a significant shift as the cryptocurrency matures into a widely traded financial asset.

Schwab’s data shows bTC now behaves similarly to major equities, and in some cases appears more stable. Shares of Tesla posted a 63% HV reading in 2025, while Nvidia registered 50%, both exceeding BTC’s 42%. Measures of daily price movement, such as average true range as a percentage of price, also show a comparable trend.

Despite the decline in volatility, bitcoin remains prone to sharp drawdowns. The report notes bitcoin fell as much as 32% in 2025, with losses extending into early 2026. Over a longer three-year window, BTC recorded a peak-to-trough decline of 50%, underscoring that large swings—while less frequent—have not disappeared.

Still, those losses were not unique. Tesla experienced a deeper drawdown of 54% over the same period, while Nvidia declined 37% at its worst point. The data highlights a broader trend: high-growth technology stocks can exhibit volatility levels on par with, or exceeding, bitcoin.

Bitcoin’s long-term volatility is still high

Zooming out further, bitcoin’s long-term volatility profile remains elevated relative to traditional assets. During the 2022 market downturn, the cryptocurrency fell 77% from its peak, compared to declines of 74% for Tesla and 66% for Nvidia. 

However, Schwab noted that Tesla’s overall volatility metrics across the five-year period still outpaced BTC.

The report also compares BTC to commodities, showing that silver futures often exhibited more erratic day-to-day price movements despite smaller overall drawdowns. Gold, by contrast, maintained relatively steady gains with lower volatility.

Within crypto markets, bitcoin’s relative stability has become more pronounced. Ethereum continues to trade with higher volatility and deeper drawdowns, with the gap between the two assets widening since 2021.

Schwab concluded that BTC’s evolution reflects its growing integration into mainstream finance.

A clear example of Wall Street’s deepening embrace of bitcoin is Morgan Stanley’s spot Bitcoin ETF, MSBT, moving closer to launch after receiving an official NYSE listing notice, a step analysts say often signals an imminent debut. 

If approved, the fund would become the first spot BTC ETF issued by a major U.S. bank, distinguishing it from existing products offered by asset managers like BlackRock and Fidelity.

Editorial Disclaimer: We leverage AI as part of our editorial workflow, including to support research, image generation, and quality assurance processes. All content is directed, reviewed, and approved by our editorial team, who are accountable for accuracy and integrity. AI-generated images use only tools trained on properly license material. In Bitcoin, as in media: Don’t trust. Verify.

This post Bitcoin Volatility Falls as Asset Matures, Charles Schwab Report Finds first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Morgan Stanley Moves Closer to Bitcoin ETF Launch With NYSE Listing Announcement 

Morgan Stanley’s long‑awaited spot Bitcoin exchange‑traded fund, the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT), has taken a major procedural step toward trading after the New York Stock Exchange confirmed an official listing notice for the product. 

Bloomberg Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas says the listing typically signals a launch is “imminent.”

If approved by regulators, MSBT would mark the first spot Bitcoin ETF issued directly by a major U.S. bank rather than an asset manager. Existing U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have been launched by firms such as BlackRock and Fidelity.

Morgan Stanley’s wealth management division oversees one of the largest networks of financial advisors in the industry, with roughly 16,000 advisors and trillions in client assets under management. 

That distribution reach could make MSBT a significant channel for Bitcoin exposure in traditional portfolios.

The ETF’s fee structure has not yet been disclosed. The flagship U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF from BlackRock, iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), currently charges around a 0.25% management fee, with other issuers ranging from 0.20% to 0.30% annually.

Morgan Stanley’s bitcoin moves

Last week, Morgan Stanley confirmed that its proposed spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund will trade under the ticker MSBT on NYSE Arca, according to an updated filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The filing details the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust, a passive investment vehicle designed to track the spot price of bitcoin through direct holdings. Shares will reflect the value of bitcoin held in custody, allowing investors to gain exposure through brokerage accounts without owning the cryptocurrency directly.

Speaking at the Digital Asset Summit on Tuesday, Amy Oldenburg, Head of Digital Asset Strategy at Morgan Stanley said that Wall Street’s move into digital assets reflects a long-term effort to modernize financial infrastructure. 

“We’ve been on a journey around the entire modernization of financial infrastructure for years,” she said, rejecting the idea that banks are acting out of fear of missing out.

The trust plans to seed the fund with 50,000 shares, expected to raise roughly $1 million in initial proceeds. 

Coinbase Custody Trust Company will serve as the primary bitcoin custodian, holding most assets in cold storage and facilitating transfers tied to share creation and redemption. 

BNY Mellon will handle administration, transfer agent duties, and cash custody, managing accounting, shareholder records, and cash operations for the trust.

The structure mirrors models used across the spot bitcoin ETF market, with a portion of holdings moving into trading wallets during share creation or redemption, when authorized participants exchange cash for bitcoin or redeem shares for the underlying asset.

The filing notes that custody insurance is in place but shared across multiple clients and may not cover all losses, a standard disclosure among spot bitcoin ETFs. 

This post Morgan Stanley Moves Closer to Bitcoin ETF Launch With NYSE Listing Announcement  first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Bitwise Joins Lombard’s Bitcoin Smart Accounts to Help Unlock Institutional Yield

Bitwise Asset Management has become the first strategic yield partner in Lombard’s Bitcoin Smart Accounts ecosystem, signaling a growing bridge between institutional custody and productive on-chain Bitcoin deployment. 

The collaboration is designed to unlock yield and liquidity for an estimated $500 billion in BTC currently held in regulated custody, without requiring asset transfers or modifications to existing custodial arrangements, Lombard said. 

Scheduled for a Q2 2026 launch, Bitcoin Smart Accounts will allow high-net-worth individuals, institutional asset managers, and corporate treasuries to earn yield or borrow against BTC while maintaining full control of their assets. 

Bitwise will provide institutional-grade yield strategies, combining DeFi lending with curated real-world asset portfolios, while Morpho will facilitate stablecoin liquidity for borrowing products.

Jacob Phillips, co-founder of Lombard, highlighted the significance of institutional adoption: “Following the February introduction of Bitcoin Smart Accounts, we’ve observed substantial demand for solutions that enable productive Bitcoin deployment while preserving existing custody. Bitwise brings the credibility and capabilities required to serve this market at scale.”

The partnership addresses longstanding operational inefficiencies in institutional Bitcoin markets. Traditionally, holders seeking liquidity faced three limited options: exiting custody, using opaque OTC lending channels, or selling assets — each presenting risk, cost, or lost upside. 

Lombard’s Smart Accounts leverage custodian-integrated infrastructure to recognize Bitcoin positions as collateral using cryptographic receipts (BTC.b) without transferring the underlying asset.

Generate returns while preserving bitcoin 

Hunter Horsley, CEO of Bitwise, framed the collaboration as a milestone for institutional Bitcoin: “We’re seeing growing demand for strategies that generate returns while preserving Bitcoin’s core properties. 

This partnership helps shape an ecosystem where BTC can function as productive, yield-generating capital while maintaining security and compliance standards.”

According to Horsley, the recent BTC rebound and dip is attracting institutional interest, with investors viewing sub-$70,000 levels as an opportunity to accumulate. While some retail traders remain cautious, looking for signs that the market has found a floor, larger investors are approaching the pullback with a different perspective.

Horsley believes long-term holders may feel uncertain during price drops, whereas institutions are seizing the chance to enter at levels they previously thought were out of reach. Some buyers are taking advantage of broader market weakness, as BTC becomes part of a wider selloff in liquid risk assets, creating renewed opportunities for accumulation.

The architecture for the collaboration is designed to scale. Each new custodian or protocol integration increases the utility of the system, creating network effects akin to those seen in ACH or SWIFT over decades. 

Lombard plans to expand custodian partnerships and whitelisted protocol integrations throughout 2026, aiming to mobilize hundreds of billions in institutionally held BTC into productive on-chain capital.

Editorial Disclaimer: We leverage AI as part of our editorial workflow, including to support research, image generation, and quality assurance processes. All content is directed, reviewed, and approved by our editorial team, who are accountable for accuracy and integrity. AI-generated images use only tools trained on properly license material. In Bitcoin, as in media: Don’t trust. Verify.

This post Bitwise Joins Lombard’s Bitcoin Smart Accounts to Help Unlock Institutional Yield first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

As Bitcoin Consolidates, Signs Point to Potential Bottom Amid Market Calm: Research

Bitcoin’s price has steadied after recent volatility, suggesting the worst of the market turbulence may be behind investors.

Following a sharp weekend selloff that pushed bitcoin from around $75,000 to lows near $67,000, the digital asset has rebounded, supported by signs of constructive U.S.–Iran talks and easing selling pressure from ETFs and long-term holders. 

Despite closing the week down roughly 6%, the cryptocurrency shows resilience in its current range.

Research from K33 highlights that bitcoin has been trading sideways between $60,000 and $75,000 in recent weeks, a pattern often linked to market bottoms. 

K33 Head of Research Vetle Lunde noted that this consolidation reflects stabilization in both exchange-traded product flows and long-term holder behavior. “With bitcoin trading below $100,000, fewer investors are inclined to exit positions, helping anchor prices,” Lunde said.

ETF flows have turned mildly positive since late February, signaling an end to the heavy distribution phase that began after October’s all-time highs.

Meanwhile, supply held for more than six months is rising again, reinforcing the market’s structural stability.

Broader financial conditions remain uncertain, with rising oil prices, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and a hawkish Federal Reserve limiting risk appetite. Open interest in bitcoin perpetual swaps hovers near yearly lows, funding rates remain negative, and institutional participation has been muted.

Still, K33 describes the environment as constructive. Reduced selling pressure, stabilized flows, and range-bound price action suggest bitcoin may be transitioning out of a distribution phase toward a potential bottom. 

For medium- and long-term investors, the current low $70,000 levels could represent an attractive entry point, even as macro uncertainty keeps upside limited in the near term.

What’s going on in Iran? 

Negotiations involving Iran, the United States, and Israel are ongoing but remain indirect and uncertain.

The U.S. has put forward a multi-point proposal aimed at ending the current conflict, reopening key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, and limiting Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. 

Talks are being mediated through countries such as Oman and Pakistan rather than conducted face-to-face.

U.S. officials say progress is being made and describe the discussions as productive. However, Iran publicly denies that formal negotiations are taking place, while still acknowledging backchannel communication. 

This reflects a common strategy where Iran avoids signaling concessions domestically while remaining engaged diplomatically.

Major disagreements remain. Iran is demanding an end to military actions, security guarantees, and compensation, while rejecting limits on its missile program. The U.S., meanwhile, is pushing for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activity.

The situation remains unstable, with diplomacy and military activity happening simultaneously. 

At the time of writing, bitcoin is $70,800.

This post As Bitcoin Consolidates, Signs Point to Potential Bottom Amid Market Calm: Research first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Bitcoin Price Rises as Iran Signals Push for Full End to Conflict

Bitcoin price moved higher on Wednesday as markets reacted to signs that Iran may seek a full end to its conflict with Israel, not only a temporary ceasefire.

The shift in tone, reported by regional media and echoed in diplomatic signals from Washington, helped lift risk assets and pushed oil prices lower.

The Bitcoin price rose back above $72,000 after trading near $69,000 earlier in the session. The move followed reports that a one-month ceasefire could form part of a broader agreement that includes limits on Iran’s nuclear program and a pledge to avoid future weapons development. 

Traders treated the development as a step toward de-escalation in a conflict that has weighed on global markets.

Oil reacted first. Brent Crude dropped more than 4%, falling from above $104 to below $100 within minutes of the report. The price is now roughly $96-$98 depending on reports.

The decline signaled easing concern over supply disruptions in the Middle East, a region central to global energy flows. Lower oil prices often support risk assets by reducing inflation pressure and improving liquidity conditions.

Bitcoin price followed. The asset has traded in close alignment with broader market sentiment in recent months, moving with equities and other risk-sensitive assets rather than acting as a hedge. As oil fell and equity futures rose, bitcoin price reversed earlier losses and climbed back above a key psychological level.

The geopolitical backdrop remains complex. Officials in Washington have signaled ongoing talks with Tehran, while reports suggest a multi-point proposal aimed at ending hostilities. 

At the same time, military activity in the region has not stopped, underscoring the fragile nature of any agreement. Markets continue to adjust to each headline, with rapid shifts in sentiment driving short-term price moves.

On top of this, gold has fallen roughly 25% from its January peak and about 12% since late February — its longest losing streak in over a century — while Bitcoin price held above $70,000.

Bitcoin price action over the last week

Bitcoin’s behavior reflects that tension. Earlier in the week, the asset dropped below $70,000 as escalation fears triggered a broad sell-off across risk markets. The rebound above $71,000 highlights how quickly sentiment can change when traders perceive a path toward stability.

Institutional demand has also supported prices. Flows into spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds and continued accumulation by large holders like Strategy have helped anchor the market near current levels. 

Bernstein says Bitcoin has likely bottomed and maintains a $150,000 year-end target, citing strong ETF inflows and rising corporate demand. It also highlights Strategy as a key driver, with the firm continuing to raise billions to expand its already massive bitcoin holdings.

Still, the market faces competing forces. Interest rate policy in the United States remains a key factor, with higher rates placing pressure on risk assets. At the same time, geopolitical developments continue to drive short-term swings, often overriding macro trends in the near term.

For now, bitcoin’s response to the latest headlines suggests that traders view the prospect of a broader resolution as a positive signal. The combination of falling oil prices, steady institutional demand and improving sentiment has given the market a lift, even as uncertainty remains.

This post Bitcoin Price Rises as Iran Signals Push for Full End to Conflict first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin miners' identity is fracturing on four fronts simultaneously: crushed margins, accelerating AI pivots, expanding debt loads, and a treasury sell discipline that no longer holds.

CoinShares' latest mining report shows public miners' weighted-average cash cost was roughly $79,995 per BTC in the fourth quarter of 2025. The hash price fell to approximately $36-$38 per PH/s/day in the same quarter, then dropped further to around $29 in the first quarter of 2026.

The network logged three consecutive negative difficulty adjustments, the first such streak since July 2022. The live hash price currently sits around $32.36/PH/day, with fees at just 0.40% of block rewards, and the six-month forward market average hash price is near $30.42.

What miners do under those conditions is where the market structure case begins.

Public mining companies collectively hold 121,516 BTC, worth approximately $8.63 billion, making them meaningful marginal sellers, even after losing their status as the dominant public-company treasury class.

Several have already moved from holding to selling. MARA changed its strategy in 2025 to permit sales of Bitcoin from operations and expanded that in 2026 to include balance sheet BTC.

Riot Platforms sold 1,818 BTC in December 2025 for $161.6 million, Core Scientific sold just over 1,900 BTC in January 2026 for about $175 million, and now holds under 1,000 BTC.

Riot separately funded a 200-acre land purchase at Rockdale entirely by selling roughly 1,080 BTC from its balance sheet.

That behavior runs counter to a persistent retail assumption that miners hold by default and that large miner treasury balances are structurally bullish.

When margins break, miners act like commodity producers managing liquidity, and Treasury policy becomes pro-cyclical, with selling concentrated precisely when BTC is already weak.

The identity split

The fracture described by CoinShares runs deepest through the AI pivot.

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The firm says listed miners could derive up to 70% of their revenues from AI by the end of 2026, up from roughly 30% today.

Core Scientific has energized about 350 MW for CoreWeave and targets roughly 590 MW by early 2027. Its revenue in the fourth quarter of 2025 already showed $42.2 million from self-mining, versus $31.3 million from colocation.

Hut 8 signed a 15-year, 245 MW AI data center lease with a $7 billion base-term value. IREN reported $17.3 million in AI Cloud Services revenue, secured $3.6 billion of GPU financing tied to a Microsoft contract, and guides investors toward a $3.4 billion ARR target by end-2026.

TeraWulf says it has signed more than $12.8 billion in long-term customer contracts and completed $6.5 billion in long-term financings in 2025. Riot signed its first AMD data-center lease.

For equity investors, that redefines what a miner stock actually represents. Buying a listed miner now bundles exposure to BTC price, hyperscaler demand, lease execution timelines, retrofit capital expenditure, financing costs, and counterparty quality.

CoinShares described this explicitly as a bifurcation, with AI/HPC-linked names earning valuation premiums over pure-play miners. The stocks share the same ticker symbols, while the underlying businesses have shifted their centers of gravity.

Debt load amplifies that divergence. IREN carries nearly $3.7 billion of convertible notes payable as of Dec. 31, 2025. TeraWulf's balance sheet shows roughly $46.3 million in current long-term debt, $489.8 million in short-term convertibles, $3.05 billion in long-term debt, and $1.58 billion in convertible notes.

Core Scientific expanded its strategic financing facility to $1 billion. Cipher disclosed $3.73 billion in recent senior secured note financing.

Businesses built around those balance sheets care about rates, refinancing windows, build-cost inflation, and customer concentration in ways that pure Bitcoin miners never had to.

Meanwhile, network hashrate runs at roughly 961 EH/s, a figure the Luxor data puts in sharper context.

Fleets running at 25–38 J/TH were earning about $42/MWh in implied revenue against an estimated network-average power cost of $50/MWh, leaving S19-class hardware in negative gross-margin territory throughout February.

Luxor also documented a 252 EH/s weather-driven offline episode, showing how quickly marginal fleets disappear when economics tighten.

Bitdeer achieved an average miner efficiency of 17.9 J/TH in the fourth quarter of 2025 and is targeting 9.7 J/TH with its SEALMINER A3.

A high hashrate can now coexist with widespread unprofitability in older fleets, meaning a narrower, better-capitalized, more machine-efficient survivor set now secures the network. At the same time, the broader sector stays under strain.

Potential scenarios

If BTC recovers toward the $100,000 range, hash price eases, and immediate treasury stress lifts, the equity winners are the operators that can pair recovering mining margins with credible AI/HPC execution, because those names capture both the BTC recovery and an infrastructure rerating.

Core, Riot, Hut 8, TeraWulf, and IREN all have sufficient disclosed data center ambitions to drive price recovery and widen the gap between hybrid and pure-play names.

In that scenario, the AI pivot transforms from a survival strategy into a valuation catalyst, and the most debt-loaded operators with the strongest contract pipelines earn multiples that pure miners cannot match.

If BTC stays below the stress thresholds CoinShares flagged, hash price holds in the high-$20s to low-$30s, and additional treasury drawdowns normalize across the sector.

Luxor's February fleet data suggests many legacy machines were already underwater before any further price decline, so that a sustained downturn would accelerate forced shutdowns, reserve monetization, and a transfer of shares toward low-cost, next-generation operators.

The sector's combined 121,516 BTC in treasuries becomes a supply overhang that activates precisely when BTC spot markets are softest.

At the same time, miners carrying multi-billion-dollar convertible loads face refinancing stress if AI contract execution slips or capital markets tighten.

The most debt-loaded hybrids then absorb headwinds from two directions simultaneously: BTC price and infrastructure build credibility.

The fracture CoinShares' report documents runs beneath both scenarios.

Miners no longer share a unified BTC appreciation thesis, and some are now selling BTC to fund operations.

Some derive more enterprise value from data-center lease execution than from block rewards.

Some benefit from Bitcoin's weakness only once weaker rivals shut down, and the difficulty eases, freeing up margin for the survivors.

The companies still securing Bitcoin's blocks are splitting into forced commodity sellers, debt-funded AI landlords, and a thinning cohort of efficient pure-play operators with the power costs and machine quality to survive without pivoting.

The post Bitcoin miners start funding pivot to AI with debt while selling BTC to stay liquid appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Cravin combines provably fair verification with a Fair Value Guarantee that returns the difference in Credits when an item lands below the box price, pairing auditability with a smoother user experience.

For years, the industry’s consumer story has centered on spending. Stablecoin rails, merchant settlement, and checkout tools still dominate crypto’s retail pitch. The idea is familiar: make digital assets easier to use at the point of payment.

Another idea may prove more useful outside finance.

Instead of asking shoppers to pay with crypto, some platforms are borrowing a verification model crypto helped popularize: commit to a result before the reveal, then give the user enough data to check that nothing changed afterward. In practice, that means hash-based or seed-based verification that turns a fairness claim into something the customer can test.

Cravin is a useful example because the bigger story is not just how users pay. The platform supports crypto payments via Coinflow, but the payment value still converts into internal Credits rather than remaining as cryptocurrency. The verification step comes later in the process: before a box is opened, the result is locked with a cryptographic hash, and after the reveal, the user can verify the outcome was not altered.

Verification is leaving the payment conversation

Cravin is part of a broader move toward systems users can check for themselves. In simple terms, the platform locks in an outcome before the reveal, then gives users a way to verify it afterward.

The jargon is less important than the trust model. When a platform publishes a pre-committed input, then reveals the underlying data later, a user can rerun the logic and see whether the displayed result matches the committed one. When those inputs are not exposed, there is far less for a buyer to independently audit. The customer is mostly left with published odds, product tables, or the platform’s own assurance that the reveal was fair.

That distinction matters because consumer internet products still lean heavily on trust-based claims. Randomness, rarity, and drop odds are often presented as things the user is meant to accept, not verify. Crypto has spent years teaching users to care about proof, signatures, and public auditability. What may carry over is the verification model, not the token itself.

What this looks like in practice

On Cravin’s site, every box is framed around real physical products, published contents and probabilities, and a hash-locked outcome before the reveal. An independent Cravin review also points to public drop tables and provably fair outcomes, while describing the product as still early. After a pull, users can either ship the item or trade it back for Credits. That makes the model look less like a payment experiment and more like a consumer product using crypto-style verification.

That is what gives the model relevance beyond mystery boxes. The company is asking users to fund an internal balance system, and rely on a verification layer at the reveal. The crypto link here is not just the deposit flow. It is the ability to verify the outcome after the reveal.

Cravin also pairs that fairness language with a separate Fair Value Guarantee, which says users receive the difference back in Credits if an item’s value lands below the box price. That is an economic promise, not a cryptographic one. A provably fair flow can make the reveal auditable without saying anything on its own about margins, resale economics, or whether the overall model favors the house.

Trust still matters after the hash

Verification alone does not solve every consumer-protection issue. Users still need to care about shipping, dispute handling, support, and operator transparency. Cravin identifies Supabox LTD in Cyprus as its operator. A clean fairness proof does not resolve those more traditional platform questions.

That is why this trend matters beyond any one mystery-box site. Crypto businesses still want to own payments, but consumer platforms may adopt crypto’s verification tools before they adopt crypto payments. That shift is less about the coin itself and more about the ability to audit a digital claim after the fact. For users, that can be more practical than another promise about the future of checkout.

Cravin is not proof that verification will become a mainstream shopping standard. It is a sign that one crypto idea may be easier to apply than payments themselves. If that happens, the industry’s next consumer win may come from replacing a familiar instruction — trust us — with a better one: check for yourself.

Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post brought to you by Cravin.

The post How Cravin uses provably fair verification in mystery boxes appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Bitcoin’s relationship with the Federal Reserve has gone through a real transformation over the past several years, and the shift now looks clear enough to treat as a market structure development rather than a passing observation.

A familiar version of the idea shows up as a quick market stat. Bitcoin often falls after Fed meetings.

The longer historical record adds far more value. Extending the review back to the Federal Reserve’s 2020 FOMC schedule, and carrying it forward through the current 2026 meeting calendar, shows a market that moved from uneven post-FOMC reactions into a far more recognizable downside bias during 2024, 2025, and the opening stretch of 2026.

That evolution says a great deal about where Bitcoin now sits in the global asset mix. Bitcoin trades inside the same calendar gravity that shapes equities, rates, foreign exchange, and broader risk sentiment. The Fed meeting itself has become part of the pricing rhythm.

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The history of Bitcoin performance after Fed meetings

Starting in 2020, the picture looks loose, uneven, and highly dependent on the surrounding macro regime. Scheduled FOMC meetings did not produce a clean, repeatable downside response in Bitcoin.

June 10, 2020 saw a sharp drop into the following session, with BTC sliding from $9,870. to $9,321.

A trader looking at that move could easily build a bearish Fed thesis. The rest of the year complicates that view. July 29 finished roughly flat to up. November 5 held near highs. December 16 opened the door to a strong continuation higher, with Bitcoin climbing from $21,310 to $22,805 the next day and then to $23,137 a day later.

That is an early clue about what the long sample says. In Bitcoin’s earlier macro era, Fed meetings functioned as one catalyst among many.

Liquidity conditions, pandemic-era policy response, narrative momentum, and broad speculative appetite all competed for control of price action. The FOMC calendar exerted influence, though it had not yet set the rhythm of post-event positioning.

Moving into 2021, the same inconsistency remains. January 27 was followed by a sharp rally, with BTC jumping from $30,432 to $34,316 by January 29. July 28 also pushed higher into month-end.

Other meetings leaned in the opposite direction. March 17, April 28, June 16, November 3, and December 15 all softened over the next one or two sessions.

The result is a mixed year where Bitcoin clearly recognized the Fed as a macro event, while the reaction still lacked the kind of persistent directional bias traders look for when they want a calendar-based edge.

That distinction keeps the historical framing honest. Bitcoin has been macro-sensitive for years.

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A systematic sell-the-Fed tendency emerged later

By 2022, the environment had changed. The Fed entered its aggressive tightening cycle, inflation dominated the macro conversation, and risk assets across the board grew more vulnerable to policy shocks.

Bitcoin reflected that shift. May 4 and June 15 produced notable downside. BTC fell from $39,698 to $36,575 after the May meeting. It dropped from $22,572 to $20,381 after June. Those were meaningful reactions, especially in the context of a market already under pressure from tighter liquidity and weaker risk appetite.

Even then, the pattern resisted any claim of total consistency. January 26 and July 27 both delivered upside follow-through.

Bitcoin in 2022 behaved like an asset deeply exposed to tightening conditions, while still capable of rallying around Fed events when positioning, expectations, and sentiment aligned the right way.

The broader takeaway from 2022 sits in the direction of travel. FOMC days were becoming more sensitive and more central to short-term risk management.

Then came 2023, another year that kept the transition visible without fully locking it in place.

February 1 faded. March 22 and June 14 pushed higher. July 26 stayed close to flat. November 1 faded. December 13 slipped into December 15. Again, mixed. Again, macro sensitivity without a fully reliable one-way reaction.

Bitcoin still had room to surprise in either direction after a Fed decision. The event was important. The directional pattern remained open.

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The real shift appears in 2024 and extends through 2025 and into 2026

That is where ‘sell the Fed' starts looking more like an emerging behavior.

March 20, 2024 was followed by one of the clearest examples. Bitcoin fell from $67,913 to $63,778 by March 22, a drop of roughly 6.1%. J

uly 31 delivered another clean post-event decline, with BTC sliding from $64,619 to $61,415 by August 2, around 5.0%. June 12 also softened. December 18 moved lower from $100,041 to $97,490 the next day.

Those reactions attract attention because they cluster. Once a market sees repeated downside windows after a recurring calendar event, participants begin to anticipate the pattern.

Anticipation then changes positioning. Positioning then changes the event itself. That is how a loose tendency turns into a stronger regime feature.

Then, in 2025, the pattern pushed further.

January 29 to January 31 drifted lower from $103,703 to $102,405. March 19 to March 21 fell from $86,854 to $84,043, a roughly 3.2% decrease.

June 18 to June 20 edged lower. July 30 to August 1 dropped from $117,831 to $113,320, around 3.8%. September 17 to September 19 softened. October 29 to October 31 slipped. December 10 to December 12 moved down from $92,020 to $90,270.

However, there was a major upside exception in May 2025.

Bitcoin rose from $97,032 on May 7 to $102,970 by May 9, a gain of about 6.1%. That move deserves full inclusion because a pattern can become systematic without becoming universal. In markets, those are very different things.

In the present year, two scheduled meetings have already taken place, on January 27 to 28 and March 17 to 18, with the next meeting set for April 28 to 29.

The January 2026 Bitcoin daily close data shows BTC at $89,184 on January 28 and $84,128 on January 30, a decline of about 5.7% across the next two daily closes.

March saw BTC at $71,256 on March 18 and $70,553 on March 20, a decline of about 1%, with the drawdown extending to $68,734 by March 21.

Thus, the downside bias that became much clearer in 2024 and 2025 has therefore carried into 2026 as well.

The current-year follow-through suggests the market is still treating Fed dates as moments to reduce exposure and de-risk post-event.

Bitcoin did not spend the entire 2020 to 2026 period selling off after Fed meetings. Across that stretch, Bitcoin became increasingly likely to treat Fed meetings as de-risking events, with that behavior becoming much clearer during 2024, 2025, and early 2026.

That shift opens up a more interesting macro conversation

Bitcoin’s post-FOMC behavior now looks more like the behavior of an asset that has matured into the core risk complex.

As institutional participation deepened and macro desks paid closer attention, Bitcoin moved closer to the same event framework that governs other highly liquid assets. FOMC days became known quantities on the calendar. Known quantities invite pre-positioning.

Pre-positioning invites profit-taking, volatility compression ahead of the event, and quick reductions in exposure once the news passes.

In that sense, the direction of the Fed decision becomes only one part of the equation.

The date itself starts carrying weight. A heavily anticipated event can create downside pressure even when the policy outcome lands close to consensus.

Once a decision is priced, the market shifts attention toward communication, tone, risk appetite, and whether investors want to carry exposure through the next 24 to 48 hours.

Bitcoin’s recent behavior around Fed meetings suggests that calendar risk now plays a larger role in that calculus.

There is also a structural reason this dynamic has staying power. The Federal Open Market Committee holds eight regularly scheduled meetings each year. That creates one of the cleanest recurring catalysts in global markets, with extensive pre-positioning, intense cross-asset attention, and a large information burst compressed into a narrow time window.

Bitcoin’s growing correlation to broader risk sentiment and its integration into institutional portfolios make that event window much more consequential than it was in earlier cycles.

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The broader conclusion becomes clearer here. Bitcoin’s growing sensitivity to FOMC dates points to its continued evolution into an asset class that lives inside macro time.

Earlier in its life, Bitcoin often moved to its own rhythm, driven by internal cycles, crypto-native catalysts, and bursts of narrative momentum that seemed disconnected from the economic calendar.

Today, the calendar itself has become part of Bitcoin’s pricing architecture.

Bitcoin's development comes with trade-offs

Greater institutional relevance brings greater exposure to the same policy expectations that shape every major risk asset.

Deeper macro integration creates more legitimacy, more capital access, and more cross-market participation. It also creates recurring pressure points. Fed meetings now appear to be one of them.

For traders, that means post-FOMC weakness deserves a place on the playbook, especially in a regime where recent history has shown repeated downside follow-through.

For investors and analysts, the bigger takeaway sits one level higher. Bitcoin’s reaction function increasingly resembles the reaction function of a mature global asset, one that responds to policy cadence, liquidity expectations, and the mechanics of event-driven positioning with growing consistency.

The market has moved beyond a world where Bitcoin simply reacts to good or bad Fed news in a straightforward way. It now trades through a more complex macro lens, where the event window itself can shape behavior before the market fully processes the decision.

That is a sign of development, integration, and that Bitcoin’s role in the financial system continues to evolve.

The long record strips out the temptation to overstate the pattern as a permanent historical rule. The recent record shows why traders increasingly respect it anyway.

Put those together, and the conclusion is strong: the sell-the-Fed dynamic has emerged as a meaningful feature of Bitcoin’s current market structure, and its rise says as much about Bitcoin’s maturation as it does about any individual Fed meeting.

The post Bitcoin traders dump coins within 48 hours of Fed meetings as new data reveals systematic FOMC weakness appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Only nine non-stable tokens sit closer to ATH than Bitcoin as the market’s damage stays concentrated elsewhere

Bitcoin is still 43.26% below its all-time high. On the surface, that figure reads as a reminder of unfinished recovery. In relative terms, it places Bitcoin in a stronger position than most of the market.

A live CryptoSlate market snapshot shows BTC at $71,606 against an ATH of $126,198.

After excluding stablecoins and gold-backed tokens, only nine assets in the table sit closer to their peak than Bitcoin: UNUS SED LEO, Sky, Kite, Canton Network, TRON, Hyperliquid, MemeCore, Siren, and Stable. That is a narrow exception list in a market still defined by deep peak-to-current damage.

#1

Bitcoin BTC

$69,242.57

-3.54%

Market Cap $1.39T

24h Volume $35.36B

All-Time High $126,198.07

Sectors

Coin Layer 1 PoW

Those nine assets do not belong to a single class. Some are large and liquid enough to support a serious relative-strength discussion. Some are newer, thinner, or more structurally idiosyncratic. That split clarifies the leaderboard: Bitcoin remains well below its peak, yet its drawdown baseline still sits ahead of almost the entire non-stable market.

That baseline currently stands at 43.26%. Any token with a smaller drawdown than that has preserved more of its cycle advance than BTC. Only nine names in the snapshot meet that threshold. Everyone else has already slipped further from peak than Bitcoin.

The list begins with LEO, which stands just 5.53% below its ATH. Then the gap opens. Sky is 24.33% below peak. Kite is 24.56% below. Canton Network is 28.06% below. TRON is 29.77% below. Hyperliquid is 31.10% below. MemeCore is 37.08% below. Siren is 39.18% below. Stable is 39.70% below. Bitcoin follows at 43.26%.

That sequence shows where resilience is concentrated and where it begins to thin out. LEO sits in its own category. Sky and Kite occupy a separate zone in the mid-20s. Canton, TRON, and Hyperliquid form the next rung in the high-20s to low-30s.

MemeCore, Siren, and Stable hold a slimmer advantage over BTC. Bitcoin then becomes the dividing line between the short exception list and the rest of the market.

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Bitcoin is still carrying a substantial drawdown. The wider market is carrying more

The stablecoin and gold-backed exclusions are straightforward. Stablecoins are designed around price stability. Gold-backed tokens express gold performance. Neither group offers a clean read on crypto-native risk retention from the cycle peak.

Once those categories are stripped out, the leaderboard becomes more useful and more interesting.

Within that cleaned set, the comparison quickly shifts toward peer quality. LEO, TRON, and Hyperliquid are the most credible large-scale exceptions in the snapshot. LEO carries an $8.71 billion market cap and sits 5.53% below peak. TRON carries a $29.33 billion market cap and sits 29.77% below peak. Hyperliquid carries a $10.5 billion market cap and sits 31.10% below peak.

These are the assets that support a more durable comparison with Bitcoin on scale, liquidity, and market relevance.

The remaining nine still count, though each needs context. Canton Network sits at a $5.33 billion market cap. Sky sits at $1.77 billion. MemeCore sits at $2.39 billion. Siren sits at $1.7 billion. Kite and Stable each come in below $600 million in market cap.

A clear hierarchy emerges from that split.

Even after a severe correction, Bitcoin is holding up better than almost the entire market, with only a short list of exceptions and an even shorter list of higher-quality exceptions.

The percentage-point spread versus Bitcoin makes that hierarchy easier to see. LEO is ahead of BTC by 37 percentage points on the drawdown measure. Sky is ahead by 18 points. Kite by 18. Canton by 15. TRON by 13.5. Hyperliquid by 12. MemeCore by 6. Siren by 4. Stable by 3.5.

Those spreads produce three distinct zones.

First, there is the clear outperformance group. LEO belongs there on its own terms, while Sky, Kite, Canton, TRON, and Hyperliquid hold a substantial cushion over Bitcoin’s 43% baseline.

Second, there is the marginal advantage group. MemeCore, siren, and Stable still sit ahead of BTC, though by a much thinner margin. A relatively small move would erase that edge.

Third, there is the rest of the market, where drawdowns have already widened beyond Bitcoin’s baseline.

That setup creates a live threshold to watch. The next step centers on whether the current nine can continue to hold their lead over BTC’s drawdown line, or whether that exception list begins to contract as Bitcoin stabilizes and weaker relative performers slip behind it.

That dynamic is a ranking of where things stand today. It is also a way to track how relative strength evolves under pressure. Bitcoin’s place in that framework is especially important because BTC still functions as the market’s baseline asset.

Bitcoin remains the market baseline

When Bitcoin loses ground, the rest of the market usually takes its signal from there. When Bitcoin preserves more of its cycle gains than most of the field, that points to where capital has remained more durable and where structural demand has stayed firmer.

A 43% drawdown still carries weight. Relative to the broader market, it also describes a much stronger position than the headline figure alone suggests.

However, it still sits deep in retracement territory, placing Bitcoin in an unusual position, wounded in absolute terms, resilient in relative terms, and still defining the baseline the rest of the market has to beat.

This leaderboard is unlikely to stay static. The bottom of the exception list already sits only a few percentage points ahead of Bitcoin. MemeCore is ahead by 6 points. siren by 4. Stable by 3. A modest intraday change in relative performance would reorder that section quickly. Even further up the list, continued pressure could narrow the advantage held by Sky, Kite, Canton, TRON, or Hyperliquid.

Going forward, can any of these nine continue to hold closer to their all-time highs than Bitcoin, or does BTC’s 43% baseline become the line that more of them eventually fall behind?

The post Only these 9 crypto tokens are closer to their all-time high than Bitcoin right now appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Bitcoin has room to rally if diplomacy between Washington and Tehran continues to ease pressure on oil.

Since March 23, traces of significant de-escalation have emerged, with President Donald Trump ordering a 5-day pause for “constructive conversations.”

At the same time, reports have emerged that the United States had sent Iran a 15-point proposal through Pakistan, while Turkey also passed messages between the two sides.

While there is no ceasefire yet, and there is no sign of a settled negotiating track. Iran has publicly denied direct talks with Washington, and an Iranian military spokesperson said the United States was “negotiating with itself.”

Still, the signs of diplomacy have been real enough for markets to react, with Brent crude down 5.2% to $99.01 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate down 5.1% to $87.62.

On the other hand, Bitcoin rose 1.6% to maintain its steady resilience above $71,000 as traders pared back some of the inflation and rate fears that had built up during nearly four weeks of war.

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Why this tentative diplomacy moves market

The supply side explains the outsized reaction to headlines that amount to little more than mediated messaging.

Iran is OPEC’s third-largest producer, pumping about 3.3 million barrels per day of crude and another 1.3 million bpd of condensate and other liquids. About 90% of its crude leaves through Kharg Island via the Strait of Hormuz, with exports recently running between 1.1 million and 1.5 million bpd.

Data from the US Energy Information Administration shows that flows through the Strait of Hormuz averaged 20.9 million bpd in the first half of 2025, representing roughly 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption. About 20% of the global liquefied natural gas trade also transited the strait in 2024.

However, that volume has all but halted, with Andre Dragosch, Bitwise's Europe head of research, pointing out that there has been “1 ship today” that has passed through the path.

So, any discussion of ceasefire terms, shipping access, or sanctions relief therefore carries direct, volumetric market relevance for the oil market.

The forward curve sharpens the case. In its March outlook, the EIA forecast that Brent would stay above $95 per barrel over the next two months, then fall below $80 in the third quarter and toward $70 by year-end if disruptions ease and inventories rebuild.

The agency projected global oil inventories to rise by an average of 1.9 million bpd in 2026, once production again outpaces consumption.

This means that a credible diplomatic process does not need to create an immediate surplus supply. It only needs to make that softer path look more probable.

The European Central Bank’s March 2026 staff projections quantify the stakes. The ECB modeled an adverse energy scenario with oil at $119 per barrel and gas at €87 per megawatt-hour in the second quarter, lifting euro-zone inflation by 0.9 percentage points.

Federal Reserve research separately finds that higher oil prices directly push up headline inflation and, over about eight quarters, create a smaller but statistically significant pass-through into food and core prices.

Considering this, crypto market maker Wintermute put it in trading terms, explaining that if Brent stabilizes near $100 and diplomacy holds, the inflation fears tied to energy disruption should ease enough to let “some of the rate-cut expectations erased last week” return.

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The oil-to-rates transmission

The bullish case for Bitcoin here is that lower oil prices ease inflation pressure. Additionally, it reduces the likelihood that central banks will keep rates tighter for longer and improves the liquidity backdrop for risk assets more broadly.

Notably, Bitcoin has mostly traded less like a geopolitical hedge and more like a high-beta expression of global liquidity conditions during the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

For context, the top crypto's recent rebound above $70,000 not not driven by any crypto-native catalyst. Instead, this came amid a sharp recovery in technology shares and a stabilization of broader market risk.

The flow data reinforces that reading. According to CoinShares, digital-asset investment products pulled in $230 million last week, with $219 million going to Bitcoin, even after $405 million in outflows following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

CoinShares attributed the pressure to the Fed’s hawkish stance, not to the Iran conflict. The dominant driver has been rates and liquidity and not geopolitics in isolation.

That is why the repricing in interest-rate futures carries weight. Over the past several weeks, the conflict threatened to deliver a stagflation shock as oil prices surged to record levels.

CryptoSlate had previously reported that rate futures had implied virtually no chance of Fed cuts before mid-2027 as the conflict drove energy higher. However, after Tuesday’s diplomacy headlines, bets on a December rate hike dropped to about 16% from 25%.

Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr reinforced the hawkish backdrop on March 24, saying policymakers may need to keep rates steady for “some time” and that he would need to see evidence that inflation is “sustainably retreating” before considering further cuts.

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What could happen next?

A drawn-out diplomatic process with no formal breakthrough could still help Bitcoin if it caps oil. Brent holding near current levels, or drifting lower as shipping fears ease, would likely keep pressure off yields and reduce the urgency around higher-for-longer policy pricing.

The EIA’s path toward sub-$80 oil in the third quarter offers a macro framework for that outcome. Under that kind of easing, BTC would have a clearer opening to revisit and push through the highs reached earlier this month.

Meanwhile, a more credible ceasefire path would strengthen that case. The larger effect would come from convincing markets that Hormuz is moving back toward normal use, that regional energy infrastructure is no longer in the crosshairs, and that the inflation shock from the war is beginning to fade.

The ECB’s projections show how much difference that can make. Even small changes in the assumed oil path produce meaningful changes in inflation and growth forecasts.

However, a collapse in talks would revive the entire chain in reverse. Oil would likely rise again, shipping-risk fears would rebuild, and markets would have to price a tougher policy path from the Fed and other central banks.

Past market performances have already shown how quickly that adjustment can happen. In the space of a few days, traders swung from expecting cuts later this year to pricing in a meaningful chance of a December hike, before easing those bets when oil fell amid diplomatic headlines.

Bitcoin can still rise during wartime, but the cleaner path higher comes when the energy shock begins to unwind.

The post Bitcoin price eyes breakout as EIA signals sub $80 oil path after 20% global supply shock starts easing appeared first on CryptoSlate.

While major assets have shown steady growth, a select group of projects has entered a "parabolic" phase, securing returns of over 50% in less than three months. This rally is not driven by mere speculation but by fundamental shifts in decentralized governance, high-frequency trading infrastructure, and cross-chain interoperability.

For investors monitoring crypto news, identifying these "alpha" generators early is the key to outperforming the broader market. Below, we break down the five projects currently leading the 2026 leaderboard.

Which Cryptos are Up Over 50%?

As of late March 2026, the following five cryptocurrencies have demonstrated exceptional year-to-date (YTD) performance:

1. Hyperliquid (HYPE)
2. DeXe (DEXE)
3. LayerZero (ZRO)
4. Kite (KITE)
5. Stable (STABLE)

Each of these assets has cleared the 50% growth threshold, often outperforming $Bitcoin and other large-cap alternatives.

1. Hyperliquid (HYPE): The Revenue-Driven Powerhouse

Hyperliquid has arguably been the breakout star of 2026. Transitioning from a decentralized exchange (DEX) to a fully programmable Layer-1 blockchain, HYPE has benefited from a unique "buyback and burn" flywheel.

• Project Focus: Decentralized perpetuals and Real-World Assets (RWA).
• The Catalyst: In March 2026, the protocol integrated HIP-3, allowing for the permissionless creation of oil and gold perpetuals.
• Tokenomics: Approximately 97% of protocol fees are funneled into an "Assistance Fund" used to market-buy and burn HYPE tokens.

2. DeXe (DEXE): Reimagining DAO Governance

DeXe has seen a resurgence in 2026 as decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) seek more secure treasury management tools. The DEXE token has surged as the protocol's "Validator" voting layer became the industry standard for on-chain security.

• Project Focus: Social trading and DAO infrastructure.
• The Catalyst: Increased institutional adoption of the DeXe Protocol for secure payroll and vendor payments has driven demand for the token as a governance and security asset.
• Market Position: It currently stands as a leader in the DAO infrastructure sub-sector, according to recent exchange comparisons.

3. LayerZero (ZRO): The "Zero" Blockchain Effect

LayerZero’s ZRO token has exploded following the announcement of its native blockchain, "Zero." This move shifts ZRO from being just a protocol token to a native gas and staking asset for a high-performance network.

• Project Focus: Omnichain interoperability.
• The Catalyst: High-profile partnerships with Google Cloud and Citadel Securities in early 2026 have validated the technology's institutional viability.
• Utility: ZRO is now utilized for gas fees on the Zero network, which claims to handle 2 million transactions per second.

4. Kite (KITE): AI-Powered Payments

Kite has carved out a niche at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and blockchain payments. As AI agents become more autonomous in 2026, the need for a machine-to-machine payment layer has skyrocketed.

• Project Focus: AI-based payment blockchain.
• The Catalyst: A series of successful "proof-of-concept" integrations with autonomous AI agents that use KITE for micro-settlements.
• Performance: The token reached new all-time highs in February 2026 and has maintained strong support levels throughout March.

5. Stable (STABLE): Beyond the Peg

The project "Stable" (STABLE) represents a new generation of yields within the stablecoin ecosystem. Rather than just acting as a dollar peg, STABLE serves as a governance and yield-capture token for a cross-chain liquidity aggregator.

• Project Focus: Stablecoin liquidity and yield optimization.
• The Catalyst: The launch of the "USDT0" cross-chain initiative has made STABLE a central piece of the new liquidity architecture.

Comparison of Performance Metrics

The boundaries between traditional finance (TradFi) and the digital asset ecosystem have blurred further as Franklin Templeton announces a major leap in its blockchain strategy. The investment giant has officially expanded its tokenization platform, allowing its regulated fund shares to be held and traded 24/7 directly within crypto wallets. This move marks a significant shift from "experimental" blockchain use to functional, "wallet-native" asset management.

What’s New?

Franklin Templeton is now enabling institutional and retail investors to manage tokenized versions of their funds—specifically through their Benji Technology Platform—with the same ease as holding Bitcoin or stablecoins. Unlike traditional ETFs that are tied to exchange opening hours, these tokenized assets are available for transfer and settlement 30 seconds at a time, 365 days a year.

What is a Tokenized ETF?

• A tokenized ETF (or tokenized fund) is a digital representation of a traditional exchange-traded fund where the shares are issued as tokens on a blockchain.
• System of Record: Instead of a legacy database, a public blockchain (like Stellar, Polygon, or Arbitrum) acts as the primary ledger.
• The BENJI Token: In Franklin Templeton’s case, one share of the fund is represented by one BENJI token.
• Yield on Chain: These tokens often accrue yield daily, which is "airdropped" directly into the user's digital wallet.

The Powerhouse Behind the Move: Who is Franklin Templeton?

Franklin Templeton is a global investment management leader with over $1.6 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM). Founded in 1947, the firm has transitioned from a traditional powerhouse to a blockchain pioneer. Since 2021, they have been the first U.S.-registered mutual fund to use a public blockchain to process transactions, proving that heavy-duty regulation and decentralized tech can coexist.

Impact on the Crypto Market

The integration of tokenized Real World Assets (RWAs) into crypto wallets provides several transformative benefits:

• Instant Collateral: Traders can use their tokenized government money market funds as collateral on exchanges like Binance without exiting to cash.
• 24/7 Liquidity: Eliminates the "T+2" settlement delay found in traditional markets.
• Lower Costs: By removing intermediaries like transfer agents, the firm reportedly reduces processing costs by up to 80%.

Investors looking to explore these assets often compare them to stablecoins, though tokenized funds offer the added benefit of being SEC-registered and yield-bearing.

Conclusion: The Future is Wallet-Native

As Franklin Templeton’s Head of Innovation, Sandy Kaul, recently noted, the goal is a future where "the totality of an individual's financial life" lives in a digital wallet. With Bitcoin already acting as digital gold, tokenized ETFs are now providing the digital version of the traditional brokerage account.

Markets Rally as Ceasefire Hopes Drive Risk-On Sentiment

Global markets surged after President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause in strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, triggering a strong “risk-on” reaction across assets.

The immediate impact was significant:

• Over $650 billion added to US stock markets
• Oil prices dropped sharply as supply fears eased
• Bitcoin (BTC) reclaimed the $70,000 level
• Ethereum (ETH) moved closer to $2,200

At first glance, this looks like a classic relief rally — markets reacting positively to the possibility of de-escalation in the Middle East.

However, beneath the surface, the crypto market is telling a more cautious story.

Bitcoin Holds Strong — But Altcoins Refuse to Follow

Despite the bullish headlines, market structure reveals a key divergence.

• Bitcoin is stabilizing above $70K
• Ethereum is trending upward, but slowly
• Altcoins like XRP, Cardano, and Solana are only showing modest gains

This is not typical behavior for a full bullish breakout.

In previous cycles, strong Bitcoin moves are usually followed by aggressive capital rotation into altcoins. That is not happening here.

👉 Instead, the market is showing defensive positioning, with capital concentrated in major assets rather than flowing into higher-risk tokens.

This suggests that while confidence is improving, conviction remains limited.

Iran Denies Talks — A Critical Contradiction

While markets are rallying on ceasefire expectations, the geopolitical reality remains uncertain.

Officials in Iran have publicly denied that meaningful negotiations are underway, contradicting the narrative driving the rally.

At the same time, reports indicate ongoing proposals and conditions for de-escalation — but no confirmed agreement.

This creates a clear disconnect:

• Markets are pricing peace and stability
• Reality still reflects uncertainty and unresolved tensions

👉 This gap is crucial — and potentially risky.

Oil Collapse Signals Overconfidence in a Peace Scenario

Energy markets are reinforcing the same narrative.

Oil prices have dropped sharply, with some regional benchmarks experiencing extreme declines as traders price in:

• No disruption to supply
• Stability in the Strait of Hormuz
• A near-term resolution to tensions

This kind of aggressive repricing suggests markets are leaning heavily toward a best-case scenario.

If that assumption proves wrong, the reversal could be equally sharp across both traditional and crypto markets.

Institutional Moves Continue to Support the Long-Term Trend

While short-term price action is driven by geopolitics, structural developments in crypto remain bullish.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission have introduced new frameworks for digital assets, signaling growing regulatory clarity.

At the same time, asset managers like Franklin Templeton are pushing forward with tokenized ETFs that can trade 24/7 through crypto infrastructure.

👉 These developments point toward a long-term shift:

• Traditional finance moving on-chain
• Increasing institutional participation
• Expansion of tokenized financial products

This is a fundamentally different driver than the current macro-driven rally.

Bitcoin Shows Strength — But Not Euphoria

Another important signal comes from Bitcoin’s behavior itself.

Despite:

• Geopolitical uncertainty
• Volatility in oil markets
• Mixed macro conditions

Bitcoin is holding its ground above $70K without entering a parabolic move.

👉 This reflects a maturing market structure:

• No panic selling
• No excessive speculation
• Gradual accumulation rather than explosive growth

This kind of price action is typically seen in transition phases, not during peak bullish momentum.

Crypto Is No Longer Reacting Like Before

One of the most notable shifts in this cycle is how crypto responds to global events.

In previous years, geopolitical tensions would trigger sharp sell-offs across crypto markets.

Now:

• Bitcoin stabilizes quickly
• Drawdowns are absorbed faster
• The market shows resilience rather than panic

👉 This suggests crypto is evolving:

From a purely speculative asset
➡️ Toward a more established macro-sensitive asset class

However, it is not yet acting as a full safe haven — the current cautious behavior proves that.

A Market Pricing Peace — But Positioning for Risk

Putting all signals together, the current market environment is defined by contradiction:

• Stocks and crypto are rallying
• Oil is collapsing
• Peace is being priced in

But at the same time:

• Iran denies confirmed negotiations
• Altcoins are underperforming
• Investors remain selectively positioned

👉 This leads to a clear conclusion:

Markets are pricing a perfect outcome — but crypto is not fully convinced.

What Happens Next?

The next major move will likely depend on one key factor:

👉 Whether geopolitical developments confirm — or invalidate — the current narrative.

If tensions truly de-escalate:

• Risk assets could extend gains
• Altcoins may finally catch up
• A broader crypto rally could begin

If not:

• Oil could rebound sharply
• Markets may reverse quickly
• Crypto could retest lower support levels

Conclusion

Bitcoin holding above $70,000 is a strong signal — but the absence of altcoin momentum reveals a deeper layer of caution.

This is not a full bullish breakout.
It is a macro-driven recovery built on expectations, not confirmations.

And right now, crypto appears to be the only market not fully buying the story.

Following years of "regulation by enforcement," the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have issued a joint landmark interpretation. This move, dubbed "Project Crypto" by insiders, aims to provide the first comprehensive taxonomy for digital assets, categorizing them into digital commodities, collectibles, and tokenized securities.

Meanwhile, the Bitcoin price is currently navigating a high-volatility zone. Following the Federal Reserve's hawkish stance in the recent FOMC meeting—where inflation projections for 2026 were raised to 2.7%—BTC has seen significant pressure, testing the critical $70,000 support level.

Crypto News Today: The SEC and CFTC Join Forces

In a historic turn of events, the SEC, under Chairman Atkins, released a commission-level interpretive release that clarifies the application of federal securities laws to crypto assets. This is not just another speech; it is a "major rule" that provides a safe harbor for market participants.

The new framework classifies assets into four primary buckets:

1. Digital Commodities: Assets like Bitcoin (BTC) whose value stems from automated network mechanics.
2. Digital Collectibles: Non-security assets intended for personal enjoyment (NFTs and memes).
3. Payment Stablecoins: Assets regulated under the newly debated CLARITY Act and GENIUS Act.
4. Tokenized Securities: Traditional instruments (stocks/bonds) wrapped in blockchain technology.

This development is expected to reduce the "chilling effect" on institutional investment, potentially paving the way for more sophisticated financial products beyond the current spot ETFs.

Crypto Price Today: BTC and ETH Face Macro Headwinds

Despite the regulatory "green light," the broader macro environment remains challenging. The Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates at 3.5%–3.75% while signaling only one rate cut for the remainder of 2026 has triggered a "risk-off" sentiment.

• Bitcoin ($BTC): After a $708 million single-day outflow from U.S. spot ETFs earlier this week, Bitcoin is currently trading near $70,720. Traders are watching the $70,000 psychological floor closely
  
• Ethereum ($ETH): Ethereum has shown relative resilience compared to the broader market, holding the $3,400 range. This is largely driven by "whale accumulation" and anticipation surrounding new scaling solutions
  

The CLARITY Act and the Future of Stablecoin Yield

Legislative momentum is also building on Capitol Hill. The CLARITY Act’s compromise text was recently reviewed by industry leaders. The draft suggests a strict prohibition on digital asset service providers offering "direct yield" on stablecoin balances to mimic bank interest. However, activity-based rewards—such as loyalty programs and transaction-linked incentives—remain permitted.

This move aims to integrate stablecoins into the U.S. financial perimeter without compromising the stability of the traditional banking system. According to The Guardian, similar regulatory reviews are happening globally, with the UK also publishing reports on the integrity of digital finance.

Quick Market Stats

Conclusion: A Turning Point for 2026

Today marks a "General to Specific" progression in crypto history. We are moving from a general state of uncertainty to a specific, regulated framework. While the BTC price reflects the immediate pain of high interest rates and geopolitical tension in the Middle East, the structural foundation of the industry has never been stronger.

Currently, Ethereum is trading near $2,165, eyeing a breakout toward the critical $2,200 resistance zone.

The sudden shift in market sentiment follows a green opening for US stock market futures and a series of high-stakes geopolitical reports suggesting a potential de-escalation in the Middle East.

Why is Ethereum Price UP: Rumors of US-Iran Peace Talks

The primary catalyst for today’s market surge appears to be unverified reports from Israeli media suggesting that the United States is pushing for a one-month ceasefire between Israel and Iran to facilitate diplomatic negotiations.

• The "15-Point Plan": Reports indicate that US envoys have presented a 15-point peace proposal aimed at stabilizing the region.
• Trump's Stance: President Donald Trump claimed on Tuesday that "productive negotiations" are already underway, noting that Tehran seems open to a deal.
• Iran's Response: Conversely, Iranian officials have publicly dismissed these claims as "fake news" and a "bluff," intended to manipulate financial and oil markets.

While no official ceasefire has been confirmed, the mere prospect of a pause in hostilities has caused oil prices to soften and risk-on assets like $Bitcoin and Ethereum to surge.

Ethereum Price Analysis: The 1-Month Outlook

Ethereum's journey over the last 30 days has been a volatile consolidation phase. After a sharp dip toward the $1,800 demand zone earlier this month, ETH has established a series of higher lows.

Technical Chart Observations

Looking at the Ethereum chart, the asset has faced heavy selling pressure every time it approached the $2,150 mark. However, today's move is backed by increasing volume and a "supply shock" narrative. Data suggests that the $Ethereum staking ratio has hit a record high of 31.4%, significantly reducing the liquid supply available on exchanges.

Can ETH Break Above $2,200?

For $ETH to sustain this rally, it must achieve a daily close above $2,180. If the bulls can clear the $2,200 hurdle, the next technical targets lie at $2,320 and $2,500.

The current "Extreme Fear" sentiment observed earlier this week is rapidly shifting toward neutral. Traders are advised to keep a close watch on exchange comparison tools to ensure they are positioned with the best liquidity providers during these high-volatility events.

The convergence of reclaiming Bitcoin's $71,000 level and the potential for a diplomatic breakthrough has provided the "oxygen" the crypto market needed. While the situation between the US and Iran remains fluid and unverified, Ethereum's fundamentals—bolstered by record staking—suggest that the path of least resistance may finally be upward.

Bitcoin's support level is vulnerable as Trump's five-day pause of strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure is set to expire, analysts said.

Congress is moving to tighten oversight of prediction markets amid rising concerns over insider trading and misuse of sensitive information.

The chipmaker failed to rebut claims its crypto disclosures affected its stock price, allowing the case to move forward.

The decision leaves unresolved whether developers of non-custodial crypto tools must comply with federal money-transmission rules.

Regulators are beginning work on legal and market infrastructure for tokenized assets, moving from pilot programs to real-world implementation.

Binance CEO Richard Teng points to the shared mission behind crypto growth.

XRP loses some serious volume on the ledger, which is the last thing needed for it.

Dogecoin sell-off did not encourage ETF buyers to bet on the meme coin.

Willy Woo shares a cautious Bitcoin prediction for Q2, 2026, citing several weeks of "bear market pain" ahead.

XRP losing any pieces of bullish potential after its key setup was invalidated after an unsuccessful breakout attempt.

Key Highlights

• British authorities sanction Xinbi cryptocurrency platform disrupting international fraud networks
• Platform facilitated stolen data transactions and enabled transnational crypto fraud schemes
• Cambodian fraud centers connected to human trafficking face escalating UK enforcement
• UK-US collaboration drives major seizures and dismantling of scam infrastructure
• Enforcement targets cryptocurrency channels funding widespread online fraud operations

British authorities have announced comprehensive sanctions against a significant Crypto Scam infrastructure operating throughout Southeast Asia. Officials seek to disable cryptocurrency platforms facilitating widespread internet fraud and human rights violations. This enforcement action represents an escalation in efforts to dismantle organized digital fraud systems harming UK citizens and victims worldwide.

Britain Sanctions Xinbi Platform in Enforcement Action

British regulators designated Xinbi, a digital currency exchange connected to Southeast Asian Crypto Scam networks, for sanctions. This platform enabled illicit trading of compromised personal information and resources utilized in coordinated fraud campaigns. Officials intend to undermine the financial infrastructure sustaining these criminal operations.

The Xinbi platform served fraudulent call centers by providing cryptocurrency services enabling cross-border payments and untraceable financial movements. The marketplace also supplied satellite communications technology allowing fraud operators to contact targets internationally. These functions expanded both the scope and effectiveness of criminal fraud networks.

Sanctions measures block Xinbi from accessing authorized cryptocurrency infrastructures and constrain its operational capacity. Authorities anticipate significant disruption throughout associated fraudulent enterprises. This enforcement follows previous actions that dismantled BYEX, another platform supporting digital currency fraud.

Cambodian Fraud Compounds Connected to Human Trafficking Operations

Investigators established connections between criminal fraud networks and extensive facilities throughout Cambodia and surrounding territories. These installations employed fraudulent employment advertisements to traffic foreign workers into coerced fraud activities. Victims subsequently endured intimidation and mistreatment while executing online scam operations.

Authorities identified the #8 Park facility as among the most significant compounds supporting these criminal enterprises. Reports indicate this location held as many as 20,000 trafficked persons compelled to participate in internet fraud schemes. The enforcement campaign directly confronts a critical node within the organized fraud infrastructure.

British officials also sanctioned Legend Innovation Co., the entity controlling the #8 Park complex associated with the Prince Group. Furthermore, regulators targeted prominent individuals overseeing financial channels linked to fraudulent activities. These measures seek to destabilize command structures directing these operations.

Global Collaboration Strengthens Enforcement Campaigns

British authorities synchronized earlier sanctions with American counterparts against the Prince Group and its leadership. These coordinated actions sparked regional investigations and property confiscations surpassing £1 billion in value. Sustained enforcement pressure progressively weakens the broader criminal network.

Cambodian law enforcement has amplified domestic operations following international partnership efforts. Officials documented numerous enforcement actions, facility shutdowns, and liberation of trafficking victims. These developments demonstrate increasing regional opposition to organized digital fraud enterprises.

The UK intends to strengthen international collaboration through forthcoming financial crime programs and strategic alliances. Authorities will concentrate on monitoring illicit cryptocurrency transactions and disrupting transnational fraud infrastructure. Ongoing enforcement operations aim to diminish the worldwide influence of organized digital fraud systems.

The post Britain Sanctions Xinbi Platform in Sweeping Cryptocurrency Fraud Operation appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

• Zepz transferred over $17 billion in 2025, serving migrant workers sending funds across 130+ countries.
• The Sendwave Wallet, built on Solana, lets customers send and store USDC across more than 100 countries.
• TRM Labs has supported Zepz’s stablecoin compliance framework since April 2025, covering AML and sanctions risk.
• Customers can hold USDC instead of converting immediately, offering more control in currency-volatile regions.

Stablecoin remittances are taking a new step forward with a partnership between TRM Labs and Zepz. The collaboration supports the global expansion of the Sendwave Wallet, a stablecoin product built on Solana.

Zepz, the company behind WorldRemit and Sendwave, serves migrant communities across 130+ countries. TRM Labs will provide blockchain intelligence to support financial crime risk management. Together, they aim to scale digital asset-based remittances responsibly across global markets.

Sendwave Wallet Targets Migrant Communities Worldwide

Zepz transferred more than $17 billion for its customers in 2025. The company primarily serves migrant workers who send money to family members monthly.

Many of those recipients live in regions with currency instability or limited banking access. The Sendwave Wallet was built directly in response to those needs.

Launched in October 2025, the wallet operates on the Solana blockchain. It enables customers to send and store USDC across more than 100 countries.

Transfers are near-instant, affordable, and reliable within the Sendwave ecosystem. This gives migrant workers a faster alternative to traditional remittance channels.

TRM Labs described the partnership on X, noting that stablecoins are changing how remittances work. The firm noted that the Sendwave Wallet was designed to support migrant communities globally.

It also confirmed that blockchain intelligence would help strengthen risk management as the platform scales. The post further addressed compliance support as Zepz enters new markets.

Rather than converting funds immediately into local currency, customers can hold USDC. They decide when and how to cash out based on current market conditions.

This feature is especially useful in countries facing frequent currency fluctuations. The model offers more financial control compared to traditional remittance services.

TRM Labs Embeds Compliance Tools into Stablecoin Infrastructure

TRM Labs began working with Zepz in April 2025 on its stablecoin products. The company helped design financial crime controls for the Sendwave Wallet infrastructure.

These controls address sanctions risk, anti-money laundering requirements, and transaction monitoring. Integrating these tools from the start creates a stronger compliance foundation.

TRM’s blockchain intelligence platform enables real-time monitoring of on-chain activity. It helps organizations detect illicit transactions and manage risk across digital assets.

As Zepz expands into new markets, these capabilities become increasingly necessary. Global regulators are paying closer attention to digital asset-based payment platforms.

Will Bell, Business Lead at TRM Labs, shared his perspective on the collaboration. He said the platform helps organizations monitor activity in real time and manage risk exposure.

Bell added that Zepz is combining payment innovation with strong operational safeguards. He noted the goal is to scale digital asset products in line with regulatory expectations.

Zaheer Jassat, VP of Product at Zepz, also commented on the collaboration. He said customers trust Zepz with something personal — supporting family members across borders.

Partnering with TRM, he noted, strengthens Zepz’s ability to manage risk responsibly. Customers can now send, store, and spend stablecoins with greater confidence.

The post Stablecoin Remittances Get a Boost as TRM Labs and Zepz Announce Partnership appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

• Around 92% of short-term holders are currently at a loss, holding approximately 5.7 million BTC below cost basis.

• Strategy’s realized price of $75,600 across 762,000 BTC aligns directly with where Bitcoin’s recent rally was rejected.

• Bitcoin’s network-wide realized price sits near $54,000, a level historically revisited or traded below in bear markets.

• CryptoQuant data show overlapping cost-basis levels above the spot price, creating significant resistance to any Bitcoin recovery attempt.

Bitcoin realized price metrics are drawing close attention from market analysts worldwide. On-chain data shows the price is currently interacting with multiple critical cost basis levels.

Bitcoin is trading around $70,000, with key resistance visible both above and below the current spot price. CryptoQuant recently published an analysis covering short-term holders, a major institutional buyer, and broader network cost averages.

Together, these overlapping thresholds are shaping what analysts describe as a fragile market structure.

Short-Term Holders Sit in Loss as Sell Pressure Mounts

Short-term holders are currently carrying heavy unrealized losses at today’s Bitcoin price. CryptoQuant data shows this cohort holds approximately 5.7 million BTC in total.

Of that amount, only around 8% are currently sitting in profit. The remaining 92% are at a loss at current price levels.

This distribution creates what analysts call a large supply overhang in the market. When most holders are underwater, price rallies often invite immediate selling activity.

Recent buyers tend to use bounces as opportunities to recover their cost basis. That behavior consistently limits how far short-term recoveries can extend.

The short-term holder’s realized price is currently positioned above Bitcoin’s spot price near $70,000. CryptoQuant stated that “recent buyers are underwater, creating sell pressure on every bounce.”

That cost basis level is now acting as overhead resistance on the chart. Price must reclaim it clearly before sentiment can meaningfully shift for this group.

Until short-term holders move back into profit territory, recovery attempts will likely face continued resistance. The volume of BTC held at a loss adds weight to every rally attempt made. Analysts are monitoring the profit-to-loss ratio closely for any early signs of a broader market shift.

Strategy’s Cost Basis and the Network Realized Price Frame the Trading Range

Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings are also playing a visible role in shaping current market resistance. The firm holds approximately 762,000 BTC with an average cost basis of around $75,600.

CryptoQuant noted that this level aligns directly with where the recent rally faced rejection. That overlap is drawing attention from on-chain analysts tracking large institutional cost basis data.

Large holders with unrealized losses near a price zone can create meaningful resistance for the market. When price approaches their average cost basis, those holders tend to manage risk through selling.

This dynamic appears to have played out during the recent failed push beyond $75,000. CryptoQuant’s data supports this reading of the market’s rejection at that level.

The broader Bitcoin realized price, representing the average cost basis across all holders, currently sits near $54,000.

Historically, during bear markets, price tends to revisit or trade below this level for extended periods. This makes the $54,000 zone a key reference point for analysts monitoring potential downside risk.

Taken together, these three levels frame the current environment for Bitcoin market participants. Resistance from the short-term holder’s cost basis and Strategy’s realized price sits above spot.

The network-wide average near $54,000 remains a potential downside target if conditions deteriorate further. Traders are watching all three levels closely as price action continues to develop.

The post Bitcoin Realized Price Signals Fragile Market Structure as 92% of Short-Term Holders Sit at a Loss appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights

• IBM’s quantum processor accurately replicated the properties of a magnetic crystal, producing results identical to neutron scattering laboratory tests.
• The breakthrough involved collaboration among scientists from six research institutions, including Oak Ridge National Lab, Purdue University, and Los Alamos National Lab.
• This achievement was widely believed to be impossible without large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum systems — which don’t yet exist commercially.
• IBM projects its first fault-tolerant quantum supercomputer, code-named Starling, will launch in 2029.
• Analysts from BMO Capital set a $290 price objective on IBM; BofA Securities maintains a Buy rating with a $340 target.

IBM has accomplished something quantum researchers thought was still years away.

International Business Machines Corporation, IBM

A preliminary research paper published to arXiv this Wednesday outlines how IBM’s quantum computing system accurately modeled a genuine magnetic material — producing results that perfectly aligned with physical laboratory testing. The substance analyzed was KCuF3, a magnetic crystal compound.

Scientists employed neutron scattering techniques to analyze the crystal’s characteristics in controlled laboratory conditions. Subsequently, they replicated the identical scenario using IBM’s quantum processing hardware. The outcomes from both approaches were in agreement.

“This represents the most remarkable correlation I’ve witnessed between experimental laboratory data and quantum bit simulation,” stated Allen Scheie, a condensed matter physicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He noted that the achievement “elevates expectations for quantum computing capabilities.”

The study emerged from a partnership between IBM and researchers across six institutions: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Purdue University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Tennessee, and IBM’s own research division. Partial funding came from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Quantum Science Center.

The Significance of This Achievement

The simulation’s precision resulted from enhanced two-qubit error rate performance on IBM’s quantum processors, according to Abhinav Kandala, principal research scientist at IBM. The research team merged quantum computing hardware with traditional computational workflows to achieve these results.

The significance lies primarily in the unexpected timeline. Simulation accuracy at this level was broadly considered unattainable until the emergence of fault-tolerant quantum computers — systems designed to continue operating despite individual component failures. Such machines haven’t yet been deployed at commercial scale.

IBM’s development timeline positions its inaugural fault-tolerant quantum supercomputer, designated Starling, for completion in 2029. This future system is anticipated to deliver processing capabilities 20,000 times greater than current quantum hardware.

Traditional computing systems face significant challenges when modeling materials at quantum scales due to the computational complexity of these interactions. The quantum processor’s ability to handle this accurately demonstrates meaningful advancement in the underlying technology.

The research team has additionally adapted this methodology to model material categories beyond KCuF3, pursuing systems with increasingly sophisticated interactions.

IBM’s Recent Corporate Developments

IBM has pursued multiple strategic initiatives in recent months. The corporation finalized its $11 billion purchase of Confluent, paying $31 per share in an all-cash transaction. Confluent’s customer base encompasses over 6,500 enterprise clients, representing 40% of Fortune 500 companies.

IBM also strengthened its collaboration with NVIDIA to assist enterprises in scaling artificial intelligence deployments, emphasizing GPU-native data analytics and supporting infrastructure.

Regarding analyst coverage, BMO Capital reduced its price objective for IBM to $290 while retaining a Market Perform rating. BofA Securities preserved its Buy rating alongside a $340 price target, highlighting IBM’s strategic position in agentic AI technologies.

IBM presently trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.7 and reported revenue expansion of 7.6% across the previous twelve months, maintaining a market capitalization of $226.5 billion.

The research paper remains under pre-print status and has not yet undergone formal peer review.

The post IBM (IBM) Stock: Quantum Computer Achieves Historic Materials Simulation Milestone appeared first on Blockonomi.

Pepe coin turned early buyers into millionaires. A trader who put $250 into Pepe at the 2023 launch walked away with $1.8 million when the token hit $11 billion on nothing but meme energy and a 420 trillion token supply. Another wallet turned $27 into $2.3 million with zero products behind it.

The pepeto price prediction starts with those numbers because the same cofounder is now behind Pepeto, and this time there is a working exchange, a SolidProof audit, and more than $8 million raised with the Binance listing approaching.

Pepeto Price Prediction Gets Context as Trump Iran Threats Drop BTC to $68K and Altcoins Bleed

President Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz stayed closed, Bitcoin dropped to $68,000, and most altcoins fell harder, according to CoinDesk.

Trump has since postponed the strike and BTC recovered above $70,000, but the Fear and Greed Index hit 8, according to CoinMarketCap.

The Pepeto forecast does not depend on the market recovering because the returns come from the listing, not from sentiment calming down.

Crypto Picks for 2026: Where the Pepeto Price Prediction Meets Pepe Coin History and Real Exchange Utility

Pepeto

Pepe coin reached a market cap of $11 billion with the same 420 trillion supply and zero products. Matching that price from the current presale entry is over 150x, and Pepeto has a full exchange that Pepe never had. That is the floor of the Pepeto outlook, not the ceiling, because more utility logically reaches more than what zero utility reached.

Pepeto was built for retail investors who came to crypto because they do not want to wait for a stock portfolio to double over years. The risk scorer checks every contract for hidden drains and honeypot functions before your money goes near them, and explains what it found so you enter positions with real information instead of trust.

PepetoSwap runs zero fee trades so your capital keeps full value, and the cross chain bridge moves tokens at zero cost. A former Binance expert is on the dev team, the SolidProof audit cleared every contract, and 194% APY staking compounds in wallets that entered early while the stages fill faster each week.

Pepeto is at $0.000000186 with analysts projecting 200x from the current entry once the Binance listing opens public trading. The Pepeto forecast is built on math that anyone can check: same supply as Pepe, same cofounder, but this time there is an exchange making the price floor real instead of relying on hype alone.

With the listing days away and the gap between presale pricing and what the exchange is actually worth closing fast, waiting any longer risks missing the most favorable entry the Pepeto outlook will ever offer.

TAO

Bittensor trades near $332 as of March 24 after climbing 66% from March lows as Grayscale opened a private TAO trust, according to CoinMarketCap.

The $302 to $340 zone has rejected the price multiple times. Break $350 and $400 opens, fail and $240 comes first. Strong AI narrative, but the Pepeto forecast offers more room from one listing at a fraction of the price.

APT

Aptos trades near $1.08 as of March 24 after climbing 12% on a 180% volume jump, according to CoinMarketCap. Transaction throughput and active addresses trend lower despite the price rise, questioning whether the rally lasts.

Break $1.08 and $1.25 opens, reject here and $0.95 comes first. A speculative bounce, not the return that changes how your portfolio looks the way the Pepeto forecast delivers from one listing.

Pepeto Price Prediction Confirms That the Returns That Reshape Portfolios Never Come From Large Cap Recovery

The Pepeto outlook is not built on hope. It is built on the fact that Pepe reached $11 billion with nothing and the same cofounder built Pepeto with a full exchange this time. TAO is testing $300 and APT bounced 12%, but the biggest catalysts for both are priced in.

The returns that reshape a portfolio never come from large cap recovery, they come from being early in what the market discovers after the listing. Meme energy from the Pepe cofounder plus exchange utility plus a Binance listing at the same time is the rarest setup crypto produces.

Being one stage earlier is the difference that lasts a lifetime, and the pepeto price prediction needs only the listing. The Pepeto official website is where that entry is still open.

Pepe made millionaires with zero products. The pepeto price prediction has more behind it. Visit Pepeto before the listing closes the entry.

Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale

FAQ:

What is the pepeto price prediction analysts are projecting as the listing approaches?

Analysts project 200x from the current entry based on matching Pepe coin’s market cap with more utility behind it. The Pepeto official website is where entries are secured before listing day.

What does the pepeto price prediction look like compared to TAO and APT?

The pepeto price prediction offers more room because the token sits at presale pricing while TAO and APT already priced in their biggest catalysts.

What drives the pepeto price prediction beyond the presale?

The same cofounder who built Pepe to $11 billion is behind a working exchange with verified contracts, zero fee trading, and the Binance listing days away.

The post Pepeto Price Prediction Targets 200x as Pepe Coin Made Millionaires With Zero Products While TAO and APT Struggle appeared first on Blockonomi.

Bitcoin’s price actions took another turn for the worse over the past several hours, dropping by almost three grand toward $69,000.

Most altcoins have followed suit, charting 4-5% daily losses. As a result, ETH has dipped below $2,100, BNB is down to $630, and XRP is beneath $1.40.

BTC Below $70K

After it was rejected at $76,000 last week and pushed south to $69,000 by the time the weekend approached, the primary cryptocurrency actually spent Saturday and Sunday trading mostly at around $70,000 and even tapped $71,000 briefly.

However, Trump’s latest threats against Iran sent it south by a few grand to just under $68,500. It dipped further when the legacy futures markets opened to $67,500 before it skyrocketed on Monday to over $71,600 after the POTUS said the US and Iran have been in talks to de-escalate the war.

It whipsaw once Iran denied the claims, and even dipped below $69,000 briefly on Tuesday. It went on the attacks once again on Wednesday and touched a weekly peak at $72,000 when the bears stepped up once again. BTC managed to maintain above $71,000 for several hours, but began to break down earlier today and slipped to just over $69,000 minutes ago.

Its market capitalization has declined to under $1.4 trillion, while its dominance over the alts is down to 56.5% on CG.

M Defies the Overall Correction

Ethereum has dropped by almost 5% in the past 24 hours and now struggles below $2,100 again. BNB is down to $630 after a 3% decline, and XRP is beneath $1.40 after a similar drop. More painful decreases are evident from ADA, DOGE, ZEC, MNT, DOT, NEAR, and AAVE from the larger-cap alts.

TRX is among the few exceptions from this cohort of assets, but it’s just slightly in the green. In contrast, MemeCore has exploded by over 33% daily, and now sits above $2.30. ZRO, SIREN, TRUMP, and MORPHO, on the other hand, have posted losses of over 6%.

The total crypto market cap has shed $60 billion in a day and is down to $2.460 trillion on CG.

The post Bitcoin Loses $70K Support, Ethereum Dumps Below $2.1K: Market Watch appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Stablecoin issuer Circle has unfrozen the USDC balance in one of the 16 wallets it targeted in a controversial enforcement move earlier this week, according to ZachXBT.

In the latest update, the on-chain investigator identified the address “0x61f…e543,” linked to Goated.com, as having regained access to its funds. The wallet currently holds around 130,966 USDC, based on data from Arkham. He added that other affected wallets could also be restored in the near term.

From Freeze to Backtrack

The development follows Circle’s decision to freeze USDC balances across 16 hot wallets reportedly associated with unrelated businesses. As per  ZachXBT, at least one impacted entity indicated the action was tied to a sealed US civil case, though no public information or clear justification was provided on the “overreach.” Following an independent review of on-chain activity, he found that the wallets appeared operational, with no indication of illicit behavior.

The partial reversal has intensified scrutiny of Circle’s handling of the situation, particularly given the lack of transparency surrounding the legal basis for the freeze. ZachXBT tweeted,

“In my 5+ years of investigations, it could potentially be the single most incompetent freeze I have seen. This is what happens when you outsource your freezing decisions to literally any random federal judge instead of having a process.”

Transparency Concerns Intensify

Several market commentators slammed the move while arguing that such actions, when taken without clear evidence, risk disrupting legitimate business activity. One said that unfreezing a single wallet does little to change the bigger picture.

Meanwhile, MetaMask security researcher Taylor Monahan stressed that freezing user funds demands thorough investigative work and accountability. Monahan sharply criticized Circle’s approach to freezing funds, and said that the process has long relied on court authorization rather than independent technical verification.

She noted that if a US federal court approves a freeze request, the stablecoin company typically enforces it, even in cases where the details remain unclear or contested.

The post ‘Most Incompetent Freeze:’ ZachXBT Slams Circle as Wallet Ban Begins to Unravel appeared first on CryptoPotato.

After another unsuccessful attempt to decisively reclaim the $72,000 resistance, bitcoin’s price dipped by two grand again, slipping below $70,000.

Popular analyst Michaël van de Poppe weighed in on BTC’s longer-term performance, explaining why the current environment could be a “great time to buy.”

BTC Tanks as STHs Reach Capitulation

A week ago, bitcoin peaked at $76,000 for the first time in a month and a half. The subsequent rejection pushed it south to under $68,000, where it found some support and jumped to $72,000 yesterday. However, it was stopped once again and dipped below $70,000 earlier this morning, as it continues to be heavily influenced by the war in the Middle East as well as the developments in other financial markets.

Van de Poppe noted that short-term holders of the largest cryptocurrency are in ‘massive losses, a phenomenon called ‘Capitulation.” He added that this metric’s indications now mimic current market sentiment ‘quite well.’

The analyst explained that many investors anticipated a strong BTC rebound when it initially dropped to $80,000, which is why they bought more. However, as the asset continued to retrace to sub-$70,000 levels, their positions turned red almost two months ago.

This flipped the overall market sentiment quite ‘fearful,’ and van de Poppe said he hasn’t seen it this bad before. However, “this has proven to be a great time to buy assets, as markets are always higher 12 months after such a capitulation event.”

The short-term holders of #Bitcoin are in massive losses, a phenomenon called ‘Capitulation’.

One of the most interesting metrics is that it mimics current market sentiment quite well.

The recent crash on #Bitcoin has had a similar impact to the COVID crash in 2020 or the drop… pic.twitter.com/L9AXlnGrk6

— Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) March 25, 2026

Weak Hands Are Out

In a slightly related post, fellow analyst Ali Martinez noted that Bitcoin’s Realized Cap for new holders has “hit a significant low.” According to him, this means that ‘weak hands’ have disappeared from the BTC market, as these red zones “represent a total washout of speculative froth.”

Such instances led to major changes in market dynamics, as when speculative interest supply dries up, only “high-conviction holders” are left. History shows that this is generally the transition point from a “cooling period to the next major accumulation phase.”

The “weak hands” have officially left Bitcoin $BTC.

Bitcoin’s Realized Cap for new holders has hit a significant low. Historically, these “red zones” represent a total washout of speculative froth.

When the speculative interest supply dries up, we are left with a market… pic.twitter.com/2njSuchFS1

— Ali Charts (@alicharts) March 25, 2026

The post Bitcoin Price Drops Below $70K as Short-Term Holders Hit Mass Capitulation appeared first on CryptoPotato.

“Google’s introducing a 2029 timeline to secure the quantum era with post-quantum cryptography (PQC) migration,” the search giant stated in a blog post on Wednesday.

It stated that urgency stems from two key threats, including “store-now-decrypt-later” attacks. This is where bad actors collect encrypted data today to decrypt it once quantum computers are powerful enough.

The second threat is the future risk quantum computers pose to digital signatures used in authentication, such as for crypto assets.

“This new timeline reflects migration needs for the PQC era in light of progress on quantum computing hardware development, quantum error correction, and quantum factoring resource estimates.”

The Quantum Threat to Cryptography

Google stated that quantum computers will pose a “significant threat” to current cryptographic standards, and specifically to encryption and digital signatures. This directly impacts crypto assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, which use these signatures and cryptography to secure the networks.

The Bitcoin debate has been simmering for the past year, and the community is split. Some argue for upgrading cryptography and enabling voluntary migration to quantum-resistant signatures, while others say intervention would violate Bitcoin’s core principle that private keys control coins.

“I’m sure Bitcoin can agree on a path forward, write and test a series of updates, soft fork them in, and fully migrate 50 million addresses in three years. Especially with how proactive the core devs are being,” said Bitcoiner Nic Carter.

In February, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin unveiled a quantum-resistant roadmap for the network.

Serious Investors Unfazed

Galaxy Digital’s research head Alex Thorn said earlier this month that the risk is “real but recognized.” He said that not all wallets are equally vulnerable, and most of them are not at risk today. “Funds are at risk only when public keys are exposed on-chain,” he said.

Bitcoin bull Michael Saylor said in February that the industry “would see it coming” and it would prompt coordinated software upgrades across global banking systems, internet infrastructure, crypto protocols, consumer devices, and AI networks.

Meanwhile, a March 11 report from Ark Invest claimed that the threat is likely years or decades away. “Today’s quantum systems lack the capabilities required to compromise Bitcoin. Meaningful breakthroughs would disrupt internet security first, triggering coordinated responses well beyond Bitcoin,” the researchers wrote.

They said it would be a “gradual technological progression—not a sudden ‘Q-day’ event,” giving markets and the Bitcoin network time to adapt.

Google doesn’t appear to share its confidence, however.

The post Google Sets 2029 Target to Migrate to Post-Quantum Cryptography appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Global oil markets remain on edge as the tensions between the US and Iran continue despite efforts from President Donald Trump to de-escalate. Iran has officially stated their demands to secure a potential treaty, and markets seem to be pricing in the uncertainty.

Oil prices remain elevated at $92.3 per barrel at the time of this writing, up 4% in the past 24 hours.

Iran States Demands

US President Donald Trump insists that they are close to making a deal with Iran. The latter has officially rejected the peace proposal and set fixed conditions to end the war.

These include:

1. Immediate end to attacks and assassinations on Iran.
2. Establishment of “concrete guarantees” against future US attacks.
3. “Clear determination and guaranteed payment” for war damages.
4. International recognition of Iran’s authority over the Strait of Hormuz.
5. An end to the war across all fronts, including for all Iranian proxies in the region.

The US is yet to respond. Meanwhile, the country’s parliament speaker also warned that Tehran was monitoring US troop movement after multiple sources reported that the Pentagon had ordered 2,000 airborne troops to the region.

Oil Crisis Spreads

The war in Iran and the resulting challenges for the international oil trade have affected economies worldwide. The Kobeissi Letter reported that over 500 gas stations in Australia have now run out of fuel. 187 of these have run out of diesel, while 32 service stations are out of all types of fuel.

But it’s not just that. Other markets are also suffering due to the Strait of Hormuz’s disrupted operations. Fertilizers, for example, are also getting increasingly expensive. Top exporters from China and Russia are also curbing their crop nutrient sales, which further tightens the supply. This comes right before the spring planting session, and could translate directly to higher food prices and skyrocketing inflation.

Meanwhile, the US is attempting to stabilize fuel prices through a variety of measures, including:

• Possible coordinated release of 400 million barrels of oil.
• Support for tanker insurance through the Strait of Hormuz.
• Temporary flexibility on sanctioned Russian oil purchases.
• Removal of barriers to expand E10 supply, and more.

Crypto markets remain uncertain. Bitcoin’s price fell by close to 1.7% over the past 24 hours, with total industry capitalization at $1.4 trillion.

The post Oil Prices Today: US Attempts to Stabilize Fuel Prices as Crisis Deepens appeared first on CryptoPotato.