Meta tests Instagram Plus with stealth story viewing and premium features as it expands beyond creator monetization.

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The Mined in America Act could bolster US economic security by reducing reliance on foreign crypto mining and enhancing domestic production.

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Square enables Bitcoin payments for US sellers with instant conversion to cash and zero processing fees through 2026.

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Musk's engagement highlights the volatile influence of celebrity actions on crypto markets, sparking rapid shifts in token valuations and investor gains.

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Aster shifts to a staking-only emission model, slashing monthly token unlocking by 97% and reducing supply pressure effectively.

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Bitcoin Magazine

Labor Department Proposal Could Open 401(k)s to Bitcoin and Alternative Assets

The U.S. Department of Labor has unveiled a sweeping proposed rule that could significantly expand the range of investment options available in 401(k) retirement plans, marking a potential turning point for alternative assets — including crypto — within tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Released Monday by the department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration, the proposal aims to reduce regulatory uncertainty and litigation risk for fiduciaries considering alternative investments. 

The move follows an executive order from Donald Trump directing agencies to “democratize access” to non-traditional assets in retirement portfolios.

At its core, the rule reinforces that fiduciary responsibility under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act is grounded in process rather than outcomes. 

Plan managers would retain broad discretion to include a wide array of investment options — provided they follow a prudent, well-documented evaluation process assessing factors such as fees, liquidity, valuation, and performance benchmarks.

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said the proposal is designed to align retirement investing with modern financial markets. “This greater diversity will drive innovation and result in a major win for American workers, retirees, and their families,” she said.

Bitcoin gets exposure

The guidance could open the door for increased exposure to digital assets like Bitcoin within 401(k) plans — a development long sought by segments of the crypto industry. While plan sponsors have technically always been permitted to consider such assets, regulatory ambiguity and prior guidance had a chilling effect.

In 2022, the Biden administration issued a compliance release cautioning fiduciaries against offering cryptocurrency in retirement plans, citing volatility and investor protection concerns. 

That stance is now being reversed, with Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling emphasizing neutrality. “The department’s days of picking winners and losers are over,” he said.

The proposal does not explicitly endorse crypto or any specific asset class. Instead, it establishes “safe harbor” frameworks designed to protect fiduciaries who undertake thorough due diligence when adding alternative investments to plan menus. 

This process-based approach could make it easier for asset managers to introduce diversified funds that include exposure to private equity, real estate, or digital assets or Bitcoin.

Assets like Bitcoin could enhance long-term returns and provide a hedge against inflation, particularly for younger savers with longer time horizons. 

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Department of the Treasury both collaborated on the rulemaking, signaling a broader interagency effort to modernize retirement investing.

This post Labor Department Proposal Could Open 401(k)s to Bitcoin and Alternative Assets first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

U.S. Senators Unveil ‘Mined in America Act’ to Reshore BTC Mining, Codify Bitcoin Strategic Reserve

Republican Senators Bill Cassidy and Cynthia Lummis introduced legislation Monday aimed at reshaping the U.S. digital asset mining sector, tightening supply chains, and embedding bitcoin into federal reserve strategy.

The proposal, titled the “Mined in America Act,” would establish a federal certification program for domestic crypto mining operations while phasing out reliance on foreign-manufactured hardware.

It also seeks to codify Donald Trump’s executive order creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, placing the policy on statutory footing, according to a release on the matter.

“Digital asset mining is a big part of our economy. We should be doing it here in America,” Cassidy said in a statement, framing the bill as a supply chain and manufacturing initiative.

Lummis tied the legislation to a broader push to position the United States as a global hub for digital assets. “The Mined in America Act brings this industry home through forward-thinking initiatives to secure our financial future,” she said.

The bill directs the Department of Commerce to create a voluntary “Mined in America” certification for mining facilities and pools that meet security and sourcing standards. Certified operators would be required to transition away from hardware linked to foreign adversaries over a phased timeline, with the goal of full compliance by the end of the decade.

Lawmakers and industry advocates have pointed to a stark imbalance in the current mining ecosystem. While the United States controls an estimated 38% of global bitcoin hash rate, roughly 97% of specialized mining hardware is produced by Chinese firms, including Bitmain and MicroBT.

Domestic mining security push

Supporters argue that dependence poses both economic and national security risks. The bill references prior incidents, including U.S. inspections of imported mining rigs and the discovery of vulnerabilities in firmware that raised concerns about remote access capabilities.

To address the imbalance, the legislation directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership to support the development of domestic mining hardware.

It stops short of authorizing new spending, instead integrating certified projects into existing federal energy and manufacturing programs.

The measure also positions bitcoin mining as a tool for grid management and energy development. 

By tapping into existing Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, certified operators could access financing for projects that absorb excess renewable energy, stabilize grid demand, or capture methane emissions from landfills and oil fields.

Industry group Satoshi Action Fund endorsed the legislation, calling it a comprehensive framework that links energy policy, manufacturing, and digital asset strategy.

Strategic Bitcoin Reserve gets a formal nod

Beyond industrial policy, the bill’s most significant provision may be its formalization of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve within the Treasury Department. While the federal government already holds a large amount of bitcoin from law enforcement seizures, the reserve would establish a framework for long-term retention and accumulation.

The legislation outlines a “budget-neutral” pathway for expanding holdings. Revenue generated from staking rewards and airdrops tied to other seized digital assets would be funneled into bitcoin purchases. In addition, certified domestic miners could sell newly mined bitcoin directly to the government in exchange for a capital gains tax exemption, creating an incentive to supply the reserve at discounted prices.

If enacted, the Mined in America Act would mark one of the most expansive federal efforts to integrate bitcoin mining into U.S. industrial and energy policy. 

It arrives as policymakers weigh how to balance innovation, security, and competition in a sector that has become increasingly global.

This post U.S. Senators Unveil ‘Mined in America Act’ to Reshore BTC Mining, Codify Bitcoin Strategic Reserve first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Crypto Stocks Near a Bottom After 60% Selloff, Sees “Big Discount” Entry Point: Analyst

Wall Street broker Bernstein says crypto-linked equities are approaching a cyclical bottom following a steep ~60% drawdown from 2025 highs, framing the pullback as a potential “big discount” opportunity ahead of first-quarter earnings.

In a Monday note led by analyst Gautam Chhugani, the firm said the combination of macro uncertainty, geopolitical tension, and weak crypto sentiment has pressured valuations across the sector, but argued that fundamentals tied to long-term growth themes remain intact, according to Investing.com.

Despite the bullish longer-term view, Bernstein lowered price targets across major names: it cut its target on Coinbase to $330 from $440, Robinhood to $130 from $160, and Figure to $67 from $72. All three remain rated Outperform.

The broker estimates crypto equities have retraced roughly 60% from their 2025 peak, alongside a broader crypto market correction that erased trillions in value. Bitcoin itself has fallen sharply from record highs, contributing to weaker trading activity and sentiment.

Still, Bernstein pointed to structural growth drivers including stablecoins, tokenization, prediction markets, and derivatives. It also argued that crypto exposure remains a smaller share of Robinhood’s revenue base, while Figure is positioned as a pure-play tokenization business.

The firm expects Q1 earnings weakness to mark a sentiment floor before recovery into the second half of 2026.

Crypto, bitcoin continues slumping

This note comes as Bitcoin traded lower over the weekend after remarks from Donald Trump suggesting the United States is engaged in discussions with a new leadership structure in Iran and that progress toward a potential agreement is underway.

The moves followed a weekend dip toward $64,000 and reinforced a broader rangebound structure between roughly $65,000 and $70,000.

Sentiment was driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, where the conflict between Iran and Israel has intensified, with strikes on Iranian targets and regional spillovers affecting Kuwait and other Gulf states. 

Reports of missile and drone activity, risks to energy infrastructure, and threats to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz have kept global markets on edge. U.S. President Donald Trump has alternated between diplomatic signals and severe threats toward Iran’s energy infrastructure, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been cited in discussions suggesting regime change dynamics may be emerging, with Pakistan attempting to facilitate indirect talks.

Beyond geopolitics, derivatives positioning has also contributed to muted volatility. Institutional investors selling covered call options have shifted gamma exposure to market makers, whose hedging activity dampens price swings by buying dips and selling rallies. 

Overall, Bitcoin remains rangebound as markets digest geopolitical risk, options-driven volatility suppression, and macroeconomic uncertainty, while traders await clearer direction from both policy signals and liquidity trends, say this comes as institutional positioning continues to offset retail-driven momentum and headline shocks in a tightly controlled trading environment through early spring 2026 cycle period.

This post Crypto Stocks Near a Bottom After 60% Selloff, Sees “Big Discount” Entry Point: Analyst first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Square Begins Automatic Bitcoin Payment Rollout to Millions of U.S. Merchants

Square, the payments platform owned by Block, has begun automatically enabling bitcoin payments for eligible U.S. sellers starting today, marking a major expansion in the company’s push to integrate bitcoin into everyday commerce.

The move, touched on by Square product lead Miles Suter on X, shifts the feature from an opt-in tool introduced in late 2025 to a default setting now activated across millions of merchants. 

Sellers will still receive USD as their default settlement currency, with bitcoin payments seamlessly converted in the background. 

Square first unveiled its “Square Bitcoin” initiative in October 2025, introducing integrated bitcoin payments and wallet functionality for small businesses. 

At launch, merchants could choose to enable bitcoin acceptance at checkout, with support for Lightning Network payments, instant settlement, and zero processing fees through 2027.

A broader rollout followed in November 2025, but adoption remained voluntary.

Today’s update removes that friction entirely. Eligible U.S. sellers now have bitcoin payments enabled automatically, without requiring manual activation in their Square settings. Merchants retain the ability to opt out or adjust preferences.

Bitcoin at the point of sale for Square

With the change, customers can pay in Bitcoin at checkout while merchants continue to receive USD by default. The system is designed to abstract away volatility and settlement complexity, positioning bitcoin as a payment rail rather than a speculative asset for merchants.

Square’s integration leverages Lightning Network infrastructure to enable near-instant transactions, aiming to make bitcoin usable in everyday retail environments such as cafés, salons, and local shops.

Suter has described the rollout as a foundational step toward bitcoin functioning as “everyday money,” pointing to the scale of Square’s merchant network as a catalyst for adoption.

Earlier this year, Cash App, a mobile payments app from Block, also announced major upgrades to its Bitcoin offering, including zero-spread pricing, lower fees, expanded withdrawal limits, and new funding rails such as ACH and wire transfers.

According to Suter, eligible users can now withdraw up to $10,000 daily and $25,000 weekly, positioning Cash App as one of the most cost-effective Bitcoin on-ramps in the U.S.

The update aims to simplify Bitcoin usage, with automatic conversion between USD and Bitcoin and improved user experience across the platform.

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 Square Begins Automatic Bitcoin Payment Rollout to Millions of U.S. Merchants first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Bitcoin Price Teeters on Iran Talks as Geopolitics and Options Flows Trap Price in Narrow Range

Bitcoin price moved higher Sunday night into Monday after remarks from Donald Trump indicating the United States is engaged in discussions with a new leadership structure in Iran and that progress toward a potential agreement is underway. 

The comments helped lift risk appetite across digital assets after a weekend dip that briefly pushed bitcoin price toward the $64,000 area.

The rebound added to a broader pattern of rangebound trading, with bitcoin holding between roughly $65,000 and $70,000 as markets continue to digest geopolitical developments, macroeconomic signals, and shifting liquidity conditions. 

The latest move followed a period of uneven price action marked by late-week weakness and early-week stabilization.

Geopolitical risk tied to Iran remains a key driver of sentiment. Tensions around energy infrastructure, shipping routes, and potential escalation scenarios continue to feed uncertainty across global markets, with crypto responding to headline changes alongside equities and commodities.

The conflict between Iran and Israel has escalated sharply, with U.S. and Israeli strikes hitting Iranian targets while Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks across the region, including strikes that affected Kuwait and other Gulf states, pushing the regional death toll above 1,900 in Iran and over 1,200 in Lebanon. 

President Donald Trump has alternated between claiming diplomatic progress and issuing severe threats to destroy Iran’s energy infrastructure, including oil facilities, desalination plants, and the strategic Kharg Island export hub if a deal is not reached soon.

The fighting has widened regionally, with Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intercepting incoming missiles and drones, while tensions over shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz continue to raise global energy concerns.

Diplomatic efforts remain uncertain, with Pakistan attempting to mediate indirect talks involving regional powers, even as leaders like U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggests regime change in Iran may be underway.

Bitcoin price reaction 

Bitcoin price has been stuck in a tight range around $70,000 since mid-February because multiple forces are offsetting each other. On one side, institutional investors have been selling covered call options on their Bitcoin holdings to earn extra income, which shifts “gamma” exposure onto market makers. 

Those market makers then hedge by buying when prices fall and selling when prices rise, which naturally dampens volatility and reinforces range-bound trading. 

At the same time, macro factors like safe-haven demand and rising U.S. yields are pulling Bitcoin price in opposite directions, keeping it trapped between roughly $65,000 and $75,000.

Investors continue to rotate toward yield-bearing and lower-volatility assets while reducing exposure to risk assets tied to global uncertainty. Crypto markets remain reactive to headlines rather than driven by sustained inflow momentum.

Despite softer institutional demand, underlying activity has not fully reversed. Prior weeks of inflows remain significant in scale, suggesting continued longer-term allocation interest even as near-term positioning shifts. 

For now, bitcoin price remains anchored in a tight trading band shaped by geopolitical developments, ETF flow trends, and expectations around upcoming U.S. economic data.

This post Bitcoin Price Teeters on Iran Talks as Geopolitics and Options Flows Trap Price in Narrow Range first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Global markets are starting to split in a noticeable way. The “Magnificent 7”—Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Nvidia, and Tesla—have lost around $5 trillion in market value from their peaks. The Nasdaq is under pressure as AI hype cools and geopolitical tensions rise, pushing investors to look for safer ground.

What’s surprising is that crypto has held up relatively well so far. While big tech valuations are getting squeezed, Bitcoin and Ethereum have stayed fairly stable. Still, the strong link between tech stocks and crypto hasn’t gone away—so it’s probably a matter of when, not if, crypto reacts.

The $5 Trillion Tech Wipeout: A "Magnificent" Retreat

The sell-off in Big Tech has been nothing short of historic. Since hitting a combined valuation peak of roughly $20 trillion in late 2025, the leading seven stocks have entered a significant correction phase.

According to recent reports from Bloomberg, this $5 trillion wipeout is fueled by a "market rotation" away from overextended AI valuations and into cyclical sectors like energy and infrastructure. The outbreak of conflict in the Middle East has further pressured these giants, as rising oil prices threaten to keep interest rates "higher for longer."

Why Crypto Prices Are Stable Today

Despite the sell-off on Wall Street, Bitcoin is holding up relatively well. As of March 30, 2026, it’s trading in the $66,400–$67,500 range. Ethereum (ETH) is hovering around $2,050, showing a slight bounce from its recent lows.

This stability is largely due to:

1. Institutional HODLing: Spot ETFs have changed the market structure. Major allocators are treating Bitcoin as a long-term asset rather than a speculative trade.
2. Supply Constraints: Post-halving dynamics are fully in play, with exchange balances at multi-year lows.
3. Regulatory Clarity: Recent SEC and CFTC guidance classifying major assets as "digital commodities" has provided a floor for institutional confidence.

Crypto Prediction: Is the "Lagging" Crash Coming?

While crypto looks like a "hero" today, historical data serves as a stern warning. The 30-day correlation between Bitcoin and the Nasdaq 100 has recently hovered near 0.80, its highest level in years.

Historically, when a massive deleveraging event occurs in tech, crypto follows with a delay. As institutional investors face losses in their equity portfolios, they often liquidate "liquid" assets like Bitcoin to cover margin calls or rebalance risk. If the Magnificent 7 continue their slide toward a formal bear market (a 20% drop), we could see a "liquidity flush" in crypto that sends BTC toward the $58,000 support zone.

Crypto Price Today (March 30, 2026)

• Bitcoin ($BTC): $67,250 (+1.8% in 24h)
• Ethereum ($ETH): $2,058 (+3.6% in 24h)
• Solana ($SOL): $135 (+1.9% in 24h)
• $XRP: $1.35 (+1.2% in 24h)

Analysis: Will Cryptos Crash?

The current stability in crypto is a testament to its maturing market structure, but it would be premature to declare a total "decoupling" from tech. Traders should keep a close eye on $65,800 for Bitcoin; a break below this level would likely signal that the $5 trillion tech wipeout is finally spilling over into the digital asset space.

The question "Is XRP dead?" has resurfaced with a vengeance in early 2026. After a massive bull run that saw the asset peak at $3.65 in July 2025, the token has entered a grueling downtrend. As of March 30, 2026, XRP is trading at $1.34, representing a 37% decline from its price of $2.10 exactly one year ago.

Despite the conclusion of the Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit in August 2025 and the subsequent launch of several spot XRP ETFs, the price action remains decoupled from the "bullish" fundamental narrative. This article analyzes the structural, macro, and technical reasons behind this stagnation and what it would take for XRP to reclaim its former glory.

Why is XRP Down?

Investors are understandably frustrated. While Bitcoin and Solana saw significant institutional rotations in late 2025, XRP has surrendered 63% of its value since its cycle high. The primary drivers for the current slump include:

1. Macro Economic Pressure: The Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance in March 2026, projecting only one rate cut for the year, has sucked liquidity out of high-risk altcoins.
2. Geopolitical Instability: Recent conflicts in the Middle East have triggered a "risk-off" environment, favoring gold and oil over digital assets.
3. ETF "Sell the News": Much like the Bitcoin ETF launch in 2024, the debut of XRP ETFs in late 2025 led to a massive liquidity exit by early whales.

The "Dead Coin" vs. Utility Reality

In the crypto space, a "dead coin" typically refers to an asset with zero development, no liquidity, and no community. By this definition, XRP is far from dead. The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is currently processing over 1.5 million transactions daily. Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD, has reached a market cap of $1.4 billion, serving as a bridge for institutional cross-border payments. According to Investing.com, institutional interest remains high, with 25% of surveyed asset managers planning to add XRP to their portfolios by the end of 2026.

XRP Price Prediction: The Technical Breakdown

Technically, XRP is trapped in a classic bear flag pattern on the weekly charts. The price is currently testing a critical structural floor.

Key Price Levels to Watch:

The Role of the CLARITY Act

While technicals look bleak, the "recovery" catalyst likely lies in Washington. The CLARITY Act, currently moving through the U.S. Congress, aims to codify the commodity status of digital assets like XRP. If passed by late April 2026, it could trigger the institutional "buy-in" that the market has been waiting for since the SEC case ended.

Will XRP Price Recover?

For XRP to recover to its $3.50+ levels, three things must happen:

• Bitcoin Stability: XRP maintains an 80% correlation with $BTC. A Bitcoin recovery toward $75,000 is a prerequisite.
• ETF Inflow Reversal: The current net outflows from XRP ETFs must flip to positive as "TradFi" investors seek diversification.
• RLUSD Adoption: Increased use of the Ripple USD stablecoin for settlement on the XRPL will drive organic demand for $XRP as a gas token.

The global financial landscape is being shaken by escalating tensions in the Middle East. Reports suggest that the U.S.S. Tripoli, carrying around 3,500 Marines, has entered the Central Command region—fueling speculation about a possible ground operation targeting Iran. This growing uncertainty has triggered a clear risk-off mood across markets, with Bitcoin struggling to hold above the $65,000 level.

In the midst of all of these developments, and despite cryptos being slightly bearish, 3 altcoins are showing bullish momentum.

1. NKN (NKN): The Low-Cap Breakout

NKN has emerged as the top performer of the day, posting a staggering +38.63% gain in the last 24 hours and over 210% in the past week. With a market cap of approximately $11.89 million, NKN is a decentralized data transmission protocol aiming to rebuild the internet.

Analysis of the Surge

The recent price action for NKN is primarily driven by a massive 230.45% increase in trading volume. Interestingly, there are no specific fundamental catalysts or partnership announcements behind this move.

• Speculative Flow: This appears to be a classic low-cap "pump" driven by altcoin rotation.
• Technical Outlook: Traders should watch for sustained volume above $7.5M. A failure to hold current support could lead to a sharp reversal, common in high-volatility, low-cap assets.

2. DeAgentAI (AIA): AI Narrative Resilience

DeAgentAI (AIA) is making waves in the artificial intelligence sector, gaining 16.56% in 24 hours. The project operates as an AI-powered agent platform, a sector that has seen mixed results lately but remains a favorite for retail "moonshot" traders.

Social Hype vs. Fundamentals

While the AIA price is up nearly 30% over 7 days, much of the current momentum is attributed to social media hype and coordinated trading activity rather than protocol updates.

• Key Levels: Liquidity has settled around the $0.118 mark.
• Warning: The AI sector is prone to rapid sentiment shifts. Without a fundamental "moat," these gains rely heavily on continued social engagement.

3. DeXe (DEXE): Social Trading Momentum

DeXe, a decentralized social trading platform, has been holding up well, gaining 13.98% over the past 24 hours. Unlike many smaller caps, it has a more solid market cap of around $680 million, which usually points to stronger, more established capital behind the move.

Institutional and Retail Interest

DeXe recently showed up among the top gainers on Binance Spot. What stands out is that it’s moving up even while Bitcoin is going sideways—suggesting some capital is rotating into selective plays.

• Resistance to watch: A move above $7.80 could confirm further upside
• Positioning: Compared to other DeFi tools, DeXe’s focus on social trading gives it an edge, especially for traders looking for opportunities when the broader market is quiet

Summary of Bullish Movers

After weeks of persistent downside pressure, Bitcoin is showing early signs of recovery. With only a couple of days left in March, BTC’s monthly candle has flipped green—potentially marking a significant shift in market sentiment.

If the month closes this way, it would end a streak of five consecutive red monthly candles, a rare and closely watched pattern in crypto market cycles. Historically, such prolonged bearish phases often precede periods of consolidation or reversal, making this moment particularly important for traders and investors.

Why did Bitcoin Price surge upwards?

The primary catalyst behind the sudden recovery from $65,000 was a mix of geopolitical de-escalation and aggressive institutional accumulation. Reports from Bloomberg and other major outlets indicate that markets reacted instantly to headlines regarding a potential five-day postponement of military strikes in the Middle East.

Specifically, the market responded to statements from the U.S. administration suggesting that "productive conversations" were taking place, leading to a sharp "risk-on" move across both equities and crypto. In the crypto markets, this was amplified by a "short squeeze," where traders betting on further downside were forced to buy back their positions as the price surged toward $67,500.

Breaking the Five-Month Red Streak

If Bitcoin manages to close March in the green, it would mark a big turning point for the 2026 cycle. Up until now, it’s been five straight red monthly candles—something you don’t see often, and definitely not easy for investors to sit through.

From October 2025 to February 2026, the market stayed under heavy pressure, with sentiment dropping into “Extreme Fear” (as low as 8/100). Now, as of March 30, there’s a real chance we finally get a green monthly close.

Strategy and Institutional Buying Power

Despite the "Extreme Fear" sentiment prevailing in the retail sector, institutional accumulation has reached a fever pitch. Reports indicate that Strategy (the single largest corporate holder) has accumulated roughly 45,000 BTC in the past 30 days alone. This represents the fastest rate of increase in their holdings over the past year.

Furthermore, the launch of new crypto-asset ETNs by major banks like BNP Paribas in France on March 30, 2026, has provided additional structural support. These regulated products allow retail and wealth management clients to gain exposure to $Bitcoin and $Ethereum without the complexities of direct custody.

Ethereum and Altcoins Join the Rally

Bitcoin isn't the only asset flashing green. Ethereum has mirrored this recovery, successfully reclaiming the $2,000 psychological barrier and trading near $2,050. The broader market often looks to ETH as a gauge for "altseason" potential, and its strength suggests that the current rally has breadth beyond just a BTC bounce.

The easing of tensions has also caused oil prices to drop significantly, which traditionally helps risk-on assets. When the cost of energy stays stable, the fear of runaway inflation diminishes, giving investors more confidence to rotate back into the crypto market.

Bitcoin Price Analysis: What’s Next for BTC?

From a technical standpoint, Bitcoin's ability to hold the $65,000 level and push toward $68,000 is crucial. This zone has acted as a "Bull/Bear Line" throughout March.

• Support Re-test: BTC successfully defended the $63,700 - $65,000 range.
• Resistance: The $69,000 - $70,000 mark remains the big hurdle for a full trend reversal.
• Volume: The recovery saw a 53% jump in 24-hour trading volume, validating the move as more than just a "dead cat bounce."

What Is Happening to Markets Right Now?

Global financial markets are entering a phase that goes far beyond a typical correction. Over the past 24 hours, a combination of geopolitical escalation, energy supply disruptions, and tightening liquidity conditions has triggered a broad risk-off move across assets.

Oil prices have surged above $100 as tensions in the Middle East escalate, while disruptions to Russian energy infrastructure and export bans are tightening global supply. At the same time, trillions have been wiped from global equity markets.

Crypto has not been spared.

Bitcoin is holding near key levels but remains under pressure, while altcoins like $SOL and $DOGE are experiencing sharper declines. This synchronized weakness across asset classes signals something deeper than normal volatility.

👉 This is not just a dip — it may be a liquidity event.

What Is a Liquidity Crisis — and Why It Matters for Crypto

A liquidity crisis occurs when capital becomes scarce across financial markets. Investors begin pulling money out of risk assets, preferring cash or safer instruments.

This typically happens when:

• Global uncertainty spikes (war, geopolitical risks)
• Inflation expectations rise (oil shocks)
• Central banks are unable to ease monetary policy

In this environment, markets behave differently:

• Good news gets ignored
• Risk assets fall together
• Volatility increases across all sectors

Crypto, often viewed as an alternative system, is currently behaving like a high-risk asset — not a safe haven.

Why Crypto Is Falling Despite Bullish News

Under normal conditions, recent developments should have pushed crypto higher:

• President Donald Trump signaling strong support for Bitcoin and crypto adoption
• Institutional momentum growing, with major financial figures entering the market
• Increasing global interest in crypto as a payment and financial alternative

Yet, prices are declining.

This highlights a critical shift:

👉 Liquidity is dominating the market narrative.

When liquidity tightens, even the strongest bullish catalysts lose impact. Investors prioritize capital preservation over growth opportunities.

Oil Shock + War = Liquidity Drain

The current crisis is being driven by a powerful macro chain reaction:

• Escalating tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz
• Disruptions to Russian oil production and exports
• Saudi Arabia increasing pipeline output to stabilize supply
• Oil prices surging rapidly

This creates a feedback loop:

• Higher oil → higher inflation expectations
• Higher inflation → tighter monetary conditions
• Tighter conditions → less liquidity in markets
• Less liquidity → sell-off in risk assets (including crypto)

👉 Crypto is reacting to macro pressure, not internal weakness.

Is This the First Real Test for Crypto as a Global Asset?

Previous crypto downturns were mostly driven by internal events:

• Exchange collapses
• Regulatory crackdowns
• Market cycles

This time is different.

Crypto is now being tested within a global macroeconomic crisis, alongside traditional markets.

This raises an important question:

👉 Can crypto evolve from a speculative asset into a true macro hedge?

So far, the answer is mixed.

Bitcoin is holding relatively strong compared to altcoins, suggesting some resilience. However, it is still behaving more like a tech stock than digital gold in this phase.

What Happens Next?

Two scenarios are now unfolding:

Short-Term (High Risk)

• Continued volatility driven by war headlines
• Potential further downside if oil continues rising
• Liquidity remains tight

Mid-Term (Opportunity Phase)

• If geopolitical tensions stabilize → strong rebound potential
• Bullish fundamentals (institutional adoption, macro distrust) remain intact
• Crypto could regain its “alternative system” narrative

👉 Liquidity cycles, not narratives, will determine timing.

Final Take: A Defining Moment for Crypto

The current market environment may represent the first true global liquidity stress test for crypto.

For the first time, Bitcoin and altcoins are reacting primarily to:

• Energy markets
• Geopolitical risk
• Global liquidity conditions

Not crypto-native developments.

👉 This is a sign of maturity — but also vulnerability.

Whether crypto emerges stronger from this phase will define its role in the global financial system for years to come.

$BTC, $ETH, $SOL, $DOGE

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XRP sees over 410% increase in payments on the XRP Ledger within one day, sparking optimism about a potential price breakout.

Bhutan just moved hundreds of Bitcoin off its balance sheet without saying why, and every holder who watched BTC drop below $69,000 felt the impact in their own portfolio.

The Royal Government transferred 643 BTC worth $45.24 million on March 25 followed by 123.7 BTC worth $8.5 million days later according to 247wallst, and the Fear and Greed Index dropped to 12 while the selling spread across every major asset.

Pepeto stands as the best crypto presale to invest in right now, with more than $8 million raised and a working exchange giving adopters the tools to discover good entries before they reach a broader audience, all ahead of a confirmed Binance listing.

The Royal Government of Bhutan began moving its Bitcoin holdings as Middle East tensions reached a tipping point according to latestly, transferring 766 BTC worth more than $53 million across two transactions.

The move helped push BTC below $69,000 and added selling pressure across the entire market. Many believe Bhutan is liquidating its mining rewards to manage fiscal exposure during oil driven inflation. The event confirms that even sovereign holders sell into fear, and when governments unload, retail is usually the last to know.

What Bhutan’s BTC Dump and One Presale Show About Finding the Best Entry

Pepeto

Pepeto is one of the presales that captured serious attention because of what it delivers, not what it promises. Where other entries rely on hype and timelines, Pepeto already shipped every tool before the first wallet committed.

The risk scorer tracks early entries worth watching and flags dangerous contracts before your capital reaches them, giving you the same advantage big wallets use to find entries before the rest of the market notices. PepetoSwap executes every trade at zero fees so your position stays whole, and the exchange puts everything in one clean space so you stop bouncing between separate platforms wondering if your money is safe.

Having a working protection layer is what separates winners from holders who get caught by the next Bhutan style selloff. The cofounder who built the original Pepe coin shipped this exchange alongside a former Binance expert, and SolidProof cleared every contract. More than $8 million raised at $0.000000186 proves the capital behind this entry verified every detail before committing.

Besides giving you access to these tools, the token is the best crypto presale to invest in because analysts project returns that make it the strongest entry in 2026. The value goes higher after the confirmed Binance listing, and that projection only holds for the wallets that moved while the presale was still accepting capital. Staking at 191% APY grows your allocation between now and listing, but the listing itself is the event that delivers the return everyone else pays more for.

Bitcoin

BTC traded near $66,656 on March 30 after dropping from $71,000 in a single week according to CoinMarketCap. Exchange reserves hit a six year low at 2.31 million BTC, meaning supply keeps thinning even as the price falls.

Analysts target $100,000 if tensions ease, but from $66,656 a 50% move still requires billions in fresh buying. The presale math finishes in one listing event while BTC needs quarters of patience for a recovery that depends on war headlines.

XRP

XRP held near $1.33 on March 30 after breaking below $1.35 support. Seven spot ETFs pulled in $1.44 billion total but March logged net outflows exceeding $31 million.

The SEC called XRP a digital commodity, yet the price keeps falling. Confirmed good news already arrived and the recovery did not follow, a lesson for anyone searching for returns that presale entries deliver in weeks not years.

Conclusion

Every crypto success story started with one decision: moving while the entry was still open. The people who built wealth from early BTC buys all made that same choice, they committed capital when the price was low, the fear was high, and nobody around them believed it would work.

Pepeto with a confirmed Binance listing is that same decision available right now, and $8 million raised during Fear 12 proves the wallets inside already made it.

The Pepeto official website is where that commitment turns into a position ahead of the listing, and entering the presale now is how to secure the returns the listing will deliver. Waiting until after could be the worst decision of the cycle, because the presale price is gone forever once trading begins.

Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale

FAQs

What is the best crypto presale to invest in as Bhutan sells BTC into fear?

Pepeto is the best crypto presale to invest in with $8 million raised, live exchange tools, and a confirmed Binance listing approaching.

How does Pepeto compare to BTC and XRP right now?

BTC needs quarters and billions to recover. XRP broke support despite good news. Visit the Pepeto official website before listing closes.

Is this the right time to enter the Pepeto presale?

Fear 12 is when the smartest money enters. The listing turns presale positions into returns, and the wallets inside already verified every detail.

The post Best Crypto Presale to Invest in Gets Obvious as Bhutan Dumps 766 BTC and the Market Bleeds but Pepeto Isn’t Slowing Down appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

• Over 40% of altcoins are now near all-time lows, surpassing the previous bear market peak of roughly 38%.

• More than 47 million cryptocurrencies exist today, with Solana alone accounting for an estimated 22 million tokens.

• Rising geopolitical tensions are increasing volatility across financial markets, hitting high-risk altcoins the hardest.

• Extreme altcoin underperformance may signal rare entry points for investors who carefully select resilient crypto projects.

Altcoins are experiencing historic underperformance as global markets contend with rising geopolitical tensions. More than 40% of altcoins are now trading near their all-time lows.

This marks a new cycle record, surpassing the previous bear market peak of roughly 38%. A difficult macroeconomic climate is partly responsible for the downturn.

However, structural factors within the crypto market are proving equally damaging. The scale of this pressure has drawn renewed attention from analysts tracking on-chain and market data.

Record Altcoin Weakness Tied to Escalating Market Volatility

The crypto market has been under mounting strain as geopolitical tensions escalate globally. Financial markets across multiple sectors have responded with heightened volatility. Altcoins, classified as high-risk assets, have absorbed much of that pressure directly.

Crypto analyst Darkfost addressed this trend on social media, drawing attention to the scope of the decline. He noted that altcoins have never faced such sustained pressure during this particular market cycle.

The current figure of over 40% near all-time lows exceeds the previous bear market’s peak of around 38%. That earlier reading had been widely considered an extreme threshold at the time.

The broader macro environment continues to act as a persistent headwind for risk assets. Investors have been reducing exposure to speculative holdings amid growing global uncertainty.

Altcoins sit firmly at the riskier end of the asset spectrum, drawing consistent selling pressure. This has made the ongoing drawdown difficult to reverse in the short term.

That said, macro conditions alone do not fully account for the depth of this decline. Structural problems within the crypto market are compounding the sell-off considerably.

Analysts consistently point to both forces working together as the primary driver. Separating these causes is critical to understanding what a recovery might look like.

Token Oversupply Is Diluting Liquidity and Fueling Altcoin Fragility

The scale of cryptocurrency creation has grown to extraordinary levels in recent years. More than 47 million cryptocurrencies now exist in total across various blockchain networks. Solana alone accounts for an estimated 22 million of those tokens.

Base has contributed over 18 million cryptocurrencies, while BNB Smart Chain adds approximately 4 million more. This explosive growth in token supply has pushed available market liquidity to a breaking point.

With more assets competing for the same pool of capital, most altcoins struggle to retain value. The math simply does not support sustained price growth across millions of projects simultaneously.

Darkfost noted that this liquidity dilution directly drives the record-level underperformance seen today. As token supply grows without matching demand, most projects lose ground over time.

The result is a market where survival becomes increasingly difficult for smaller, less established altcoins. This dynamic has been building throughout the current cycle, worsening with each new token launch.

Within these harsh conditions, opportunity still exists for investors with patience and discipline. Periods of extreme underperformance have historically created entry points in quality assets.

Those capable of identifying fundamentally strong altcoins amid the noise stand to benefit. Careful selection, rather than broad market exposure, appears to be the viable path forward.

The post Over 40% of Altcoins Are Near All-Time Lows as Token Oversupply Drains Market Liquidity appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

• XRP funding rates on Binance hit deep negative spikes of -0.01 to -0.02, confirming short-side dominance.
• XRP is trading near $1.32, printing lower highs and lower lows amid sustained bearish market pressure.
• A $2.66M net inflow into XRP ETFs during March 23–27 shows institutions accumulating despite price weakness.
• Analysts warn of fake breakouts ahead, with a short squeeze possible if price rises on negative funding.

XRP funding rates on Binance have remained deeply negative over a prolonged period, reflecting persistent bearish sentiment across the market.

The token is currently trading near $1.32 and continues to form lower highs and lower lows. At the same time, XRP exchange-traded funds recorded a net inflow of $2.66 million during the week of March 23–27.

This contrast between institutional behavior and market positioning has become a focal point for analysts watching the asset.

Short Positions Continue to Dominate XRP Price Action

Binance funding rate data shows deep negative spikes reaching as low as -0.01 to -0.02 on multiple occasions. These figures confirm that the short side of the market has maintained an aggressive stance over time. As a result, long positions are currently earning funding directly from short holders.

When a token’s price drops alongside deeply negative funding rates, it does not reflect a clean or healthy downtrend.

Instead, it points to short-position pressure as the primary driver of the decline, rather than natural spot selling. This distinction is key to understanding the current structure of XRP’s price action.

Analyst PelinayPA described the setup by noting that “the market positioning is structurally bearish,” with funding rates providing supporting data.

Source: Cryptoquant 

The sustained negative funding, combined with a falling price, creates conditions that can eventually trigger a reversal. Market participants are closely monitoring the setup for any early signs of a shift.

For the bearish trend to remain intact, the funding rate environment would need to stay negative while price continues lower.

However, if price begins to rise while funding remains negative, that would constitute a strong bullish signal, according to the analysis. Until that scenario materializes, downward pressure on XRP is expected to persist.

ETF Inflows Point to Institutional Positioning Ahead of a Possible Short Squeeze

Despite ongoing bearish conditions, XRP ETFs recorded a net inflow of $2.66 million in the week ending March 27.

This flow shows that institutional investors are accumulating XRP even as broader retail sentiment remains negative. The gap between smart money activity and overall market positioning continues to grow.

PelinayPA pointed to this divergence directly, noting that “institutional investors have turned positive, yet the price remains under pressure.”

This pattern is consistent with institutions building positions ahead of a potential short squeeze event. When short sellers are forced to cover rapidly, price can spike within a short period.

However, that same institutional accumulation may come with a counterbalancing effect on price. As price rises and short positions are closed, institutional players could begin selling their spot holdings into the move. This could produce a cycle of sharp but brief upside movements followed by renewed selling pressure.

For now, increased short-term volatility remains the most likely outcome for XRP. Fake breakouts carry a realistic probability given the current funding environment.

Any sustained bullish move would require both price action and funding rates to confirm the shift. Without that confirmation, upside moves in XRP should still be treated as temporary.

The post XRP Funding Rates Stay Deeply Negative as ETF Inflows Signal Institutional Accumulation appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

• Swift’s blockchain ledger MVP uses Hyperledger Besu to enable 24/7 tokenised deposit payments across banks.

• Banks retain full control over keys, assets, and settlement while Swift coordinates transaction workflows on the ledger.

• The shared ledger supports faster execution, better liquidity visibility, and reduced reconciliation across institutions.

• Over 25 banks will adopt Swift’s retail payment framework by June, running parallel to the blockchain ledger rollout.

Swift’s blockchain-based shared ledger has moved past its design phase into active development. The MVP is set to go live with real-world transactions this year.

Since September 2025, a global group of banks has collaborated to shape the design. The platform will enable interoperability between banks’ tokenized deposits and support 24/7 cross-border payments.

It is built on open-source foundations and will cover more than 200 countries and territories.

Building the Infrastructure for Digital Interbank Payments

The ledger MVP is built on an EVM-compatible architecture using Hyperledger Besu, an open-source framework. It forms a shared digital orchestration layer within Swift’s existing infrastructure stack.

Banks retain full authority over keys, assets, funding, and settlement processes. Swift will operate the ledger and coordinate transaction workflows across institutions.

Payments on the ledger use tokenised deposits as the underlying value representation. The system also leverages compliance processes already in place at participating banks.

Multiple settlement options are available, covering RTGS systems and correspondent banking arrangements. This approach avoids the need to build competing or parallel payment rails.

The ledger integrates with the broader digital asset ecosystem through its open-source foundations. It combines distributed ledger technology with Swift’s global security, reach, and standards.

More than 11,500 institutions and over 40,000 active payment routes support this network. That base positions Swift to support new digital value forms safely and consistently.

Jonathan Ehrenfeld, who leads Swift’s ledger strategy, spoke directly on the project’s purpose. “We’re focused on delivering the best possible cross-border payments experience, whatever form value takes,” he said.

He added that adding a blockchain-based ledger will bring digital finance benefits into the ecosystem seamlessly and safely. Trust and resilience remain central to the entire platform’s design.

Benefits for Banks and What Comes Next

The ledger will deliver faster payment execution for participating institutions. Better liquidity visibility and reduced reconciliation efforts are additional outcomes of the design.

Interoperability across institutions is also a built-in feature. These benefits come without replacing or fragmenting existing payment infrastructure.

Beyond standard payments, the model supports advanced interbank processes as well. These cover programmable corporate payment flows, foreign exchange PvP, and securities cash movements.

All capabilities rely on shared visibility and coordination across institutions. They build on the same principles as the core payment layer.

Ehrenfeld further noted that the goal is to deliver benefits “at scale and without compromising the trust and resilience that are essential to global finance.”

That framing reflects Swift’s broader positioning as a neutral infrastructure provider. The ledger is not designed to compete with existing rails but to work alongside them. It extends Swift’s reach into the digital money landscape without disrupting current models.

In the near term, participating banks will start live transactions using tokenised deposits. This allows real-time payments across institutions at any hour.

Banks will also gain hands-on experience with 24/7 payment flows during the MVP phase. More than 25 banks will also adopt Swift’s new retail payments framework by end of June, covering cost transparency and instant settlement.

The post Swift Blockchain Ledger Moves to MVP Phase for 24/7 Cross-Border Payments appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights

• Midnight debuts with innovative hybrid privacy architecture
• Zero-knowledge proof technology enables selective transparency
• NIGHT and DUST tokens create renewable fee structure
• Native Cardano compatibility enhances network security
• Enterprise-focused infrastructure designed for regulated finance

Input Output Global founder Charles Hoskinson announced the official deployment of Midnight, a specialized blockchain emphasizing privacy protection. The platform successfully produced its genesis block, transitioning from development to active operation. This milestone represents a significant expansion of blockchain capabilities beyond traditional transparent ledger systems.

Privacy-First Network Structure and Technical Foundation

Hoskinson describes Midnight as representing fourth-generation blockchain innovation with emphasis on confidential transactions and tokenized real-world assets. Charles Hoskinson identified gaps in existing blockchain models that the new network addresses. The platform employs a unique dual-layer ledger allowing simultaneous public and private data within individual transactions.

Zero-knowledge cryptographic proofs form the core privacy mechanism, enabling users to reveal specific information while keeping other details confidential. This approach maintains regulatory compliance without sacrificing transaction privacy. Hoskinson positioned this balance as essential for institutional participation in blockchain ecosystems.

The network introduces Compact, a specialized programming language designed specifically for privacy application development. Charles Hoskinson aims to lower complexity barriers that typically challenge developers working with privacy protocols. This tooling strategy facilitates ecosystem growth by making privacy features accessible without extensive cryptography knowledge.

Innovative Tokenomics and Fee Management

Midnight operates through a bifurcated token framework separating network governance from transaction processing. NIGHT serves as the primary asset handling governance functions and value storage in transparent form. Hoskinson designed this token to represent long-term economic participation in the network.

NIGHT holdings automatically generate DUST, a secondary token functioning as transaction fuel through a regenerative mechanism. This eliminates conventional gas fee consumption models. Charles Hoskinson created a system where transaction capacity renews over time rather than requiring constant token purchases.

Token holders can delegate their DUST allocation to other participants or decentralized applications. This capability allows application developers to cover user transaction expenses, reducing friction for newcomers. The architecture supports enhanced scalability while maintaining accessible participation across the network.

Cardano Synergy and Enterprise Strategy

While functioning as an independent blockchain, Midnight maintains deep technical integration with Cardano’s existing infrastructure. Cardano’s validator operators can simultaneously operate Midnight nodes and receive NIGHT token rewards. This cross-network participation enhances Midnight’s security profile from launch while leveraging established validator communities.

Asset movement between the two networks occurs through native mechanisms without requiring external bridge solutions. This design eliminates third-party custody risks while enabling smooth interoperability. Applications can selectively employ privacy capabilities when needed while maintaining broader ecosystem connectivity.

Hoskinson specifically targets financial institutions through compliance-compatible privacy features suited for regulated environments. A United Kingdom banking institution announced plans to tokenize up to £250 million in customer deposits using Midnight infrastructure. This positions the network for substantial real-world asset activity beyond current decentralized finance implementations.

Development received approximately $200 million in funding to support rapid buildout and market deployment. Major infrastructure providers and financial services companies participate as initial validators ensuring network stability. Hoskinson’s strategy centers on creating institutional-grade privacy infrastructure capable of connecting traditional finance with decentralized systems.

The post Charles Hoskinson Launches Midnight: Privacy-Centric Blockchain Goes Live appeared first on Blockonomi.