The Ethereum Foundation's staking strategy may stabilize ETH prices and attract more institutional interest, enhancing blockchain ecosystem growth.

The post Ethereum Foundation stakes over 22,500 ETH in largest single deployment appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

BNP Paribas' crypto ETNs could significantly boost retail investor access to digital assets, potentially reshaping France's financial landscape.

The post France’s largest bank to debut Bitcoin, Ether ETNs for French retail clients tomorrow appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The bankruptcy and legal fallout from Goliath Ventures' Ponzi scheme could erode trust in crypto investments and impact financial regulations.

The post Crypto firm Goliath Ventures files for bankruptcy after CEO arrested over alleged $328M Ponzi scheme appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The partial lockup of WLD tokens may stabilize the market short-term, but long-term impacts on liquidity and investor confidence remain uncertain.

The post Sam Altman’s World sells 239 million WLD through OTC deals with partial lockup appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Kalshi gets margin approval as its $22 billion valuation and booming event trading volumes push prediction markets further into Wall Street.

The post Kalshi moves toward margin trading with new regulatory approval appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin Magazine

Morgan Stanley Set to Undercut Bitcoin ETF Rivals With 0.14% Fee Ahead of Launch

Morgan Stanley is poised to shake up the spot bitcoin ETF market with a sharply lower fee structure, as new filing details show its upcoming Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT) will charge just 0.14% annually — undercutting every existing U.S. competitor.

The fee, disclosed in updated trust documents shared by Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas, comes in 11 basis points below BlackRock’s flagship iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which currently charges around 0.25%. 

The aggressive pricing positions MSBT as the cheapest spot bitcoin ETF on the market at launch, signaling a deliberate push to capture both internal advisory flows and external investor capital.

The move carries particular weight within Morgan Stanley’s own ecosystem. With roughly $8 trillion in wealth management assets and a network of thousands of financial advisors, fee sensitivity has been one of the barriers to broader ETF adoption across advisory channels. 

A lower-cost in-house product could remove that friction, allowing advisors to allocate to bitcoin without facing conflicts tied to recommending higher-fee third-party funds.

Industry observers say that dynamic could materially shift flows.

Phong Le, CEO of Strategy, recently described the product as a potential “Monster Bitcoin” catalyst, estimating that even a modest 2% allocation across Morgan Stanley’s platform could translate into roughly $160 billion in demand. 

That figure would far exceed the size of any existing spot bitcoin ETF and underscores the importance of distribution, not just product design.

Morgan Stanley’s bitcoin ETF is coming

The fee disclosure arrives as MSBT moves closer to launch. The fund has already received a listing notice from the New York Stock Exchange, a step widely viewed as signaling that trading could begin imminently pending final regulatory clearance. If approved, the product would become the first spot bitcoin ETF issued directly by a major U.S. bank rather than an asset manager.

Structurally, MSBT mirrors existing spot bitcoin ETFs. The trust will hold bitcoin directly, with Coinbase serving as custodian and prime broker, while BNY Mellon will handle administration, transfer agency, and cash custody.

Since their debut in 2024, U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETFs have easily attracted more than $50 billion in inflows, driven largely by retail and self-directed investors. Adoption within wealth management platforms has been slower, often constrained by internal policies, fee considerations, and portfolio construction guidelines.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading near $66,000.

This post Morgan Stanley Set to Undercut Bitcoin ETF Rivals With 0.14% Fee Ahead of Launch first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index Hits Extreme Fear at 13 Out of 100

As of March 27, 2026, the Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index reads 13, placing sentiment in Extreme Fear. The current price of bitcoin is near $66,000.

The index spans 0 to 100, with lower readings tied to fear-driven market conditions and higher readings tied to greed-driven conditions.

The metric compiles inputs across price volatility, market momentum, trading volume, Bitcoin dominance, social sentiment, and Google Trends activity. The combined dataset forms a sentiment gauge used to track emotional conditions across Bitcoin markets.

Readings in the Extreme Fear range have aligned with prior stress phases in BTC market cycles.

Bitcoin Magazine Pro data highlights these zones as periods marked by liquidity contraction, elevated volatility, and forced positioning in derivatives markets.

In prior reporting, deep fear readings have coincided with accumulation behavior among long-term holders, alongside reduced speculative activity across spot and derivatives venues.

Earlier market drawdowns examined in Bitcoin Magazine Pro research show similar sentiment conditions during deleveraging events, where sharp price declines matched rapid sentiment compression.

In those phases, volatility expansion and liquidity withdrawal appeared alongside increased Bitcoin dominance as risk appetite shifted away from altcoin exposure.

Bitcoin uncertainty

Earlier today, Bitcoin price fell to its lowest level in more than two weeks, dropping below roughly $66,000 as liquidations exceeded $300 million in long positions over the previous 24 hours.

Short liquidations were far lower, showing that leveraged bullish traders were primarily forced out of the market. The move followed a broader shift in global risk sentiment as equities weakened and macroeconomic pressure increased.

The decline in BTC coincided with a risk-off environment across traditional markets. Nasdaq 100 futures had fallen about 10% from prior highs, while oil prices rose toward $100 per barrel amid escalating geopolitical tensions involving Iran.

Military activity and missile exchanges between the two countries continued despite diplomatic efforts, and the United States delayed direct escalation while negotiations remained open.

Regional instability contributed to concerns over energy supply routes, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

BTC had briefly approached higher levels earlier in the week on hopes of diplomatic progress, but those gains reversed as uncertainty returned. Price action remained within a broader range between $60,000 and $75,000 that had persisted for several weeks, following a prior peak above $120,000 in late 2025.

Institutional flows showed mixed signals. Spot BTC exchange-traded funds recorded billions in inflows earlier in March, but more recent sessions saw outflows.

On-chain data showed continued withdrawals from exchanges, suggesting long-term holders moved assets into self-custody. Options markets showed about $14 billion in expirations, which influenced price stability near key strike levels around $75,000.

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 Fear and Greed Index Hits Extreme Fear at 13 Out of 100 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

ICE Announces $600 Million Strategic Investment in Polymarket

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. Intercontinental Exchange, the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, has completed a $600 million direct cash investment in prediction market platform Polymarket as part of a broader equity fundraising round, according to a company announcement.

The new investment follows ICE’s previously disclosed $1 billion commitment made in October 2025. With the latest infusion, ICE says it has now fulfilled its obligations under the investment agreement, which also includes plans to purchase up to $40 million in additional Polymarket securities from existing holders.

Polymarket, a blockchain-based prediction market platform that allows users to trade on the outcomes of real-world events, has drawn increasing attention from institutional investors amid growing interest in event-driven data markets and decentralized financial infrastructure.

Polymarket has support for bitcoin deposits, giving users a direct way to fund their accounts with BTC alongside other existing crypto options. 

ICE stated that the investment is not expected to materially impact its financial results or capital return plans. Final valuation details of the latest transaction are expected to be disclosed once the fundraising round is fully completed.

The move further signals traditional financial market infrastructure firms expanding into alternative data and crypto-adjacent platforms. ICE, which operates major exchanges including the NYSE, continues to diversify into digital markets, data services, and fintech infrastructure.

Polymarket has become one of the most prominent prediction market platforms globally, leveraging blockchain rails to facilitate trading on political, economic, and cultural outcomes.

The companies emphasized that the announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit securities. Market observers say the scale of ICE’s investment underscores rising institutional interest in prediction markets as both a trading venue and a data source.

Polymarket’s embrace by TradFi

In the past year, the relationship between the crypto-native prediction market and traditional financial powerhouse Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has become one of the most closely watched intersections of decentralized markets and institutional capital. 

Polymarket, launched in 2020 by founder Shayne Coplan, has grown into one of the largest blockchain-based prediction platforms, where users trade shares on the outcomes of future events — from elections to economic indicators and geopolitical developments — using cryptocurrency rails.

In late 2025, Polymarket re-entered the U.S. market under full Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulation after previously being blocked amid enforcement actions, marking a significant shift from its earlier status as an offshore, lightly regulated venue.

In December 2025, Polymarket launched its U.S.-focused app after the CFTC approval, restoring American access to its prediction markets and initially offering sports betting with plans to expand into other categories like propositions and elections.

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 ICE Announces $600 Million Strategic Investment in Polymarket first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Bitcoin Price Slides to Two-Week Low as Liquidations Top $300 Million and Macro Pressure Builds

Bitcoin price fell below $66,500 on Friday, hitting its lowest level in more than two weeks as a wave of long liquidations and mounting macroeconomic stress weighed on the crypto market..

Data shows nearly $300 million in long positions were liquidated over the past 24 hours, according to Bitcoin Magazine Pro data, compared with roughly $50 million in short liquidations, pointing to an unwind of crowded bullish positioning in crypto futures. The imbalance reflects a market that had leaned heavily long and is now adjusting as sentiment shifts.

The bitcoin price selloff coincided with a broader risk-off move across global markets. Nasdaq 100 futures have fallen about 10% from their January highs, while oil prices climbed near $100 per barrel amid escalating geopolitical tensions tied to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. 

Earlier today, Israel said it will escalate strikes on Iran after renewed waves of Iranian missile attacks, while both sides continue exchanging fire despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. 

President Trump has paused U.S. strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for 10 more days to allow negotiations, even as reports suggest the Pentagon is considering deploying up to 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the conflict is widening regionally, with shipping disruptions reported in the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf states on alert after strikes, and Iranian casualties reportedly nearing 2,000 as international talks continue in Europe.

The surge in crude has renewed inflation concerns and pressured risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin price dynamics

Bitcoin price briefly approached $71,500 this week on optimism tied to a potential diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East. Those gains reversed as uncertainty around negotiations resurfaced, pushing prices lower and reinforcing sensitive market conditions.

Despite the recent decline, bitcoin price continues to trade within a defined range between $60,000 and $75,000 that has held for several weeks, even months. The asset remains well below its October 2025 peak above $126,000 following a broader market correction.

Institutional flows present a mixed picture. U.S.-listed spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded sustained inflows earlier in March, totaling about $2.5 billion over five weeks. That momentum has slowed in recent sessions, with net outflows emerging and signaling a pause in accumulation as investors respond to macro uncertainty.

At the same time, on-chain data indicates continued withdrawals of bitcoin from centralized exchanges over the past month. This trend suggests longer-term holders are moving assets into self-custody, a pattern often associated with accumulation rather than distribution.

Despite this, Morgan Stanley is a step closer to launching its spot Bitcoin ETF, MSBT, after the New York Stock Exchange posted a listing notice — signaling an imminent debut that could make it the first such product from a major U.S. bank, alongside offerings from BlackRock and Fidelity.

Options markets add another layer of complexity. Roughly $14 billion in bitcoin price options are set to expire, representing a significant share of open interest. 

Hedging activity tied to these contracts has contributed to subdued volatility, with price action gravitating toward key strike levels near $75,000.

As these contracts roll off, the stabilizing effect from derivatives positioning may fade, leaving bitcoin more exposed to external catalysts. 

With geopolitical risks elevated and macro conditions tightening, the market faces a period where price movements may become more reactive and less constrained by structural flows.

This post Bitcoin Price Slides to Two-Week Low as Liquidations Top $300 Million and Macro Pressure Builds first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Simon Gerovich Confirmed As A Bitcoin 2026 Speaker

Simon Gerovich has been officially confirmed as a speaker at Bitcoin 2026. As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed Metaplanet, he has helped transform the once struggling hospitality company into one of the largest corporate Bitcoin holders in the world. Now, Gerovich arrives in Las Vegas as one of the most closely watched figures in institutional Bitcoin adoption outside of the United States.

Metaplanet closed 2025 with 35,102 BTC, making it the fourth-largest public corporate Bitcoin holder globally. The company has outlined aggressive accumulation targets, aiming to reach 100,000 BTC by the end of 2026 and 210,000 BTC — approximately 1% of Bitcoin’s total supply — by the end of 2027. To fund that ambition, Metaplanet recently secured approximately $255 million from global institutional investors through a placement of new shares, with additional fixed-strike warrants that could lift total funding to roughly $531 million. The company is also expanding beyond treasury accumulation: Metaplanet’s board approved the creation of two subsidiaries — Metaplanet Ventures and Metaplanet Asset Management — targeting companies building Bitcoin financial infrastructure in Japan, including platforms focused on lending, payments, custody, derivatives, and compliance tools.

Gerovich began the company’s EGM in September 2025 by explaining how Metaplanet pivoted from operating as a struggling hotel company to a Bitcoin treasury company in early 2024. The turnaround has been significant. Revenue jumped 738% year-over-year to 8.91 billion yen, with operating profit surging 1,695%, driven primarily by premiums from Bitcoin option transactions, which accounted for about 95% of total revenue. Gerovich has consistently pointed to Bitcoin per share — the company’s primary KPI — rather than net profit as the appropriate metric for evaluating Metaplanet’s performance, noting that Bitcoin per share increased by more than 500% in 2025.

With Metaplanet’s accumulation targets for 2026 still in motion and its expansion into ventures and asset management underway, Gerovich takes the Bitcoin 2026 stage at a pivotal moment for the company and for corporate Bitcoin adoption in Asia.

Bitcoin 2026 is Returning to Las Vegas

Bitcoin 2026 will take place April 27–29 at The Venetian, Las Vegas, and is expected to be the biggest Bitcoin event of the year.

Focused on the future of money, Bitcoin 2026 will bring together Bitcoin builders, investors, miners, policymakers, technologists, and newcomers from around the world. The event will feature a wide range of pass types, including general admission passes designed specifically for those new to Bitcoin, alongside premium passes for professionals, enterprises, and institutions.

With multiple stages, immersive experiences, technical workshops, and headline keynotes, Bitcoin 2026 is designed to serve both first-time attendees and long-time Bitcoiners shaping the next era of global adoption.

Past Bitcoin Conferences in the U.S.

Bitcoin’s flagship conference has scaled dramatically over the past five years:

• 2021 – Miami: 11,000 attendees
• 2022 – Miami: 26,000 attendees
• 2023 – Miami: 15,000 attendees
• 2024 – Nashville: 22,000 attendees
• 2025 – Las Vegas: 35,000 attendees

Get Your Bitcoin 2026 Pass

Bitcoin Magazine readers can save 10% on Bitcoin 2026 tickets using code ‘ARTICLE10‘ at checkout.

Stay at The official hotel of Bitcoin 2026, The Venetian, and get a guaranteed low rate plus 15% off your pass. Be in the middle of where the fun is all happening, and where the networking never ends.

And don’t forget:

Volunteer at Bitcoin 2026 and get Pro Pass access plus exclusive perks.

All students ages 13+ can apply for a Student Pass and get free general admission access to Bitcoin 2026.

Location: The Venetian, Las Vegas
Dates: April 27–29, 2026

For more information and exclusive offers, visit the Bitcoin Conference on X here.

Why Attend Bitcoin 2026?

Bitcoin 2026 is the definitive gathering for anyone serious about the future of money. With 500+ speakers, multiple world-class stages, and programming spanning Bitcoin fundamentals, open-source development, enterprise adoption, mining, energy, AI, policy, and culture, the conference brings every corner of the Bitcoin ecosystem together under one roof.

From headline keynotes on the Nakamoto Stage to deep technical sessions for builders, institutional strategy discussions for enterprises, and beginner-friendly Bitcoin 101 education, Bitcoin 2026 is designed for everyone—from first-time attendees to the leaders shaping Bitcoin’s global adoption.

Whether you’re looking to learn, build, invest, network, or influence, Bitcoin 2026 is where Bitcoin’s next chapter is written.

Bitcoin 2026 Pass Types: Something for Everyone

Bitcoin 2026 offers a range of pass options designed to meet the needs of newcomers, professionals, enterprises, and high-net-worth Bitcoiners alike.

Bitcoin 2026 General Admission Pass

Ideal for newcomers and those looking to experience the heart of the conference.

• Limited access on Days 2 & 3
• Entry to Main Stage
• Access to Genesis Stage
• Full access to the Expo Hall

Bitcoin 2026 Pro Pass

Designed for professionals, operators, and serious Bitcoin participants.

Includes all General Admission features, plus:

• Full 3-day access, including Pro Day
• Entry to the Pro Pass Reception
• Access to Enterprise Hall, Enterprise Stage, and Networking Lounge
• Conference App networking features
• Access to the Bitcoin For Corporations Symposium
• Entry to Compute Village and Energy Stage
• Complimentary lunch, coffee, tea, and snacks
• Dedicated registration and check-in
• Reserved seating at Main Stage
• Huge savings when you bundle your hotel and Pro Pass

Bitcoin 2026 Whale Pass

The all-inclusive, premium Bitcoin 2026 experience.

Includes all Pro Pass features, plus:

• Reserved seating at Main Stage
• All-inclusive gourmet food and beverages
• Entry to Whale Night and Whale Reception
• Access to all official after-parties
• Networking app access to connect with other Whales
• Premium access to The Deep — an exclusive networking lounge with intimate speaker sessions
• Complimentary stay at The Venetian when you bundle your whale pass and hotel (use promo code ‘WHALEHOTEL’ here)

This is the most immersive way to experience Bitcoin 2026.

Bitcoin 2026 After Hours Pass

Your ticket to the night.

Most deals are done with a drink in your hand. Get exclusive access to 3 official Bitcoin 2026 after-parties across Las Vegas — each with a 2-hour open bar — where the real conversations happen and the best connections are made.

• Access to 3 official Bitcoin 2026 after-parties
• 2-hour open bar at each event
• Evening events across Las Vegas, April 27–29
• Network with Bitcoiners, builders, and industry leaders after hours

More headline speaker announcements are coming soon.

Don’t miss Bitcoin 2026.

This post Simon Gerovich Confirmed As A Bitcoin 2026 Speaker first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

Bitcoin’s Price Is Being Set Further Away From Bitcoin Holders

Bitcoin spent the end of March in a range that looked calm on the surface and unusually crowded underneath.

By Monday, Bitcoin's price was trading around $67,000 after a week that had already pulled in one of the year’s largest derivatives events and another round of institutional withdrawals from spot exchange-traded funds.

That combination deserves more attention than it has received. Conventional analysis would split the move into separate buckets. Options expiry belongs in one box, ETF flows in another, price in a third.

However, the reality is that Bitcoin’s short-term price formation is moving further away from the people who hold Bitcoin because they want Bitcoin, and closer to the people who hold Bitcoin exposure because they are hedging, rolling, allocating, or reducing risk inside a wrapper.

That shift changes how the market should be read. It also changes what a Bitcoin move actually represents.

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As Bitcoin weakens even ‘safe' investments like the 2-year Treasury are starting to crack

The safest corner of the bond market is starting to look uneasy as war drives oil higher, inflation fears creep back, and investors demand more to lend the US money for just two years.

Mar 29, 2026 · Andjela Radmilac

Price discovery has moved into the wrappers around Bitcoin

The first pressure point came from derivatives. Ahead of Friday’s expiry, CryptoSlate reported that about $14 billion in Bitcoin options were set to roll off on Deribit, equal to close to 40% of the exchange’s open interest.

The event was a collision between the year's largest quarterly expiry and a market already carrying geopolitical stress. However, the more important takeaway sits one layer below it.

When an expiry is large enough relative to open interest, the price can start reflecting the needs of dealers and other intermediaries who are managing exposure into settlement. Price becomes a balancing process.

That distinction sounds technical until it touches the way people interpret every move on the chart. Retail investors still tend to read Bitcoin through the lens of conviction. They assume a rise means more buyers want the asset, a dip means conviction is fading, and a flat range means the market is waiting for news.

In a market shaped by large listed products, listed options, and institutional balance-sheet decisions, those readings become less reliable. A quiet session can carry a large amount of mechanical activity. A sharp move can reflect a hedge adjustment before it reflects a directional view on Bitcoin itself.

That is why the $14 billion expiry deserves more than a volatility note. The expiry settled at 08:00 UTC on March 27, wiping out around 40% of open positions on Deribit.

Related Reading

Bitcoin price just collapsed because the macro selloff collided with a $14 billion options expiry this morning

Roughly $14.1B in Bitcoin options and $2.2B in Ethereum options expired on Friday, Mar. 27. History suggests more volatility around expiry.

Mar 27, 2026 · Gino Matos

That scale raises a simple question for spot holders. If a meaningful share of short-term price is being influenced by the hedging and settlement behavior around listed contracts, how much of what people call Bitcoin demand is actually derivative maintenance?

That question becomes sharper once ETF flows are added back into the picture. Farside Investors’ spot Bitcoin ETF tracker has kept the running scorecard for U.S. products, and the broader pattern through 2026 has been one of recurring outflow pressure.

Billions of dollars are leaving the category this year. That flow pressure creates a second layer of distance between the Bitcoin price and the Bitcoin holder's intent.

An ETF share is Bitcoin exposure, although the trading decision behind it can belong to an allocator rotating among products, a risk manager shrinking gross exposure, or a portfolio rebalance that has very little to do with long-term views on the network, the asset’s monetary thesis, or self-custody.

Put those two channels together, and the market starts to look different.

The first channel is options, where expiry-related positioning can shape short-term movement as traders and dealers manage strike exposure, gamma, and settlement risk.

The second channel is ETFs, where the flows reflect portfolio construction decisions inside conventional finance as much as they reflect appetite for Bitcoin itself.

One channel leans on hedging machinery. The other leans on wrapper demand. Both sit one layer away from the old mental model of Bitcoin price being set mainly by direct buyers and sellers in the spot market.

That layer shift has practical consequences for people who hold a small amount of BTC, own an ETF in a brokerage account, or treat Bitcoin as a signal asset. Many think they are watching the asset's demand. Increasingly, they are also watching demand for the packaging around the asset.

Related Reading

Bitcoin sets $88k ceiling for 2026: After a start this bad BTC has never finished a year positive

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Mar 27, 2026 · Liam 'Akiba' Wright

Why calm price action can carry more market stress than it seems

That helps explain a pattern many people felt during the last few sessions without naming it precisely. Bitcoin around $67,000 can look stubborn. It can also look strangely muted given the amount of macro noise and flow pressure around it.

The intraday range stayed well inside the emotional expectations people usually carry into a quarter-end expiry of this size. That kind of restrained movement often attracts lazy language about indecision.

Large expiry events can compress movement as the market is pulled toward the areas with the densest derivative exposure, then release that compression after settlement when the hedge structure resets.

When open interest clusters around major strikes, the market can spend time gravitating around the levels that force the least pain or the least imbalance into settlement. That dynamic is shaped more by positioning than by belief.

Once that framework is in place, several familiar frustrations make more sense. Bitcoin can hold up while ETF money leaves. Bitcoin can fade after positive long-term adoption news. Bitcoin can seem numb to narratives that would once have sparked a larger move.

Those outcomes look contradictory when the market is judged as a direct referendum on Bitcoin conviction. They look entirely coherent when the market is viewed as a layered structure in which direct holders, ETF allocators, options traders, and dealers all sit in the same pool, each with different motives and time horizons.

The deeper implication is psychological. Casual Bitcoin observers still tend to assume that a move in the asset speaks with a single voice. That assumption was always imperfect. It is now much weaker.

The market has become more legible in one sense and less intuitive in another. More data exists, more regulated vehicles exist, and more institutional entry points exist.

At the same time, the causal chain between someone wanting Bitcoin and Bitcoin moving has become longer. There are more intermediaries in the path, more wrappers around exposure, and more reasons for capital to touch Bitcoin without sharing the worldview that built the asset’s early holder base.

Many still think of Bitcoin as the one large asset where ownership and conviction line up more closely than they do in traditional markets. That relationship has weakened.

A person who owns Bitcoin directly in self-custody and a fund that owns or sheds Bitcoin exposure through an ETF are part of the same price formation process, although they bring completely different behavior to that process. Add a large options market on top, and the day-to-day move becomes even more detached from the simple question of who believes in Bitcoin.

The next test sits beyond expiry and ETF withdrawals

That does not reduce Bitcoin’s relevance. It changes the map. Price discovery now has layers. The first layer is direct spot ownership and exchange activity. The second is ETF creations, redemptions, and secondary-market trading. The third is listed and offshore derivatives, especially around large expiries. The fourth is macro capital, which uses Bitcoin as one expression of a broader portfolio view.

Any session can be dominated by a single layer, or by the interaction among several layers at once.

The second half of this month has offered a clean example of that layered structure. Large expiry, visible ETF pressure, geopolitical stress, and a spot price holding around the mid-$60,000s created an unusual mix of noise and restraint.

That combination points to an uncomfortable conclusion for anyone who still frames every move through sentiment. Short-term Bitcoin pricing is increasingly being shaped by market plumbing.

Market plumbing is where much of real price formation occurs once an asset grows large enough to attract listed vehicles, listed options, and institutional balance-sheet management. Bitcoin has reached that stage. The change here is less about legitimacy and more about interpretation.

Retail can still move the market, and long-term holders still matter to the structural supply picture. Their influence now shares the field with a much larger set of actors whose objective is not accumulation, ideology, or even directional conviction. Their objective is execution.

Execution capital behaves differently. It buys because a portfolio model says to increase weight. It sells because a risk committee says to reduce exposure. It hedges because open interest sits too heavily around a strike. It rolls because the calendar demands a roll. It reacts to correlation and liquidity conditions before it reacts to the Bitcoin white paper.

That is a very different kind of price-setting constituency from the one many people still imagine when they open a Bitcoin chart.

The next test sits in the sessions after the expiry and in the persistence of ETF flow pressure. If Bitcoin begins to trade with more directional freedom once the largest quarterly options event is out of the way, that would reinforce the view that hedging machinery had been compressing movement into settlement.

If ETF withdrawals continue to shape the structure of demand, that would reinforce the second leg of the thesis: that the wrappers around Bitcoin are exerting more influence over price discovery than many holders have fully recognized.

For anyone with some capital exposed to markets, the key adjustment is conceptual before it is tactical.

A Bitcoin chart raises an immediate question: What do Bitcoin buyers and sellers think right now? That question still has value. It no longer goes far enough.

A more useful question now sits one layer deeper: Which part of the market is shaping price today, holders, allocators, or hedgers?

That is a different way to look at Bitcoin, and once seen, it becomes difficult to unsee.

The asset still carries its old monetary and cultural arguments. Its short-term price formation now carries a much more conventional market structure.

Bitcoin holders remain in the market. They simply no longer sit at the center of every move.

The post Latest data shows retail Bitcoin wallets can no longer control short-term BTC price moves appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Congress has introduced the Digital Asset PARITY Act, a bipartisan discussion draft introduced by Reps. Steven Horsford and Max Miller, who would rewrite Section 1091 to cover “specified assets.”

The category explicitly includes actively traded digital assets and their derivatives, and carves out a narrow class of regulated payment stablecoins from routine gain-or-loss recognition.

The draft lands harder on the crackdown side than on the relief side, and that asymmetry is what gives the proposal its sharpest edge.

For years, crypto traders have exploited a gap that stock investors cannot touch. Under current law, wash-sale rules apply to “stock or securities,” a definition that excludes digital assets.

A trader could sell Bitcoin at a loss, buy back in the next day, and still claim the tax deduction, a maneuver the IRS explicitly bars in equity markets.

The PARITY Act draft closes that gap by rewriting Section 1091 to cover actively traded digital assets, notional principal contracts tied to them, and related derivatives, including options, forward contracts, futures contracts, and short positions.

The familiar 30-day-before-and-after replacement window applies, and the wash-sale changes take effect upon enactment.

The stablecoin carveout

On the other side of the ledger, the draft says sellers recognize no gain or loss on the sale of a “Regulated Payment Stablecoin,” provided the transaction stays within a $0.99-$1.01 per-unit band.

When the exception applies, the taxpayer's basis in the stablecoin is deemed to be $1.00 per unit for calculating any residual gain or loss.

The carveout does not extend to brokers or dealers in securities or commodities, and related-party transactions carry explicit anti-abuse flags, though those guardrails sit under technical drafting review.

A stablecoin must be a payment stablecoin under the GENIUS framework, a permitted issuer must issue it, it must peg solely to the US dollar, it must trade within 1% of $1.00 on at least 95% of trading days in the preceding 12 months, and the taxpayer must acquire it within 1% of $1.00.

The stablecoin section takes effect for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2025, and the draft's explanatory notes say that Congress is still working on whether to include a $200-per-transaction threshold and an aggregate annual limit in the final text.

That internal candor separates the stablecoin side from the wash-sale side, making the latter read like policy Congress has already decided.

The stablecoin carveout reflects the policy Congress wants, with Congress expecting Treasury to supply anti-abuse rules for coordinated arrangements but not yet embedding those guardrails in the black-letter text.

The policy design

Congress is using the tax code to distinguish between “crypto as payment” and “crypto as trading.”

The stablecoin market now sits at roughly $316 billion, with transaction volume exceeding $34 trillion last year, and a Wharton/WEF analysis found that roughly 99% of stablecoin activity still involves digital asset trading rather than payments.

Congress is offering tax relief to the use case it wants to encourage, and writing new costs into the one it wants to constrain.

The wash-sale rule does not apply where the taxpayer applies mark-to-market accounting to the specified asset, and the draft separately creates a mark-to-market election for dealers and traders in digital assets.

The political loser, more specifically, is the ordinary taxpayer using spot crypto for tax-loss harvesting.

Sophisticated trading businesses may access a cleaner elections framework than the current law provides.

The IRS finalized broker reporting rules for digital asset sales, requiring Form 1099-DA for transactions from Jan. 1, 2025, onward, with brokers furnishing taxpayer copies by Feb. 17, 2026.

Most 2025 statements will not include cost basis, leaving taxpayers to calculate it themselves. This means Congress is debating anti-abuse reform at the exact moment retail crypto holders are experiencing standardized reporting for the first time.

The policy direction also reflects a broader consensus that predates the draft. The 2025 White House digital assets report recommended extending wash-sale rules to digital assets, while explicitly stating that those rules should not apply to payment stablecoins.

The 2025 Joint Committee on Taxation report identified the current wash-sale gap and the absence of any de minimis rule for routine digital asset spending.

The PARITY Act is Congress trying to codify a split that tax policy had already mapped.

Where it lands

In an optimistic outcome, lawmakers finalize the stablecoin language cleanly, align it closely with GENIUS definitions, and pair the wash-sale crackdown with a clear $ 200-per-transaction threshold that makes small payments genuinely friction-free.

In that outcome, the tax code accelerates the adoption of on-chain regulated dollars. Visa data show that more than 99% of the stablecoin supply is dollar-denominated, and leading issuers earned more than $7 billion in reserve interest.

If the OCC's projected issuer base under GENIUS fills out, the carveout covers a material share of dollar stablecoin volume. Crypto gains a cleaner payment rail and a more level trading framework at the same time.

For the worst-case scenario, the wash-sale, short-sale, and derivative coverage survive with little dilution while the stablecoin section stalls in technical review, never reaching a final clean text before the legislative calendar tightens.

The mark-to-market election benefits professionals who can navigate an elections framework, and retail investors lose the loophole fastest, with no offsetting simplification on the payments side.

The broader crypto legislation had hit a new impasse, with banks and crypto firms still fighting over stablecoin economics.

The PARITY Act, as a discussion draft with multiple sections explicitly flagged for ongoing technical work, sits directly inside that gridlock. Taxpayers enter the 2026 filing season under new 1099-DA reporting obligations, with Congress pointing toward reform without yet enacting it.

Congress is more certain about closing the loophole than about the final contours of the stablecoin carveout.

The wash-sale rewrite is the harder edge of the draft, as it is concrete, broadly scoped, and ready to move. The stablecoin relief is the softer edge, presenting itself as directionally clear, mechanically unfinished, and dependent on a regulated-issuer framework that the OCC is still building out.

The version of the bill that actually reaches a vote will reveal which coalition Congress found less uncomfortable to disappoint.

The post Congress proposes removal of widely used Bitcoin tax loophole and giving it to regulated stablecoins appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Marco Rubio sat down with G7 foreign ministers and told them privately that the war with Iran could continue another two to four weeks, handing Washington's closest allies and the market a countdown.

Reports noted that Rubio publicly said the operation should conclude in “weeks, not months,” and the gap between those two framings captures the window long enough to sustain macro strain where Bitcoin now trades.

Bitcoin reached an intraday low of $65,571.07 on Mar. 27, down roughly 4.4% on the day. Meanwhile, Brent crude was at $111.52, up 53% since the war began on Feb. 27.

The Nasdaq had entered correction territory, the 10-year Treasury yield stood at 4.44%, and Fed futures reflected essentially zero probability of a rate cut this year. That combination explains Bitcoin's session losses with precision.

The transmission chain

Oil above $100 pushes freight costs into every supply chain simultaneously.

EIA data shows tanker rates for VLCCs from the Middle East to Asia hit their highest level since at least November 2005 in March. Stickier inflation expectations follow, as University of Michigan consumer sentiment fell to 53.3, and one-year inflation expectations jumped from 3.4% to 3.8%.

Fed Governor Lisa Cook said the war in Iran has shifted the balance of risks toward inflation, cementing a rate-cut freeze that is the direct channel into Bitcoin.

Bitcoin has come to trade like a high-beta liquidity instrument. The IMF has documented that its correlation with equities is higher than its correlations with gold, bonds, or major currencies.

A 2024 study in Finance Research Letters found that Bitcoin returns and volatility tend to respond to political uncertainty shocks, particularly during periods of financial stress. Bitcoin trades lower now because a longer war keeps the oil shock alive, which keeps liquidity tight.

Rubio's two-to-four-week private estimate turns a sequence of daily military headlines into a timeboxed repricing: traders now price the duration of the shock, treating each military headline as a data point in a longer repricing cycle.

Duration is the key

Traders are now pricing the war's duration, treating each military or diplomatic headline as a data point in a longer repricing cycle.

ICE recorded its highest-ever crude trading and open interest through March, indicating persistent repricing.

When President Donald Trump delayed strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure and hopes of de-escalation rose, global equity funds took in $37.77 billion in the week through Mar. 25. When Iran denied talks and hopes of a ceasefire faded, equities fell again.

The market toggles based on how the duration of the energy shock looks, and Rubio's private timeline pushed the dial toward durable.

A Reuters analyst poll put Brent at $100 to $190 under sustained disruption, with an average of $134.62. At the same time, EIA's March outlook projects Brent above $95 for the next two months. Bitcoin's near-term range is currently within this gap.

Flows through the Strait of Hormuz averaged roughly 20 million barrels per day in 2024, approximately 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption, with about 84% of that crude going to Asia.

The first-order macro hit lands in the region most central to industrial demand, emerging-market foreign exchange, and the technology supply chain.

Foreign investors pulled roughly $25.28 billion from Taiwan, $13.5 billion from South Korea, and $10.17 billion from India this month. Bitcoin sits inside the same global growth and technology complex that foreign outflows are actively repricing, and those moves reflect the same liquidity logic driving crypto lower.

EIA notes that only about 2.6 million barrels per day of Saudi and UAE pipeline bypass capacity is readily available.

Physical Hormuz navigation controls the macro calculus more than any diplomatic statement, which is why a ceasefire that leaves shipping impaired delivers limited relief.

War risk insurance alone keeps freight costs elevated enough to extend the inflation pass-through even if military operations pause.

The countdown

For the potential scenarios in the coming weeks, the best option involves diplomacy to close the gap within roughly seven to ten days.

Shipping normalization begins, Brent retreats toward $95-$110, and the “no cuts in 2026” narrative softens as inflation expectations ease. Goldman Sachs has argued that a clear end to military action would quickly erode the oil risk premium.

On that path, Bitcoin's exposure to the macro squeeze reverses rapidly. The relief puts Bitcoin in the $69,000-$75,000 range, supported by the EIA's easing post-disruption base case and by the speed at which equity funds re-entered when de-escalation hopes climbed in late March.

The same liquidity sensitivity that drove the selloff drives the recovery.

In the worst-case scenario, the war runs to the outer edge of Rubio's four-week window. Hormuz friction persists, war-risk insurance stays elevated, and no convincing ceasefire emerges.

Brent holds in the $110–$135 range, consistent with Goldman's March-April expectation and the Reuters average under sustained disruption. Inflation stays uncomfortable, the Fed stays sidelined, and Bitcoin trades in a $58,000-$66,000 range as risk assets stay capped by the same liquidity ceiling in place since Feb. 27.

The academic literature reinforces this framing over any reflexive safe-haven narrative.

A 2025 quantile analysis paper found that gold, the US dollar, and oil hedge geopolitical risk more consistently than cryptocurrencies across varying risk levels. Another 2025 study found that Bitcoin's defensive properties activate under geopolitically driven crash conditions, a threshold the current oil-and-yield squeeze has not yet reached.

In the bear case, the squeeze persists long enough to validate that conditional framing: Bitcoin's haven behavior is regime-dependent, and a sustained oil-inflation-yield environment is the least favorable regime for those properties to activate.

Two to four more weeks of war means at least one more inflation print, one more Fed meeting, and one more month of elevated freight and energy costs before the macro backdrop begins to clear.

For Bitcoin, that window represents the duration during which oil stays high and rate cuts stay off the table, the two conditions that drive the liquidity ceiling on risk assets.

The bull case closes that window early and reverses the compression, and the bear case holds it open long enough to validate the liquidity-asset framing that has governed Bitcoin's price action since February.

Markets are already pricing the countdown without considering the optimistic version.

The post Bitcoin drops as Rubio privately signals Iran war may last weeks, locking in high oil prices appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Even the safest corners of the market can start to look uneasy when oil jumps, war drags on, and investors begin to wonder whether inflation is heading back in the wrong direction.

That was the message we got from Tuesday’s sale of 2-year US Treasuries. These are short-term government bonds, and they're widely watched because they reflect what investors think could happen over the next couple of years, especially with Federal Reserve interest rates.

When demand for these short-duration Treasurys is strong, it tells us professional and institutional investors believe inflation will ease and policy will eventually soften.

So when the demand weakens, the signal shifts as well. Investors are asking for better compensation, and they're preparing for a bumpier stretch ahead.

Tuesday’s auction landed in that second category. The Treasury sold $69 billion of 2-year notes at a 3.936% high yield, and demand came in weaker than the previous month. The bid-to-cover ratio fell to 2.44 from 2.63 in February, while primary dealers ended up taking a much larger share of the sale.

These numbers tell us investors showed less appetite than usual for lending money to the US government for just two years at a 3.9% interest rate.

The weak sale arrived at a moment when the Middle East conflict had pushed oil higher, and hopes for quick Federal Reserve rate cuts were starting to fade. US business activity slowed to an 11-month low in March even as costs and selling prices accelerated, a combination that left investors staring at a pretty uncomfortable economic picture.

The 2-year Treasury is one of the market’s best readings on where investors think interest rates are headed in the near future. A weak auction signals that traders aren't convinced the Fed will be able to ease policy soon. It can also signal that inflation fear is starting to outrun the usual instinct to rush into government debt during a geopolitical shock.

Why this simple auction became a warning sign

For the better part of the last year, investors were hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel. Inflation seemed to be coming down, and growth was cooling in an orderly way, which would enable the Fed to eventually have room to cut rates. Short-term Treasury bonds would fit neatly into this recovering market, as they offered a profitable way to position for easier policy ahead.

But all of this fell apart with the recent oil shock. As the conflict in Iran threatens to turn into a full-blown war in the Middle East, oil prices skyrocketed, feeding into gasoline and broader business costs. This essentially annulled all of the softening we've seen in business activity, leaving markets wrestling with the prospect that the economy could slow down while inflation goes up. That combination would prevent the Fed from offering any kind of easy relief in the next year or so.

Once we start considering this as a real possibility, the meaning of a “safe” asset changes.
While the relative safety of an asset still counts in these circumstances, inflation counts more.

Investors begin asking whether holding a 2-year Treasury at a given yield really offers enough protection when energy prices are climbing, and the path to lower rates looks less certain. That's why this week’s weak demand drew so much attention: it showed the market wanted more returns before stepping in.

Fed rhetoric has added to that unease. Fed Governor Michael Barr said policymakers may need to hold rates steady for some time because inflation remains above target and the Middle East conflict has added upside risk through energy.

Comments like that help explain why the 2-year Treasurys are so important: they're the part of the Treasury market most tightly linked to the next chapter of Fed policy. When it starts to wobble, investors are usually reacting to what they think the central bank may or may not be able to do next.

What the signal says about the economy from here

This month's auction was a warning flare for the next few months.

Investors are starting to test whether any of the old assumptions still hold: Can inflation keep easing if oil stays elevated? Can the Fed cut rates if energy costs start raising prices even more?

The answers to these questions will affect everyone, not just Treasury buyers.

Higher short-term yields can keep financial conditions tight, pressure valuations in other markets, and raise the hurdle for risk-taking across stocks and speculative assets. They can also change borrowing conditions, because expectations for the Fed's future policy spill into all kinds of pricing decisions.

That's why a weak auction at the front end of the curve can end up telling a larger story about confidence, fear, and how investors see the next phase of the economy taking shape.

There's still room for this signal to cool. Ceasefire hopes helped oil prices pull back a bit, and that kind of move can ease some of the pressure on inflation expectations.

Nonetheless, the market is still arguing with itself, and the argument is alive in every fresh oil headline, every Fed remark, and every new read on prices and growth.

For now, the message from the auction is clear: investors are looking at the next two years and seeing a rougher road than they saw a month ago. They're seeing war, oil, inflation, slower activity, and a Federal Reserve that has less room to ride to the rescue than markets had hoped. And we saw a glimpse of a market starting to price in a more difficult world.

The post As Bitcoin weakens even ‘safe’ investments like the 2-year Treasury are starting to crack appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Bitcoin's price dropped below $67,000 this weekend, after a brutal slide that left it more than 40% below its October 2025 peak. In February, BTC had fallen about 47% from its high near $126,000.

In an earlier version of this market, that kind of drop would cause all kinds of ugly reactions that would spread way beyond the spot market. Fear would spread like wildfire, long-term holders would run, and the selling would feed on itself.

But this time, almost none of this happened.

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The most interesting part of this pullback wasn't the price action itself, but the behavior around it.

Even through a drawdown as deep as this, the US spot bitcoin ETF complex held up far better than anybody expected. Eric Balchunas, the chief ETF analyst at Bloomberg, said in February that only about 6% of ETF assets had left during the decline.

The arrival of spot bitcoin ETFs was always framed as a gateway moment for crypto, but the larger shift may be showing up now, when the market is under immense pressure. Bitcoin has a new class of holders, and they appear to be less eager to bolt at the first sign of pain.

The SEC approved spot bitcoin exchange-traded products in January 2024, and trading began the next day. What followed was one of the biggest product launches in ETF history.

By March 27, Farside’s data showed about $56.1 billion in cumulative net inflows across US spot Bitcoin ETFs since launch. BlackRock’s IBIT alone accounted for about $63.3 billion, and Fidelity’s FBTC had brought in about $11.0 billion. Grayscale’s GBTC, in contrast, had lost around $26.0 billion.

There's been real selling inside this category, and some of it has been quite heavy. But as a whole, ETFs kept attracting money anyway.

So, when Bitcoin plunged, it didn't take ETFs down with it.

The daily flow picture is still volatile, but it's in line with everyone's expectations. Farside data shows $167.2 million of net inflows on March 23, then a $171.3 million net outflow on March 26. We probably won't get a perfect calm anytime soon, especially given the ongoing geopolitical turmoil, but we have relative resilience. A severe drawdown arrived, and the mass exodus many expected never actually happened.

The new Bitcoin holder

The ETF wrapper changed who could own Bitcoin and how they could own it. Instead of living on exchanges and in wallets, BTC moved into institutional products that sit inside a familiar investment structure.

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ETFs brought Bitcoin to institutions, but this adoption worked both ways: it also brought institutional trades to Bitcoin. Some of the first movers in Bitcoin ETFs might have been big Bitcoiners looking for regulated exposure, but the space soon became saturated with those looking to profit from its liquidity and volatility.

CF Benchmarks, looking at 13F filings, showed that a lot of hedge fund exposure to Bitcoin ETFs was tied to basis-style trades rather than long-term conviction. SEC rules also make clear that 13F filings arrive with a lag, so they show us snapshots of the past rather than real-time behavior. Still, they help show how broad the investor base has become.

That distinction is important. When we say that Wall Street barely blinked, it doesn't mean nobody sold as BTC lost half its value. What it means is that the ETF complex came through a punishing drop without the kind of mass exit that once felt inevitable.

A look at the individual funds makes that even clearer. IBIT remains the category’s giant winner, but FBTC has also built a large base, while GBTC continues to bleed assets. We've seen strong inflows into the leading funds, steady support for a few others, and continued outflows from the old incumbent.

A crash with a different rhythm

The best comparison to the effect Bitcoin's price had on ETFs may be gold.

In 2013, a sharp drop in the price of gold triggered a major rush out of gold-backed ETFs. The World Gold Council said 350 tonnes flowed out by the end of April that year, representing a 12.9% drop in holdings.

But Bitcoin's ETF base seems different. The price damage has been much more severe than what gold saw, but the big holder exit never happened.

Nonetheless, Bitcoin is anything but stable right now. March 26 alone brought a $171.3 million net outflow day to ETFs, and the price continues to swing hard on any news about the developments in Iran.

But the response from holders is changing, and that may be the most important change the ETF era brought.

There are two ways to read this. One is that ETFs brought in stronger hands, investors who are more willing to treat Bitcoin as part of a broader portfolio. The other is that the selling has simply slowed down, and a larger macro shock could still test that patience later. Both are possible, as the data hasn't settled the argument yet.

Whatever the future outcome might be, this change in ETF behavior revealed something new about how Bitcoin now behaves under stress. A 40% crash used to look like a full-blown bear market panic, but in this ETF-dominant market, it's your run-of-the-mill stress test. Price broke hard after a year of up only, and ETF holders, at least in aggregate, held up much better than anyone could have expected.

And that may be the clearest sign yet that Wall Street did much more than just buy Bitcoin: it changed the way it sells off.

The post The next Bitcoin shock could be where Wall Street finally loses faith and starts selling appeared first on CryptoSlate.

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

The question of whether Ethereum (ETH) can really act as a store of value is coming up more and more as the network grows into a core part of the decentralized economy. That label used to belong almost entirely to Bitcoin, seen as “digital gold” because of its fixed supply. But since the Merge and the upgrades that followed, Ethereum has started to play by a different set of rules—and that’s starting to shift the conversation.

As of March 2026, Ethereum isn’t just for developers anymore. It’s become a global settlement layer. Still, with the price moving sideways lately, investors are asking the obvious question: is holding ETH actually a solid way to preserve value over time?

Is ETH a Store of Value?

$Ethereum is starting to be seen as a real store of value—but it works differently than $Bitcoin. Bitcoin’s story is all about scarcity. Ethereum, on the other hand, gets its value from how much the network is actually used, plus the fact that it can generate yield.

By staking ETH, holders can earn a native return—usually around 2.8% to 3.5%. That helps offset inflation and adds a compounding effect you simply don’t get with assets that don’t produce any yield.

What Makes an Asset a "Store of Value"?

A store of value is an asset that maintains its purchasing power over time without significant depreciation. To qualify, an asset typically requires:

• Scarcity: A controlled or diminishing supply.
• Security: A network resistant to attacks (Ethereum is secured by billions in staked capital).
• Liquidity: The ability to be traded easily for other goods or fiat.
• Demand: Consistent use cases that drive long-term interest.

Analyzing the 5-Year ETH Price History (2021–2026)

Looking at the technical data from the past five years, Ethereum has exhibited a distinct pattern of "high-velocity growth followed by structural consolidation."

The Consolidation Phase ($2,000 - $4,000)

Since the peak of the 2021 bull run and the subsequent market correction, ETH has largely spent the period between 2024 and early 2026 consolidating within a massive horizontal channel.

• The Floor: Strong support has formed around the $2,000 level. This psychological and technical barrier has held firm despite various macro headwinds and regulatory uncertainties.
• The Ceiling: Resistance remains heavy between $4,000 and $4,800. Every attempt to break into "price discovery" mode has been met with institutional profit-taking and rotation into newer ecosystem plays.

This prolonged consolidation is actually a healthy sign for a "store of value" thesis. It suggests that Ethereum is moving away from the "lottery ticket" volatility of its early years and toward a more stable, mature asset profile.

The "Ultrasound Money" Narrative: Is it Still Valid?

The term "ultrasound money," coined by Ethereum researcher Justin Drake, suggests that if Bitcoin is "sound" because its supply is capped, Ethereum is "ultrasound" because its supply can actually shrink.

How the Burn Mechanism Works

Under EIP-1559, a portion of every transaction fee is "burned" (destroyed). In 2026, we see a dual-track economic model:

• During High Activity: When DeFi and NFT volumes spike, more ETH is burned than issued to stakers, making the supply deflationary.
• During Low Activity (The L2 Shift): With the rise of Layer-2 solutions like Base and Arbitrum, some activity has moved off the mainnet. This has led to periods of slight inflation (approx. 0.7% annually), as seen in early 2026.

Despite this fluctuation, Ethereum's total supply remains significantly lower than it would have been under the old Proof-of-Work system, maintaining its competitive edge against fiat currencies.

Ethereum vs. Bitcoin: The Store of Value Showdown

While Bitcoin remains the king of "pure" scarcity, major institutions like BlackRock have highlighted Ethereum's role in the tokenization of real-world assets. This utility creates a "structural demand" for ETH that persists regardless of speculative market cycles.

Risks to the Ethereum Store of Value Thesis

No investment is without risk. For Ethereum to maintain its status, it must navigate:

• Regulatory Shifts: The classification of staked ETH by global regulators continues to be a point of contention.
• L2 Cannibalization: If too much activity moves to Layer-2s without enough value accruing back to the Layer-1, the "burn" mechanism may not be enough to sustain deflation.
• Technological Complexity: Unlike Bitcoin's "set in stone" code, Ethereum is constantly evolving, which introduces potential smart contract or upgrade risks.

Is Ethereum a Good Store of Value for the Future?

For investors seeking a balance between growth and preservation, Ethereum is a compelling store of value. It offers the security of a battle-tested blockchain combined with the unique advantage of native yield. While it may experience more volatility than Bitcoin, its role as the "Internet's Bond" makes it a foundational asset for any modern digital portfolio.

As we look toward the remainder of 2026, the current consolidation phase provides a strategic entry point for those who believe in the long-term "ultrasound" roadmap.

Seeing Bitcoin trade between $65,000 and $75,000 in March 2026—basically the same levels as the 2021 highs—has made a lot of retail investors think nothing’s really changed. But that takeaway misses the bigger picture. Price tends to lag behind what’s actually happening under the surface.

Even if the numbers look familiar, the market itself is very different now. Back in 2021, it was largely driven by retail hype and stimulus money. Today, it’s a different crowd—sovereign players and massive asset managers are setting the tone, and the overall risk and utility of crypto have shifted with it.

The "Same Price" Paradox

Yes, it is still worth investing in crypto, precisely because the market has successfully "absorbed" the speculative excesses of the past. If you bought $Bitcoin at $69,000 in 2021, you were buying a speculative experiment. Buying it at the same price in 2026 means buying a globally recognized digital commodity with settled regulatory status. The "long-term game" is no longer about hoping for a 10x in a week; it is about securing a position in the world's most efficient financial settlement layer.

Price vs. Infrastructure

To assess if crypto is "worth it," investors must distinguish between Price Action and Network Value.

• Price Action: The short-term fluctuation driven by liquidations and headlines.
• Network Value: The total economic activity settled on-chain, which has grown by over 400% since 2021, even while prices consolidated.

2021 vs. 2026: Why "No Progress" is an Illusion

A direct comparison of the 2021 peak and the current 2026 market reveals why the "sideways" movement is actually a massive bullish consolidation.

The 10-Year Horizon

According to recent data from BlackRock, Bitcoin ETFs now hold over 1.3 million BTC, nearly 6.5% of the total supply. In March 2026, the 20-millionth Bitcoin was officially mined. With fewer than 1 million coins left to be produced and the 2028 halving approaching, the scarcity narrative is transitionary from "theory" to "mathematical certainty."

Moving Beyond the Top Two

While Bitcoin is the "digital gold," the broader ecosystem offers different value propositions. If you are looking for yield or utility, platforms like Ethereum and Solana have transitioned from experimental testnets to hosting tokenized U.S. Treasuries and private credit.

Is it "Late" to the Party?

The feeling of being "late" usually stems from comparing current prices to $100 Bitcoin. However, if Bitcoin captures even 15% of the global gold market (currently $15 trillion), its valuation would exceed $500,000 per coin. In 2026, we are in the "Early Majority" phase of adoption. The "easy money" from 1,000x gains is gone for major assets, but the "safe money" for 15-20% annualized growth is just arriving.

Why the "Long-Term Game" Wins

• Supply Dynamics: The issuance rate is mechanically shrinking while institutional "buy-and-hold" demand is growing.
• Fiat Devaluation: As global debt levels rise, the appeal of a fixed-supply asset increases as a hedge against inflation.
• Integration: In 2026, crypto is no longer a separate "silo." It is the backend of modern fintech.

Is Crypto Still a Good Investment?

BTC at $70k in both 2021 and 2026—should not be viewed as a failure of growth, but as the successful establishment of a new floor. The volatility that characterized the early 2020s is dampening as deeper liquidity enters the market. If your timeframe is 5 to 10 years, 2026 represents one of the most de-risked entry points in history.

• Final Note: "In crypto, the price tells you what happened yesterday, but the infrastructure tells you what will happen tomorrow."

Analysts attribute last week's BTC ETF outflows to geopolitical tensions, fading ceasefire hopes, and end-of-quarter rebalancing.

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TLDR:

• XRP has been trading between $1.30 and $1.50 for months, showing resilience amid altcoin weakness.
• Binance outflow transactions surged since late February, with some days recording nearly 6,000 withdrawals.
• Most outflow activity is driven by transactions of 1,000 to 100,000 XRP, pointing to mid-sized investors.
• Whales have maintained an accumulation zone between $1.20 and $3.00 for over a year without selling to retail.

XRP has been trading within a defined range for several months, oscillating between $1.30 and $1.50. On-chain data from Binance shows a growing accumulation trend, with outflow transactions rising notably since late February.

Binance Outflow Data Points to an Active Accumulation Phase

Despite challenging conditions across the broader crypto market, XRP has shown a degree of resilience. The asset continues to hold within its established trading range while other altcoins have faced heavier losses.

This steady price action has drawn attention from market analysts tracking on-chain behavior. The pattern suggests that some investors are using the consolidation period to build positions.

Data from Binance shows a clear resurgence in outflow transactions starting from late February. Several days during this period recorded more than 4,000 outflow transactions on the exchange.

Source: Cryptoquant

Some peaks reached close to 6,000 transactions within a single day. This level of activity is notable for an asset still trading over 60% below its all-time high.

Most of the activity is driven by transactions ranging between 1,000 and 100,000 tokens. This range typically corresponds to mid-sized investors rather than large institutional whales.

The pattern differs from the usual whale-dominated movements seen in early bull market cycles. As a result, the accumulation appears to be spread across a broader segment of the market.

An increase in outflow transactions generally means investors are moving tokens off exchanges. This behavior is often interpreted as a preference to hold assets in private wallets.

It suggests reduced selling intent and a longer-term holding mindset. Analysts often view this trend as a positive on-chain signal during a consolidation phase.

Whale Accumulation Adds to the Bullish Narrative for the Asset

Beyond retail and mid-sized investor activity, whale behavior has also drawn considerable attention. According to crypto analyst CW, whales have been accumulating consistently for over a year.

The analyst noted that whales typically build positions at the bottom before an uptrend begins. This observation adds another layer to the existing accumulation narrative.

CW further noted that the current whale accumulation zone sits between $1.20 and $3.00. Before this phase, strong accumulation was recorded in the $0.30 to $1.30 range as well.

These whales have not yet offloaded their holdings to retail investors. Based on available data, they appear to be continuing to buy.

The broader picture suggests that the asset is in an active accumulation phase across multiple investor segments. Both mid-sized holders and larger market participants appear aligned in their current behavior.

However, the key question remains whether this accumulation will be enough to trigger a breakout. A move above the $1.50 resistance level could confirm a shift in momentum.

At press time, XRP is trading at $1.35, still within its months-long range. Market participants continue to monitor on-chain data closely for further signals of a directional move.

The post XRP Holds Steady Between $1.30 and $1.50 as Whales and Mid-Sized Investors Keep Accumulating appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

• Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan calls Ethereum the top play on stablecoins and tokenization markets.

• Ethereum controls 61.4% of all tokenized assets, representing a total market value of $206.2 billion.

• Hougan compares tokenization’s growth trajectory directly to the rise of the ETF industry.

• NYSE, NASDAQ, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and J.P. Morgan are all actively building in tokenization.
  

Ethereum is set to dominate both the stablecoin and tokenization sectors, according to Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan. Speaking on the matter, Hougan expressed strong conviction in Ethereum’s market position, calling it the “leading play” on both fronts.

He currently holds ETH as the second-largest position in Bitwise’s crypto index fund. Ethereum already commands 61.4% market share of all tokenized assets, totaling $206.2 billion across the ecosystem.

Hougan Points to Ethereum’s Renewed Market Focus as a Key Strength

Hougan acknowledged that the Ethereum community faced a difficult period earlier this year. Criticism around a lengthy technical roadmap left many investors questioning the project’s direction.

Accusations of being “ivory tower” further dampened confidence among market participants. However, he believes the community has since made a clear and deliberate course correction.

He stated, “The community had gone somewhat astray and was in the depths of despair earlier this year.” Since then, the shift toward execution and market relevance has been notable.

Hougan now sees a more investor-focused Ethereum ecosystem actively shipping products. That change in approach, he argues, directly strengthens ETH’s competitive standing.

For Bitwise, that renewed focus translated into a meaningful portfolio commitment. ETH sits as the firm’s second-largest holding within its crypto index fund.

Hougan added, “I think they’re shipping better. I think the community is focused on investors.” That confidence is rooted in observable changes, not speculation.

He also made clear that Ethereum holds a structural advantage in both target markets. No other blockchain currently matches its developer base, network effects, or institutional adoption.

With 61.4% of all tokenized assets running on its rails, the lead is substantial. Hougan summed it up plainly: “It’s their market to lose on stablecoins and tokenization.”

Tokenization Represents a Larger Opportunity Than the Market Currently Prices In

Hougan believes the broader market is still underestimating tokenization relative to stablecoins. He pointed to global equities at $100 trillion, bonds exceeding that figure, and real estate going even further.

Together, these asset classes represent one of the largest addressable markets in financial history. Yet public attention remains disproportionately concentrated on stablecoins.

He cited direct statements from top financial regulators and executives to support his view. The SEC chair has said the entire market will migrate onto blockchain-based rails.

BlackRock’s CEO has stated publicly that every asset will eventually be tokenized. Meanwhile, NYSE, NASDAQ, CBOE, Goldman Sachs, and J.P. Morgan are all actively engaged in the space.

Hougan drew a direct parallel to his experience watching the ETF industry take shape. He noted, “I saw the same sort of grassroots-level adoption there that I’m seeing in tokenization.”

That industry, once dismissed by skeptics, grew into a multi-trillion-dollar market over time. He believes tokenization is following the same pattern, only faster.

Ethereum, sitting at the center of this shift, stands to capture the most value. Its existing infrastructure gives it a head start that competitors have not yet closed.

As institutions continue building and migrating assets on-chain, Ethereum’s dominance is likely to grow. Hougan’s bullish stance reflects a broader institutional conviction that this transition is already underway.

The post Ethereum Poised to Win Stablecoins and Tokenization Market, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan Says appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways

• ARTL shares skyrocketed 618% following the company’s announcement about developing ART27.13 as a complementary treatment for GLP-1 obesity medications.
• Shares plummeted over 23% Monday when Artelo disclosed a $31.4 million fundraising initiative involving share and warrant issuance.
• The company plans to issue roughly 3.18 million shares priced at $3.45 each, generating approximately $11 million in gross revenue.
• Warrant agreements for up to 6.37 million additional shares could yield another $20.4 million if fully exercised by investors.
• The financing arrangement was structured at-the-market under Nasdaq compliance guidelines and was scheduled to finalize on March 30.

Shares of Artelo Biosciences experienced a significant downturn exceeding 23% during early trading Monday following the biotechnology firm’s announcement of a financing plan targeting up to $31.4 million through combined share and warrant issuance.

Artelo Biosciences, Inc., ARTL

This sharp decline occurred after an impressive 230.41% rally the preceding Friday, which followed by two days the company’s revelation that it was investigating ART27.13, its experimental compound, as a complementary therapeutic option for GLP-1-based obesity medications.

The strategic decision to pursue capital raising immediately following such substantial share price appreciation seems to have triggered investor apprehension regarding potential ownership dilution.

Artelo revealed it executed binding agreements for the sale of roughly 3.18 million common shares at a combined offering price of $3.45 per unit. This transaction is projected to yield gross revenues of approximately $11 million prior to deducting placement fees and related costs.

Additionally, the biotechnology company intends to issue warrants providing purchasers with rights to acquire up to 6.37 million supplementary shares. Should these warrants be fully exercised through cash payment, Artelo could secure an additional $20.4 million in funding.

The company explicitly cautioned investors that warrant exercise remains uncertain. “No assurance can be given that any of the warrants will be exercised, or that the Company will receive cash proceeds from the exercise of the warrants,” Artelo stated in its official announcement.

H.C. Wainwright & Co. serves as the sole placement agent facilitating this financing transaction.

The private offering is being executed pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act alongside Regulation D requirements. The offered securities remain unregistered under federal and state securities regulations. Artelo has committed to submitting a resale registration statement encompassing the newly issued securities.

Capital generated from this financing will be allocated toward operational expenses, settlement of specific bridge financing obligations, and broader corporate initiatives.

ART27.13’s Role in the GLP-1 Treatment Landscape

The initial dramatic price increase stemmed from Artelo’s Wednesday disclosure regarding its exploration of ART27.13 — an investigational therapeutic targeting the endocannabinoid system — as a possible adjunct therapy to GLP-1 medications.

GLP-1 therapeutics, which regulate glucose metabolism and appetite control, represent the cornerstone of the rapidly expanding obesity pharmaceutical market. This sector is currently led by Eli Lilly (LLY) and Novo Nordisk (NVO).

According to Artelo, previous clinical observations in oncology patients indicated that ART27.13 might help maintain lean muscle tissue in individuals receiving GLP-1 treatments. The company has subsequently submitted a provisional patent application addressing this therapeutic indication.

“With new non-clinical research commencing and the recent filing of a patent application covering the use of CB2 agonists with GLP-1 drugs, we are aiming to build a scientific and strategic foundation with ART27.13 in an area of potentially significant commercial relevance,” stated Andrew Yates, Artelo’s chief scientific officer.

The post Artelo Biosciences (ARTL) Stock Plunges 23% After $31M Offering Following 600% Surge appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways

• Rezolve AI (RZLV) releases its H2 and complete fiscal year 2025 results prior to Monday’s opening bell, March 30.
• Wall Street consensus anticipates a quarterly EPS loss of $0.04 and annual loss of $0.20 per share.
• Options traders are positioning for a ±20.36% price swing, with implied volatility sitting at 247.81%.
• The analyst community is overwhelmingly bullish: five out of six rate it Strong Buy, with a consensus target of $11.25 — suggesting 371% potential upside.
• The company’s $230 million Reward acquisition, finalized in February 2026, stands as a critical factor that may influence future trajectory.

Monday morning marks a pivotal moment for Rezolve AI as it unveils its inaugural full-year earnings report, drawing intense scrutiny from market participants. Despite the stock hovering around $2.39 following Friday’s close — reflecting a challenging period — Wall Street analysts maintain notable optimism.

Rezolve AI PLC, RZLV

The upcoming financial disclosure encompasses both the second-half performance and the complete fiscal period concluding December 31, 2025. This marks the first comprehensive annual view into Rezolve’s AI-driven commerce platform performance that shareholders will receive.

Analyst projections point toward a quarterly loss of $0.04 per share. When examining the full fiscal year, the Street consensus settles on a $0.20 per share loss, though individual estimates span from -$0.15 to -$0.30 across different firms.

While these figures appear challenging at first glance, the underlying sentiment tells a different story — among the six analysts tracking RZLV, five maintain Strong Buy recommendations, with zero Sell ratings. A single Hold rating represents the only deviation from bullish positioning.

The consensus price target lands at $11.25, which translates to approximately 371% appreciation potential from present trading levels. Even the Street’s most conservative projection of $7.00 would deliver nearly 200% returns.

The Reward Acquisition Looms Large

The most significant unknown variable entering Monday’s report is the company’s $230 million Reward acquisition, which reached completion in February 2026. Market participants are eager for management’s initial comprehensive discussion regarding how this transaction impacts operating expenses, revenue projections, and overall strategic direction.

Rezolve committed substantial resources to secure Reward, and the deployment of that capital — along with the strategic assets acquired — will potentially influence investor reaction as much as the core earnings figures themselves.

This acquisition introduces additional layers of complexity to an already uncertain earnings scenario. Analyst forecasts suggest fiscal 2026 losses will contract by 65% to -$0.07 per share, indicating expectations for substantial operational improvement — though delivery on that front remains crucial.

Options Activity Signals Extreme Uncertainty

Derivatives markets are reflecting extraordinary uncertainty. RZLV’s implied volatility has surged to 247.81%, with traders establishing positions that anticipate a ±$0.48 movement through April 2. This places the anticipated trading corridor between $1.90 and $2.86 over the coming six-day window.

For a stock currently valued below $3, this represents an exceptionally wide expected range. The positioning suggests market participants lack clear directional conviction regarding how earnings results will impact share price movement.

Among analysts who have recently published updated estimates, HC Wainwright’s Scott Buck maintains a $12 price objective, while Maxim Group’s Tom Forte holds the Street’s most aggressive $15 target.

Roth Capital’s Rohit Kulkarni projects $12.50 and boasts the strongest accuracy rating among recent analysts at 81%.

Both Cantor Fitzgerald and Northland Capital Markets anchor the lower boundary with $7.00 targets.

Critical elements warranting attention Monday include revenue expansion metrics, management commentary surrounding Reward integration progress, and any revisions to forward-looking guidance.

The post Rezolve AI (RZLV) Stock: Analysts Forecast 371% Upside Despite Expected Losses in Monday’s Earnings appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways

• PMGC Holdings (ELAB) skyrocketed more than 100% during pre-market hours following a license agreement amendment by NorthStrive Biosciences with Korean biotech firm MOA Life Plus.
• The revised agreement modifies development timelines and key milestones for two clinical candidates: EL-32 and EL-22.
• Under the new terms, NorthStrive may bypass Phase 1 testing and proceed straight to Phase 2 trials for these programs.
• Advancing directly to Phase 2 requires NorthStrive to submit written scientific evidence justifying the trial skip to MOA Life Plus.
• ELAB had finished the previous trading session down 11% at $1.67, after hitting a three-year low of $1.62 during intraday trading.

PMGC Holdings (ELAB) experienced an explosive rally exceeding 100% in after-hours and pre-market sessions on Friday following the announcement that its subsidiary, NorthStrive Biosciences, executed a third amendment to its licensing arrangement with Korean biotechnology firm MOA Life Plus.

PMGC Holdings Inc., ELAB

Shares climbed 87% to reach $3.13 during after-hours trading, before pushing even higher to approximately $3.35 in pre-market activity. This represented a dramatic turnaround from a challenging regular trading session that saw ELAB drop 11% to close at $1.67 — after sliding to a three-year nadir of $1.62 during the day.

The licensing arrangement encompasses two human health development programs: EL-32 and EL-22. These represent therapeutic compounds that NorthStrive has licensed from MOA Life Plus for advancing through clinical development stages.

This third amendment restructures the timeline and critical development benchmarks associated with both therapeutic programs. According to the company, these modifications better synchronize the development pathway with research findings, regulatory requirements, and operational capabilities.

The most significant aspect of the amendment relates to Phase 1 clinical trials. Based on the revised provisions, NorthStrive may have the option to completely bypass Phase 1 testing for either one or both development programs.

Executing this option would require NorthStrive to furnish MOA Life Plus with comprehensive written documentation offering scientific justification for advancing straight to Phase 2 trials. Upon acceptance of this documentation, NorthStrive would be released from fulfilling its Phase 1 development obligations.

Circumventing Phase 1 trials — which normally assess safety in healthy participants — represents an unconventional approach, though it can occur under specific conditions, particularly when pre-existing data from earlier studies or chemically similar compounds already establish an adequate safety profile.

Details of the License Modification

NorthStrive operates as a fully owned subsidiary of PMGC Holdings. The initial licensing arrangement granted NorthStrive development rights for EL-32 and EL-22 from MOA Life Plus, headquartered in South Korea.

This marks the third modification to the original agreement, indicating a continuing and dynamic collaborative relationship between both organizations.

According to PMGC, the revision “reinforces the company’s commitment to disciplined development planning.” This phrasing suggests the adjusted milestones aim to establish a more pragmatic and organized development trajectory rather than pursuing acceleration simply for speed’s sake.

Current Stock Performance

The magnitude of the stock’s movement is particularly striking considering its trajectory leading up to the announcement. ELAB reached a three-year low point during Friday’s regular trading session before settling at $1.67.

The subsequent after-hours and pre-market rally propelled the stock back beyond the $3.00 threshold. Pre-market trading data indicated ELAB changing hands near $3.35, reflecting gains exceeding 100% from the $1.67 closing price.

Other notable pre-market gainers that day included Iterum Therapeutics (ITRM), which jumped 159.8%, and Zeta Network Group (ZNB), which advanced 47.2%, though these movements stemmed from unrelated catalysts.

For ELAB in particular, the NorthStrive licensing amendment appears to be the sole catalyst driving the substantial price increase. No additional material announcements from PMGC Holdings emerged during the same timeframe.

The post PMGC Holdings (ELAB) Stock Soars 100%+ on NorthStrive License Amendment appeared first on Blockonomi.

The pro-XRP attorney John Deaton has concurred with recent remarks by Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse that the United States cannot afford another Gary Gensler experience. He was the former chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

In a tweet explaining his opinion, Deaton insisted that all the guidance and clarity the crypto industry has received so far can be taken away if a new administration takes over. According to the pro-crypto lawyer, the only way to guarantee that this does not happen is to pass crypto-friendly legislation.

Ripple CEO on U.S. Weaponization of Crypto Policy

Deaton’s remarks echo those of Garlinghouse, who, over the weekend, was a guest at a morning Fox Business show anchored by Maria Bartiromo. During the interview, the Ripple executive warned against the weaponization of crypto policy in the United States.

Garlinghouse revealed that the Biden administration’s war on crypto never made sense to him. He likened their approach to regulating the relatively nascent industry to waging war on emails – a move that could significantly affect digital innovation. Instead of regulatory agencies like the SEC engaging in “thoughtful rule-making,” they initiated “lawfare” and just sued crypto companies. In response to the attack, most companies went offshore.

The Ripple CEO believes the U.S. must prevent another Gensler moment to create an environment favorable to innovation, such as blockchain technology, to thrive. So far, the Trump administration has improved clarity regarding digital asset regulation.

Two weeks ago, the SEC clarified that most crypto assets are not securities, while this is a huge step in the right direction, Garlinghouse insists on more. Codifying bills like the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (the CLARITY Act) into law will help ensure that there is no second Gensler experience. Garlinghouse sees the CLARITY Act being codified by May, 30 days more than his initial prediction.

Deaton Agrees With Garlinghouse

Backing Garlinghouse’s opinions, Deaton added that while the CLARITY Act could unlock a gateway for large financial institutions and banks to lean into the crypto industry, he still sees these entities as predators. This is because banks have “captured career politicians” to do their bidding.

“Look how those career politicians protected the banks over yield related to stablecoins in the Clarity Act,” the lawyer stated.

Nevertheless, Deaton believes the mere thought of installing another Gensler as SEC chair should force a deal that would lead to the codification of the CLARITY Act as soon as possible.

The post Pro-XRP Attorney and Ripple CEO Agree the U.S. Can’t Afford Another Gary Gensler Moment appeared first on CryptoPotato.

After a sluggish weekend with little to no noteworthy price movements, bitcoin’s volatility returned on Monday morning with a dip to a new monthly low and an impressive rebound.

Most large-rcap alts are slightly in the green on a daily scale, and ETH has emerged as one of the top performers, having surged to over $2,050 as of press time.

BTC Drops and Pumps

Bitcoin went on a massive run last Monday after Trump’s claims that the US and Iran had made progress with their war negotiations, jumping from $67,500 to almost $72,000. It dropped to $69,000 after Iran denied Trump’s statements, but resumed its rally on Wednesday when it tapped a weekly peak at $72,000.

This resistance was too hard to overcome, and BTC quickly began to nosedive. The culmination during that business week was on Friday, when the cryptocurrency dropped to $65,600 for the first time in about four weeks.

It managed to rebound to over $66,000 almost immediately, and spent the weekend trading sideways between that lower boundary and $67,000. It dipped once again earlier this morning to a new monthly low at just under $65,000 before it jumped to nearly $68,000, where it was stopped after the latest developments on the war front.

Its market cap has calmed at $1.350 trillion, while its dominance over the alts stands at just over 56% on CG.

ETH Above $2K

The world’s largest altcoin has reacted well to the latest price volatility, rebounding by 3% since yesterday to over $2,050 as of now. The asset dipped below $1,950 earlier this morning. BNB, XRP, SOL, TRX, DOGE, and ADA are also slightly in the green.

In contrast, HYPE has dropped by 4%, while BCH is still 6% down on the day after yesterday’s flash crash. More gains come from the likes of ZEC, SHIB, UNI, NEAR, and SKY, while SIREN continues to outperform with another 8% surge to almost $1.80.

The total crypto market cap has recovered $40 billion since this time on Sunday, and now sits above $2.4 trillion on CG.

The post Bitcoin Rebounds From New Monthly Lows, Ethereum Reclaims $2K: Market Watch appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Following a quiet weekend with little to no actual price moves, bitcoin and the altcoins could be primed for more fluctuations as the business week unfolds due to several big events in the US.

Perhaps the two that are likely to attract the most attention will take place on Monday and Friday.

Powell Talks, Jobs Report Goes Live

The Kobeissi Letter’s key events for the upcoming week are actually seven, but a couple of them might not have any impact on crypto, while the first one already took place – the opening of the futures markets in the US, as well as the legacy markets in Asia and Europe. BTC’s price fluctuations indeed went wild as other financial markets coped with Trump’s latest statements on the war against Iran.

Another big event for today is expected to be the speech from the US Federal Reserve Chair, Jerome Powell. After the second FOMC meeting of 2026, he expressed a hawkish stance regarding the interest rates, which led to another BTC correction.

Tuesday will see the release of March Consumer Confidence data and February JOLTS Job Openings data, both of which, combined, could result in some minor volatility for bitcoin.

The more important March Jobs Report is expected on Friday, which typically leads to fluctuations in the ever-volatile cryptocurrency market.

Key Events This Week:

1. US Market Futures Open, Iran War Day #30 – Today 6 PM ET

2. Fed Chair Powell Speaks – Monday

3. March Consumer Confidence data – Tuesday

4. February JOLTS Job Openings data – Tuesday

5. March ADP Nonfarm Employment data – Wednesday

6. March Retail…

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) March 29, 2026

War Impact

Aside from the economic events listed above, the developments on the US/Israel vs Iran war have been impacting bitcoin the most over the past month. As such, any major changes in that regard are expected to continue to increase BTC’s volatility.

The latest reports suggest that the US is indeed preparing to send troops to Iran to seize and control the key oil region of Kharg Island and to extract nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium. Additionally, the WSJ refuted previous reports that the US and Iran had engaged in direct negotiations about ending the war, which would mean more attacks, casualties, global uncertainty, and intense volatility in the financial markets.

The post Crypto Markets Brace for 4 Key Events This Week, Beginning With Powell on Monday appeared first on CryptoPotato.

After an unexpectedly calm weekend in which its price stood between $66,000 and $67,000, bitcoin went on a micro wild ride in the early hours on Monday, dipping to a new monthly low before it jumped toward $68,000.

This volatility ensued after Trump’s latest comments on the US/Israel vs Iran war, which included bragging that it was a “big day in Iran.”

US to Seize Kharg Island?

In addition, an FT report, cited by The Kobeissi Letter, indicated that Trump said he wanted to “take the oil in Iran” and mulls an operation to seize the export hub of Kharg Island. Recall that the relatively small island is responsible for up to 90% of the country’s oil infrastructure.

“To be honest with you, my favorite thing is to take the oil in Iran but some stupid people back in the US say: ‘why are you doing that?’ But they’re stupid people,” Trump said.

The WSJ, on the other hand, doubled down on other reports from the past several days that the US is indeed considering sending troops to Iran, but with a more precise purpose – to extract nearly 1,000 pounds of uranium.

This is believed to be a “complex and risky” mission as it would require US forces to remain in the Middle Eastern country for “days or longer.”

However, Trump believes this step could accomplish the main goal of preventing Iran from ever making a nuclear weapon. He has also advised his staff to “press Iran to agree to surrender the material as a condition for ending the war.”

Although many different reports from the past week or so gave contrasting information on whether both nations have engaged in direct negotiations, the WSJ said this hasn’t been the case yet.

BTC’s Price Reaction

Bitcoin’s weekend price actions were highly underwhelming, with the asset failing to move from the $66,000-$67,000 range. However, it dipped to a new monthly low of just under $65,000 when the legacy spot and futures markets opened during the night, coping with Trump’s latest comments.

It rebounded instantly with a jump of nearly $3,000 to almost $68,000. Most alts mimicked bitcoin’s price volatility, which led to $300 million in liquidated positions in the span of just hours. Longs are responsible for over $200 million, while the single-largest wrecked position took place on Bybit and was worth just shy of $10 million.

The post Bitcoin Volatility Spikes as Trump Brags for Hitting Big Targets in Iran appeared first on CryptoPotato.

A U.S. district court has allowed a class action lawsuit against Nvidia and CEO Jensen Huang to proceed following investor claims that over $1 billion of the company’s crypto revenue was actually hidden in its gaming offering.

The tech giant also failed to prove that its statements on crypto mining revenue did not affect the firm’s stock price.

False Statements

A Wednesday filing suggests that during the 2017-2018 crypto boom, Nvidia misled investors by having them believe they were buying its gaming GPUs. However, the sales were actually tied to the crypto market, and once prices began falling, the firm was left with a lot of unsold inventory that caused its stock price to plummet.

Plaintiffs first sued the company in 2018, alleging that it had not disclosed around $1.3 billion of the total revenue made from these sales and that Huang had downplayed the actual demand. At the time, the CEO appeared in several interviews claiming that the firm’s crypto-related demand was “small.” He also insisted the gaming division was its core business and that crypto simply provided “an extra bit of juice.”

Additionally, the company launched a special crypto SKU chip whose sales were reported under its mining revenue segment. Plaintiffs argue that this was done to convince investors that Nvidia’s gaming business was separate from its mining operations.

According to the filings, the company’s defense was based on the argument that these statements were not made with the intention of influencing investors and, therefore, had no price impact. However, Judge Gilliam Jr. concluded that Nvidia failed to prove this, pointing to an internal email from one of the firm’s executives as evidence.

“They expressed the view that its stock price remained high because of those earlier statements, and the court cannot conclude that there was no price impact in the face of such evidence.”

As a result, the court ruled that the class action was allowed to proceed and scheduled a hearing for April 21.

NVIDIA’s Stock Price Plummets

Things took a turn in 2018 when the crypto market began to weaken. In August, Nvidia announced that it had lowered its revenue and admitted to miners buying its gaming GPUs. The company also shared that its inventory had grown by 36%.

Reacting to the news, Nvidia’s stock price fell by 4.9%. The tech giant later issued another revenue cut announcement, citing a fall in crypto demand.

During this period, Colette Kress, the firm’s CFO, admitted that gaming revenues had missed expectations because of unsold inventory. This resulted in the company’s stock price plummeting by 28.5% over the next two trading sessions.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) previously issued the company a $5.5 million fine for failing to disclose how crypto mining affected its general revenue. Regulators said that it should have told investors that most of its GPU demand came from the miners.

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