Posts from the 'News' Category

Bitcoin at US$75,872: Why the next 72 hours will determine if this rally has legs

Bitcoin at US$75,872: Why the next 72 hours will determine if this rally has legs
Bitcoin’s recent advance to US$75,872.83, a 2.73 per cent gain over 24 hours, tells a story that extends far beyond simple price action. This move outpaced the broader crypto market, which rose 1.92 per cent to a total capitalisation of US$2.55T, even as traditional equity indices largely retreated. The primary engine behind this divergence is unmistakable: institutional capital flowing through spot Bitcoin ETFs.

Weekly inflows reached US$996.38M, the strongest pace since January, pushing total ETF assets above US$102B. This is not speculative noise. This represents a deliberate recalibration of institutional portfolios, with BlackRock’s IBIT leading the charge. When nearly US$1B of structured capital enters the market in a single week, it creates a tangible floor beneath the price. It anchors Bitcoin’s value in a way that retail enthusiasm alone cannot. This institutional conviction, returning after a volatile first quarter, forms the bedrock of the current bullish momentum.

The macroeconomic and geopolitical backdrop provided a supportive tailwind, though it was not the root cause. Easing tensions between the United States and Iran, coupled with softer-than-expected US CPI data, helped lift risk sentiment across the board. The broader crypto market cap rose 2.18 per cent on this news. Bitcoin’s 74 per cent correlation with the S&P 500 indicates it is still dancing to a macro tune. This correlation is a double-edged sword. It grants Bitcoin legitimacy as a risk asset within traditional portfolios and tethers its fate to central bank policy and geopolitical shocks. The recent equity session on April 21, 2026, illustrates this tension.

The S&P 500 fell 0.2 per cent to 7,109.14, the Nasdaq declined 0.3 per cent to 24,404.39, and the DAX dropped 1.15 per cent to 24,417.80 as tensions in the Middle East flared. Bitcoin held its ground. This relative strength suggests that while macro factors set the stage, the specific supply-demand dynamics of Bitcoin, driven by ETF flows, are now the dominant actors.

Beyond the ETF wrappers, we see even more compelling evidence of strategic accumulation. Michael Saylor’s Strategy deployed US$2.54B to acquire 34,164 BTC, while Tom Lee’s BitMine allocated US$235M for 101,627 ETH. These are not trades. These are balance sheet decisions made by entities treating digital assets as core, long-term holdings.

This type of buying absorbs liquid supply directly from the market, creating a structural shortage that supports higher prices. It signals a profound shift in perception among a certain class of investors. They are not chasing momentum. They are building a foundation. This institutional activity provided the initial spark that ignited a technical breakout.

Bitcoin breached a key multi-month downtrend, triggering a cascade of US$40M in short liquidations within 30 minutes. This squeeze was amplified in the derivatives market, where total volume surged 24.17 per cent to US$239.29T. The feedback loop is clear: institutional buying creates upward pressure, triggering technical breaks that force leveraged shorts to cover, propelling the price further.

The near-term path hinges on a few critical levels. Bitcoin is currently testing the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement at US$75,170 while trading above its 7-day simple moving average of US$75,047. Holding this zone is essential. A sustained break above could see a retest of the US$78,320 swing high, with an extension toward US$81,951 in play.

Conversely, a failure to hold US$75,170, especially if accompanied by a slowdown in ETF inflows, risks a pullback toward the US$73,221-US$71,646 support zone. The US$76K level has emerged as a critical psychological and technical pivot. Holding it as support is vital for the next leg higher.

The market now awaits the next weekly ETF flow report as a key catalyst. Sustained inflows would validate the institutional thesis and provide fuel to challenge the US$78,320 resistance. A stall or reversal in those flows could leave the market vulnerable to profit-taking.

Regulatory developments add another layer of complexity. The SEC’s roundtable on the CLARITY Act could be a catalyst or a spoiler. Positive signals regarding regulatory clarity could sustain institutional momentum and encourage further capital deployment.

Ambiguity or hawkish rhetoric could trigger a reassessment of risk, particularly among the newer institutional entrants who are highly sensitive to policy shifts. This event underscores a persistent tension in the crypto market. Technology and its adoption continue to advance, but the regulatory framework in key jurisdictions like the United States remains unsettled. This uncertainty can cap upside momentum even in the face of strong fundamental demand.

The global market context further illuminates Bitcoin’s unique position. While US and European equities retreated on April 21, Bitcoin advanced. Its 76 per cent correlation with Gold, which rose to US$4,768.04 per ounce on safe-haven demand, hints at its evolving role as a hybrid asset. It behaves as a risk-on tech play in calm markets, and can exhibit safe-haven characteristics during geopolitical stress.

The slight softening of the US Dollar Index, down 0.12 per cent, and the rise in the 10-year Treasury yield to 4.327 per cent, create a nuanced backdrop. A weaker dollar typically supports hard assets, but rising yields can compete for capital. Bitcoin’s ability to navigate this crosscurrent is a testament to its growing maturity.

Meanwhile, the People’s Bank of China’s decision to hold its loan prime rates steady at 3 per cent for 1-year and 3.5 per cent for 5-year loans provides a stable but not stimulative backdrop from a major economy, keeping global liquidity conditions in a delicate balance.

From my perspective, this moment is less about a simple price rally and more about a structural inflexion point. The convergence of relentless institutional ETF demand, strategic corporate accumulation, and a resilient technical structure creates a powerful foundation. I remain cautious of narratives that overstate the ease of this path. The correlation with traditional markets is a vulnerability during true macro shocks.

The regulatory overhang is real and can shift sentiment rapidly. The derivatives market, with its US$239.29T in volume, remains a source of amplified volatility, as the US$40M short liquidation event demonstrated. True decentralisation and resilience require more than just institutional adoption. It requires robust infrastructure, clear regulatory frameworks that protect innovation, and a continued focus on the core principles of censorship resistance and financial sovereignty.

The key watch is now clear. Can Bitcoin decisively break and hold above the US$78,320 resistance, fuelled by the next wave of ETF inflow data? A sustained move above that level would open a credible path toward US$81,951 and signal that the institutional bid is overpowering technical overhead supply. Failure to do so, particularly if ETF flows cool, would suggest the market needs to consolidate further, likely within the US$73,221 to US$76K range, to build energy for the next attempt.

The coming days will test whether this rally, built on a foundation of concrete institutional capital, has the depth to overcome the inevitable headwinds from geopolitics, macro data, and regulatory uncertainty. The data points to a bullish momentum, but in these markets, momentum is a servant, not a master. Discipline, patience, and a clear-eyed view of the key levels will separate the informed participant from the merely hopeful.

 

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

While you were sleeping: Iran closed a critical oil route and crypto exploits

While you were sleeping: Iran closed a critical oil route and crypto exploits

Over the past 24 hours, the total crypto market capitalisation has contracted by 1.74 per cent to settle at US$2.51T, a decline that reveals deeper structural concerns within the digital asset ecosystem. This selloff arrives at a particularly ironic moment, given that traditional equity markets closed at record highs just days prior on April 17, with the S&P 500 reaching 7,126.06, the Nasdaq Composite climbing to 24,468.48, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average touching 49,447.43. The stark divergence between these two worlds tells a story of a crypto market still struggling to mature beyond its inherent vulnerabilities.

The primary catalyst for this latest downturn stems from a devastating US$292M exploit targeting Kelp DAO’s rsETH bridge on April 19. This incident did not occur in isolation; it triggered immediate systemic risk across the decentralised finance landscape. Major protocols, including Aave and Treehouse, found themselves scrambling to review their exposures, sparking a wave of panic withdrawals that rippled through Ethereum-based DeFi platforms.

The impact on Ethereum itself proved severe, with the asset declining 3.18 per cent as investors fled leveraged positions and liquidity evaporated from key trading pairs. This episode underscores a persistent and uncomfortable truth about the crypto ecosystem. Smart-contract vulnerabilities remain a critical weakness that can undermine market confidence in a matter of hours.

What makes this situation particularly concerning is the timing. The exploit coincided with escalating geopolitical tensions as Iran moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. This development sent shockwaves through global markets, with Brent crude oil surging approximately six to seven per cent to exceed US$95 per barrel. The reintroduction of such significant risk premiums has forced traders to reassess their exposure to speculative assets across the board.

Crypto markets, despite their narrative of decentralisation and independence from traditional finance, have demonstrated remarkable sensitivity to these macro shocks. The 7-day correlation between crypto and Gold has reached 81 per cent, indicating that during periods of uncertainty, digital assets increasingly move in tandem with traditional safe-haven instruments rather than maintaining their promised role as an uncorrelated alternative investment.

The International Monetary Fund recently cut its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1 per cent, warning that continued energy supply disruptions could push the economy toward a more adverse 2.5 per cent scenario. This backdrop of economic uncertainty heightens pressure on risk assets, and crypto is particularly exposed given its relatively short track record of navigating genuine geopolitical crises. The market now faces a critical test as it attempts to determine whether the rsETH exploit represents an isolated incident or the beginning of a broader contagion that could cascade through interconnected DeFi protocols.

The market has established US$2.44T as a crucial Fibonacci support level that must hold to prevent further deterioration. Should the market consolidate between this US$2.44T floor and the US$2.53T resistance level, it would suggest that the worst of the selling pressure has been absorbed. A sustained break below US$2.44T would open the door to testing the US$2.35T level, which would represent a much more severe correction.

Bitcoin’s dominance currently sits at 59.3 per cent, and this metric will prove essential in determining whether the market can stabilise. If Bitcoin maintains its defensive anchor role while altcoins continue to weaken, it would indicate a flight to quality within the crypto ecosystem itself. Conversely, if Bitcoin’s dominance begins to erode, it would signal broader market distress.

The path forward depends on several critical factors that will unfold over the coming days.

  • First, the crypto community needs clarity on the total losses stemming from the Kelp DAO exploit and assurance that no additional vulnerabilities exist in related protocols.
  • Second, markets require some resolution or de-escalation of the Strait of Hormuz situation, as continued geopolitical tension will keep risk premiums elevated across all asset classes.
  • Third, investors await S&P Global flash PMIs later this week to gauge how the US economy navigates elevated oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty, as any signs of economic deterioration would further pressure risk assets.

The divergence between traditional equity markets hitting record highs and crypto markets under siege reveals the immature nature of digital assets as an investment class. While the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones posted gains of 1.20 per cent, 1.52 per cent, and 1.79 per cent, respectively, on April 17, crypto markets have proven unable to insulate themselves from either technical exploits or macroeconomic shocks. This reality challenges the narrative that cryptocurrencies are a mature alternative investment vehicle and instead positions them as highly speculative assets vulnerable to both internal technical failures and external geopolitical pressures.

The week of April 20, 2026, will prove pivotal in determining whether the crypto market can demonstrate resilience amid compound crises or succumb to a more severe correction that could take months to recover from. Investors would be wise to monitor both the technical support levels and the broader geopolitical landscape with equal attention, as the convergence of these factors will likely dictate market direction in the critical days ahead.

 

Source: https://e27.co/while-you-were-sleeping-iran-closed-a-critical-oil-route-and-crypto-exploits-20260420/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

The alarming reason crypto now moves like gold but falls like stocks

The alarming reason crypto now moves like gold but falls like stocks

Financial markets worldwide faced significant pressure this week as escalating geopolitical tensions triggered a broad-based retreat from risk assets. The cryptocurrency market declined 1.17 per cent to reach US$2.42T over a 24-hour period, moving in lockstep with traditional equities and commodities in what analysts describe as a classic risk-off response to mounting global uncertainty. This synchronised movement reveals the extent to which digital assets have become integrated into the broader financial system, with crypto now showing a remarkable 94 per cent correlation with the S&P 500 and an 88 per cent correlation with gold.

The catalyst for this market-wide decline emerged from the collapse of US-Iran peace talks and the subsequent announcement of a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on April 12. This dramatic escalation sent oil prices surging nearly eight per cent to cross US$104 per barrel, reigniting fears of supply disruptions and asymmetric inflation shocks that could derail the global economic recovery. Traditional equity markets responded immediately to the heightened tensions.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 269.23 points to close at 47,916.57, representing a decline of 0.56 per cent. The S&P 500 slipped 7.77 points to 6,816.89, down 0.11 per cent, while Asian markets bore the brunt of the selling pressure. The Nikkei 225 plummeted 477.85 points to 56,446.26, a drop of 0.84 per cent. Only the Nasdaq Composite managed to post gains, rising 80.48 points to 22,902.9 for a 0.35 per cent increase, while the FTSE 100 Index edged up 0.03 per cent to 10,600.53 despite falling 2.95 points in absolute terms.

What makes this particular sell-off noteworthy is the degree to which cryptocurrency has shed its reputation as an uncorrelated alternative asset class. The 94 per cent correlation with the S&P 500 indicates that digital assets now move almost in perfect tandem with traditional equities during periods of market stress. Even more telling is the 88 per cent correlation with gold, traditionally considered the ultimate safe haven during geopolitical crises. This suggests that investors are treating crypto as a risk asset rather than a hedge, liquidating positions across the board as they seek to reduce exposure to volatile markets. The implication is profound for those who believed cryptocurrency would serve as a portfolio diversifier during times of global instability.

Ethereum faced particular headwinds during this downturn, falling 3.65 per cent as asset-specific pressures compounded the broader market weakness. The cancellation of Ether Machine’s planned US$1.5B Nasdaq listing removed a significant vote of confidence in the institutional adoption of Ethereum-based ventures. Large treasury sales by entities like Trend Research added further selling pressure, suggesting that even sophisticated institutional players are reducing their exposure amid the uncertainty. Ethereum’s ability to hold the US$2,100 to US$2,200 support zone has become critical for the broader altcoin market, as a break below this level could trigger additional cascading liquidations across smaller cryptocurrencies.

The timing of this geopolitical crisis could not be worse for risk assets. Wall Street is shifting its focus to Q1 earnings season, with analysts projecting profit growth of roughly 12 per cent, marking the weakest performance since mid-2025. Goldman Sachs kicks off the major financial reporting cycle today, and investors will scrutinise every word for indications of how the banking sector is navigating the twin challenges of geopolitical instability and persistent inflation concerns. The IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings also begin this week, with IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warning of potential downgrades to global growth forecasts due to the ongoing conflict. This confluence of negative catalysts creates a challenging environment for any sustained market recovery.

Looking ahead, the cryptocurrency market faces several critical inflexion points that will determine whether this decline represents a temporary setback or the beginning of a deeper correction. The SEC and CFTC roundtable on the CLARITY Act scheduled for April 16 could provide regulatory clarity that stabilises market sentiment, though investors should not expect transformative announcements from what is likely to be a preliminary discussion.

From a technical perspective, the market is currently testing the 50 per cent Fibonacci retracement level at US$2.42T. Holding above the US$2.39T level, which represents the 38.2 per cent retracement, is crucial for short-term stability. A break below US$2.34T would signal that deeper correction risks are materialising, potentially opening the door to further downside.

The path forward hinges on two primary factors: whether geopolitical tensions subside and whether regulatory developments provide reassurance to institutional investors. A de-escalation in the Middle East or renewed diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran could trigger a relief rally across risk assets.

Analysts warn that supply disruptions in the energy market will persist even if a ceasefire holds, meaning inflation pressures may remain elevated for longer than markets currently anticipate. This creates a challenging environment where even positive geopolitical news may not be sufficient to drive a sustained recovery if macroeconomic fundamentals continue to deteriorate.

Investors should monitor several key indicators in the coming days. Price action around the US$2.42T pivot level will reveal whether buyers are willing to step in at current valuations. Any news flow from the April 16 regulatory event could provide short-term catalysts, though the market has become increasingly sceptical of regulatory promises. Ethereum’s performance relative to Bitcoin will indicate whether altcoin-specific pressures are abating or intensifying. The ability of traditional equity markets to stabilise despite ongoing geopolitical tensions will also influence crypto market sentiment, given the high correlation between these asset classes.

The current market environment demands caution and discipline from investors. The coordinated sell-off across cryptocurrencies, equities, and commodities demonstrates that no asset class exists in isolation during periods of systemic stress. Those who viewed cryptocurrency as a hedge against traditional market volatility have received a stark reminder that digital assets remain firmly embedded in the global financial system, subject to the same macroeconomic forces that drive traditional markets.

The coming weeks will test whether the crypto market can establish support at current levels or whether further downside awaits as geopolitical and regulatory uncertainties continue to unfold. Market participants must remain vigilant, focusing on concrete data rather than speculative narratives, as the intersection of geopolitics, regulation, and institutional behaviour continues to shape the trajectory of digital assets in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

 

Source: https://e27.co/the-alarming-reason-crypto-now-moves-like-gold-but-falls-like-stocks-20260413/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j