Binance News

On May 04, 2026, 14:49 PM(UTC). According to Binance Market Data, Bitcoin has crossed the 80,000 USDT benchmark and is now trading at 80,173.601563 USDT, with a narrowed 1.92% increase in 24 hours.

Key Takeaways
Bitcoin tagged $80,594 -- its highest since January 31 -- triggering $370 million in total crypto liquidations across 97,235 traders in 24 hours, with $301.93 million coming from short positionsShorts were liquidated roughly four times as much as longs, with Bitcoin accounting for $179 million and Ether contributing $95 million; the largest single liquidation was an $11.77 million ETH/USDT short on BinanceThis is the second major short squeeze in two weeks -- a similar setup on April 18 wiped out $593 million in shorts as Bitcoin pushed past $77,000Bitcoin futures open interest has climbed to 763,350 BTC, up sharply from the May 1 low of 707,240 BTC, with CVD turning positive -- signaling buyers are driving price actionONDO surged 11% over 24 hours, breaking above its 90-day trading range as the Clarity Act yield compromise boosted regulatory clarity for real-world asset tokensFxPro analysts say Bitcoin needs to consolidate above $85,000 to confirm the breakout, flagging $83,600 as a key long-term trend line convergence level
Bitcoin's break above $80,000 caught the crypto derivatives market badly positioned for the third time in recent weeks, triggering $370 million in total liquidations across 97,235 traders in 24 hours with short sellers absorbing the majority of the damage -- a pattern that is beginning to look less like a series of isolated events and more like a structural feature of the current market.
Bitcoin briefly tagged $80,594 in early Asian trading Monday -- its highest print since January 31 -- before pulling back to trade around $79,851 at time of writing. Of the $370 million in total liquidations, $301.93 million came from short positions, according to CoinGlass data, with shorts liquidated at roughly four times the rate of longs. Bitcoin alone accounted for $179 million of the wipeout, with Ether traders contributing $95 million. The single largest liquidation was an $11.77 million ETH/USDT short on Binance.
A Structural Short Squeeze Pattern
The squeeze is the second of its kind in two weeks. A similar setup on April 18 wiped out $593 million in shorts as Bitcoin pushed past $77,000 on the back of Iran ceasefire reports. The repetition of the pattern points to a persistent structural dynamic: funding rates on Bitcoin perpetuals have been pinned negative for most of April, meaning short sellers have been paying longs to maintain their positions. Each time price pushes higher, the accumulated short positioning unwinds violently -- creating a self-reinforcing upside move that outpaces what spot demand alone would generate.
The pattern is now well enough established that analysts are watching for a third iteration rather than treating each squeeze as a standalone event.
Derivatives Positioning: Broadly Bullish With Pockets of Excess
Bitcoin's futures open interest has climbed to 763,350 BTC, up sharply from the May 1 low of 707,240 BTC, suggesting renewed capital inflows into the market following April's end-of-month de-risking. The 24-hour cumulative volume delta has turned positive, meaning buyers are now driving trading activity through market orders rather than passive limit orders -- a shift from the defensive positioning that characterized much of late April.
Ether's futures open interest has risen to 14.17 million ETH, its highest level since April 18, also backed by positive funding rates and positive CVD. Zcash is showing one of the strongest setups among major tokens, with open interest near a four-month high at 2.26 million tokens and positive funding rates around 7%.
Not all markets look healthy. Monero and M token appear overheated, with funding rates surging above 60% -- a level that historically raises the risk of long squeezes if momentum stalls. FxPro analysts flagged the broader breakout as unconfirmed, noting that Bitcoin needs to consolidate above $85,000 for the move to be structurally validated. "The rising price and the downward-sloping 200-day moving average are actively converging with an important long-term trend line at $83,600. Consolidation above this level could further encourage traders, but we would prefer to see consolidation above $85,000 first," the firm said.
Options Markets Signal Calm, Put Skew Fades
Despite the sharp price action, options markets are signaling relative calm. Annualized 30-day implied volatility for both Bitcoin and Ether has remained subdued for over a month, consistent with a steady grind-higher rally rather than a volatility-driven spike. Ethereum's volatility index EVIV is approaching the 55% level -- a zone that has acted as a floor multiple times since 2024 and bears watching as a potential signal of a broader volatility pickup.
On Deribit, put skews in both Bitcoin and Ether have weakened notably compared to a month ago, signaling reduced demand for downside protection and increased appetite for upside exposure via call options. The shift in options sentiment from defensive to constructive is one of the clearest indicators that the market's risk posture has changed since April's lows.
Altcoins Join the Rally
Other major cryptocurrencies participated in the move. Ether climbed 2.3% to $2,368, up 2.2% on the week. XRP gained 2.1% to $1.42. BNB added 1.9% to $630. Solana rose 1.4% to $85.14. Dogecoin was the week's standout performer, up 3.5% on the day and 14.3% on the week to $0.1119, extending a breakout that began last week alongside year-high open interest in DOGE futures.
ONDO Leads RWA Token Rally on Clarity Act Optimism
One of the clearest beneficiaries of the Clarity Act stablecoin yield compromise is the real-world asset token sector. The compromise -- which shifts reward structures from a "buy and hold" to a "buy and use" model -- combined with growing regulatory clarity around tokenized assets, has driven a sharp rally in RWA tokens with Ondo Finance's ONDO leading the charge.
ONDO surged 11% over 24 hours, breaking above its 90-day trading range as investors rotated into tokenized real-world asset exposure. TRU and PENDLE also posted gains. Ondo's total value locked stands at $3.57 billion with a market capitalization of $1.5 billion per DeFiLlama data. The rally comes alongside broadening institutional interest in RWA tokenization, with more than $30.9 billion in assets now tokenized on-chain according to RWA.xyz. Ondo also announced this week that it had tapped Broadridge Financial Solutions to add proxy voting and filings access for more than 250 tokenized stocks and ETFs -- a significant step toward institutional-grade governance for tokenized securities.
ETF Flows Confirm Institutional Demand
Net inflows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs reached $153.9 million last week per SoSoValue, capping an April that pulled in $1.97 billion -- the highest monthly total since October 2025. Ether ETFs moved in the opposite direction, recording $82.5 million in net outflows that ended a three-week inflow streak -- a divergence that may reflect profit-taking following Ether's strong April performance rather than a structural change in institutional sentiment.

The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Defense has reported the detection of four missiles originating from Iran. According to Odaily, the announcement was made without further details on the missiles' targets or any potential response measures.

Key Takeaways
April non-farm payrolls drop Friday, May 8, with estimates at just 73,000 -- a sharp deceleration from March's 178,000 -- in the first payrolls print after a delay caused by the 2025 federal shutdownStrategy, Coinbase, MARA, Hut 8, Core Scientific, and CleanSpark all report Q1 earnings this week, putting the Bitcoin treasury trade and miner business models under the spotlightSan Francisco Fed President Mary Daly and Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speak Friday on central bank independence -- the same week Jerome Powell exits the chair role under White House pressureEcho Base partner Jennifer Hanny warns that low volatility and light positioning create an asymmetric setup where markets "could react quickly to any catalyst that forces a repricing of risk"Coinbase will delist DAI and convert remaining tokens to USDS on May 4; ZKsync Lite will be fully deprecated the same day
Three distinct tests land inside one week for crypto markets, each capable of shifting the near-term outlook for Bitcoin and digital assets in a different direction -- and all arriving as Bitcoin attempts to consolidate its first move above $80,000 since January.
Test One: April Jobs Data
The week's most significant macro event is Friday's April non-farm payrolls report, the first jobs print after a delay caused by the 2025 federal government shutdown. The consensus estimate sits at just 73,000 new jobs -- a sharp deceleration from March's 178,000 -- alongside an unemployment rate forecast steady at 4.3% and average hourly earnings expected at 0.3% month-on-month and 3.5% year-on-year.
The stakes for crypto are straightforward. A weaker-than-expected print gives the Federal Reserve cover to cut rates sooner, removing one of the primary headwinds that has capped Bitcoin's recovery. A strong print delays easing further, reinforcing the higher-for-longer monetary policy backdrop that has contributed to Bitcoin's inability to sustain moves above $80,000. With CME FedWatch already pricing a 94.9% probability of a June hold, a significant miss on payrolls could meaningfully shift that calculus.
Supporting data arrives through the week. US JOLTs job openings for March are due Tuesday at 9:00 AM ET, followed by ADP Employment Change for April on Wednesday at 7:15 AM ET -- the prior reading was a weak 62,000. Initial jobless claims for the week ending May 2 are due Thursday at 7:30 AM ET, with the prior reading at 189,000. Michigan Consumer Sentiment for May also drops Friday alongside payrolls, with the prior reading at 49.8.
Test Two: Bitcoin Treasury Earnings Season
The week delivers the most concentrated slate of Bitcoin-adjacent corporate earnings of the year. Strategy reports post-market Tuesday with Wall Street expecting a per-share loss of $12.95 -- a figure that will put the spotlight on the durability of Michael Saylor's STRC-funded capital-raising engine following April's $3.9 billion in Bitcoin purchases and the company's second weekly buying pause of the year ahead of the report.
MARA Holdings reports post-market Tuesday with an estimated loss of $0.45 per share, having already disclosed the sale of 15,133 BTC last quarter to fund a debt buyback. Hut 8 reports pre-market Wednesday at an estimated loss of $0.34 per share. Core Scientific follows post-market Wednesday at an estimated loss of $0.04. Coinbase Global -- the most closely watched exchange earnings of the quarter -- reports post-market Thursday with Wall Street expecting earnings of $0.26 per share. Block reports Thursday post-market at $0.60. CleanSpark and TeraWulf round out the week Friday with estimated losses of $0.23 and $0.19 per share respectively.
Riot's disclosure that it sold 3,778 BTC last quarter at an average of $76,626 per coin sets the tone for what investors will be scrutinizing: whether miners are holding or liquidating Bitcoin, and whether treasury companies can continue funding accumulation at the pace set in April.
Test Three: The Fed and Powell's Final Week
The Federal Reserve remains in focus despite no policy decision this week. San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly and Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee are scheduled to participate Friday in a Hoover Institution conference on "Independence, Structure, and Risks Ahead for Central Banks" -- a topic that carries unusual weight given that Jerome Powell exits his chair role this week under White House pressure while remaining on the Fed board as a governor in what he has described as a "low-profile" capacity.
The timing is significant. Kevin Warsh is expected to assume the chairmanship in mid-May, and any comments from Daly or Goolsbee on Fed independence or the rate outlook will be parsed carefully as markets assess the institutional dynamics of the transition. Powell's own parting comment -- that the next meeting may consider shifting from an accommodative to a neutral stance -- adds additional weight to every Fed speaker appearance this week.
The Bank of Japan also releases its monetary policy meeting minutes Wednesday evening, a potentially market-moving event given the 6-3 vote split at the last meeting and the 74% probability markets are now pricing for a June BOJ rate hike. The Reserve Bank of Australia announces its rate decision Sunday night at 11:30 PM ET, with estimates at 4.35% against a prior of 4.1%.
Crypto-Specific Events
Coinbase will delist DAI and convert remaining tokens to USDS on May 4, reflecting the ongoing consolidation in the stablecoin landscape as Circle's USDC and its derivatives gain institutional ground. ZKsync Lite will be fully deprecated the same day, marking the end of the original ZKsync layer-2 product as the ecosystem transitions fully to ZKsync Era.
Lido DAO is conducting a time-sensitive governance vote -- ending May 6 -- on a proposal to temporarily lower the EarnETH first-loss protection trigger below the standard 1% threshold, designed to ensure full compensation for users if the rsETH shortfall from the KelpDAO exploit is resolved through DeFi United.
The Asymmetric Setup
Jennifer Hanny, partner at Echo Base, framed the week's risk environment concisely. "Investors aren't heavily positioned and volatility remains low, creating an asymmetrical setup: markets appear stable on the surface but could react quickly to any catalyst that forces a repricing of risk," she told CoinDesk.
With Bitcoin consolidating around $79,000 after its first $80,000 breach since January, the combination of a potentially weak payrolls print, a wave of Bitcoin treasury earnings, and active Fed speakers creates the conditions for either a sustained breakout above $80,000 or a return to the mid-$70,000s that Marex analysts identified as the alternative scenario on a rejection.

Key Takeaways
US spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted $3.29 billion over the past two months, lifting cumulative net inflows since January 2024 launch to $58.72 billionThe cumulative total remains $2.47 billion below the October 2025 peak of $61.19 billion -- the same month Bitcoin hit its all-time high above $126,000The two-month recovery has not yet offset the $6.38 billion in outflows recorded between November 2025 and February 2026 as Bitcoin fell from above $100,000 to nearly $60,000May began positively with $629 million in net inflows on Friday, the strongest single day in two weeksBitcoin is currently trading above $80,000 for the first time since January, providing a constructive backdrop for continued ETF flow recovery
Two consecutive months of net inflows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs signal a genuine recovery in institutional demand -- but a closer look at the cumulative data reveals a recovery that remains meaningfully incomplete relative to where things stood at the peak of last autumn's bull market.
The 11 US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted $3.29 billion in net inflows over the past two months, according to SoSoValue data, with May opening on a strong note following Friday's $629 million single-day inflow. That has pushed cumulative net inflows since the products launched in January 2024 to $58.72 billion.
The number sounds large -- and it is -- but it sits $2.47 billion below the record cumulative high of $61.19 billion reached in October 2025, the same month Bitcoin printed its all-time high above $126,000. The gap is a useful reality check on the narrative of a full institutional demand recovery.
The Outflow Hole Is Not Yet Filled
The scale of the hole that needs to be filled becomes clearer when measured against the outflow period that preceded the current recovery. Between November 2025 and February 2026, investors pulled $6.38 billion from spot Bitcoin ETFs as Bitcoin fell from above $100,000 to nearly $60,000 -- a four-month stretch of sustained redemptions that reflected a combination of profit-taking at all-time highs, geopolitical risk aversion following the October flash crash, and broader macro uncertainty driven by the Iran conflict and elevated inflation.
The $3.29 billion recovered over March and April represents approximately half of that outflow figure. At the current pace, full recovery to the October cumulative peak would require several more months of sustained inflows at or above the recent monthly averages -- a trajectory that depends heavily on Bitcoin maintaining and building on its current position above $80,000, the Fed's rate path becoming more accommodative, and geopolitical risks around the Strait of Hormuz easing.
Recovery Is Real, Momentum Is the Question
The incomplete nature of the recovery is not necessarily a bearish signal. The direction of flows has clearly reversed, institutional appetite has returned, and the structural demand base from corporate treasury buyers -- Strategy's $3.9 billion in April purchases alone absorbed nearly five months of mining supply -- continues to provide a floor beneath spot prices.
What remains uncertain is whether the recovery can accelerate from here. The April monthly inflow of $1.97 billion was the highest since October 2025, but it still represents less than a third of the cumulative gap relative to the peak. Friday's $629 million single-day inflow -- the strongest in two weeks -- suggests momentum is building at the start of May, but with Bitcoin only recently breaking above $80,000 for the first time since January and the macro backdrop still clouded by Hormuz uncertainty and Fed higher-for-longer signals, the pace of flow recovery will depend on catalysts that remain outside the market's immediate control.
As SoSoValue data makes clear, the ETF recovery story is real -- but it is a story still being written rather than one that has reached its conclusion.

Key Takeaways
Morgan Stanley's MSBT pulled in over $100 million in its first six days entirely through self-directed client channels, before the product was even made available through financial advisorsDespite a formal 2%–4% Bitcoin allocation recommendation, advisor adoption remains slow due to an education gap Morgan Stanley is now addressing through internal training programs80% of ETP exposure on Morgan Stanley's wealth platform is self-directed, highlighting the demand-supply mismatch between client appetite and advisor readinessOldenburg said US banks may eventually hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets but flagged Fed guidance, Basel rules, and global regulatory requirements as significant barriersMorgan Stanley is pursuing an OCC digital trust charter that would allow the bank to custody crypto directly and offer spot crypto trading on its wealth platformBlackRock's IBIT has amassed over $61 billion in assets, becoming the fastest-growing ETF in history since launching in January 2024
Morgan Stanley's head of digital asset strategy Amy Oldenburg offered the clearest public picture yet of how the world's largest wealth manager is approaching Bitcoin -- and how far the industry still has to go before the asset reaches US bank balance sheets at scale.
Speaking at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, Oldenburg outlined a financial institution that is moving deliberately into digital assets against a backdrop of growing client demand that is outpacing the readiness of its own advisor network.
$100 Million Before Advisors Even Started
The most striking data point from Oldenburg's remarks was the performance of MSBT -- Morgan Stanley's Bitcoin-backed exchange-traded product and the first of its kind from a US-chartered bank. The product drew more than $100 million in its first six days of trading. What made the inflows particularly notable is that they came entirely from self-directed clients on the bank's platform, before financial advisors had even begun offering the product through the wealth management channel.
"All of that was self-directed, it was not even available in advisory on the wealth platform," Oldenburg said -- a comment that points to a significant pool of pent-up institutional and high-net-worth demand that has not yet been activated through the bank's primary distribution channel.
The Advisor Education Gap
Oldenburg acknowledged a meaningful disconnect between client demand and advisor readiness. Morgan Stanley formally recommends a 2%–4% Bitcoin allocation to clients, yet advisor adoption of the product has been slow. Oldenburg attributed the gap to an education problem rather than a structural resistance to the asset class, noting that the bank has launched internal training programs to bring financial advisors up to speed on digital asset products and their risk characteristics.
The scale of the self-directed skew underscores the point. With 80% of ETP exposure on Morgan Stanley's wealth platform currently coming through self-directed channels, the bank's advisor network represents a largely untapped distribution capacity. If advisor adoption catches up to client demand, the incremental inflow potential from Morgan Stanley's platform alone is significant.
Balance Sheets: Coming, But Not Soon
Oldenburg did not rule out Morgan Stanley eventually holding Bitcoin on its own balance sheet, but was careful to frame the timeline realistically. She pointed to three distinct regulatory barriers that must be addressed before a bank of Morgan Stanley's scale could make that move: Federal Reserve guidance on bank crypto holdings, Basel capital rules that currently impose punitive risk-weightings on crypto assets, and the need for alignment across multiple global regulators given the bank's international footprint.
The assessment echoes a broader Wall Street consensus. BNY CEO Robin Vince said in March that large financial institutions will drive the next phase of crypto adoption by bridging traditional finance and digital assets -- but that regulatory clarity must come first. The OCC's recent granting of a national bank trust charter to Coinbase is a step in that direction, but the path from regulatory clarity to Bitcoin appearing on bank balance sheets at scale remains multi-year rather than imminent.
OCC Charter and Custody Ambitions
Morgan Stanley is not waiting for balance sheet clarity to expand its digital asset footprint. Oldenburg confirmed the bank is pursuing an OCC digital trust charter, which would allow Morgan Stanley to custody crypto directly and offer spot crypto trading on its wealth platform -- a capability that would significantly expand its ability to serve client demand beyond exchange-traded products. The MSBT product currently uses Coinbase and BNY Mellon as dual custodians under the existing structure.
The broader context for Morgan Stanley's expansion is a Bitcoin ETF market that has demonstrated extraordinary institutional appetite. BlackRock's IBIT has accumulated over $61 billion in assets since launching in January 2024, becoming the fastest-growing ETF in history -- a benchmark that sets a high bar for what the next wave of bank-distributed Bitcoin products could achieve once advisor networks are fully engaged.

According to CoinMarketCap data, the global cryptocurrency market cap now stands at $2.65T, up by 1.48% over the last 24 hours.Bitcoin (BTC) traded between $78,289 and $80,636 over the past 24 hours. As of 09:30 AM (UTC) today, BTC is trading at $80,000, up by 1.65%.Most major cryptocurrencies by market cap are trading mixed. Market outperformers include TST, DASH, and ZEN, up by 38%, 32%, and 18%, respectively.Bitcoin Just Broke $80,000 — and This Week Could Change EverythingBTC hit levels not seen since January as ETFs surge and Asian equities hit all-time highs. XRP cleared $1.40, Strategy pauses buying ahead of earnings, and Trump's Hormuz military escort could reignite conflict just as markets price in peace.April Jobs Data, Fed Speakers, and a Wave of Bitcoin Treasury Earnings Define the WeekKey Takeaways:April non-farm payrolls drop Friday with consensus at just 73,000 — a sharp deceleration from March's 178,000 — the first print after the 2025 federal shutdown delayA weak print gives the Fed cover to cut sooner; a strong print reinforces the higher-for-longer backdrop capping Bitcoin's recoveryStrategy, Coinbase, MARA, Hut 8, Core Scientific, and CleanSpark all report Q1 earnings this week — putting the Bitcoin treasury trade and miner economics under the spotlightFed's Mary Daly and Austan Goolsbee speak Friday on central bank independence — the same week Powell exits the chair role under White House pressureEcho Base partner Jennifer Hanny: low volatility and light positioning create an asymmetric setup where markets "could react quickly to any catalyst that forces a repricing of risk"BOJ releases monetary policy minutes Wednesday; RBA announces its rate decision Sunday nightSummary:This is one of the most data-dense weeks of 2026 for crypto. The 73,000 payrolls estimate is the single most important number — a significant miss shifts June rate cut odds meaningfully and hands Bitcoin a macro tailwind at exactly the moment it is testing $80,000 for the fourth time. Treasury earnings will tell the market whether Strategy's capital-raising engine and miner business models are holding up at current prices. And Daly and Goolsbee speaking on Fed independence while Powell exits adds an institutional uncertainty layer that could move markets independently of the data.Bitcoin Breaks $80,000 for First Time Since January as Asian Equities Hit Record, ETF Inflows Surge, and Clarity Act Clears Key HurdleKey Takeaways:Bitcoin hit $80,515 at 4:20 AM UTC Monday — its highest since January 31 — before pulling back to ~$78,980; the move represented a 2.7% gain in three hoursThe MSCI AC Asia Index rose 2.3% to an all-time high of 245.2, surpassing its pre-war February record — signaling broad positive global risk sentimentUS spot Bitcoin ETFs logged inflows in 11 of the past 14 trading days; Friday's $629.8M single-day inflow was the strongest in two weeks; two-month cumulative inflows hit $3.29BMorgan Stanley's Bitcoin ETP has attracted $100M+ entirely from self-directed clients before financial advisors have even begun offering the productWhite House crypto adviser Patrick Witt teased a "big announcement" on Trump's Bitcoin reserve in the coming weeks — the US holds ~300,000 BTCMarex: a sustained hold above $80K "turns this into a momentum trade with room to extend"; a rejection risks a pullback toward the mid-$70,000sSummary:After three rejections in eight sessions, Bitcoin finally cleared $80,000 — and this time the supporting structure is more convincing: accelerating ETF inflows, record global equities, legislative progress, and a geopolitical de-escalation signal all converging simultaneously. The Marex framing is the right one: this is now a momentum trade that either extends or fails at the first sign of US session resistance. How Bitcoin handles the US open will be the first real test of whether the breakout has legs or repeats the pattern of the previous three attempts.Trump Launches 'Project Freedom' to Escort Stranded Ships Through Hormuz StraitKey Takeaways:Trump announced Sunday that the US will begin escorting stranded merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz under "Project Freedom," warning interference would be dealt with "forcefully"CENTCOM confirmed support for vessels "seeking to freely transit" the strait, calling the mission essential to regional security and the global economyIran's parliament security chief Ebrahim Azizi immediately warned any US interference constitutes a ceasefire breachTrump separately confirmed he rejected Tehran's 14-point peace proposal as "not acceptable" — even as US-Iran diplomatic talks are described as "very positive"Summary:Project Freedom is the week's most significant geopolitical wildcard. The mission directly challenges Iran's leverage over global oil flows — the core mechanism keeping Brent above $100 — but Iran's parliament has framed any US escort as a ceasefire violation, meaning the first incident in the strait could rapidly reverse the risk-on sentiment driving Bitcoin's $80,000 breakout. The contradiction between Trump rejecting Iran's peace proposal while calling talks "very positive" suggests the diplomatic situation remains deeply unstable beneath the surface calm.Strategy Pauses Bitcoin Purchases Ahead of Q1 EarningsKey Takeaways:Strategy has paused Bitcoin purchases this week ahead of its Q1 2026 earnings report on May 5 — its second buying pause of the yearThe halt ends a 13-week buying streak that concluded in late March; the firm currently holds 818,334 BTC valued at $64.44B at an average cost of $75,532Wall Street expects Q1 revenue near $120M with a GAAP loss primarily due to Bitcoin accounting rulesApril's $3.9B in Bitcoin purchases — Strategy's largest monthly accumulation in a year — will be under the microscope for capital-raising sustainabilitySummary:Strategy's pause is standard pre-earnings housekeeping, but with 818,334 BTC on the balance sheet at an average cost of $75,532 — and Bitcoin now above $80,000 — the company is sitting on meaningful unrealized gains for the first time this cycle. Tuesday's earnings will be watched for two things: whether the STRC-funded capital-raising engine remains viable at current market rates, and whether Saylor signals the pace of future accumulation is accelerating or moderating. Any hint of slowing demand from the market's largest corporate buyer would be a meaningful negative signal.Bitcoin's Potential Path to $250,000 by 2029, Says Peter BrandtKey Takeaways:Veteran trader Peter Brandt targets $250,000 for Bitcoin by 2029, based on the continuation of the four-year halving cycleBrandt believes the current cycle peaked around October 2025, with a potential bottom forming in September–October 2026Extreme downside scenario: retracements to $50,000 or even $40,000 before the next upward cycle beginsBrandt acknowledges divergence: some analysts believe the rebound from February's low already marks the start of a new bull cycleIf the cyclical pattern breaks, Brandt says he will adjust his model rather than force-fit the historical frameworkSummary:Brandt's $250,000 by 2029 thesis is the bullish long-term case — but the path runs through a prolonged bottom that could last until fall 2026 and potentially retest $40,000–$50,000 in extreme scenarios. The key fork in the road is whether February's $62,000 low was the cycle bottom or merely a correction within an ongoing bear phase. Monday's $80,000 break strengthens the case for those who argue the new cycle is already underway — but Brandt's halving-cycle framework suggests the market may be getting ahead of itself if the historical pattern holds.Market movers:ETH: $2362.17 (+2.17%)BNB: $629.02 (+1.58%)XRP: $1.4138 (+1.80%)SOL: $84.8 (+0.93%)TRX: $0.3393 (-0.03%)DOGE: $0.11152 (+3.20%)WBTC: $79479.49 (+1.54%)U: $1.0001 (+0.01%)XAUT: $4575.91 (-0.66%)ADA: $0.2517 (+1.25%)

Brent crude prices soared over 5% on Monday, surpassing $120 a barrel, following Iranian drone strikes on the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, the UAE's primary oil export hub outside the Strait of Hormuz. According to BeInCrypto, the UAE Ministry of Defence intercepted three of four Iranian cruise missiles, with the fourth falling into the sea. The incident led to the diversion of two passenger flights to Dubai and heightened alerts across the Emirates. Meanwhile, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose to 4.46%, a nine-month high, as traders anticipate inflation pressures from escalating energy costs.

Base has integrated Succinct's SP1 zkVM and Trusted Execution Environments to improve its system's cryptographic security and accelerate transaction finality to one day. According to NS3.AI, while Base is not transitioning entirely to a ZK rollup, it will maintain its optimistic rollup design for the time being. The integration aims to replace the existing multi-day challenge period with cryptographic finality, enhancing the efficiency and security of the platform.

Ether has experienced a notable increase, rising 21% from its March 29 low to reach $2,340 on Monday. According to NS3.AI, this upward movement has pushed the cryptocurrency above its realized price of $2,320. Cost basis data indicates that approximately 7.1 million ETH was acquired at prices between $2,750 and $2,850, which may form a potential resistance zone for further price movements.

The Federal Reserve is encountering increased risks to its dual mandate, according to statements made by Federal Reserve official Williams. According to ChainCatcher, Williams noted that the economy is currently facing unusual circumstances, which have contributed to the heightened risks. These comments underscore the challenges the Federal Reserve faces in balancing its objectives of maximum employment and stable prices amid evolving economic conditions.

Key Takeaways
Bitcoin hit an intraday high of $80,594 -- its highest since January 31 -- before dropping to $78,904 after Iran's Fars news agency claimed two missiles struck a US patrol boat near Jask IslandThe US denied any of its ships were hit; oil and equity futures pared sharp initial moves on the denial but Bitcoin held its decline as traders priced in ceasefire fragility$301 million in short positions were liquidated as Bitcoin broke above $80,000 earlier in the sessionBrent crude spiked more than 5% to above $113 per barrel before partially reversing on the US denialTrump announced "Project Freedom" on Truth Social -- a military escort operation through the Strait of Hormuz using guided-missile destroyers, aircraft, and drones -- to which Iran responded by announcing it had "redefined its control zone" extending claimed maritime borders to FujairahEther, Solana, XRP, BNB, and Dogecoin all pulled back from intraday highs but remained positive or only slightly lower on the day
Bitcoin's first sustained push above $80,000 since January lasted hours before an unverified Iranian missile report triggered a sharp reversal, sending the asset from a $80,594 high to $79,074 in late Asian trading Monday as geopolitical risk re-entered the tape at the worst possible technical moment.
The session had begun with significant momentum. Bitcoin broke above $80,000 for the first time since January 31, climbing from $78,415 at 1:25 AM UTC to a $80,594 intraday high by 4:20 AM UTC -- a move that triggered $301 million in short liquidations as bearish positions clustered above the psychological level were forcibly covered. The MSCI AC Asia Index hit a new all-time high of 245.2, breaking its pre-war record from February 22, and broader crypto markets were participating in the risk-on move with Ether up nearly 4%, BNB up 3.3%, and Dogecoin leading altcoin gains.
The Missile Report and the Denial
The reversal came without warning. Iran's state-affiliated Fars news agency claimed that two missiles had struck a US patrol boat near Jask Island after the vessel allegedly ignored Iranian warnings to leave its territorial waters. Brent crude spiked more than 5% to trade above $113 per barrel within minutes of the report. Bitcoin dropped nearly $1,500 from its intraday high as traders immediately priced in the possibility of a ceasefire collapse and full-scale military escalation.
The US denied the report shortly after, stating no American ship had been struck. Oil and equity futures pared their sharp initial moves on the denial, with Brent retreating from the $113 spike. Bitcoin, however, held its decline -- a sign that traders are pricing in the fragility of the ceasefire that has held since early April rather than treating the US denial as a full all-clear. The asymmetry between the speed of the selloff and the partial nature of the recovery reflects the market's heightened sensitivity to any Iran-related headline at this juncture.
Project Freedom Escalates the Hormuz Standoff
The missile report arrived hours after President Trump announced "Project Freedom" on Truth Social -- a US military operation to begin escorting ships stranded in the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday. The operation involves guided-missile destroyers, aircraft, and drones, and represents the most direct US military intervention in the strait since the conflict began.
Iran responded by announcing it had "redefined the control zone" around Hormuz, extending its claimed maritime borders to Fujairah -- a port city in the UAE on the Gulf of Oman -- and signaling that Tehran intends to regulate shipping traffic in the area regardless of US escort operations. The competing claims over maritime jurisdiction set up a direct confrontation scenario that markets are now actively pricing as a tail risk.
Altcoins Pull Back but Hold Gains
Other major cryptocurrencies followed Bitcoin lower from intraday highs but remained broadly positive on the day. Ether traded at $2,341, up 1.2% over 24 hours after touching $2,368 earlier in the session. Solana sat at $84.08, up just 0.2% after starting Monday at $85.14. XRP slipped to $1.40 and BNB retreated to $623. Dogecoin held up better than most, remaining up 2.3% on the day at $0.1102 with the weekly print still at 12.1%.
What Comes Next
Whether the US denial holds or fresh confirmation emerges from either the Iranian or US side will likely set the directional tone for the remainder of the US session. A confirmed attack would almost certainly trigger a sharp risk-off move across crypto and equities. A sustained US denial that is accepted by markets would likely allow Bitcoin to stabilize around $79,000 and potentially retest $80,000 as the session progresses.
The broader setup heading into the week remains constructive -- $301 million in shorts were liquidated in the breakout, the Clarity Act stablecoin compromise is advancing toward a Senate markup, ETF inflows totaled $629.8 million on Friday, and the MSCI Asia record reflects genuine global risk appetite. The Iran headline is a reminder that in the current environment, geopolitical risk can reverse even the most technically compelling breakouts within hours.

Oil prices surged close to $120 a barrel on Monday following a drone strike on a UAE oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, according to BeInCrypto. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company tanker Barakah was hit by two drones, with the UAE accusing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of the attack. The incident has effectively closed the strait to commercial traffic for the second time this spring. Brent crude reached an intra-day high of $120.363 before investors began profit-taking. The UAE has called the strike a 'terrorist attack' and demanded Iran cease hostilities and reopen the strait to global shipping.

Elon Musk's net worth has exceeded $800 billion, marking a significant milestone as it now represents 2.7% of the US GDP, a concentration of wealth not seen since John D. Rockefeller's era in 1913. According to BeInCrypto, Musk's wealth surpasses the average GDP of 176 countries, which stands at approximately $612.36 billion. His fortune is primarily tied to Tesla, SpaceX, Twitter, and xAI, with Tesla shares being the largest contributor. SpaceX is valued near $400 billion in secondary markets. Musk's ambitious $10 trillion target would require his holdings to multiply over twelvefold, driven by innovations like autonomous taxis and xAI data centers. Critics, however, view this target as theatrical, citing regulatory scrutiny and market volatility as potential challenges.

Tetra Trust has introduced CADD, a Canadian-dollar stablecoin, following approval from Alberta Treasury Board and Finance. According to NS3.AI, this launch comes after Tetra Trust secured $10 million in funding for the project in September 2025. CADD is recognized as the first CAD-pegged stablecoin issued by a regulated financial institution in Canada, targeting institutional applications such as continuous settlement and treasury transfers.

Veteran trader Peter Brandt has suggested that Bitcoin could reach $250,000 by 2029. According to Odaily, Brandt believes the market will first undergo a prolonged bottoming process, potentially extending until September or October 2026.

Brandt highlighted that Bitcoin's price movement still aligns with the typical 'four-year halving cycle.' Historically, bull markets have peaked approximately 16 to 18 months after a halving event, followed by a bear market, and then a new upward cycle begins 12 to 18 months before the next halving. If this pattern continues, the peak of the current cycle, which began after the April 2024 halving, might occur around October 2025, with the next bottom possibly appearing in the fall of 2026. Even if prices do not fall below previous lows, a 'bottoming structure' characterized by fluctuations and pullbacks could emerge, with extreme cases seeing retracements to the $50,000 or even $40,000 range.

Brandt also noted that his predictions are entirely based on the continuation of historical market rhythms. If the price movement deviates from the cyclical pattern, he will adjust his model accordingly and not adhere to previous assumptions. Currently, there is a divergence of opinions in the market. Some analysts believe that the rebound from the February low marks the start of a new upward cycle, with future performance depending on whether the cyclical structure remains valid.

Kresus has joined forces with Canton Network to facilitate the transition of institutional blockchain pilots into operational systems. According to NS3.AI, Hanwha Investment & Securities, which is developing a tokenized private-market platform on Canton with Kresus, invested $13 million in Kresus in February. Canton Network reports having over 600 participating institutions and approximately $6 trillion in processed assets, with the majority of this volume originating from Broadridge's repo platform.

Key Takeaways
XRP climbed from $1.3840 to $1.4065 in early Asian trading, breaking above resistance near $1.3990 on a sharp pickup in volume that signals genuine positioning rather than a low-liquidity pushThe move breaks XRP out of the lower end of its recent $1.35–$1.45 range, with price consolidating near $1.4040–$1.4060$1.40 is now the critical pivot -- holding above it keeps the breakout intact while a drop back below would signal failure and return price to the rangeThe next resistance zone is $1.41–$1.42, which needs to clear for continuation toward the upper end of the rangeThe XRP move coincided with Bitcoin's push above $80,000, lifting broader crypto risk sentiment during the same Asian session window
XRP reclaimed the $1.40 level in early Asian trading Monday on a surge in volume that distinguishes the move from the low-liquidity pushes that have characterized several recent failed breakout attempts, putting the focus squarely on whether the token can hold the level and advance toward the next resistance cluster.
The token climbed from $1.3840 to $1.4065, breaking above resistance near $1.3990 before consolidating near $1.4040–$1.4060 just above the breakout zone. The move accelerated during the final hour of the push, with price clearing $1.40 cleanly rather than grinding through it -- a price action characteristic that traders typically associate with real participation rather than passive drift.
Volume Confirms the Move
The key differentiator in Monday's push is the volume profile. XRP has tested the $1.40 level multiple times in recent weeks without sustaining a break, with prior attempts coming on thin volume that failed to attract follow-through buyers. Monday's surge in volume into the breakout confirms that traders are actively repositioning rather than simply marking the price higher in a low-liquidity environment -- a distinction that materially increases the probability that $1.40 can hold as support on any pullback.
The underlying structure also supports the bullish read. XRP has been forming higher lows into the breakout, suggesting a building bid beneath the market rather than a momentum-only move that lacks structural foundation.
The $1.41–$1.42 Resistance Zone
With $1.40 reclaimed, trader attention shifts immediately to the next resistance cluster at $1.41–$1.42 -- the zone that needs to be cleared for XRP to establish momentum toward the upper boundary of its $1.35–$1.45 range. A sustained daily close above $1.42 would likely accelerate the move toward $1.45 and potentially set up a test of the symmetrical triangle breakout target that analysts have identified at $2.15 -- approximately 53% above current levels -- as the medium-term upside scenario.
The Pivot and the Failure Scenario
$1.40 is now the line in the sand. As long as XRP holds above it on any pullback, the breakout structure remains intact and the bullish case continues to develop. A move back below $1.40 would signal that the breakout failed to attract sufficient follow-through and would return price to the $1.35–$1.45 range compression that has defined the past several weeks -- resetting the technical picture and potentially triggering a retest of the $1.38–$1.40 moving average cluster that analysts have identified as the level below which downside toward $1.12 becomes more likely.
The broader backdrop is supportive. Bitcoin's simultaneous push above $80,000 during the same Asian session window lifted risk sentiment across crypto markets, and XRP's institutional demand picture remains constructive with spot XRP ETFs recording $81.6 million in April inflows -- their strongest month since December 2025.

DTCC is preparing to initiate limited production trades of tokenized real-world assets in July, with a full service launch scheduled for October 2026. According to NS3.AI, this initiative will be implemented across infrastructure that manages over $114 trillion in assets. The initial asset set will comprise Russell 1000 stocks, major index ETFs, and U.S. Treasury bills, bonds, and notes. The development process has included collaboration with a working group of more than 50 financial firms.

Federal Reserve official Williams has indicated that the neutral interest rate, known as R-star, may be higher than its recent low readings. According to ChainCatcher, this statement suggests potential adjustments in monetary policy as the Federal Reserve assesses economic conditions.

The Federal Reserve's Williams has indicated that the breakeven point for the employment market may currently range between 0 to 50,000 jobs per month. According to ChainCatcher, this assessment reflects the ongoing adjustments in the labor market dynamics.

Pivotal Research has increased its price target for Alphabet to $470 from $420, maintaining a Buy rating on the stock. According to NS3.AI, this adjustment comes after Alphabet reported Q1 revenue of $109.9 billion, marking a 22% increase year over year and surpassing the analyst consensus of $107.2 billion.

The Federal Reserve is leaning towards a more accommodative stance, reflecting potential long-term policy trends, according to John Williams, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. According to Jin10, Williams noted that the long-term outlook still indicates that interest rates will eventually be lowered. This perspective aligns with the broader expectations of a shift in monetary policy over time.

Colorado lawmakers have introduced SB26-189, aiming to repeal and replace the state's existing AI legislation, SB24-205, with a more focused framework for consequential decisions. According to NS3.AI, the proposed bill seeks to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in sectors such as employment, education, housing, lending, insurance, healthcare, and government services. If enacted, the new regulations would come into effect on January 1, 2027.

Federal Reserve official Williams has stated that the United States' monetary policy remains well-positioned to address the challenges posed by an uncertain economic environment. According to ChainCatcher, Williams emphasized the adaptability and resilience of current monetary strategies in navigating economic fluctuations.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that any attack on American ships will result in severe consequences. According to Odaily, Trump emphasized that such actions would lead to Iran being 'wiped off the face of the Earth.'

ASTEROID, a meme coin on the Ethereum blockchain, experienced a significant surge, briefly reaching a market capitalization of over $180 million after rising more than 43% intraday. According to NS3.AI, the coin's market cap later settled at approximately $177 million. Ansem, a notable figure in the crypto community, mentioned on X that they were contemplating closing Ethereum positions to invest in ASTEROID.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced on his personal channel that transaction fees on the TON network have decreased by approximately six times, nearing a 'virtually zero' level. According to ChainCatcher, the next phase of key adjustments will see Telegram replacing the TON Foundation as the primary driving force behind TON. Telegram is set to become the largest validator node on the TON network, with a focus on optimizing technical performance and infrastructure. Updates to the technical roadmap include the launch of a new ton.org, the release of next-generation developer tools, and upgrades to network performance and scalability. These enhancements are expected to be implemented within the next 2–3 weeks.

U.S. Federal Reserve official Williams has projected that inflation will be at 3% this year, with a return to the 2% target by 2027. According to Jin10, he also forecasts that the U.S. economy will grow between 2% and 2.25% this year. Additionally, the unemployment rate is expected to remain around 4.25% to 4.50%.

Federal Reserve official John Williams stated that tariffs and energy are the primary drivers of inflation, while core inflation remains generally stable. According to Jin10, Williams noted that controlled inflation expectations are a positive signal.

KWave Media, a Nasdaq-listed South Korean entertainment company, has announced a strategic shift in its investment focus. According to NS3.AI, the company plans to redirect up to $485 million, initially secured for its Bitcoin treasury strategy, into AI infrastructure. This move will fund data centers, GPU computing operations, and related AI investments under a revised securities purchase agreement with Anson Funds.

The decision comes as part of KWave Media's efforts to support debt reduction and restructuring. The company first announced its Bitcoin treasury strategy in 2025 as a component of a broader capital market reorganization plan. This pivot towards AI infrastructure reflects a significant change in KWave Media's investment priorities.

On May 5, Jin10 reported that the Brazilian Central Bank released its weekly survey report on May 4, indicating that the financial market's expectation for the national consumer price index (IPCA) this year has been raised from 4.86% to 4.89%. According to Jin10, this marks the eighth consecutive week of upward adjustments due to increasing uncertainty stemming from the Middle East conflict, surpassing the central bank's target range. Previously, the Brazilian Central Bank's monetary policy committee had set a central target of 3%, with a permissible fluctuation of 1.5 percentage points, establishing a lower limit of 1.5% and an upper limit of 4.5%.

Securitize has received approval from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to broaden its broker-dealer capabilities, marking a significant milestone as the first U.S. broker-dealer authorized to offer custody for security tokens. According to NS3.AI, this approval enables Securitize to facilitate on-chain initial public offering (IPO) infrastructure, execute atomic swaps between security tokens and stablecoins, and manage on-chain clearing and settlement within a single transaction. Additionally, Securitize is now positioned to act as an underwriter or participate as a member of a selling group in public offerings of security tokens.

Strive CEO Matt Cole announced on the X platform that he has increased his Bitcoin holdings by purchasing 444 Bitcoins for approximately $33.9 million. According to ChainCatcher, the average purchase price was around $76,307 per Bitcoin, bringing the total Bitcoin holdings to 15,000. Currently, Bitcoin's quarterly return rate stands at 4.3%, with an annual return rate of 18.7%.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed a temporary ceasefire on the Ukrainian front from May 8 to 9, coinciding with the observance of Victory Day on May 9. According to NS3.AI, this decision comes as part of the annual commemoration of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The ceasefire aims to honor the historical significance of the day and provide a momentary pause in hostilities.

Haun Ventures, founded by former a16z partner Katie Haun, has successfully raised $1 billion for its new fund, according to Foresight News. The fund will allocate resources equally between early-stage and late-stage investments, with plans to invest in cryptocurrency and blockchain companies over the next two to three years. Additionally, Haun intends to invest globally in startups that integrate financial services, artificial intelligence, and alternative assets.

Federal Reserve official John Williams stated that a balanced job market plays a crucial role in controlling inflation. According to Jin10, Williams emphasized the importance of maintaining equilibrium in employment to manage inflationary pressures effectively. He noted that a stable labor market contributes to economic stability and helps in achieving the Federal Reserve's inflation targets.

Federal Reserve official John Williams has indicated that inflation driven by tariffs is expected to ease. According to Jin10, Williams noted that the impact of tariffs on inflation should diminish over time, suggesting a potential reduction in inflationary pressures. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the effects of trade policies on the U.S. economy.

The likelihood of the Clarity Act passing in 2026 has increased significantly, with odds rising from 46% to 64%, following a recent agreement among senators on stablecoin yield regulations. According to NS3.AI, this development was further bolstered by support from Brian Armstrong. The draft legislation proposes a ban on payments that resemble interest-bearing bank deposits, while still permitting rewards linked to genuine activities or transactions. The bill mandates that U.S. financial regulators provide clarification on the rule within a year. Additionally, a Senate Banking Committee markup could occur as early as this month.

Seven cryptocurrency-related companies are set to report between May 5 and May 8, as public miners grapple with an average production cost of nearly $79,995 per Bitcoin. According to NS3.AI, this period will reveal whether over $70 billion in cumulative AI agreements can compensate for the reduced mining margins following the Bitcoin halving.