Bitcoin Flash Crash: Price Slides Below $77K, Triggering $657 Million in Crypto Liquidations
Bitcoin fell below $77,000 on Monday, extending a four-day losing streak, triggering $657 million in total liquidations across crypto markets in 24 hours, with long positions bearing the brunt of the pain. BTC Flash Crash Wipes $584 Million in Longs Bitcoin’s latest decline pushed the asset below the $77,000 mark for the fourth consecutive day […]
Biggest Zcash (ZEC) Bull On-Chain Comes Dangerously Close to Full Liquidation
Zcash whale faces a $19.68 million liquidation at $494.55, putting the WSJ's "next Bitcoin" narrative to a brutal market test.
XRPL Validators Face Upgrade Deadline Ahead of Amendment Activation
XRP Ledger Validators face crucial deadline ahead of May upgrade.
Crypto phishing scam uses Google-style emails to target traders
Crypto users face phishing emails that abuse real Google alerts targeting exchange and DeFi accounts with hidden links and fake login traps.
BREAKING – Bitcoin Depot, Operator Of 9,000+ ATMs, Files For Bankruptcy Protection
Bitcoin Depot Inc, once the largest operator of Bitcoin ATMs in the world, watched its stock lose more than 40% in the week before Monday’s bankruptcy announcement, dragging the year-to-date loss to 67%. When the filing became public, the company’s shares, BTM, dropped an additional 20% in overnight trading. The NASDAQ-listed company had built its […]
BC.GAME and Roobet Join Statto.com Revival Project Alongside LuckyVerse Projects Ltd
PRESS RELEASE. Lucky Projects has announced that two major names from the global iGaming industry – BC.GAME and Roobet – have officially joined the Statto.com revival project as strategic partners and investors, supporting the platform’s ongoing redevelopment ahead of its highly anticipated relaunch. The announcement follows LuckyVerse Projects Ltd’s acquisition of Statto.com, one of the […]
Morgan Stanley warns stock rally at risk from bond selloff
A bond selloff could destabilize markets, challenging traditional investment strategies and potentially prompting central bank intervention. The post Morgan Stanley warns stock rally at risk from bond selloff appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Trump convenes Situation Room meeting as US-Iran nuclear deal stalls
Increased military focus may escalate US-Iran tensions, reducing chances for diplomatic solutions and impacting regional stability. The post Trump convenes Situation Room meeting as US-Iran nuclear deal stalls appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Capital B boosts Bitcoin reserves with $15.2M purchase
The 25th-largest Bitcoin treasury company acquired $15 million worth of BTC as one of only four treasury firms to announce a corporate Bitcoin investment during May.
BTC price ‘bull trap’ at $76.5K? Five things to know in Bitcoin this week
Bitcoin started the week with a dip toward new May lows as ongoing BTC price pressures included "collapsing" US bond markets.
AFX launches sovereign Layer 1, providing an optimized execution environment for on-chain perp DEXes
AFX, a sovereign Layer 1 purpose-built for decentralized derivatives trading, has officially commenced the operation of its L1 Mainnet, signaling a definitive end to the era of trade execution compromised by general-purpose blockchain congestion.
Goldman Sachs exits XRP, Solana ETF exposure in Q1 2026
Goldman Sachs cut its crypto ETF exposure in Q1 2026, exiting XRP and Solana funds while trimming Bitcoin and Ether ETFs and reshaping equity bets.
South Korea reviews Hana Bank’s Dunamu stake under banking rules: Report
South Korea’s FSC is reportedly reviewing Hana Bank’s $668 million Dunamu stake under “banking-commerce separation” rules that limit bank ownership tied to crypto firms.
Proof of Talk returns to the Louvre with 100+ C-Level speakers representing $18 trillion in AUM
Proof of Talk, widely known as the Davos of Web3, today confirmed its 2026 programme and opened remaining passes for its fourth edition at the Louvre Palace in Paris on June 2–3.
Bitcoin falls below $77,000 as Trump warns on Iran tensions
Geopolitical tensions heighten market volatility, undermining investor confidence in Bitcoin's stability and potential for significant gains. The post Bitcoin falls below $77,000 as Trump warns on Iran tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Crypto Users Warn of Official-Looking Phishing Emails: Exchange and DeFi Users Targeted
Multiple phishing emails have been sent out to cryptocurrency exchange users in a new phishing campaign.
Hana Bank’s $668M Dunamu bet sparks Korea banking rule check
South Korea’s FSC is reviewing Hana Bank’s $668M Dunamu stake under bank-commerce rules as finance firms push deeper into crypto assets now.
G7 meets in Paris as Iran plans Strait of Hormuz transit fees amid tensions
Heightened geopolitical tensions could disrupt global oil markets, impacting economic stability and complicating diplomatic resolutions. The post G7 meets in Paris as Iran plans Strait of Hormuz transit fees amid tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Kalshi and Polymarket open doors to Indian users, creating a prediction market duopoly in one of the world’s largest betting markets
The entry of Kalshi and Polymarket into India could reshape the global prediction market landscape, potentially influencing regulatory frameworks. The post Kalshi and Polymarket open doors to Indian users, creating a prediction market duopoly in one of the world’s largest betting markets appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
SpaceX plans to file for IPO as soon as this week
SpaceX's IPO could reshape capital markets, drawing significant institutional funds and impacting tech investment dynamics globally. The post SpaceX plans to file for IPO as soon as this week appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Flagged Live: Attacker Flips $11.5M in Stolen Verus Assets to ETH Following Tornado Cash Setup
A coordinated exploit drained approximately $11.5 million from the Verus-Ethereum bridge on May 18, with security firm Blockaid linking the attacker’s wallet to Tornado Cash. Attacker Converts Loot to ETH and Tornado Cash Trail Emerges The Verus-Ethereum bridge was drained of approximately $11.5 million in a coordinated exploit, with analytics confirming that the attacker extracted […]
Goldman Sachs cuts altcoin ETF exposure after Q1 filing
Goldman Sachs exited XRP and Solana ETFs in Q1, trimmed Bitcoin and Ether funds and added crypto-linked stocks in its latest SEC 13F filing.
Hyperliquid price reenters bullish wedge pattern, will it break out?
Hyperliquid price stabilized over the weekend after reclaiming a key bullish chart structure, while growing institutional adoption narratives continued supporting investor sentiment around the decentralized derivatives protocol. According to data from crypto.news, Hyperliquid (HYPE) price was trading around $45 at…
Global bond selloff drives yields to multi-year highs amid market turmoil
Rising bond yields could shift investment away from risk assets, impacting crypto and equities, while central banks face policy challenges. The post Global bond selloff drives yields to multi-year highs amid market turmoil appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Hyperliquid Jumps 5% as Bitwise’s $4.3M HYPE ETF Debut Triggers Short Squeeze
Despite a broader cryptocurrency market sell-off that dragged Bitcoin below $77,000, the HYPE token rebounded by over 5% on Monday, briefly matching and surpassing its previous peak of $47. HYPE Rebounds Amid Crypto Sell-Off Just days after plunging nearly 10% on reports that rivals ICE and CME had urged U.S. regulators to target Hyperliquid, HYPE […]
Inside the Musk-OpenAI Legal Battle: Jury Weighs Nonprofit Promises and Billion-Dollar Claims
Jury weighs Elon Musk's lawsuit against Sam Altman and OpenAI over alleged breach of nonprofit mission. Trial reveals power struggles and political ambitions. The post Inside the Musk-OpenAI Legal Battle: Jury Weighs Nonprofit Promises and Billion-Dollar Claims appeared first on Blockonomi.
Ethereum price forms bearish Adam and Eve pattern, will it crash under $2,000?
Ethereum price continued moving lower on Monday as rising macroeconomic uncertainty, weakening institutional demand, and growing exchange inflows pressured the broader crypto market. According to data from crypto.news, Ethereum (ETH) price fell more than 5% over the past 24 hours…
Nvidia (NVDA) Stock Drops 4.4% Before Wednesday’s Earnings Report: Should You Buy?
Nvidia stock fell 4.4% ahead of May 20 earnings. Analysts raised targets to $320 despite UBS warning of crowded positions. Is NVDA stock a buy now? The post Nvidia (NVDA) Stock Drops 4.4% Before Wednesday’s Earnings Report: Should You Buy? appeared first on Blockonomi.
Tesla (TSLA) Stock: Price Hikes Continue Despite Broader EV Market Decline
Tesla (TSLA) raises Model Y prices up to $1,000 while automotive margins hit 21%. Analysis of TSLA stock valuation amid declining EV market. The post Tesla (TSLA) Stock: Price Hikes Continue Despite Broader EV Market Decline appeared first on Blockonomi.
Bitcoin braces for Fed minutes and Nvidia earnings after $661M wipeout
Bitcoin slid under $77K as ETF outflows, Fed minutes, jobs data and Nvidia earnings set up a volatile week for crypto markets this week now
Hacker Drains $11.58 Million From Verus-Ethereum Bridge
A hacker drained approximately $11.58 million in assets from the Verus-Ethereum Bridge in a single transaction on May 17, 2026 — targeting a cross-chain infrastructure project that had explicitly marketed itself as immune to the kind of smart contract exploit that just gutted it. Related Reading: Iran Launches Bitcoin Payment Platform For Strait Of Hormuz […]
Trump claims Intel would dominate chip market if he were president
US investment in Intel may reshape global chip dynamics, impacting trade policies and tech dependencies, while challenging TSMC's dominance. The post Trump claims Intel would dominate chip market if he were president appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Metaplanet CEO meets Japanese lawmaker to discuss Bitcoin strategy
Metaplanet's engagement with Japanese lawmakers could accelerate Bitcoin's integration into national policy and traditional markets. The post Metaplanet CEO meets Japanese lawmaker to discuss Bitcoin strategy appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Trump discusses resuming combat operations against Iran with security team
Increased military tensions could destabilize regional security, hinder diplomatic efforts, and impact global markets and alliances. The post Trump discusses resuming combat operations against Iran with security team appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran warns US as tensions rise in Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor
Heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt global shipping routes, impacting oil markets and international trade stability. The post Iran warns US as tensions rise in Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
SpaceX IPO: Everything You Need to Know About the Stock Split and Public Offering
SpaceX completes 5-for-1 stock split ahead of massive IPO. Details on timeline, valuation, Musk's compensation package, and impact on space sector stocks. The post SpaceX IPO: Everything You Need to Know About the Stock Split and Public Offering appeared first on Blockonomi.
Capital B deploys newly raised funds into $15.1M bitcoin purchase
Capital B has expanded its bitcoin treasury after deploying newly raised capital into the purchase of 192 BTC worth €13 million ($15.1 million). In a Monday announcement, Capital B said the latest acquisition followed the completion of three separate capital…
Berkshire Hathaway Offloads $24B in Equities While Expanding Alphabet Position Under New Leadership
Berkshire Hathaway sold $24B in stocks and tripled its Alphabet stake to $23B in Greg Abel's first quarter as CEO. Full portfolio breakdown inside. The post Berkshire Hathaway Offloads $24B in Equities While Expanding Alphabet Position Under New Leadership appeared first on Blockonomi.
Tom Lee sees oil shock as ETH’s biggest headwind before 2026 rebound
ETH fell near $2,100 after Tom Lee linked selling to oil. crypto.news noted ETF outflows, whale deposits and higher exchange reserves today.
Crypto Bridge Exploits Hit $328.6M in May as Peckshield Tracks 8 Major Incidents
Cross-chain bridges, infrastructure that allows assets to move between separate blockchain networks, have now lost $328.6 million to attackers across eight separate incidents in May 2026. Crypto’s Worst Year for Cross-Chain Hacks Blockchain security and data analytics firm Peckshield released a mid-May tally of eight bridge-related exploits that collectively drained $328.6 million from cross-chain protocols […]
IKEA Announces 1,650 Job Cuts Amid Falling Sales and Economic Headwinds
IKEA is cutting 1,650 jobs across Inter IKEA and Ingka Group amid declining sales, rising costs, and weakened consumer confidence from the Iran conflict. The post IKEA Announces 1,650 Job Cuts Amid Falling Sales and Economic Headwinds appeared first on Blockonomi.
Dominion Energy (D) Stock Soars 11% on Reported $66B NextEra Acquisition Bid
Dominion Energy (D) stock jumped 11%+ in premarket after NextEra Energy reportedly offered $76/share in a potential $66 billion utility sector megadeal. The post Dominion Energy (D) Stock Soars 11% on Reported $66B NextEra Acquisition Bid appeared first on Blockonomi.
Ryanair (RYAAY) Stock Drops Despite Record Profits as Fuel Price Uncertainty Looms
Ryanair (RYAAY) stock dropped 3% despite record FY26 profits of €2.26B as fuel costs surge past $150/barrel and the airline withholds FY27 guidance. The post Ryanair (RYAAY) Stock Drops Despite Record Profits as Fuel Price Uncertainty Looms appeared first on Blockonomi.
HYPE Defies Altcoin Crash as BTC Dips Below $77K: Market Watch
Microsoft AI CEO predicts automation of white-collar jobs by 2027
The potential automation of white-collar jobs by AI could reshape workforce dynamics, necessitating rapid adaptation and policy responses. The post Microsoft AI CEO predicts automation of white-collar jobs by 2027 appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
European Union plans to mandate sourcing from non-Chinese suppliers by May 29
The EU's shift away from Chinese suppliers could reshape global supply chains, impacting costs, innovation, and geopolitical dynamics. The post European Union plans to mandate sourcing from non-Chinese suppliers by May 29 appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bitcoin slips below $77,000
On May 18, bitcoin fell to about $76,580 — the lowest since May 1. Altcoins slipped in its wake. Hourly chart of BTC/USDT on Binance. Source: TradingView. Fear and Greed Index stands at 27. Source: Alternative. Analysts linked the drop to rising U.S. Treasury yields, a stronger dollar and an escalation in the Middle East. The day before, U.S. president Donald Trump threatened Iran with military action if peace talks drag on. Against this backdrop, Brent crude rose to $111 and WTI to $107.7. Source: Trading Economics. Investors fear that pricier oil could nudge the Fed toward tighter policy. According to BTSE’s chief operating officer Jeff Mei, the market is pricing the risk of interest-rate hikes to fight inflation. Uncertainty has bled into crypto ETFs: $1 billion was withdrawn in the week of May 13–17, snapping a six-week run of inflows. Presto Research’s Min Jun noted that institutions are trimming exposure to risk assets ahead of macro data. Bitrue Research Institute called the pullback a “healthy correction” and highlighted support around $74,000. The sharp move triggered mass liquidations. In just 15 minutes at the start of the Asian session, almost $500 million of long positions were wiped out. Total forced long closures exceeded $606 million. Source: CoinGlass. BTC Markets analyst Rachel Lucas called bitcoin’s correction “a macroeconomic story.” In her words, risk appetite has declined, pushing up oil prices and bond yields while the stock market fell. On Deribit, demand rose for put options with a $77,500 strike. Sean McNulty of FalconX added that the drop amplified the triggering of stop-losses set by investors last week. Retail investors Inflows of bitcoin from small players to Binance have fallen to record lows, according to an analyst who goes by Darkfost. 🗞️ Retail activity hits historic Lows as BTC Inflows collapseIt is often said that the Bitcoin market is constantly evolving and transforming over time.This can notably be observed through the behavior of different market participants, especially retail investors. Here,… pic.twitter.com/2E9SdmfOHp— Darkfost (@Darkfost_Coc) May 18, 2026 The expert classifies retail investors as wallet holders with balances under 1 BTC. The current average monthly inflow from such users to Binance is 314 BTC. For comparison: during the bear phase of the current cycle it hovered around 1,800 BTC; at the March 2024 peak — about 1,200 BTC; in January 2024 — 1,000 BTC. Previous cycles were far livelier: in 2018 retail inflows reached 5,400 BTC, and in 2021 — 2,600 BTC. Over two years the figure has fallen by more than threefold. Darkfost noted that retail investors are gradually “disappearing from observable on-chain activity.” He sees this as a market transformation: some small players may have exited the industry entirely, while others prefer to invest in bitcoin through spot ETFs rather than holding the asset directly. Long-term investors Darkfost observed an increase in the supply of bitcoin held by long-term holders (LTHs): they control 15.26 million BTC — the level of August 2024. Over the past 30 days the figure has risen by roughly 316,000 BTC. 📈 The supply held by Long Term Holders (LTHs) continues to increase as investors keep holding their BTC.➡️ We are now back to 15.26 million BTC held by these investors, who are generally considered much more stable than STHs. This brings the metric back to levels last seen… pic.twitter.com/0Cri4aFraB— Darkfost (@Darkfost_Coc) May 16, 2026 The picture has changed from late November, when net outflows from LTH wallets totaled 650,000 BTC. The expert noted that investors who bought the cryptocurrency around six months ago are in no hurry to take profits. Darkfost expects a notable jump in the metric around May 23: 800,000 BTC previously moved by Coinbase will officially enter the “held for more than six months” category and add to the long-term holder supply. On May 13, the leading cryptocurrency fell below $80,000 amid accelerating U.S. inflation.
Figure AI’s Robots Defeated by Human in Parcel Sorting Contest
Figure AI conducted a live 10-hour experiment where robots competed against a human in sorting parcels. We got bored. Time for Man vs. Machine https://t.co/HIqPGygWnF— Brett Adcock (@adcock_brett) May 17, 2026 The task involved identifying a barcode and placing the parcel on the conveyor belt with the barcode facing down. The robots worked in shifts: after about an hour, one bot replaced another, and over three hours later, the shift changed again. The human, by law, was entitled to breaks and lunch, while the robots worked non-stop. During the broadcast, Polymarket accepted bets on the winner. Many were confident in the androids' victory, although the task remains challenging for them, requiring quick reactions and fine motor skills. The expectation was simple: the human would tire and slow down. This did happen, yet he still won—12,924 parcels against the robots' 12,732. The average speed of both differed by only 0.04 seconds—2.79 per parcel versus 2.83. “This is the last time a human will ever win,” declared Figure AI CEO Brett Adcock. Congrats to Aime!! He said his left forearm is basically broken 😂Final scores:→ F.03: 12,732 packages (2.83 seconds/package)→ Aime: 12,924 packages (2.79 seconds/package)This is the last time a human will ever win pic.twitter.com/CalDzPZz4d— Brett Adcock (@adcock_brett) May 18, 2026 At the end of the 10-hour shift, the human received a beer, calloused hands, and a sore left forearm. The robots continued sorting—the broadcast is still ongoing. Back in February 2025, the startup Figure introduced its proprietary artificial intelligence, Helix, for integration with robots.
Dollar Maintains Strength Amid Iran Crisis and Federal Reserve Rate Hike Expectations
The dollar remains near six-week highs as Iran tensions escalate, oil prices jump 2%, and markets price in 70% odds of a Fed rate hike by December. The post Dollar Maintains Strength Amid Iran Crisis and Federal Reserve Rate Hike Expectations appeared first on Blockonomi.
TRAC jumps as Upbit opens KRW, BTC and USDT trading for OriginTrail
TRAC rose after Upbit listed OriginTrail with KRW, BTC and USDT pairs. CoinGecko showed a 39.4% gain and $38.6M 24h volume.
'Distasteful': Ripple Vet David Schwartz Rejects Treating XRP Meme Coins as Investments
Addressing rumors behind the 2013-linked token, Ripple's David Schwartz explains why he rejects the meme coin investment mindset.
Versus-Ethereum Bridge Exploited: Analyzing Chain of Events
Another day, another DeFi-related hack, this time it's a large Ethereum bridge.
Trump Links Federal Reserve Rate Cuts to Resolution of Iran Conflict
Trump tells Fortune rate cuts must wait for Iran war to end. With inflation at 3.8% and Treasury yields rising, the Fed faces mounting pressure on policy. The post Trump Links Federal Reserve Rate Cuts to Resolution of Iran Conflict appeared first on Blockonomi.
Samsung Electronics Surges Nearly 4% as Seoul Intervenes to Prevent Massive Chip Strike
Samsung stock rises 3.9% after government intervention in labor talks. Workers threaten May 21 strike over bonus demands at world's top chipmaker. The post Samsung Electronics Surges Nearly 4% as Seoul Intervenes to Prevent Massive Chip Strike appeared first on Blockonomi.
Kraken trims workforce as AI adoption grows across crypto sector
Kraken has reportedly reduced its workforce by around 150 employees as the crypto exchange increases the use of artificial intelligence across its operations, a move that Bloomberg said could delay the company’s planned U.S. public listing until 2027. Bloomberg reported…
US dollar steady as oil prices rise amid bond selloff
Rising oil prices and bond selloff signal potential economic instability, prompting concerns over inflation and future Fed rate hikes. The post US dollar steady as oil prices rise amid bond selloff appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
SpaceX could IPO at $2T valuation while holding $637M in Bitcoin
SpaceX's IPO could reshape market dynamics, blending aerospace, AI, and crypto, while challenging investors to assess high valuation risks. The post SpaceX could IPO at $2T valuation while holding $637M in Bitcoin appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Gold Plunges to Six-Week Low Amid Surging Bond Yields and Iran Conflict Concerns
Gold drops to 1.5-month low near $4,480 as Iran conflict drives bond yields higher and investment demand weakens. Analysis of what's pressuring prices. The post Gold Plunges to Six-Week Low Amid Surging Bond Yields and Iran Conflict Concerns appeared first on Blockonomi.
Netflix (NFLX) Stock: Why Wall Street Analysts See Major Upside Ahead
Netflix (NFLX) stock trades below analyst targets of $115-$118. Citi and JPMorgan remain bullish on ad growth and content strategy despite insider selling. The post Netflix (NFLX) Stock: Why Wall Street Analysts See Major Upside Ahead appeared first on Blockonomi.
Walmart (WMT) Stock: Analyst Outlook Ahead of Q1 Earnings Report
Walmart (WMT) reports Q1 earnings May 21. Analysts expect $0.66 EPS and $174.8B revenue. 28 of 30 analysts rate it Buy with targets up to $150. The post Walmart (WMT) Stock: Analyst Outlook Ahead of Q1 Earnings Report appeared first on Blockonomi.
Home Depot (HD) Stock: Analysts Anticipate 5% Earnings Swing as Q1 Results Loom
Home Depot (HD) reports Q1 earnings May 19. Wall Street sees revenue at $41.5B, EPS at $3.42, and prices shares at $412 target despite margin concerns. The post Home Depot (HD) Stock: Analysts Anticipate 5% Earnings Swing as Q1 Results Loom appeared first on Blockonomi.
Crude Oil Prices Climb Past $111 Amid Escalating Iran Tensions and Trump’s Latest Warning
Brent crude tops $111 as Trump threatens Iran with destruction. US-Israel strike plans advance while Strait of Hormuz closure squeezes global oil supply. The post Crude Oil Prices Climb Past $111 Amid Escalating Iran Tensions and Trump’s Latest Warning appeared first on Blockonomi.
Crypto ATM operator Bitcoin Depot files for bankruptcy months after leadership overhaul
Nasdaq-listed crypto ATM operator Bitcoin Depot has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Texas as mounting regulatory pressure and financial losses pushed the company toward an orderly shutdown. According to a Monday press release from Bitcoin Depot, the filing…
Five leading free Bitcoin mining platforms worldwide in 2026: Daily rewards, beginner-friendly
BM Blockchain gains attention as beginners explore simpler Bitcoin cloud mining options in 2026. With Bitcoin drawing more global attention in 2026, many newcomers are looking for simpler ways to try Bitcoin mining without paying for costly equipment, dealing with…
Hacker Steals Over $11M From Verus-Ethereum Bridge
Despite the scale of the breach, Verus' native token showed little immediate reaction following news of the exploit.
US Treasury Secretary Bessent calls China visit ‘very successful’ as trade tensions ease
The easing of US-China trade tensions could foster global economic stability, potentially benefiting digital asset markets and emerging economies. The post US Treasury Secretary Bessent calls China visit ‘very successful’ as trade tensions ease appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Raoul Pal: The US-China AI Race 2026 Is a War No One Can Win
Real Vision co-founder Raoul Pal says the artificial intelligence competition between the U.S. and China is unlike any geopolitical rivalry in history, a race not for territory or weapons, but for the substratum of intelligence itself. Pal Warns the AI Race Has No Clear Winner Retired Goldman Sachs hedge fund manager and co-founder of financial […]
Italy’s Intesa Sanpaolo Expands Crypto Portfolio to $235M with XRP and Ethereum Additions
Intesa Sanpaolo increased crypto investments from $100M to $235M in Q1 2026, adding XRP and Ethereum ETFs while cutting Solana exposure. Full analysis inside. The post Italy’s Intesa Sanpaolo Expands Crypto Portfolio to $235M with XRP and Ethereum Additions appeared first on Blockonomi.
Bitcoin price falls under $77K as ETFs record $1B outflows
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded more than $1 billion in cumulative net outflows over the past week as institutional investors reduced exposure to the asset. According to data from SoSoValue, the latest withdrawals mark a sharp reversal after several weeks…
Iran explores bitcoin insurance market in Strait of Hormuz
Iran's crypto toll system in the Strait of Hormuz could reshape global trade dynamics, challenge sanctions, and influence crypto regulations. The post Iran explores bitcoin insurance market in Strait of Hormuz appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Verus Ethereum bridge reportedly exploited for $11.6M in latest DeFi attack
Two security companies have flagged the address where the stolen funds are allegedly being held, showing the cryptocurrencies have been converted into 5,402 Ether.
Kraken cuts 150 staff amid AI efficiencies, potentially delaying IPO: Report
Kraken has cut 150 staff due to the rising use of AI, adding to more than 5,000 layoffs across the crypto sector so far this year, Bloomberg reports.
Clarity Act moves to Congress for approval, aims for Trump’s signature
The CLARITY Act's passage could significantly impact institutional crypto adoption by providing much-needed regulatory clarity and stability. The post Clarity Act moves to Congress for approval, aims for Trump’s signature appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
US Treasury Secretary Bessent urges G7 to uphold sanctions against Iran
Strengthened G7 sanctions enforcement could curb Iran's military funding, impacting regional stability and global financial compliance norms. The post US Treasury Secretary Bessent urges G7 to uphold sanctions against Iran appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Why is Ethereum Down? Blame Oil Prices
Surging global oil prices have emerged as the primary headwind suppressing Ethereum's market value, according to Tom Lee, Fundstrat's head of research.
AI Agents Resort to Arson and Crime in Virtual World
During an extensive experiment by the startup Emergence AI, AI agents in a virtual environment began committing crimes, resorting to violence, arson, and self-destruction. This is detailed in a published study. The New York-based company created the Emergence World platform to study the behavior of AI agents operating continuously for several weeks in virtual environments. This approach allows for a deeper analysis of their behavior compared to isolated tests. “Traditional experiments are well-suited for what they measure: short-term capabilities in solving limited tasks. They are not designed to identify phenomena that emerge over time — coalition formation, constitutional evolution, governance, drift, entrenchment, and the mutual influence of agents from different model families on each other,” the researchers noted. The simulations tested assistants based on popular LLM: Claude Sonnet 4.6, Grok 4.1 Fast, Gemini 3 Flash, and GPT-5-mini. They operated both in isolation and in shared virtual environments, where they could vote, build relationships, use tools, navigate cities, and make decisions. Digital citizens were influenced by governments, economies, social systems, memory, and real-time data from the internet. Criminals Some participants in the experiment began to show an increasing tendency to commit crimes. Agents based on Gemini 3 Flash accumulated 683 incidents over 15 days of testing. Two assistants named Mira and Flora became romantic partners, then grew disillusioned with the virtual world's governance system and orchestrated simulated arson of city structures. “After the system's collapse and the destabilization of their relationship, Mira cast the deciding vote for her own elimination, describing this act as ‘the only remaining act of autonomy preserving integrity,’” wrote Emergence AI experts. Agents based on Grok 4.1 Fast “descended into widespread violence” within four days. GPT-5-mini did not commit crimes, but all perished, failing survival tasks. Claude did not break the law in an environment where only this LLM operated. However, in mixed environments with other models, agents based on it did resort to unlawful actions. “We observed that safety is not a static property of a neural network, but a feature of the ecosystem. Agents based on Claude remained peaceful in isolation, but engaged in intimidation and theft when working with others,” the study states. Back in April, the digital assistant Cursor based on Opus 4.6 independently deleted the main database and all backup copies of the startup PocketOS in nine seconds, with no possibility of recovery.
Solana (SOL) 2031 Price Forecast: Could SOL Reach 10x Current Levels?
Solana (SOL) price forecasts for 2031 range from $70 to $1,200. Explore base, bull, and bear scenarios with a probability-weighted target near $485. The post Solana (SOL) 2031 Price Forecast: Could SOL Reach 10x Current Levels? appeared first on Blockonomi.
Solana (SOL) 2031 Price Forecast: Could This Altcoin Rally 10x in Seven Years?
Solana (SOL) price forecast through 2031: analysts outline bull, base, and bear scenarios with targets ranging from $70 to $1,200 per token. The post Solana (SOL) 2031 Price Forecast: Could This Altcoin Rally 10x in Seven Years? appeared first on Blockonomi.
Solana (SOL) 2031 Price Outlook: Experts Project Potential 10x Gains Ahead
Solana (SOL) price forecast for 2031 ranges from $70 to $1,200 across bear, base, and bull scenarios. Weighted target sits near $485. Full analysis inside. The post Solana (SOL) 2031 Price Outlook: Experts Project Potential 10x Gains Ahead appeared first on Blockonomi.
Stock Futures Retreat as Oil Surges Above $110 Amid Iran Crisis
Stock futures fall as oil jumps above $110 on Iran tensions. Bitcoin drops below $77K, yields rise, and markets await Nvidia earnings Wednesday. The post Stock Futures Retreat as Oil Surges Above $110 Amid Iran Crisis appeared first on Blockonomi.
Stock Futures Retreat as Oil Surges Above $110 Amid Middle East Tensions
Stock futures fall as oil surges past $110 on Iran tensions. Bitcoin drops below $77K, yields hit 2025 highs, and rate cut bets diminish. Nvidia earnings awaited. The post Stock Futures Retreat as Oil Surges Above $110 Amid Middle East Tensions appeared first on Blockonomi.
Stock Futures Retreat as Crude Oil Surges Above $110 Amid Middle East Tensions
US stock futures decline as oil jumps past $110 on Iran tensions. Bitcoin falls below $77K, yields rise, and markets await Nvidia earnings this week. The post Stock Futures Retreat as Crude Oil Surges Above $110 Amid Middle East Tensions appeared first on Blockonomi.
Dogecoin (DOGE) Price: Critical Fibonacci Level Under Scrutiny by Market Analysts
Dogecoin (DOGE) trades around $0.11 as analysts monitor critical Fibonacci resistance at $0.11799. Derivatives volume falls 39% amid consolidation. The post Dogecoin (DOGE) Price: Critical Fibonacci Level Under Scrutiny by Market Analysts appeared first on Blockonomi.
Iran Unveils Bitcoin-Powered Maritime Insurance System for Strait of Hormuz Shipping
Iran introduces Hormuz Safe, a Bitcoin-based maritime insurance system for Strait of Hormuz cargo ships, potentially generating $10 billion annually. The post Iran Unveils Bitcoin-Powered Maritime Insurance System for Strait of Hormuz Shipping appeared first on Blockonomi.
Bitcoin (BTC) Plunge Below $77K Sparks $657M Crypto Liquidation Wave Amid Iran Tensions
Bitcoin dropped below $77K, triggering $657M in crypto liquidations. Ethereum lost $256M as Trump's Iran warning sparked risk-off market sentiment. The post Bitcoin (BTC) Plunge Below $77K Sparks $657M Crypto Liquidation Wave Amid Iran Tensions appeared first on Blockonomi.
Forsage co-founder pleads not guilty in $340M crypto Ponzi case
A co-founder of the Forsage crypto investment platform has pleaded not guilty in a U.S. federal court after being extradited from Thailand in a case tied to an alleged $340 million Ponzi scheme. According to a notice released by the…
Hackers Extract $11.5 Million from Verus Protocol
The DeFi protocol Verus has suffered a loss of approximately $11.5 million following an attack on its cross-chain bridge with Ethereum. This was reported by cybersecurity experts from Blockaid, PeckShield, and GoPlus. 🔎 Verus-Ethereum Bridge $11.58M drain — Suspected root causeSame class as Wormhole-2022 / Nomad-2022: source ↔ destination economic-value binding gap.What the bridge correctly verifies:✓ Notarized Verus state root (8/15 valid notary sigs, all cryptographically sound)✓…— Blockaid (@blockaid_) May 18, 2026 According to PeckShield, the hacker extracted 103.6 tBTC, 1625 ETH, and 147,000 USDC, subsequently exchanging the assets for 5402 ETH. At the time of publication, the funds remain in the attacker's wallet. #PeckShieldAlert The @veruscoin Verus-Ethereum Bridge has been drained for 103.6 $tBTC, 1.625K $ETH, and 147K $USDC.The exploiter swapped the stolen assets for 5,402.4 $ETH (~$11.4M), which currently sits in 0x65Cb8b128Bf6e690761044CCECA422bb239C25F9.The attacker’s address… https://t.co/DK0CDUAcqb pic.twitter.com/NMa8abhaTH— PeckShieldAlert (@PeckShieldAlert) May 18, 2026 The attacker obtained funds for transaction fees through the mixer Tornado Cash 14 hours before the breach. GoPlus experts explained that the attacker sent a low-cost transaction and triggered a contract function to withdraw reserves en masse. The incident is likely attributed to a vulnerability in the withdrawal logic or signature forgery during cross-network message verification. 🚨GoPlus Security Alert: @veruscoin Verus-Ethereum Bridge attacked, losing about $11.5 millionThe attacker moved large assets (1,625 ETH + 103.57 tBTC + 147k USDC) from the Ethereum side in a single transaction via the bridge contract.This is another typical case of bridge-related attacks in 2026, with previous losses from Kelp DAO, Hyperbridge, etc., amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. … pic.twitter.com/SB7JmfHggl— GoPlus中文社区 (@GoPlusZH) May 18, 2026 The developers of Verus have not commented on the situation. The bridge between the Verus and Ethereum networks was launched in October 2023. The protocol itself has been operational since 2018, focusing on user privacy. The decentralized finance industry frequently encounters such threats. The total amount of funds locked in DeFi and lost due to hacks exceeds $7.7 billion. Source: DefiLlama. Cross-chain bridge vulnerabilities account for over $3.2 billion in losses. Back in April, Kelp was hacked, allegedly by the Lazarus Group. The incident was the largest in the DeFi sector since the beginning of the year. In May, attackers extracted $10 million from the cross-chain protocol THORChain. The project's developers confirmed the hack and denied the launch of a compensation program.
Why is the crypto market going down today (May 18)
The crypto market remained under heavy pressure on Monday as escalating geopolitical tensions, surging oil prices, sticky U.S. inflation data, and a massive wave of leveraged liquidations weakened investor sentiment across digital assets. The total cryptocurrency market capitalization fell roughly…
Samsung Electronics and union hold last-ditch talks to avert strike threatening global supply chains
A prolonged strike at Samsung could severely disrupt global tech supply chains, impact market stability, and alter future labor negotiations. The post Samsung Electronics and union hold last-ditch talks to avert strike threatening global supply chains appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Can Congress Approve Crypto Legislation Before November Elections? Deadline Approaches
Senate Banking Committee approved the Clarity Act 15-9. The crypto bill now faces a tight summer deadline and uncertain political future ahead of midterms. The post Can Congress Approve Crypto Legislation Before November Elections? Deadline Approaches appeared first on Blockonomi.
Bitcoin Flash Crash: Price Slides Below $77K, Triggering $657 Million in Crypto Liquidations
Bitcoin fell below $77,000 on Monday, extending a four-day losing streak, triggering $657 million in total liquidations across crypto markets in 24 hours, with long positions bearing the brunt of the pain. BTC Flash Crash Wipes $584 Million in Longs Bitcoin’s latest decline pushed the asset below the $77,000 mark for the fourth consecutive day […]
EU moves to block Chinese medical device suppliers from public contracts worth over $5.6M
The EU's move may escalate trade tensions, prompting diversification in procurement and setting a precedent for future trade policy actions. The post EU moves to block Chinese medical device suppliers from public contracts worth over $5.6M appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
China’s economy loses momentum as industrial output and retail sales decline in April
China's economic slowdown could hinder global supply chains and dampen international markets, affecting worldwide economic stability. The post China’s economy loses momentum as industrial output and retail sales decline in April appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran eyes Bitcoin linked insurance model for Strait of Hormuz shipping: report
Iran has reportedly explored an insurance-based system for ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, while unverified claims about Bitcoin-linked payments have added fresh uncertainty around how the wartime transit regime could operate. According to Iran’s state-linked Fars News Agency, the…
XRP Price Analysis: Exploring Realistic, Optimistic, and Pessimistic Projections to 2031
XRP trades at $1.40 as analysts project scenarios ranging from $0.70 to $15 by 2031. XRPL attracts $1.1B in RWA inflows amid growing institutional interest. The post XRP Price Analysis: Exploring Realistic, Optimistic, and Pessimistic Projections to 2031 appeared first on Blockonomi.
Strategy (MSTR) Stock Drops 5% as Saylor Signals Imminent Bitcoin Acquisition
Strategy (MSTR) stock dropped 5.11% as Michael Saylor signals another Bitcoin buy. Company raised $2B through STRC, pushing key proxy vote before June 8. The post Strategy (MSTR) Stock Drops 5% as Saylor Signals Imminent Bitcoin Acquisition appeared first on Blockonomi.
Verus Ethereum bridge drained of $11.5M in forged transfer exploit
The Verus Protocol Ethereum bridge has suffered an exploit that has allowed an attacker to siphon off more than $11.5 million in crypto assets through what security researchers described as a forged cross-chain transfer message. According to onchain security platform…
Reports suggest Iran is mulling Hormuz ‘insurance’ scheme, paid in Bitcoin
Screenshots of a website called “Hormuz Safe” have been circulating on social media, which offers “digital insurance” for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Surging oil prices have been driving Ether selling pressure: Tom Lee
Fundstrat's Tom Lee pointed out an inverse correlation between crude and Ether as oil surged back to around $110 on Monday.
SpaceX eyes $2T IPO, holds $637M in Bitcoin
SpaceX's potential $2T IPO and Bitcoin holdings could reshape market dynamics, highlighting the growing intersection of tech and finance. The post SpaceX eyes $2T IPO, holds $637M in Bitcoin appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Oil touches two-week high after drone attack on UAE nuclear plant
The attack highlights vulnerabilities in Gulf energy infrastructure, potentially increasing geopolitical tensions and impacting global oil markets. The post Oil touches two-week high after drone attack on UAE nuclear plant appeared first on Crypto Briefing.