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.
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 Uncertainty has bled into crypto ETFs: $1 billion was withdrawn in the week of May 13–17, snapping a six-week run of inflows.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.
Standard Chartered appoints Manus Costello as permanent CFO
Costello's appointment as CFO could influence Standard Chartered's strategic focus on digital assets, impacting future capital allocation decisions. The post Standard Chartered appoints Manus Costello as permanent CFO appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
US-Israeli war with Iran costs global companies $25B as shipping and energy chaos spreads
Global economic growth may slow, inflation could rise, and investor confidence might waver due to heightened energy and shipping instability. The post US-Israeli war with Iran costs global companies $25B as shipping and energy chaos spreads appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bitcoin (BTC) Plunges Under $77K Amid Soaring Oil Prices and Treasury Yield Surge
Bitcoin (BTC) drops below $77K as oil prices exceed $110 and Treasury yields hit 2007 highs, liquidating $500M in leveraged positions. Full analysis here. The post Bitcoin (BTC) Plunges Under $77K Amid Soaring Oil Prices and Treasury Yield Surge appeared first on Blockonomi.
Ethereum (ETH) Price Approaches Critical Support Zone — Technical Analysis Shows What’s Next
Ethereum (ETH) trades near $2,185 with critical support at $2,170. RSI shows weakness, CME gap targets $2,680, corporate reserves reach $16B. Full analysis. The post Ethereum (ETH) Price Approaches Critical Support Zone — Technical Analysis Shows What’s Next appeared first on Blockonomi.
Pi Network’s PI Plunges to New 3-Month Low Despite Hype Around ‘Game-Changing’ Update
PI is among the poorest performers once again on a daily scale.
Bitcoin (BTC) Tests Support at $76,700: Analyzing the Latest Market Downturn
Bitcoin dropped to $76,700 with $661M liquidated and major ETF outflows. Analysis of the correction and what's next for crypto markets. The post Bitcoin (BTC) Tests Support at $76,700: Analyzing the Latest Market Downturn appeared first on Blockonomi.
NYDIG warns Senate crypto bill could stall after midterms
The U.S. Senate’s crypto market structure bill has entered a narrow legislative window that could close by August if lawmakers fail to move the measure before the midterm election cycle intensifies, according to research firm NYDIG. In a market note…
Iran Launches Bitcoin Payment Platform For Strait Of Hormuz Insurance
Iran has launched a new maritime insurance platform for cargo moving through the Strait of Hormuz, with payments settled in Bitcoin, according to a report from Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency. The project places Bitcoin inside one of the world’s most politically sensitive shipping corridors, where energy flows, sanctions pressure and maritime risk have become […]
Upbit adds OriginTrail TRAC for trading in KRW, BTC, USDT markets starting May 18
Upbit's TRAC listing enhances global trading efficiency, potentially boosting liquidity and investor interest in decentralized data solutions. The post Upbit adds OriginTrail TRAC for trading in KRW, BTC, USDT markets starting May 18 appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Elon Musk and Sam Altman face off in OpenAI lawsuit trial
The trial's outcome could redefine nonprofit commitments in tech, impacting AI industry structures and investor confidence in mission-driven ventures. The post Elon Musk and Sam Altman face off in OpenAI lawsuit trial appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Wes Streeting challenges Keir Starmer for Labour leadership amid party tensions
Streeting's challenge could intensify Labour's internal strife, potentially reshaping its leadership and policy direction by 2026. The post Wes Streeting challenges Keir Starmer for Labour leadership amid party tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Gaming Platform My Pet Hooligan Connects Token Debut to Series Finale
AMGI Studios recently announced the launch of its native token, HOOLI, for the My Pet Hooligan entertainment franchise, featuring an airdrop on May 18. Token Utility and Ecosystem Integration Transmedia entertainment franchise My Pet Hooligan recently announced plans to launch its native token, HOOLI, tying the debut to the 30th episode and finale of its […]
China commits to $17B in US agricultural purchases from 2026 to 2028
The deal could stabilize US agricultural markets, reduce trade tensions, and enhance economic ties, but execution risks remain significant. The post China commits to $17B in US agricultural purchases from 2026 to 2028 appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
$660M Liquidated as Bitcoin Crashes on Trump-Iran Escalation Fears
90% of the liquidations took place within an hour or so when BTC dumped to well below $77,000.
NextEra Energy discusses $76 per share offer for Dominion Energy
The merger could reshape the energy landscape, blending stable utility operations with renewable growth, but faces regulatory and market hurdles. The post NextEra Energy discusses $76 per share offer for Dominion Energy appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Crypto bridge Garden Finance suffers $11M hack via compromised solver
The Garden Finance hack underscores the fragility of crypto bridges, highlighting systemic risks in centralized key management and trust models. The post Crypto bridge Garden Finance suffers $11M hack via compromised solver appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran conflict costs global firms $25B, impacts oil market stability
The Iran conflict exacerbates global economic instability, heightening energy market volatility and threatening future oil price surges. The post Iran conflict costs global firms $25B, impacts oil market stability appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Senate crypto bill at risk beyond midterms if not passed by August: NYDIG
NYDIG’s Greg Cipolaro says the Senate’s crypto market structure bill is at risk of failing if it cannot clear a floor vote by August.
Aave restores WETH borrowing as Kelp DAO recovery moves ahead
Aave has restored borrowing against wrapped Ether across affected markets as the decentralized lending protocol continues recovering from the fallout tied to Kelp DAO’s April exploit. In a post published Sunday, Stani Kulechov said Aave had reinstated loan-to-value ratios for…
These 4 Factors Could Move Bitcoin and Crypto This Week
A busy week lies ahead on the US economic calendar, with Fed speeches, labor market data, and Nvidia earnings, while spot markets give up recent gains.
Absa weighs joining yuan payments platform to boost China-Africa trade
Absa's potential move to join the yuan payments platform could reduce Africa's dollar dependency, lowering transaction costs and currency risks. The post Absa weighs joining yuan payments platform to boost China-Africa trade appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Donald Trump’s Iran war costs Americans $40B in fuel bills
Rising fuel costs from military actions strain American households, highlighting the economic vulnerability tied to geopolitical conflicts. The post Donald Trump’s Iran war costs Americans $40B in fuel bills appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bitcoin Crash Wipes Out $660 Million
A sudden Bitcoin plunge below $77,000 has wiped out over $660 million in leveraged positions, catching overwhelmingly bullish traders completely off guard.
Clarity in a K-Shaped Economy – Week in Review
This editorial is from last week’s edition of the newsletter Week in Review. Subscribe to the newsletter to get this weekly editorial the second it’s finished. The newsletter also includes the biggest stories of the week with a comment on each story. Week in Review Bitcoin finished the week stubbornly battling with $80,000, while ethereum […]
Citadel CEO Ken Griffin says AI agents complete complex finance tasks in days
AI's rapid advancement in finance reshapes job roles, emphasizing AI collaboration skills over traditional technical expertise, impacting market dynamics. The post Citadel CEO Ken Griffin says AI agents complete complex finance tasks in days appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
European Union considers rules to diversify supply chains away from China
EU's potential supply chain diversification rules could increase costs and delay projects, impacting strategic autonomy and climate goals. The post European Union considers rules to diversify supply chains away from China appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bitcoin Depot files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Texas court to wind down ATM network
The shutdown highlights the increasing regulatory challenges and compliance costs facing the crypto ATM industry, impacting its viability. The post Bitcoin Depot files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Texas court to wind down ATM network appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
WETH markets return to normal operations on Aave amid rsETH recovery progress
Aave applied a temporary freeze to WETH as a precautionary safety measure in response to the exploit, alongside freezes on the rsETH and wrsETH reserves.
Analysts debate whether Bitcoin is in a ‘sell in May’ bear market setup
Some analysts argue that a comparatively broadened, institutionalized buyer base for crypto today may prevent a repeat of the drawdowns seen in May 2018 and May 2022.
Verus-Ethereum Bridge Exploit Drains $11.58M in Ongoing Attack
TLDR: Blockaid’s exploit detection system identified an active attack draining $11.58M from the Verus-Ethereum bridge. Peckshield confirmed 103.6 tBTC, 1,625 ETH, and 147,000 USDC were stolen and swapped for 5,402 ETH. GoPlus found the attacker used a low-value transaction to trigger a batch-transfer of all bridge reserves. The attacker’s wallet was pre-funded with 1 ETH [...] The post Verus-Ethereum Bridge Exploit Drains $11.58M in Ongoing Attack appeared first on Blockonomi.
China’s statistics bureau reports rapid growth in AI investment as Beijing bets big on industrial modernization
China's AI investment surge could significantly boost its GDP growth, driving industrial modernization and influencing global tech dynamics. The post China’s statistics bureau reports rapid growth in AI investment as Beijing bets big on industrial modernization appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran military preparations signal potential conflict with neighbors
Heightened military readiness in Iran and Israel's vigilance suggest increased regional instability, impacting peace prospects and market confidence. The post Iran military preparations signal potential conflict with neighbors appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bitcoin On-Chain Signals Show Supply Tightening as Sell Pressure Fades, Binance Research Reports
TLDR: Nearly 60% of Bitcoin supply has not moved in over a year, reflecting strong long-term holder conviction. Exchange-held BTC has fallen to a six-year low as roughly 500,000 coins have permanently left exchanges. The SLRV ratio sits deep in its historical bottom zone, signaling market apathy and low speculation. BTC STH MVRV has reclaimed [...] The post Bitcoin On-Chain Signals Show Supply Tightening as Sell Pressure Fades, Binance Research Reports appeared first on Blockonomi.
Bitget AI Hits 1 Million Users and $1.2B in Agent Trading Volume Across 58 Tools
Bitget’s unified artificial intelligence (AI) trading platform has crossed 1 million users and recorded more than $1.2 billion in cumulative trading volume across 58 AI-powered tools, the exchange revealed this week. Bitget Launches Unified AI Trading Ecosystem The platform, now branded Bitget AI, combines market analysis, strategy execution, and risk management into a single infrastructure […]
China to buy $17B in US agricultural goods annually after Trump-Xi talks
The renewed trade deal could stabilize US-China relations, diversify agricultural exports, and potentially boost US farming sectors. The post China to buy $17B in US agricultural goods annually after Trump-Xi talks appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Trump threatens to reimpose 25% tariffs on EU autos as trade deal falters
The tariff hike risks escalating US-EU tensions, potentially destabilizing global trade relations and impacting international economic growth. The post Trump threatens to reimpose 25% tariffs on EU autos as trade deal falters appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
China’s economic activity weakens in April despite resilient exports
China's economic slowdown, driven by domestic challenges and a struggling property sector, could undermine global market stability. The post China’s economic activity weakens in April despite resilient exports appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
White House creates US-China Boards of Trade and Investment to manage commercial tensions
The establishment of these boards could stabilize US-China trade relations, impacting global markets and supply chains by delineating trade boundaries. The post White House creates US-China Boards of Trade and Investment to manage commercial tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Iran controls Hormuz Strait, reroutes global shipping amid crisis
The rerouting of global shipping due to Iran's control may lead to prolonged regional instability, affecting international trade dynamics. The post Iran controls Hormuz Strait, reroutes global shipping amid crisis appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Samsung Electronics and union resume talks to avert strike amid government pressure
A strike at Samsung could disrupt global chip supply chains, impacting tech industries and financial markets, while testing government influence. The post Samsung Electronics and union resume talks to avert strike amid government pressure appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
China’s economy slows sharply as investment declines and retail sales miss forecasts
China's economic slowdown may trigger global market volatility, impacting risk assets and prompting potential policy responses from Beijing. The post China’s economy slows sharply as investment declines and retail sales miss forecasts appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
China Confirms Participation in ‘First of Its Kind’ Anti-Pig Butchering Operation
China confirmed its involvement in the operation that resulted in the arrest of 276 suspects and the closure of nine crime-focused facilities. The initiative might mark a new era of international cooperation to tackle and end pig-butchering scams. China Collaborated in the Largest International Anti-Pig Butchering Scam Operation While criminals are leveraging cryptocurrency and digital […]
Bithumb adds AIGENSYN to KRW market with trading restrictions
Bithumb's listing of AIGENSYN with restrictions highlights the risks of opaque tokens and underscores regulatory scrutiny in South Korea's crypto market. The post Bithumb adds AIGENSYN to KRW market with trading restrictions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Grayscale, VanEck amend US spot BNB ETF filings, stepping closer to a potential launch
The US securities regulator approved 21Shares’ Hyperliquid ETF last week, adding to a growing number of cryptocurrencies converted into ETF wrappers in the US.
Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman predicts full automation of white-collar work in 18 months
The rapid automation of white-collar jobs could reshape workforce dynamics, emphasizing the need for regulatory adaptation and skill evolution. The post Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman predicts full automation of white-collar work in 18 months appeared first on Crypto Briefing.