TLDR: Ethereum Foundation sees a concentrated wave of exits across research and protocol leadership roles recently. Contributors spanning Beacon Chain, L2 scaling, and coordination roles have stepped away in a short window. Vitalik Buterin reaffirmed Ethereum Foundation resilience and continued progress on core roadmap execution. Market attention shifts toward Ethereum leadership continuity amid growing L2 [...] The post Ethereum Leadership Shift as Ethereum Foundation Talent Rotation Accelerates appeared first on Blockonomi.

Micron (MU) stock jumped 6% in premarket trading after Trump's endorsement and UBS tripled its price target to $1,625, citing strong cash flow prospects. The post Micron (MU) Stock Surges 6% on Presidential Recognition and Massive UBS Upgrade appeared first on Blockonomi.

Redwire (RDW) stock surged 90%+ in May on a $15M Army drone order, lunar robotic arm delivery to ESA, and a major NATO contract worth high eight figures. The post Redwire (RDW) Stock Soars 90% This Month on Military Contracts and Space Tech Wins appeared first on Blockonomi.

Pony AI (PONY) stock jumped 10.20% pre-market after Q1 revenue surged 145% to $34.3M, driven by Robotaxi expansion and intelligent solutions growth. The post Pony AI (PONY) Stock Surges 10% as Q1 Revenue Soars 145% on Robotaxi Momentum appeared first on Blockonomi.

Charles Hoskinson said Midnight.city, the interactive simulation tied to Cardano’s privacy-focused Midnight ecosystem, is preparing for a new beta-testing phase that he believes could put it on a path to become crypto’s most-used application by 2030. The Input Output founder framed the next version of Midnight.city as more than a product test. In a post […]

• #Cardano

Crypto exchange Kraken has deposited ether into Eigencloud, the leading restaking protocol on the Ethereum network, even as the platform’s native EIGEN token trades roughly 96% below its all-time high despite holding over $6.5 billion in total value locked. Kraken Deposit Signals Institutional Interest in Ethereum Restaking Kraken, one of the largest U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchanges, […]

The attack exacerbates regional instability, reducing peace prospects and increasing the likelihood of further military confrontations. The post Hezbollah launches largest drone attack on northern Israel, escalating tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The potential uranium transfer to China could shift geopolitical dynamics, impacting global energy markets and crypto trading environments. The post Iran may transfer near-weapons-grade uranium to China under ceasefire deal, and crypto markets are watching appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Hyperliquid's validator-driven model reduces reliance on external oracles, potentially enhancing market resilience and decentralization. The post Hyperliquid removes need for external oracles in prediction markets appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The collaboration highlights the urgent need for robust AI-driven cybersecurity measures in banking, emphasizing regional tech partnerships. The post BNP Paribas teams up with Mistral AI to defend against cybersecurity threats posed by advanced AI models appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The negotiations could reshape regional alliances, impact global oil markets, and influence future diplomatic strategies involving Iran. The post Iran and US negotiate access to $12 billion in frozen funds through Qatari mediation appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Uber submits €10B takeover offer for Delivery Hero at €33/share, driving DHER stock up 13% amid food delivery industry consolidation pressure. The post Uber Tables $11.6 Billion Bid for Delivery Hero (DHER), Shares Soar 13% appeared first on Blockonomi.

Artificial intelligence is already transforming commercial aviation and is gradually being integrated into key processes, from maintenance to pricing. This is reported by Forbes. The first area is predictive maintenance. Aircraft generate vast amounts of sensor data, which airlines use AI to analyze for wear and potential failures. This shift from reactive to predictive maintenance helps reduce delays. The second area is personalized pricing. Algorithms consider booking history, route demand, loyalty program status, and user behavior. Consequently, different passengers may see varying prices for the same flight, raising transparency concerns. The third area is customer service during disruptions. In cases of cancellations and delays, AI systems can automatically rebook tickets, issue vouchers, handle inquiries, and send updates. However, there is a growing risk of dissatisfaction due to reduced human interaction. The fourth area is the automation of ground processes: biometric boarding, baggage handling, security checks, gate allocation, and logistics management. The use of biometrics in airports has already significantly expanded. The fifth area is crew support. In the cockpit, AI can analyze aircraft conditions, weather risks, and fuel consumption. Fuel efficiency is a major cost-saving factor for airlines and a way for the industry to reduce emissions without radically changing fleets. Fully autonomous passenger aircraft are unlikely in the near future due to regulatory and technical constraints. According to the publication, AI is becoming part of the industry's operational infrastructure, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. However, issues of pricing transparency and service quality remain central to the discussion. The technology could lead to a shift in the booking market dynamics. LLM tools may encourage airlines to engage more in direct sales, putting pressure on travel agencies, aggregators, and other distribution platforms. In May, researchers from GE Aerospace developed a preliminary design for a hypersonic dual-mode ramjet engine using their proprietary generative AI.

Tesla (TSLA) stock edges up near $430 as SpaceX's $2T IPO filing draws investor focus. Q1 earnings beat EPS but missed revenue. Analysts hold neutral stance. The post Tesla (TSLA) Stock Gains Ground Amid SpaceX IPO Buzz and Q1 Results appeared first on Blockonomi.

Hyperliquid's May 2026 was not about the ETF. The AQAv2 stablecoin deal, HIP-3 pre-IPO markets, and fee buyback mechanism are what justify HYPE at $58.

Bitget has launched a regulated tokenization platform called Reality, expanding its push into on-chain access to U.S. financial assets through tokenized stocks and ETFs. According to a statement shared by Bitget on Tuesday, the new platform will issue “rTokens,” which…

Zhu Juntao, co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer of the now-defunct Singapore-based crypto lending platform Hodlnaut, was charged in a Singapore court on May 26, 2026 with fraud by false representation — nearly four years after the Terra/LUNA ecosystem implosion triggered a $193 million financial shortfall that ultimately ended the platform and stranded more than […]

Iran's potential uranium transfer to China could reshape geopolitical alliances, impacting global nuclear diplomacy and economic sanctions dynamics. The post Iran considers transferring 60% enriched uranium to China amid US negotiations appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

ByteDance's strategic retention efforts highlight the escalating AI talent competition, potentially influencing industry compensation norms. The post ByteDance offers special stock incentives to AI team to combat poaching appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Eurozone firms' rising cost expectations amid geopolitical tensions could strain ECB's policy balance, impacting growth and financial markets. The post European Central Bank survey shows firms raising cost and inflation expectations after US-Iran war appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Robinhood's acquisition of WonderFi could significantly enhance its crypto market presence in Canada, leveraging established regulatory frameworks. The post Robinhood gets Canadian regulator nod for WonderFi acquisition appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Hyperliquid launched canonical prediction markets for offchain events, expanding beyond perps as analysts frame it as an onchain superapp.

Luffa AI, a leading innovator at the intersection of Web3 and Artificial Intelligence, today announced a strategic equity investment from Hong Kong-listed GoFintech Quantum Innovation Limited (“GoFintech Quantum”, Stock Code: 00290.HK).

Ether price eyes a 14% drop to $1,800 as it trades in a classic bearish pattern amid declining total value locked on the Ethereum network.

Crypto ETPs logged $1.47 billion of outflows last week as Bitcoin funds led losses, while nine altcoin ETPs still attracted inflows of more than $1 million.

The military escalation complicates diplomatic efforts, heightening geopolitical tensions and impacting global markets, including crypto volatility. The post US Central Command strikes Iran amid ceasefire talks, crypto markets brace for volatility appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitget unveils Reality platform for tokenized U.S. stocks with 1:1 asset-backed rTokens, FINRA-regulated custody, and full exchange integration. The post Bitget Unveils Reality Platform for Tokenized U.S. Equity Trading appeared first on Blockonomi.

Cardano has been around long enough to build a reputation, but at its current valuation, the room for explosive percentage gains is limited. The tokens that tend to deliver the biggest returns in a bull cycle are usually the ones still sitting below $1 with something real building underneath. Little Pepe (LILPEPE) leads that list in [...] The post 4 Cryptos Priced Below $1 With More Upside Than Cardano (ADA) in 2026 appeared first on Blockonomi.

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Dogecoin rebounds above key levels as traders look to memecoins like Little Pepe for higher 2026 upside potential. Dogecoin (DOGE) continues to make progress over the last several days, reaching about $0.108 and has very high daily volume in the…

Singapore charged ex-Hodlnaut CEO Zhu Juntao with six fraud counts over alleged false UST exposure claims after Terra’s 2022 crash.

Prolonged Middle East tensions could lead to stagflation in the eurozone, challenging ECB's monetary policy and impacting asset markets. The post European Central Bank’s Lane warns Middle East tensions could push eurozone inflation past 4% appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

China's travel restrictions on AI talent may lead to a brain drain, impacting innovation and competitiveness in the global AI landscape. The post China restricts overseas travel for top AI talent at Alibaba and DeepSeek appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Taiwan's AI-driven market surge highlights the shifting global investment focus towards hardware-centric economies, impacting emerging markets. The post Taiwan’s market valuation surpasses India’s as AI boom fuels rally appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

BSTR's active Bitcoin management strategy could redefine crypto investment, but it introduces new risks and complexities for investors. The post Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company aims to become the Berkshire Hathaway of crypto appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

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The integration of digital assets by financial institutions could revolutionize global finance, enhancing efficiency and accessibility. The post Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire: Every financial institution must implement digital assets appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Seoul, South Korea, 26th May 2026, Chainwire

The combined market capitalization of stablecoins has reached a new all-time high, hitting $323 billion. This figure exceeds the official currency reserves of 95 countries. Source: CoinDesk. The list of countries whose international reserves are surpassed by the stablecoin sector's capitalization includes the United Kingdom, Canada, the UAE, Poland, Thailand, and Mexico. Only 14 countries, including China, Japan, Russia, and India, have currency reserves exceeding the market value of stablecoins. For comparison, India's reserves amount to $688.9 billion, while Brazil's are $358.2 billion. The sector's growth has accelerated in recent months. In March, the figure was estimated at $312 billion, and in April, it reached $317 billion. Stablecoins pegged to the US dollar, such as USDT and USDC, account for 99% of the market. Despite the overall volumes, tokens denominated in euros represent only 0.3%. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) noted that the use of these assets is gradually extending beyond crypto trading. Stablecoins are increasingly used in cross-border payments, particularly in regions with high inflation and volatile local currencies. However, BIS experts warned that the ease of capital movement via blockchain poses risks for emerging markets. They believe this could accelerate liquidity outflows and lead to the devaluation of national currencies. In May, the European Central Bank warned of the risks associated with issuing euro-denominated stablecoins, which could reduce bank lending and complicate interest rate control.

SK Hynix stock rallied 7% after Nvidia's blockbuster quarter highlighted surging AI demand. Q1 profits jumped 405% as memory chip prices continue climbing. The post SK Hynix Shares Soar Nearly 7% Following Nvidia’s Explosive Demand Statement appeared first on Blockonomi.

Bitwise launches Canton ETP (BWCC) on Deutsche Börse Xetra with 0.85% annual fee, providing regulated European access to Canton Network's CC token exposure. The post Bitwise Debuts Canton Network ETP on Deutsche Börse Xetra with 0.85% Fee appeared first on Blockonomi.

Toncoin (TON) deadcat bounce followed by a 200% volume surge: analyzing unusual movements.

Lenovo (LNVGY) stock reached a record high after reporting 479% profit growth and 27% revenue surge, driven by AI server demand and strong PC sales. The post Lenovo Group (LNVGY) Stock Soars 18% as AI Server Revenue Powers Record-Breaking Quarter appeared first on Blockonomi.

ECB warns of private credit stress for euro zone insurers and pension funds with €263B exposure, though systemic risk remains low after U.S. market turbulence. The post ECB Flags Private Credit Vulnerabilities Despite Low Systemic Risk appeared first on Blockonomi.

SoftBank (SFTBY) stock reaches record 8,000 yen with 13% surge, powered by ARM Holdings ownership and $80B OpenAI stake delivering massive gains. The post SoftBank (SFTBY) Soars to All-Time High on ARM Holdings and OpenAI Investments appeared first on Blockonomi.

Spotify (SPOT) stock climbed 6.11% after announcing an AI music deal with Universal Music. Co-CEO explains the licensed approach to AI-generated content. The post Spotify (SPOT) Surges 6% Following Universal Music AI Partnership Announcement appeared first on Blockonomi.

XPeng (XPEV) reports Q1 2026 earnings May 28. Analysts forecast revenue drop to $1.9B and $0.11 loss per share. Stock down 20% YTD despite robotaxi launch. The post XPeng (XPEV) Stock Prepares for Q1 2026 Earnings: What Investors Need to Know appeared first on Blockonomi.

Meta (META) stock trades at 20x forward earnings with 34% upside potential as the company redirects workforce savings into massive AI infrastructure build. The post Meta Platforms (META) Stock: Analysts Project 34% Surge Amid Major AI Expansion appeared first on Blockonomi.

Midnight launched its federated mainnet in March 2026 with Google and Vodafone as partners. Inside Cardano's privacy sidechain and why almost no one noticed.

• #Cardano

Robinhood has secured final Canadian regulatory approval for its planned acquisition of WonderFi, allowing the C$250 million deal to move toward a June 1 closing date. According to WonderFi’s press release issued on Monday, the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization approved…

Bitcoin’s recent price action suggests the market is approaching an important decision zone where multiple technical and on-chain support levels converge. This raises the possibility of a short-term bullish reaction before the market determines its next larger directional move. The behavior around the $74K-$75K support and deeper demand regions will likely shape Bitcoin’s medium-term outlook. […]

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AI coins are soaring as Bitcoin trades flat for the past 24 hours in the face of rising US stock markets.

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An onchain trader has abandoned a $100 million ether short position after absorbing a $260,000 loss and immediately reversed course, opening a leveraged 20x long bet on bitcoin worth $13.43 million. Trader Flips From ETH Short to Leveraged Bitcoin Long A pseudonymous high- leverage trader closed a short position on ether ( ETH) worth over […]

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Heightened military tensions could lead to strategic shifts, potentially escalating regional instability and impacting airspace policies. The post IRGC claims downing US drone, firing at F-35 amid rising tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Hyperliquid's USDT borrowing feature could enhance trading flexibility and liquidity, potentially reshaping decentralized finance dynamics. The post Hyperliquid enables USDT as borrowable asset on testnet, mainnet upgrade next appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The recent momentum investing surge highlights potential market volatility and bubble risks, urging investors to heed macroeconomic signals. The post MSCI momentum gauge outperforms MSCI All Country World Index by 17 points, best streak since 1991 appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The ECB's decisive stance on inflation could lead to higher bond yields, impacting interest-sensitive sectors and affecting euro exchange rates. The post European Central Bank will act to control inflation, Villeroy says appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Integrating philosophers into AI development highlights a shift towards prioritizing ethical considerations, potentially influencing industry standards. The post Google DeepMind hires philosophers to address AI ethics and morality appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The potential deal could reshape global energy dynamics, redefine crypto's role in geopolitics, and influence future sanctions strategies. The post Iran and US negotiate framework deal covering sanctions relief, Strait of Hormuz access, and crypto’s role in the conflict appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Polymarket's whale-dominated voting highlights governance centralization risks, potentially undermining trust and fairness in prediction markets. The post Polymarket delays voting process revamp as nine whales dominate disputes appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

SEBI's initiatives could enhance transparency and efficiency in India's bond market, potentially boosting investor confidence and market growth. The post India’s SEBI plans tokenised bond pilot, overhauls debt disclosure rules appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitwise launched BWCC on Deutsche Börse Xetra, giving European investors regulated ETP exposure to Canton Coin with a 0.85% fee.

Zcash (ZEC) hit $642.18 on May 9, 2026, marking the peak of a 650-1,000% rally from 2024 lows that crowned it the largest privacy coin by market cap, overtaking Monero. The catalysts driving this performance are different in kind from…

The government of Georgia has announced a partnership with USDT issuer Tether to launch GEL₮, an official stablecoin for the country. Tether To Launch Stablecoin Based On The Georgian Lari As announced on its website, Tether has partnered up with the government of Georgia for a stablecoin. A “stablecoin” is a type of cryptocurrency that […]

Taiwan's stock market ascent highlights the critical role of AI-driven sectors in global finance, posing systemic risks amid geopolitical tensions. The post Taiwan overtakes India as world’s fifth-largest stock market appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The launch highlights growing institutional interest in blockchain, but success hinges on widespread adoption and overcoming liquidity challenges. The post Bitwise launches Canton Network ETP on Deutsche Börse Xetra appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Uber's AI budget overspend highlights the need for sustainable investment strategies and may influence enterprise AI and crypto market dynamics. The post Uber burned through its entire 2026 AI budget by April, now questions whether it was worth it appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

On May 25, Poznan University of Technology (PUT) commissioned the IQM Radiance R1 quantum computer from Finland's IQM Quantum Computers. This is the first such machine at the university's site and the second operational in Poland. In April 2025, the company launched a 5-qubit IQM Spark system at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, which was then hailed as the country's first superconducting qubit computing architecture. PUT emphasized its choice of a local installation over cloud access. The university plans to provide direct access to the equipment for students and researchers, conduct hardware experiments, and integrate the installation with its own infrastructure. From October 2026, the university plans to launch an engineering program in Quantum Technologies and open a master's course in quantum computing. Access to the system is intended for use in academic courses, hackathons, and STEM projects. The launch aligns with Polish and European strategies for the development of quantum technologies. The university also announced plans to enhance projects at the intersection of quantum computing, AI, and high-performance solutions. The number of qubits in the installed system has not been specified. The IQM Radiance line includes configurations of 20, 54, and 150 units. In April 2026, IQM announced the sale of a 54-qubit Radiance to Polish company Galaxy Systemy Informatyczne, with delivery expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. This project has not yet been commissioned. In May, quantum company stocks rose following the announcement by the US Department of Commerce of a $2 billion allocation to American firms under the CHIPS R&D; program.

xAI's Grok CLI for PowerShell could reshape enterprise coding workflows, enhancing efficiency and collaboration in software development. The post xAI releases Grok CLI installer for Windows PowerShell, entering crowded AI coding agent race appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The upgrade enhances XRPL's stability and security, crucial for supporting NFT, vault, and lending growth, but node lag may hinder network capacity. The post XRP Ledger rolls out fixCleanup3_1_3 upgrade to enhance functionality appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The shift towards AI-driven roles may reshape future workforce dynamics, emphasizing infrastructure over headcount in tech and crypto sectors. The post Stanford study reveals 16% drop in early-career hiring due to AI, and crypto isn’t immune appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The minimal overall job impact of AI masks significant challenges for young workers, potentially altering career entry paths and industry dynamics. The post Stanford research finds AI’s impact on jobs remains minimal, but young workers are taking the hit appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The BOJ's inflation gauge divergence complicates policy, potentially impacting global markets and carry trades with a stronger yen. The post Bank of Japan’s new gauge shows inflation at 2.8% in April, complicating rate outlook appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

AI-driven efficiency is reshaping India's labor market, necessitating a shift in skills and growth strategies, impacting traditional revenue models. The post AI reshapes India’s workforce as multinationals cut hiring by up to 50% appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Australia's stablecoin-friendly regulations could revolutionize retail payments, reducing intermediaries and speeding up transaction settlements. The post Base settles Australia’s first retail payment in AUD stablecoin appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

When oil jumps 50% in three weeks, markets usually react on autopilot: sell the riskiest first. History bears this out — after Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, crude prices doubled and the S&P; 500 shed about 9% in a month. Bitcoin, the market’s twitchiest asset, would seem first in line for the chop in such a scenario. In spring 2026 the hypothesis got a real-world test. The Strait of Hormuz, conduit for a fifth of seaborne oil, became a conflict zone, Brent prices surged past $100, and analysts braced for a familiar sell-off. Contrary to expectations, the first cryptocurrency not only held up — it rose even as gold fell. The divergence between the forecast and what actually happened invites a rethink of the asset’s nature. Once largely correlated with high-beta segments, bitcoin now looks to be shifting from a speculative instrument to a partly autonomous asset class. The open question is whether this shift is durable — the result of structural changes in demand — or merely a quirk born of a specific shock. Here is what may lie behind the coin’s paradoxical behaviour. The illusion of linkage For old-school macroeconomists a dogma long held sway: an energy shock is poison for risky assets. When in February 2026 tension in the Strait of Hormuz morphed from a smouldering political flare-up into a full-blown logistics crunch, markets braced for a textbook “black swan” scenario. A crucial artery handling about 20% of global seaborne crude sat in the eye of the storm. Brent leapt from $69 to above $104 in under a month (+50%) — among the sharpest moves in modern history. Daily Brent crude price chart. Source: Trading Economics.  Enter the “Hormuz paradox”. While mainstream bank analysts reworked inflation models and foretold a rout in all things intangible, bitcoin displayed not just resilience but studied indifference. As oil swung wildly, the first cryptocurrency rose 15% over the same span, outpacing gold (-3%) and the Nasdaq (+1%). That calls into question the notion that bitcoin is merely a gauge of global liquidity or a shadow of commodity cycles. Performance of various assets in the first weeks of the “Hormuz crisis”. Source: Binance Research.  Put simply: digital gold now obeys its own rules, and big institutional money outweighed the oil shock. The inflection point for that independence was the launch of spot ETFs in the United States in January 2024 — a change both deep and lasting. Crisis chronicle: oil in turbulence According to Kaiko, between February and May the oil market shifted regimes and became hostage to headlines: prices reacted to each update on conflict, supply risk and any hint of de-escalation. After dozing around $60 a barrel early in the year, WTI and Brent settled above $100 by spring. It was not a mere climb; prices ricocheted with the newsflow: oil volatility topped 100% in April and stayed near 85% even in relative lulls. Volatility of oil, copper, the S&P 500 and bitcoin in February–May. Source: Kaiko.   Most telling was the “Trump effect”. On April 7th 2026, after a two-week temporary truce with Iran was announced, WTI plunged more than 15% within hours.  The market reacted instantly; remove the threat and the risk premium evaporated. In those months crude pricing hinged less on supply-demand balance than on the odds of another strike on terminals. Binance Research distils a three-phase pattern in bitcoin’s response to the chaos: Phase 1: anticipatory shock (Feb 26–28). After Geneva talks with Iran hit a dead end, oil jumped to $73. Under pressure from ETF outflows, bitcoin fell to a crisis low of $63,047 on February 28th — a Saturday, when liquidity is structurally thin, underscoring the technical nature of the dip. Phase 2: shock absorption (Mar 2–8). Oil’s most intense spell — Brent up 35% in a week. Logic said bitcoin should crack. Instead, it moved into an accumulation band at $66,000–73,000, steadily buying dips. Phase 3: independent rally (Mar 9–18). Full decoupling. While oil attacked $104, bitcoin climbed from $66,000 to $75,000. Over 24 days the coin rebounded 18.8% from its local trough, largely ignoring the “energy apocalypse”. Price reactions of bitcoin and oil to February–March events. Source: Binance Research. Busting the myth: is bitcoin’s price tied to oil? Many traders line up bitcoin and oil charts in search of synchronicity. Binance Research, analysing a decade of data from 2016 to 2026, finds no stable link. The key methodological error is comparing price levels without accounting for trend. At first glance the assets may look in step, but that is an illusion born of both series rising over time. Part of that ascent reflects dollar debasement and broader inflation, which lifts prices across assets from commodities to housing. Apparent logic can emerge even where no real economic linkage exists. Statisticians call this a spurious correlation. Change in the purchasing power of the US dollar since 1913. Source: Visual Capitalist. To strip out the effect, analysts compare not levels but week-on-week percentage moves — a cleaner basis for inference. The results by period: 2016–2019: virtually no link between bitcoin and oil; 2020–2022: a correlation appears — the only such spell on record. Oil was not the driver. With US rates near zero, the ФРС massively expanded liquidity: its balance sheet swelled from $4.2trn to $8.9trn. Quantitative easing lifted all boats — oil and bitcoin alike. They merely rode the same tide of cheap money; no true linkage was present; 2025–2026: correlation fades again. Bitcoin and oil go their separate ways. Correlation between Brent and bitcoin. Source: Binance Research.  One last question: can oil prices at least hint at bitcoin’s next move? Analysts tested this with the Granger causality test, which shows whether yesterday’s move in one asset helps predict tomorrow’s in another. The answer: no. Across horizons from one to ten weeks, oil says nothing about bitcoin’s future. Even in the “odd” year of 2020 there was no predictive power. The takeaway is simple: bitcoin does not follow oil. It barely notices it. Correlation between WTI and bitcoin after the onset of the “Hormuz crisis”. Source: Kaiko.  The commodity landscape: copper versus natural gas If oil was 2026’s epicentre of chaos, other commodities behaved more prosaically. Kaiko highlights a “copper signal”. Prices jumped from $5.3 to above $6.3 in two months. The drivers were far from the Middle East: a fundamental supply shortfall, compounded by Peru — the world’s third-largest copper producer in 2025 — facing severe disruptions. Copper price dynamics. Source: Trading Economics.  Metal gains came from forces unrelated to the barrel: AI infrastructure: the data-centre boom demands vast amounts of copper to upgrade grids; the energy transition: the red metal remains irreplaceable in EVs and renewables. Natural gas, meanwhile, danced to local supply and demand, paying scant heed to geopolitics. Ironically, gold — the classic haven — fell 3% at the crisis peak. The metal buckled under a stronger dollar and expectations of higher rates.  Gold and other popular assets since early February. Source: Binance Research.  The fact bitcoin rose while gold slipped puts them in different corners. The first cryptocurrency no longer shadows the metal; it is now an institutional class with its own pricing logic. Institutional absorber: ETFs and corporate treasuries Why did bitcoin not tumble with other risk assets under a macro shock? The answer likely lies in a structural shift post-January 2024. The launch of US spot ETFs created a powerful liquidity sink that altered the market’s reflexes. Capital flows in March 2026 reveal the mechanism. Three independent demand channels were at work. Spot ETFs Binance Research data show institutions treated the shock as a gift-wrapped entry. From March 2nd to 4th, as oil accelerated, net inflows to ETFs hit $1.15bn (three straight days: $458m, $225m, $462m). During the recovery, March 9th–17th brought seven more consecutive inflow days totalling $1.16bn. The tally over the crisis period topped $1.7bn. Spot bitcoin-ETF inflows. Source: SoSoValue.   The Coinbase premium The Coinbase–Binance spread turned firmly positive in early March — a clear sign that US institutions drove the bid. As retail flinched, “smart money” sterilised on-exchange supply. Dynamics of the “Coinbase premium” indicator. Source: Binance Research.  Corporate treasuries Strategic buyers such as Strategy and BitMine ignored the macro noise. By March 2026 their combined holdings reached $8.3bn. They add weekly, laying a “concrete floor” under price that headlines about blocked straits struggle to crack. Investment activity of Strategy and BitMine. Source: Binance Research.  All three channels fired at once — changing market logic. The greater the uncertainty, the more actively institutions bought bitcoin, treating dips as entry points. Bitcoin as a neutral settlement asset The Hormuz crisis cast digital gold in an unexpected role. Iranian authorities named it among the ways to pay tanker tolls through the strait — alongside the yuan and dollar-pegged stablecoins. The appeal: resistance to censorship and seizure. “This is one of the clearest situations in which bitcoin very clearly acts as a strategic asset. Iran wants to use bitcoin for these transactions because it cannot be frozen. The network of the first cryptocurrency cannot be shut down,” —said Bitcoin Policy Institute head of research Sam Lyman. Crypto payments have yet to show up: according to Lyman, on-chain data do not confirm them, and most of Iran’s settlements are in USDT. Since 2022 the country has moved about $3bn in crypto, of which the US Treasury managed to freeze roughly $500m. Iran is also building supporting infrastructure. The Ministry of Economy launched the Hormuz Safe platform to insure vessels in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, with payment in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies — bypassing SWIFT and Western intermediaries.  Authorities hope to earn over $10bn; transit tolls can reach $2m per tanker. The platform lacks international recognition, and using it risks US secondary sanctions. Historical echoes: 2022 vs 2026 History rhymes, and investors seldom learn. Compare bitcoin’s reaction to the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine in 2022 with the Middle East events of 2026: in both cases the coin rose in the first four weeks — +24% in 2022 and +15% in 2026. Bitcoin price moves around the start of 2022 and 2026 events. Source: Binance Research.  The chief lesson: bitcoin is less hostage to conflicts and oil than presumed. Its real threats are internal. In 2022 the ensuing crash stemmed not from geopolitics but from the collapse of Terra/LUNA and the implosion of Three Arrows Capital (3AC) — liquidity and trust crises with hefty volatility. Energy balance Mining progress also mattered. The old chain ran: dearer oil raises electricity costs, pushes up mining breakevens and forces selling. That chain now breaks. Cambridge University data put clean energy’s share in bitcoin mining at 52% — oil and coal no longer set digital gold’s production cost. Efficiency The 2024 halving, which cut block rewards to 3.125 BTC, enforced tough selection. By 2026 only ultra-lean operators remained — able to shrug off short-lived surges in energy prices. ETF factor Institutional flows now dwarf miners’ daily sales many times over, limiting their sway on marginal pricing. What next: from de-escalation to stagflation Resilience is not invincibility. Binance Research sketches scenarios should the conflict evolve differently. “Peace”  With full de-escalation in the Middle East, oil’s political-risk premium would vanish. Bitcoin would return to its internal drivers — supply cycles and ETF adoption. A path of measured, organic growth — the coin edging towards a “boring” asset for pension funds. “Escalation”  If oil breaks $150 and holds for 3–6 months, a liquidity crunch akin to 2008 looms. In mass margin calls across asset classes, correlations lurch towards one. Bitcoin could face forced selling by large funds covering losses elsewhere. That would be a “universal deleveraging” risk, not an oil-price risk per se. “Stagflation”  Slowing growth with high inflation would keep the Fed hawkish — perhaps the sternest test. Will bitcoin prove protection against fiat debasement, or remain captive to risk appetite? In that world the coin should respond more to real rates — yields on safe assets minus inflation. The higher the risk-free return, the fewer the holders of a non-yielding asset. The stress test continues: what late May revealed All of the above covers February–April, when the coin held up strikingly well. By late May the picture shifted. On May 23rd bitcoin fell to $74,300 — the lowest since April 20th and roughly 10% below the local high above $82,500 set on May 6th.  Hourly BTC/USDT chart on Binance. Source: TradingView.  Over two weeks, net outflows from US spot bitcoin ETFs exceeded $2.26bn, with $1.26bn in a single week — the most since January. The sell-off coincided with rising US Treasury yields. 30-year Treasury yields. Source: X account of Axel Adler Jr..  The very institutional demand channel that acted as a “concrete floor” in March flipped. This is precisely the caveat Binance Research flagged in early spring: bitcoin’s detachment from macro risks is conditional, resting on the post-ETF market structure. Meanwhile capital rotated into commodities — oil, copper, sulphur. Bitcoin needs separating from the rest of crypto here. Fundstrat co-founder Tom Lee called rising oil the main headwind for Ethereum, noting a record inverse relationship between ether and crude.  Ethereum–oil correlation. Source: X account of Tom Lee.  Analyst Axel Adler Jr noted that WTI near $97 is a negative macro factor: it intensifies inflation pressure and keeps central banks tighter for longer. An added uncertainty is the change at the Fed. The chair’s post went to Kevin Warsh, a move the crypto crowd welcomed as he is seen as open to bitcoin and financial innovation. Digital gold barely reacted: markets care more about the rate path than one official’s views. Trader Merlijn The Trader pointed out a curious pattern: each new Fed chair’s arrival coincided with a local bitcoin peak — in 2014, 2018 and 2022. The observation is anecdotal rather than statistically proven. Conclusion: independence, with caveats Bitcoin in 2026 is neither archaic “digital gold” nor an oil proxy. It is an asset with its own pricing logic, anchored in institutional flows, halving cycles and corporate treasury strategy. The Middle East crisis showed the essential point: digital gold can weather energy shocks without mirroring oil. But May 2026 adds a caveat: that independence is conditional. It rests on institutional market plumbing — and when that falters, as with ETF outflows and rising rates, macro sensitivity returns. The coin is no “mirror of commodities”, but it is not invulnerable either. The enduring lesson: bitcoin is broken not by wars or oil prices, but by internal crises of trust and credit — as with Terra/LUNA and 3AC in 2022.  External shocks stoke volatility; capital flows set the trend. While the institutional support mechanism hums, the immunity is real. When it sputters, the stress test resumes.

• #bitcoin

Snowflake (SNOW) reports Q1 FY27 earnings May 27. Analysts see 27% revenue growth, $224 price target, and options price 13% move. Is it a buy? The post Snowflake (SNOW) Earnings Preview: What Investors Need to Know Before Wednesday’s Report appeared first on Blockonomi.

Kraken listed PI in March. OKX opened US access in May. Binance and Coinbase still on the sidelines. Here's the structural reason why, and what would change it.

Starlink's satellite expansion could revolutionize global internet access, impacting telecom, crypto adoption, and centralizing internet control. The post Starlink plans over 100K satellites to become the backbone of global internet appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The release of $24B in Iranian assets could ease economic pressures, potentially impacting global oil markets and diplomatic relations. The post Iran’s $24B in blocked resources expected to be released during US negotiations appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could significantly impact global energy prices and influence regulatory approaches to crypto. The post Iran deal could reshape oil market and crypto flows as Strait of Hormuz reopening takes shape appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Market optimism over potential US-Iran peace could stabilize global oil prices and boost risk assets, but uncertainty still looms large. The post US Treasury yields slide as traders weigh Iran peace prospects and crypto rallies appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

A cryptic "Great Day" teaser from the XRPL Foundation revives the iconic $589 insider meme right on the heels of the network's completed structural overhaul.

Samsung stock climbs 2.5% as unions representing 13,000 workers file court injunction to block pay vote, while second union boycotts the agreement. The post Samsung Workers File Court Action to Block Pay Agreement as Stock Climbs appeared first on Blockonomi.

April 2026 will be remembered not for explosive gains but for structural repair. After a brutal February and March, marked by sharp drawdowns, leverage flushes, and sentiment washouts that left Bitcoin grinding below $70,000, the market staged a methodical recovery…

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Hyperliquid, the decentralized perpetual futures platform with over $5.5 billion in total value locked, has launched canonical prediction markets for real-world offchain events, powered by automated software run by its validator network. Validator-Based Markets Enter the Fray Hyperliquid, the L1 best known for its perpetual futures exchange, announced on May 26 that it now supports […]

The military escalation complicates diplomatic efforts, heightening geopolitical tensions and impacting global markets, including crypto volatility. The post US Central Command strikes targets in Iran as ceasefire talks stall, rattling crypto markets appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Meta's massive AI investment raises concerns about its strategic direction, highlighting the need for clear monetization pathways amid investor skepticism. The post Meta’s $125B AI investment questioned as potential misstep appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Eurozone firms' rising cost expectations amid geopolitical tensions could strain ECB's policy balance, impacting growth and financial markets. The post European Central Bank survey shows firms raising cost and inflation expectations amid US-Iran war appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Iran's potential uranium transfer to China could reshape geopolitical alliances, impacting global nuclear diplomacy and economic sanctions dynamics. The post Iran considers transferring 60% enriched uranium to China amid US negotiations appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Geopolitical tensions near Hormuz highlight the fragile nature of peace efforts and underscore crypto's sensitivity to global instability. The post Iran and US forces clash near Strait of Hormuz amid peace talks, Bitcoin briefly dips below $80K appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

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The upgrade's activation deadline pressures node operators to adapt, ensuring network cohesion and enhancing XRPL's competitive edge in asset tokenization. The post XRP Ledger implements fixCleanup3_1_3 upgrade to enhance network efficiency appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The investment signals a strategic push for unified AI regulations, potentially reshaping legislative landscapes and influencing tech policy. The post Leading the Future invests $2M in AI-friendly candidates for 2026 primaries appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Institutional buying during Bitcoin dips suggests potential for reduced volatility and shorter bear markets, but risks of forced selling remain. The post ARK Invest’s Cathie Wood says institutions buy Bitcoin dip as weak holders exit appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

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Warsh's rate stance dilemma may heighten market volatility, challenging investor confidence amid inflation and communication strategy shifts. The post Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh faces pressure to adjust rate stance as inflation complicates promises appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Donald Trump stated that Saudi Arabia and Qatar must necessarily join the Abraham Accords if they wish to be part of a future deal with Iran. Following this, he suggested that other countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan, should also join. He described refusal as a sign of "bad intentions," reports Reuters. The US President also noted progress in negotiations with Tehran.

Palantir (PLTR) stock down 18% YTD faces Anthropic competition. Analysts project 86% upside on 120% revenue growth guidance. Is the AI platform edge holding? The post Palantir (PLTR) Stock Slips 18% in 2025: Why Wall Street Remains Bullish Despite Anthropic Threat appeared first on Blockonomi.

The advancement of generative artificial intelligence has led to a sharp increase in demand for cybersecurity specialists amidst widespread layoffs in the tech sector, reports The New York Times. According to the publication, corporations are actively hiring data protection engineers as the use of AI for coding has increased vulnerabilities. The situation was exacerbated by the release of the Mythos neural network from Anthropic, which demonstrated high capabilities in finding and exploiting bugs in critical infrastructure. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that employment for information security specialists will grow by 29% over the next decade, with the agency expecting about 16,000 new job openings annually. Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks, confirmed the trend, noting that AI does not replace engineers but increases the need for them. According to him, the company's workforce grew by nearly 1,000 people in the first half of the 2026 fiscal year. Employers have become more selective, now requiring candidates to have competencies at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. Meanwhile, salaries for top executives in this field have reached a record $7 million to $8 million per year. The Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026 report identified the talent shortage as the main barrier to digital resilience. About 94% of respondents consider artificial intelligence a key factor in transforming the industry in the coming year. Despite the automation of routine tasks, experts are confident that the value of specialists capable of auditing and protecting AI systems will only increase. However, entry-level positions in development continue to decline under the pressure of neural networks. Back in February, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that some companies use artificial intelligence as a pretext for layoffs.

Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical. The document, titled Magnifica Humanitas, is dedicated to the "protection of human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence." Source: vatican.va. While AI serves as the main pretext, Leo focused on much older and broader issues: inequality, war, the erosion of democracy, and the concentration of power in the hands of those who do not aim to make humanity "magnificent." The 200-page document was presented at an event in the Vatican attended by Anthropic co-founder Chris Olah. It argues that technology created and controlled by a narrow elite cannot, by definition, serve the common good. "When such power is concentrated in the hands of a few, it tends to become opaque and evade public scrutiny. There is an increased risk of distorted forms of development that generate new dependencies, exclusions, manipulations, and inequality," the encyclical states. Key AI Risks Pope Leo XIV asserts that, as with every major technological shift, AI tends to amplify the power of those who already possess economic resources, expertise, and access to data. Elites may use their influence to "shape information and consumer patterns, impact democratic processes, and steer economic dynamics in their own interests." Separately, Leo XIV warned against equating AI with human intelligence. He noted that such systems can mimic language, behavior, and analytical skills but lack experience, embodiment, conscience, and accountability for consequences. The Pope highlighted three risks of personal AI use: the ease of obtaining answers, the illusion of objectivity, and the imitation of human interaction. He cautions that AI interlocutors might create the appearance of care, friendship, or love, especially where real human connections are lacking. Leo XIV specifically urged states not to fully delegate decisions affecting employment, credit, access to public services, and personal reputation to algorithms. He stated that such systems appear "neutral" but can actually entrench developer biases and exclude vulnerable groups without a clear mechanism for appeal. Among the risks, the Pope also cites the environmental burden of AI: large models require significant amounts of energy, water, computational power, data centers, and other infrastructure. A separate section is devoted to the military application of artificial intelligence. Leo XIV declared that moral judgment cannot be reduced to calculation, and lethal or irreversible decisions should not be delegated to opaque automated systems. He noted that AI could make conflict faster, more impersonal, and lower the threshold for the use of violence. Effective Development The Pope called for the development of LLM to be guided by "clear criteria and effective regulation." Communities affected by the technology should be involved. The pontiff also emphasized the need to end the AI arms race—the pursuit of ever more powerful algorithms and large datasets to ensure political and commercial dominance. "To disarm is to dismantle the belief that technological power automatically grants the right to govern," he stated. In February, during a meeting with the clergy of the Roman Diocese, Pope Leo XIV urged them to "resist the temptation to conduct sermons using artificial intelligence."

Experts from Google, Meta, and several universities have urged that AI agents be considered unreliable systems. Researchers have suggested implementing protective mechanisms across the entire IT infrastructure, not just within language models. They believe that separating data and instructions, along with restricting access rights, will help prevent cryptocurrency wallet hacks and information leaks.

Unknown individuals placed malicious advertisements on Google search results, mimicking the interface of the DEX Uniswap. Analysts report that the perpetrators have stolen at least $400,000 in cryptocurrency. Community alert:A website impersonating Uniswap is draining funds from multiple wallets.The scammers are currently holding at least ~$400,000.0x37925684BA178821b4436E06e67f5dBD6cfA49Bb0x2fC25F46cC49D226eF92E9A7665f3d2821F3c5E2Please only use official links, and… pic.twitter.com/JikqftTVHY— b-block (@b_block_oficial) May 25, 2026 An expert known as b-block reported that the fraudulent site redirected users to a clone website, which drained wallets upon connection. At the time of publication, two addresses associated with the scheme held 146 ETH (approximately $306,000). Researcher Stacy Muur noted that such phishing ads have been promoted to the top of search results for years, often appearing above official cryptocurrency project links. Two scammers have already stolen ~$400,000 from users through a phishing @Uniswap ad on Google.It’s insane that Google has ignored this issue for years while fake links keep getting pushed above real ones and users keep getting drained.This is the first result that popped out… https://t.co/Ov488s9DIl pic.twitter.com/qStRGq8qTE— Stacy Muur (@stacy_muur) May 25, 2026 DeFiLlama confirmed that fake ads on Google remain one of the most common attack vectors in the decentralized finance sector. Fake ads on Google are a common source of phishing attacks.We built LlamaSearch to solve exactly this. It has thousands of vetted crypto domains.Access at https://t.co/3ohXakDbIZ or https://t.co/2uvCUnNTMy— DefiLlama.com (@DefiLlama) May 25, 2026 Security Alliance (SEAL) specialists reported a significant surge in such activity. From March 13 to 30, the organization blocked over 356 malicious ad links. The total damage from the campaign amounted to approximately $1.27 million. According to SEAL, the perpetrators use either direct ad purchases or compromised advertiser accounts for promotion. To bypass Google's moderation, they display correct URLs while malicious code is loaded through a hidden frame, invisible to the search engine's automated verification systems. In April, a fake Ledger Live app in the App Store helped hackers steal cryptocurrency worth at least $9.5 million.

Ferrari (RACE) stock dropped 7.8% after unveiling the Luce EV in Rome. The $640K five-seater sparked debate over the luxury brand's electric strategy. The post Ferrari (RACE) Shares Plunge Nearly 8% Following Luce EV Debut appeared first on Blockonomi.