Leading cryptocurrencies edged higher on Sunday as investors weighed President Donald Trump’s remarks about a potential Iran peace agreement.
Crypto Market ConsolidatesBitcoin wobbled within a range of $62,890 to $63,700, with trading volume surging 19% over the 24-hour period. Ethereum also remained stuck within $1,800, while XRP and Dogecoin traded in the green.
Nearly $150 million was liquidated from the cryptocurrency market in the last 24 hours, predominantly in bearish short positions, according to Coinglass data.
Bitcoin’s open interest rose 0.31% over the last 24 hours. Retail and whale derivatives traders remained net long on BTC, but trimmed their exposure from the day before.
"Fear" sentiment prevailed in the market, according to the Crypto Fear & Greed Index.
Top Gainers (24 Hours)
The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $2.17 trillion, following an increase of 0.82% over the last 24 hours.
Stock Futures Lift on Peace HopesStock futures climbed overnight on Sunday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures rose 205 points, or 0.39%, as of 8:41 p.m. EDT. Futures tied to the S&P 500 spiked 0.42%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures rallied 0.65%.
The upsurge came after Trump canceled planned strikes on Iran after being "asked" by Tehran and other Middle East nations to "hold off" to allow a deal to be reached.
BTC’s ‘Strong and Vital Move’ Incoming?Michaël van de Poppe, a widely followed cryptocurrency analyst and trader, noted record-low Bitcoin sentiment and high net negative positioning in the current cycle
He predicted that a sustained breakout above the $67,000-$68,000 resistance would trigger a “strong and vital move” due to liquidations, “accelerating” the move upward.
On-chain analytics firm Santiment also spotlighted Bitcoin’s lowest positive-to-negative commentary on major social platforms, with just 0.58 bullish comments for every 1 bearish comment.
“This panic reading is larger than the peak war fears earlier this year, as well as the other aforementioned events from crypto’s past,” Santiment added.
Photo Courtesy: vinnstock on Shutterstock.com
Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
BitGo CEO Mike Belshe told Anthropic to hack his Bitcoin wallet. Then he posted the address in public. It holds 100 Bitcoin (BTC), worth about $6.3 million.
The dare came two days after Anthropic admitted something awkward. Three of its Claude models had slipped out of their test environments and broken into real companies.
Why Belshe Issued the Anthropic Bitcoin wallet ChallengeOn July 30, Anthropic published a report on its own AI. Staff had reviewed 141,006 safety test runs. In three of them, a Claude model reached the open internet.
In a review of our cybersecurity evaluations, we found three incidents in which a Claude model reached the internet from within or while interacting with a third-party evaluation environment, and then gained unauthorized access to the real systems of three different…
— Anthropic (@AnthropicAI) July 30, 2026 Those tests are hacking drills. Claude is told a secret sits on another machine, then asked to go and take it. The whole setup is meant to be fake.
It was not. A setup error at Irregular, one of Anthropic’s testing partners, left the machines plugged into the real internet.
So Claude went hunting. Opus 4.7 stole login details and opened a live company database. Mythos 5 uploaded rigged software to a public code library. It ran on 15 real machines in one hour.
Anthropic says no clever tricks were used. It calls the whole thing a setup mistake, not a rogue AI.
Belshe puts 100 BTC behind the criticismBelshe did not buy it.
“Either AnthropicAI is terrible at building sandboxes… or excellent at marketing. (or both) But enough with the ‘we created a hacking monster’ games. Do it for real. I put this in an BitGo wallet for you. Go get it,” Belshe challenged.
Follow us on X to get the latest news as it happens
The coins are real. Public records show the wallet received exactly 100 BTC on July 31. Nothing has left it since. Any withdrawal would show up on the blockchain within seconds.
BitGo CEO Puts $6.3 Million in Bitcoin on the Line to Test Anthropic. Source: mempool.spaceThat $6.3 million is also pocket change for him. BitGo’s IPO filing says the firm held $81.6 billion of client money at the end of 2025, across 5,133 clients.
Belshe is not a typical crypto boss either. He co-founded BitGo in 2013. Before that, the same filing notes, he helped build HTTP/2 at Google. It is one of the protocols that runs the modern web.
This is also his second fight with Anthropic this year. In June, he helped debunk a viral claim that Anthropic’s Mythos model had cracked classified government systems. That was a planned drill.
What Draining the Wallet Would Actually ProveHere is the catch. Anthropic’s models walked through unlocked doors. They did not break any codes.
BitGo wallets need two of three keys to move money. Clients hold two. BitGo holds one. It cannot sign a transaction alone.
So an AI would have to steal keys, hack devices, or trick people. Beating the math is not the job.
Belshe’s own filing admits this can happen. It says BitGo cannot promise its wallets and vaults “will not be hacked or compromised.” It points to the $1.5 billion Bybit theft in February 2025. Cold storage failed there too.
Traders went straight to the doomsday scenario.
“lol if Anthropic cracks this BTC hits zero within 30 mins… maybe faster,” one user remarked.
They can relax for now. Bitcoin trades near $63,413, up 1.4% on the day. It is still almost 50% below its October 2025 peak of $126,080.
Bitcoin Price Performance. Source: BeInCryptoAnthropic had said nothing about the challenge as of Sunday. Belshe calls the wallet a standing test, not a stunt. Every day it stays full, his point gets louder.
The crypto market has stayed under pressure as capital steadily drains out of the space, and total market capitalization for digital assets now hovers near $2.17 trillion while valuations struggle to find a floor.
Fragile economic conditions and the prospect of fresh action from the Federal Reserve remain a key threat to the outlook, and either one could weigh further on price performance across the board.
Rate hike could be next Crypto analyst Benjamin Cowen expects the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield to keep gaining strength and sees a high chance of it reclaiming the 5% mark in the near term.
A rising yield reflects instability in an economy, particularly around inflation, and Cowen’s prediction lands as the U.S. 30-year bond yield crossed 5.28% on the 31st of July, one of its highest levels since 2007.
Source: TradingView/ Benjamin Cowen The climb has been building for weeks, drawing investors toward lower-risk assets and steadily pulling capital away from bets like Bitcoin [BTC]. Cowen noted lowering rates does not automatically translate into lower yields, and he pointed to 2024-2025 as his case study.
The Fed cut rates from 5.5% to 3.75% from 2024-2025 and yet the 30 year yield is higher today than when interest rates were 5.5%!
He ties the expected move to the Federal Open Market Committee cutting rates too early, and he expects the pressure on the long end to keep building. A yield holding above 5% would eventually force the Fed to raise rates and tighten the flow of capital into risk assets.
Impact of a rising yield A rising yield carries a clear knock-on effect once the Fed lifts interest rates. A hike tends to restrict capital flow because borrowing grows more expensive, and it pushes investors toward stable assets over riskier bets.
Cryptocurrencies are broadly considered risk assets, so tighter conditions consistently leave less capital coming from the US side, which can feed a gradual slowdown across the market.
That rotation toward safety already surfaced on Friday, when U.S.-listed products recorded a sharp spike in outflows and a visible drop in capital as the 30-year yield pushed to fresh highs.
Source: SosoValue BTC and Hyperliquid [HYPE] sat on the losing side, with $265.37 million and $1.83 million pulled from the two assets, while other funds, including Ethereum [ETH] and Ripple [XRP], saw thinner flows of $9.03 million and $7.69 million, respectively.
A steeper rate hike would raise the odds of the bear market stretching on even longer.
Capital flow in the market Capital across the market has thinned over the past few weeks, and the drain feeds directly into current conditions.
Stablecoins have seen heavy redemptions, with total supply down from $321.82 billion on the 22nd of May and roughly $14.27 billion pulled from the market since.
Most of the remaining stablecoin balance now sits idle instead of flowing into crypto, a sign investors are holding back from fresh bets on digital assets.
Final Summary Cowen expects the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield to keep climbing and reclaim the 5% mark, a move he believes would eventually push the Fed toward raising rates. Higher yields are already steering money into safer assets, and the resulting pullback in capital leaves Bitcoin and the wider crypto market exposed to a longer slowdown.
The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on two Iranian companies central to what it describes as an illicit insurance program targeting commercial ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
Announced on July 29, 2026, the designations target entities accused of compelling vessels to purchase coverage framed as protection against risks that Iran itself largely generates, while channeling proceeds toward the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The sanctioned firms are the Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company (PGMIC) and HormuzSafe Marine Services Authority, also referred to as Hormuz Safe.
According to Treasury officials, these organizations facilitate IRGC-endorsed policies that vessels must obtain to pass through the strategic waterway.
The coverage supposedly addresses threats such as ship seizures, yet authorities emphasize that Iran is primarily responsible for creating those very dangers.
Payments under the arrangement have included Bitcoin and other digital assets, which the regime has used in efforts to circumvent international financial restrictions.
Hormuz Safe, developed under Iran’s Ministry of Economy, markets itself as a provider of digital maritime services encompassing insurance, traffic management, security, and emergency assistance for ships in the strait.
Treasury notes that it accepts cryptocurrency payments specifically to sidestep Western sanctions and generates funds on behalf of the IRGC, thereby enhancing the regime’s influence over regional shipping.
The company was promoted on social media by Babak Morteza Zanjani, an Iranian financier previously sanctioned by the United States.
PGMIC, established by Iran’s primary insurance regulator, the Central Insurance of the Islamic Republic of Iran, acts as a broker for policies approved by the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA).
The PGSA, an IRGC-linked body, had itself been designated by OFAC in May 2026 for providing material support to the Guard Corps.
Both newly sanctioned companies were targeted under Executive Order 13902 for their activities in Iran’s financial sector.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the economic pressures facing Iran, stating that with the economy in freefall and inflation reaching triple digits, the regime is urgently seeking revenue sources.
He underscored that the United States will not permit Iran to leverage global commerce or shipping routes to finance IRGC activities involving terrorism, aggression, or internal repression.
In parallel actions, OFAC designated several companies and identified multiple tankers as blocked property for their roles in transporting Iranian crude oil and petroleum products.
These vessels form part of Iran’s shadow fleet, a network used to sustain oil revenues despite sanctions. Since the start of 2026, more than 100 such vessels have faced US designations.
The latest measures aim to reinforce military interdiction efforts and intensify pressure on Iran’s energy sector, aligning with broader maximum pressure policies.
The designations freeze any US-based assets of the targeted entities and generally prohibit American persons from engaging in transactions with them.
Foreign parties risk secondary sanctions exposure for dealings involving the designated firms or vessels.
Officials frame the insurance initiative as an attempt to replace revenues disrupted by prior operations, allowing Iran to extract funds under the appearance of legitimate maritime services while tightening control over one of the world’s critical energy transit points. These steps form part of ongoing U.S. efforts to disrupt Iran’s methods of generating income through the Strait of Hormuz and its associated logistics networks.
Japan and the United States are stepping up their coordination to address the yen’s relentless slide. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama and top currency diplomat Atsushi Mimura have both stressed the importance of working closely with the US Treasury on exchange rate matters, following a period of aggressive rate checks by the New York Fed that briefly jolted the yen back to life.
The currency rallied more than 3% from its lows in late January 2026, pushing USD/JPY down to approximately 154. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments aimed at countering speculative movements in the yen contributed to this recovery.
A record-breaking intervention The coordination framework is built on a formal FX coordination memorandum signed in September 2025, establishing a joint action playbook for dealing with extreme currency fluctuations.
Advertisement
Between April 28 and May 27, 2026, Japan deployed a staggering ¥11.73 trillion, roughly $72.4 billion, in direct currency intervention as USD/JPY blew past 160. That’s a record sum.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with top Japanese officials in May 2026 to discuss currency policy.
The rate gap nobody can close The Bank of Japan has pushed its policy rate to 0.75%, the highest it’s been since the 1990s. But the Federal Reserve is sitting at 3.50-3.75%, which means the spread between US and Japanese rates remains enormous.
For carry traders, the math is simple: borrow in yen at rock-bottom rates, park the money in dollar-denominated assets earning significantly more, and pocket the difference. This dynamic has been the single biggest driver of yen weakness.
Enter Bitcoin: the corporate hedge play Metaplanet, a publicly traded Japanese firm, has begun incorporating Bitcoin into its corporate reserves as a non-sovereign store of value. The logic is straightforward: if the yen keeps depreciating, holding cash reserves denominated in yen is a losing proposition.
This broader trend of Japanese corporations diversifying treasury assets away from yen-denominated holdings reflects a growing recognition of persistent currency devaluation. For crypto investors, the USD/JPY pair has become something of an unlikely leading indicator, as extended yen weakness has historically correlated with increased Japanese institutional interest in alternative assets, including digital currencies.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Whale Alert reported two major Bitcoin transfers from Kraken totaling 2,957 Bitcoin [BTC], worth approximately $186.6 million, into unknown wallets. The first transaction moved 1,800 BTC valued at $113.56 million, while the second transferred 1,157 BTC worth $73.06 million.
Such withdrawals historically reflected coins leaving exchange custody, reducing immediately available trading supply instead of preparing assets for liquidation. Therefore, the latest movements revived discussion around institutional accumulation rather than short-term distribution.
Large investors often preferred self-custody or custodial wallets after acquiring significant positions, especially during periods of market uncertainty. However, exchange outflows alone never guaranteed sustained upside because broader market participation still determined price direction.
Even so, the combined size of these transfers highlighted renewed confidence among large holders and shifted attention toward whether tightening exchange balances would eventually support Bitcoin’s next directional move.
Why are Binance’s top traders still buying? Derivatives positioning continued favoring buyers despite Bitcoin’s recent pullback from higher levels.
At press time, Binance’s top trader accounts recorded 69.33% long positions against 30.67% shorts, producing a long-to-short ratio of 2.26 over the previous 24 hours. Those figures showed experienced participants maintained bullish exposure instead of aggressively rotating into defensive positions.
However, leveraged conviction alone rarely dictated price because futures traders frequently adjusted positions during volatile sessions. The persistent imbalance suggested many sophisticated traders still expected the broader trend to recover after the recent correction.
Retail sentiment often followed institutional positioning during similar market phases, making these metrics particularly relevant. If spot demand strengthens alongside bullish derivatives exposure, buying pressure could expand further. Otherwise, heavily long positioning could also increase the risk of liquidations during another sharp decline.
Source: CoinGlass Scarcity signals remained firmly intact Bitcoin’s long-term supply metrics continued supporting the broader scarcity narrative despite recent price weakness. The Stock-to-Flow Ratio stood at 917.24K as of writing, although it declined 28.57% over the past 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the Stock-to-Flow Reversion reached 1.6893 after rising 40.47% during the same period. Those daily changes reflected shifts in the model’s readings rather than fundamental changes in Bitcoin’s supply dynamics, indicating that Bitcoin remained a scarce asset relative to its annual issuance.
When combined with the latest 2,957 BTC leaving Kraken, the metrics continued supporting the view that long-term supply conditions remained constructive. However, investors would likely seek confirmation from price action before treating the accumulation narrative as the start of a sustained rally.
Source: CryptoQuant Bitcoin support under pressure? BTC failed to preserve its recovery structure after breaking below the ascending channel that had guided price higher since late June, shifting attention toward the $62,162 support level.
The rejection beneath $66,835 confirmed that sellers regained control before the breakdown accelerated. Parabolic SAR dots also flipped above the daily candles as of writing, reinforcing the bearish shift and indicating the previous uptrend had ended.
Meanwhile, the RSI declined to 46.23, slipping below its signal line at 51.22 and reflecting weakening buying strength without reaching oversold territory. This reading suggested bearish pressure remained dominant, although sellers had not yet reached exhaustion.
If Bitcoin reclaims $65,799 and closes back inside the former channel, buyers could target $66,835 before challenging $70,000. However, losing $62,162 would likely strengthen bearish control and increase the probability of a decline toward the $60,000 psychological support.
Source: TradingView Final Summary Kraken withdrawals reduced exchange-held Bitcoin while traders continued favoring long positions over shorts. Bitcoin’s scarcity metrics continued supporting the long-term outlook despite mixed 24-hour indicator changes.
Not financial or tax advice. PANews content is strictly educational and informational and is not investment advice, financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or a solicitation to buy or sell any digital asset, security, or financial product. Do your own research and consult qualified advisers.
Disclosure. PANews may publish sponsored content, partner content, advertisements, affiliate links, event promotions, and market commentary involving Web3 projects, service providers, or financial products. PANews personnel, contributors, or affiliates may hold digital assets or other interests related to covered topics. See our Terms of Service.
Not financial or tax advice. PANews content is strictly educational and informational and is not investment advice, financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or a solicitation to buy or sell any digital asset, security, or financial product. Do your own research and consult qualified advisers.
Disclosure. PANews may publish sponsored content, partner content, advertisements, affiliate links, event promotions, and market commentary involving Web3 projects, service providers, or financial products. PANews personnel, contributors, or affiliates may hold digital assets or other interests related to covered topics. See our Terms of Service.
Crypto torture gang: Bitcoin millionaires forced to strip naked and held for two days in blackmail ordealSee more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy CLAIRE FARAGHER and DOMINIC CONNOLLY
Published: 00:39 BST, 3 August 2026 | Updated: 00:39 BST, 3 August 2026
Two crypto millionaires held captive for more than two days by a blackmail gang were made to strip naked and forced into compromising positions, a court heard.
The pair were later found to have cigarette burns on their bodies and faces and said they were tortured with boiling water.
Gang members have been found guilty of offences including conspiracy to blackmail and false imprisonment. One victim alleged he was sexually assaulted by two of the men, but the jury cleared them of this.
Inner London Crown Court heard the operation was controlled from overseas by Ibrahim Mohamed, who gave instructions via WhatsApp and Snapchat. He remains at large.
The millionaires, who cannot be identified, are both in their 20s and from France but were staying in Kensington, west London, at the time of their ordeal in July last year.
Prosecutor Heidi Stonecliffe KC described their experience as 'cold, hard torture'. She said they were 'bound with cable ties and beaten', had socks stuffed in their mouths and were threatened with having their genitals cut off and raped if they did not hand over $150,000 (£110,000).
Ms Stonecliffe said they were ambushed by three masked men armed with a gun and knife after going to east London to buy cannabis. Their car was driven to a flat in Canning Town by Yasir Mohamed, 23. In the 52 hours they were held, they were fed one chicken wing between them.
After transferring $30,000 in cryptocurrency, one was let go while the other was driven away, later saying he had been 'sold' to another gang. The ordeal ended after a 70mph car chase through residential London streets after the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad tracked them down.
The chase ended with Adel Sineen, 18, (pictured) crashing into a lamp post. He admitted dangerous driving
Isaac Bakoya (pictured) admitted false imprisonment for his role in the gangs crimes
Julius George, 22, was found guilty of false imprisonment and admitted carrying a knife
The chase ended with Adel Sineen, 18, crashing into a lamp post.
Julius George, 22, of Earlsfield, south-west London, was found guilty of false imprisonment and admitted carrying a knife. Isaac Bakoya, 18, of West Norwood, south London, admitted false imprisonment. Sineen, of Camberwell, south London, admitted dangerous driving.
Gerson Borges, 24, of Camberwell, south London, and Mohamed Osman, 29, of Finsbury Park, north London, were found guilty of conspiracy to blackmail and false imprisonment.
William Adebisi, 19, from Essex, was convicted of false imprisonment. They will all be sentenced next month. The jury could not agree a verdict on Yasir Mohamed's charges.
Not financial or tax advice. PANews content is strictly educational and informational and is not investment advice, financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or a solicitation to buy or sell any digital asset, security, or financial product. Do your own research and consult qualified advisers.
Disclosure. PANews may publish sponsored content, partner content, advertisements, affiliate links, event promotions, and market commentary involving Web3 projects, service providers, or financial products. PANews personnel, contributors, or affiliates may hold digital assets or other interests related to covered topics. See our Terms of Service.
Owners of a popular bitcoin storage device are being urged to protect their cryptocurrency after security researchers said a software flaw may have allowed attackers to steal roughly $70 million worth of bitcoin in less than an hour.
Forbes first reported the attacks, which researchers at Galaxy Research say drained more than 1,000 bitcoin from 1,196 digital wallets in just 41 minutes on July 30.
Galaxy later identified two additional suspected waves of suspicious activity, bringing the estimated losses to nearly $89 million.
CRASHSTEALER MAC MALWARE STEALS PASSWORDS AND WALLETS
Security researchers say hackers exploited a flaw in a popular bitcoin storage device, stealing about $70 million from nearly 1,200 wallets in 41 minutes, with suspected additional attacks pushing losses to almost $89 million, Forbes reports. (Maxim Konankov/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The firm cautioned that its findings are based on blockchain analysis and that it has not confirmed every affected wallet was created using the vulnerable software.
The issue involves Coldcard, a handheld device many cryptocurrency investors use to store bitcoin offline instead of leaving it on a cryptocurrency exchange. Often called a "hardware wallet," the device is designed to keep hackers from accessing a user's bitcoin over the internet.
According to a security advisory from Block's Bitcoin Engineering and Security team, a coding mistake in certain versions of Coldcard may have weakened one of the wallet's key security features.
PAIDWORK BREACH EXPOSES 23M USER RECORDS
Block said the software bug may have made some of those recovery phrases predictable enough for sophisticated attackers to figure them out under certain circumstances, potentially allowing them to steal bitcoin without ever physically touching the wallet.
The company said it released its findings because it believes the attacks are still happening, though researchers cautioned they are continuing to study exactly how the vulnerability is being exploited.
Canadian company Coinkite, which makes Coldcard, has since released a software update to prevent the problem from affecting newly created wallets.
KARR BLUETOOTH FLAW EXPOSES 2.2M CARS TO THEFT RISK
A visualization of the virtual cryptocurrency Bitcoin. (REUTERS/ Edgar Su / Reuters)
However, the company warned that simply installing the update will not protect people who already created a recovery phrase using the affected software.
Instead, Coinkite is urging those users to create a brand-new recovery phrase using the updated software and move their bitcoin into the newly secured wallet.
"Updating the firmware does not repair a seed that was generated by affected firmware," the company said in a security advisory. "A new seed must be generated and the funds migrated to the new wallet."
Coinkite also warned that moving the same recovery phrase into another wallet does not solve the problem because the weakness follows the recovery phrase itself, not the physical device.
Coinkite CEO Rodolfo Novak issued a public apology on X, saying the company was "heartbroken" and taking "full accountability for the firmware bug."
"I'm sorry and I'm devastated," Novak wrote. "Our team is heartbroken about yesterday's news."
Novak urged customers to act immediately.
"If you generated a seed using a Coldcard wallet, move your funds now, using our updated best practices, before reading further," he wrote.
He also asked the public to help spread the warning.
"If you know anyone who owns a Coldcard, please make sure they see this," Novak wrote. "Some affected users may not be watching social media right now, and every hour matters."
Novak said Coinkite is still working to determine exactly how many people may have been affected and plans to publish a detailed explanation of what went wrong after its investigation is complete.
"We do not have full attribution or scope of the issue yet, and we won't speculate until our full technical evaluation is complete," Novak wrote.
The company said it will also help affected customers who want to file police reports or insurance claims and is cooperating with blockchain investigators and law enforcement agencies.
The warning quickly spread across the cryptocurrency industry.
"If you're using a COLDCARD, any version firmware or MK, migrate your funds immediately," Jan3 CEO Samson Mow wrote on X. "If you know someone who is, let them know ASAP... Attacks are ongoing so do it quickly."
While the initial warning focused on older Coldcard devices, Coinkite has since expanded the list of affected products to include additional models and software versions.
The company also said customers who created their recovery phrase using at least 50 private dice rolls are not affected by this specific flaw alone. However, Coinkite recommends that anyone who is unsure how their wallet was set up create a new recovery phrase and move their funds as a precaution.
Bitcoin blockchain E-commerce concept on a digital screen. (iStock / iStock)
Block emphasized that none of its own products or customers are affected by the vulnerability. The company said it published its findings after working with anonymous security researchers and receiving reports from Coldcard users.
Separately, developers of Jack Dorsey's Bitkey wallet said they are investigating a different reported issue involving their product but are not advising customers to stop using the wallet.
"Our recommendation is to continue to use your Bitkey normally," Bitkey developer Clay Garrett wrote on X.
Garrett said the reported issue would require "exceptional circumstances" to exploit and would not give an attacker enough information to steal customers' funds.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
"Our assessment is this presents no risk of remote drains or immediate funds loss," Garrett wrote.
FOX Business reached out to Coinkite, Galaxy Research, Block, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the FBI, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security and Chainalysis for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Owners of a popular bitcoin storage device are being urged to protect their cryptocurrency after security researchers said a software flaw may have allowed attackers to steal roughly $70 million worth of bitcoin in less than an hour.
Forbes first reported the attacks, which researchers at Galaxy Research say drained more than 1,000 bitcoin from 1,196 digital wallets in just 41 minutes on July 30.
Galaxy later identified two additional suspected waves of suspicious activity, bringing the estimated losses to nearly $89 million.
CRASHSTEALER MAC MALWARE STEALS PASSWORDS AND WALLETS
Security researchers say hackers exploited a flaw in a popular bitcoin storage device, stealing about $70 million from nearly 1,200 wallets in 41 minutes, with suspected additional attacks pushing losses to almost $89 million, Forbes reports. (Maxim Konankov/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The firm cautioned that its findings are based on blockchain analysis and that it has not confirmed every affected wallet was created using the vulnerable software.
The issue involves Coldcard, a handheld device many cryptocurrency investors use to store bitcoin offline instead of leaving it on a cryptocurrency exchange. Often called a "hardware wallet," the device is designed to keep hackers from accessing a user's bitcoin over the internet.
According to a security advisory from Block's Bitcoin Engineering and Security team, a coding mistake in certain versions of Coldcard may have weakened one of the wallet's key security features.
PAIDWORK BREACH EXPOSES 23M USER RECORDS
Block said the software bug may have made some of those recovery phrases predictable enough for sophisticated attackers to figure them out under certain circumstances, potentially allowing them to steal bitcoin without ever physically touching the wallet.
The company said it released its findings because it believes the attacks are still happening, though researchers cautioned they are continuing to study exactly how the vulnerability is being exploited.
Canadian company Coinkite, which makes Coldcard, has since released a software update to prevent the problem from affecting newly created wallets.
KARR BLUETOOTH FLAW EXPOSES 2.2M CARS TO THEFT RISK
A visualization of the virtual cryptocurrency Bitcoin. (REUTERS/ Edgar Su / Reuters)
However, the company warned that simply installing the update will not protect people who already created a recovery phrase using the affected software.
Instead, Coinkite is urging those users to create a brand-new recovery phrase using the updated software and move their bitcoin into the newly secured wallet.
"Updating the firmware does not repair a seed that was generated by affected firmware," the company said in a security advisory. "A new seed must be generated and the funds migrated to the new wallet."
Coinkite also warned that moving the same recovery phrase into another wallet does not solve the problem because the weakness follows the recovery phrase itself, not the physical device.
Coinkite CEO Rodolfo Novak issued a public apology on X, saying the company was "heartbroken" and taking "full accountability for the firmware bug."
"I'm sorry and I'm devastated," Novak wrote. "Our team is heartbroken about yesterday's news."
Novak urged customers to act immediately.
"If you generated a seed using a Coldcard wallet, move your funds now, using our updated best practices, before reading further," he wrote.
He also asked the public to help spread the warning.
"If you know anyone who owns a Coldcard, please make sure they see this," Novak wrote. "Some affected users may not be watching social media right now, and every hour matters."
Novak said Coinkite is still working to determine exactly how many people may have been affected and plans to publish a detailed explanation of what went wrong after its investigation is complete.
"We do not have full attribution or scope of the issue yet, and we won't speculate until our full technical evaluation is complete," Novak wrote.
The company said it will also help affected customers who want to file police reports or insurance claims and is cooperating with blockchain investigators and law enforcement agencies.
The warning quickly spread across the cryptocurrency industry.
"If you're using a COLDCARD, any version firmware or MK, migrate your funds immediately," Jan3 CEO Samson Mow wrote on X. "If you know someone who is, let them know ASAP... Attacks are ongoing so do it quickly."
While the initial warning focused on older Coldcard devices, Coinkite has since expanded the list of affected products to include additional models and software versions.
The company also said customers who created their recovery phrase using at least 50 private dice rolls are not affected by this specific flaw alone. However, Coinkite recommends that anyone who is unsure how their wallet was set up create a new recovery phrase and move their funds as a precaution.
Bitcoin blockchain E-commerce concept on a digital screen. (iStock / iStock)
Block emphasized that none of its own products or customers are affected by the vulnerability. The company said it published its findings after working with anonymous security researchers and receiving reports from Coldcard users.
Separately, developers of Jack Dorsey's Bitkey wallet said they are investigating a different reported issue involving their product but are not advising customers to stop using the wallet.
"Our recommendation is to continue to use your Bitkey normally," Bitkey developer Clay Garrett wrote on X.
Garrett said the reported issue would require "exceptional circumstances" to exploit and would not give an attacker enough information to steal customers' funds.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
"Our assessment is this presents no risk of remote drains or immediate funds loss," Garrett wrote.
FOX Business reached out to Coinkite, Galaxy Research, Block, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the FBI, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security and Chainalysis for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Market news: Anthropic's annual revenue has risen to $80 billion, and is expected to exceed $100 billion by the end of August.
Market analyst Nick Dorsey revealed that Anthropic's annual recurring revenue (ARR) reached $80 billion as of mid-July, and at this pace, it may exceed $100 billion in ARR by the end of August. Nick Dorsey (@Midnight_Captl), a former global sourcing expert at Apple, focuses on investment analysis in the AI and semiconductor sectors.
12 minutes ago
The USD/JPY exchange rate fell 170 pips in the short term, breaking below the 156 level.
USD/JPY's decline widened to 170 pips within 15 minutes, marking its first break below the 156 level since May 6, with a daily drop exceeding 1%. Earlier, the United States and Japan said they would not hesitate to further coordinate foreign exchange market interventions.
12 minutes ago
CEO of crypto custody firm BitGo issues a 100 BTC challenge to Anthropic, accusing the latter of overhyping AI hacker risks.
Crypto custody firm Bitgo CEO Mike Belshe deposited 100 BTC into a public Bitcoin address on August 1, worth roughly $6.3 million at the time, and invited Anthropic’s Claude models to attempt to transfer funds out of the address. On-chain records show the wallet received the funds on July 31, and no transfers had been made from the balance as of August 2. Anthropic previously disclosed that 3 incidents were found during 141,006 cybersecurity assessment runs, with 6 assessment sessions involving 3 models accidentally interacting with real organizational systems. The models in question include Claude Opus 4.7, Claude Mythos 5, and an unreleased internal research model, stemming from configuration errors by third-party testing partner Irregular that allowed the test environment to connect to the internet. Belshe’s latest challenge targets Bitgo’s institutional custody platform, which uses multi-signature or multi-party computation technology to distribute signing authority across multiple independent keys. As of August 2, Anthropic has not publicly responded to the challenge.
12 minutes ago
South Korea's stock index extended its decline to 5%, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix seeing their losses widen to 8%.
According to Bitget market data, South Korea’s KOSPI index extended its morning session decline to 5%, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix seeing their losses widen to 8%.
12 minutes ago
HIP-3 decentralized exchange platform Paragon has acquired Unitree Technology’s ticker.
According to data from hl.eco, HIP-3 decentralized exchange Paragon acquired tickers UNITREE (from Unitree) and RDDT (from Reddit) in a recent HIP-3 auction for 577.66 HYPE. Currently, HIP-3 decentralized exchange Paragon has 12 stock contract trading pairs, with daily trading volume in the millions of U.S. dollars, and has been expanding continuously through frequent ticker auctions recently.
12 minutes ago
Saylor's Strategy moves 299.84 $BTC ($18.91M), hints at renewed selling after July $216M liquidation
Is Michael Saylor's @Strategy selling $BTC again? A wallet linked to #Strategy moved 299.84 $BTC($18.91M) 9 hours ago. The last time they moved $BTC was between July 1 and July 5. During that week, #Strategy sold 3,588 $BTC($216M).
Crypto custody firm Bitgo CEO Mike Belshe deposited 100 BTC into a public Bitcoin address on August 1, worth roughly $6.3 million at the time, and invited Anthropic’s Claude models to attempt to transfer funds out of the address. On-chain records show the wallet received the funds on July 31, and no transfers had been made from the balance as of August 2. Anthropic previously disclosed that 3 incidents were found during 141,006 cybersecurity assessment runs, with 6 assessment sessions involving 3 models accidentally interacting with real organizational systems. The models in question include Claude Opus 4.7, Claude Mythos 5, and an unreleased internal research model, stemming from configuration errors by third-party testing partner Irregular that allowed the test environment to connect to the internet. Belshe’s latest challenge targets Bitgo’s institutional custody platform, which uses multi-signature or multi-party computation technology to distribute signing authority across multiple independent keys. As of August 2, Anthropic has not publicly responded to the challenge.
Relevant content
Market news: Anthropic's annual revenue has risen to $80 billion, and is expected to exceed $100 billion by the end of August.
Market analyst Nick Dorsey revealed that Anthropic's annual recurring revenue (ARR) reached $80 billion as of mid-July, and at this pace, it may exceed $100 billion in ARR by the end of August. Nick Dorsey (@Midnight_Captl), a former global sourcing expert at Apple, focuses on investment analysis in the AI and semiconductor sectors.
12 minutes ago
The USD/JPY exchange rate fell 170 pips in the short term, breaking below the 156 level.
USD/JPY's decline widened to 170 pips within 15 minutes, marking its first break below the 156 level since May 6, with a daily drop exceeding 1%. Earlier, the United States and Japan said they would not hesitate to further coordinate foreign exchange market interventions.
12 minutes ago
Strategy may sell nearly 300 Bitcoin again.
According to monitoring by Onchain Lens, a wallet associated with MicroStrategy transferred 299.843 BTC (valued at approximately $18.91 million) to an address 9 hours ago. The address had previously sent Bitcoin to Galaxy Digital, Binance, and Coinbase. Analysts noted a similar transfer occurred last month, around the time MicroStrategy reported selling BTC worth roughly $216 million.
12 minutes ago
South Korea's stock index extended its decline to 5%, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix seeing their losses widen to 8%.
According to Bitget market data, South Korea’s KOSPI index extended its morning session decline to 5%, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix seeing their losses widen to 8%.
12 minutes ago
HIP-3 decentralized exchange platform Paragon has acquired Unitree Technology’s ticker.
According to data from hl.eco, HIP-3 decentralized exchange Paragon acquired tickers UNITREE (from Unitree) and RDDT (from Reddit) in a recent HIP-3 auction for 577.66 HYPE. Currently, HIP-3 decentralized exchange Paragon has 12 stock contract trading pairs, with daily trading volume in the millions of U.S. dollars, and has been expanding continuously through frequent ticker auctions recently.
12 minutes ago
Saylor's Strategy moves 299.84 $BTC ($18.91M), hints at renewed selling after July $216M liquidation
Is Michael Saylor's @Strategy selling $BTC again? A wallet linked to #Strategy moved 299.84 $BTC($18.91M) 9 hours ago. The last time they moved $BTC was between July 1 and July 5. During that week, #Strategy sold 3,588 $BTC($216M).
A widely shared interview featuring investor Kevin O’Leary has sparked renewed discussion within the XRP community about the place of cryptocurrencies within the broader financial system. The clip, posted by crypto commentator Stellar Rippler, highlights O’Leary drawing stark comparisons between the size of the crypto market and that of traditional asset classes.
O’Leary contrasts crypto and global marketsDuring the interview, Kevin O’Leary, a well-known entrepreneur and investor, pointed out that Bitcoin’s current market capitalization of $1.3 trillion and Ethereum’s $230 billion valuation are negligible compared to the magnitude of other financial markets. He noted that the foreign exchange, currency, commodity, and asset markets collectively operate in the hundreds of trillions of dollars, with cryptocurrencies representing only a small fraction of global financial activity.
O’Leary presented this comparison as a statement of fact rather than a critique of digital assets’ future prospects, emphasizing the gap between crypto’s present scale and the immense flows managed by sovereign wealth funds, international currency markets, and commodity trading desks.
The scale of Bitcoin, even at $3 trillion, is dwarfed by the flows in the FX, currency, and commodity sectors, which run into hundreds of trillions of dollars worldwide.
XRP targets institutional use casesStellar Rippler, commenting on the interview, argued that XRP and the XRP Ledger were created to serve precisely those vast markets that O’Leary referenced. XRP is designed for cross-border payments, currency settlement, and institutional asset transfers, with a technical architecture meant to facilitate rapid and cost-effective value movement across different currencies and financial institutions.
According to Stellar Rippler, this focus places XRP in a unique position among digital assets, as it aims to provide practical solutions for challenges faced by banks and payment providers in a market environment dominated by a vast scale of transactions and liquidity requirements. O’Leary did not mention XRP specifically, instead listing power infrastructure firms as examples of entities operating at a significant scale.
Mini dictionary: XRP Ledger, a decentralized blockchain technology developed to support fast, affordable, and scalable cross-border payments and settlements for financial institutions and payment providers.
Market opportunity and price outlookStellar Rippler asserted that the full potential of XRP is often misunderstood by those expecting only modest price increases. As Ripple, the company behind XRP, positioned the asset for institutional utility rather than as a speculative investment, analysts and community members often link any price targets directly to the scale of global finance.
With much of the existing global system remaining out of reach for most cryptocurrencies, Stellar Rippler and several analysts have speculated that significant adoption of XRP could result in valuations far above current levels. Some have cited long-term price targets as high as $1,000, provided XRP’s infrastructure delivers on its intended function within these large-scale financial networks.
Many observers believe if XRP’s cross-border payment solutions gain significant institutional traction, its value could rise well beyond current expectations.
AssetMarket CapMain Use CaseBitcoin (BTC)$1.3 trillionStore of value, digital currencyEthereum (ETH)$230 billionSmart contracts, decentralized applicationsXRP$28 billionCross-border payments, institutional settlementThe discussion around XRP’s potential underscores growing interest in projects that address tangible infrastructure challenges instead of serving primarily as investable assets. As the market continues to evolve, the gap between crypto and the wider financial sector remains a point of focus for both investors and industry commentators.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
The winner actually had the best month in terms of market performance in a year.
After two consecutive painful months in which they lost billions of dollars, the spot Bitcoin ETFs finally turned the page in July, but inflows were still modest.
Meanwhile, the exchange-traded funds tracking the performance of the largest altcoin enjoyed the month more, attracting over 2x more fresh capital.
Bitcoin ETFs in July March and April were quite bullish for the spot BTC ETFs as the financial vehicles attracted well over $3 billion. However, the trend changed violently in May when they lost $2.43 billion. June became the worst month on record, as investors pulled out just over $4.5 billion. In total, the net outflows for May and June stood at nearly $7 billion, and the cumulative total flows dropped from over $58 billion to $51 billion.
July started more positively, with almost $200 million in net inflows during the first full week. Another $76 million followed during the second, and a more modest $34 million in the third. The trend was obvious as the initial high numbers gradually declined, aligning with the underlying asset’s controversial and sporadic price performance and ultimately leading to a very modest increase throughout the month.
The last week in July was once again in the red, with investors pulling $61.53 million out of the funds. Friday was the most painful day, as the total net outflows stood at over $265 million. As such, the month ended with $172.42 million. On one hand, green finally overcame the red wave, but on the other, the number was nowhere near enough to offset some of the recent losses.
ETH ETFs Do Better The Ethereum ETFs entered July after a similarly painful two-month streak, in which they lost $541 million in May and another $529 million in June. However, investors were more persistent, and the actual net inflows for July were at a more respectable $365.17 million, thus outpacing the BTC ETF flows by over 2x.
Moreover, the ETH ETFs closed all four full weeks of July in the green, including the last one, which saw only one day in the red. Perhaps this investor behavior is among the reasons behind the underlying asset’s major resurgence in July. As reported earlier, ETH ended the month with a substantial 20% increase, making it the best in precisely a year.
You may also like: Ethereum Just Had Its Best Month in a Year: Can ETH Keep Rallying in August? Bitcoin Price Rebounds as Trump Calls Off Iran Strikes and Hints at a Deal Bitcoin Fear Reaches Record High as Coldcard Exploit Shakes Confidence in Self-Custody All eyes are now on August, which hasn’t been ETH’s most favorable month historically, but there are some major double-digit exceptions.
TLDR: Bitcoin price crash pushed BTC toward $62,000, cut market value, and accelerated a broad crypto sell-off across major altcoins. Total crypto capitalization fell toward $2.22 trillion, while the altcoin market shrank near $964 billion as liquidity retreated. Cardano bucked the wider decline with a 15.3% weekly gain, although ADA still trades far below its historical peak and key resistance. CLARITY Act delays, wallet-security concerns, geopolitical tension, and rising unrealized losses keep downside risks elevated. Bitcoin’s late-July reversal turned a promising rally into a sharp Bitcoin price crash, dragging major altcoins lower across the market. BTC fell toward $62,000 after trading above $65,000, wiping billions from its valuation within hours. The total crypto capitalization reached near $2.22 trillion by August 2.
Altcoin capitalization also slipped to about $964 billion as Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and HYPE recorded weekly losses. Cardano moved against that pressure, with ADA posting a double-digit weekly gain.
Traders now face policy uncertainty, geopolitical tension, wallet-security concerns, and worsening on-chain losses. They are assessing whether selling pressure can deepen further.
Bitcoin Price Crash Pushes the Market Into Deeper Stress The Bitcoin price crash followed a volatile week shaped by macro pressure and fading regulatory optimism. Bitcoin closed July with a modest monthly gain after surrendering much of its late-month advance. Latest market data showed BTC near $63,273, following an intraday low around $62,414.
The Federal Reserve’s decision to hold rates steady offered little support for speculative assets. A risk-off tone developed as investors tracked conflict across the Middle East. Those pressures reduced appetite for leveraged positions and encouraged capital preservation.
Policy uncertainty added another layer of caution. The CLARITY Act has cleared the Senate Banking Committee, but passage before the August recess looks increasingly unlikely. Senate leaders face a limited calendar and unresolved disputes over ethics language. The bill also requires bipartisan support.
The Bitcoin price crash therefore reflects more than one catalyst. Regulatory delays, geopolitical risks, and weaker confidence are combining with technical structure. Security concerns returned after reports linked a Coldcard vulnerability to the theft of roughly 594 BTC from hundreds of wallets.
Cardano Strength Contrasts With the Wider Altcoin Rout Cardano separated from the crypto market sell-off as ADA gained while large-cap tokens weakened. Latest market data placed ADA near $0.1885, up 9.6% from the previous close. The weekly chart shows a 15.3% advance, making Cardano the clearest outlier.
That strength did not erase Cardano’s longer decline. CryptoPatel says ADA remains 96% below its 2021 peak and 89% below its December 2024 swing high. The analyst placed demand between $0.086 and $0.150, where buyers previously supported an expansion.
Source: CryptoPatel on X Cardano price action has reclaimed the upper edge of that area, but confirmation requires higher levels. The analyst marked $0.2887 as the first bullish trigger and $0.50 as the reversal level. A two-week close below $0.08 would invalidate the structure.
Those levels matter as the Bitcoin price crash keeps correlations elevated. Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and HYPE weakened during the weekly decline. Even assets with improving fundamentals can lose momentum when Bitcoin breaks support and liquidity retreats.
Market expectations show downside concern. Analyst Ted Pillows says Bitcoin could fall toward $50,000. His scenario requires the CLARITY Act to stall and a yen carry trade unwind to develop. Kalshi Crypto traders forecast a $50,000 Bitcoin print during 2026.
Cardano price resilience may reflect positioning inside a discounted range, not a confirmed reversal. The network has catalysts, including the Leios public testnet and Midnight ecosystem development. Traders are watching whether ADA can hold above $0.150 before challenging $0.2887. A break below $0.08 would materially weaken the setup.
Despite multiple attempts to reach higher levels, XRP is still under pressure; the asset is currently trading at about $1. 08. The recent symmetrical triangle that had been forming throughout the second half of July has resolved to the downside, according to the daily chart. Even though the breakdown hasn't led to aggressive selling, it shows that buyers still don't have enough momentum to buck the general trend.
Overall, the technical situation is still negative. The 50-day EMA ($1.09), 100-day EMA ($1.10), and 200-day EMA ($1.20) are all still below where XRP is trading. Any attempt at a recovery will probably encounter strong selling pressure before a more significant trend reversal can even start because those moving averages now create a stacked resistance zone directly above the current price.
XRP/USDT Chart by TradingViewAfter the triangle breakdown, volume has also stayed comparatively quiet. Significant reversals are usually accompanied by increased trading activity, but this confirmation has not yet materialized.
HOT Stories
Rather, market participation has steadily decreased, indicating that traders are holding off on making capital commitments until they see a more potent catalyst. The same hesitancy is reflected in momentum indicators. XRP is in neutral territory as the Relative Strength Index is close to 47.
The market isn't strong enough to indicate a resurgence of bullish momentum or oversold enough to encourage aggressive bargain hunting. For bulls, recovering the 50-day EMA around $1.09 is the primary goal. The 100-day EMA close to $1.10 would come into focus with a successful move above that level.
card
The psychologically significant $1.20 area, where the long-term 200-year EMA presently resides, would become accessible if both moving averages were cleared. On the downside, XRP may experience another leg lower toward the $1.00 psychological level if the $1.05-$1.06 support area is not maintained.
The longer-term downward trend would be strengthened and market sentiment would be considerably weakened if that threshold were to be broken. For the time being, XRP is stuck between weakening momentum and close support; whether buyers can eventually reclaim the cluster of moving averages overhead will probably determine the next big move.
Can Bitcoin turn into growth?After the sharp correction that erased its spring rally, buyers and sellers have shown little urgency as Bitcoin continues to consolidate around $63,000. After failing to maintain gains above $80,000 earlier this year, the daily chart shows a market looking for direction.
Over the past few weeks, Bitcoin has developed a comparatively stable trading range, in contrast to many other altcoins. The 50-day EMA, which is currently nearly exactly at the market price at $63,950, has seen a compression in price action. Instead of a strong directional trend, this suggests short-term equilibrium.
BTC/USDT Chart by TradingViewThe overall picture is still difficult, though. Bitcoin is still trading below the 200-day EMA, which is close to $72,800, and the 100-day EMA, which is at about $67,200. The fact that these longer-term moving averages are still sloping downward suggests that the macro trend has not yet turned back in favor of buyers.
Additionally, volume has decreased during the current phase of consolidation. As volatility decreased, trading activity has progressively decreased rather than exhibiting accumulation. Although a larger move is frequently preceded by declining volume, there is currently little indication on the chart regarding the potential direction of that breakout.
card
A neutral market with no significant buying or selling extremes is reflected by the Relative Strength Index, which is currently at 46. This is consistent with Bitcoin's fluctuations over the previous month. Around $67,000, the 100-day EMA continues to be the main barrier.
Regaining that level would enhance the technical outlook for Bitcoin and might inspire another attempt to reach the 200-day EMA around $73,000. Recovering above both moving averages would be the first significant indication of a trend reversal since the correction started.
Support is still concentrated between $62,000 and $63,000, where buyers have frequently found Bitcoin in recent weeks. The market would probably experience another drop towards $60,000, a level with both technical and psychological significance, if that zone were lost. Bitcoin is currently stuck in a consolidation phase.
Cardano's return potential Cardano has had one of its best daily results in weeks, rising by almost 9% to trade at about $0. 19. After months of continuous weakness, the rally lifted ADA above both its 50-day and 100-day EMAs, which is a positive technical development. But the action has put the asset squarely in a significant resistance area, which may decide whether or not this recovery can continue.
The 200-day EMA, which is close to $0. 197, is currently the most significant barrier. This moving average has historically served as a boundary between long-term bullish and bearish trends, and ADA is currently testing it for the first time since the June decline. The technical outlook would be greatly improved by a decisive daily close above that level, which might lead to more buying from traders awaiting trend confirmation.
During the rally, trading activity increased significantly, indicating real participation rather than a low-volume price spike. Additionally, momentum has increased; the Relative Strength Index has risen to about 66. Even though that is getting close to overbought territory, there is still time for another leg higher before buyers give up. Still, traders need to exercise caution.
Even though ADA has recovered its shorter-term moving averages, it is still in a wider downtrend over the longer time frame. The current rally may simply turn into another lower high within the longer bearish structure if bulls are unable to close above the 200-day EMA. The first significant support on the downside is now the recovered $0.168-$0.170 region.
The bullish structure created during the breakout would be maintained by holding above that area. ADA would probably return to the mid-$0. 15 range if it lost it. As of right now, buyers are clearly in the lead. Whether Cardano is starting a true trend reversal or just staging another relief rally inside a much larger bearish cycle will be determined by the next few daily candles.
Solana's attempt to gain foundationSolana has stabilized at $73, but it still faces long-term resistance. The asset is still trapped between close support and a group of moving averages that consistently cap each attempt at recovery after several weeks of sideways trading. In a technical sense, the situation is still unclear.
SOL is trading near the 50-day EMA and below both the 100-day EMA at $75 and the 200-day EMA at $79. This arrangement implies that buyers have not yet created enough momentum to establish a sustained uptrend, even though selling pressure has decreased since June. Growing uncertainty is also reflected in price action. Solana developed a tightening consolidation pattern with lower highs and comparatively stable support over the previous few weeks.
SOL/USDT Chart by TradingViewBulls were left without a definite technical victory as the price fell below the lower trendline rather than producing a convincing breakout. Fortunately for purchasers, there hasn't been much follow-through selling and the breakdown has stayed superficial. During consolidation, volume keeps falling, which indicates that buyers and sellers are holding off on making capital commitments until there is a stronger catalyst.
The lack of directional momentum is confirmed by the Relative Strength Index, which is firmly in neutral territory at 47. Reclaiming the 100-day EMA around $75 is the bulls' immediate challenge.
card
The 200-day EMA at about $79 would come back into focus if it were to successfully move above that level. The strongest bullish signal Solana has generated in months would be the recovery of both moving averages, which could pave the way for the mid-$80 range.
Support is in the range of $71 to $72 if sellers regain control. If SOL were to lose that zone, it would probably return to its June lows and strengthen the general bearish trend that has dominated the majority of 2026. Solana is still in consolidation as of right now.
Although there hasn't been a significant breakdown, the asset doesn't have enough momentum to overcome long-term resistance. Sideways trading is likely to continue to be the predominant scenario until the price decisively breaks above the moving averages or below recent support.
PANews, August 2 – Stacks co-founder Muneeb Ali shared his views on the Coldcard wallet incident, summarizing lessons in three areas: Bitcoin storage, quantum computing threats, and ecosystem security building.
Muneeb said the Coldcard incident is particularly regrettable because the affected users include many long-term Bitcoin holders with low risk appetite. They avoided high-risk investments, learned self-custody, and regarded Bitcoin as a long-term store of value, yet they were still impacted in the end.
On Bitcoin storage strategy, Muneeb believes the best future approach is asset diversification rather than concentrating all funds in a single solution, emphasizing “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” and recommending:
20%–30% of BTC allocated to ETFs, such as BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF IBIT, for professional custody and regulatory protection; 40%–50% of BTC using a multi-signature solution like Casa, for example a three-key model with keys distributed among a security firm, a mobile device, and a hardware wallet; 20%–30% of BTC for more advanced self-custody setups, combining different hardware wallets and different entropy sources. On the quantum computing threat, Muneeb said that once quantum computers break existing cryptographic systems in the future, Bitcoin users could experience a shock similar to “BTC from a cold wallet suddenly being transferred out.” He considers the quantum threat to be real, and the industry should prepare in advance rather than underestimate technological progress, especially as large language models (LLMs) accelerate scientific breakthroughs.
On Bitcoin ecosystem building, Muneeb noted that over the past few years some segments of the Bitcoin community became too insular, preventing many excellent security researchers and security institutions from getting involved. Many industry security experts are not even familiar with Coldcard, and top-tier security research organizations may not have conducted sufficient audits of its code. He believes Bitcoin companies should set aside ideological differences and collaborate with the broader security community, including professional security firms such as Trail of Bits.
Muneeb said the Bitcoin community should be more open to welcoming engineers from other crypto ecosystems, because top security talent does not exist only within the Bitcoin-only circle. “When Bitcoin gets hurt, the entire industry feels the pain.” He called on the industry to put aside internal debates, strengthen cooperation, and work together to build a more secure crypto ecosystem.
Glassnode: Bitcoin futures basis shows signs of a cyclical bottom, remaining persistently below 2-year U.S. Treasuries.
Crypto analytics firm Glassnode said that since February this year, the basis yield of 3-month Bitcoin futures has remained lower than the yield of 2-year U.S. Treasuries. Historically, there has only been one other period of comparable length: from August 2022 to January 2023, a timeframe that ultimately marked the bottom of the cycle.
19 minutes ago
Bloomberg analysts question Coldcard’s small team of just 5 people, citing a lack of security investment and operational capabilities.
Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas commented on the Coldcard wallet security incident, noting, “I just learned that Coldcard’s team has only 5 employees. That number is far too low for such a critical company. Would you entrust a bank with just 5 people to safeguard your life savings? This might be seen as a ‘feature’ in the crypto space, but it’s a clear red flag to me.” Balchunas further stated that by comparison, institutions with larger teams like Coinbase and Ledger may hold advantages in security investment and operational capabilities, even if users face higher transaction costs. Bitcoin ETFs offer an alternative: investors can access the security of large, professional, regulated financial institutions while benefiting from lower management fees. Earlier reports indicated that Bitcoin hardware wallet Coldcard was hacked, with stolen funds now totaling 1,367.05 BTC, valued at approximately $88.6 million, involving 4,585 addresses. Galaxy Research head Alex Thorn said the attack is still ongoing, advising users who have not yet moved their funds to immediately transfer assets out of addresses generated by Coldcard.
19 minutes ago
Nomura significantly raises Samsung Electronics' profit forecast, with its operating profit projected to exceed 770 trillion won by 2028, while free cash flow and shareholder returns are set to surge in tandem.
Citrini analyst Jukan cited Nomura Securities’ latest report, noting that Samsung Electronics’ operating profit forecast has been sharply revised upward. Nomura projects Samsung’s operating profit will rise from the current approximately 391 trillion won (around $271 billion) to 635 trillion won (about $440.1 billion), then climb further to 774 trillion won (roughly $536.4 billion). Its free cash flow will correspondingly increase from 296 trillion won to 456 trillion won, and then to 563 trillion won; shareholder return yield will jump from 11.2% to 17.6% before hitting a final 22.3%. Operating profits and margins for DRAM and NAND are expected to continue surging over the coming years. This upward revision aligns with earlier research from Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofA ML). Samsung Electronics has tied 60% to 70% of its memory sales to long-term supply agreements, whose terms “limit price declines but allow unlimited upside”, effectively locking in demand from key clients while retaining flexibility for price hikes. Against the backdrop of sustained surges in AI capital expenditure and constrained memory capacity expansion, the strong pricing momentum of DRAM and NAND is directly translating into Samsung’s profit flexibility and cash flow returns, with Nomura’s forecast underpinning this logic.
19 minutes ago
Hugging Face CEO Discusses AI Safety: Accelerating Progress! Has completed defense attempts using open-source models, and the broader long-term vision must not be overlooked alongside risks.
According to monitoring by Beating, Hugging Face CEO Clem stated: "Now is not the time to slow down—we need to accelerate forward!" Recent AI-powered cyberattacks have sparked widespread debate about AI risks. We should absolutely discuss these risks, but we cannot lose sight of the bigger picture. With concerted effort, AI will make the world safer, just like most major technologies. We have already seen a glimmer of progress: AI—more specifically, an open-source model—has been successfully used to defend against attacks. The same systems that help block AI-driven cyberattacks now fend off millions of cyberattacks daily, while also enabling us to identify and fix vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. To achieve this, three key steps are needed: boost transparency, mandate the sharing of proxy cyberattack tracking data and incident disclosures; continue to criminalize AI-powered cyberattacks with meaningful penalties to serve as a deterrent; and equip cybersecurity defenders with the best AI tools, especially open-source models, to narrow the capability gap between attackers and defenders. If these three measures are implemented effectively, AI will not only bring new cybersecurity challenges—it will fundamentally and meaningfully strengthen cybersecurity. Against this backdrop, the recent OpenAI model intrusion incident at Hugging Face has escalated, prompting U.S. lawmakers to introduce the bipartisan "AI Emergency Shutdown Act". The bill requires developers of advanced frontier AI systems to retain technical capabilities to throttle, pause, or fully shut down their systems; and authorizes the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of National Intelligence, to order interventions if a model goes out of control or poses catastrophic risks.
19 minutes ago
A crypto whale has resumed building its ETH position after a two-year hiatus, moving the tokens off a centralized exchange (CEX) at a price of $1,856.
According to on-chain analyst Ai Yi (X handle @ai_9684xtpa), whale address 0x751…8a90A previously opened an ETH position at $2,459 in 2024, exited at $3,159, booking a $700,000 swing profit on ETH. Half an hour ago, the whale opened a new position for the first time in two years, withdrawing 3,500 ETH from Binance at a unit price of $1,856, totaling $6.495 million.
19 minutes ago
Berkshire’s stock hits a new 8-month high, with its top three largest holdings—Apple, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America—posting notable gains this year.
According to BIT (bit.com) market data, Berkshire Hathaway’s Class A and Class B shares rose this week to hit an eight-month high. Analysts note that while Berkshire’s stock has significantly underperformed the S&P 500 index so far this year, the current rally has sustained momentum. The three top holdings in its portfolio—Apple, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America—have posted notable year-to-date gains, supporting its share price. Specifically, Berkshire’s stake in its largest holding, Apple, is now worth over $70 billion, with a year-to-date gain of more than 13%; its third-largest holding, Coca-Cola, has a stake value of $35 billion, with its share price up 25% year-to-date; its fourth-largest holding, Bank of America, has risen more than 12% year-to-date. UBS analysts raised their price target for Berkshire’s stock, maintained a "buy" rating, and also lifted the company’s earnings forecast. Market speculation suggests Berkshire could repurchase up to $11 billion worth of shares in the second quarter, with exact figures to be disclosed in the firm’s Q2 earnings report on August 8. Berkshire Hathaway’s current top 10 holdings (based on the latest public 13F filing for Q1 2026, as of March 31, 2026): Apple (AAPL): ~22.0% of the portfolio; American Express (AXP): ~17.4%; Coca-Cola (KO): ~11.6%; Bank of America (BAC): ~9.5%; Chevron (CVX): ~6.6%; Occidental Petroleum (OXY): ~6.5%; Alphabet (Google parent, combined GOOGL/GOOG): ~6.3%; Chubb (CB): ~4.2%; Moody’s (MCO): ~4.1%; Kraft Heinz (KHC): ~2.8%
Glassnode: Bitcoin futures basis shows signs of a cyclical bottom, remaining persistently below 2-year U.S. Treasuries.
Crypto analytics firm Glassnode said that since February this year, the basis yield of 3-month Bitcoin futures has remained lower than the yield of 2-year U.S. Treasuries. Historically, there has only been one other period of comparable length: from August 2022 to January 2023, a timeframe that ultimately marked the bottom of the cycle.
19 minutes ago
Bloomberg analysts question Coldcard’s small team of just 5 people, citing a lack of security investment and operational capabilities.
Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas commented on the Coldcard wallet security incident, noting, “I just learned that Coldcard’s team has only 5 employees. That number is far too low for such a critical company. Would you entrust a bank with just 5 people to safeguard your life savings? This might be seen as a ‘feature’ in the crypto space, but it’s a clear red flag to me.” Balchunas further stated that by comparison, institutions with larger teams like Coinbase and Ledger may hold advantages in security investment and operational capabilities, even if users face higher transaction costs. Bitcoin ETFs offer an alternative: investors can access the security of large, professional, regulated financial institutions while benefiting from lower management fees. Earlier reports indicated that Bitcoin hardware wallet Coldcard was hacked, with stolen funds now totaling 1,367.05 BTC, valued at approximately $88.6 million, involving 4,585 addresses. Galaxy Research head Alex Thorn said the attack is still ongoing, advising users who have not yet moved their funds to immediately transfer assets out of addresses generated by Coldcard.
19 minutes ago
Nomura significantly raises Samsung Electronics' profit forecast, with its operating profit projected to exceed 770 trillion won by 2028, while free cash flow and shareholder returns are set to surge in tandem.
Citrini analyst Jukan cited Nomura Securities’ latest report, noting that Samsung Electronics’ operating profit forecast has been sharply revised upward. Nomura projects Samsung’s operating profit will rise from the current approximately 391 trillion won (around $271 billion) to 635 trillion won (about $440.1 billion), then climb further to 774 trillion won (roughly $536.4 billion). Its free cash flow will correspondingly increase from 296 trillion won to 456 trillion won, and then to 563 trillion won; shareholder return yield will jump from 11.2% to 17.6% before hitting a final 22.3%. Operating profits and margins for DRAM and NAND are expected to continue surging over the coming years. This upward revision aligns with earlier research from Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofA ML). Samsung Electronics has tied 60% to 70% of its memory sales to long-term supply agreements, whose terms “limit price declines but allow unlimited upside”, effectively locking in demand from key clients while retaining flexibility for price hikes. Against the backdrop of sustained surges in AI capital expenditure and constrained memory capacity expansion, the strong pricing momentum of DRAM and NAND is directly translating into Samsung’s profit flexibility and cash flow returns, with Nomura’s forecast underpinning this logic.
19 minutes ago
Hugging Face CEO Discusses AI Safety: Accelerating Progress! Has completed defense attempts using open-source models, and the broader long-term vision must not be overlooked alongside risks.
According to monitoring by Beating, Hugging Face CEO Clem stated: "Now is not the time to slow down—we need to accelerate forward!" Recent AI-powered cyberattacks have sparked widespread debate about AI risks. We should absolutely discuss these risks, but we cannot lose sight of the bigger picture. With concerted effort, AI will make the world safer, just like most major technologies. We have already seen a glimmer of progress: AI—more specifically, an open-source model—has been successfully used to defend against attacks. The same systems that help block AI-driven cyberattacks now fend off millions of cyberattacks daily, while also enabling us to identify and fix vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. To achieve this, three key steps are needed: boost transparency, mandate the sharing of proxy cyberattack tracking data and incident disclosures; continue to criminalize AI-powered cyberattacks with meaningful penalties to serve as a deterrent; and equip cybersecurity defenders with the best AI tools, especially open-source models, to narrow the capability gap between attackers and defenders. If these three measures are implemented effectively, AI will not only bring new cybersecurity challenges—it will fundamentally and meaningfully strengthen cybersecurity. Against this backdrop, the recent OpenAI model intrusion incident at Hugging Face has escalated, prompting U.S. lawmakers to introduce the bipartisan "AI Emergency Shutdown Act". The bill requires developers of advanced frontier AI systems to retain technical capabilities to throttle, pause, or fully shut down their systems; and authorizes the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of National Intelligence, to order interventions if a model goes out of control or poses catastrophic risks.
19 minutes ago
A crypto whale has resumed building its ETH position after a two-year hiatus, moving the tokens off a centralized exchange (CEX) at a price of $1,856.
According to on-chain analyst Ai Yi (X handle @ai_9684xtpa), whale address 0x751…8a90A previously opened an ETH position at $2,459 in 2024, exited at $3,159, booking a $700,000 swing profit on ETH. Half an hour ago, the whale opened a new position for the first time in two years, withdrawing 3,500 ETH from Binance at a unit price of $1,856, totaling $6.495 million.
19 minutes ago
Berkshire’s stock hits a new 8-month high, with its top three largest holdings—Apple, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America—posting notable gains this year.
According to BIT (bit.com) market data, Berkshire Hathaway’s Class A and Class B shares rose this week to hit an eight-month high. Analysts note that while Berkshire’s stock has significantly underperformed the S&P 500 index so far this year, the current rally has sustained momentum. The three top holdings in its portfolio—Apple, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America—have posted notable year-to-date gains, supporting its share price. Specifically, Berkshire’s stake in its largest holding, Apple, is now worth over $70 billion, with a year-to-date gain of more than 13%; its third-largest holding, Coca-Cola, has a stake value of $35 billion, with its share price up 25% year-to-date; its fourth-largest holding, Bank of America, has risen more than 12% year-to-date. UBS analysts raised their price target for Berkshire’s stock, maintained a "buy" rating, and also lifted the company’s earnings forecast. Market speculation suggests Berkshire could repurchase up to $11 billion worth of shares in the second quarter, with exact figures to be disclosed in the firm’s Q2 earnings report on August 8. Berkshire Hathaway’s current top 10 holdings (based on the latest public 13F filing for Q1 2026, as of March 31, 2026): Apple (AAPL): ~22.0% of the portfolio; American Express (AXP): ~17.4%; Coca-Cola (KO): ~11.6%; Bank of America (BAC): ~9.5%; Chevron (CVX): ~6.6%; Occidental Petroleum (OXY): ~6.5%; Alphabet (Google parent, combined GOOGL/GOOG): ~6.3%; Chubb (CB): ~4.2%; Moody’s (MCO): ~4.1%; Kraft Heinz (KHC): ~2.8%
Trump Media-linked wallets transferred 2,628 Bitcoin, valued at about $165 million, to Crypto.com on Aug. 2, according to on-chain analysts Lookonchain.
Summary
2,628 BTC moved to Crypto.com, but no company filing has confirmed an outright sale yet. Trump Media reported 9,542.16 BTC in March, including 4,260.73 BTC pledged as secured convertible-note collateral. Lookonchain estimates realized and unrealized Bitcoin losses at $555 million after seven months of transfers. The movement reportedly reduced the wallets’ remaining balance to about 4,261 BTC.Lookonchain described the movement as another sale and estimated that Trump Media had disposed of 7,281 BTC over seven months. However, neither Trump Media nor an SEC filing had confirmed the latest coins were sold as of Aug. 2. An exchange deposit can precede a sale, custody change, collateral arrangement or another internal transaction.
Trump Media transfer is not a confirmed sale Lookonchain said the company originally acquired 11,542 BTC for about $1.37 billion, averaging $118,522 per coin. Its post stated, “It looks like Trump Media sold another 2,628 BTC,” wording that reflects uncertainty about the final transaction.
EmberCN separately traced the 2,628 BTC to Crypto.com and estimated that the linked wallets had transferred out about 7,281 BTC. The Arkham entity page identified two recent movements totaling roughly 2,628 BTC, including transfers of about 2,429 BTC and 198.9 BTC.
Source: Akham
Remaining Bitcoin nearly matches pledged collateral Trump Media’s latest quarterly filing provides the strongest company-confirmed baseline. The company reported 9,542.16 BTC at March 31, with a cost basis of $1.131 billion and a fair value of $647.1 million. It recorded no change in the number of coins during the first quarter.
The SEC filing also said 4,260.73 BTC served as collateral for convertible notes and could not be withdrawn or distributed unless indenture requirements were met. The restrictions are scheduled to end no later than May 29, 2028.
The reported post-transfer balance of about 4,261 BTC almost exactly matches that pledged amount. This suggests the tracked wallets may now mainly contain restricted collateral, but the on-chain labels do not prove the accounting or legal status of each coin.
The $555M loss remains an outside estimate Lookonchain calculated that the 7,281 BTC left the linked wallets at an average price of $74,855, generating about $545 million. It then estimated Trump Media’s combined realized and unrealized Bitcoin loss at approximately $555 million.
Those figures are not company-confirmed. The calculation assumes exchange transfers became sales near the observed market prices. It also combines estimated losses on transferred coins with the paper loss on the remaining balance. Trump Media’s March filing confirmed a lower fair value, but said the company had not realized material digital-asset losses at that reporting date.
Trump Media transferred 2,650 BTC worth about $205 million to Crypto.com on May 22. The coins remained in an exchange-linked wallet when that report was published, showing why a transfer should not automatically be reported as a completed sale.
Truth API launch adds separate regulatory scrutiny The Bitcoin movement followed Trump Media’s Aug. 1 launch date for Truth API, a paid service providing institutional customers with low-latency access to influential Truth Social posts. The company said the product delivers posts in milliseconds and could create a recurring revenue stream. Its revenue expectations remain forward-looking claims.
U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren asked the SEC to investigate whether the service could violate federal securities laws. Their letter raised concerns that paying firms could receive market-moving presidential posts faster than ordinary users. The request is not an SEC finding, and the agency had not publicly announced an enforcement action.
Crypto.news reported that Trump Media posted a $405.9 million first-quarter net loss, partly reflecting unrealized markdowns across Bitcoin, Cronos and securities.
The company’s next quarterly filing should clarify whether the May and August transfers were sales, custody movements or transactions linked to hedging and financing arrangements. No verified Bitcoin or DJT price movement can be attributed solely to the Aug. 2 transfer.
This week was a rollercoaster ride in the world of finance and cryptocurrency. Bitcoin’s potential rebound, Michael Saylor’s rescue plan for STRC and Ray Dalio’s Bitcoin investment were among the top stories. Let’s dive into the details.
Bitcoin is showing early signs of separating from equities, according to Ophelia Snyder, co-founder of 21Shares. In an interview with Scott Melker, Snyder suggested that Bitcoin’s muted reaction to a hawkish Federal Reserve meeting could indicate that it has absorbed much of the selling pressure from nervous investors. “It feels like Bitcoin’s oversold to some extent,” Snyder noted. “The people who want out have gotten out at this pricing.”
Read the full article here.
Saylor’s Rescue Plan for STRCMichael Saylor, the man behind STRC, has suggested that as much as $4 billion should be spent if necessary to make the product work. “If it took an extra $4 billion, spend $4 billion,” Saylor said during Strategy’s second-quarter earnings call. Saylor designed STRC with help from ChatGPT, only for the preferred stock to fall sharply below its $100 peg in June.
Read the full article here.
Ray Dalio’s Bitcoin InvestmentBillionaire investor Ray Dalio revealed that he holds roughly 1% of his portfolio in Bitcoin, viewing it as a form of money that cannot be printed. However, he continues to prefer gold as a long-term store of value. Dalio described Bitcoin as one of several forms of “hard money” that investors can use to protect themselves against the depreciation of government-issued currencies.
Read the full article here.
Bitcoin’s Potential PullbackBitcoin could be approaching another period of weakness after posting a double-digit gain in July, according to crypto analyst Benjamin Cowen. Cowen noted that Bitcoin gained around 10% in July, consistent with prior midterm election years, when the cryptocurrency staged relief rallies after sharp declines in June.
Read the full article here.
Resilience of Bitcoin and EthereumDespite expecting broader weakness across financial markets, Doctor Profit reflected on his July 18 positioning and said many questioned why he was buying crypto. He answered that the correction has been concentrated in AI and technology stocks rather than digital assets. “BTC has remained stable within its range and ETH has shown remarkable resilience,” he wrote.
Read the full article here.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock
Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
Cover image via depositphotos.com Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.
The world's largest corporate Bitcoin holder has responded to a multibillion-dollar blow to its balance sheet in trademark fashion as Strategy chairman Michael Saylor posted the laconic message "Bitcoin Drive engaged," which the market may interpret as a signal that the company's forced defensive phase is ending and that it could soon return to major cryptocurrency purchases.
The intrigue lies in the fact that this bullish teaser appeared immediately after the publication of an extremely difficult financial report. Strategy posted a net loss of $8.22 billion for the second quarter of 2026.
The reason was entirely paper-based, with Bitcoin falling 14% over the three-month period, from $68,000 to $58,600, resulting in a massive accounting loss on the company's assets.
You Might Also Like
HOT Stories
Strategy currently controls an impressive 843,775 BTC, representing more than 4% of Bitcoin's total maximum supply. With an average purchase price of $75,653 per coin and Bitcoin currently trading near $63,061, the portfolio's unrealized loss exceeds $10 billion.
Adding fuel to the fire was the fact that, in early July, the company broke its sacred "never sell" principle for the first time in its history, selling $218.4 million worth of Bitcoin to fund dividend payments.
Saylor's Strategy holds a $23.5 billion secret weaponHowever, Saylor's latest hint suggests that it is far too early to write off the company's strategy. According to its financial statements, Strategy managed to build a formidable financial defense during the market decline.
Plus, the company reduced its convertible debt by 18%, to $6.7 billion, and accumulated a record $3.75 billion cash reserve.
You Might Also Like
Having apparently secured two years of financial breathing room, Saylor may now be ready to step on the gas again, responding to paper losses with his classic demonstration of strength. Strategy currently has $3.225 billion in available cash and the legal capacity to issue up to $23.53 billion in new shares.
Whether all this capital will be used to buy discounted Bitcoin remains to be seen, but the slogan "Bitcoin Drive engaged" clearly suggests that Strategy does not intend to remain a passive observer.
Bitcoin has seen a renewed uptick in options market activity, with open interest on the call side rising to about $23 billion. This shift, paired with a put/call ratio of 0.5, points to traders displaying a clear bias toward potential upward movement in Bitcoin’s price rather than seeking protection against declines.
Volatility Falls as Upside Bets RiseWhile this renewed confidence emerges in the options arena, implied volatility has notably declined. Short-term at-the-money implied volatility currently stands at 34%, a significant drop that suggests the market expects restrained price fluctuations in the near term. This combination of strong call positioning against a backdrop of low volatility may reveal that some investors are discounting the possibility of sudden market swings.
Analysts familiar with the options market note that such subdued volatility often precedes sharp price movements, especially if unpredictable macroeconomic or regulatory events disrupt market expectations. Despite the increased activity in options contracts, sentiment remains cautious, reflecting a market still weighing its next move carefully.
Open Interest Signals Renewed ParticipationTotal open interest in Bitcoin options now reaches around $34 billion, signaling renewed engagement from market participants. However, this number remains below the highs observed earlier in 2025. The cautious optimism seen in derivatives markets may indicate that traders are gradually regaining confidence without overextending on leverage.
Recently, Bitcoin has been trading near $63,040. The noticeable tilt toward call options, even as overall volatility remains low, suggests traders may be looking to capitalize on potential upward price moves, but are still alert to broader risk factors. The market sentiment, described as firmly in ‘Fear’ territory by several analytics providers, serves as a reminder that rapid changes are possible if new catalysts arise.
Market Monitoring and Expanding Asset AccessIn this environment of shifting technical conditions and the importance of close market monitoring, new platforms are simplifying the integration between traditional assets and crypto trading. 1stepSwap, for instance, streamlines access to real-world assets by enabling direct movement of US company shares and commodities such as gold and silver onto the blockchain. Investors can hold and transact these assets directly through their wallet, bypassing unnecessary intermediaries and complex processes.
A key advantage of 1stepSwap is its real-time price optimization mechanism, which allows users to buy and sell leading global stocks instantly at competitive rates. This approach not only supports portfolio diversification but also reduces friction in accessing a broad range of assets within the crypto ecosystem.
The rebuilding of Bitcoin options open interest to around $34 billion marks renewed engagement, albeit still below 2025 peaks. This cautious optimism reflects a market that is regaining confidence without diving into excessive leverage.
Market participants are advised to stay attentive, as the ongoing imbalance between optimism and low volatility could pave the way for unexpected breakouts if global conditions shift.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
TLDR: Strategy Bitcoin sales could total up to $5 billion across reserve funding, annual dividend and interest costs, and security repurchase programs. Strategy reported an $8.22 billion Q2 net loss, while an $8.32 billion digital-asset loss reflected Bitcoin’s lower quarter-end valuation. The company holds 843,775 BTC at an average cost near $75,476, leaving the treasury below its aggregate purchase cost at current prices. Management is prioritizing STRC price support, cash reserves, and debt flexibility instead of directing every new capital raise toward Bitcoin. Michael Saylor’s Strategy has opened the door to further Bitcoin sales after reporting a second-quarter loss. The proposed Strategy Bitcoin sales framework could release up to $5 billion for liquidity, dividends, interest, and security repurchases. However, management has not committed to selling that full amount.
The figure represents a ceiling across several capital programs, not one planned transaction. Strategy posted an $8.22 billion quarterly net loss, reversing a $10.02 billion profit from the prior-year period. Its filing also showed an $8.32 billion digital-asset loss. Bitcoin’s lower quarter-end value mostly drove that decline during an especially volatile market quarter.
The company now holds 843,775 BTC after selling a small portion of its treasury during 2026. Those coins cost about $63.69 billion, averaging roughly $75,476 each. Bitcoin traded near $63,047, placing the position below its aggregate purchase cost. MSTR also traded near $93.28, down 4.56% during the latest session.
Strategy Inc., MSTR Strategy Bitcoin Sales Framework Sets a $5 Billion Ceiling Strategy’s capital framework separates potential Bitcoin monetization into three uses. Management could direct up to $1.25 billion toward its United States dollar reserve. Another $1.76 billion could cover annual preferred dividends and debt interest. The company also has authority for up to $2 billion in common stock and digital credit repurchases. Together, those programs create the headline $5 billion capacity.
That structure does not mean Strategy will sell $5 billion in Bitcoin. CEO Phong Le described the amount as a maximum based on current programs and market needs. Actual sales could stay below that level. Michael Saylor also indicated that management wants flexibility when Bitcoin sales create better outcomes than equity issuance.
Strategy Bitcoin sales have moved beyond theory. The company sold 3,588 BTC around the quarter’s close and early July. Those transactions reduced holdings from 847,363 BTC to 843,775 BTC. Strategy received roughly $216 million from the two disclosed blocks, according to reported filing details. The company used Bitcoin monetization to support dividends and liquidity rather than fund new purchases.
The shift marks a change from Strategy’s earlier accumulation-only message. Nevertheless, management still describes Bitcoin as its central treasury asset. The company can combine Bitcoin sales, common equity issuance, preferred stock offerings, and cash reserves. That approach gives Strategy more options during periods when MSTR trades near net asset value.
STRC Support and Cash Reserves Shape the Next Move STRC preferred stock has become a central part of the company’s capital plan. Management wants the security to return toward its $100 stated value. Repurchasing discounted STRC shares could lower future dividend costs while supporting market confidence. Strategy Bitcoin sales could provide funding when issuing new common shares would create excessive dilution.
The company ended the quarter with a $3.75 billion United States dollar reserve. Management said that balance covers more than 2.1 years of preferred dividends and debt interest. Strategy also reduced convertible debt to about $6.71 billion after repurchasing $1.5 billion of notes at a discount. Earlier company disclosures confirmed the debt reduction and broader capital-management approach.
Old news presented as new. Strategy announced this authorization on June 29 as part of its capital-management framework. It permits, but does not require, BTC sales for stated purposes. No new authorization was announced, and we expect to remain a net buyer of Bitcoin over time.
— Michael Saylor (@saylor) August 1, 2026
Recent research notes stayed constructive on Strategy despite Bitcoin volatility. TD Cowen kept a Buy rating but cut its target to $260. Benchmark maintained a Buy rating and $570 target in late July. It said the larger reserve improves dividend flexibility and supports future Bitcoin purchases without abandoning Strategy’s long-term plan.
Strategy has not placed Bitcoin-backed borrowing under active review. Management cited counterparty exposure and margin risks around that financing route. Strategy Bitcoin sales will depend on Bitcoin prices, STRC trading levels, reserve needs, repurchase opportunities, and investor demand.
Management will also assess whether each transaction raises Bitcoin per share for common investors over time.
Bitcoin continues to trade without a decisive directional bias as both buyers and sellers defend key technical levels. Until one side forces a confirmed breakout, the current environment is likely to remain dominated by range-bound price action and short-term liquidity grabs.
Bitcoin Price Analysis: The Daily Chart The daily chart suggests Bitcoin is still locked in a prolonged consolidation phase between the major support around $57.8K to $60.2K and the primary resistance at $66.2K to $66.8K. Despite several attempts by both buyers and sellers, neither side has managed to establish a sustained trend beyond these boundaries.
This type of market structure typically favors liquidity sweeps and stop hunts around local highs and lows before a genuine directional move develops. As long as the asset remains trapped between these two zones, traders should expect continued choppy price action rather than a sustained trend.
A confirmed breakout above the $66.2K to $66.8K resistance could trigger another leg toward the higher resistance around $72K to $74K. Conversely, losing the $57.8K to $60.2K demand zone would invalidate the current consolidation and expose Bitcoin to a deeper correction.
BTC/USDT 4-Hour Chart On the 4-hour timeframe, Bitcoin is trading inside an even tighter range within the broader daily consolidation. Buyers continue defending the support region at $61.8K to $62.2K, while sellers repeatedly cap rallies below the resistance around $64.9K to $65.6K.
Holding above the buyers’ defense could allow another recovery attempt toward the upper boundary of this range. However, the recent sequence of lower highs indicates that sellers still hold a slight advantage, making a breakdown below the $61.8K to $62.2K support zone the more likely scenario if buying momentum continues to weaken. Such a move could accelerate selling pressure toward the lower boundary of the broader daily range.
Sentiment Analysis The two-week liquidation heatmap shows a notable concentration of liquidity just beneath Bitcoin’s recent lows. This suggests futures market participants have been actively defending that area, with buyers stepping in to absorb selling pressure whenever the price approaches the lower liquidity cluster.
At the same time, a substantial pool of liquidity remains above the market around the $66K to $67K region, indicating that both sides still have attractive liquidation targets. As long as Bitcoin remains inside its broader consolidation, the price is likely to continue oscillating between these liquidity zones before a decisive breakout determines the next major trend.
Bitcoin traded around $63,000 to $64,000 in late July, as investors monitored whether the support level near $62,800 would hold or whether the market could regain ground above $63,500 resistance. Market observers noted that while there are signs of caution, there is not yet evidence indicating an immediate crash. The market’s direction appears dependent on buyers’ ability to defend key support zones and overcome resistance defined by several moving averages.
TD Sequential sell setup emerges near $65,000A three-day Bitcoin chart identified a TD Sequential sell signal near the $65,000 region. The TD Sequential indicator is used by traders to spot exhaustion in price trends; in this case, the appearance of a “9 followed by 1” suggests the recent advance may be losing momentum. At the time of the signal, BTC was priced near $63,886, below the $65,000 level where the setup appeared.
Technical analysts stated that while the TD Sequential does not guarantee a decline, it points to the possibility of consolidation or a correction as the market struggles to break above overhead resistance. The $64,000 to $65,000 region remains crucial for short-term direction, with the outcome guiding whether the bearish scenario persists.
Market charts indicated that a recovery above $64,000 would challenge current resistance and weaken the immediate bearish interpretation of the TD Sequential indicator. Failure to move past this level would keep downside risk in play.
Mini dictionary: TD Sequential — A technical analysis indicator developed to identify trend exhaustion and potential price reversals in a sequence of numbered candles based on price movement.
August seasonality weighs on outlookMarket watchers highlighted that August has frequently been a challenging month for Bitcoin. According to recent historical data, Bitcoin declined by 13.88% in August 2022, fell 11.29% in August 2023, lost 8.60% in August 2024, and dropped 6.49% in August 2025. The average decline across these periods stands at about 10%.
However, analysts emphasized that past monthly performance is just one risk factor, not a guaranteed predictor. Performance varies significantly from year to year, and broader market conditions can override seasonal trends. The data underscores the importance of monitoring August for potential volatility, especially if technical weakness coincides with seasonal patterns.
Key support and resistance levels in playTechnical setups identified the $62,800 to $62,900 area as the primary support zone, with $62,200 as the next significant level below it. Resistance is established at $63,500–$63,550, and a sustained move above $63,550 could prompt further recovery with targets set at $63,900, $64,300, and $64,700.
ZoneLevelSupport 1$62,800–$62,900Support 2$62,200Resistance 1$63,500–$63,550Resistance 2$63,900, $64,300, $64,700A confirmed break below these support zones could indicate sellers are gaining control, while breaking above resistance would improve Bitcoin’s short-term technical outlook. Market volatility, however, means that intra-day moves may not always signal new trends.
If Bitcoin can rebound from $62,800, traders may attempt another push towards $63,500 or higher. A sustained drop below $62,200 would increase downside pressure and shift sentiment further negative.
Technical analysis reveals mixed signalsTechnical readings from TradingView showed an overall neutral picture. Fourteen indicators signaled sell, eight were neutral, and four issued buy signals collectively across technical metrics. Oscillator readings were also neutral and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) stood at 44.99, suggesting neither overbought nor oversold conditions.
Other momentum indicators gave conflicting signals. Stochastic readings showed very low momentum, while Williams %R and the Commodity Channel Index (CCI) signaled potential buy conditions. However, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) level was negative, reinforcing caution about momentum.
Moving averages show overhead pressureMoving averages contributed to a more cautious outlook, with 13 sell signals among these measures. The 10-day EMA and SMA, along with 20-day, 30-day, and 50-day averages, were all positioned above the market price and signaled continued resistance overhead. Only the 9-period Hull Moving Average delivered a buy signal, sitting below current levels.
Moving AverageLevelSignal10-day EMA$63,719.68Sell20-day EMA$63,907.27Sell50-day SMA$63,334.60Sell100-day EMA$67,209.01Sell200-day EMA$72,828.02Sell9-period Hull MA$62,822.28BuySignificant resistance remains between roughly $63,700 and $64,700, with longer-term averages even higher, underscoring the technical barriers facing any bullish recovery.
Market sentiment worsens after Coldcard incidentSentiment research from Santiment revealed Bitcoin’s social sentiment hit a record low after reports of a vulnerability affected Coldcard hardware wallets.
Santiment tracked just 0.58 bullish comments for each bearish one on monitored social channels. This decline in sentiment was attributed to concerns over security following the Coldcard firmware issue and general anxiety about hardware wallet safety. The event highlights how external developments, apart from price action, can strongly influence market mood.
Mini dictionary: Coldcard — A hardware wallet developed for secure Bitcoin self-custody, focusing on offline private key management. Issues with firmware or seed generation can create security risks for users relying on these devices.
Despite the negative sentiment, analysts cautioned that there is not always a direct translation of online pessimism into heavy market selling, as sentiment readings can shift rapidly when new information emerges.
Outlook: Neutral to cautious as market awaits breakout or breakdownThe near-term Bitcoin price prediction reflects competing signals. Technicians noted that the recent TD Sequential sell signal, combined with weak August seasonality, raises the probability of further downside. However, some indicators still suggest the market is in neutral territory rather than strong decline.
Moving averages remain the main technical headwind, with Bitcoin trading below most key timeframes, including the 10-, 20-, 30-, and 50-day averages. Maintaining support at $62,800–$62,900 and reclaiming levels above $63,500–$64,700 could shift sentiment toward a recovery. Breaking below these supports would open the door to deeper retracement toward the upper $50,000s.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
PANews, August 2 – Bloomberg Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas commented on the Coldcard wallet security incident, questioning whether a company with only about five employees is suitable for such a critical Bitcoin storage role.
Balchunas said the headcount of the company behind Coldcard “seems incredibly low.” He pointed out that if a bank had only five employees and was headquartered in Canada, would people be willing to deposit their life savings there? He believes that in the crypto industry this might be seen as a feature, but from a traditional finance perspective, it would be a clear risk signal.
Balchunas further stated that by comparison, institutions with larger teams such as Coinbase and Ledger may have an edge in security investment and operational capability, even if users have to bear higher transaction costs.
He also stressed that Bitcoin ETFs offer another option: investors can access the security provided by large, professional, regulated financial institutions while also enjoying low management fees.
The comments come as the suspected Coldcard security incident continues to unfold. Previously, several researchers discovered abnormal fund transfers from some wallet addresses generated by Coldcard, triggering further discussion in the market around hardware wallet security, self-custody risks, and personal asset management models.
Hardware wallet users face sudden losses exceeding $70 million in Bitcoin (BTC) after a critical firmware flaw allows remote draining of funds.
Attackers exploited weak randomness in seed phrase generation on affected Coldcard devices to reconstruct private keys without any physical access.
According to CoinKite, the error caused some devices to generate recovery seeds using a software-based source of randomness instead of the built-in hardware random-number generator, making the resulting private keys significantly easier to predict.
The issue originated in firmware released in March 2021. While installing newer firmware resolves the underlying bug, it does not secure recovery seeds that were generated on affected devices.
Galaxy Research tracked the sweep across 1,196 addresses totaling 1,082.65 BTC in roughly 41 minutes, nearly doubling earlier loss estimates of around $38 million.
Many compromised wallets had stayed inactive for years, making them particularly vulnerable to the predictable seed flaw in models shipped with the buggy firmware.
Coinkite, the maker of Coldcard, acknowledged the issue and released emergency firmware patches to address the randomness problem across multiple device versions.
Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) chimes in and says,
“Even hardware wallets can have bugs, even old wallets with a long history can have bugs. How to mitigate? Split your funds in a few wallets maybe? This has a different set of risks. Nothing is 100%. Stay informed. Stay SAFU.”
The incident underscores ongoing risks in self-custody solutions despite their offline design and prompts broader discussions on wallet diversification strategies
Bitcoin is pulling back after a strong July, and one analyst says the current dip could still be corrective rather than the start of the next major decline in this bear market.
July’s expected seasonal rally played out, hitting resistance near $66,200 now. Historically, July tends to be the strongest month of a bear market year, averaging around 10% gains, while August has historically been one of the weakest.
Bitcoin’s move into the $66,200 to $76,600 resistance zone followed that seasonal pattern closely before getting rejected.
Where Support Sits Now
Bitcoin’s support zone currently sits between $59,317 and $62,530, per analysis, a level tested over the weekend. Price reportedly spent time above the upper boundary of that zone during the weekend session, a sign the support area is holding for now.
As long as it continues to hold, the analyst says another bounce toward resistance in the $69,000 to $72,000 range remains a real possibility. If the zone breaks, the next leg lower in this bear market could begin sooner than expected.
A Failed Breakout Attempt
Bitcoin’s Friday breakout attempt failed, closing back inside its price channel, after price pushed above the descending channel’s upper boundary but couldn’t hold there on an hourly close. Price has since pulled back and is now testing a narrow resistance band between $62,874 and $63,421.
A confirmed close above $63,421 would help confirm a larger bounce forming now, according to the analysis. Without that confirmation, the near-term pressure remains tilted to the downside, with the possibility of one more dip before any larger recovery attempt takes shape.
The Bigger Picture Across the Market
Looking at total crypto market capitalization more broadly, the pattern closely mirrors Bitcoin’s own structure. The total market has tested resistance between $2.25 trillion and $2.55 trillion, while the market excluding Bitcoin faces resistance between $940 billion and $1.04 trillion, having already touched a key retracement level near $912 billion.
Altcoins specifically have shown much weaker recovery attempts throughout this cycle, with resistance between $692 billion and $765 billion and support near $582 billion and $491 billion, though the sector remains well above its 2022 bear market lows.
What Comes Next
The analyst’s broader view is that another bounce remains possible heading into August, even though August is historically a weaker month during bear markets.
Confirmation of that bounce would require Bitcoin to break above the descending channel currently containing price action, something that could take shape as soon as next week if support continues to hold.
Story Ends Here
Trust with CoinPedia:CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.
Investment Disclaimer:All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.
Sponsored and Advertisements:Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners.
Glassnode: Bitcoin futures basis shows signs of a cyclical bottom, remaining persistently below 2-year U.S. Treasuries.
Crypto analytics firm Glassnode said that since February this year, the basis yield of 3-month Bitcoin futures has remained lower than the yield of 2-year U.S. Treasuries. Historically, there has only been one other period of comparable length: from August 2022 to January 2023, a timeframe that ultimately marked the bottom of the cycle.
18 minutes ago
Nomura significantly raises Samsung Electronics' profit forecast, with its operating profit projected to exceed 770 trillion won by 2028, while free cash flow and shareholder returns are set to surge in tandem.
Citrini analyst Jukan cited Nomura Securities’ latest report, noting that Samsung Electronics’ operating profit forecast has been sharply revised upward. Nomura projects Samsung’s operating profit will rise from the current approximately 391 trillion won (around $271 billion) to 635 trillion won (about $440.1 billion), then climb further to 774 trillion won (roughly $536.4 billion). Its free cash flow will correspondingly increase from 296 trillion won to 456 trillion won, and then to 563 trillion won; shareholder return yield will jump from 11.2% to 17.6% before hitting a final 22.3%. Operating profits and margins for DRAM and NAND are expected to continue surging over the coming years. This upward revision aligns with earlier research from Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofA ML). Samsung Electronics has tied 60% to 70% of its memory sales to long-term supply agreements, whose terms “limit price declines but allow unlimited upside”, effectively locking in demand from key clients while retaining flexibility for price hikes. Against the backdrop of sustained surges in AI capital expenditure and constrained memory capacity expansion, the strong pricing momentum of DRAM and NAND is directly translating into Samsung’s profit flexibility and cash flow returns, with Nomura’s forecast underpinning this logic.
18 minutes ago
Hugging Face CEO Discusses AI Safety: Accelerating Progress! Has completed defense attempts using open-source models, and the broader long-term vision must not be overlooked alongside risks.
According to monitoring by Beating, Hugging Face CEO Clem stated: "Now is not the time to slow down—we need to accelerate forward!" Recent AI-powered cyberattacks have sparked widespread debate about AI risks. We should absolutely discuss these risks, but we cannot lose sight of the bigger picture. With concerted effort, AI will make the world safer, just like most major technologies. We have already seen a glimmer of progress: AI—more specifically, an open-source model—has been successfully used to defend against attacks. The same systems that help block AI-driven cyberattacks now fend off millions of cyberattacks daily, while also enabling us to identify and fix vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. To achieve this, three key steps are needed: boost transparency, mandate the sharing of proxy cyberattack tracking data and incident disclosures; continue to criminalize AI-powered cyberattacks with meaningful penalties to serve as a deterrent; and equip cybersecurity defenders with the best AI tools, especially open-source models, to narrow the capability gap between attackers and defenders. If these three measures are implemented effectively, AI will not only bring new cybersecurity challenges—it will fundamentally and meaningfully strengthen cybersecurity. Against this backdrop, the recent OpenAI model intrusion incident at Hugging Face has escalated, prompting U.S. lawmakers to introduce the bipartisan "AI Emergency Shutdown Act". The bill requires developers of advanced frontier AI systems to retain technical capabilities to throttle, pause, or fully shut down their systems; and authorizes the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of National Intelligence, to order interventions if a model goes out of control or poses catastrophic risks.
18 minutes ago
A crypto whale has resumed building its ETH position after a two-year hiatus, moving the tokens off a centralized exchange (CEX) at a price of $1,856.
According to on-chain analyst Ai Yi (X handle @ai_9684xtpa), whale address 0x751…8a90A previously opened an ETH position at $2,459 in 2024, exited at $3,159, booking a $700,000 swing profit on ETH. Half an hour ago, the whale opened a new position for the first time in two years, withdrawing 3,500 ETH from Binance at a unit price of $1,856, totaling $6.495 million.
18 minutes ago
Berkshire’s stock hits a new 8-month high, with its top three largest holdings—Apple, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America—posting notable gains this year.
According to BIT (bit.com) market data, Berkshire Hathaway’s Class A and Class B shares rose this week to hit an eight-month high. Analysts note that while Berkshire’s stock has significantly underperformed the S&P 500 index so far this year, the current rally has sustained momentum. The three top holdings in its portfolio—Apple, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America—have posted notable year-to-date gains, supporting its share price. Specifically, Berkshire’s stake in its largest holding, Apple, is now worth over $70 billion, with a year-to-date gain of more than 13%; its third-largest holding, Coca-Cola, has a stake value of $35 billion, with its share price up 25% year-to-date; its fourth-largest holding, Bank of America, has risen more than 12% year-to-date. UBS analysts raised their price target for Berkshire’s stock, maintained a "buy" rating, and also lifted the company’s earnings forecast. Market speculation suggests Berkshire could repurchase up to $11 billion worth of shares in the second quarter, with exact figures to be disclosed in the firm’s Q2 earnings report on August 8. Berkshire Hathaway’s current top 10 holdings (based on the latest public 13F filing for Q1 2026, as of March 31, 2026): Apple (AAPL): ~22.0% of the portfolio; American Express (AXP): ~17.4%; Coca-Cola (KO): ~11.6%; Bank of America (BAC): ~9.5%; Chevron (CVX): ~6.6%; Occidental Petroleum (OXY): ~6.5%; Alphabet (Google parent, combined GOOGL/GOOG): ~6.3%; Chubb (CB): ~4.2%; Moody’s (MCO): ~4.1%; Kraft Heinz (KHC): ~2.8%
18 minutes ago
A crypto whale added to their HYPE holdings again to lower their average entry price, holding a position worth up to $15.88 million.
According to on-chain analyst Ai Yi (@ai_9684xtpa), a whale has added to its HYPE holdings again after two weeks to lower its average cost basis, now facing an unrealized loss of $3.53 million. Address 0x008…E295f withdrew 20,000 HYPE from Coinbase one hour ago, valued at $1.03 million. Since June 11, the address has cumulatively withdrawn 240,000 HYPE from exchanges, totaling $15.88 million, at an average withdrawal price of $66.17.
TL;DROn-Chain Stress Indicator Moves Out of the Danger ZoneHistorical Cycles Show Why the 40% Level MattersOn-Chain Data Suggests Caution on Bitcoin Rather Than Panic Bitcoin’s Percent Unrealized Loss has declined to 35.2%, down from a recent peak of 42.2%. The metric has moved below the 40% deep-stress band, although it remains above the 20% warning level. Historical cycles show the first move above 40% has often been followed by extended consolidation before recovery or capitulation. The chart suggests investor stress has eased, but on-chain indicators are not yet signaling a full market reset. Bitcoin investors are showing signs of recovering from one of the market’s recent periods of elevated stress, with on-chain data indicating that the percentage of coins sitting at an unrealized loss has fallen below a key historical threshold.
According to the latest CryptoQuant data, Bitcoin’s Percent Unrealized Loss currently stands at 35.2%, meaning roughly one-third of the tracked Bitcoin supply is being held below its acquisition price.
The reading represents an improvement from late June, when the metric climbed to 42.2%, briefly pushing above the historically important 40% deep-stress zone. The indicator later eased to 30.4% around July 21 before rebounding to its current level.
BTC Data Source: CryptoQuant Although the latest figure points to improving market conditions, analysts note that unrealized losses remain elevated compared with healthier phases of previous market cycles.
On-Chain Stress Indicator Moves Out of the Danger Zone The attached chart tracks Bitcoin’s Percent Unrealized Loss against the asset’s long-term price performance.
The purple area represents the share of circulating Bitcoin supply currently held at an unrealized loss, while the white line tracks Bitcoin’s market price over multiple market cycles.
Historically, readings above 20% have signaled growing market stress, while moves beyond 40% have coincided with deeper bear-market conditions. The 60% threshold has generally marked periods of capitulation, when widespread selling pressure and investor panic have dominated the market.
The latest decline to 35.2% places Bitcoin back below the deep-stress zone, suggesting that some of the pressure experienced during recent price weakness has eased.
Historical Cycles Show Why the 40% Level Matters The chart highlights several previous market cycles where unrealized losses climbed above the 40% threshold before extending toward 60% during prolonged bear markets.
During the 2014–2015, 2018–2019 and 2022 downturns, the first move into the 40% region did not immediately mark the market bottom. Instead, Bitcoin typically entered a period of volatile consolidation before either recovering or experiencing a final wave of capitulation.
Unlike those earlier cycles, the current reading has retreated below 40% relatively quickly, indicating that selling pressure has moderated rather than intensified.
From a technical perspective, the chart reveals the unrealized loss metric has fallen back below the historical deep-stress threshold. Current levels remain well below the 60% zone that has historically accompanied widespread panic selling. Many holders continue to face negative returns.
On-Chain Data Suggests Caution on Bitcoin Rather Than Panic Unrealized loss metrics are widely used by on-chain analysts to assess investor sentiment because they measure the proportion of Bitcoin holders currently sitting on paper losses.
High readings generally reflect deteriorating market confidence, while declining values often indicate that prices have recovered enough to reduce the share of underwater investors.
However, on-chain metrics are rarely used in isolation. Analysts typically combine unrealized loss data with exchange flows, long-term holder behavior, realized losses, and derivatives positioning to build a broader picture of market conditions.
For now, Bitcoin appears to have stepped back from the deeper stress zone that emerged in late June. While that suggests improving sentiment, the indicator remains above the longer-term comfort zone, meaning investors will likely continue watching whether the metric stabilizes below 40% or begins climbing again if market weakness returns.
Not financial or tax advice. PANews content is strictly educational and informational and is not investment advice, financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or a solicitation to buy or sell any digital asset, security, or financial product. Do your own research and consult qualified advisers.
Disclosure. PANews may publish sponsored content, partner content, advertisements, affiliate links, event promotions, and market commentary involving Web3 projects, service providers, or financial products. PANews personnel, contributors, or affiliates may hold digital assets or other interests related to covered topics. See our Terms of Service.
Bloomberg analysts question Coldcard’s small team of just 5 people, citing a lack of security investment and operational capabilities.
Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas commented on the Coldcard wallet security incident, noting, “I just learned that Coldcard’s team has only 5 employees. That number is far too low for such a critical company. Would you entrust a bank with just 5 people to safeguard your life savings? This might be seen as a ‘feature’ in the crypto space, but it’s a clear red flag to me.” Balchunas further stated that by comparison, institutions with larger teams like Coinbase and Ledger may hold advantages in security investment and operational capabilities, even if users face higher transaction costs. Bitcoin ETFs offer an alternative: investors can access the security of large, professional, regulated financial institutions while benefiting from lower management fees. Earlier reports indicated that Bitcoin hardware wallet Coldcard was hacked, with stolen funds now totaling 1,367.05 BTC, valued at approximately $88.6 million, involving 4,585 addresses. Galaxy Research head Alex Thorn said the attack is still ongoing, advising users who have not yet moved their funds to immediately transfer assets out of addresses generated by Coldcard.
49 minutes ago
Nomura significantly raises Samsung Electronics' profit forecast, with its operating profit projected to exceed 770 trillion won by 2028, while free cash flow and shareholder returns are set to surge in tandem.
Citrini analyst Jukan cited Nomura Securities’ latest report, noting that Samsung Electronics’ operating profit forecast has been sharply revised upward. Nomura projects Samsung’s operating profit will rise from the current approximately 391 trillion won (around $271 billion) to 635 trillion won (about $440.1 billion), then climb further to 774 trillion won (roughly $536.4 billion). Its free cash flow will correspondingly increase from 296 trillion won to 456 trillion won, and then to 563 trillion won; shareholder return yield will jump from 11.2% to 17.6% before hitting a final 22.3%. Operating profits and margins for DRAM and NAND are expected to continue surging over the coming years. This upward revision aligns with earlier research from Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofA ML). Samsung Electronics has tied 60% to 70% of its memory sales to long-term supply agreements, whose terms “limit price declines but allow unlimited upside”, effectively locking in demand from key clients while retaining flexibility for price hikes. Against the backdrop of sustained surges in AI capital expenditure and constrained memory capacity expansion, the strong pricing momentum of DRAM and NAND is directly translating into Samsung’s profit flexibility and cash flow returns, with Nomura’s forecast underpinning this logic.
49 minutes ago
Hugging Face CEO Discusses AI Safety: Accelerating Progress! Has completed defense attempts using open-source models, and the broader long-term vision must not be overlooked alongside risks.
According to monitoring by Beating, Hugging Face CEO Clem stated: "Now is not the time to slow down—we need to accelerate forward!" Recent AI-powered cyberattacks have sparked widespread debate about AI risks. We should absolutely discuss these risks, but we cannot lose sight of the bigger picture. With concerted effort, AI will make the world safer, just like most major technologies. We have already seen a glimmer of progress: AI—more specifically, an open-source model—has been successfully used to defend against attacks. The same systems that help block AI-driven cyberattacks now fend off millions of cyberattacks daily, while also enabling us to identify and fix vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. To achieve this, three key steps are needed: boost transparency, mandate the sharing of proxy cyberattack tracking data and incident disclosures; continue to criminalize AI-powered cyberattacks with meaningful penalties to serve as a deterrent; and equip cybersecurity defenders with the best AI tools, especially open-source models, to narrow the capability gap between attackers and defenders. If these three measures are implemented effectively, AI will not only bring new cybersecurity challenges—it will fundamentally and meaningfully strengthen cybersecurity. Against this backdrop, the recent OpenAI model intrusion incident at Hugging Face has escalated, prompting U.S. lawmakers to introduce the bipartisan "AI Emergency Shutdown Act". The bill requires developers of advanced frontier AI systems to retain technical capabilities to throttle, pause, or fully shut down their systems; and authorizes the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of National Intelligence, to order interventions if a model goes out of control or poses catastrophic risks.
49 minutes ago
A crypto whale has resumed building its ETH position after a two-year hiatus, moving the tokens off a centralized exchange (CEX) at a price of $1,856.
According to on-chain analyst Ai Yi (X handle @ai_9684xtpa), whale address 0x751…8a90A previously opened an ETH position at $2,459 in 2024, exited at $3,159, booking a $700,000 swing profit on ETH. Half an hour ago, the whale opened a new position for the first time in two years, withdrawing 3,500 ETH from Binance at a unit price of $1,856, totaling $6.495 million.
49 minutes ago
Berkshire’s stock hits a new 8-month high, with its top three largest holdings—Apple, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America—posting notable gains this year.
According to BIT (bit.com) market data, Berkshire Hathaway’s Class A and Class B shares rose this week to hit an eight-month high. Analysts note that while Berkshire’s stock has significantly underperformed the S&P 500 index so far this year, the current rally has sustained momentum. The three top holdings in its portfolio—Apple, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America—have posted notable year-to-date gains, supporting its share price. Specifically, Berkshire’s stake in its largest holding, Apple, is now worth over $70 billion, with a year-to-date gain of more than 13%; its third-largest holding, Coca-Cola, has a stake value of $35 billion, with its share price up 25% year-to-date; its fourth-largest holding, Bank of America, has risen more than 12% year-to-date. UBS analysts raised their price target for Berkshire’s stock, maintained a "buy" rating, and also lifted the company’s earnings forecast. Market speculation suggests Berkshire could repurchase up to $11 billion worth of shares in the second quarter, with exact figures to be disclosed in the firm’s Q2 earnings report on August 8. Berkshire Hathaway’s current top 10 holdings (based on the latest public 13F filing for Q1 2026, as of March 31, 2026): Apple (AAPL): ~22.0% of the portfolio; American Express (AXP): ~17.4%; Coca-Cola (KO): ~11.6%; Bank of America (BAC): ~9.5%; Chevron (CVX): ~6.6%; Occidental Petroleum (OXY): ~6.5%; Alphabet (Google parent, combined GOOGL/GOOG): ~6.3%; Chubb (CB): ~4.2%; Moody’s (MCO): ~4.1%; Kraft Heinz (KHC): ~2.8%
49 minutes ago
A crypto whale added to their HYPE holdings again to lower their average entry price, holding a position worth up to $15.88 million.
According to on-chain analyst Ai Yi (@ai_9684xtpa), a whale has added to its HYPE holdings again after two weeks to lower its average cost basis, now facing an unrealized loss of $3.53 million. Address 0x008…E295f withdrew 20,000 HYPE from Coinbase one hour ago, valued at $1.03 million. Since June 11, the address has cumulatively withdrawn 240,000 HYPE from exchanges, totaling $15.88 million, at an average withdrawal price of $66.17.
Cover image via depositphotos.com Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.
While weekend news feeds remain quiet, an important scenario is unfolding on the charts at the start of August as Bitcoin is attempting to form a reversal, but Ethereum is technically one step ahead.
Right now, BTC is hovering near $63,382, carefully drawing the right shoulder of a classic inverse head-and-shoulders pattern. Behind it lies a heavy decline from May highs above $81,000 and a nervous search for a bottom near $57,000.
TechCharts analyst Aksel Kibar calls this setup the only real reason for short-term optimism among bulls at the beginning of August.
HOT Stories
Fresh Bitcoin price outlook by Aksel Kibar, Source: Aksel Kibar (@TechCharts) via XBut while Bitcoin is still standing at the foot of the climb, wondering whether buyers have enough strength for a decisive push toward the key neckline at $67,200, Ethereum has already completed this journey.
In the ETH/BTC pair, a similar reversal bottom has already broken to the upside.
You Might Also Like
The leading altcoin has established itself in an uptrend and is confidently moving toward the technical target of 0.0312, proving that large capital currently prefers to park in ETH rather than in the market flagship.
This liquidity rotation is draining Bitcoin and depriving it of the volume needed for a quick start.
Against the U.S. dollar, Ethereum is now carefully retesting the $1,875 level from above. Should this support withstand the pressure, a direct path toward $2,163 will open for the coin.
$67,200 ultimatum: Will Bitcoin mirror Ethereum's breakout or validate the bears?This relative strength in ETH is an excellent sign for the broader market, but the situation remains tense for Bitcoin holders. Either BTC follows the example of its younger sibling and delivers a rapid move above $67,200, confirming the classic reversal, or the pattern breaks down.
Based on the context provided by Kibar, without an assault on the neckline in the coming days, bears will regain control and send Bitcoin toward the solid support levels at $60,000 and $58,000. Considering all the factors, the price action over the next few days at the beginning of August will decide everything.
At the start of August, Bitcoin and Ethereum entered a crucial technical phase, with both digital assets displaying reversal patterns that could influence the near-term outlook for the broader cryptocurrency market.
Bitcoin hovers near inverse head-and-shoulders formationBitcoin is trading close to $63,382 as it shapes the right shoulder of a classic inverse head-and-shoulders pattern. This structure follows a marked decline from May’s highs above $81,000, with the asset looking for a solid bottom near $57,000 after weeks of volatility.
Aksel Kibar, a well-known analyst at TechCharts, described this technical setup as the primary reason for optimism among short-term bullish traders in early August. He pointed to the neckline at $67,200 as the pivotal level that could trigger further upside if surpassed decisively.
Analyst Aksel Kibar emphasizes that the classic reversal pattern forming in Bitcoin presents a unique opportunity for bulls, provided they manage to reclaim the $67,200 neckline within the coming days.
However, the situation remains uncertain for investors, as Bitcoin has yet to confirm a decisive breakout. If there is no sustained move above the neckline, sellers could regain leverage, aiming for lower support levels around $60,000 and $58,000.
Ethereum leads market shift as capital flows inWhile Bitcoin lingers below a critical juncture, Ethereum has already completed a comparable technical turnaround. On the ETH/BTC trading pair, Ethereum has broken out from a similar reversal bottom, establishing a new uptrend and attracting increased institutional attention.
The leading altcoin is moving toward a technical price target of 0.0312 on the ETH/BTC chart, indicating robust capital inflows into ETH. Recent price action suggests that large holders are currently positioning more in Ethereum than in Bitcoin, reflecting a shift in market preference.
This rotation of liquidity has reduced trading volume and momentum for Bitcoin, making it more challenging for BTC to initiate a strong recovery in the immediate term.
Against the US dollar, Ethereum is currently retesting the $1,875 level from above. If this support level persists, analysts see a pathway for ETH to advance toward the next major objective at $2,163.
AssetCurrent LevelKey Resistance/TargetKey SupportBitcoin (BTC)$63,382$67,200$60,000 / $58,000Ethereum (ETH)$1,875$2,163$1,875ETH/BTC0.03100.0312N/AMini dictionary: TechCharts is an independent market research platform known for technical analysis across global financial markets, including digital assets. Its analysts routinely focus on classical chart patterns and provide insights for both retail and institutional investors.
Critical period ahead for BTC price trajectoryEthereum’s performance is viewed by some traders as a positive indicator for the overall crypto market. However, market sentiment remains tense as Bitcoin faces a decision point. Many traders are watching for a break above $67,200, which would signal a confirmation of the bullish reversal.
If Bitcoin fails to surpass this level within a short window, the risk of renewed selling could grow, with prices potentially moving back to established supports around $60,000 and $58,000. Market participants expect the next few days to be crucial in determining the direction for Bitcoin as August unfolds.
With the technical setup on both BTC and ETH approaching critical levels, the outcome of Bitcoin’s test at $67,200 is set to shape sentiment across the crypto ecosystem.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
ENA is the other big gainer over the 24 hours, followed by ADA.
Bitcoin’s price dipped to another multi-week low at just over $62,000 on Saturday evening but rebounded to $63,500 on Sunday morning after US President Donald Trump said he had canceled the planned attacks against Iran.
Most larger-cap alts have turned green with minor increases, led by Cardano’s native token, which has jumped by 9%.
BTC Returns to Over $63K The business week began on a more positive note after last weekend’s de-escalation in the Middle East. Bitcoin had remained above $64,000, and then it tapped $65,600 on a couple of occasions on Monday. However, it couldn’t continue upward, and uncertainty ahead of the FOMC meeting led investors to de-risk by offloading BTC, which resulted in a massive drop to $62,800.
Volatility remained high before and after the event, with the asset going up and down between $63,000 and $65,000. It rocketed to just over the upper boundary on Friday morning, where it was rejected once again.
The subsequent leg down was even more painful as bitcoin dipped to $62,400 for the first time in over two weeks. It managed to rebound to $63,000 on Saturday before it dropped once again to $62,100 (on most exchanges). The situation improved on Sunday morning after US President Trump canceled planned attacks against Iran, and BTC jumped to $63,500.
Its market cap has reclaimed $1.270 trillion, while its dominance over the alts remains below 57% on CG.
BTCUSD Aug 2. Source: TradingView ADA Soars Most larger-cap alts have turned green in the past day. XRP has defended the $1.05 support, which has been described as a major support level by analysts that can propel the next rally. SOL is up by 1%, and so is HYPE. ETH, TRX, DOGE, RAIN, and ZEC have marked minor increases.
Cardano’s native token has become today’s top performer, surging by 9% to $0.185. XLM, DOT, AVAX, NEAR, PEPE, and WLD have marked gains of up to 4%.
The total crypto market cap is up by $40 billion since yesterday’s low and is up to $2.250 trillion on CG.
Cryptocurrency Market Overview August 2. Source: QuantifyCrypto
The cold wallet that many crypto holders treated as the ultimate vault has just cracked open a debate the market wasn’t ready for. A Coldcard firmware exploit—targeting a device explicitly marketed as air-gapped and self-custodial—has sent Bitcoin’s social commentary into a historic tailspin. According to the Santiment update, Bitcoin’s positive-to-negative commentary ratio across X, Reddit, Telegram, and other platforms has fallen to the lowest mark since the firm’s modern tracking began. With only 0.58 bullish remarks for every 1.00 bearish remark, fear is now louder than greed by a margin not seen during the FTX unwind, Mt. Gox, or even the COVID-19 Black Thursday meltdown.
The ratio is a raw snapshot of crowd psychology, and this one stands out not for the dollar loss but for what it attacks: the assumption that cold storage is nearly impenetrable. Exchanges, bridges, and leveraged platforms have absorbed the majority of security criticism for years. Self-custody was the escape route. Now that escape route has a wound, and retail traders are talking accordingly.
Fear Louder Than Greed by Historic Margin Santiment’s data shows the panic reading already eclipses the peak war fears from earlier this year. That comparison matters because geopolitical anxiety typically produces broad, sustained negative sentiment; the fact that a single hardware wallet exploit outpaced it—at least in the initial 24-hour sample—signals a crisis of confidence deeper than the incident’s immediate financial impact. The one-day window leaves room for reversion, but the intensity of the first wave is what traders will weigh against on-chain activity in the coming sessions.
Larger disasters have happened. FTX vaporized billions in customer funds. Mt. Gox rewrote early exchange history. COVID-19 triggered a liquidity vacuum across all assets. Yet this Coldcard exploit strikes at the mental model of self-sovereignty, which is why the commentary ratio has diverged so sharply from what raw theft numbers might suggest. It opens a conversation about whether hardware wallets carry single points of failure that have been underappreciated.
Why Self-Custody Panic Differs from Past Crypto Disasters The market is now grappling with a threat that doesn’t sit neatly inside the usual categories. Exchange hacks generate anger at centralized entities. Bridge exploits raise questions about cross-chain architecture. Smart contract bugs provoke debates about auditing. But a cold wallet firmware compromise reframes the entire off-exchange storage narrative. If the device that never touches the internet can be silently compromised through a firmware update, the hierarchy of safety gets rewritten.
That doesn’t mean self-custody is collapsing. It means the trust bar for hardware solutions just rose, and the market is pricing in a period of re-evaluation. On-chain flows in the coming days will be telling: accelerated exchange deposits could signal a flight to custodial convenience, while a steady drip of cold storage outflows would suggest the crowd is compartmentalizing the event. So far, there’s no evidence of a broad scramble to move coins, but the sentiment extreme sets the stage for sharper reactions if additional disclosures emerge.
The regulatory backdrop adds another layer. The panic arrives just as US lawmakers wrestle with legislation that could reshape crypto’s legal footing, with banks attempting to derail the biggest crypto bill in history days before a Senate vote. A self-custody scare at this moment could tilt policy conversations toward stricter hardware certification or custodial mandates, even if the exploit remains contained. Separately, the broader market has sustained rallies in altcoin pockets, with recent altcoin gainers posting sharp moves. A sustained flight from cold storage narratives could redirect speculative flows toward assets perceived as having lower self-custody friction, though that remains premature.
Santiment acknowledged the one-day sampling limitation while noting the reading is already more extreme than past panic spikes. What remains uncertain is whether the negative ratio will flatten as the exploit’s scope becomes clearer, or deepen if the Coldcard vulnerability proves to be a wider class of hardware attack. On-chain analytics firms will be watching exchange reserves, whale wallet movements, and security-related keywords for confirmation. For now, the crowd has spoken: self-custody just got less comfortable, and the price of that discomfort is written in the commentary ratio.
AUTHOR
Brenda is a writer with three years of experience specializing in cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. She graduated from the University of Mombasa with a degree in Psychology. She has worked at Cryptopolitan and Blockchain Reporter.
When the most powerful prince in the Middle East picks up the phone to tell the U.S. president to cool it, markets listen. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has urged Donald Trump to avoid further military escalation against Iran, a direct intervention that reflects just how fragile the regional order has become, and how much Riyadh has at stake if it fractures further.
This is not the first time MBS has played diplomatic backstop. In January 2026, the Crown Prince privately cautioned Trump against striking Iran, a warning that reportedly contributed to a delay in U.S. military action. When those strikes did eventually come in February 2026, the region had already been primed for weeks of anxious repositioning.
Why Riyadh is playing peacemaker Saudi Arabia occupies an uncomfortable seat at this table. It shares a deep security partnership with Washington, but it also shares a neighborhood with Tehran. A full-scale U.S.-Iran war would not stay contained to the parties directly involved. It would ripple through Gulf shipping lanes, oil infrastructure, and every economy downstream of both.
The late July 2026 communication to U.S. officials represents a continuation of that pressure campaign. The message, in essence: de-escalate, and do it now.
Advertisement
The Strait of Hormuz sits at the center of this equation. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply moves through that narrow passage, and any serious military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran would put that flow at immediate risk.
Where Bitcoin enters the picture In June 2026, Iran began accepting Bitcoin as payment for Strait of Hormuz transit fees. A state under Western sanctions started denominating a strategic chokepoint toll in a decentralized digital asset.
The market noticed. Bitcoin experienced significant volatility across the arc of this conflict, an initial sell-off as tensions spiked, followed by a rally of nearly 18% during periods when diplomatic signals suggested the situation might cool.
The Iran transit fee development adds a layer on top of that. If sanctioned nations begin routing real economic activity through Bitcoin, that introduces a structural demand floor that has nothing to do with retail sentiment or ETF inflows. It is transactional demand, and it is harder to reverse than speculative demand.
Oil prices remain the more immediate transmission mechanism. A spike in crude driven by Hormuz disruption hits inflation expectations, pressures central banks, and tightens the macro environment that risk assets including Bitcoin trade in.
What investors should watch The diplomatic channel between Riyadh and Washington is arguably the most important variable in this conflict that markets are not pricing cleanly. When MBS’s warnings have previously contributed to delayed military action, that track record gives them market relevance.
Traders should watch oil price movement as the most sensitive real-time indicator of whether de-escalation is holding. A sustained decline in crude would suggest the market is buying the diplomatic narrative. A sudden spike would mean someone did something that the phone calls could not prevent.
Bitcoin’s behavior in this cycle has reinforced the case that it functions as a macro hedge, imperfect and volatile, but directionally responsive to the same geopolitical inputs that move gold and oil. The 18% rally during eased-tension windows reflects capital rotating back into risk assets when existential fear recedes.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.