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Bitcoin prices dropped as geopolitical concerns fueled losses.

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Bitcoin prices took a tumble on Monday, July 13, falling as global markets responded to the latest geopolitical tensions involving the Straight of Hormuz.

This development combined with other factors to place downward pressure on the digital asset’s price.

The world’s most valuable digital currency dropped to $61,750.90, according to Coinbase data from TradingView. At this point, the cryptocurrency was down roughly 4% after rising to nearly $64,400 earlier in the day.

Major stock indices including the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average also pushed lower during the day, according to Google Finance data.

“Bitcoin’s recent weakness has been driven by a broader risk-off move across global markets,” Roy Kashi, co-founder and CEO of Falconedge, stated via email.

“Rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran have pushed oil prices higher, reignited inflation concerns and reduced expectations for near-term rate cuts, prompting investors to trim exposure to risk assets.”

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Tal Fromchenko, Founder and CEO of Leveraged, offered a similar take, while also citing additional causal factors.

“The pullback to $62,000 is primarily driven by escalating U.S.-Iran tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, which sparked a broader shift away from risk assets while cooling institutional ETF inflows and triggering leveraged long liquidations after Bitcoin failed to break past key resistance on Friday,” he said through emailed comments.

“However, this remains a standard macro-driven flush within a historically healthy multi-year market cycle, leaving Bitcoin’s broader structural trajectory for growth entirely intact,” added Fromchenko, who provided a bullish outlook.

Himanshu Sahay, cofounder and CTO of crypto lender Arch, also weighed in, pointing to various factors when explaining bitcoin’s latest price movements.

“I don’t think this decline is the result of any one event. It’s more likely the market reacting to a mix of macro sentiment, positioning and liquidity, all of which can change pretty quickly,” he noted through emailed commentary.

Saeed Al-Marri, CEO at Ethra Invest, took a different tack, choosing to focus on market factors and an upcoming inflation report due for release later this week.

“I think on the technical side what we’re seeing looks like a wave of liquidations, not a loss of faith in Bitcoin. When traders go long, essentially borrowing money to bet the price will rise, then any drop basically forces exchanges to automatically liquidate those positions once losses hit a limit,” he stated via email.

“Right now, longs are being liquidated six times as often as shorts (6 to 1), which tells you this is bullish bets getting wiped out, not a broad exit from the asset.”

“And on the macro side the bigger driver is what’s coming on Wednesday: US Consumer Price Index (inflation data),” he continued. "If it comes in hot, it pushes back any hope of the Fed cutting interest rates soon, and higher rates make safer options like bonds and cash more attractive than a volatile asset like Bitcoin.

“That’s the real story right now. Its not Bitcoin breaking down, but the whole market waiting on a single number from the CPI.”

In brief New Hampshire's governor signed the Blockchain Basics Law, introducing new protections for blockchain innovation and crypto users in the state. Last year, the state became the first in the nation to introduce a strategic Bitcoin reserve, allowing for up to 5% of public funds to be invested in the leading crypto asset. However, its executive council recently rejected the allowance of the first Bitcoin-backed municipal bond. New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte helped make the state into one of the crypto-friendliest in the nation when she signed HB 639 into law last week. 

Known as the The Blockchain Basic Laws act, the bill provides protections for cryptocurrency innovation and use in the state while also allowing for the creation of a special blockchain dispute docket in the superior court. 

"With Governor Ayotte's signature on HB 639, New Hampshire has once again demonstrated that it intends to lead the nation in blockchain innovation," said New Hampshire Representative Keith Ammon, the bill’s primary sponsor, in a statement. 

“The Blockchain Basic Laws protect one of the most fundamental rights in the digital economy—the right of individuals to control their own digital assets through self-custody,” he added. “They also provide clear legal protections for blockchain developers, miners, validators, entrepreneurs, and businesses building the next generation of financial technology.”

The state’s latest blockchain legislation follows its passing of a strategic Bitcoin reserve last year. The bill, signed by Ayotte in May 2025, allows the state’s treasurer to invest up to 5% of its public funds in the leading crypto asset, alongside precious metals like gold and silver. 

Ammon, who played a key role in that bill’s passage, told Decrypt at the time it was “one little way our state could hedge against inflation in the future."

“Today, with the signing of HB 639, we have taken another major step by enacting one of the most comprehensive blockchain rights laws in the country,” he said in a statement. “Entrepreneurs, investors, developers, and innovators across America should know that New Hampshire is open for blockchain business."

Despite its advances, the state’s executive council last week blocked a proposal that would have allowed the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority to facilitate a Bitcoin-backed municipal bond.

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The crypto derivatives market had a rough Wednesday. More than $315 million in leveraged positions were forcibly closed within a single 24-hour window, with long traders absorbing the overwhelming majority of the damage.

Bitcoin slipping below the $60,000 support level was the match that lit the fuse, and an over-leveraged market provided plenty of fuel.

The breakdown, by asset Bitcoin led the carnage, accounting for $152 million of the total liquidations. Of that figure, 92.91% were long positions, meaning traders who had bet on continued upside got caught badly offside.

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Ethereum was not far behind. ETH traders saw $148 million liquidated, with 84.3% of those on the long side. Solana added roughly $15.17 million to the tally, with approximately 91% of those also longs.

Elevated funding rates matter here. In perpetual futures markets, funding rates are periodic payments between long and short traders. When they run high for an extended period, it is a reliable signal that longs are crowded and the market is carrying significant speculative leverage.

What actually triggered the move Bitcoin breaking below $60,000 was the proximate cause. Large transfers of Bitcoin to centralized exchanges in the lead-up to the event added selling pressure, as on-exchange BTC typically signals that holders are preparing to sell rather than hold in cold storage.

The mechanics of what happened next are worth understanding. Perpetual futures liquidations do not happen in isolation. When a position is liquidated, the exchange sells the underlying asset to cover the debt, which pushes price lower, which triggers the next round of liquidations. The $315 million figure reflects where the loop settled before buyers stepped back in.

Context: bad, but not historic To be clear about the scale here: $315 million is significant. It is not, however, the kind of number that rewrites the record books. Between 2021 and 2025, the crypto market witnessed several liquidation events measured in the billions, including episodes tied to the Terra/LUNA collapse, the FTX unwind, and various leverage flushes during Bitcoin’s more volatile rallies and corrections.

Open interest, the total value of outstanding derivative contracts, declined following the liquidations, which is how the market clears excess speculation. Less open interest means less fuel for the next cascade, at least in the near term.

The distribution of losses here, north of 90% long liquidations across the major assets, reflects a market that had become structurally skewed. For investors watching from the sidelines, the key variable to monitor is how quickly funding rates recover. A rapid return to elevated funding would suggest the market has not absorbed the lesson, and that another flush is being assembled in real time.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

The US government just moved $288 million worth of Bitcoin and Ether to Coinbase Prime, the exchange’s institutional custody and trading arm. The deposits include crypto confiscated from three separate criminal cases: assets tied to Brian Krewson, the defunct BTC-e exchange, and Ryan Farace.

Where the crypto came from BTC-e was a cryptocurrency exchange seized by US authorities back in 2017 on money laundering charges. The platform was one of the earliest major exchanges to face a full government takedown, and forfeited assets from that case have been trickling through the legal system ever since.

Ryan Farace, along with his brother Joseph Farace, was involved in a drug trafficking operation that led to the forfeiture of over 4,000 BTC between 2018 and 2021. Ryan and Joseph were sentenced for their roles in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

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The government also made a smaller, related transfer of 2.44 BTC to Coinbase Prime addresses, suggesting this isn’t a one-off dump but part of a broader, methodical approach to managing its growing crypto inventory.

Why Coinbase Prime matters here Coinbase Prime is an institutional-grade platform built for large clients, including government agencies, that need custody services, over-the-counter trading, and structured liquidation capabilities.

The Department of Justice and the US Marshals Service have increasingly relied on regulated platforms like Coinbase to handle forfeited digital assets. The process typically works like this: assets are held in custody until all legal formalities surrounding forfeiture are completed, at which point they can be liquidated for the government’s benefit.

The use of Coinbase Prime specifically signals something worth noting. The government is choosing regulated, compliance-heavy infrastructure over ad hoc methods for managing these assets. That’s a far cry from the early days of federal crypto seizures, when the US Marshals Service literally auctioned off Silk Road Bitcoin in bulk lots to the highest bidder. Tim Draper famously bought nearly 30,000 BTC that way in 2014.

Market implications for Bitcoin and Ether holders Coinbase Prime facilitates OTC sales, which are specifically designed to minimize market impact. Large blocks of Bitcoin or Ether can be matched with institutional buyers directly, bypassing the public order book.

On-chain analytics firms can now track these government wallets in near real-time. Transparency means traders get advance warning of potential sales, but it also means every wallet movement gets amplified by social media and crypto news cycles.

Investors would be wise to monitor Coinbase Prime wallet activity and any subsequent announcements from the DOJ or US Marshals Service regarding auction schedules or liquidation timelines.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

Strategy has raised $466.7 million through fresh MSTR stock sales while leaving its Bitcoin holdings unchanged at 843,775 BTC for the week ending July 12.

Summary

Strategy raises $466.7 million through MSTR stock sales. Company keeps Bitcoin holdings unchanged at 843,775 BTC. Standard Chartered maintains $100,000 Bitcoin target despite treasury concerns. According to a Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Michael Saylor-led Strategy sold 4,818,781 Class A MSTR shares between July 6 and July 12 through its at-the-market (ATM) program, generating approximately $466.7 million in net proceeds. Despite the capital raise, the company reported that it did not purchase or sell any Bitcoin during the reporting period.

The filing showed Strategy continued to hold 843,775 BTC, acquired for about $63.69 billion at an average purchase price of $75,476 per Bitcoin, excluding fees and expenses. Following the latest issuance, the company still has roughly $23.79 billion available under its MSTR ATM stock program.

Strategy keeps Bitcoin holdings unchanged after recent sale Fresh SEC disclosures also showed Strategy held approximately $3 billion in U.S. dollar reserves as of July 12. According to the filing, the cash is intended to cover preferred stock dividends and interest payments on the company’s debt. The reported balance also includes expected proceeds from ATM share sales that had not settled by the reporting date.

The company further disclosed that it did not repurchase any shares under its existing buyback programs during the same week.

The latest filing follows Strategy’s $216 million Bitcoin sale disclosed the previous week, only the second BTC sale in the company’s history. At the time, the company said the proceeds would be used to fund dividends tied to its STRC preferred stock and other digital credit securities. After that transaction, Strategy’s Bitcoin balance fell to 843,775 BTC, where it has remained through the latest reporting period.

Earlier reports also noted that Strategy has authorization to sell up to $1.25 billion worth of Bitcoin under its BTC Monetization Program, a development that has drawn close attention from market participants even though the company has not announced additional BTC sales.

Standard Chartered says treasury uncertainty drove recent weakness Attention around Strategy’s Bitcoin plans increased after Executive Chairman Michael Saylor posted the company’s familiar Bitcoin acquisition chart on July 12 with the message, “Orange dots tell only part of the story.” As crypto.news reported earlier, the post did not confirm whether Strategy had bought, sold, or held Bitcoin during the latest reporting week.

Crypto.news also noted that Strategy’s public Bitcoin tracker continued to show 843,775 BTC, matching the latest SEC filing. The company typically reports treasury activity through regulatory filings, meaning social media posts do not establish whether a transaction has occurred or indicate its direction.

The latest disclosure comes as Bitcoin has climbed back above $64,000 after Standard Chartered reaffirmed its $100,000 price target for the end of 2026. In a research note, the bank said recent weakness in Bitcoin was driven largely by uncertainty surrounding Strategy’s evolving treasury approach rather than by any deterioration in Bitcoin’s underlying fundamentals.

Standard Chartered added that the recent pullback should not be interpreted as a change to its long-term bullish outlook for the cryptocurrency.

OPEC just trimmed its outlook for global oil demand growth again. For the third month in a row, the organization revised its 2026 forecast downward, this time by 190,000 barrels per day, landing at a total projected growth of 780,000 bpd.

What OPEC actually said The Monday report painted a picture of a global economy that’s consuming less crude than previously expected. Gulf crude production is rebounding, tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is gradually normalizing, and the combination is easing near-term supply pressure on energy markets.

The 780,000 bpd growth figure is notable because it sits well below the kind of demand expansion that typically supports sustained oil price rallies. Lower expected demand growth generally translates to softer pricing, assuming supply remains steady or increases.

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And supply is doing exactly that. The Gulf production rebound combined with reopening shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, means more barrels are reaching the market with less friction.

Why crypto investors should care about oil forecasts Bitcoin mining is, at its core, an energy arbitrage business. Miners convert electricity into block rewards, and their profitability hinges on the spread between energy costs and Bitcoin’s price. When energy gets cheaper, that spread widens.

Proof-of-work mining operations, particularly large-scale facilities in North America, often source electricity from grids where natural gas (which tracks loosely with oil prices) sets the marginal cost of power generation. A sustained softening in oil demand projections can pull natural gas and electricity prices lower over time.

That’s the direct channel. The indirect channel matters too. Lower energy costs improve miner margins, which means fewer miners are forced to sell their Bitcoin to cover operational expenses. When miners hold instead of sell, it reduces persistent selling pressure on the market.

This dynamic played out clearly during previous oil price declines. When energy costs dropped meaningfully, publicly traded mining companies like Marathon Digital and Riot Platforms saw their cost-per-Bitcoin-mined decline, boosting profitability even when Bitcoin’s price stayed flat.

The macro picture is getting complicated It’s also worth watching how this interacts with OPEC+ production agreements. The cartel has historically responded to weakening demand by cutting output, which would offset some of the price relief.

Investors tracking publicly traded mining stocks should monitor energy cost disclosures in upcoming quarterly reports. If OPEC’s demand trajectory holds, miners reporting in Q3 and Q4 could show improved unit economics. That would likely trigger renewed institutional interest in the mining subsector, which has been under pressure since the most recent halving compressed block rewards.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

Texas spent years positioning itself as the promised land for crypto miners and data center operators. That welcome mat is getting pulled.

A Greenpeace-backed campaign, bolstered by grassroots activists and online opposition, is fueling a coordinated backlash against energy-intensive data center projects across the state. The movement has grown from scattered local complaints into something much harder to ignore: a statewide shift in public sentiment that’s already freezing billions of dollars in planned development.

The numbers tell the story A University of Texas poll from June 2026 found that 56% of Texans now oppose data center construction in their communities. In rural areas, where these facilities tend to land, that number climbs to 62%. The poll carried a margin of error of plus or minus 2.83 points, meaning even the most generous reading still shows majority opposition statewide.

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The resistance isn’t just talk. At least 75 data center projects, collectively worth roughly $130 billion, were stalled or blocked during the first quarter of 2026 alone. Hill County, Texas, went a step further in May 2026, enacting a one-year moratorium on all new data center construction after sustained public outcry.

Greenpeace and 520 friends want a national moratorium On June 11, 2026, more than 520 organizations, including Greenpeace USA, sent a letter to Congress demanding a national moratorium on new data centers tied to unregulated AI and cryptocurrency growth.

The coalition’s core argument centers on two resources that Texas already struggles to manage: water and electricity. Data centers are enormous consumers of both. They require constant cooling, which devours water supplies, and they draw massive amounts of power from a grid that Texans have learned the hard way is not exactly overbuilt for resilience.

Greenpeace USA has specifically targeted Texas Bitcoin mining facilities, citing their high energy consumption and carbon intensity.

How Texas became ground zero The roots of this conflict trace back to China’s crackdown on cryptocurrency mining in 2021. When Beijing effectively banned the practice, a massive wave of mining operations relocated, and Texas was the top destination. Cheap electricity, deregulated energy markets, and a business-friendly political climate made the state irresistible.

What this means for crypto miners and investors Texas has been the largest domestic hub for Bitcoin mining since the post-China migration. The $130 billion in stalled projects isn’t just a data center industry problem. A significant portion of that planned capacity was earmarked for crypto mining and related operations.

The Hill County moratorium could easily become a template for other jurisdictions. And if the congressional moratorium push gains any traction, even as a negotiating position, it could introduce federal-level uncertainty into an industry that has been operating largely under state and local rules.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.

President Donald Trump on Monday said the United States is “taking over” the Strait of Hormuz and countries “must pay” the US for defending. As a result, Brent crude oil prices extend gains above $79 per barrel, causing the crypto market and Bitcoin price to crash lower.

US Will Defend Strait of Hormuz, Expects Payment in Return: Trump President Donald Trump said the U.S. will guard the Strait of Hormuz and expects countries to pay them. It sent Brent crude oil above $79 per barrel, triggering further selloffs across stock and crypto markets on July 13.

“We’re taking over the Strait. They have nothing… yesterday, they had an 11-hour meeting… and everything was agreed to yesterday, and they leave the room, and they call back and they say, ‘we had to make a couple of change,” said President Trump.

Trump also issued a sharp warning to Iran following the collapse of the ceasefire. He added that U.S. forces carried out major strikes overnight that destroyed key Iranian military equipment.

Oil prices climbed nearly 4% on Monday as the US and Iran continued to exchange strikes amid ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz’s control. Iran also declared the strait closed, but it was rejected by the US Central Command.

As geopolitical tensions escalate and major economic decisions loom, trading volumes are surging on the best crypto prediction markets as participants bet on real-world outcomes.

Bitcoin Price and Broader Crypto Market Crash Bitcoin price extended losses, tanking more than 3% over the past few hours. The price is currently trading at $62,389. The 24-hour low and high are $62,120 and $64,340, respectively.

Crypto market crashes further after Trump’s comments to take over the Strait of Hormuz, wiping out $20 billion from the market. Top altcoins Ethereum, XRP, BNB, Solana, Hyperliquid, Zcash and Cardano recorded 2-6% fall during the crypto market crash.

According to Coinglass data, the crypto market crash saw nearly $40 million in liquidations across Bitcoin, ETH, SPCX, SOL, SNDK, HYPE, MU, and XRP. Notably, 73k traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours. The largest single liquidation order of XYZ:SKHX valued at $4.86 million happened on Hyperliquid.

Traders are now awaiting the US CPI inflation data and Fed Chair Warsh’s testimony due Tuesday for clues on the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy path.

Crypto Market Liquidations. Source: Coinglass

Fundstrat co-founder Tom Lee says Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) is one of the most mispriced assets in the world, even after dropping from nearly $5,000 six months ago to under $2,000 today.

Why Does Lee Think Ethereum Is Undervalued?In an interview with Michael van de Poppe published on Monday, Lee built his valuation case around the assets that eventually need to move on-chain.

Gold sits at roughly $22 trillion, global equities exceed $100 trillion, and real estate approaches $300 trillion. To make those assets composable and digital, he argued, they run on Ethereum.

“If Ethereum is at $300 billion, it’s grossly undervalued,” Lee said. “Should it be a $1, $2, or even $5 trillion network in the next few years? Yeah, I can easily see it,” he added.

Lee outlined three reasons Ethereum’s value grows over time: AI agents will need neutral settlement infrastructure no single company controls, tokenization is moving trillions in financial assets on-chain, and Ethereum’s 11-year track record gives institutions a level of trust no newer chain can match.

What Is Holding Ethereum Back Right Now?Lee said the underperformance is not about Ethereum’s fundamentals.

The two legs of the investment thesis, AI integration and tokenization, are playing out slower than the market expected. 

That delayed timeline, combined with the broader crypto deleveraging that followed the October 2025 market break, explains the price lag.

He also pointed to narrative drift around the Ethereum Foundation, which has been streamlining its role.

Lee argued that this shift does not make Ethereum less valuable, but it has created confusion among holders looking for a clearer institutional signal.

“The fundamentals are actually much stronger and the growth ramps look much bigger,” Lee said. “But the price is lagging.”

Where Does Lee See The Cycle Going?Lee told van de Poppe he sees August or October as the likely cycle low, consistent with the four-year cycle pattern that has held across prior bear markets. 

He compared waiting for confirmation to preparing for a hurricane after it hits, pointing to gold and Nvidia as assets where most gains compressed into a short window after years of building.

On AI agents, Lee said the probability of delegated economic agents carrying wallets, making payments, and conducting machine-to-machine commerce within three years is “pretty close to 100%.” 

That infrastructure, he argued, cannot run on centralized systems and points directly to public blockchains.

Lee also said 2027 could produce the largest stock market gains of a generation as AI drives corporate margin expansion, central banks ease, and earnings growth accelerates on a real basis.

Image: Shutterstock

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Bitcoin is trading around $62,000 on Monday as escalating U.S.-Iran military strikes triggered a broad risk-off move across global markets, pushing crypto sentiment deeper into the fear zone.

Notable Statistics:

Coinglass data shows 81,200 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $326.94 million.        SoSoValue data shows net inflows of $90.4 million from spot Bitcoin ETFs on Friday. Spot Ethereum ETFs saw net inflows of $18.4 million. In the past 24 hours, top losers include DeXe, Pi and Lighter. Notable Developments:

Trader Notes:

Trader KillaXBT’s best strategy is to wait for the short-term supply indicator to flip bullish rather than trading through the current sideways market.

Trader Jelle revealed that he is buying another batch of Bitcoin to increase long-term exposure in a “different week” but with “same plan.”

He plans to use the summer consolidation period to build position, anticipating the next bull run could drive BTC toward the $200,000 level.

Ted Pillows noted Bitcoin is targeting downside liquidity, with a key liquidity cluster around $62,000 that could be swept next.

If that level is cleared, attention could shift to upside liquidity between $65,000 and $66,000, making it the next potential target for a rebound.

Crypto chart analyst Ali Martinez says Bitcoin has been rejected from the upper end of its trading channel.

After losing the $63,000 mid-range support, BTC could decline toward the lower channel boundary near $61,700, where buyers may step in and provide support.

Image: Shutterstock

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Crypto Bear Market? These Reports Say the Industry Has Never Been Stronger

Large-cap cryptocurrencies are spending much of mid-2026 moving sideways. While Bitcoin has stabilized, several leading altcoins are struggling to regain momentum as higher interest rates and cautious institutional activity keep volatility under control.

That slower environment is changing investor behavior. Instead of focusing only on established assets, many market participants are exploring earlier-stage projects where new products and ecosystems are still taking shape.

MemeToro ($MT) is one of the AI-focused presales attracting attention during this period.

XRP, Ethereum and Solana Face a Slower Market Each of these major cryptocurrencies is dealing with different challenges.

XRP started July trading close to $1.04, with buyers continuing to defend the important $1.00 psychological support level. Regulatory progress has improved sentiment compared to previous years, but price momentum remains limited.

Ethereum is also moving through a period of consolidation. Most forecasts place ETH within a broad trading range between $1,596 and $2,807, reflecting steady network activity but fewer immediate catalysts for a strong breakout.

Solana continues processing the majority of memecoin activity across the market, accounting for an estimated 60% to 70% of global memecoin volume. Even so, its price has cooled as macroeconomic conditions encourage investors to reduce exposure to higher-risk assets.

As one analyst summarized:

“Macro headwinds, shifting interest rate expectations, and a general cooling of spot ETF hype have trapped major capitals like ETH and XRP in strict consolidation. Volatility is no longer rising across the board. It is concentrating hyper-locally.”

That changing environment is encouraging investors to search elsewhere for growth opportunities.

Where Some Investors Are Looking Instead When established assets spend long periods moving sideways, capital often begins exploring projects that are still in earlier stages of development.

That does not necessarily mean abandoning large-cap cryptocurrencies.

Instead, many investors diversify by adding exposure to sectors showing stronger product development, including artificial intelligence, blockchain automation, and crypto presales.

Market researchers have observed a similar trend throughout 2026, with retail attention gradually moving toward projects that combine practical utility with earlier entry opportunities before public price discovery begins.

MemeToro: A Multi-Functional SocialFi Infrastructure MemeToro ($MT) is a decentralized ecosystem built on the BNB Chain that pairs a culture-focused aesthetic with practical DeFi utility and automated token tracking tools. The platform establishes a structured infrastructure for users to engage with modern digital asset trends securely and transparently.

Autonomous Trend Tracking: The protocol integrates a custom AI agent designed to monitor social data and assist in parsing emerging market narratives. Multi-Asset Incentive Pool: Users can earn programmatic platform rewards in both native $MT and $BNB through active product participation. Integrated Prediction Framework: The environment supports dedicated prediction markets alongside traditional staking programs to optimize platform liquidity. Vetted Smart Contract Security: All core operational functions deploy via thoroughly audited smart contracts to maintain strict operational integrity. The native $MT token functions as the core utility instrument powering access to these integrated applications. While the ecosystem provides advanced tracking analytics and verified tokenomics, participants should always conduct independent research before engaging with Web3 launches.

Getting Started With Your $MT Purchase Joining the MemeToro presale takes just a few minutes through a fully verified process:

Open the Presale Page: Head to the official MemeToro site and locate the active presale link. Set Up Your Wallet: Connect a compatible wallet configured for the BNB Chain network. Choose How to Pay: Fund your purchase with BNB, ETH, USDT, USDC, or a bank card. Lock In Your Tokens: Confirm the transaction and your $MT balance updates instantly. Once you’re holding $MT, the token opens doors well beyond the sale itself. It powers platform access, settles transactions across the ecosystem, and feeds into staking pools built for long-term holders.

Diversification Looks Different in 2026 Market leadership changes throughout every crypto cycle. At times, established assets drive returns. During quieter periods, investors often begin researching sectors that are still developing products and expanding their ecosystems.

XRP, Ethereum, and Solana remain among the most important blockchain networks in the industry, and many investors continue holding them for long-term exposure. At the same time, platforms like MemeToro ($MT) represent a different part of the market by focusing on AI-powered blockchain applications rather than competing as another Layer-1 network.

As capital rotates between mature cryptocurrencies and emerging ecosystems, diversification continues to be one of the defining themes shaping the second half of 2026.

More Information on MemeToro ($MT) Presale Here:

Website: https://memetoro.com/

X: https://x.com/memetoro_mt

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The stablecoin market has lost more than $10 billion since May, but it might not be a warning sign. Instead, money is flowing into memecoins as investors chase higher returns on Robinhood chain. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the CLARITY Act are now driving price sentiment, with lawmakers expected to unveil an updated version of the bill next week.

Japan added to the optimism during WebX 2026. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged stronger backing for Web3 through funding and friendlier policies. Fundstrat’s Tom Lee also grabbed headlines after calling Ethereum the settlement layer for the AI economy, a view that continues attracting institutional attention.

🇯🇵 HUGE: JAPAN PM SANAE TAKAICHI REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR STARTUPS AND WEB3 AT WEBX 2026

In a video address at WebX 2026, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged to strengthen support for Web3 startups through increased funding from government-backed institutions and further… pic.twitter.com/N9vMDTUKK2

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) July 13, 2026 Don’t Miss Out on Our $1,000 USDT Airdrop on ByBit

CLARITY Act Progress Lifts Bitcoin Price SentimentThe CLARITY Act could reach Congress as early as July 17, giving the crypto industry one of its biggest regulatory moments in years. Supporters believe the proposal will finally define which digital assets fall under securities laws and which qualify as commodities. If passed, the CLARITY Act could remove one of the biggest crypto obstacles.

Nevertheless, the Bitcoin price slipped below $63,000 over the weekend amid geopolitical tensions that rattled markets. The drop triggered more than $14 million in long liquidations, yet buyers quickly stepped in before losses snowballed. By Sunday, Bitcoin had settled back into the $63,000 to $64,000 range.

Fresh demand is also showing up elsewhere, with the Coinbase Premium Index climbing back toward neutral after spending 55 straight days in negative territory, showing U.S. buyers are becoming more active again. Not just that, spot Bitcoin ETFs also recorded net inflows after nine weeks of withdrawals, giving bulls another reason for confidence.

As of today, however, Fidelity’s Jurrien Timmer still expects one more shakeout before the next rally, with $60K acts as the bottom. Michael Saylor also fueled speculation of another purchase after sharing his latest Bitcoin tracker update. Another orange dot from him might come soon, as usual.

As for Bitcoin, it too may be in an accumulation zone (in my view). At $60k it’s getting ever closer to its power law support line. pic.twitter.com/M3T3rDGFMx

— Jurrien Timmer (@TimmerFidelity) July 10, 2026 Another talking point is BIP 110, a proposal that would limit arbitrary data stored in Bitcoin transactions. Critics, including Adam Back and Michael Saylor, argue the change could split the community without solving a meaningful problem. So far, traders have shown little concern as attention stays fixed on the CLARITY Act.

Discover: The Best Crypto to Diversify Your Portfolio

Ethereum Price Draws Institutional AttentionEthereum price has been moving in a tight range around $1,800 despite a quieter weekend across the crypto market. Price action has slowed, but institutional interest has not.

Speaking at WebX 2026, Tom Lee described Ethereum as the foundation for the coming AI economy. He pointed to growing adoption from financial firms, the Robinhood Chain launch, and improving macro conditions as reasons that Ethereum price may be entering a new cycle.

Bitmine, ArkhamNot just the talk, Tom Lee’s firm, Bitmine, now holds 5.74 million ETH, or about 4.8% of the total supply, and plans to increase that stake. Agreeing with Lee,Ethereum whales also bought another $20.6 million worth of ETH even after several days of exchange outflows.

But that’s not all, ETH network development has also stayed active. The Ethereum Foundation confirmed one of its AI agents detected a validator crashing bug before human researchers verified the issue. A separate Cambridge study found Ethereum’s shift to Proof of Stake reduced electricity consumption by more than 99.9%, strengthening its case among institutions focused on sustainability.

So, with all that news, what should we be expecting this week?

The next few days could prove important for the market. We are watching the CLARITY Act for signs of regulatory progress while tracking institutional buying across both major coins. If those trends continue, Bitcoin and Ethereum price could build on their recent resilience. For now, the move out of stablecoins looks less like an exit from crypto and more like traders rotating into assets with higher upside, while the Ethereum price keeps finding support from long-term buyers.

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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.

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TLDR Weekend military strikes between US and Iran have unsettled global markets Tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 futures tumbled 1%, while S&P 500 futures declined 0.3% Brent crude surged 3.8% approaching $79 amid fears of Hormuz Strait disruption Bitcoin dropped 1.6% to $62,943 as investors flee risky assets Critical inflation reports and major financial earnings reports scheduled this week Market futures took a hit Monday following a weekend of military exchanges between the United States and Iran. The tech-focused Nasdaq 100 futures plummeted 1%, while S&P 500 futures retreated 0.3%. Dow Jones futures remained relatively unchanged.

E-Mini S&P 500 Sep 26 (ES=F) The renewed Middle Eastern hostilities unnerved market participants who were already monitoring the region with heightened concern. Despite both major indices posting modest weekly gains, those advances now face significant headwinds.

According to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Strait of Hormuz has been declared “closed until further notice.” American officials have challenged this assertion, maintaining the waterway remains operational. However, data from tracking service Kpler indicates zero LNG shipments have passed through since Saturday.

Oil prices experienced a sharp rally in response. Brent crude advanced 3.8% to reach $78.89 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate gained 3.7% to $74.04. Deutsche Bank’s Jim Reid noted that energy markets had “reacted” to reports of vessel damage, intercepted drone strikes, and attacks targeting energy infrastructure throughout the Gulf region.

President Trump indicated ceasefire negotiations with Iran continue, though he simultaneously declared the existing ceasefire “over.” This conflicting messaging has amplified market volatility and investor confusion.

Inflation Data and Earnings in Focus The timing of this geopolitical crisis couldn’t be more critical for financial markets. Two pivotal inflation measurements arrive this week. Tuesday brings the Consumer Price Index release, with the Producer Price Index following on Wednesday.

These economic indicators will be crucial for determining whether Middle Eastern developments are influencing domestic inflation trends. The data will also inform market expectations regarding Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions through year-end.

Corporate earnings season enters full swing simultaneously. Major financial institutions including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America deliver quarterly reports Tuesday. Netflix and UnitedHealth also announce results this week.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company releases its quarterly performance data in coming days. Market analysts anticipate these figures will provide valuable insight into artificial intelligence chip demand, a subject commanding intense Wall Street attention.

The artificial intelligence investment narrative has weakened recently. Questions persist about whether technology giants can sustain their aggressive AI infrastructure spending indefinitely.

South Korean semiconductor manufacturer SK Hynix experienced a 15% share price collapse Monday following its Friday US listing debut. This decline pulled South Korea’s KOSPI index down 9%, underscoring growing doubts about the sustainability of AI-driven market momentum.

Bitcoin Drops as Risk Appetite Fades Bitcoin declined 1.6% during the last 24 hours, settling at $62,943. The cryptocurrency’s weakness mirrors a widespread retreat from speculative investments amid escalating geopolitical uncertainty.

The 10-year US Treasury yield ticked up 1 basis point to 4.57%. Meanwhile, the US dollar weakened 0.1% relative to a basket of major global currencies.

With energy prices spiking, crucial inflation data approaching, and earnings season launching, the coming week promises to be among the most consequential of the year for market participants.

MicroStrategy, a leading enterprise analytics and software firm, announced an increase to its US dollar cash reserves, adding $466.7 million last week through sales of common stock. The move raised the company’s USD reserve to $3 billion, according to a recent regulatory filing published on Monday.

MicroStrategy’s capital raise and reservesThe proceeds were secured via an at-the-market equity program, which allows the company to sell shares to raise capital as market conditions allow. MicroStrategy reported that it holds this substantial cash reserve to support dividends on its preferred shares and interest payments on its outstanding debt obligations.

Despite recent market volatility, MicroStrategy made no changes to its bitcoin position last week. The firm’s bitcoin holdings remain at 843,775 BTC, a figure that has made it one of the largest corporate holders of the cryptocurrency internationally.

MicroStrategy now holds its US dollar reserve at $3 billion, while its bitcoin position remains unchanged at 843,775 coins acquired for a total of approximately $63.69 billion at an average purchase price of $75,476 per bitcoin.

According to the company, the aggregate purchase price for these bitcoin holdings, including fees and expenses, totals about $63.69 billion. The average purchase price per coin stands at $75,476.

MSTR shares were down 3% in pre-market trading as bitcoin traded at $62,800 following a weekend decline for the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.

MetricValueUSD Reserve$3 billionBitcoin Holdings843,775 BTCTotal Bitcoin Purchase Price$63.69 billionAverage Price per Bitcoin$75,476Current Bitcoin Price$62,800MSTR Pre-market Change-3%Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Tysons Corner, Virginia, MicroStrategy is known for its business intelligence and cloud-based analytics platforms. In recent years, the company has become widely recognized for its aggressive bitcoin accumulation strategy, spearheaded by Executive Chairman Michael Saylor.

Crypto market dynamicsBitcoin experienced downward pressure over the weekend, falling through several support levels to its current price of $62,800. The decline in the cryptocurrency’s price corresponded with the drop in MSTR’s stock seen before markets opened.

Other factors, including renewed tensions in the Middle East and ongoing profit-taking across major crypto assets, have added volatility after a bullish streak in the previous week.

Crypto market analysts are closely watching developments in inflation data and earnings reports this quarter, anticipating their effect on both traditional equities and digital assets.

While broader market sentiment has been mixed, MicroStrategy’s steady bitcoin position signals continued confidence in the long-term prospects of the cryptocurrency.

Recent fluctuations have not prompted additional purchases or sales by the company, as its reserves are currently allocated for corporate financial obligations.

MicroStrategy’s dual strategy of maintaining a large bitcoin treasury while securing traditional dollar reserves continues to set it apart from other public companies operating in the digital asset sector.

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.

https://wallpapers.com/bitcoin-pictures

As the new week kicks off, investors are closely watching several significant developments. The release of June CPI inflation data and major bank earnings are expected to influence market dynamics, with potential implications for Bitcoin pricing. Circle has achieved a notable milestone with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency granting final approval for Circle National Trust, marking a first for stablecoin issuers. Meanwhile, WisdomTree Funds celebrates its first NYSE-listed ETF, adding to the week’s highlights. These events are poised to impact various financial markets, including Bitcoin price predictions.

Bitcoin’s market activity appears to be influenced by these developments. Current market data indicates a strong likelihood of Bitcoin remaining above $56,000 on July 13, with odds priced at 99.9% YES. Observers suggest that favorable inflation data or positive earnings reports could further support Bitcoin’s price at these levels. Conversely, if inflation data surprises to the upside, it may lead to increased volatility and a potential reevaluation of Bitcoin’s standing.

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In related markets, the price of Bitcoin is also being monitored for movement above other key thresholds, such as $60,000 and $62,000. With the CPI report and major earnings releases looming, market participants are keenly assessing whether these factors will align with scenarios that maintain or elevate Bitcoin’s pricing.

Key Takeaways Bitcoin’s current pricing suggests a strong likelihood of remaining above $56,000, consistent with supportive inflation and earnings data. Circle’s approval as a national trust bank may indicate growing regulatory acceptance of stablecoins, potentially impacting crypto markets. WisdomTree’s ETF launch on the NYSE reflects continued interest and growth in exchange-traded products, which could influence market sentiment. What to Watch The upcoming June CPI report and earnings from major banks like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America on July 15 could significantly impact market sentiment. Observers will be looking for inflation prints and earnings outlooks that could either bolster or challenge Bitcoin’s current pricing levels. Additionally, Circle’s banking milestone may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and influence stablecoin market dynamics. Market participants will also monitor the performance of WisdomTree’s ETF debut for potential shifts in investment flows.

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Term Structure

Contract Odds Δ since publish Volume 24h July 13 2026 99.9% — — View market → July 13 2026 99.4% — — View market → July 13 2026 83.5% — — View market → July 13 2026 0.1% — — View market → July 13 2026 0.1% — — View market → July 13 2026 0.1% — — View market → July 13 2026 2.7% — — View market → July 13 2026 0.1% — — View market → July 13 2026 99.9% — — View market → July 13 2026 99.9% — — View market →

Table of contents

Gold lurched, oil spiked, and equities wobbled. Bonds caught a bid. The fourth round of U.S. strikes on Iran on Monday triggered the kind of cross-asset scramble that typically sends risk proxies into a tailspin. But bitcoin did something unusual: it barely moved. The largest cryptocurrency held near $63,800, according to the market update from CoinDesk, even as traditional safe havens and risk assets swung violently.

The juxtaposition was stark. West Texas Intermediate crude surged past $85 a barrel, gold futures shot higher, and the S&P 500 futures pointed to a lower open. Government bonds rallied as traders priced in fresh uncertainty. In crypto markets, however, the reaction was a shrug. Trading volumes on major exchanges ticked up only slightly, and derivatives data showed no surge in hedging activity. Bitcoin’s inaction confounded a market used to seeing the digital asset move in lockstep with equities, especially during macro shocks.

This isn’t the first time bitcoin has decoupled from traditional assets during a geopolitical flare-up. The pattern emerged during earlier Middle East tensions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, though each episode played out differently. Back then, bitcoin initially sold off before rebounding, often outperforming gold over a multi-week window. Monday’s steadiness, however, was more immediate. It suggests that a growing cohort of holders is treating bitcoin less as a speculative tech bet and more as a hedge against—or at least an uncorrelated asset during—geopolitical turmoil.

A maturing hedge narrative The idea of bitcoin as digital gold has been tested repeatedly. During the 2022 rate-hiking cycle, it cratered alongside tech stocks. But in 2024 and 2025, the introduction of spot ETFs and greater institutional custody infrastructure changed the ownership profile. Pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and corporate treasuries now hold a larger share of supply. These players tend to have longer time horizons and are less likely to flee at the first sign of trouble. That structural shift may be cushioning bitcoin’s price when conventional markets panic.

Still, not everyone is convinced. Some traders point out that bitcoin’s weekend trading tends to be thinner, and the post-strike Monday session hadn’t yet seen full liquidity from U.S. and European desks when the data was recorded. If the conflict escalates further, correlations could snap back. The 24-hour nature of crypto markets means price discovery will continue through Asian and European sessions, and a delayed reaction cannot be ruled out.

Regulatory crosscurrents complicate the picture Away from the Middle East, crypto markets are navigating their own Washington drama. Just four days before a critical Senate vote, major banks are pressing lawmakers to water down or block the most significant crypto bill in U.S. history, as reported by BlockchainReporter. The outcome could reshape how digital assets are classified and traded in the world’s largest economy. For institutional participants, the regulatory backdrop is as important as macro events. This may be another reason bitcoin stayed subdued: the market is already bracing for policy-driven volatility later in the week.

Meanwhile, fundamental activity on top blockchains remains robust. Developer engagement on Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Polygon continues to lead the sector, as shown in this week’s developer activity rankings. Steady building activity provides a baseline of confidence that isn’t easily shaken by short-term geopolitical shocks, even if token prices don’t immediately reflect it. The disconnect between on-chain fundamentals and market moves has been a recurring theme in 2026.

What happens next depends largely on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Washington. If the U.S. strikes continue and oil prices remain elevated, the risk of a broader market drawdown rises. Bitcoin may not stay immune. But if Monday’s price action is a sign of genuine structural shift, it would be one of the most important developments for the asset’s long-term portfolio role. For now, bitcoin’s calm is the market’s most surprising data point.

AUTHOR

Max delves deep into the cryptocurrency realm, with a passion for altcoins and NFTs. Convinced of crypto's transformative potential, he envisions a decentralized financial future. Max's background in the financial sector grants him unique insights into global monetary systems. In his leisure, Max embraces the thrill of adventures and is an avid sports enthusiast, finding balance and rejuvenation away from work.

DTCC plans to demonstrate blockchain-based real-time stock trade settlement processes this week.

The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) plans to demonstrate blockchain-powered real-time stock trading processes this Wednesday. Market participants believe this technology can streamline the clearing, settlement, and record-keeping workflows underlying Wall Street stock trades, boosting capital market operational efficiency. The test is viewed as a key step for traditional financial systems in exploring on-chain securities infrastructure. However, the project remains limited in scale during its initial phase. After years of research and development, DTCC—one of the largest U.S. securities clearing institutions—this demonstration is more of a verification exercise rather than a full-scale push to migrate the entire stock market to blockchain. Analysts note that while tokenized securities and on-chain settlement are seen as having the potential to reduce costs and enhance trading efficiency, migrating traditional financial infrastructure to blockchain still faces challenges including regulation, compliance, system compatibility, and coordination among market participants. Earlier, Joseph Spiro, DTCC’s Director of Digital Asset Products, said in a May webinar that DTCC plans to launch its tokenized services this year, will demonstrate relevant use cases in a production environment in July, and officially roll out the service in October.

4 minutes ago

U.S. stocks opened with mixed performance across the three major indexes, with SK Hynix falling more than 8% and SanDisk dropping over 6%.

U.S. stock market opens: Dow Jones rises 0.08%, S&P 500 falls 0.32%, Nasdaq declines 0.73%. Tech stocks are mostly lower, with SK Hynix (SKHY.O) dropping over 8%, SanDisk (SNDK.O) down more than 6%, Micron Technology (MU.O) falling 5%, Qualcomm (QCOM.O) down 1%, and Intel (INTC.O) declining 4%.

4 minutes ago

Coinbase Ventures emerged as the most active crypto venture capital firm in the first half of 2026, with DeFi, AI, and payment sectors being its most favored investment areas.

CryptoRank data shows Coinbase Ventures, with 30 investments completed in H1 2026, is the most active crypto venture capital firm. Animoca Brands, a16z, and Tether followed with 19, 18, and 15 investments respectively. Over the past 12 months, Coinbase Ventures has closed a total of 75 investments, ranking first in the industry, followed by Animoca Brands, YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs), GSR, and a16z. Despite the crypto market remaining in a slump, industry financing volumes continue to shrink. Total funding for crypto firms fell to $1.4 billion in June, a 63% drop from $3.8 billion in April; the number of financing rounds also decreased from 89 in May to 61. Meanwhile, the number of independent investment firms participating in deals dropped from 452 in October 2025 to 242 in June this year. By sector, DeFi, payments, and AI remain the most capital-favored segments over the past year, with 216, 131, and 128 financing rounds respectively. Coinbase Ventures has focused its investments on payment protocols, DeFi, infrastructure, and RWA tokenization projects.

4 minutes ago

U.S. Senate enters critical window for Clarity Act; next four weeks could decide the bill’s fate this year.

After the U.S. Congress reconvened, the Clarity Act (Crypto Market Structure Act) has entered a critical legislative window. Industry insiders say the next four weeks will determine whether the bill can complete Senate review before Congress adjourns in August and be formally enacted this year. According to reports, the Senate is expected to release this week the latest version of the bill, which integrates texts from the Senate Banking Committee and Agriculture Committee. Currently, the bill faces two core sticking points: one is the final language of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act concerning regulatory liability for non-custodial software developers; the other is ethical provisions on conflicts of interest among government officials, particularly those related to Trump’s crypto business. Sources familiar with the matter noted that the White House and Congress have yet to reach an agreement on the ethical provisions, a key factor in the bill’s effort to hit the 60-vote threshold. Alex Thorn, head of research at Galaxy Digital, said the next four weeks could be the Clarity Act’s last chance to pass in the current congressional session; if the bill fails to become law, the U.S. may further lag behind overseas markets in the race for digital asset innovation.

4 minutes ago

US pre-market news roundup: Intel plans to invest €5 billion to expand its Irish factory; storage and semiconductor equipment sectors fall across the board in pre-market trading.

Key pre-market news for U.S. stocks is as follows: 1. JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and Goldman Sachs will kick off Q2 earnings reports on Tuesday, while Morgan Stanley will release its results on Wednesday. Markets expect U.S. large banks’ investment banking and trading revenues to surge, driven by SpaceX’s IPO, rising M&A activity, and market volatility sparked by the Iran situation; 2. Trump claimed Iran always breaks agreements, so the U.S. will strike hard at Iran, take control of the strait, and likely dominate it in the future; 3. SK Hynix’s U.S. ADR trades at a 23.4% premium to its South Korean shares; 4. Semiconductor equipment and storage sectors fell across the board pre-market, with KLAC down 3.7%, SanDisk and Western Digital both dropping over 5%; 5. Spot gold and silver fell broadly, with gold down 1.32% and silver down 2.23%; 6. Crude oil markets fell broadly, with U.S. crude up 3.35% and Brent crude up 3.53%; 7. Strategy did not add to its Bitcoin holdings last week, selling 4.82 million units to raise $467 million; 8. Bitmine added 27,801 ETH to its holdings last week, bringing its total staked ETH to 4.917 million, with an estimated annual staking income of $242 million.

4 minutes ago

South Korean stock market faces a margin trading crisis, with forced liquidations totaling 344.2 billion won in July.

According to data from the Korea Financial Investment Association, the recent sharp decline in South Korea's stock market has triggered accelerated deleveraging of margin trading positions. The total forced liquidation volume in July has reached 344.2 billion won, with the single-day forced liquidation amount on July 9 hitting 142.2 billion won. As forced liquidation data lags by two trading days, the clearing pressure from the nearly 9% plunge in the KOSPI on July 13 has not yet been fully reflected, and the market expects subsequent liquidation volumes to rise further. On July 13, South Korea's KOSPI index closed down 8.95%, triggering the Sidecar (seller order suspension mechanism) and Level 1 Circuit Breaker during intraday trading. The semiconductor sector plummeted, with SK Hynix falling 15.37%—its largest single-day drop in history—and Samsung Electronics down 10.7%. Meanwhile, South Korean retail investors' margin sizes, margin loan balances, and investor deposits have all continued to decline, with the market trapped in a deleveraging cycle of "stock price drop—forced liquidation—further decline".

4 minutes ago

Strategy, the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, raised fresh capital by selling MSTR shares through its at-the-market (ATM) offering last week while leaving its BTC treasury unchanged.

Strategy sold 4.8 million shares of its Class A common stock for $466.7 million between July 6 and July 12, according to a Monday 8-K filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. 

The company did not buy or sell any Bitcoin during the period and reported holdings of 843,775 BTC at an average purchase price of $75,476 per BTC. 

The update comes as investors continue to watch how Strategy balances equity issuance, Bitcoin accumulation and its growing preferred stock offerings as it expands its BTC-focused corporate strategy.

Ahead of Monday's Nasdaq open, MSTR shares were trading down roughly 3%, to $91.80 apiece, according to Yahoo Finance. Bitcoin was trading at about $62,580, down more than 2% in the past 24 hours.

Cash buffer grows to $3 billionStrategy increased its US dollar reserve to $3 billion as of July 12, up from $2.55 billion a week earlier. The reserve is used to fund dividend payments on its preferred stock and interest payments on its outstanding debt.

The reserve includes expected proceeds from MSTR shares sold through the company's ATM offering that had not yet settled as of the reporting date.

Source: SEC

Strategy has $23.8 billion of remaining capacity under its MSTR ATM offering, including capacity from a new $21 billion offering the company announced on March 23. The company said it may begin selling shares under the additional capacity once the existing offering is substantially depleted.

Last week, Strategy announced it sold 3,588 BTC for about $216 million to replenish its US dollar reserve and fund preferred stock dividend payments.

The transactions included the sale of 1,363 BTC at an average price of $59,256 between June 29 and June 30, followed by another 2,225 BTC at an average price of $60,773 between July 1 and July 5.

In the same June 29 8-K filing, Strategy also reported no BTC purchases, while disclosing the sale of 12.7 million MSTR shares through its ATM offering, generating $1.15 billion in net proceeds.

STRC moves to twice-monthly dividend scheduleStrategy is boosting its USD reserve as it readies its first semi-monthly dividend payment to its STRC preferred stock holders on Wednesday.

Under a new schedule announced on June 8, STRC will use record dates on the 15th and the last day of each month, with payments made on the following record date.

The first semi-monthly record date was June 30, 2026, with the first payment date scheduled for July 15.

Magazine: Bitcoin nearing late stages of bear market: Jamie Coutts, Real Vision

Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.

Bitcoin’s move back toward the $64,000 area gives bulls something to work with, but it does not remove the market’s next problem. After a sharp recovery, the focus now shifts to overhead supply and whether buyers can absorb the next wave of profit-taking.

That is often how rebounds work in crypto. The first move higher proves that demand still exists. The second move has to prove that demand is strong enough to break through sellers waiting above.

For more details, visit the official Arkham platform.

TL;DR Bitcoin has recovered toward the $64,000 region.The move follows a difficult stretch marked by liquidations and supply concerns.The next question is whether buyers can push through overhead resistance near $65,000. Why The $64,000 Area Matters Round numbers matter because they concentrate attention, but the more important point is the cluster of supply above the current range. Traders who bought the dip may take profit, while others who were trapped during the drawdown may look for an exit.

That creates a real resistance test. A clean break higher could reset sentiment quickly. A rejection would suggest the market still needs more time to digest recent volatility.

ETF Flows And Wallet Data Are Part Of The Picture This is not just a chart story. Bitcoin has also been dealing with ETF flow swings, government wallet movement, and broader liquidity changes. Those factors can either reinforce the rebound or make it harder to sustain.

For now, the market has moved from panic to a more balanced test. Bulls have reclaimed ground, but the next few sessions will show whether that recovery has depth.

Why The Detail Matters Now The practical takeaway is that Bitcoin stories now have to be read through both market structure and product execution. A headline can create attention, but the more durable signal is whether the underlying source points to real activity, a real filing, a real integration, or a measurable change in how users and institutions behave.

That is why this development is worth separating from ordinary market noise. It gives readers a specific point to track over the next few sessions rather than a vague reason to be bullish or bearish. If follow-up data confirms the direction, the story can build. If not, it still gives the market a clearer snapshot of where attention is concentrating today.

The Market Read The cleaner way to read this story is not to force it into a simple bullish or bearish box. For Bitcoin readers, the useful part is the change in context. A new filing, integration, market signal, or regulatory step can alter how traders think about the next few sessions even when it does not instantly change price.

That is especially true after the last few volatile weeks, when crypto has been dealing with a mix of ETF flows, legal updates, exchange listings, protocol upgrades, and shifting liquidity. The market is no longer reacting to one dominant theme. It is weighing several smaller signals at once, and that makes source-backed developments more important than ordinary chatter.

Why Readers Should Keep This On The Radar For NewsBTC readers, the important question is what this changes from here. If follow-up data, filings, governance updates, or wallet movement confirm the direction, the story can develop into a larger market theme. If the next update is weak, delayed, or contradicted by new data, the market may quickly move on.

That is why the scope matters. This article is not treating the development as a guaranteed price trigger. It is treating it as a fresh signal inside a market that is trying to sort durable activity from short-term noise. The distinction is important because crypto narratives can move faster than the facts behind them.

The next thing to watch is whether this becomes part of a wider pattern. In some cases that means more institutional flows. In others it means stronger developer adoption, cleaner regulatory access, deeper exchange liquidity, or a clearer technical roadmap. Either way, the story is strongest if it is followed by measurable execution rather than another round of speculative headlines.

This report is based on market and wallet data from Arkham Intelligence.

This article was written by the News Desk and edited by Samuel Rae.

DTCC plans to demonstrate blockchain-based real-time stock trade settlement processes this week.

The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) plans to demonstrate blockchain-powered real-time stock trading processes this Wednesday. Market participants believe this technology can streamline the clearing, settlement, and record-keeping workflows underlying Wall Street stock trades, boosting capital market operational efficiency. The test is viewed as a key step for traditional financial systems in exploring on-chain securities infrastructure. However, the project remains limited in scale during its initial phase. After years of research and development, DTCC—one of the largest U.S. securities clearing institutions—this demonstration is more of a verification exercise rather than a full-scale push to migrate the entire stock market to blockchain. Analysts note that while tokenized securities and on-chain settlement are seen as having the potential to reduce costs and enhance trading efficiency, migrating traditional financial infrastructure to blockchain still faces challenges including regulation, compliance, system compatibility, and coordination among market participants. Earlier, Joseph Spiro, DTCC’s Director of Digital Asset Products, said in a May webinar that DTCC plans to launch its tokenized services this year, will demonstrate relevant use cases in a production environment in July, and officially roll out the service in October.

4 minutes ago

U.S. stocks opened with mixed performance across the three major indexes, with SK Hynix falling more than 8% and SanDisk dropping over 6%.

U.S. stock market opens: Dow Jones rises 0.08%, S&P 500 falls 0.32%, Nasdaq declines 0.73%. Tech stocks are mostly lower, with SK Hynix (SKHY.O) dropping over 8%, SanDisk (SNDK.O) down more than 6%, Micron Technology (MU.O) falling 5%, Qualcomm (QCOM.O) down 1%, and Intel (INTC.O) declining 4%.

4 minutes ago

Coinbase Ventures emerged as the most active crypto venture capital firm in the first half of 2026, with DeFi, AI, and payment sectors being its most favored investment areas.

CryptoRank data shows Coinbase Ventures, with 30 investments completed in H1 2026, is the most active crypto venture capital firm. Animoca Brands, a16z, and Tether followed with 19, 18, and 15 investments respectively. Over the past 12 months, Coinbase Ventures has closed a total of 75 investments, ranking first in the industry, followed by Animoca Brands, YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs), GSR, and a16z. Despite the crypto market remaining in a slump, industry financing volumes continue to shrink. Total funding for crypto firms fell to $1.4 billion in June, a 63% drop from $3.8 billion in April; the number of financing rounds also decreased from 89 in May to 61. Meanwhile, the number of independent investment firms participating in deals dropped from 452 in October 2025 to 242 in June this year. By sector, DeFi, payments, and AI remain the most capital-favored segments over the past year, with 216, 131, and 128 financing rounds respectively. Coinbase Ventures has focused its investments on payment protocols, DeFi, infrastructure, and RWA tokenization projects.

4 minutes ago

U.S. Senate enters critical window for Clarity Act; next four weeks could decide the bill’s fate this year.

After the U.S. Congress reconvened, the Clarity Act (Crypto Market Structure Act) has entered a critical legislative window. Industry insiders say the next four weeks will determine whether the bill can complete Senate review before Congress adjourns in August and be formally enacted this year. According to reports, the Senate is expected to release this week the latest version of the bill, which integrates texts from the Senate Banking Committee and Agriculture Committee. Currently, the bill faces two core sticking points: one is the final language of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act concerning regulatory liability for non-custodial software developers; the other is ethical provisions on conflicts of interest among government officials, particularly those related to Trump’s crypto business. Sources familiar with the matter noted that the White House and Congress have yet to reach an agreement on the ethical provisions, a key factor in the bill’s effort to hit the 60-vote threshold. Alex Thorn, head of research at Galaxy Digital, said the next four weeks could be the Clarity Act’s last chance to pass in the current congressional session; if the bill fails to become law, the U.S. may further lag behind overseas markets in the race for digital asset innovation.

4 minutes ago

South Korean stock market faces a margin trading crisis, with forced liquidations totaling 344.2 billion won in July.

According to data from the Korea Financial Investment Association, the recent sharp decline in South Korea's stock market has triggered accelerated deleveraging of margin trading positions. The total forced liquidation volume in July has reached 344.2 billion won, with the single-day forced liquidation amount on July 9 hitting 142.2 billion won. As forced liquidation data lags by two trading days, the clearing pressure from the nearly 9% plunge in the KOSPI on July 13 has not yet been fully reflected, and the market expects subsequent liquidation volumes to rise further. On July 13, South Korea's KOSPI index closed down 8.95%, triggering the Sidecar (seller order suspension mechanism) and Level 1 Circuit Breaker during intraday trading. The semiconductor sector plummeted, with SK Hynix falling 15.37%—its largest single-day drop in history—and Samsung Electronics down 10.7%. Meanwhile, South Korean retail investors' margin sizes, margin loan balances, and investor deposits have all continued to decline, with the market trapped in a deleveraging cycle of "stock price drop—forced liquidation—further decline".

4 minutes ago

Trump and Iran deliver tough, tit-for-tat statements, with both sides refusing to back down on the Strait of Hormuz issue.

US President Donald Trump and an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader have successively made tough remarks on the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that the US will become the "guardian" and "guardian angel" of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that the US has guarded the strait for free in the past and will recover its operational costs and compensate for the risks it has taken to maintain the strait’s security in the future. He also said that the US will control the Strait of Hormuz and "is very likely to dominate the strait" in the future, adding that every time Iran deploys drones, the US will strike back fiercely. In addition, Trump revealed that the US and Iran held 11-hour talks yesterday. The advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader responded that no Iranian believes Iran should give up the Strait of Hormuz. Iran defends the Strait of Hormuz to avoid being forced to pay "ransom" for the passage of its own ships in the future. He emphasized that the strategic, security and economic status of the Strait of Hormuz is irreplaceable, and Iran will never back down on the issue of the Strait of Hormuz.

4 minutes ago

XRPL validator Vet (Hussein Zangana) has argued that the XRP Ledger’s consensus mechanism is better suited for long-term sustainability than Bitcoin’s proof-of-work (PoW) model.

According to Vet, Bitcoin’s mining system was highly effective at distributing BTC in the network’s early years. However, he believes it could face economic challenges as block rewards continue to decline.

In a post on X and an accompanying video presentation, Vet compared the supply dynamics of Bitcoin and XRP. He argued that “supply distribution is only a short-term challenge, while consensus algorithms are permanent.”

Bitcoin Early Success Came With Long-Term Trade-Offs Zangana explained that Bitcoin’s PoW mechanism originally served two purposes. It secured the blockchain while distributing new BTC through mining rewards.

Bitcoin launched with a 50 BTC block reward, which halves roughly every four years. Vet noted that about 95.5% of Bitcoin’s fixed 21 million supply has already been distributed, leaving relatively little new issuance over the coming decades. 

He acknowledged that PoW helped democratize Bitcoin’s early distribution because users could mine coins with relatively modest hardware. However, he argued that the system becomes more expensive and less efficient as new issuance declines.

According to Vet, Bitcoin will increasingly rely on transaction fees to incentivize miners once block rewards become negligible. He also argued that wider adoption of Layer-2 networks could reduce on-chain activity, making it harder for miners to earn enough fee revenue over the long term.

XRP Ledger Was Built for Long-Term Efficiency Meanwhile, Vet contrasted this with the XRP Ledger, which did not use its consensus mechanism to distribute XRP. Instead, the network created its entire 100 billion XRP supply at genesis, with tokens distributed over time.

Because XRPL has no mining rewards, Vet said its consensus mechanism focuses solely on validating and settling transactions. This allows for low costs, fast confirmations, and minimal transaction fees.

He argued that this approach made XRP’s early distribution more difficult. However, it also removed the long-term burden of maintaining an expensive mining incentive once token distribution is complete.

According to Zangana, Bitcoin prioritized efficient early distribution, while the XRP Ledger accepted a more challenging launch in exchange for a consensus model built for long-term operation.

Network Performance Will Matter More Than Launch History Vet also argued that future users will care less about how a cryptocurrency was originally distributed.

Whether Bitcoin relied on mining rewards or Ripple distributed XRP over time, he said most new users will judge a network by how well it works today rather than by its launch history.

He added that the XRP Ledger has grown into a mature ecosystem with numerous developers and applications. As a result, he believes it is now well positioned to benefit from its consensus design after overcoming its initial distribution challenges.

Concluding his analysis, Vet said the next five to ten years will be a key test for Bitcoin as block rewards continue to shrink and the network relies more heavily on transaction fees. 

By contrast, he argued that the XRP Ledger can continue operating efficiently without facing the same structural pressures.

DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.

U.S. Senate enters critical window for Clarity Act; next four weeks could decide the bill’s fate this year.

After the U.S. Congress reconvened, the Clarity Act (Crypto Market Structure Act) has entered a critical legislative window. Industry insiders say the next four weeks will determine whether the bill can complete Senate review before Congress adjourns in August and be formally enacted this year. According to reports, the Senate is expected to release this week the latest version of the bill, which integrates texts from the Senate Banking Committee and Agriculture Committee. Currently, the bill faces two core sticking points: one is the final language of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act concerning regulatory liability for non-custodial software developers; the other is ethical provisions on conflicts of interest among government officials, particularly those related to Trump’s crypto business. Sources familiar with the matter noted that the White House and Congress have yet to reach an agreement on the ethical provisions, a key factor in the bill’s effort to hit the 60-vote threshold. Alex Thorn, head of research at Galaxy Digital, said the next four weeks could be the Clarity Act’s last chance to pass in the current congressional session; if the bill fails to become law, the U.S. may further lag behind overseas markets in the race for digital asset innovation.

10 minutes ago

US pre-market news roundup: Intel plans to invest €5 billion to expand its Irish factory; storage and semiconductor equipment sectors fall across the board in pre-market trading.

Key pre-market news for U.S. stocks is as follows: 1. JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and Goldman Sachs will kick off Q2 earnings reports on Tuesday, while Morgan Stanley will release its results on Wednesday. Markets expect U.S. large banks’ investment banking and trading revenues to surge, driven by SpaceX’s IPO, rising M&A activity, and market volatility sparked by the Iran situation; 2. Trump claimed Iran always breaks agreements, so the U.S. will strike hard at Iran, take control of the strait, and likely dominate it in the future; 3. SK Hynix’s U.S. ADR trades at a 23.4% premium to its South Korean shares; 4. Semiconductor equipment and storage sectors fell across the board pre-market, with KLAC down 3.7%, SanDisk and Western Digital both dropping over 5%; 5. Spot gold and silver fell broadly, with gold down 1.32% and silver down 2.23%; 6. Crude oil markets fell broadly, with U.S. crude up 3.35% and Brent crude up 3.53%; 7. Strategy did not add to its Bitcoin holdings last week, selling 4.82 million units to raise $467 million; 8. Bitmine added 27,801 ETH to its holdings last week, bringing its total staked ETH to 4.917 million, with an estimated annual staking income of $242 million.

10 minutes ago

South Korean stock market faces a margin trading crisis, with forced liquidations totaling 344.2 billion won in July.

According to data from the Korea Financial Investment Association, the recent sharp decline in South Korea's stock market has triggered accelerated deleveraging of margin trading positions. The total forced liquidation volume in July has reached 344.2 billion won, with the single-day forced liquidation amount on July 9 hitting 142.2 billion won. As forced liquidation data lags by two trading days, the clearing pressure from the nearly 9% plunge in the KOSPI on July 13 has not yet been fully reflected, and the market expects subsequent liquidation volumes to rise further. On July 13, South Korea's KOSPI index closed down 8.95%, triggering the Sidecar (seller order suspension mechanism) and Level 1 Circuit Breaker during intraday trading. The semiconductor sector plummeted, with SK Hynix falling 15.37%—its largest single-day drop in history—and Samsung Electronics down 10.7%. Meanwhile, South Korean retail investors' margin sizes, margin loan balances, and investor deposits have all continued to decline, with the market trapped in a deleveraging cycle of "stock price drop—forced liquidation—further decline".

10 minutes ago

Trump and Iran deliver tough, tit-for-tat statements, with both sides refusing to back down on the Strait of Hormuz issue.

US President Donald Trump and an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader have successively made tough remarks on the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that the US will become the "guardian" and "guardian angel" of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that the US has guarded the strait for free in the past and will recover its operational costs and compensate for the risks it has taken to maintain the strait’s security in the future. He also said that the US will control the Strait of Hormuz and "is very likely to dominate the strait" in the future, adding that every time Iran deploys drones, the US will strike back fiercely. In addition, Trump revealed that the US and Iran held 11-hour talks yesterday. The advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader responded that no Iranian believes Iran should give up the Strait of Hormuz. Iran defends the Strait of Hormuz to avoid being forced to pay "ransom" for the passage of its own ships in the future. He emphasized that the strategic, security and economic status of the Strait of Hormuz is irreplaceable, and Iran will never back down on the issue of the Strait of Hormuz.

10 minutes ago

HSK Chain launches Phase 3 of its HSK Staking campaign, upgrading the ecosystem's long-term incentive mechanism.

According to official announcements, HSK Chain’s Phase 3 staking campaign officially launched on July 13. This phase sets a maximum total staking cap and adopts a diversified incentive model, with participants eligible for corresponding expected ecosystem incentives per on-chain rules. Additionally, users who took part in previous staking phases and consistently supported ecosystem development will receive extra ecosystem subsidies based on their historical locked contributions, comprehensively enhancing on-chain participation benefits. It is understood that this staking campaign, while rewarding HSK holders and past participants, will further drive the long-term steady growth of the HSK Chain ecosystem. As on-chain developers, high-quality projects, and institutional-grade assets continue to onboard, this upgrade to the long-term incentive mechanism will serve as a core initiative for the ecosystem’s long-term development.

10 minutes ago

BBC investigation finds Instagram still hosts ads for child sexual abuse content, Meta’s AI moderation mechanism faces renewed scrutiny

Despite Meta’s ongoing heavy investment in AI infrastructure, a new BBC investigation has found that Instagram is still serving users in India with advertisements containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and some of these ads are still deemed by the platform’s moderation system as “not violating community guidelines” even after being reported. The report states that a test account created by the BBC received around 30 CSAM-related ads within a week, without any prior searches for such content, and these ads directed users to Telegram channels to purchase the illegal material. The Indian government has ordered Meta to remove the relevant ads and explain within seven days why its moderation mechanism failed. The report notes that Meta’s 2025 ad revenue reached $201 billion, accounting for approximately 97% of its total revenue, while its AI infrastructure investment in the same period hit $72.2 billion. The company plans to raise its capital expenditure to between $125 billion and $145 billion in 2026. The article points out that Meta’s current controversies stem more from platform governance and commercial incentives rather than a lack of AI technical capabilities.

10 minutes ago