Market Signal Briefing

It’s only March, and the VIX is up 62.4% YTD. It’s hardly surprising that the market volatility metric has risen so much, so quickly. The U.S. has attacked two countries playing important roles in global energy markets, while conflict continues in Ukraine and the eastern Mediterranean. Markets still present significant opportunities, however, for the right strategies. 

See more: Report: Active ETFs Topped $2 Trillion in Global AUM in January

Active ETFs were designed in many ways for these exact circumstances. Where passive market indexes are forced to remain static amid market volatility, active ETFs can adapt and potentially prove more durable. The right active ETFs can provide resilience for portfolios and even chase upside when markets are riven by fear. These two provide intriguing takes on active ETFs for this year’s spiking market volatility.

The T. Rowe Price Natural Resources ETF  The T. Rowe Price Natural Resources ETF (TURF) has been a strong performer so far in a complicated year. TURF charges a 44 basis point (bps) fee for an active approach to upstream commodities. The firm’s managers lean on fundamental research to identify strong companies that can outperform their category rivals. It applies a bottom-up approach to portfolio construction, investing in firms of any market cap based on both growth and value approaches. 

That has helped the ETF return 21.9% over the last three months according to ETF Database data, outperforming rival funds. Commodities extraction can meet rising demand for materials from AI related firms, for example, with firms involved available at lower costs than many domestic U.S. equities. Energy demand, for example, will continue to rise to feed AI, with some select extraction companies benefitting from geopolitical impact on prices.

The T. Rowe Price International Equity ETF  While some may see international headlines as cause to avoid ex-U.S. equities wholesale, opportunities abound in international equities. The right ETF, especially one with an active, adaptable approach, can help. The T. Rowe Price International Equity ETF (TOUS) charges a 50 bps fee to actively invest in international equities. 

The fund has performed well amid the significant demand for ex-U.S. equities. Crafting a portfolio of about 150 stocks, its active managers look for high earnings potential and good valuation. They use local market inputs and macro data to find firms, also using a bottom-up approach. 

Even amid recent market volatility, TOUS and its active approach has helped it return 23% over the last 12 months. TOUS has outperformed its ETF Database Category average with that performance. Its flexibility and active approach can help it find strong investments even as geopolitics introduces chaos. For those looking for active ETFs amid this volatility, TURF and TOUS can appeal.

For more news, information, and strategy, visit the Active ETF Content Hub.

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Key Takeaways TTD's shares are down, reflecting macro troubles and broader weakness across the digital ad space.TTD sees long-term growth from CTV adoption, retail media partnerships and its AI-driven Kokai platform.TTD faces intense competition from Amazon, Google and other ad tech players. The Trade Desk (TTD - Free Report) , a prominent name in the digital ad tech space, continues to face pressure with the stock sliding 25.4% over the past three months. This is an uncomfortable drawdown for a company viewed as one of ad tech’s leading players.

Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

However, the company is not alone in the downturn, underscoring the widespread pressure across the digital advertising ecosystem. The Zacks Internet Services industry is also down 7.7% over the same time frame.

Moreover, the Zacks Computer & Technology sector and the S&P 500 composite have lost 7.1% and 2.5%, respectively.

Looking ahead, the key question for investors is now is whether the recent sell-off represents a buying opportunity?

Let’s examine closely to understand what TTD’s slump represents for investors.

Multiple Tailwinds Strengthen Long-Term ProspectsEven with the recent share-price pressure, several tailwinds continue to support The Trade Desk’s long-term narrative. These include CTV, retail media, AI & Kokai, international growth and supply-chain modernization efforts, including OpenPath. Moreover, The Trade Desk’s strategy revolves around the open Internet, which is where price discovery and competition exist and it continues to expect the open Internet to gain share relative to closed advertising ecosystems.

Increasing digital spending in CTV, particularly for premium content and live sports, is a key growth driver. The transition toward biddable CTV is gaining momentum. The benefits of decision-based buying (like greater flexibility, control and performance) compared with traditional programmatic guaranteed or insertion-order models are rendering it the logical choice for advertisers. CTV continues to be one of the company’s fastest-growing channels. In the fourth quarter of 2025, video, which includes CTV, comprised about half of the company’s business.

Retail media has emerged as one of the fastest-growing areas in the digital advertising space. Management noted that over the past five years, the company has formed partnerships with retailers around the world to build what it describes as the “largest and richest marketplace of retail data” globally. According to management, retailers participating in its data marketplace collectively represent more than half of retail sales worldwide.

The company’s increasing focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) bodes well. Management views the combination of TTD’s proprietary AI capabilities and platform objectivity as a competitive strength.

Kokai, TTD’s next-generation AI-powered DSP experience, remains central to its AI strategy. Nearly 100% clients now use Kokai as their default experience, and this is strengthening its competitive moat. Citing a real-world example, TTD noted that IKEA reduced cost per acquisition by 17% using Kokai’s AI-driven omnichannel optimization.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Another important highlight was Audience Unlimited, which management described as one of its most significant innovations. Advertisers are wary of third-party data, citing high costs and uncertainty over effectiveness. Audience Unlimited tackles these issues by using AI to rank third-party data segments for campaign relevance, drawing from hundreds of trusted providers. Instead of costly a la carte pricing, advertisers gain access to all relevant data at a simplified, lower inclusive rate, enabling scalable precision targeting without unpredictable costs or reconciliation hassles.

The company’s OpenPath, Deal Desk, and OpenAds initiatives further strengthen its ecosystem by connecting advertisers directly to publishers, improving transparency and supply-chain efficiency.

TTD continues to expand globally, with international markets growing faster than North America. The company noted strong momentum across EMEA and APAC, reflecting multi-year investments in those regions. International business currently represents roughly 16% of total revenues, a clear opportunity for long-term growth.

TTD has strengthened its relationships with key advertisers through Joint Business Plans (JBPs). By the end of 2025, JBPs accounted for more than 50% of the company’s business, and the pipeline had more than doubled year over year, highlighted management.

Moreover, as digital advertising shifts toward AI-driven, outcome-based campaigns, The Trade Desk’s cash strength ($1.3 billion in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and no debt) offers a buffer against macro volatility. Investors will also find the expansion of the buyback program to a total of $500 million appealing.

TTD Faces Plenty of HeadwindsDigital advertising spending is prone to macroeconomic fluctuations.  If macro headwinds worsen, revenue growth may face pressure due to reduced programmatic demand.

TTD highlighted soft demand in several important advertising verticals, particularly in consumer packaged goods and automotive.  These categories remained some of the company’s weakest areas in the fourth quarter and remain soft entering 2026.

While The Trade Desk remains a leading independent DSP, the competitive environment is intensifying. Walled gardens like Meta Platforms, Apple, Alphabet (GOOGL - Free Report) and Amazon (AMZN - Free Report) dominate this space as they control their inventory and first-party user data, allowing for highly targeted ad campaigns. While CTV remains a strong revenue driver, this market is also increasingly becoming competitive as smaller players like Magnite and PubMatic (PUBM - Free Report) intensify their efforts. AMZN’s expanding DSP business is giving tough competition to TTD, especially in this space.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Though TTD is focusing on geographic expansion, executing well across disparate markets can be complex and risky. Regulatory and privacy-related changes like the deprecation of cookies and tightening data-privacy laws like Europe’s GDPR also pose ongoing challenges.

TTD is focused on embedding AI across the portfolio, which will further raise capex and operational costs.  The company expects adjusted EBITDA margins in 2026 to remain in line with 2025, as the company continues investing in AI capabilities, product innovation and go-to-market infrastructure.

Although TTD continues to grow, the growth rate has been slowing compared with previous years. While fourth-quarter revenues were up 14%, first-quarter revenues are expected to increase 10%.

TTD’s Discounted ValuationIn terms of forward price/earnings, TTD’s shares are trading at 13.71X, lower than the Internet Services industry’s ratio of 24.88X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

AMZN, PUBM and GOOGL trade at 26.44X, 32.4X and 25.04X, respectively.

Over the past year, Amazon, Alphabet and PubMatic stock prices have lost 8%, 6.8% and 2.9%, respectively.

Conclusion: TTD Is a Hold for NowThough TTD has several long-term catalysts, such as the rise of CTV, expanding retail media networks and the growing adoption of Kokai, the near-term picture remains muddled by macro uncertainty, rising expenses and intensifying competitive pressure from both walled gardens and independent ad-tech peers

Given the mix of solid fundamentals and near-term headwinds, investors holding TTD stock can retain it in their portfolios for now, but new investors would be better off waiting for a favorable entry point.

At present, TTD carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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Analyst sentiment across three small-cap biotechs has turned notably positive, with fresh coverage initiations and maintained Buy-equivalent ratings from institutional research desks ahead of 2026 clinical catalysts. All three names carry verified Buy or Overweight ratings, and the gap between current trading prices and analyst targets ranges from substantial to dramatic.

Three Calls, Three Catalysts X4 Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XFOR) drew a fresh initiation from Guggenheim, which assigned a Buy rating and $12 price target, framing the company as a “differentiated hematology play” with significant upside in the next 18 months. The firm’s thesis centers on mavorixafor, a potential first-in-class oral CXCR4 antagonist already approved for WHIM syndrome and currently in Phase 3 development for primary chronic neutropenia. With shares trading at $3.97 as of Monday morning, Guggenheim’s target implies substantial upside from current levels. Underpinning the bull case: X4 raised $240.3 million in gross proceeds from two financings, extending its cash runway to end of 2028, while its 4WARD Phase 3 trial targets enrollment completion by Q3 2026 with a U.S. addressable market of approximately 15,000 patients in chronic neutropenia.

Immuneering (NASDAQ:IMRX) received a maintained Overweight rating from Piper Sandler, which lowered its price target to $12 from $13 following the company’s Q4 update. The trim reflects modest recalibration rather than a change in conviction. Piper Sandler notes that timing for near-term clinical catalysts is tracking as expected, with updated ctDNA data and expanded Phase 2a survival data in first-line pancreatic cancer guided to Q2 and first half of 2026, respectively. The pivotal MAPKeeper 301 study remains on track for first patient dosing at mid-2026. The clinical data supporting that confidence is striking: atebimetinib delivered 64% overall survival at 12 months in first-line pancreatic cancer patients versus a roughly 35% benchmark for gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel standard of care. Shares trade at $5.48, well below the $12 target. Institutional ownership stands at 50.8%, and the company was added to the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index on December 22, 2025, a signal of growing institutional eligibility and passive fund exposure.

Tango Therapeutics (NASDAQ:TNGX) is the most active mover of the three. Stifel analyst Laura Prendergast raised her price target to $24 from $15, maintaining a Buy rating. The firm’s view is that the “recent flurry of PRMT5 inhibitor + RAS(ON) combinations” is de-risking Tango’s first-line pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma opportunity. Shares have already responded: TNGX is up 87.25% year-to-date and 43.89% over the past week alone, trading at $16.60 against Stifel’s $24 target. The broader analyst consensus reflects similar conviction: 10 of 11 covering analysts rate TNGX a Buy or Strong Buy, with a consensus target of $18.56. The company holds $343 million in cash with runway into 2028 and a pivotal vopimetostat study in MTAP-deleted pancreatic cancer set to begin this year.

Context on Price-to-Target Gaps The price-to-target gaps across all three names are wide, which reflects the binary nature of clinical-stage biotech rather than overlooked value. XFOR’s consensus target of $9.33 across four Buy-equivalent ratings sits more than double the current share price, but the stock is down 62.95% over the past year. IMRX has gained 257.24% over the past year but is off 17.48% year-to-date, suggesting the market is waiting for Phase 3 execution to confirm the Phase 2 signal. TNGX, meanwhile, is trading close to its 52-week high of $17.63, meaning much of the near-term re-rating has already occurred.

All three companies have strengthened their balance sheets, secured institutional validation through partnerships or index inclusion, and face pivotal data readouts in 2026. The analyst community is aligned on direction. The remaining question for each is execution, and in clinical-stage biotech, that is always the variable that matters most.

HomeStock IdeasLong Ideas

SummaryThe Global X Copper Miners ETF (COPX) offers leveraged exposure to copper miners, positioning for a supply-driven price surge over the next decade.Structural deficits loom as copper demand from electrification, energy transition, and digital infrastructure outpaces constrained mine supply.COPX constituents remain reasonably valued, with sector EV/EBITDA medians suggesting further upside as cash flows accelerate.I favor a measured, long-term accumulation of COPX, given geopolitical risks and potential for better entry points amid volatility. imaginima/iStock via Getty Images

Introduction Copper (HG1:COM) is a metal that’s central to human development. Its industrial value comes from its high electrical and thermal conductivity, topped only by silver, and it’s used in everything from electronics to construction. Demand for the metal has historically been tied

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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Ethereum price trends are drawing attention after new on chain data showed a sharp rise in long term accumulation while technical charts point to resistance pressure in the short term. Together, the data highlights a market where large holders continue adding ETH even as price struggles near key trading levels.

Ethereum Accumulation Addresses Surge as Whale Holdings Climb SharplyEthereum accumulation wallets have expanded rapidly in recent months, according to on chain data shared by CryptoQuant and highlighted by market analyst James Easton on X. The chart titled “ETH: Balance on Accumulation Addresses” shows a steep increase in the total ETH held by long term accumulation wallets. These addresses typically belong to entities that consistently add to their positions and rarely move funds to exchanges.

ETH Balance on Accumulation Addresses. Source: CryptoQuant

The data shows that accumulation balances rose gradually from 2018 through 2023. However, the trend accelerated strongly during 2025 and early 2026. The total ETH held in these addresses climbed from below 10 million coins to well above 24 million. During the same period, Ethereum’s price moved through several cycles but did not rise at the same pace as the accumulation curve. This divergence suggests that large holders increased their positions while price fluctuations continued across the broader market.

James Easton noted that whale accumulation has recently turned “vertical,” referring to the sharp upward slope visible on the accumulation balance line. The chart shows a particularly strong surge toward the far right side, indicating a rapid increase in wallet balances. While price action shows normal volatility across the same timeframe, the accumulation metric continues trending upward without major drawdowns. As a result, the data highlights sustained capital concentration among long term Ethereum holders even as market conditions shifted across multiple cycles.

Ethereum Rejects Range Resistance as Chart Points to Possible Pullback Toward Lower SupportMeanwhile, Ethereum’s recent price structure shows a rejection near a key resistance band on the four hour chart shared by analyst Kamran Asghar on X. The chart outlines a horizontal range where the upper boundary repeatedly acts as resistance while the lower boundary serves as support. Each time price approaches the upper line, selling pressure appears and pushes the market back into the range.

Ethereum / U.S. Dollar 4H Chart. Source: Kamran Asghar

The latest move follows the same pattern. Ethereum rallied toward the resistance level and briefly traded above it. However, the move failed to hold. The chart highlights this rejection with a marked area near the top of the range, where candles quickly reversed direction. After that rejection, price pulled back toward the middle of the range instead of continuing upward.

At the same time, the chart shows a nearby support zone slightly below the current trading area. This zone previously acted as a short term demand area where buyers stepped in to slow declines. The analyst notes that a small bounce could occur if price tests this region again. However, the broader structure in the chart still points to the lower boundary of the range as the next major support level.

The projected path on the chart shows a potential upward reaction first, followed by a move toward that lower support area if selling pressure continues.

Whale activity on Hyperliquid is increasingly shifting toward oil futures, as the platform’s HIP-3 market adds traction in both WTI and Brent contracts. Dune Analytics data show oil has climbed into the platform’s most-traded futures mix as prices push above key psychological levels.

The move suggests traders are rotating into commodities as crypto price action turns more stagnant. WTI became one of the top-traded HIP-3 contracts, while Brent also entered the top 10 and continued building open interest and volume. It added that some larger traders have already taken sizable leveraged positions tied to expectations of further upside in oil.

The next point to watch is whether oil keeps gaining share inside Hyperliquid’s non-crypto futures lineup or if activity fades once the rally cools. For market participants, the focus is on whether open interest and volume continue shifting toward energy contracts as macro volatility stays elevated.

Source: Dune Analytics, HIP-3 Metadata query.

Disclaimer: Crypto Economy Flash News are based on verified public and official sources. Their purpose is to provide fast, factual updates about relevant events in the crypto and blockchain ecosystem.

This information does not constitute financial advice or investment recommendation. Readers are encouraged to verify all details through official project channels before making any related decisions.

Published: Mar 09, 2026 at 13:43

Solana (SOL) broke above the 21-day SMA but was halted at $90.

SOL price long-term prediction: ranging Buyers failed to sustain positive momentum above the $90 resistance and the 50-day SMA. The cryptocurrency has moved above the 21-day SMA support. If bears push the price below the 21-day SMA support, the altcoin will return to its range above $75. If the 21-day SMA support holds, the altcoin will continue to oscillate between the moving average lines.

Meanwhile, bears are attempting to drive the price below the 21-day SMA support. Solana is currently at $82.43.

Technical indicators Key supply zones: $220, $240, $260

Key demand zones: $140, $120, $100

Solana price indicator Solana is trading below the horizontal moving averages. Buyers have twice pushed the price above the 21-day SMA barrier but failed to maintain bullish momentum. Bears are attempting to push the price below the 21-day SMA support.

On the 4-hour chart, price bars fluctuate around the horizontal moving average lines.

What is the next move for Solana? Solana remains range-bound, trading above the $75 support and below the $95 resistance. On the 4-hour chart, price bars have fallen below the moving average lines and are consolidating above the $80 support. Doji candlesticks are forming as the price remains stagnant above the $75 support.

Disclaimer. This analysis and forecast are the personal opinions of the author. The data provided is collected by the author and is not sponsored by any company or token developer. This is not a recommendation to buy or sell cryptocurrency and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Coinidol.com. Readers should do their research before investing in funds.

Bitmine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) has expanded its ether treasury to more than 4.53 million ETH, deepening the biggest corporate position in the second-largest cryptocurrency as the firm continues its aggressive accumulation strategy despite crypto market prices.

The company said Monday it acquired 60,976 ETH over the past week — spending roughly $120 million — and lifting total holdings to 4,534,563 ETH, or around 3.76% of Ethereum’s circulating supply of about 120.7 million tokens.

At roughly $1,965 per ETH, Bitmine’s ether stack is worth about $8.9 billion, forming the bulk of the firm’s reported $10.3 billion in combined crypto and cash holdings. A large portion of that treasury is already earning yield. Bitmine reported that 3,040,483 ETH — about two-thirds of its holdings — is currently staked, generating an estimated $174 million in annualized staking revenue based on current network yields.

Bitmine has leaned heavily into Ethereum as a treasury asset. The company is in pursuit of what it calls the "alchemy of 5%," an internal target to eventually control about 5% of Ethereum’s total supply.

Company Chairman Tom Lee said Bitmine has accelerated purchases as the market moves through what he described as the final phase of a crypto downturn.

"Ethereum prices showed resilience this week in the face of rising war concerns and surging oil prices," Lee said in a statement, adding the company believes digital assets are entering the late stages of a "mini-crypto winter."

The company also noted that its balance sheet includes $1.2 billion in cash, 195 bitcoin, and minority stakes in companies such as Beast Industries and Eightco Holdings.

Staking queue Bitmine’s growing position comes as demand to stake ETH across the broader network remains elevated.

Data from The Block shows more than 3.2 million ETH waiting in Ethereum’s validator entry queue, while fewer than 60,000 ETH are currently queued to exit staking, a sign that new capital continues to flow into validator infrastructure.

Ether traded around $2,000 at press time, while BMNR shares were flat during pre-market hours as equities digested conflict in the Middle East, per The Block's price page and stock page.

Disclaimer: The Block is an independent media outlet that delivers news, research, and data. As of November 2023, Foresight Ventures is a majority investor of The Block. Foresight Ventures invests in other companies in the crypto space. Crypto exchange Bitget is an anchor LP for Foresight Ventures. The Block continues to operate independently to deliver objective, impactful, and timely information about the crypto industry. Here are our current financial disclosures.

© 2026 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Strategy performed its biggest weekly purchase since January 20, adding another 17,994 BTC to its treasury. The recent purchase shows Strategy still has access to robust financing and is now accumulating more BTC below its average price. 

Strategy made its biggest BTC purchase since buying 22,305 BTC on January 20. The addition followed the previous week’s 3,015 BTC, breaking the period of relatively low additions. 

Strategy added the bigger purchase after another wave of worries about BTC and the company’s ability to keep up with its playbook. Executive Chairman Michael Saylor hinted at the potential for another purchase in his usual late Sunday post. 

The Second Century Begins. pic.twitter.com/stZzNhLgay

— Michael Saylor (@saylor) March 8, 2026

The latest acquisition was valued at $1.28B, with an average price of $70,946 per BTC. Strategy’s treasury is already at 738,731 BTC, acquired for a total of $56.04B. The average price for Strategy fell to $75,862 per BTC, while BTC traded in the $67,000 range. 

As BTC sentiment remains low, Strategy is one of the few conviction buyers. Other playbook companies sit on the sidelines, while mining entities with legacy reserves switched to selling. 

Strategy increased STRC sales Strategy managed to raise $377.1M from its STRC preferred stock, after last week’s raise of just $7.1M. Trackers of STRC showed the preferred stock led to the acquisition of 5,315 BTC. 

📋 STRC 8-K confirmed: 5,315 BTC acquired last week

3.8M shares → $377M → 5,315 BTC at $71k avg

Biggest STRC week yet—nearly 5x the 4-week average. Treasury stacking continues.https://t.co/lVNalzUMK3 pic.twitter.com/SZaYSZ2ZUc

— STRC.live (@STRC_live) March 9, 2026

The main reason for the increased raises is that STRC traded in the $99-$101 period for almost a month, its longest stretch in history. This allowed Strategy to raise more funds from STRC, while also promising 11.5% in dividends from March onward. 

The bulk of the purchase was still padded by more MSTR dilution, with over $899M in common stock sold. Despite this, MSTR held at $133.50, with seemingly limited dilution effects. The new issues of MSTR have almost depleted the ATM facility, which was supposed to be open until 2030. 

Strategy used its authorized common stock on a much tighter timeline, with only $6.7B remaining for future issuance. Another $20B remains from authorized STRK preferred stock, which has not been used for months. 

STRC has $3.15B remaining from authorized stocks, with the purchase timeline depending on demand and market sentiment. For the first time, STRC fueled over 30% of the weekly purchase, and may continue to be a source of funds in the coming weeks.

Strategy buys despite extreme fear Strategy has made many of its biggest purchases near BTC local highs. This time, the company has switched to “buying the dip,” while the BTC fear and greed index fell to eight points, or extreme fear. 

The latest Strategy announcement was followed by another BTC hike to $68,211.60, following a liquidation of short positions. BTC is still driven by the derivative market, while spot purchases and holding have a limited effect on sentiment.

Nigel Farage has taken a direct position in the growing corporate Bitcoin treasury sector after investing £215,000 in Stack BTC, a London-listed company focused on accumulating the digital asset.

The Reform UK leader now holds a 6.31% stake through his media vehicle Thorn In The Side, according to a release issued Monday.

The move links Farage with a company chaired by former UK chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng and adds a political dimension to the firm’s Bitcoin strategy.

Stack BTC trades on London’s Aquis exchange and has begun building a treasury based on the cryptocurrency.

Farage’s investment also reflects his increasingly visible support for digital assets as the UK debates how to position itself within the global crypto industry.

Strategic funding roundStack BTC raised $346,000 through a strategic funding round by issuing 5.2 million new shares priced at 5 pence each.

The funding included participation from Farage as well as crypto services firm Blockchain.com.

The capital raise is intended to support the company’s efforts to expand its Bitcoin treasury strategy and develop services linked to digital asset management.

Corporate Bitcoin treasuries have become a growing trend among firms seeking exposure to the cryptocurrency as part of their balance sheet strategies.

Blockchain.com also entered into a partnership with Stack BTC to help support the development of institutional-grade services linked to the company’s planned Bitcoin treasury.

The collaboration aims to strengthen the infrastructure needed for holding and managing digital assets within a corporate structure.

We are excited to announce that @Nigel_Farage and @blockchain have made strategic equity investments in #Stack . This marks a major step forward in our ambition to build the UK’s leading Bitcoin treasury company, acquiring high-quality UK businesses whilst growing our #Bitcoin

Building a Bitcoin reserveStack BTC has already begun acquiring Bitcoin as part of its strategy.

According to information published on the company’s website, it currently holds 21 Bitcoin valued at roughly $1.4 million at recent market prices.

The company purchased the BTC in a single tranche on March 5.

The acquisition marked the first step in building a reserve intended to support the firm’s long-term strategy around digital asset exposure.

Earlier in the year, the company also secured additional funding.

Stack BTC said it raised about $2.9 million in February as it prepared to expand its activities and build capital for the treasury approach.

The firm is listed on London’s Aquis exchange, a market that has attracted smaller companies exploring financial technology and digital asset-related business models.

Political backing for cryptoFarage has increasingly positioned himself as one of the UK’s most prominent political supporters of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

His latest investment places him directly within a company building a Bitcoin treasury strategy.

In May 2025, during the Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas, Farage said Reform UK would accept crypto donations.

He also outlined plans for a potential Cryptoassets and Digital Finance Bill if the party were to win control of government in the next general election.

The proposed legislation would aim to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets in the UK.

The next UK general election is expected before August 2029, keeping the issue on the political agenda.

Farage has also argued that Britain could play a significant role in the global digital asset industry, pointing to London’s long-standing position as one of the world’s leading financial centres.

TL;DR

Nigel Farage invested £215,000 in Stack BTC through Thorn In The Side Ltd, buying 4.3 million shares at 5p each for roughly 6.31%. Stack BTC raised £260,000 in the round, with Blockchain.com participating, and the new shares are due to begin trading on Aquis on March 12. The company recently bought its first 21 BTC at an average $71,594, underscoring a treasury strategy built around bitcoin accumulation and public-market expansion. Politics and bitcoin crossed paths in unusually direct fashion on Monday as Nigel Farage’s strategic bet on Stack BTC pushed a niche treasury story into the center of market attention. The Reform UK leader backed the company as it pressed ahead with its bitcoin treasury strategy, giving the move both financial and political weight in UK markets. Farage invested £215,000 through Thorn In The Side Ltd, buying 4.3 million shares at 5p each. The purchase gives him roughly a 6.31% stake, turning him from vocal advocate into a meaningful shareholder in a U.K.-listed bitcoin vehicle.

Stack BTC turns advocacy into ownership At the company level, the fundraising mechanics sharpened the signal. Stack BTC raised £260,000 in the round, with Blockchain.com also taking part, as the firm continued building a model centered on holding bitcoin on its balance sheet. The new shares are set to begin trading on Aquis on March 12, formalizing Farage’s position as the company expands. Chaired by former U.K. finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng, Stack BTC is positioning itself as more than a passive crypto proxy, presenting itself instead as a treasury-focused business actively seeking to compound exposure through corporate strategy in public markets.

What makes the announcement more intriguing is the company’s scale versus its ambition. Stack BTC disclosed its first bitcoin purchase on Friday, acquiring 21 BTC at an average price of $71,594 per coin. That is a modest holding by global standards, yet it serves as the foundation for the firm’s pitch to investors. Rather than framing bitcoin as a side allocation, Stack BTC is building around it as a core treasury asset. In practical terms, Farage is not backing a mature heavyweight, but an early-stage public vehicle still defining how far its strategy can stretch.

For Farage, the investment crystallizes a long-running political message. He has argued that digital currencies will matter to business and finance, and he tied this stake to a belief that London and the U.K. can become a hub for the crypto industry. That gives the deal significance beyond its size: it connects a high-profile political brand to a small public company built around bitcoin accumulation. In that sense, the story is not only about money entering Stack BTC. It is about advocacy turning into ownership, with Farage choosing equity exposure linked directly to treasury execution.

A startup backed by Nvidia plans to begin testing Bitcoin mining in space later this year, marking one of the most unusual attempts yet to move crypto infrastructure beyond Earth.

Starcloud, a space infrastructure startup founded in 2024, says it intends to place Bitcoin mining hardware aboard a spacecraft scheduled for launch later this year. If successful, the company believes orbital computing could eventually become a major industry.

Startup CEO Philip Johnston wrote on social media X that Starcloud aims to become the first company to mine Bitcoin outside Earth. He previously discussed the concept in an interview with HyperChange.

The idea reflects a broader push among tech companies to explore space-based data centers as global demand for computing power grows.

Why the company believes space mining could workAccording to Johnston, launching specialized Bitcoin mining machines into orbit could be economically attractive because of the type of hardware involved.

Bitcoin mining relies on ASIC chips, which are purpose-built processors designed for hashing operations. Johnston argues that these chips provide significantly more computing power per unit of electricity than general-purpose AI hardware.

“A GPU is about 30 times more expensive per kilowatt than an ASIC,” Johnston explained. “A B200 chip with a power draw of 1 kilowatt costs around $30,000. An ASIC with the same power draw costs about $1,000.”

That difference becomes important in space, where launching equipment is extremely expensive. The lower cost per kilowatt could make ASIC-based systems more practical for orbital computing.

Johnston also believes the long-term economics of mining on Earth are becoming less attractive.

Bitcoin mining currently consumes roughly 20 gigawatts of electricity worldwide. Johnston argues that as energy constraints grow, the industry could eventually look toward solar-powered infrastructure in orbit.

He predicts that Bitcoin mining in space could evolve into a “massive industry” over time.

The long-term vision of orbital data centersStarcloud’s broader goal goes far beyond cryptocurrency.

The company was founded to build space-based data centers designed to meet the rapidly growing energy needs of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.

In November 2025, Starcloud launched a satellite carrying an Nvidia H100 GPU into orbit, marking the first time such a powerful AI chip had operated in space.

The company’s long-term plan envisions an orbital infrastructure of roughly 88,000 satellites powered primarily by solar energy. In theory, this network could support both AI computing and specialized workloads like Bitcoin mining.

Could Bitcoin eventually be mined beyond Earth?The concept of moving crypto infrastructure into space has also sparked discussion about interplanetary transactions.

Technologists Jose E. Puente and Carlos Puente suggested last September that Bitcoin transactions could theoretically reach Mars in under three minutes using optical communication links such as those developed by NASA or Starlink.

Their proposed system would rely on a network of satellites, antennas, and possibly a lunar relay node to transmit transactions across planetary distances.

However, the researchers argue that mining Bitcoin directly on Mars would be impractical because of the long communication delays between planets.

Legal and technical questions remainDespite the excitement surrounding orbital mining, the idea also raises complex legal and technical issues.

Under the 1967 United Nations Outer Space Treaty, satellites remain under the jurisdiction of the country in which they are registered. However, the treaty does not clearly define how cryptocurrency mined in space would be taxed or regulated.

There are also technical challenges. Low Earth orbit satellites can only communicate with ground stations during short windows as they pass overhead. This could create interruptions in transmitting newly mined blocks to the Bitcoin network.

Whether these limitations would significantly affect profitability remains unclear.

Meanwhile miners on Earth face pressureWhile experimental space projects gain attention, traditional Bitcoin miners continue operating under difficult market conditions.

Bitcoin’s price has fallen nearly 48% from its all-time high of $126,080 reached in October. At the same time, mining difficulty recently declined about 7% from record levels, offering some relief to operators.

For now, mining remains firmly Earth-bound.

But if Starcloud’s experiment succeeds, the next frontier for Bitcoin may not be another country or continent, it could be orbit.

BitMine Immersion Technologies, the top Ethereum treasury firm by total holdings, announced Monday that it added nearly 61,000 more ETH over the last week—right as the asset reclaimed a price of $2,000 per coin after sitting below that mark for the entire weekend.

The publicly traded firm now holds 4,534,563 ETH after adding 60,976 ETH—about $123 million worth—over the last week. At a current price of $2,015 per coin, that puts BitMine's Ethereum treasury at a value of approximately $9.14 billion. The company also holds $1.2 billion in cash, it said Monday, along with about $13.4 million worth of Bitcoin.

Ethereum is up nearly 5% over the last week, though it's been a volatile one. The second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap jumped to a price of $2,179 on Wednesday alongside a broader crypto market rebound, but then gave up those gains and fell below the $2,000 mark as of Friday. It remained below that level until early hours Monday.

"Ethereum prices showed resilience this week, in the face of rising war concerns and surging oil prices," said BitMine Chairman Tom Lee, in a statement. "We continue to believe that crypto prices are in the late/final stages of the 'mini-crypto winter.'"

Even with the uptick over the last week, Ethereum traders remain bearish on the coin's short-term prospects. Traders on Myriad, a prediction market platform operated by Decrypt's parent company Dastan, currently see ETH's next stop as $1,500 rather than $3,000, giving the lower mark a 67% likelihood.

BitMine Immersion Technologies is the second-largest overall cryptocurrency treasury firm behind Strategy, which pioneered the model when it began buying Bitcoin in 2020 and now holds nearly $51 billion worth of the leading digital asset.

However, both firms—and effectively all other prominent crypto treasury firms—are now deeply underwater on their holdings due to crypto prices plunging in recent months. BitMine's unrealized loss on its ETH holdings sits near $7.8 billon, based on cost basis data and estimates from analytics website DropsTab, though it currently lacks data from the firm's last two weeks of ETH buys.

The price of Ethereum has fallen 59% since setting a new all-time high mark of $4,946 last August. However, after months of losses, ETH is nearly even over the last 30 days per data from CoinGecko.

BitMine has staked about $6 billion worth of its ETH holdings to earn yield from the Ethereum network, and plans to fully stake all of its holdings with the upcoming launch of its own Made in American Validator Network (aka MAVAN). Once fully staked, the firm expects to earn approximately $259 million a year in yield based on current rates.

BitMine (BMNR) stock is up more than 3% as of this writing, shortly after the opening bell, trading at $19.49. The stock has fallen almost 10% over the last month, despite ETH being roughly even over the same span. Major stock indices are down early Monday as traders weigh the impact of surging oil prices following the U.S. and Israeli bombings on Iran.

Daily Debrief NewsletterStart every day with the top news stories right now, plus original features, a podcast, videos and more.

Bitcoin price has slipped below $70,000 as oil prices surge more than 60% this year amid rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, adding macro pressure to risk assets.

Summary

Bitcoin trades near $69,984 after falling 3.8% in the past 24 hours, though it remains up about 7.8% over the week. Oil prices have surged more than 60% this year as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz raise concerns about supply disruptions and inflation. Rising short-term volatility suggests the Bitcoin market is entering a repositioning phase that could lead to a larger move in either direction. Bitcoin (BTC) was trading at $69,984 at press time, down 3.8% over the past 24 hours as risk sentiment across financial markets softened. The pullback comes after a volatile week. 

Despite the recent drop, Bitcoin is still up roughly 7.8% for the week and has fluctuated between $63,176 and $73,669 over the last seven days. However, the cryptocurrency is still trading about 44% below its all-time high of $126,080 in October 2025. 

The most recent price fluctuations have increased activity in the derivatives market. Open interest rose 1.24% to $44.39 billion, while trading volume increased 57.9% to $67.26 billion, according to CoinGlass data.

The rise indicates that as global market uncertainty increases, traders are actively re-positioning their portfolios.

Oil surge raises macro pressure A report published on March 9 by CryptoQuant analysts points to rising geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz as a potential headwind for Bitcoin and other risk assets.

Due to growing worries about supply disruptions, oil prices have risen by more than 60% since the beginning of the year. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital part of the world’s energy markets, accounting for about 20% of daily oil exports and nearly 35% of oil transported by sea.

If this restricted shipping route is disrupted, energy costs could increase significantly. An increase in oil prices, according to analysts, could worsen inflation and put pressure on financial markets, which are already susceptible to supply disruptions.

This kind of macro-environment has historically been difficult for Bitcoin. Sharp increases in oil prices often coincide with later stages of market cycles, when risk appetite starts to decline. Exposure to speculative assets like cryptocurrencies may be discouraged by increased geopolitical tension.

Volatility signals market re-positioning Bitcoin’s volatility structure has changed noticeably in recent months, according to a separate analysis using data from the Binance BTC Volatility & Range Engine. There have been significant short-term fluctuations.

After rising above 1.5 in February before declining once more, the 7-day volatility measure was recently close to 0.72. These kinds of abrupt spikes typically occur during times of market stress and are frequently connected to significant portfolio adjustments or derivatives liquidations.

Longer-term volatility, however, has stayed relatively stable. The 30-day volatility sits around 0.50, while the 90-day measure is close to 0.57. This suggests that although short-term price swings have increased, the overall market structure has not entered an extreme volatility phase.

The Average True Range indicator currently stands near 0.054, pointing to a moderate trading range compared with past periods of intense market activity.

Taken together, the data suggest Bitcoin is going through a repositioning phase after its earlier rally. Buyers and sellers are still competing for control in the short term, which explains the recent spikes in volatility.

At the same time, longer-term volatility remains contained, indicating that the market has not yet entered a full panic or euphoria phase.

XRP price may be approaching a critical moment after weeks of downside pressure. The token has remained down roughly 8% over the past 30 days, showing that the broader structure is still bearish.

However, a historical chart formation that previously triggered a rebound has appeared again. This time, the signal is accompanied by a sharp collapse in coin distribution and rising holder conviction, raising the possibility that XRP could attempt a trend reversal if key levels break.

Historical Divergence Returns as XRP Prints the Same Bounce SetupThe current setup begins with a bullish divergence on the Relative Strength Index (RSI). RSI is a momentum indicator that measures the speed and strength of price movements. When price falls, but RSI rises, it often signals that selling momentum is weakening.

Between February 11 and March 8, XRP’s price formed a lower low, while RSI formed a higher low. This is a pattern that often appears near potential trend reversal zones, assuming the fact that the broader XRP price trend still leans bearish.

Note: While this divergence pattern conceptually hints at a reversal, we would be using the word ‘rebound’ interchangeably, considering the bearish market sentiments.

Interestingly, XRP printed a nearly identical divergence earlier. Between February 12 and February 24, the price also made a lower low while RSI formed a higher low. Shortly after that signal appeared, XRP rallied about 14%, confirming the divergence’s effectiveness.

Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

Historical XRP Pattern: TradingViewHowever, technical patterns alone rarely drive price moves. The strength of the current divergence becomes clearer when examining on-chain distribution activity.

XRP Distribution Activity Collapses as Selling Sentiment FadesOne of the most important supporting signals comes from the Spent Coins age band data. This metric tracks how many tokens move on-chain each day, often signaling potential distribution.

During the earlier February divergence, spent coins declined from 75.58 million XRP to nearly 43 million XRP, representing a 43% drop in distribution activity.

Spent Coins Movement: SantimentThe current divergence shows a far sharper change. On March 7, spent coins surged to 122 million XRP, signaling heavy coin movement. But by March 8, the figure collapsed to 19.77 million XRP, marking an over 80% drop in distribution activity.

XRP Coin Activity: SantimentSuch a steep decline in this bearish metric suggests that selling activity may have dried up rapidly after the divergence formed. With fewer coins moving on-chain, the market may be entering a period where holders prefer holding rather than distributing tokens.

That behavior becomes even more visible when looking at long-term holder accumulation.

Hodler Accumulation and Derivatives Strengthen the Reversal SetupAnother key indicator is Hodler Net Position Change, which tracks how much supply long-term holders accumulate or distribute over a 30-day period.

During the February divergence, this metric showed only modest growth. On February 12, the net position change stood near 126.8 million XRP, rising slightly to about 149.3 million XRP by February 24—an increase of roughly 17%.

The current divergence shows stronger conviction. By March 3, the metric had dropped sharply to around 41.4 million XRP, but it rebounded quickly to 211.6 million XRP by March 8 when the divergence appeared.

Compared with the 149 million XRP level seen during the previous rebound signal (February 14), the current figure represents roughly 42% higher accumulation, indicating stronger holder conviction behind the potential reversal setup.

Hodler Net Position Change: GlassnodeBut spot market behavior is only part of the story. Derivatives positioning suggests another possible catalyst.

Derivatives data shows that short positions dominate XRP’s leverage structure. Liquidation data, per the XRP/USDT pair on Binance alone, indicates that roughly $110.8 million in short leverage sits above current prices, compared with only $42.1 million in long leverage. In other words, short exposure is about 163% larger than long exposure.

More importantly, over 50% of these short liquidations cluster around the $1.39 level.

XRP Liquidation Map: CoinglassIf XRP pushes toward $1.40 (a round figure), a large portion of these short positions could be forced to close. This type of forced buying, known as a short squeeze, often accelerates upward momentum.

XRP Price Levels That Could Confirm a ReversalFrom a technical perspective, XRP must first overcome $1.40, the level where large clusters of short liquidations sit. A break above that zone could trigger further upside toward $1.54, representing roughly 10% upside from current levels.

If momentum strengthens further, XRP could target $1.61, marking a potential 20% rally from the current range. The 10% to 20% rally range aligns with the bullish push seen during the historical divergence pattern from earlier.

However, downside risks remain. If XRP drops below $1.32, the current divergence structure would weaken. A deeper move under $1.27 would invalidate the bullish setup entirely and reinforce the broader bearish trend.

XRP Price Analysis: TradingViewFor now, XRP sits at a technical crossroads. A historical divergence has returned, distribution activity has dropped sharply, and holder accumulation has strengthened. Whether these signals translate into a true trend reversal may depend on whether buyers can push the price beyond the $1.40 trigger level.

Nigel Farage has taken a stake in a bitcoin treasury company led by former UK chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, deepening links between the crypto sector and the populist political movement led by Nigel Farage.

Farage invested £215,000 in Stack BTC through his media company Thorn In The Side Ltd, according to disclosures tied to a fundraising round for the London-listed firm. The purchase gives the leader of Reform UK a stake of about 6.3% in the company.

The investment forms part of a £260,000 capital raise that also included participation from Blockchain.com. Stack issued 5.2 million new shares at 5 pence each, with the shares set to trade on the Aquis Growth Market.

Farage’s Bitcoin advocacy Nigel Farage’s investment aligns with his long-term vision to integrate Bitcoin into the U.K.’s financial landscape.

“I have long been one of the UK’s few political advocates for bitcoin,” Farage said. “London and the UK have served as a center of global finance, and the country should aim to serve as a global hub for the crypto industry.”

In May 2025, during the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, he pledged to create a Bitcoin reserve at the Bank of England and introduce legislation that would favor the adoption of Bitcoin if he were to become Prime Minister.

Farage’s pledge includes fostering a regulatory environment that encourages Bitcoin integration into traditional financial systems.

Reform UK also became the first European party to accept Bitcoin donations. Partnering with UK-based payment firm Radom, the party aims to modernize fundraising and engage supporters interested in Bitcoin, reinforcing Farage’s role in crypto politics.

Nigel Farage has argued that the state could hold bitcoin as part of a sovereign wealth structure tied to technology and financial infrastructure.

The party also counts major crypto investor Christopher Harborne among its financial backers. Harborne, a businessman with ties to digital asset trading and venture investment, has contributed large sums to the party over the past several years.

Stack BTC’s role in Bitcoin treasury management Stack BTC plays a pivotal role in helping corporations and institutions manage their Bitcoin holdings effectively.

The firm specializes in secure storage solutions, risk management strategies, and advisory services to help businesses integrate Bitcoin into their treasury operations.

By acquiring a stake in Stack BTC, Farage aims to enhance the firm’s capabilities, facilitating the adoption of Bitcoin among UK businesses as a viable treasury asset.

Micah Zimmerman

Micah first discovered Bitcoin in 2018 but remained a skeptic on the sidelines for too long. Since 2021, he has covered crypto and business and now works as a news reporter for Bitcoin Magazine, based in North Carolina.

Morning Minute is a daily newsletter written by Tyler Warner. The analysis and opinions expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Decrypt. Subscribe to the Morning Minute on Substack.

GM!

Today’s top news:

Crypto majors rebound overnight as oil drops from $115 to $100; BTC at $69K Polymarket and Kalshi reportedly raise at $20B valuations Florida aims to sign new stablecoin bill into law Circle and Stripe are both investing heavily in stablecoin infrastructure for AI Kast raises $80M to expand its stablecoin-powered neobank across borders 🛢 Bitcoin Swings as Iran Conflict Sends Oil HigherCrypto markets saw renewed volatility over the weekend as geopolitical tensions escalated in the Middle East.

Oil prices surged as the conflict involving Iran threatened supply routes around the Strait of Hormuz, a corridor responsible for roughly 20% of global oil shipments. Oil briefly surged past $115/barrel in Sunday night trading, driving stocks and crypto lower.

Bitcoin went as low as $65.6K before rebounding to $69K this morning as oil has fallen closer to the $100/barrel level.

Even with the rebound, Bitcoin is now trading back in its $60K-$70K range after a failed breakout run last week where Bitcoin ripped to $74K before falling.

And now it appears the price of “digital gold” is at least somewhat dependent on oil…

Key Details

• Oil briefly pushed above $115 as markets priced in potential Hormuz disruption
• Roughly 20% of global oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz
• Crypto markets sold off Sunday night but rebounded into Monday morning

📊 Prediction Markets Are Chasing $20B ValuationsPrediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi are reportedly raising new capital at valuations approaching $20 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The platforms allow users to trade on the probability of real-world events ranging from elections and geopolitics to economic data and financial markets.

Interest in the sector exploded during the 2024 election cycle, when prediction markets saw billions in trading activity and became widely cited indicators of political sentiment.

Investors now appear eager to fund the next stage of growth.

Key Details

• Kalshi reportedly generated $466M in daily trading volume during recent peaks
• Prediction markets saw $4B+ weekly volume during the U.S. election cycle
• Kalshi raised $1B in Dec 2025 at an $11B valuation, and Polymarket’s last raise was $2B at $9B valuation led by ICE

🏛 Florida Close to Stablecoin Bill PassageThe Florida Senate has passed a new bill creating a legal framework for stablecoin payments, becoming one of the first U.S. states to pass comprehensive legislation focused specifically on stablecoins.

The law outlines rules around reserve backing, disclosures, and consumer protections for issuers operating in the state. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will review the bill soon, a representative told Decrypt, and is expected to sign it into law.

While Congress continues debating federal crypto legislation, several states are beginning to move forward with their own frameworks.

Key Details

• Bill establishes reserve backing and transparency requirements for issuers
• Law allows stablecoins to be used for payments and financial settlement within the state
• It comes as Congress continues debating federal market structure legislation including the CLARITY Act

🤖 Stripe and Circle Are Building AI Payment RailsTwo of the biggest fintech companies in the world are racing to build payment systems designed for a future where autonomous AI agents transact using stablecoins.

Circle and Stripe are both investing heavily in infrastructure that allows machines to send payments automatically for things like compute, APIs, and data services.

Traditional payment networks were built for human transactions.

Stablecoins, however, offer instant global settlement and programmable payments, making them well-suited for machine-to-machine commerce.

Key Details

• Circle’s USDC processed $11.9T in transaction volume in 2025
• Stripe processed $1.9T in payment volume last year
• Machine-to-machine payments are expected to become a core component of the AI economy

🕵️ $46M Crypto Theft From U.S. Government WalletsU.S. authorities have arrested John Daghita, the son of a federal contractor, and charged him with stealing $46M in crypto from wallets controlled by the U.S. Marshals Service, which manages digital assets seized in criminal investigations.

According to prosecutors, the funds were part of the U.S. government’s growing strategic crypto stockpile, which includes Bitcoin and other digital assets confiscated in federal cases.

The suspicious transactions were first identified by on-chain investigator ZachXBT, whose analysis flagged unusual movements from government-controlled wallets.

Authorities allege Daghita gained access to sensitive wallet information through his father, who worked as a contractor involved in supporting the Marshals Service’s crypto custody operations.

Investigators say the stolen funds were then rapidly moved across multiple wallets and exchanges in an attempt to obscure the trail.

Key Details

• Suspect identified as John Daghita, the son of a federal contractor
• Funds stolen from U.S. Marshals–controlled wallets holding seized crypto
• Theft first uncovered through on-chain analysis by ZachXBT
• Prosecutors say the suspect attempted to launder the funds across multiple wallets

🌎 Macro Crypto and Markets Crypto majors are rebounding as oil cools off; BTC up 2.3% at $69K; ETH +3.6% at $2,017; SOL +3.8% at $85 DEXE (+18%), TAO (+8%) and CHZ (+5%) led top movers Oil is trading at $101 on Hyperliquid after hitting $115+ overnight Corporate Treasuries & ETFs The Bitcoin ETFs saw $349M in net outflows on Friday, ending the week with $569M in net inflows Strategy's STRC moved another 1.87M shares on Friday, giving Saylor capital to buy another 1,069 BTC (a new record) Meme Coin Tracker

Meme majors are rising; DOGE +3%, SHIB +2.6%, PEPE +2.9%, TRUMP -2.3%, PENGU +6.4%, SPX +0.7%, FARTCOIN -0.2% OIL (+50%), SOS (+100%) and Buttcoin (+13%) led on-chain movers 💰 Token, Airdrop & Protocol Tracker KAST raised an $80M Series A to build a stablecoin-powered cross-border payments platform Tether invested in Utexo, a startup aimed at bringing USDT and stablecoins to Bitcoin 🚚 What is happening in NFTs? NFT leaders were mostly flat; Punks even at 29.9 ETH, Pudgy +1% at 4.4 ETH, BAYC -2% at 5.7 ETH; Hypurr’s -2% at 440 HYPE XCOPY - Known Origin (+12%) led notable movers Pudgy Penguins teased a Pudgy World announcement coming today An exploit on Gondi has led to some NFTs being stolen and people are encouraged not to use the platform until resolved Daily Debrief NewsletterStart every day with the top news stories right now, plus original features, a podcast, videos and more.

Expanded institutional participation underscores growing demand for private market opportunities and standardized operating infrastructure

, /PRNewswire/ -- Corastone, the hyperscaler for private-market investing, today announced Fidelity Investments, Future Standard, and Hamilton Lane (Nasdaq: HLNE) as investors in Corastone and its alternative-investing operating platform.

This growing institutional participation builds on Corastone's recent platform launch and comes as demand for private markets investments expands across investor types. As global private markets investment activity and volumes rise, firms are increasingly seeking transaction technologies that can perform at scale while meaningfully lowering operational friction and manual interventions. Corastone, through its proprietary private, permissioned blockchain network, is increasingly functioning as the shared network infrastructure and data standard for private markets workflows — replacing legacy file-based processes and point-to-point integrations with a single solution that supports straight-through processing for all market participants.

"As access to private markets continues to scale, firms need standardized, digital infrastructure that supports higher volumes and more complex structures without adding operational burden," said Hamid Gayibov, Co-Founder and President of Corastone. "Corastone was built to serve as a common operating layer for the ecosystem, and adding Fidelity, Future Standard and Hamilton Lane reflects how the industry is coalescing around shared, enterprise-ready infrastructure. Our goal is to help investors of all sizes access private market assets as efficiently and reliably as public markets."

Unlike legacy approaches that rely on multiple disconnected systems and point-to-point integrations, Corastone connects general partners, wealth managers, and administrators on a single, shared private markets platform. This unified architecture helps firms scale activity across asset types and volumes without increasing operational complexity.

Client Quotes

Future Standard - "As private markets continue to expand across wealth and institutional channels, we saw a need in the marketplace for an infrastructure technology that connects the various point-to-point systems used by investors and enables true straight-through-processing of transactions. We adopted Corastone because it provides a modern, scalable approach to delivering this connective layer for the industry, and does so in a way that improves transparency, controls, and investor experiences. Our decision to invest reflects our confidence in the platform's long-term role in facilitating the growing demand for private markets investments." – Hari Moorthy, Chief Technology Officer at Future Standard Hamilton Lane - "We've seen firsthand how operational complexity can limit participation in private markets, and have prioritized building or investing in technology that aims to enhance transparency and efficiency. Corastone's platform removes that friction, which we believe will help unlock the industry's next growth phase." – Griff Norville, Head of Technology Solutions at Hamilton Lane With Fidelity Investments, Future Standard and Hamilton Lane investing in the platform, Corastone's institutional footprint continues to expand. This follows recent momentum across the ecosystem, with participants such as Apollo, Franklin Templeton, KKR, and Morgan Stanley using Corastone's technology to modernize private market distribution.

About Corastone

Corastone is the hyperscaler for private market investing, providing the modern infrastructure that enables straight-through processing for GPs, wealth managers and fund administrators. Through a single integration, participants gain access to a vast ecosystem of investment opportunities and counterparties, helping them grow their business with confidence. Solely focused on infrastructure, Corastone enables consistent, repeatable processes throughout the investment lifecycle, fostering visibility, control and seamless operations. Built on a permissioned blockchain, Corastone is purpose-built to support new workflows, innovative products and the rapidly evolving private markets. For more information, visit corastone.us.

Fidelity Investments® is an independent company, unaffiliated with Corastone. Fidelity Investments is an investor in Corastone and is not affiliated with any other company noted herein and doesn't endorse or promote any of their products or services. Fidelity Investments is a registered trademark of FMR LLC. Fidelity Investments® provides investment products through Fidelity Distributors Company LLC; clearing, custody, or other brokerage services through National Financial Services LLC or Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Members NYSE, SIPC.

eReview # 1252854.1.0

About Future Standard

Future Standard is a global alternative asset manager serving institutional and private wealth clients, investing across private equity, credit and real estate. With a 30+ year track record of value creation and $86 billion in assets under management, we back the business owners and financial sponsors that drive growth and innovation across the middle market, transforming untapped potential into durable value.1

1 Total AUM estimated as of September 30, 2025.

About Hamilton Lane

Hamilton Lane (Nasdaq: HLNE) is one of the largest private markets investment firms globally, providing innovative solutions to institutional and private wealth investors around the world. Dedicated exclusively to private markets investing for more than 30 years, the firm currently employs approximately 780 professionals operating in offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Hamilton Lane has $1.0 trillion in assets under management and supervision, composed of $146.1 billion in discretionary assets and $871.5 billion in non-discretionary assets, as of December 31, 2025. Hamilton Lane specializes in building flexible investment programs that provide clients access to the full spectrum of private markets strategies, sectors and geographies. For more information, please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Forefront Communications for Corastone
[email protected]

SOURCE Corastone

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By Reuters

March 9, 20261:06 PM UTCUpdated 6 mins ago

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CompaniesMarch 9 (Reuters) - Live ​Nation Entertainment (LYV.N), opens new tab ‌has ​reached ​a proposed ⁠settlement ​with ​the U.S. Justice ​Department, ​according to ‌a ⁠court hearing ​on ​Monday.

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New platform connects devices, data and care teams across the patient journey to streamline operations and enhance outcomes for patients and staff

, /PRNewswire/ -- Stryker (NYSE:SYK), a global leader in medical technologies, today announced its new SmartHospital Platform, a digital foundation designed to connect devices, data and care teams across the hospital into one intelligent, adaptive ecosystem. The launch comes ahead of the 2026 HIMSS Global Conference & Exhibition and marks a significant expansion of Stryker's digital offerings.

Stryker launches the SmartHospital platform. The SmartHospital Platform is being led by Stryker's new Smart Care business, established to advance the company's ongoing commitment to supporting their customers' digital transformations. Built to help address today's healthcare challenges, including system fragmentation, staff overload and high patient volumes, the SmartHospital Platform scales to support the unique needs of hospitals and health systems, surfacing relevant insights to inform clinical decisions and enhance workflow efficiency.

"We are dedicated to partnering with our customers on their digital journeys to help elevate care delivery," said Scott Sagehorn, VP/GM of Smart Care at Stryker. "The SmartHospital Platform is designed to evolve alongside health systems so teams can work more efficiently and stay focused on patient-centered care."

Key capabilities of the SmartHospital Platform include:

Connected infrastructure: The platform connects devices and data to support clinical and operational workflows across transport, treatment and recovery, helping teams better coordinate patient care. Clinical communication: Voice-activated, hands-free communication devices such as Stryker's Sync Badge give teams critical information and prioritized alarms to support timely, coordinated care delivery across the hospital. Workflow engine: Engage, the intelligent middleware engine behind the SmartHospital Platform, helps reduce communication silos by filtering and prioritizing alarms and notifications so staff can stay informed across busy care settings. Virtual care: Virtual nursing and virtual monitoring workflows help support bedside staff by streamlining administrative tasks and empowering them to stay focused on the patient experience. Ambient intelligence: Ambient sensors, computer vision, AI and contextual data help the care environment become more aware, adaptive and responsive. "Launching the SmartHospital Platform is an important step forward in supporting our customers as they transform care delivery," said Jessica Mathieson, president of Medical at Stryker. "We remain focused on solving problems, helping nurses and staff spend less time navigating complexity and more time with patients."

About Stryker
Stryker is a global leader in medical technologies and, together with our customers, we are driven to make healthcare better. We offer innovative products and services in MedSurg, Neurotechnology and Orthopaedics that help improve patient and healthcare outcomes. Alongside our customers around the world, we impact more than 150 million patients annually. More information is available at www.stryker.com.

To learn more about the SmartHospital Platform, visit stryker.com/smarthospitalplatform 

Media contact
Stryker
Jenny Braga
Senior Director, External Affairs
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Kevin Book, ClearView Energy Partners managing director, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the spike in oil prices, how far higher prices can go, impact of high oil prices on China and Russia, state of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and more.

CHONGQING, CHINA - JANUARY 22: In this photo illustration, a smartphone displays the logo of Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW), an American materials science company known for specialty glass, ceramics and optical fiber products used in consumer electronics, telecommunications, automotive and industrial applications, in front of a screen showing the company's latest stock market chart on January 22, 2026, in Chongqing, China. (Photo illustration by Cheng Xin/Getty Images)

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Corning, a leader in materials science focusing on specialty glass and fiber optics, experienced a sharp sell-off after the CEO of significant competitor Broadcom moderated expectations for short-term demand in optical fiber for AI data centers. This development directly contradicted GLW‘s main growth narrative, which had driven the stock to new heights, resulting in a high-volume, aggressive decline.

Following such a substantial surge, is this a fundamental change in the AI infrastructure story or merely a sentiment correction of an overvalued stock?

The Fundamental ReasonThe downturn indicates a revaluation rather than a true collapse in demand. Broadcom’s remarks injected near-term uncertainty into a crowded marketplace, compelling investors to reevaluate the timing and scale of AI-related revenue across the optical components sector.

Broadcom CEO Hock Tan publicly downplayed the immediate demand for optical fiber in AI data centers.The sell-off was intensified by the stock’s considerable previous rally and high valuation metrics.Increased insider selling and reductions in institutional holdings in early 2026 indicated a rising level of caution.However, what’s intriguing is that you are reading about this -8.5% move after it has occurred. The market has already factored in the news. To preempt the next underperformer before it hits the headlines, you require predictive signals, not just notifications. High Quality Portfolio has a risk model designed to minimize exposure to underperforming assets.

The Holistic Price Action PictureThe price structure unveils a complex narrative beneath today's headline movement.

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The current trend is designated as Trending Up: Prices are above the rising 50D and 200D moving averages. The institutional trend seems to remain intact.

Currently priced at $123.29, the stock is 235.4% above its 52-week low of $36.76 and 23.8% below its 52-week high of $161.8.

Trend Regime: Trending Up The 50D SMA slope is at 22.8%, indicating that the primary trend is rising.Momentum Pulse: Decelerating: Positive but short-term annualized return is underperforming relative to longer-term performance. Momentum is waning but the trend is intact. This could lead to consolidation. The 5D return is -18.0% while the 20D return is 9.5%, compared to 63D returns of 47.8% and 126D returns of 77.8%.Key Levels to Watch: The nearest resistance is at $161.8 (31.2% away, 1 prior touch). The nearest support level is at $122.38 (0.7% below current price, one prior touch). The current risk/reward ratio stands at 42.32x – indicating greater upside to resistance compared to downside to support from this point.Volatility Context: Expanded: The 20D realized volatility is 80.0% annualized compared to the 1-year average of 43.8% (compression ratio: 1.82x). The expected daily move is approximately 7.86% of price – suggesting that large fluctuations continue to be common and trend signals should be interpreted with caution until volatility diminishes.Grasping price structure, money flow, and price behavior can provide you with a competitive advantage. See more.

What Next?The immediate technical challenge for GLW lies in the $122.38 zone, a previous support level. Continued selling at or beneath this zone could heighten the risk of further declines, but a singular day's price action does not affirm a long-term trend.

To assess whether this volatility is structurally warranted, it is essential to consider the broader picture. You should compare this recent price move to the company's growth, multiples, margins, and core investment thesis at the GLW Investment Highlights.

A -8.5% single-day move serves as a stark reminder of the inherent volatility in choosing individual stocks. While everyone aspires to capture a significant increase, experiencing a sudden drop like this is an unavoidable aspect of concentrated investments. For investors prioritizing steady growth over predicting specific catalysts, a balanced investment strategy naturally mitigates this type of single-stock volatility. If you favor a more systematic approach to risk management, portfolios act as a structured method to navigate through these market cycles.

Portfolios Are The Smarter Way To InvestIndividual stocks are unpredictable. An intelligent portfolio aids in investing, limits downside shocks, and offers upside potential.

Why settle for average market returns? The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio invests in a diverse selection of 30 stocks that have collectively provided stronger returns with reduced volatility compared to the broader market indices. Uncover the methodology behind these more stable, higher returns by reviewing the HQ Portfolio performance data.

3D Systems (DDD - Free Report) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.13 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.1. This compares to a loss of $0.19 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -30.00%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this maker of 3D printers would post a loss of $0.09 per share when it actually produced a loss of $0.08, delivering a surprise of +11.11%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times.

3D Systems, which belongs to the Zacks Commercial Printing industry, posted revenues of $106.28 million for the quarter ended December 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.87%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $111.02 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates just once over the last four quarters.

The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.

3D Systems shares have added about 10.7% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's decline of 1.5%.

What's Next for 3D Systems?While 3D Systems has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?

There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.

Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.

Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for 3D Systems was mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is -$0.11 on $90.92 million in revenues for the coming quarter and -$0.39 on $374.73 million in revenues for the current fiscal year.

Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Commercial Printing is currently in the top 21% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

UniFirst (UNF - Free Report) , another stock in the broader Zacks Industrial Products sector, has yet to report results for the quarter ended February 2026.

This uniform provider is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.21 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -13.6%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.

UniFirst's revenues are expected to be $613 million, up 1.8% from the year-ago quarter.

DENVER, COLORADO / ACCESS Newswire / March 9, 2026 / Crestone Air Partners, a global aviation asset management platform majority owned by Air T, Inc. (NASDAQ:AIRT), has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Arena Aviation Capital, a well-established aviation asset manager with a diversified portfolio and deep airline relationships. The transaction is subject to closing conditions and approvals.

The acquisition materially expands Crestone's aviation lifecycle platform, enhancing its size and breadth of capabilities. Upon closing, the combined platform is expected to comprise approximately 124 aircraft and 17 engines on lease to customers globally, with over US$4 billion of assets under management and more than 55 employees across 5 countries, strengthening Crestone's position as a leading full-service aviation asset manager headquartered in Denver with a broad operating footprint.

Arena brings a seasoned team, a complementary portfolio, and deep expertise that aligns closely with Crestone's lifecycle-oriented investment approach. The combined organization will maintain offices in Denver, Amsterdam, and Dublin, with satellite presences in Singapore and Buenos Aires, supporting airline relationships globally.

"This transaction is a natural strategic fit and reflects our belief that the industry benefits from disciplined consolidation," said Kevin Milligan, CEO and Co-Founder of Crestone Air Partners. "Global coverage and scaled capital are essential to delivering durable value. Arena brings a highly respected team, with an excellent track record, strong technical capabilities, and long-standing relationships with aircraft owners and airlines."

"For Arena, this transaction marks an important milestone following more than a decade of building the business," said Patrick den Elzen, CEO of Arena Aviation Capital. "I am immensely proud of what my partners and our team have achieved, growing Arena into a trusted and respected aircraft lease management platform. We believe joining Crestone is the right next chapter, creating new opportunities for our team, strengthening our offering to investor clients, and positioning the platform for long-term success."

A portion of Arena Aviation Capital's management team will play key roles within the combined organization. Crestone anticipates a seamless integration focused on continuity for airline customers, capital partners, and employees. The combined group will leverage synergies across asset management, technical services, lease administration, and market intelligence, enabling more efficient operations and enhanced support for aircraft owners throughout the asset lifecycle.

Crestone was advised by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP as legal counsel, Kroll, LLC as financial advisor, and PwC on tax matters.

About Crestone Air Partners

Crestone Air Partners, Inc. (CAP) invests in commercial jet aircraft and the engines that power them on behalf of our capital partners. We are a full-service aviation asset management platform with a diverse portfolio of aircraft and engines leased to airlines globally. We target transactions throughout the asset lifecycle, taking a collaborative approach with our clients by offering flexible lease terms tailored to our customers' requirements. Crestone brings unique value to transactions by drawing on the expertise and capabilities of interrelated aviation specialist subsidiary businesses across the Air T family (airframe material sales, landing gear leasing, engine material sales, disassembly, and aircraft storage). Crestone is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and is a business unit of Air T, Inc. holding company (NASDAQ:AIRT). Additional information can be found at: www.crestoneairpartners.com.

About Arena Aviation Capital

Arena Aviation Capital (www.arena-aviationcapital.com) is a full-service aircraft investment management company focusing on the complete life cycle of acquiring and leasing used commercial aviation assets, servicing investment and airline customers worldwide, and providing services including the origination, financing, risk management, and administration (finance/accounting and legal) of commercial aviation assets. Arena today manages aircraft and engines leased to airline customers worldwide.

About Air T, Inc.

Established in 1980, Air T Inc. is a portfolio of powerful businesses and financial assets, each of which is independent yet interrelated. Its core segments are overnight air cargo, ground support equipment, commercial aircraft, engines and parts, digital solutions, and regional airline. We seek to expand, strengthen and diversify Air T's after-tax cash flow per share. Our goal is to build Air T's core businesses, and when appropriate, to expand into adjacent and other industries. We seek to activate growth and overcome challenges while delivering meaningful value for all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.airt.com.

Contact

Richard Schact
SVP, Finance & Operations
[email protected]

SOURCE: Air T, Inc.