Market Signal Briefing

The enterprise software giant is caught in a squeeze of its own making: landing blockbuster cloud contracts with OpenAI, xAI and Meta, then scrambling to fund the data centres needed to honour them.

The crunch arrives

Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL, XETRA:ORC) built its recent comeback story on one premise: the world would need vast amounts of computing power to run AI, and Oracle would provide it. That bet is now colliding with financial reality.

The company is preparing to cut thousands of jobs across its divisions, with some reductions potentially arriving as soon as this month, according to Bloomberg News. The cuts are expected to be broader than Oracle's routine rolling redundancies and will hit multiple parts of the business. The company has also quietly slowed or frozen hiring for open roles in its cloud division.

Oracle had roughly 162,000 full-time employees as of May 2025. It declined to comment on the reported cuts.

How Oracle got here

Until recently, Oracle was a distant third in cloud computing, trailing Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure by a significant margin. That changed rapidly when the company signed a landmark agreement with OpenAI, part of a broader $300 billion commitment, that positioned Oracle as a primary infrastructure provider for one of the most capital-intensive companies in tech.

Deals with Elon Musk's xAI and Meta followed. On paper, Oracle had transformed itself from a legacy database company into a credible AI cloud player. The problem is what those contracts require in return: an enormous build-out of data centres, and fast.

In December, Oracle disclosed that capital expenditure for fiscal 2026 would run $15 billion above its earlier estimate of $35 billion, a significant upward revision. By February, chairman Larry Ellison had outlined plans to raise $45 billion to $50 billion this year to fund the expansion. Shares fell more than 15% last year, and the company burned through roughly $10 billion in cash in the first half of the fiscal year.

The layoffs, by this reading, are less a strategic reset and more a direct response to the cash pressure created by Oracle's own ambitions.

Who is directly in the firing line

The most immediate impact falls on Oracle employees. The breadth of the cuts, spanning divisions rather than targeting a single underperforming unit, suggests Oracle is looking for savings everywhere it can find them. Notably, Bloomberg reported that some roles being eliminated are ones the company expects AI to make redundant, meaning a portion of the workforce is being cut specifically because the technology Oracle is helping to build is displacing their jobs.

Oracle's major cloud customers are also exposed, though in a different way. OpenAI, xAI and Meta have structured significant parts of their infrastructure plans around Oracle's capacity. Any slowdown in Oracle's build-out or financial instability that affects its ability to deliver on contracts creates operational risk for companies that have committed to it as a primary cloud provider. OpenAI, in particular, has staked a major portion of its compute needs on this relationship.

Oracle investors face a company reporting third-quarter earnings next Tuesday against a backdrop of heavy debt issuance, rising capital expenditure and now a workforce reduction that signals the internal cost pressure is acute. Analysts watching the debt raise, now projected at up to $50 billion, will want clarity on how Oracle plans to service that load while sustaining investment.

The indirect effects spread wider

The ripple effects reach well beyond Oracle's own balance sheet.

For competing cloud providers, AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, Oracle's strain is a potential opportunity. Enterprise customers who have been weighing Oracle's aggressive pricing against the risk of relying on a less-established cloud provider now have fresh reason to hesitate. If Oracle's financial squeeze slows delivery timelines or raises questions about long-term stability, some customers may accelerate moves to more established platforms.

The broader AI infrastructure sector is also watching closely. Oracle's predicament illustrates a structural tension running through the entire industry: the companies best positioned to win AI cloud contracts are often those willing to commit to the largest build-outs, but the capital requirements of those build-outs can quickly outpace the revenue they generate. Oracle is not unique in facing this dynamic; it is simply facing it more visibly than most.

For the technology labour market, the Oracle cuts add to a pattern of large-scale redundancies at major tech companies that have framed AI investment as the justification for headcount reductions. The argument that AI will reduce the need for certain job categories is becoming a standard feature of these announcements, and each instance reinforces the expectation among workers in those categories that their roles are structurally at risk.

Subcontractors, consultants and technology vendors who depend on Oracle's spending pipeline also face indirect exposure. A hiring freeze in the cloud division, combined with broader cost discipline, typically compresses discretionary spend on professional services and third-party software, with downstream effects for smaller companies in Oracle's orbit.

The bigger question

Oracle's situation raises a question that applies to several companies deep in the AI infrastructure race: at what point does winning the contract become more expensive than losing it?

The company secured relationships with some of the most prominent names in AI. It is now cutting jobs, freezing hiring, and raising tens of billions in debt to deliver on those relationships. Whether that trade-off proves correct depends entirely on whether AI cloud demand grows fast enough, and profitably enough, to justify the scale of the investment Oracle has already committed to.

The answer will come slowly. The debt payments will not.

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (BAER) Q4 2025 Earnings Call March 5, 2026 5:00 PM EST

Company Participants

Eric Gerratt - Chief Financial Officer
Sam Davis - President & CEO
Anne Hayes - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

Conference Call Participants

Austin Moeller - Canaccord Genuity Corp., Research Division
Mark Williams - Emerging Growth Research LLC

Presentation

Operator

Greetings, and welcome to the Bridger Aerospace Fourth Quarter 2025 Conference Call. As a reminder, today's call is being recorded. It is now my pleasure to introduce your host, Eric Gerratt, Chief Financial Officer. Thank you. Mr. Gerratt, you may begin.

Eric Gerratt
Chief Financial Officer

Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. Joining me on the call this afternoon is Chief Executive Officer, Sam Davis; and incoming CFO, Anne Hayes.

Before we begin, please note that certain statements contained in this conference call that do not describe historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Since forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions, risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed include, but are not limited to, those disclosed in the company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our expectations regarding financial results for 2026.

Management cannot control or predict many factors that impact future results. Listeners should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's views only as of today. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our assessments to change. However, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements or to make any other forward-looking statements.

Throughout this afternoon's earnings release and call today, we refer to the non-GAAP financial measure adjusted EBITDA. The

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International oil benchmarks were flat early Friday, following comments from energy secretary Chris Wright.

Nvidia is the dominant provider of artificial-intelligence chips. (Courtesy NVIDIA)

Nvidia shares haven’t been making much progress lately. But things could be about to change for the chip maker according to analysts at Tigress Financial Partners, who project the stock could nearly double in the next year.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - Lancaster Resources Inc. (CSE: LCR) (OTC Pink: LANRF) (FSE: 6UF0) ("Lancaster" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Richard Paolone, as an independent director to the company's Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Mr. Paolone is a Toronto-based securities lawyer focused on securities, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Richard specializes in navigating complex mandates, with expertise spanning corporate finance, capital markets, regulatory compliance, corporate restructuring, and M&A execution across multiple sectors with a focus on the mining industry. His extensive experience includes directorship and officer positions in numerous private and public companies, with listings on stock exchanges in the United States, Canada and the UK.

"We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Paolone to the Board," said Andrew Watson, President & CEO of Lancaster Resources. "His experience and strategic insight in capital markets will be invaluable as Lancaster continues to develop our Lake Cargelligo gold project, Lac Iris polymetallic asset, and our other critical and precious mineral assets."

"I am very excited and proud to join the Board of Directors here at Lancaster," notes Richard. "It is impressive what the new leadership team has accomplished as they transition into a new corporate direction."

The new board appointment reflects Lancaster Resources' transition to a new corporate direction and commitment to strengthening its leadership and strategic capabilities to enhance shareholder value and propel the company's growth in the mining industry.

Andrew Watson, P.Eng., President & CEO and a Director of the Company, is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Watson has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Watson is a Director and the President and CEO of Lancaster and is not independent of the Company.

About Lancaster Resources Inc.

Lancaster Resources Inc. is a Canadian exploration company advancing a diversified portfolio of gold and silver exploration projects in established mining jurisdictions. The Company holds a 100% interest in the Lake Cargelligo Gold Project in New South Wales, Australia, which is prospective for both gold and silver mineralization, covering approximately 62,300 hectares with a history of drilling and exploration and multiple high-priority targets. In Canada, Lancaster's assets include the Lac Iris Polymetallic Project in Quebec's James Bay region and the Piney Lake Gold Project in Saskatchewan. Lancaster's portfolio provides exposure to gold, silver, and polymetallic exploration opportunities across tier-one jurisdictions.

Andrew Watson, President & Chief Executive Officer,

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events, or Lancaster's future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Lancaster's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, the ability of Lancaster to execute its exploration plans, raise capital, retain key personnel, identify, acquire, explore, and develop high-quality mineral-rich properties constitute forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The statements made in this press release are made as of the date hereof. Lancaster disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286459

Source: Lancaster Resources Inc.

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AI-driven tech stocks have dominated financial headlines for months, capturing the imagination of retail and institutional investors alike. But here’s what you should actually be watching.

The geopolitical calculus just shifted. The death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026 has injected serious supply-risk premium back into oil markets. WTI crude has surged 10.3% in the past month, reaching $71.13 per barrel — its highest percentile rank in the 12-month range at 96.4. A move toward $100 is no longer a fringe scenario. When it happens, the energy names nobody is talking about will be the ones that matter.

Meanwhile, tech is quietly losing ground. The Nasdaq 100 (QQQ) is down 0.58% year-to-date and off 2.46% over the past month. The AI hype cycle has stretched valuations to levels that demand perfection — and perfection is a fragile thesis. Energy, by contrast, is a crowded-short trade sitting on a geopolitical powder keg. Here are three places to position.

EOG Resources: Maximum Leverage to $100 Oil EOG is the cleanest pure-play bet on higher crude. The company operates with a trailing P/E of just 14x and cash operating costs of $10.09 per Boe — one of the leanest cost structures in U.S. E&P. Consider the math in reverse: EOG’s realized crude price was $59.54 per barrel in Q4 2025, down from $71.66 in Q4 2024. At $100 oil, the margin expansion would be dramatic. EOG has beaten analyst estimates in every quarter of 2025, including a Q3 2025 surprise of over 10%. Proved reserves grew to 5,514 MMBoe at year-end 2025, and free cash flow for FY 2025 came in at $4.663 billion. The stock is up 22.9% year-to-date and still trades at a discount to what $100 oil implies for earnings.

Devon Energy: Merger Catalyst Plus Free Cash Flow Explosion DVN’s story isn’t just about oil prices — it’s about transformation. Devon’s all-stock merger with Coterra Energy, announced February 2, 2026, targets $1 billion in annual pre-tax synergies and is expected to close in Q2 2026. Post-merger, the quarterly dividend rises 31% to $0.315 per share with a new $5 billion-plus share repurchase authorization. The free cash flow story is already compelling: FY 2025 free cash flow reached $3.119 billion. And DVN’s dividend history makes the $100 oil thesis visceral — when crude spiked above $100 in 2022, Devon paid $1.55 per share in Q3 alone, versus $0.24 today. Mizuho reaffirmed Outperform after the Q4 print, and the consensus analyst target sits at $49.37 against a current price near $43.

Energy Transfer: The Income Floor With Volume Upside For retirement-focused investors who want yield regardless of where oil settles, Energy Transfer is the answer. ET’s fee-based midstream model insulates it from direct commodity swings, while volume growth drives EBITDA. Management raised 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance to $17.45–$17.85 billion, and the partnership is building out natural gas infrastructure to supply approximately 900 MMcf/d to three Oracle data centers under a 20-year agreement. The distribution yield sits at approximately 7%, backed by unbroken quarterly payments rising steadily from $0.1525 in 2021 to $0.335 most recently. Jefferies has a price target of $20 on a stock trading near $18.76.

Don’t Want to Pick? IEO Covers the Field If single-stock selection isn’t your preference, IEO — the iShares U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF — offers pure-play U.S. energy exposure at an expense ratio of 0.38%, with EOG and DVN among its top holdings. The ETF is up 25.95% year-to-date — while QQQ is flat.

Tech had its moment. Energy has the catalyst, the valuation support, and the geopolitical tailwind. Add exposure to at least one of these names before the crowd figures it out.

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When crude prices surge on geopolitical shock, refiners do not all respond equally. The death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026, per NPR reporting, sent immediate shockwaves through energy markets. WTI crude climbed from $61.60 on February 2 to $71.13 by March 2, and prediction markets now assign 97% probability to crude reaching $75 by end of March, with 81% confidence in a move to $80. For refiners, higher crude with a lag in refined product pricing can expand crack spreads and margins sharply. Four U.S. refiners stand out in this environment, ranked by EPS beat magnitude, refining margin expansion, throughput performance, dividend strength, and balance sheet resilience.

#4: Phillips 66 Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) posted a strong Q4 2025, with shares up 16.75% over the past month as the Iran catalyst took hold. The company delivered adjusted EPS of $2.47 against an estimate of $1.65, a meaningful beat, and achieved a record 88% clean product yield with 99% crude utilization. Its acquisition of the remaining 50% of WRB Refining LP and the sale of 65% of its Germany/Austria retail business for a $1.98B net gain signal a sharper focus on core refining. The drag: a $403M West Coast refining loss and weak chemicals margins limit the upside case. PSX lands at #4 primarily because its dividend yield of 2.97% and diversified portfolio make it less of a pure-play crude spike beneficiary than peers. CEO Mark Lashier called 2025 “a transformative year” for the company, but execution risk remains elevated.

#3: Valero Energy Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO) has been one of the strongest performers in the group, with shares up 25.95% over the past month. The company reported record refining throughput of 3.1 million barrels per day in Q4 and refining segment operating income of $1.69B versus $437M year-over-year. Valero raised its quarterly dividend 6% to $1.20 per share, extending a multi-year growth streak, and holds $4.69 billion in cash. The Benicia Refinery closure in April 2026 removes a $1.1B impairment drag and exits California’s difficult regulatory environment. Valero ranks #3 because full-year 2025 net income declined 15.23% year-over-year and the renewable diesel segment remains a headwind. CEO Lane Riggs noted ‘Record refining throughput and ethanol production in both Q4 and full year.’ as the headline achievement.

#2: PBF Energy PBF Energy (NYSE:PBF) is the highest-beta name in this group: shares are up 39.06% over the past month and up 12.68% from the prior close this morning. The Q4 EPS beat was extraordinary: adjusted EPS of $0.49 versus an estimate of -$0.20, a 345% beat. Gross refining margin expanded to $11.16 per barrel from $4.89 year-over-year. The Martinez refinery, damaged by fire, completed construction on February 16, 2026 with catalytic cracking restart targeted for the first week of March, adding meaningful throughput capacity at precisely the right moment in the crude cycle. PBF’s RBI cost reduction program delivered $230M+ in run-rate savings with a $350M target by year-end 2026. The risks are real: net debt rose to $1.62 billion from $921 million year-over-year, and the full-year 2025 operating loss ex-special items was -$479.5 million. CEO Matthew Lucey framed the shift clearly: ‘Many recent headwinds are now converting to tailwinds for refiners, particularly for PBF.’ PBF earns the #2 spot on turnaround momentum and leverage to a crude spike, but the balance sheet and FY loss keep it from the top.

#1: Marathon Petroleum Marathon Petroleum (NYSE:MPC) leads this group on nearly every metric that matters in a crude spike environment. Q4 2025 adjusted EPS came in at $4.07 versus an estimate of $2.71, a 50% beat, while Refining and Marketing segment adjusted EBITDA hit $2.00 billion versus $559 million year-over-year. Refining margins reached $18.65 per barrel, the highest in this peer group. Marathon returned $4.5 billion to shareholders, including $1.3 billion in Q4, and maintains a $4.4 billion share repurchase authorization. Its MPLX midstream partnership contributes $2.8 billion in annualized distributions to MPC, providing a durable cash flow floor regardless of refining margin volatility. Shares have gained 25.42% over the past month. CEO Maryann Mannen credited ‘Strong refining operational performance and commercial execution drove cash flow generation.’ for the cash flow results.

The Verdict When crude surges on geopolitical shock, refiners with the widest margins, strongest throughput, and most durable capital return frameworks capitalize most. Among the four refiners examined, Marathon Petroleum posted the highest refining margins, the largest EPS beat, and the most shareholder capital returned in Q4 2025. The Iran-driven crude spike continues to develop, with prediction markets pricing in further upside through March. How each refiner performs will depend on how crack spreads, throughput, and balance sheet strength hold up as the geopolitical situation evolves.

TLDR: Solana’s TPV rose 755.3% YoY, nearly tripling the 268.24% median rate among fintech and L1 peers. Visa’s USDC pilot on Solana surpassed $3.5B in annualized volume; Worldpay cut processing times by 50%. Western Union’s USDPT stablecoin launches in 2026 to replace pre-funded accounts for 500K+ agents. Huma Finance hit $8.9B in transaction volume in 2025, replacing SWIFT with 24/7 onchain settlement. Solana’s payments ecosystem posted explosive growth in the past year. 

Total Payment Volume on the network climbed 755.3% year-over-year, according to a new Messari report. That figure nearly triples the median growth rate of 268.24% recorded across comparable fintech and blockchain platforms. 

Global financial heavyweights, including Visa, Stripe, Worldpay, and Western Union, now use Solana as a live settlement layer.

Institutional Giants Bet on Solana’s Payment Rails The institutions moving onto Solana are not experimenting quietly. Visa’s USDC pilot on the network has already surpassed $3.5 billion in annualized volume. 

Worldpay cut its processing times by 50% after adopting the Global Dollar Network, known as USDG, for settlement. Solana hosts 57% of all USDG issuance, reflecting the network’s capacity to handle high-frequency institutional flows.

Fiserv, which processes payments for roughly 10,000 financial institutions globally, announced its own stablecoin on Solana called FIUSD. The move targets both its banking clients and merchant network.

Western Union is also building directly on the chain. The company plans to launch a stablecoin called USDPT in 2026, aiming to eliminate pre-funded accounts and cut international transfer costs for its 500,000-plus retail agents worldwide.

Stripe and Revolut are also part of the expanding ecosystem flagged in the Messari report. 

PayPal’s dollar-backed token, PYUSD, reached a market cap of $834.7 million on Solana as of February 2, 2025. That marked a 500.9% year-over-year increase, driven by merchant integrations and a 4% reward rate offered to users.

Gusto launched a pilot in January 2026 to send instant USDC payouts to contractors for over 400,000 businesses. The integration, built with Zero Hash, targets the 11% of U.S. small and midsize businesses that hire international workers. 

Traditional wire transfers take three to seven days. Solana settles in milliseconds.

Messari's State of Solana: Payments just dropped.

TL;DR? Total payment volume up 755% YoY, and Solana now processes more stablecoin volume than any other network.

Solana is the fastest growing payments platform.

Full report: https://t.co/N3O4qGuv5Q

— Solana (@solana) March 5, 2026

Why Solana’s Infrastructure Attracts High-Volume Payments The network’s technical profile explains much of the institutional interest. 

Solana’s median block time sits at 392 milliseconds, with a median transaction fee of $0.0004, per the Messari data. That combination makes it viable for high-frequency, low-margin payment use cases that legacy rails cannot handle economically.

Legacy systems like SWIFT and ACH were built before the internet and depend on correspondent banking chains. 

Settlement delays of multiple days trap trillions in pre-funded accounts globally. Solana merges messaging and settlement into one atomic step, removing that intermediary layer entirely.

Huma Finance recorded $8.9 billion in transaction volume during 2025, a 232% year-over-year jump. 

Following its merger with Arf, the protocol originated $3.8 billion in onchain credit. It now replaces SWIFT settlement for global business payments with 24/7 stablecoin transfers.

Solana also hosts state-backed stablecoin pilots from Wyoming, Kazakhstan, and Bhutan. The Messari report places the network at the center of a payments stack that spans neobanks, digital wallets, treasury tools, and cross-border infrastructure.

PsiQuantum, a quantum computing firm, has announced that it has made progress on the site that will house what it described as the first utility-scale quantum computer in the United States.

The latest development comes as discussions around the quantum risk to Bitcoin (BTC) continue to gain traction, a topic that has divided the industry.

In a recent post on X, the company’s co-founder, Pete Shadbolt, highlighted that PsiQuantum has raised 500 tons of steel in six days at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) on Chicago’s South Side. The firm plans to build and deploy a million-qubit-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer here.

“Time to build really big quantum computers,” Shadbolt said.

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Current quantum computers are extremely impressive but we’ve known for decades that much bigger, faster, more capable systems will be needed to solve truly valuable problems. This site unlocks orders of magnitude of scaling — and is just the first step in our long-term plan https://t.co/x7L6bQHPQ4

— Pete Shadbolt (@PeteShadbolt) March 5, 2026 In September 2025, PsiQuantum raised $1 billion in a Series E funding round. The firm said that the funding will finance the construction of its utility-scale quantum computing sites in Chicago and Brisbane.

It is also set to support the deployment of large-scale prototypes and the enhancement of its quantum photonic chips and fault-tolerant architecture.

Additionally, PsiQuantum revealed a collaboration with NVIDIA to advance quantum computing development. Thus, the latest move represents a notable step forward for the company’s vision.

In addition to PsiQuantum’s progress, other companies are making strides in quantum computing. Last year, IBM unveiled its roadmap for Starling, a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer scheduled for delivery in 2029.

IBM projects that Starling will be capable of executing 20,000 times as many operations as the current quantum computers.

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How Real is the Quantum Threat to Bitcoin’s Future Security?As quantum computing advances, the crypto community’s position reflects a notable division. Michael Saylor, Executive Chairman of Strategy, recently downplayed the quantum threat to Bitcoin. He suggested that a quantum breakthrough would not catch the industry off guard.

Similarly, Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano, believes that the quantum risks are currently overstated. Cory Klippsten, CEO of Swan, a Bitcoin financial services firm, also dismissed concerns about quantum risk to Bitcoin as “FUD,” calling them “lazy and wrong.”

“A quantum attacker needs your public key to even start. If you never reuse addresses, your public keys stay hidden, as secret as your private keys. Your Bitcoin at rest is safe,” he said. “And the hardware needed to crack a Bitcoin key in a day? 13 million physical qubits. Best machines today have about 1,000. We’re four orders of magnitude away from the threat these people are fear-mongering about.”

While many believe the real risk is at least a decade away, others project a much shorter timeline. David Carvalho, CEO of Naoris Protocol, cautions that quantum computers might break secure algorithms in 2 to 3 years.

The Quantum Doomsday Clock points to an even closer timeline of March 8, 2028. Meanwhile, some experts also argue that investors are already pricing in the quantum risk, which is impacting Bitcoin’s value in 2026.

The latest developments surrounding PsiQuantum’s quantum facility have further sparked concerns about Bitcoin.

Nonetheless, in July, PsiQuantum’s co-founder Terry Rudolph reassured that their company does not plan to use quantum computers to derive private keys from public keys.

Overall, PsiQuantum’s construction progress adds a concrete data point to a debate that has so far remained largely theoretical. With timelines ranging from two years to over a decade, depending on who is asked, the industry’s response may ultimately be shaped less by the threat itself and more by how long it takes to reach consensus that the threat is real.

City officials in Vancouver are recommending that councillors abandon a proposal to integrate Bitcoin into municipal financial strategy, dealing a potential blow to a high-profile initiative championed by Mayor Ken Sim.

Summary

Vancouver city staff recommend council drop Mayor Ken Sim’s proposal to explore making the city “Bitcoin-friendly.” The motion previously sought to examine accepting Bitcoin payments and potentially adding the asset to municipal reserves. Officials cited regulatory limits, financial risks, and operational challenges as reasons to halt further work on the proposal. Vancouver staff throw cold water on the mayor’s Bitcoin city proposal According to a staff report prepared for the Vancouver City Council meeting on March 10, officials advised councillors not to proceed with the mayor’s earlier motion to explore making Vancouver a “Bitcoin-friendly city.”

The proposal originally directed city staff to examine whether the municipality could incorporate Bitcoin into financial operations, including accepting cryptocurrency payments for municipal services or potentially allocating a portion of city reserves to digital assets.

The report outlines concerns related to regulatory authority, financial risk, and operational feasibility, ultimately recommending that council take no further action on the motion.

Sim first introduced the proposal in December 2024, arguing that Bitcoin could help protect the purchasing power of municipal funds amid inflation and economic uncertainty. The motion also framed the initiative as a way to position Vancouver as a global hub for blockchain innovation.

However, city staff said the proposal raises significant legal and policy issues under current municipal frameworks. Existing legislation governing local governments in British Columbia does not currently allow municipalities to hold or transact in cryptocurrencies as part of their financial management strategies, according to the report.

The recommendation comes after months of debate over the risks and potential benefits of integrating digital assets into public sector finance. Critics have argued that the volatility of cryptocurrencies could expose taxpayer funds to unnecessary risk, while supporters have promoted Bitcoin as a potential hedge against inflation.

The report will now be considered by Vancouver’s city council, which must decide whether to formally drop the proposal or pursue further analysis despite staff concerns.

If adopted, the recommendation would effectively halt the mayor’s push to explore Bitcoin’s role in the city’s financial reserves and payment systems.

Bitcoin (BTC 2.44%) and Cardano (ADA 1.93%) are investments that, in theory, serve two very different roles in a portfolio. One is the crypto sector's benchmark and a widely accepted digital store of value, whereas the other is a smart contract platform with a uniquely capable developer community and a meticulous development process.

In that framing, both are arguably worth buying and holding for the next 10 years or more. But which one is the better option for most investors?

Image source: Getty Images.

Bitcoin already has most of the ingredients it needs to succeed Bitcoin, as an asset and as a cryptocurrency, does not attempt to do everything. It can't run smart contracts, process transactions quickly, or keep transaction costs very low. Instead, it acts as a scarce bearer asset with a fixed supply cap and a supply policy that ensures its scarcity increases at regular intervals.

That scarcity and mechanical predictability of its supply have also made it investable through mainstream vehicles; Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) now collectively hold $84 billion in value, which translates to 6% of the coin's total possible supply. That means the infrastructure is in place for the traditional financial sector to gain as much exposure to the asset as it wants, suggesting it'll likely have plenty of longevity.

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Don't expect Bitcoin to change much over time. Its value is largely derived from its propensity to stay the same while becoming scarcer.

Cardano needs to build a future Cardano has an active engineering community and a research-heavy culture that frequently provides upgrades to its chain. In theory, it can support a real on-chain economy.

But the issue with a long-term investment in this coin isn't whether it can add more features over time, because that's already a given. The issue is whether any features it adds will actually attract users and capital to the network. So far, that has not been the case.

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$

0.27

Even today, Cardano's decentralized finance (DeFi) footprint remains very modest relative to the sector leaders. After reaching its all-time peak of DeFi total value locked (TVL) of $720 million in December 2024, capital has continuously flowed off the chain, and as of Feb. 26, there's only $130 million in TVL. At the same time, the chain retained only $456 in fees for itself that day. The takeaway here is that whatever features Cardano is offering simply aren't enough to get people using the network.

Having a large, loyal, experienced, and quite active group of developers doesn't solve that, even if they're inclined to use things like peer review to ensure what they produce is of high quality. The chain doesn't seem to have a strategy for directing its talent to increase the value of its coin.

Therefore, especially if you don't yet hold it in your crypto portfolio, Bitcoin is by far the better choice to buy and hold for the next 10 years. Cardano has to make some big changes to have a shot at long-term success, and there isn't evidence of that happening yet.

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Bitcoin is showing renewed strength after reclaiming the $70,000 level, a move that has helped stabilize sentiment following weeks of heightened volatility and uncertain market direction. The recovery comes as several structural indicators begin to shift in favor of a more constructive market environment, suggesting that the recent correction may be transitioning into a new phase.

According to analysis from Axel Adler, multiple regime and structural indicators have moved into positive territory simultaneously for the first time in nearly three months. The report highlights the behavior of the Bitcoin Regime Score, an aggregated metric that incorporates several market variables, including taker imbalance, open interest pressure, funding rates, ETF flows, exchange flows, and price trend. The score is normalized on a scale ranging from -100 to +100 to identify shifts in market regimes.

On February 7, the Regime Score dropped to -47, marking the deepest bearish reading recorded over the past year. For comparison, the market bottom in November 2025 reached -37 and required 33 days to recover to neutral territory, while the August low of -35 reversed in only 11 days.

Bitcoin Regime Score | Source: CryptoQuant In the current cycle, however, the recovery has occurred in approximately 25 days. As of March 4, the indicator has climbed back to around +0.98, signaling a potential transition away from the recent bearish regime.

Structural Indicators Align As Bitcoin Tests Key Resistance Adler further notes that price-based structural signals are now aligning with regime indicators, reinforcing the significance of Bitcoin’s recent recovery above $70,000. One of the key metrics highlighted in the report is the Structure Shift Composite, a fast signal designed to capture short-term changes in market structure.

The Structure Shift Composite ranges from -1 to +1 and incorporates several elements of price behavior, including momentum, the sequence of price movements, and the asset’s position relative to its exponential moving averages. At the same time, the Donchian Channel provides a framework for identifying current technical boundaries, placing resistance near $73,698 and support around $62,981.

Bitcoin Price Structure | Source: CryptoQuant Earlier in the cycle, the relationship between these indicators followed a different pattern. In January, the Structure Shift signal crossed above zero in a single sharp move—from -0.05 to +0.57—on January 2, but only after the Regime Score had already been firmly in bullish territory for several days. That confirmation was followed by a rally that eventually pushed Bitcoin toward the $97,000 region.

The current transition has developed differently. Between March 2 and March 4, both Structure Shift and the Regime Score crossed into positive territory simultaneously. With Structure Shift now near +0.56 and Regime Score at +0.98, this synchronized shift suggests that the recent move toward $73,000 may represent a broader structural transition rather than a temporary short squeeze.

Bitcoin Attempts Recovery Above Long-Term Support The weekly chart shows Bitcoin trading near $72,800 after staging a rebound from the sharp correction that pushed the asset below the $65,000 region earlier in 2026. Following a prolonged rally that carried BTC above $110,000 in late 2025, the market entered a corrective phase marked by lower highs and increasing volatility.

BTC testing critical price level | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView The recent decline briefly forced Bitcoin below its 50-week moving average, a level that had previously acted as dynamic support throughout much of the bull cycle. However, the latest weekly candle suggests that buyers are attempting to reclaim this level, which now sits near the $70,000 region. Holding above this area is technically significant, as it often serves as a structural pivot during mid-cycle consolidations.

Below the current price, the 100-week moving average is positioned around the mid-$60,000 zone, while the 200-week moving average continues to trend upward near the high-$50,000 region. These levels form a broader long-term support cluster that could help stabilize the price if volatility returns.

From a structural perspective, Bitcoin remains within a macro uptrend despite the recent correction. The market is now attempting to form a higher low relative to the 2024–2025 advance.

If BTC successfully consolidates above $70,000, the next resistance region could emerge near $85,000, where the previous breakdown accelerated earlier this year.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com 

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Sebastian's journey into the world of crypto began four years ago, driven by a fascination with the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize financial systems. His initial exploration focused on understanding the intricacies of various crypto projects, particularly those focused on building innovative financial solutions. Through countless hours of research and learning, Sebastian developed a deep understanding of the underlying technologies, market dynamics, and potential applications of cryptocurrencies. As his knowledge grew, Sebastian felt compelled to share his insights with others. He began actively contributing to online discussions on platforms like X and LinkedIn, focusing on fintech and crypto-related content. His goal was to expose valuable trends and insights to a wider audience, fostering a deeper understanding of the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. Sebastian's contributions quickly gained recognition, and he became a trusted voice in the online crypto community. To further enhance his expertise, Sebastian pursued a UC Berkeley Fintech: Frameworks, Applications, and Strategies certification. This rigorous program equipped him with valuable skills and knowledge regarding Financial Technology, bridging the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). The certification deepened his understanding of the broader financial landscape and its intersection with blockchain technology. Sebastian's passion for finance and writing is evident in his work. He enjoys delving into financial research, analyzing market trends, and exploring the latest developments in the crypto space. In his spare time, Sebastian can often be found immersed in charts, studying 10-K forms, or engaging in thought-provoking discussions about the future of finance. Sebastian's journey as a crypto analyst and investor has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a dedication to sharing his insights. His ability to navigate the complex world of crypto, combined with his passion for financial research and communication, makes him a valuable asset to the industry. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, Sebastian remains at the forefront, providing valuable insights and contributing to the growth of this revolutionary technology.

Pi Network price is showing fresh signs of strength after weeks of consolidation, rising more than 10% in the past 24 hours and reclaiming the $0.19–$0.20 zone. The rebound comes as the broader crypto market attempts to stabilize, but a key catalyst appears to be emerging from within the Pi ecosystem itself.

The supply of Bitcoin held on centralized crypto exchanges (CEXes) has experienced a massive decline, according to the latest onchain data provided by analytics firm CryptoQuant. 

Bitcoin exchange reserve across all platforms has nose-dived below 2,708,000 BTC. This is the lowest level of exchange liquidity the market has seen since November 2018.

The leading cryptocurrency is currently hovering slightly above the $70,000 level. 

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The great coin exodus There is now a clear multi-year divergence between Bitcoin's price and the balances held on centralized exchanges.

Exchange reserves peaked at over 3.5 million BTC during the height of the previous bull cycles between 2020 and 2022.

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However, following a series of industry crises in late 2022, the current persistent trend was set into motion. 

Throughout 2023, 2024, and into early 2026, the blue line has been on a downward trajectory.

Exchange reserves have bled out to the current 2.7 million BTC level while the price of Bitcoin has climbed back toward all-time highs.

The days of users keeping their portfolios idle on trading platforms appear to be effectively over.

The approval and massive success of U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have significantly changed the supply dynamics. Institutional funds are sweeping up billions of dollars worth of BTC from the open market.

Corporate hoarding is also a significant factor, with major corporate treasuries of the likes of Strategy Inc. (MSTR) aggressively accumulating and holding BTC on their balance sheets.

The market is facing a typical liquidity crunch, which could potentially set the stage for a "supply shock."

8h40 ▪ 3 min read ▪ by Luc Jose A.

Summarize this article with:

Military strikes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have revived global market nervousness, triggering an immediate bitcoin reaction. Some analysts see a scenario reminiscent of 2022, supported by charts. However, the comparison deserves to be nuanced. While technical similarities emerge, the macroeconomic context and market structure differ significantly. In this geopolitical uncertainty climate, analyzing bitcoin movements helps better measure immediate risks and resilience margins of the crypto ecosystem.

In brief Military tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran trigger an immediate shockwave on global financial markets and on bitcoin. The crypto market enters a phase of high volatility marked by a rapid price drop and massive liquidations of positions. After the initial correction, a technical rebound begins, reflecting resistance capacity despite a tense geopolitical climate. Flows toward financial products related to bitcoin support demand, while commodity volatility weighs on all risky assets. Markets and bitcoin facing the geopolitical shock The intensification of military tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran quickly contaminated global financial markets. Investors adjusted their positions in response to a rise in geopolitical risk, causing sharp moves in assets sensitive to external shocks, including bitcoin.

The crypto market thus recorded a sequence of high volatility concentrated over a few sessions, marked by rapid declines, massive liquidations, and increased monitoring of technical thresholds. These reactions reflect a tension phase where risk exposure management dominates investment strategies.

Bitcoin dropped to nearly $63,000 during a turbulent weekend, following coordinated strikes against Iran that “shook investor confidence in risk-sensitive assets” ; Over $300 million in long positions were liquidated in the crypto market at the start of the tensions, illustrating the extent of the selling movement ; Several technical analysts identified a major support level around $60,263, a threshold considered decisive for short-term market stability. A market under watch : between volatility and opportunities As the week progresses, bitcoin shows signs of recovery after its initial correction. Market data shows that the price rebounded to temporarily exceed $71,000, illustrating some resistance in the market’s high zone despite persistent geopolitical tensions. This rebound comes as some major exchanges display a moderate reaction to economic news related to the conflict, temporarily reducing the impact on crypto assets.

Other factors fuel this dynamic. Interest in financial products linked to bitcoin, such as Bitcoin ETFs, continues to attract significant flows, which could help support demand despite the adverse environment. Meanwhile, some analysts note that rising volatility in commodities like oil and metals could spill over into the stock market, and by extension on cryptos if this volatility amplifies, creating a tougher context for risky assets.

These developments reveal several possible scenarios for bitcoin in the coming weeks. If tensions continue to rise, pressure on markets could intensify capital movements toward traditional safe-haven assets like gold, while forcing more volatile assets to suffer from temporary disengagement. Conversely, bitcoin’s ability to stabilize and attract institutional flows, even during a complex geopolitical period, could signal increased market maturity.

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Diplômé de Sciences Po Toulouse et titulaire d'une certification consultant blockchain délivrée par Alyra, j'ai rejoint l'aventure Cointribune en 2019. Convaincu du potentiel de la blockchain pour transformer de nombreux secteurs de l'économie, j'ai pris l'engagement de sensibiliser et d'informer le grand public sur cet écosystème en constante évolution. Mon objectif est de permettre à chacun de mieux comprendre la blockchain et de saisir les opportunités qu'elle offre. Je m'efforce chaque jour de fournir une analyse objective de l'actualité, de décrypter les tendances du marché, de relayer les dernières innovations technologiques et de mettre en perspective les enjeux économiques et sociétaux de cette révolution en marche.

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The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.

XRP Holds the Line at $1.40 as Final Compression Signals Potential Breakout Toward $3XRP is demonstrating strong resilience as it continues to hold a crucial support level, signaling the potential for a significant price move ahead. 

According to market analyst Crypto Paykash, the asset has consistently defended the key $1.40 support zone, a level closely watched as a base for its next major breakout. 

Data from CoinCodex reinforces this outlook, showing that XRP has repeatedly maintained this price floor despite wider market volatility, suggesting growing stability and the possibility of building bullish momentum.

Source: CoinCodexThe $1.40 level has solidified as XRP’s key defensive line, repeatedly attracting strong buying pressure whenever the price tests it. 

Each rebound from this zone highlights growing conviction among traders and long-term holders, suggesting the area is widely viewed as a high-value accumulation point rather than a breakdown trigger.

Meanwhile, XRP’s realized volatility has surged to its highest level since March 2025, coinciding with aggressive whale activity. Large holders accumulated 1.3 billion XRP within just 48 hours, a move that historically signals preparation for a significant market shift.

Together, the persistent defense of the $1.40 support and the sharp rise in whale accumulation point to intensifying market compression, conditions that often precede a major price expansion.

Well, As long as the $1.40 support continues to hold, bullish momentum remains intact while the tightening range signals building pressure in the market. This compression suggests a breakout may be imminent. 

A decisive reclaim of the $1.80–$2.00 resistance zone would confirm renewed strength and could trigger the next rally phase, potentially propelling XRP toward the $3 level sooner than many expect. 

More importantly, XRP’s price action is forming what analyst Paykash describes as a compression pattern, a technical structure where price consolidates within an increasingly narrow range. Such formations often indicate that volatility is quietly building beneath the surface, typically preceding a sharp and decisive breakout once the range finally resolves.

XRP Compression Nears Breaking Point as $3 Target Comes Into FocusPaykash notes that XRP’s compression pattern is nearing its final stage, signaling a potential swift and decisive breakout that could catch sidelined traders off guard. 

The next critical hurdle lies in the $1.80–$2.00 resistance zone, amid growing debate on whether XRP is entering a high-stakes distribution or strategic repositioning phase.

A confirmed breakout above $2.00 could ignite fresh momentum across the market, potentially propelling XRP toward $3.00 in a rapid surge. Such a move would signal a strong recovery, drawing renewed interest from traders aiming to ride the next uptrend. 

Meanwhile, Moscow Exchange is considering cash-settled XRP futures following Russia’s recent regulatory shift, keeping the market in a cautious, watchful phase. 

With support at $1.40 holding firm and resistance near $2.00 tightening, XRP’s compression pattern is building significant pressure. If this support endures, the stage is set for a potential explosive breakout, bringing the $3 level squarely into view.

ConclusionXRP’s current price structure signals that the market is nearing a critical inflection point. As long as the $1.40 support level holds, bullish momentum remains intact, with the tightening compression pattern indicating that a decisive move may be imminent. 

A strong reclaim of the $1.80–$2.00 resistance zone would confirm renewed buying strength and could trigger the next major rally. If this breakout materializes, XRP may quickly target higher levels, potentially accelerating toward the $3 mark. 

Key Takeaways Ethereum declined 6% following a brief rally to $2,200, pressured by US equity market weakness and geopolitical tensions Options market skew reached 7%, indicating institutional traders are positioning for potential downside US spot Ethereum ETFs experienced combined net outflows totaling $91 million on March 5 The validator entry queue expanded to 3.4 million ETH, while exit queue contracted to only 58,944 ETH Ethereum commands 65% of aggregate blockchain TVL across layer-1 and layer-2 networks, with $55.4B on mainnet Ethereum is currently exchanging hands near $2,080 following its inability to sustain momentum beyond the $2,200 threshold this week. The pullback occurred amid deteriorating global market conditions, influenced by escalating Middle East tensions and a US judicial decision mandating government repayment exceeding $130 billion in tariff refunds to domestic enterprises.

Ethereum (ETH) Price The second-largest cryptocurrency had mounted an impressive 22% recovery from its February nadir of $1,800, but upward momentum dissipated rapidly. Wednesday’s temporary breach of $2,200 was swiftly followed by a 6% retracement, echoing broader risk-asset selloffs across US markets.

Futures market indicators paint a cautious picture. The 30-day annualized premium for ETH futures contracts remains significantly below the 5% neutral benchmark, suggesting limited appetite for leveraged bullish positions among derivatives traders.

The put-call skew for ETH options expanded to 7% on Thursday. Historical patterns indicate that readings exceeding 6% generally reflect heightened demand for downside protection among sophisticated market participants.

Liquidation data from CoinGlass reveals that ETH traders absorbed $58 million in forced position closures over a 24-hour period, with long positions accounting for $35.7 million of that total.

Institutional Flows and Staking Dynamics The price deterioration coincided with unfavorable institutional flow data. March 5 witnessed US spot Ethereum ETF products recording aggregate net redemptions of $91 million, signaling a temporary retreat in institutional demand.

This outflow represented a sharp reversal from the more constructive inflows observed during earlier trading sessions in the week, underscoring how rapidly institutional sentiment responds to changing market dynamics.

Meanwhile, network staking metrics present a contrasting narrative. The validator activation queue has ballooned to approximately 3.4 million ETH, while the corresponding exit queue has diminished to merely 58,944 ETH. Prospective validators now face wait times approaching 57 days.

These figures indicate that substantial holders are preferring to stake their ETH for yield generation rather than liquidating positions during market turbulence.

Onchain Metrics and Ecosystem Dominance Decentralized exchange activity on Ethereum has cooled considerably. Weekly DEX trading volumes contracted to $12.6 billion from $20.2 billion recorded one month prior. Decentralized application revenues similarly declined to $14.1 million over the trailing seven days, representing a 47% month-over-month decrease.

Solana experienced comparable trends, with DEX volumes contracting by 50% across the identical 30-day measurement period.

Source: DefiLlama Notwithstanding reduced network activity metrics, Ethereum maintains its commanding position in value locked across the blockchain ecosystem. When accounting for layer-2 scaling solutions, the Ethereum infrastructure captures approximately 65% of total blockchain TVL. The mainnet alone secures $55.4 billion, substantially exceeding Solana’s $6.8 billion.

Technical analysis identifies immediate resistance at the $2,108 level on daily timeframes. A decisive close above this threshold could facilitate a move toward $2,388. Conversely, should support at $1,741 fail to hold, subsequent downside targets emerge at $1,524 and $1,404.

Analysts have identified $1,826 as the lower boundary of the current range structure, representing the next technical attractor should selling pressure intensify in the near term.

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Bitcoin reserves crashed hard. CryptoQuant’s latest data shows centralized exchanges now hold just 2.7 million BTC, marking the lowest level since November 2018 when the crypto world looked completely different.

The numbers tell a pretty clear story about what’s happening right now. Investors are pulling their Bitcoin off exchanges at a pace that’s honestly kind of shocking. Many seem to think keeping their coins in private wallets beats trusting exchanges with their stash. And given what we’ve seen with hacks and regulatory pressure lately, you can’t really blame them for being cautious.

Exchange security fears are driving this exodus.

High-profile hacks keep happening, and regulators won’t stop breathing down exchanges’ necks. So holders are basically saying “thanks but no thanks” to platform storage. They’re moving coins to hardware wallets and cold storage solutions where they control the keys. It’s the old crypto saying in action – not your keys, not your coins.

The withdrawal trend isn’t just some random blip either. Whales – those big players with serious Bitcoin holdings – seem to be positioning themselves for something. Maybe they see price moves coming, or maybe they just don’t trust exchanges anymore. Either way, they’re pulling massive amounts off platforms and parking them in private wallets. Some analysts think it’s strategic, others say it’s pure fear. Probably both.

Less Bitcoin on exchanges means wilder price swings ahead. When there’s not much supply sitting on trading platforms, even small buy or sell orders can move prices hard. Traders know this, and they’re probably preparing for some serious volatility.

Other cryptocurrencies are seeing the same thing happen.

CryptoQuant’s data shows Ethereum, Solana, and other major coins are also disappearing from exchange wallets. The self-custody movement isn’t just about Bitcoin – it’s spreading across the entire crypto space. People want control over their digital assets, period.

But here’s the weird part: trading volumes are still pretty strong on these platforms. Users are still buying and selling, they just don’t want to store their coins there long-term. It’s like using a restaurant for dinner but not trusting them to store your leftovers. The business model for exchanges might need some serious rethinking. For more details, see Bitcoin Smashes ,000 Barrier as Crypto.

Binance saw its Bitcoin reserves drop significantly by March 2026. The world’s biggest crypto exchange is dealing with the same outflow problem as everyone else. Their team didn’t respond when we reached out for comment, but the numbers speak for themselves. Even the giants aren’t immune to this trend.

Coinbase reported similar issues on March 5, 2026. The company said it’s working on new security measures to keep users happy. Their spokesperson talked about transparency and trust, but actions matter more than words in crypto. Users are voting with their withdrawals.

Jesse Powell from Kraken sees opportunity in the chaos. He thinks exchanges need to diversify what they offer beyond just trading. Maybe custody services, maybe DeFi integration, maybe something completely different. Powell gets that the old playbook isn’t working anymore.

Bitcoin was trading around $42,000 on March 6, 2026. The price keeps bouncing around as traders try to figure out what declining exchange reserves mean for liquidity. Some days it pumps, other days it dumps. Typical crypto stuff, but the reserve situation adds another layer of uncertainty.

Glassnode found that addresses holding at least 1,000 BTC increased recently. The whales are accumulating while retail investors panic. These big holders probably know something the rest of us don’t, or they’re just better at timing the market. Either way, they’re hoarding Bitcoin like it’s going out of style.

Michael Saylor from MicroStrategy called the exchange exodus a sign of market maturity. He thinks institutional investors want proper custody solutions, not exchange IOUs. MicroStrategy keeps buying Bitcoin and storing it themselves, so Saylor’s putting his money where his mouth is.

Gemini launched education workshops about self-custody after the Winklevoss twins saw which way the wind was blowing. Teaching users about private keys and hardware wallets might help, but it also admits that exchanges can’t guarantee security anymore. Kind of a double-edged sword for their business. Related coverage: Bitcoin Credit Markets Get Major Overhaul.

DeFi platforms are loving this trend. Uniswap reported massive trading volume increases on March 4, 2026, as users explore decentralized alternatives. Why trust a centralized exchange when you can trade peer-to-peer? The DeFi revolution might be getting a second wind from exchange security fears.

Some exchanges won’t even comment on the reserve data. Others are scrambling to upgrade their security protocols and win back user trust. The industry is basically admitting that the old way of doing things isn’t working anymore. Adaptation or extinction – that’s the choice facing crypto exchanges right now.

The regulatory landscape keeps shifting too, making exchanges nervous about compliance costs and legal risks. Users see this uncertainty and decide self-custody looks safer than dealing with potential platform shutdowns or frozen accounts.

Bitcoin’s reserve decline hit 2.7 million BTC in March 2026.

The Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate decisions have amplified Bitcoin withdrawal patterns across major trading platforms. Rate cuts typically drive institutional money toward alternative assets, while rate hikes push investors toward safer traditional investments. This monetary policy backdrop creates additional pressure on exchange reserves as both retail and institutional players adjust their cryptocurrency exposure based on broader economic conditions.

Hardware wallet manufacturers like Ledger and Trezor reported supply shortages throughout early 2026 as demand surged. Ledger’s CEO mentioned production delays couldn’t keep pace with orders, while Trezor expanded manufacturing capacity by 40% to meet growing self-custody adoption. These companies are essentially benefiting from exchange security concerns, creating an entirely new dynamic in the crypto ecosystem where wallet makers become indirect competitors to trading platforms.

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Bitcoin on WarBitcoin faces 2% reversal from the 50-day EMA on Thursday, Slips below $71000.The surge in altcoins OKB, Human Protocol, and Kite continues to raise concerns.Wll the pressure hold for Ethereum, XRP, and these altcoins as the US -Iran War extends? Top Cryptocurrencies Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP showed cautious trading, with a roughly 2% pullback near their respective key support levels on Friday. BTC was trading below $71,000, ETH price remained above $ 2,000, and XRP was in sideways consolidation.

Other top-performing cryptos today are OKB (26%), Human Protocol(30%), and Kite(21%), which have spiked, making it to the top coins of the day list.

OKB Must Close Above 200-D EMA To Sustain. OKB exchange native Coin OKB moved nearly 3% since yesterday, adding to its 24% surge from the previous day. This surge was fueled by an Investment of $25B by the New York Stock Exchange’s parent company, Intercontinental Exchange. 

As we see in OKB/USDT daily chart, the declining EMA’s leave a bearish sentiment. OKB coin needs a strong close above its 200D EMA level at $104 for a sustain uptrend. This closing can send it straight to its 50% Retracemenr level at $124.

OK Coin moving strongRSI at 70 shows the coin is overbought zone, but MACD is in bullish side as it crosses the Signal line and a wide histogram.

Currently trading at $97.30, with the increased positive momentum around OKB, it is going to continue the rally. If rejected at any level, it will seek the 50-d EMA as its next at $87.

Humanity Protocol Remains BullshHumanity Protocol extended roughly 4% today to its Thursday gains of 43%. The H has extended its gains above the 200-d EMA and other EMAs, eyes continue to rally as RSI at 57 has reversed from hitting the oversold zone. 

HUSDT Super Stromg on ChartsH/USDT attempted the $0.2, and is likely to surpass. If invalidated, it could test $0.13 50% retracement level. 

KITE Coin Bulls Are StrongKITE Coin stands as the flag bearer of AI Coin in recent trading sessions as all the AI Coins seem to be underperforming. KITE on Friday is up 25%, showing increased buyer dominance. 

The KITE/USDT price chart shows its upward momentum since its launch. The asset is now extending gains above the 200-D EMA and others.

KITEUSD Super BullishOpen Interest in futures surges to 35% to $102.48 million, indicating new positions opening in parallel with the rally.

With the RSI moving toward the overbought zone, the KITE price may face rejections, but the rally continues. Invalidating this can bring it to its first resistance at $0.23. 

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, /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds sellers of common stock of Masonite International Corporation (NYSE: DOOR) between June 5, 2023 and February 8, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important April 7, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

So What: If you sold Masonite common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

What to do next: To join the Masonite class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=52802 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 7, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases.  Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made material omissions and misrepresentations concerning Owens Corning's offers to purchase all of Masonite's outstanding common stock at significant premiums to Masonite's stock price and Masonite's repurchases of millions of dollars' worth of its shares without disclosing material nonpublic information about Owens Corning's offers, which, if disclosed as required, would have indicated to investors that Masonite's stock was worth significantly more.

To join the Masonite class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=52802 https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50622or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

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SummaryI am downgrading Micron Technology to hold ahead of the Q2 FY26 print.In my view, Samsung’s HBM4 production ramp poses a downside catalyst that could pressure MU’s market share and forward guidance even in a memory supply-constrained environment.After a 215% run since last summer, Micron now needs consistent beat-and-raise quarters. However, even this may not be enough given the current macro backdrop (remember NVDA last week).I see a strong memory cycle lasting into 2027. The top 8 CSPs are expected to spend over $710B in 2026 (up 61% yoy). Supply remains constrained.I see Q3 FY26 revenue guidance as the key bar. The Street expects $21.85B in revenue.JHVEPhoto/iStock Editorial via Getty Images

I am downgrading Micron Technology, Inc. (MU) to a hold heading into the Q2 FY26 print.

Aside from the current macro backdrop, which is no longer rewarding risk assets (particularly those in the tech sector, as shown in

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By Reuters

March 6, 20265:21 AM UTCUpdated 22 mins ago

Item 1 of 2 OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation's President Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio attends a conference in Rome, Italy October 5, 2023. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

[1/2]OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation's President Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio attends a conference in Rome, Italy October 5, 2023. REUTERS/Remo Casilli Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

CompaniesMarch 6 (Reuters) - Leonardo Maria ​del Vecchio ‌is nearing a ​deal to ​buy out two ⁠of ​his siblings ​from the family holding ​company ​Delfin, which controls ‌EssilorLuxottica (ESLX.PA), opens new tab, ⁠the heir told the Financial ​Times ​in ⁠an interview ​published ​on ⁠Friday.

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Reporting by Gursimran ⁠Kaur ​in ​Bengaluru; Editing by ​Mrigank Dhaniwala

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Nano Nuclear Energy (NNE 3.00%) shares went on a tear last fall, when small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear stocks were all the rage. More recently, however, price action has been far less exciting for this speculative growth stock.

During this time, Nano has traded sideways, even as the early-stage company has continued to report new developments. Yet while it is difficult to forecast when this stock could potentially become hot again, there is admittedly a factor at play that could serve as a double-edged sword for shares.

That would be Nano Nuclear Energy's high level of short interest. This factor could help the stock surge back above $50 per share on positive news, but could also send it back to new lows on bad news.

Today's Change

(

-3.00

%) $

-0.79

Current Price

$

25.57

With this in mind, now may not be the time to rush into a position.

Image source: Getty Images

Nano Nuclear Energy and its high short interest Short interest represents the percentage of shares sold short relative to a stock's outstanding share count, or float. Historically, short interest has served as a gauge of how much the market is betting against a particular stock.

More recently, however, with the emergence of the meme stock phenomenon, investors have also looked to high short interest as a bullish signal. In situations where a stock becomes heavily shorted, there is a chance of a short squeeze. That's when a stock quickly rises, typically on positive news, leading to short-sellers scrambling to cover positions.

In theory, a scenario like that could play out here with Nano. Short interest in Nano currently stands at around 25% of outstanding shares and 33% of outstanding float. It may only take a small amount of positive news, such as a well-received quarterly earnings report. Still, taking a closer look, it's tough to argue that a needle-moving development is just around the corner.

The big caveat, and why there's a better SMR wager out there Nano Nuclear Energy may have potential to squeeze, but don't assume another meme-fueled short squeeze is just around the corner. Digging further into the situation, there's much more out there suggesting the short side can "win" on this trade, at least in the short term.

Why? Even as Nano continues forming new partnerships to develop its microreactor technology, such as with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and with South Korea's DS Dansuk, the company is expected to only start generating significant revenue several years from now.

Barring the announcement of a major commercial partnership, I don't see there being an upcoming event that kicks investor enthusiasm back into high gear. Over the longer term, as the monetization timeline remains long, Nano is at risk of burning through its $578 million cash position. This may lead to Nano needing to execute a dilutive capital raise, like it did last October.

Share dilution, or the prospect of it, is another factor that could put pressure on shares. Given these variables, if you're bullish on the SMR trend, you may want to consider other nuclear energy stocks. Nano's larger competitor, NuScale Power (SMR 2.87%) is a key example. Better capitalized and making greater monetization progress to boot, it may prove a more profitable way to play this energy technology trend.

March 06, 2026 01:00 ET  | Source: Hexagon Purus ASA

(Oslo, 6 March 2026) Hexagon Purus, a world leading manufacturer of zero emission mobility and infrastructure solutions, has received purchase orders for the delivery of hydrogen distribution units from a leading Central European integrated energy company.

The total value of the order is approximately EUR 6.2 million and is scheduled for delivery in Q3 and Q4 2026.

“We are happy to welcome this new customer and to provide distribution units that will transport hydrogen to this leading European energy company’s growing mobility infrastructure network”, says Morten Holum, CEO of Hexagon Purus. “This order is a direct result of our recent efforts to diversify the customer base and contributes to strengthening our order book for the second half of 2026”.

For more information:

Mathias Meidell, Investor Relations Director, Hexagon Purus
Telephone: +47 909 82 242 | [email protected]

About Hexagon Purus

Hexagon Purus enables zero emission mobility for a cleaner energy future. The company is a world leading provider of hydrogen Type 4 high-pressure cylinders and systems, battery systems and vehicle integration solutions for fuel cell electric and battery electric vehicles. Hexagon Purus' products are used in a variety of applications including light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles, buses, ground storage, distribution, refueling, maritime, rail and aerospace.

Learn more at www.hexagonpurus.com and follow @HexagonPurus on X and LinkedIn