hodler

26 Mar 2026, 04:41

Why is ETH struggling near $2,100 even as whales accumulate?

ETH’s price has stabilised above $2,100 over the past few days, but risks declining as the bulls are suffering from exhaustion. The near-term mild bearish bias comes despite Ethereum whales accelerating their accumulation of the top altcoin over the past few days. The technical indicators also remain neutral, signalling exhaustion after the rally earlier this week. Whales continue adding Ether to their wallets Whales have increased their accumulation of Ether over the past few days. Data obtained from Lookonchain revealed that several wallets have been withdrawing ETH from exchanges over the past 24 hours. The analysis platform added that four whale wallets withdrew 64,763 ETH from Binance and Bitget on Tuesday. Another wallet, suspected to be BitMine's, withdrew 67,111 ETH from Kraken. Some other key whales are opening long positions on ETH on Hyperliquid. Furthermore, a similar trend is seen across wallets holding 10K-100K ETH, which saw an 850K ETH increase in their collective balance during the weekend. The outflow from exchanges usually suggests that the whales are reducing their selling pressure on Ether and transferring the coins to their wallets for long-term holding in anticipation of a price increase. While the whales are buying, retail investors or wallets holding 100-1K and 1K-10K ETH saw minimal changes in their balance over the past week. This reduced selling pressure, in addition to whale accumulation, could signal a positive sentiment around Ether, potentially resulting in its price increase in the near to medium term. However, institutional interest in Ethereum ETFs is declining. According to CoinGlass , US spot ETH exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are on a five-day outflow streak. Ethereum price forecast The ETH/USD 4-hour chart is bullish and efficient as Ether has performed positively since the start of the month. At press time, ETH is trading at $2,150, with its near-term bias mildly bearish. It is currently trading above the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) near $2,120 and could retest the Inducement Liquidity (ILQ) at $2,092 over the next few hours or days. The mild-bearish bias comes after Ether failed to take out its 50-day EMA above $2,190 once again, signalling a weakening bullish momentum. The 100-day EMA near $2,455 also presented a tough challenge for the bulls in recent weeks. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) around 53 confirms modest upside pressure rather than overbought conditions. Furthermore, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence remains below the neutral zone, suggesting a consolidation phase rather than an outright reversal lower. If the bulls fail to bounce back, Ether would encounter its first support at the ILQ of $2,092, below its 20-day EMA. An extended bearish run would expose the secondary support at $1,741, resulting in massive long liquidations. A sustained break below $2,092 would expose that lower band and undermine the emerging bullish bias. However, if the rally resumes, Ether would push towards the 50-day EMA, followed by hurdles near $2,390 and $2,746. If the daily candle closes above $2,390, the rally could extend toward that higher resistance band and signal an extension of the current recovery leg. The post Why is ETH struggling near $2,100 even as whales accumulate? appeared first on Invezz

26 Mar 2026, 04:33

Stellar (XLM) price prediction – Here’s why another 14% hike may be next

XLM's price is at a make or break level right now.

26 Mar 2026, 04:28

XRP Price Risks Fresh Drop, Is Another Leg Lower Imminent?

XRP price started a fresh decline from $1.4380. The price is now struggling and is at risk of another decline below the $1.380 zone. XRP price started a fresh decline below the $1.420 zone. The price is now trading below $1.420 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. There was a break below a bullish trend line with support at $1.4050 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair (data source from Kraken). The pair could continue to move down if it settles below $1.380. XRP Price Dips Again XRP price attempted a recovery wave above $1.4220 but failed to continue higher, like Bitcoin and Ethereum . The price started a fresh decline below $1.420 and $1.4120. There was a move below the 50% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $1.3838 swing low to the $1.4372 high. Besides, there was a break below a bullish trend line with support at $1.4050 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair. The price is now trading below $1.420 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. If there is a fresh upward move, the price might face resistance near the $1.4120 level. The first major resistance is near the $1.420 level. A close above $1.420 could send the price to $1.4380. The next hurdle sits at $1.450. A clear move above the $1.450 resistance might send the price toward the $1.4840 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $1.520 resistance. The next major hurdle for the bulls might be near $1.5550. More Losses? If XRP fails to clear the $1.420 resistance zone, it could start a fresh decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $1.3965 level or the 76.4% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $1.3838 swing low to the $1.4372 high. The next major support is near the $1.380 level. If there is a downside break and a close below the $1.380 level, the price might continue to decline toward $1.3620. The next major support sits near the $1.3450 zone, below which the price could continue lower toward $1.320. Technical Indicators Hourly MACD – The MACD for XRP/USD is now gaining pace in the bearish zone. Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for XRP/USD is now below the 50 level. Major Support Levels – $1.3800 and $1.3450. Major Resistance Levels – $1.4200 and $1.4380.

26 Mar 2026, 04:05

Cumberland Withdraws $15.7M in PAXG from OKX: A Strategic Move in Gold-Backed Crypto

BitcoinWorld Cumberland Withdraws $15.7M in PAXG from OKX: A Strategic Move in Gold-Backed Crypto In a significant on-chain transaction monitored globally, Cumberland, a prominent institutional crypto trading firm, withdrew a substantial $15.7 million in PAX Gold (PAXG) from the OKX exchange. This move, detected by on-chain analyst ai_9684xtpa, highlights ongoing strategic positioning within the gold-backed cryptocurrency sector. The transaction involved 3,477 PAXG tokens and occurred amidst a complex landscape for digital assets. Furthermore, the associated wallet address reveals a holding of $13.5 million in XAUT, another leading gold-backed token. This activity provides a critical lens into institutional behavior and the evolving role of commodity-backed stablecoins in digital finance. Cumberland’s PAXG Withdrawal: Analyzing the On-Chain Data The transaction specifics offer a clear starting point for deeper market analysis. According to verifiable blockchain data, the withdrawal took place from the centralized exchange OKX to a wallet associated with Cumberland DRW. The transfer of 3,477 PAXG tokens represented a market value of approximately $15.68 million at the time. Crucially, on-chain analytics show the same wallet maintains a significant position in Tether Gold (XAUT), valued at $13.5 million. This dual holding in competing gold-backed assets suggests a nuanced strategy rather than a simple asset reallocation. Analysts immediately scrutinized the flow for potential signals regarding institutional sentiment toward both gold and the crypto exchange landscape. Subsequently, market observers compared this activity to historical patterns. Cumberland is known for its large-scale, strategic moves across cryptocurrency markets. The firm often acts as a liquidity provider and market maker. Therefore, a withdrawal of this magnitude from an exchange typically indicates one of several strategic intents. It could signal a move to cold storage for long-term custody, preparation for over-the-counter (OTC) trading, or a rebalancing of exchange risk exposure. The choice of PAXG, a token physically backed by London Good Delivery gold bars held in Brink’s vaults, adds a layer of tangible asset security to the decision. The Rising Significance of Gold-Backed Cryptocurrencies Gold-backed tokens like PAXG and XAUT have carved out a vital niche. They merge the historical stability of gold with the efficiency of blockchain. Each PAXG token is redeemable for one fine troy ounce of a 400-ounce London Good Delivery gold bar. This direct backing provides a hedge against inflation and market volatility, a feature highly attractive to institutional investors. The sector has seen consistent growth, especially during periods of macroeconomic uncertainty. For instance, rising interest rates and geopolitical tensions often drive capital toward traditional safe havens like gold, now accessible digitally. Consequently, the market structure for these assets is unique. Trading occurs 24/7 on global crypto exchanges, unlike traditional gold markets. This allows for instant settlement and global accessibility. The table below outlines key differences between PAXG and its primary competitor, XAUT: Feature PAX Gold (PAXG) Tether Gold (XAUT) Issuer Paxos Trust Company Tether Custodian Brink’s Vaults A Swiss custodian Gold Bar Standard London Good Delivery London Good Delivery Token Standard ERC-20 ERC-20 (Ethereum & Solana) Primary Use Case Investment, Settlement Investment, Trading Moreover, regulatory clarity plays a crucial role. Issuers like Paxos operate under strict trust company regulations, requiring regular audits. This compliance framework builds trust with institutional players like Cumberland who prioritize asset safety and regulatory adherence above all else. Institutional Strategy and Portfolio Management Experts in institutional digital asset management point to several rationales for Cumberland’s move. Holding assets across multiple gold-backed tokens can be a risk management technique. It diversifies counterparty risk associated with a single issuer or custodian. A senior analyst at a blockchain intelligence firm stated, “Large holders often spread exposure. Holding both PAXG and XAUT mitigates the remote risk of regulatory or operational issues impacting one provider.” This strategy mirrors traditional finance, where investors might hold gold ETFs from different sponsors. Additionally, the withdrawal from an exchange to a private wallet reduces “exchange risk.” This term refers to the potential loss of assets if an exchange faces hacking, insolvency, or regulatory action. By moving funds into self-custody, Cumberland asserts direct control. This action often precedes other strategic moves, such as using the assets as collateral in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols or facilitating large OTC trades without moving markets on public order books. The timing is also noteworthy, as it follows a period of relative stability in gold prices, potentially indicating accumulation for anticipated future movement. Market Impact and Broader Implications Transactions of this scale inevitably influence market perceptions and liquidity. While $15.7 million is a sizable sum, the overall PAXG market cap often exceeds $500 million, cushioning the direct price impact. However, the symbolic impact is significant. It signals to other market participants that sophisticated institutions are actively managing gold-backed crypto positions. This can attract further institutional interest, enhancing liquidity and legitimacy for the entire asset class. Furthermore, it underscores the growing interoperability between traditional commodity markets and the digital asset ecosystem. Key potential impacts include: Liquidity Signal: Large withdrawals can temporarily reduce exchange liquidity, potentially increasing volatility for smaller traders. Sentiment Indicator: It may be interpreted as a bullish long-term stance on gold, executed via a crypto vehicle. Infrastructure Validation: The move validates the robustness of the underlying blockchain and tokenization infrastructure for handling high-value institutional transfers. Looking ahead, the trend of tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs) like gold is accelerating. Cumberland’s activity provides a real-world case study in how major players navigate this convergence. It demonstrates a mature approach to asset allocation that considers custody, issuer risk, regulatory environment, and market access. As central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and other digital asset frameworks develop, the blueprint established by transactions like this will inform future institutional strategies. Conclusion Cumberland’s withdrawal of $15.7 million in PAXG from OKX is a multifaceted event rooted in sophisticated portfolio strategy. It highlights the maturation of gold-backed cryptocurrencies as a legitimate institutional asset class. The simultaneous holding of XAUT in the same wallet reveals a deliberate approach to risk diversification and custody. This PAXG transaction, therefore, is not an isolated trade but a strategic maneuver within the broader context of digital gold adoption. It reinforces the critical role of on-chain analytics in understanding institutional flows and signals continued growth for tokenized commodities in the global financial system. FAQs Q1: What is PAXG? PAXG (PAX Gold) is an Ethereum-based cryptocurrency token. Each token represents ownership of one fine troy ounce of a London Good Delivery gold bar stored in professional vaults. It combines gold’s value with blockchain’s transferability. Q2: Why would Cumberland withdraw PAXG from an exchange? Primary reasons include moving assets to more secure private custody (reducing exchange risk), preparing for a large over-the-counter (OTC) trade, or rebalancing their holdings across different trading venues and asset types as part of standard portfolio management. Q3: What is the difference between PAXG and XAUT? Both are gold-backed ERC-20 tokens, but they have different issuers (Paxos vs. Tether) and custodians. They represent similar underlying assets but carry different regulatory and counterparty profiles, which is why an institution might hold both. Q4: Does a large withdrawal like this affect the price of PAXG? The direct price impact on a ~$500M+ market cap asset is often minimal. However, it can affect exchange-specific liquidity and serves as a significant sentiment and activity indicator for other large market participants. Q5: What does this transaction indicate about institutional crypto trends? It underscores a growing institutional focus on tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), particularly stable stores of value like gold. It also highlights the importance of sophisticated custody strategies and risk management in digital asset portfolios. This post Cumberland Withdraws $15.7M in PAXG from OKX: A Strategic Move in Gold-Backed Crypto first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

26 Mar 2026, 04:00

The Most Bullish Bitcoin Signal That No One Is Talking About Just Arrived

A crypto market expert has reported that Bitcoin (BTC) has just formed its most bullish signal amid the ongoing bear market trend. According to the analyst, this technical signal could be the catalyst for a major bullish turnaround, potentially propelling Bitcoin’s price to explosive levels . Analyst Reveals Bitcoin’s Most Bullish Signal Yet The Bitcoin price has surged back above $71,000 after briefly declining near $68,000 just last week. While the market continues to experience fluctuating prices and short-term relief bounces, which many experts identify as potential fake outs , technical analyst Crypto Patel has shared a new signal that could lead to a full bullish reversal for BTC. In a Monday X post, the analyst revealed that BTC has formed an incredibly bullish signal that almost no one in the market is talking about. Sharing a price chart, Crypto Patel noted that BTC has recorded its longest negative correlation with the S&P 500 since 2020. He explained the significance of this correlation, suggesting that Bitcoin is no longer trading like a risk asset. Crypto Patel also revealed that the roughly 70,000 BTC in Open Interest was recently wiped out during a single liquidation event. This reset market positioning back to April 2025 levels, effectively clearing excess leverage from the system. Notably, the analyst emphasized that the last time Bitcoin decoupled from the S&P 500, it was followed by a powerful upward rally. Based on this historical trend, his analysis points to a comparable price surge in Bitcoin during this cycle, potentially pushing the cryptocurrency out of its ongoing bear market. While Crypto Patel maintains a broadly bullish outlook for BTC , other analysts remain significantly bearish. Market expert Lyvo has warned traders and investors on X against turning too quickly bullish after any major Bitcoin-related news. From a psychological standpoint, he explained that many participants have already accepted the idea that Bitcoin is in a bear market . He attributed this sentiment to the formation of lower highs and continued price declines, which have gradually changed retail sentiment . Despite the cautious outlook, Lyvo acknowledged that the market could still rebound from its current downtrend. However, he also noted that if Bitcoin continues dumping, it could push the market closer to its next bullish phase. Analyst Shares BTC Long-Term Price Forecast For his long-term outlook, Crypto Patel has projected that Bitcoin could reach an ambitious price target of $600,000 by 2029. He has shared a potential roadmap for achieving this milestone, using past cycle trends to support his bold forecast. According to the analyst, BTC surged to an ATH of about $68,991 in the last cycle before crashing roughly 77% to $15,470, marking a final bottom. He believes a similar trend could unfold this cycle, noting that Bitcoin hit a peak above $126,000 in October 2025 and could form its next cycle bottom around the same month in 2026. He further highlighted that the 0.5-0.618 Fibonacci Retracement level near $50,000-$35,000 on the price chart could be a major accumulation zone once BTC bottoms. Following this potential price floor, the analyst expects Bitcoin to stage a powerful rally and potentially hit a cycle peak between $500,000 and $600,000 sometime between September and October 2029.

26 Mar 2026, 04:00

Bitwise CIO Projects Circle To Hit $75B Valuation By 2030 Despite Selloff, Clarity Act Concerns

Circle stock, CRCL, experienced a significant decline over the past day following news of a proposed ban on stablecoin yield. Despite this selloff, Bitwise’s CIO maintains that the market reaction was excessive and projects that the company’s valuation will likely double by 2030. Related Reading: Cardano Price At Multi-Year Support That Previously Led To 200% Rally – ADA Recovery Ahead? Circle Selloff Was ‘Overblown’ – Bitwise CIO On Tuesday, Circle Internet Financial, the issuer behind the USDC stablecoin, saw its stock crash 22% to $98 following reports about lawmakers’ decision on the stablecoin yield dispute. CRCL’s selloff was driven by news that a revised draft of the Senate Banking Committee’s crypto market structure bill, known as the CLARITY Act, would prohibit platforms from offering yield, directly or indirectly, for holding a stablecoin, or in a manner that resembles a bank deposit. Despite the selloff, some market experts have made the case for Circle, highlighting it as a good opportunity and “the most obvious choice” to invest in the stablecoins sector. In his weekly memo, Bitwise’s CIO, Matt Hougan, called the market’s reaction “overblown.” He asserted that the latest draft of the CLARITY Act doesn’t alter the base case forecast for Circle. Interest income has not been a primary driver of stablecoin growth to date; the vast majority of stablecoins today are held in ways that don’t pay interest. Stablecoins have exploded in popularity because they let people move money anywhere in the world efficiently and reliably—for trade settlement, as collateral in lending, as an alternative to unstable national currencies, and more. Hougan also emphasized that stablecoins offer convenience, which is “the killer app for money,” pointing out that the average savings account and average checking account yield 0.60% and 0.07%, respectively. “People aren’t parking their money there for the yield,” he noted, adding that as the global financial system increasingly transitions to blockchain-based rails, stablecoins are expected to assume a more significant role in this shift, irrespective of whether they offer interest. The Case For Circle’s $75B Valuation Diving deeper into his outlook for Circle, Hougan shared key projections for the broader stablecoin sector’s market capitalization and the company’s potential market share in the coming years. Citing Citigroup’s report, he asserted that the “base case” for stablecoin‘s assets under management (AUM) projects it will reach $1.9 trillion by 2030, while a “bull case” estimates it at $4 trillion. Bitwise’s CIO also highlighted that Circle’s USDC, the second-largest dollar-pegged token, holds 25% of the overall stablecoin market share, only behind Tether’s USDT, but has a much larger share of the regulated stablecoin market, with an estimated 80%+ share. If you think much of the growth of stablecoin AUM will come from those markets (as banks, fintechs, and major enterprises opt for onshore, regulated stablecoins), you might expect Circle’s market share to increase well beyond its current 25% share. Lastly, he addressed what Circle could potentially earn on deposits in four years. As he explained, the company earns roughly 4% interest on $80 billion of its AUM backing USDC, but shares around 60% with distribution partners like Coinbase, netting a 1.6% take rate. Related Reading: Ethereum Tops $2,100 As BitMine Ramps Up ETH Bet With $137M Purchase While its sustainability hinges on interest rates and competition from rival stablecoins, Hougan projected that the take rate will be cut in half by 2030, to 0.8%. Using these “conservative assumptions” on the broader stablecoins market cap, the company’s market share, and margin, Bitwise’s CIO concluded that Circle could hit “$75 billion by 2030—even with the recent CLARITY Act concerns.” Featured Image from Unsplash.com, Chart from TradingView.com