Invest ideasNews
21 Apr 2026, 06:00
Altcoins Have Recovered $90B Since February – Analyst Explains Market Dynamics
Altcoins have been one of crypto’s most painful stories of the past few years. The 2022 bear market broke valuations across the sector, and the recovery that followed never fully delivered on its promise. The altseason that traders had been anticipating through 2024 and into 2025 arrived in fragmented, selective bursts rather than the broad-based surge the cycle was supposed to produce. For holders of most altcoins, the wait has been long — and expensive. The most recent chapter made things worse before they got better. According to analyst Darkfost, the October 2025 cycle top triggered another significant leg down for the altcoin sector. Total 3 — the combined market capitalization of altcoins excluding Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins — lost nearly $460 billion from that peak, a decline of roughly 38%. That is not a routine pullback. It is a wipeout that, for many tokens, extended losses that had never been recovered from 2022 in the first place. Since February, however, the picture has started shifting. Total 3 has recovered approximately $90 billion — a meaningful rebound accomplished against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tension and a macroeconomic environment that continues to restrict the liquidity flows that altcoins depend on to move. The recovery is real. Whether it is the beginning of something larger or another false start is the question the data is now building toward. The Numbers Are Improving, But The Landscape Has Never Been More Crowded The technical picture adds a layer of context to the $90 billion recovery. Darkfost points to the percentage of altcoins on Binance trading below their weekly 50-period moving average — a level that functions as a meaningful dividing line between assets in technical distress and those beginning to show genuine strength. In early February, 89% of altcoins on Binance sat below that threshold. Today, that figure has dropped to 67%. The direction is encouraging. A 22-percentage-point improvement in the share of altcoins recovering above a key technical level reflects something real happening beneath the surface — not a broad market explosion, but a gradual return of selective interest after a period of widespread capitulation. The caution, however, is structural and significant. Liquidity conditions remain constrained, which means the capital available to drive altcoin recoveries is not abundant. And the number of assets competing for that limited capital has reached a scale that is difficult to fully absorb. There are now approximately 49 million cryptocurrencies in existence — more than 22 million on Solana alone, 19 million on Base, and nearly 5 million on BNB Smart Chain. That number reframes the recovery entirely. When $90 billion must be spread across 49 million assets, the average token receives almost nothing. The improvement in the moving average data is real, but it is concentrated. In a market this fragmented, the difference between the tokens that recover and the ones that do not will come down to selection — and the margin for error has never been smaller. Altcoins Attempt Recovery Within a Fragile Structure The total crypto market cap, excluding the top 10 assets, is attempting to stabilize near the $180 billion level after a prolonged period of weakness that followed the 2025 peak. The broader structure remains mixed. While the sharp decline from the $300B–$320B region has slowed, price has not yet established a convincing uptrend. From a structural perspective, the market is still operating below the 200-week moving average, which continues to slope downward and act as a macro resistance level. This is a critical detail. Historically, sustained altcoin expansions tend to occur only after reclaiming and holding above this level, which has not yet happened. The recent bounce from the sub-$150B region shows early signs of demand returning, but the recovery remains modest relative to the prior drawdown. The current range between roughly $170B and $220B reflects a consolidation phase rather than a confirmed reversal. Volume trends reinforce the cautious outlook. While there was a notable spike during the sell-off phase, recent activity has declined, indicating reduced participation and limited conviction behind the rebound. For a more constructive outlook, the market would need to break above the $220B–$240B zone and sustain momentum. Until then, the current recovery appears fragile, with the structure still vulnerable to renewed downside pressure. Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com
21 Apr 2026, 06:00
Arbitrum freezes $71M of Ether connected to Kelp exploit
Griff Green, a member of Arbitrum’s security council, said the group acted with input from law enforcement and “did not make this decision lightly."
21 Apr 2026, 05:57
Bitcoin Price Surges Past $75K as BTC ETF Inflows Fuel Bullish Rally
Bitcoin price has surged after a strong spot ETF inflows, led by BlackRock’s IBIT, continue to support BTC’s upward move. Jack Yi noted, “Originally looking at 85,000, but take profits anytime based on the situation—specifically around 85,000 or so doesn’t really matter anymore.” Investors now await the FOMC meeting, which could shape Bitcoin’s next move toward $78K. Bitcoin price saw a steady rise over the past 24 hours, after it rose 1.43% to trade near $75,720. The move placed it ahead of the global crypto market, which gained just over 1%. The price trend signifies institutional inflows playing a primary role in driving the surge. Recent data shows that US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds have seen their strongest weekly inflows since mid-January. These inflows reached close to $996 million over the past week. Bitcoin Surges Amid BTC ETF Inflows A large portion of BTC ETF demand came from products linked to BlackRock, particularly its IBIT fund, which alone added over $250 million in a single day. On the contrary, Grayscale’s GBTC recorded modest outflows. The steady inflow of funds has provided a strong base for Bitcoin’s price. Unlike short-term retail-driven rallies, this type of demand tends to support longer trends. It also signals growing confidence among large investors. As a result, Bitcoin has managed to hold above key technical levels while maintaining upward momentum. Alongside institutional demand, market mechanics have also supported the rally. A wave of short liquidations added to buying pressure. Data shows that nearly $89 million worth of Bitcoin positions were liquidated in the last 24 hours. A large share of these positions were short trades. When such positions are forced to close, they create additional upward pressure on price. At the same time, Bitcoin’s dominance in the crypto market has increased. It now stands close to 59.5%. Capital is shifting away from small altcoins and into Bitcoin, and this is indicative. These shifts typically happen in uncertain times when investors want less volatile assets within the crypto space. Public commentary has also contributed to the discussion around Bitcoin’s prospects. Liquid Capital (formerly LD Capital) founder Jack Yi says that the current move, and its latest moves, will appear like a rebound more so than a complete reversal of the trend. The timing of market bottoms is still tricky to predict, he said. Far from that, he felt the importance of having clear targets and being cautious and managing risk. He plans for another setback on the back of more general financial factors. The price trend is still affected by a number of macro factors. These include movements in US equity markets, fluctuations in oil prices, and inflation data. Any sharp changes in these areas could impact Bitcoin’s direction. Monetary policy also remains a key factor. 最近一直看反弹而不是反转，那么反弹到哪里是关键，我们原本预计是85，但没人能精准踩点，关键是根据自己预期和风控止盈。从交易和周期角度看，可能还有一次大回调，也是绝佳的最后抄底机会，现在来看触发的因素可能是美股从历史新高回调，风险资产共跌，还有石油价格失控，通胀数据恐怖导致美联储放弃… — JackYi (@Jackyi_ld) April 21, 2026 Yi noted, “Originally looking at 85,000, but take profits anytime based on the situation—specifically around 85,000 or so doesn’t really matter anymore.” The Federal Open Market Committee meeting will guide expectations regarding interest rates. Decisions taken in this gathering may impact liquidity across all risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. On a technical basis, Bitcoin also has a very strong place. It trades higher than short-term and medium-term averages. This underpins the prevailing upward movement. Near $78,320 we see immediate resistance, which is a very recent high. The negative side shows support is at $75,000, and a deeper level is close to $73,200. If Bitcoin keeps staying above support level, it may try yet another step toward resistance. But a break below key levels would spell a near term downturn.
21 Apr 2026, 05:55
Arbitrum freezes $71 million in ether tied to Kelp DAO exploit
The layer-2 network's security council moved 30,766 ETH to a frozen intermediary wallet, accessible only via further governance action.
21 Apr 2026, 05:50
Bithumb Announces Strategic Based (BASED) Listing, Expanding KRW Trading Pairs for 2025
BitcoinWorld Bithumb Announces Strategic Based (BASED) Listing, Expanding KRW Trading Pairs for 2025 In a significant move for the South Korean digital asset market, leading cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb has officially announced the upcoming listing of Based (BASED) for direct Korean Won (KRW) trading pairs. The trading will commence precisely at 8:00 a.m. UTC on Monday, April 21, 2025. This development represents a pivotal expansion of Bithumb’s altcoin offerings and provides a regulated, high-liquidity gateway for South Korean investors to access the Based ecosystem. Bithumb’s Based Listing Details and Market Context Bithumb’s announcement follows a meticulous internal review process common among major South Korean exchanges. The exchange will open deposits for BASED tokens several hours before the official trading launch. Subsequently, the BASED/KRW spot trading market will become active at the designated time. This listing strategy aligns with Bithumb’s established protocol for integrating new assets, ensuring system stability and market fairness. The decision to list BASED arrives during a period of heightened regulatory clarity within South Korea’s digital asset sector. Furthermore, the nation’s Virtual Asset User Protection Act, fully implemented in 2024, establishes a more secure framework for exchanges and investors. Consequently, Bithumb’s compliance team has likely conducted extensive due diligence on Based’s tokenomics, security, and project fundamentals before approving the listing. Key aspects of the listing include: Trading Pair: BASED/KRW (Based to South Korean Won) Launch Time: 08:00 UTC, April 21, 2025 Exchange: Bithumb, one of South Korea’s ‘Big Four’ exchanges Market Type: Spot trading Understanding Based (BASED) and Its Project Ecosystem Based (BASED) operates as the native utility and governance token for a specific decentralized finance (DeFi) or blockchain ecosystem. While project details evolve, such tokens typically enable users to participate in network governance, pay for transaction fees, or access premium features within their native platform. The listing on a major exchange like Bithumb often signals a project’s maturation and growing recognition within the broader Asian cryptocurrency market. Historically, listings on premier South Korean exchanges have served as major liquidity and visibility catalysts for digital assets. The local market is known for its robust retail and institutional trading activity. Therefore, the BASED/KRW pair is expected to generate significant trading volume, potentially influencing the token’s global price discovery. This move also simplifies access for South Korean users, who previously might have needed to use international exchanges or complex cross-chain swaps to acquire BASED. Expert Analysis on Exchange Listing Trends Market analysts observe that Bithumb’s listing strategy in 2025 increasingly focuses on assets with clear use cases and sustainable tokenomics. This shift reflects both market maturity and stringent regulatory expectations. A listing announcement typically triggers a review of the asset’s circulating supply, vesting schedules, and overall distribution model to assess potential market impact. The timing of the listing, early in the Q2 trading week, allows the market to absorb the new asset before major macroeconomic data releases. It also positions Bithumb to capture trading activity from investors rebalancing portfolios at the start of a new quarter. Data from previous Bithumb listings shows that assets often experience elevated volatility in the first 24-48 hours of trading as market makers establish initial price levels and liquidity. The Impact on South Korea’s Cryptocurrency Landscape Bithumb’s addition of BASED directly influences the competitive dynamics among South Korean exchanges. Rivals like Upbit, Korbit, and Coinone consistently monitor and often respond to new listings to maintain their market offerings. This competitive environment ultimately benefits traders by expanding the range of accessible assets on compliant, domestic platforms. From a regulatory standpoint, the listing demonstrates ongoing engagement between exchanges and authorities. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) maintain oversight, requiring exchanges to implement rigorous anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures. The successful listing of an asset like BASED indicates it has passed these regulatory checkpoints. Comparative Table: Recent Major Listings on South Korean Exchanges (2024-2025) Exchange Asset Listed Date Trading Pair Upbit Project A Q4 2024 KRW Korbit Project B Jan 2025 KRW Bithumb Based (BASED) Apr 2025 KRW Conclusion Bithumb’s scheduled listing of Based (BASED) for KRW trading on April 21, 2025, marks a notable event in the exchange’s expansion strategy and the token’s journey toward mainstream adoption. This development provides South Korean investors with direct, regulated access to the asset, likely enhancing its liquidity and market profile. The move aligns with broader trends of selective, compliance-focused listings in the evolving South Korean digital asset ecosystem, reflecting a market that prioritizes both innovation and investor protection. FAQs Q1: What is Based (BASED)? Based (BASED) is a digital asset token that functions within a specific blockchain or decentralized application ecosystem. It is typically used for governance, paying network fees, or accessing services. Q2: When exactly does BASED trading start on Bithumb? Trading for the BASED/KRW pair will commence at 08:00 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on Monday, April 21, 2025. South Korean local time will be 5:00 PM KST on the same date. Q3: Why is a KRW listing significant? A direct Korean Won (KRW) trading pair allows South Korean investors to buy and sell the asset directly with their local currency without first converting to Bitcoin or Tether (USDT). This simplifies the process, often reduces costs, and provides access to deep local liquidity pools. Q4: Has Bithumb listed similar assets recently? Bithumb periodically lists new assets based on market demand, project viability, and regulatory compliance. The listing of BASED follows this ongoing curation process for expanding its trading portfolio. Q5: What should investors do before trading BASED? Investors should conduct their own research on the Based project, understand its tokenomics and use case, and be aware of the high volatility typically associated with new exchange listings. They must also ensure their Bithumb accounts are fully verified and funded. This post Bithumb Announces Strategic Based (BASED) Listing, Expanding KRW Trading Pairs for 2025 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
21 Apr 2026, 05:48
Step-by-Step Guide to Swap Ethereum (ETH) Quickly and Securely
Swapping Ethereum has gradually become a routine action for many people involved in crypto. Some do it to rebalance their holdings, others to explore new assets, and many simply want a faster way to move value across different ecosystems. While the process itself has become more accessible over time, it still helps to understand how to do it properly to avoid unnecessary mistakes or delays. A practical starting point is using services like https://swapspace.co/exchange/eth , which allow users to compare rates and complete swaps without going through complicated procedures. From there, the rest comes down to following a few clear steps and paying attention to small but important details. What Does It Actually Mean to Swap Ethereum? Before jumping into the steps, it’s worth clarifying what “swapping ETH” really involves. In simple terms, it means exchanging Ethereum for another cryptocurrency. This could be Bitcoin, a stablecoin, or any other supported asset. Unlike traditional exchanges, where you place buy or sell orders, swapping is usually more direct. You enter the amount, review the rate, and confirm the transaction. The system handles the rest in the background. For most users, this approach feels more straightforward because it removes the need to navigate charts or trading interfaces. That said, “simple” doesn’t mean risk-free. A basic understanding of how the process works can save you from avoidable errors. Step 1: Pick a Platform You Can Rely On The first decision matters more than it might seem. Not all platforms offer the same level of transparency or efficiency. Some may advertise attractive rates but include hidden fees, while others may require lengthy sign-up processes. A good platform should make things clear from the start. You should be able to see the estimated amount you’ll receive, the fees involved, and the expected processing time. Many users now prefer platforms that gather rates from multiple providers in one place. This approach saves time and gives a broader view of available options instead of relying on a single source. Step 2: Choose the Assets and Enter the Amount Once you’ve selected a platform, the next step is to define your swap. Choose Ethereum (ETH) as the asset you want to exchange and select the cryptocurrency you want to receive. After that, enter the amount of ETH you plan to swap. The platform will typically show you an estimated return based on current rates. Take a moment here to review the details: The expected amount you’ll receive Any service or network fees Minimum or maximum limits for the transaction Even if everything looks fine at first glance, it’s worth double-checking. Rates can shift quickly, especially in a volatile market. Step 3: Enter Your Wallet Address Carefully This step might seem simple, but it’s where many people slip up. You’ll need to provide the wallet address where the swapped cryptocurrency will be sent. Accuracy is critical. A single incorrect character can send your funds to the wrong destination, and there’s no easy way to reverse that. To reduce the risk: Copy and paste the address instead of typing it manually Double-check the first and last few characters Make sure the address matches the correct blockchain If you’re dealing with a new wallet or asset, it’s worth confirming compatibility before moving forward. Step 4: Send Your Ethereum After confirming all the details, the platform will give you a deposit address. This is where you send your ETH to begin the swap. Open your wallet, enter the provided address, and send the specified amount. Keep in mind that Ethereum transactions require gas fees, so make sure your balance covers both the swap amount and the transaction fee. It’s also important to send the exact amount requested. Sending too little or too much can cause delays or require manual intervention. Once the transaction is submitted, it will need to be confirmed on the blockchain before the swap proceeds. Step 5: Wait for the Swap to Complete After your ETH reaches the platform, the exchange process begins. This part usually doesn’t require any action from you. Depending on the network conditions and the platform’s processing time, the swap can take anywhere from a few minutes to a bit longer. During busy periods, delays are possible, but most services provide a way to track the progress. Once the swap is complete, the new cryptocurrency will be sent directly to the wallet address you provided earlier. Common Mistakes to Avoid Even though the process is fairly straightforward, there are a few common issues that can cause problems: Sending funds on the wrong network: Always confirm you’re using the correct blockchain Ignoring fees: Small fees can add up, especially with larger transactions Rushing through details: Taking a few extra seconds to review information can prevent bigger issues later Using unreliable platforms: Not all services offer the same level of reliability or transparency Being mindful of these points can help you avoid unnecessary complications. Practical Tips for Better Results Over time, experienced users tend to follow certain habits that make the process smoother: Check rates more than once: Even a short delay can change the outcome Start small if you’re unsure: A test transaction can give you confidence before committing a larger amount Keep track of network activity: Lower congestion often means faster and cheaper transactions Use secure wallets: This reduces the risk of losing access to your funds These aren’t complicated steps, but they can make a noticeable difference in your overall experience. Why Simplicity Matters More Than Ever As crypto continues to grow, tools and services are becoming more user-focused. What used to require multiple steps and technical knowledge can now be done in a few clicks. This shift is especially noticeable in ETH swaps. Instead of navigating complex trading systems, users can complete transactions quickly without sacrificing control. The goal is not just speed, but also clarity—knowing what you’re doing and what to expect at every stage. Final Thoughts Swapping Ethereum is no longer limited to experienced traders. With the right tools and a bit of attention to detail, almost anyone can do it efficiently. The process itself isn’t complicated, but it does reward careful execution. Choosing a reliable platform, double-checking your inputs, and staying aware of network conditions can go a long way in ensuring a smooth transaction. As with most things in crypto, the key is to stay informed and take your time when it matters. A few thoughtful steps can make the difference between a seamless swap and an avoidable mistake. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. The post Step-by-Step Guide to Swap Ethereum (ETH) Quickly and Securely appeared first on Times Tabloid .
