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18 Mar 2026, 10:00

Bitcoin Has Entered A Rare Zone Against Gold, Fidelity Says

Bitcoin’s five-year compound annual growth rate has slipped below gold’s for the second time in its history, according to Fidelity Digital Assets, marking an unusual moment for an asset long defined by its outsized long-term returns. For markets, the signal is not just about relative performance against gold, but about what a slower growth profile may say about Bitcoin’s current market cycle. In a new Chart Chatter segment posted on X, Fidelity Digital Assets research analyst Zack Wainwright said Bitcoin’s five-year CAGR has been trending lower over time as the asset’s price has risen. That dynamic, he argued, has now produced a rare crossover. “What we are seeing now in early 2026 is Bitcoin’s CAGR falling below Gold’s 5-year CAGR for just the second time in Bitcoin’s history,” Wainwright said. “We have now seen three straight months to start the year of CAGR below Gold’s.” What This Means For Bitcoin That is the key statistic in Fidelity’s framing. Bitcoin has spent most of its history comfortably ahead of gold on a five-year compounded basis, which made the January break notable on its own. The fact that it has now persisted for three consecutive months gives the move more weight, especially coming at a time Fidelity explicitly describes as a bear market. Related Reading: This Week Could Be The Most Volatile For Bitcoin In 2026, Top Expert Warns Wainwright tied the last comparable episode to the end of the previous cycle. “Back in 2022, we saw one such month of this occurring in December 2022, when Bitcoin’s price was bottoming out in the bear market around $15,000,” he said. “We are now once again in a bear market and below that CAGR for a longer stretch this time of three months.” In Fidelity’s telling, the drop below gold is rare, but it has also happened before during a moment of acute market weakness. The difference this time is duration. One month in late 2022 could be dismissed as a brief distortion near a cycle low. Three straight months in early 2026 suggests a more sustained compression in Bitcoin’s long-term return profile. At the same time, Fidelity did not frame the crossover as evidence that Bitcoin has lost its defining edge altogether. Wainwright was careful to stress the historical balance. “Overall, Bitcoin has remained above Gold’s CAGR for the majority of its history,” he said. “So this is truly a unique instance and occurrence in Bitcoin, where it is now below the CAGR of Gold.” Related Reading: Bitcoin Buying Picks Up Again, But $79,962 Remains The Key Resistance: On-Chain Data Gold’s side of the comparison is important too. Spot gold closed at $2,156.61 per ounce on March 18, 2024, then climbed to $2,999.96 on March 18, 2025, and stood at $5,012.45 on March 17, 2026. That translates into a gain of about 67.1% over the past year and roughly 132.4% over two years — a surge that helps explain why Bitcoin’s five-year CAGR has now slipped below gold’s. For now, the takeaway is straightforward: Bitcoin still has the stronger long-run record against gold across most of its history, but early 2026 has produced a rare exception. Whether that proves to be another late-bear-market anomaly or an early sign of a more mature, slower-growth Bitcoin is the question Fidelity has now put squarely in front of the market. At press time, BTC traded at $74,015. Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com

18 Mar 2026, 10:00

Ripple CLO Explains What The New SEC Guidance Means For XRP

Ripple’s chief legal officer Stuart Alderoty says the SEC’s latest crypto guidance does more than clarify policy. In his reading, it effectively cements what Ripple has argued for years: XRP is not a security, but a digital commodity. The comment came after the US Securities and Exchange Commission said it had issued “an interpretation that clarifies the application of federal securities laws to crypto assets,” calling the move “a major step” toward giving markets, investors and innovators more clarity. Ripple’s Top Lawyer Reacts Alderoty quickly tied that announcement to Ripple’s long-running legal fight with the agency, writing via X:“We always knew XRP wasn’t a security – and now the SEC has made clear what it is: a digital commodity. Grateful to the Crypto Task Force for working to deliver the clarity that markets, investors, and innovators have long deserved.” We always knew XRP wasn’t a security – and now the @SECGov has made clear what it is: a digital commodity. Grateful to the Crypto Task Force for working to deliver the clarity that markets, investors, and innovators have long deserved. https://t.co/jJ7QTUiJbJ — Stuart Alderoty (@s_alderoty) March 18, 2026 That framing matters because it pushes the conversation beyond the narrower question of whether XRP sales can fall within securities laws in certain contexts. Alderoty’s post suggests Ripple sees the SEC’s latest interpretation as broader validation of the company’s core position: that XRP itself should be treated as a commodity-style crypto asset rather than a security instrument. Notably, the Commission’s new guidance defines how federal securities laws apply to crypto assets. Even so, the market reaction around XRP was immediate, with several legal commentators and crypto experts reading the move as a meaningful shift in the regulatory ground beneath the asset. Among the strongest reactions was from pro-XRP lawyer Bill Morgan, who linked the development directly to the Ripple case and Judge Analisa Torres’ reasoning. “So Judge Torres’ reasoning in SEC v. Ripple about XRP was 100% correct and is now accepted by the SEC in relation to most cryptos,” Morgan wrote. Chad Steingraber wrote , “We have the official list of Digital Commodities from the SEC,” then named a group of tokens which are included as examples inside the SEC document: APT, AVAX, BTC, BCH, ADA, LINK, DOGE, ETH, HBAR, LTC, DOT, SHIB, SOL, XLM, XTZ and XRP. Luke Martin pushed the bullish interpretation further, arguing that “If XRP isn’t a security, nothing is a security. Unfathomably bullish.” For XRP holders and Ripple supporters, the significance lies not only in the SEC’s updated crypto guidance, but in the fact that Ripple’s legal win appears to have gained another regulatory seal of approval, cementing XRP’s standing as a digital commodity. At press time, XRP traded at $1.52.

18 Mar 2026, 09:58

Solana Crypto Stablecoin Liquidity Hits Record Highs as Open Interest Climbs

Solana just set a new stablecoin liquidity record. Supply surged past $15.58 billion in February. At the same time, Open Interest climbed from $4.9 billion to nearly $6 billion in a matter of weeks. That is $1 billion in fresh leverage entering the system while sideline capital sits at all-time highs. Transaction volumes are up 300% year-over-year. This is real settlement activity, not just speculative rotation. But the leverage building underneath is the real story. Massive dry powder plus rising derivative exposure is exactly how volatility squeezes get built. Solana (SOL) 24h 7d 30d 1y All time Stablecoin Liquidity Signals Dry Powder: What the Data Shows Solana’s stablecoin dominance is the foundation of this entire setup. USDC transfer volume on the network jumped 300% year-over-year. And the median transaction fee stayed near $0.00047 throughout that volume spike. Solana now holds roughly 36% of global stablecoin transaction volume. That is not a vanity metric. Stablecoins sitting on-chain represent potential buy pressure that does not need to bridge in from anywhere else. Source: Total Solana Stablecoins Market Cap Exceeds 15.347b / DefiLlama The derivatives side is where it gets dangerous. Open Interest climbed 22% in a short window, from $4.9 billion to nearly $6 billion. Fresh capital is entering, not just short covering. That validates the trend but also loads the gun for a liquidation cascade. XRP flipped BNB in open interest right before a major volatility event. High OI is always a double-edged sword. Watch funding rates closely. If OI pushes above $6 billion while price consolidates, a 5% move in either direction could trigger $500 million in liquidations. The floor is strong. The ceiling is loaded. Something is going to give. Can Solana Crypto Price Push Higher? Key Levels to Watch SOL is printing higher highs and higher lows. Buyers are defending strength instead of fading it. The structure is constructive. But $100 to $110 is the wall that matters. If stablecoins rotate into risk assets and SOL clears $110 with volume, the path to $125 opens up. The stablecoin supply sitting on-chain provides the fuel to sustain that move. The danger is the OI acting as a heavy anchor. A rejection at $105 could trigger a long squeeze and flush over-leveraged positions fast. First major support lands at $88. Lose that and the structure weakens significantly. Watch $105 on the daily. Close above it and the squeeze resolves upward. Lose $92 and the bullish leverage thesis falls apart. Discover : The best new crypto in the world The post Solana Crypto Stablecoin Liquidity Hits Record Highs as Open Interest Climbs appeared first on Cryptonews .

18 Mar 2026, 09:43

Crypto Payments Are Going Mainstream: Can Tourists Turn Into Daily Users In South Korea?

Centralized exchange Crypto.com has partnered with KG Inicis, South Korea’s largest payment gateway and value added network (VAN) provider, to offer crypto payment options to foreign visitors in Korea. Related Reading: Crypto-Linked Crime Jumps In Basque Country — But What Does It Mean For Traders? A New Korean Alliance Crypto.com announced today that this partnership with KG Inicis aims to “scale the digital asset payments ecosystem by enabling digital asset payments for foreign travelers”. This will be achieved by the creation of Crypto.com Pay, an app that will allow said travelers to spend digital assets on everyday goods and services at Korean merchants and K‑commerce platforms plugged into KG Inicis. https://t.co/vCNztATkNg is partnering with KG Inicis, the largest Payment Gateway and Value Added Network provider in South Korea, to enable digital asset payments for foreign travellers via https://t.co/vCNztATkNg Pay. Read more here: https://t.co/mcQ9Cifnce pic.twitter.com/zAsSMFRkO7 — Crypto.com (@cryptocom) March 17, 2026 Everyone Benefits This is not a minor feat for the Korean CEX. KG Inicis is Korea’s number one integrated payment platform, processing over 400 million transactions a year and commanding roughly 40% of the local payment gateway market, giving Crypto.com immediate access to large‑scale real‑world payment rails. The move reduces friction from foreign exchange (FX) fees and card charges for tourists by letting them pay directly in crypto, while merchants can still settle in either fiat or digital assets. Therefore, this deal is a win-win scenario for all the parts involved. The announcement also states that both companies “will also explore further business collaboration”, clarifying that these will be “subject to compliance with local regulations, including promotional activities, co-marketing opportunities, and the creation of new products and services”. Strategically, the Korean CEX is layering this on top of its broader South Korea push, which already includes regulatory registrations and a plan to roll out retail trading via its app. A Country On The Crypto Move As South Korea tightens oversight with an expanded Travel Rule and bank‑like expectations for exchanges, getting a regulated, domestic payment gateway on board with a deal like this is not a workaround, but rather a strong regulatory signal. Related Reading: Bitcoin Price Hits $74K As Geopolitical Tensions Spike, Is BTC Poised For a Fresh Leg Down? South Korea is positioning itself as a structured but pro‑innovation hub, moving toward spot Bitcoin ETFs and formal digital asset frameworks while stepping up enforcement against non‑compliant platforms. Embedding crypto into mainstream payment gateways like KG Inicis suggests regulators are more comfortable with token usage when it sits on top of existing, supervised financial infrastructure. For traders, this kind of real‑world integration tends to support the medium‑term thesis for large‑cap assets and payment‑focused tokens tied to the Crypto.com ecosystem, even if the immediate price impact is muted and dependent on tourist adoption metrics and Korea’s next regulatory steps. At the moment of writing, BTC’s price reaches $74k. Source: BTCUSD on Tradingview Cover image from Perplexity, BTCUSD chart from Tradingview

18 Mar 2026, 09:41

Regulatory Milestone Looms As CLARITY Act Shapes Bitcoin Market Dynamics

Bitcoin’s price rally is linked to progress on the U.S. CLARITY Act legislation. Continue Reading: Regulatory Milestone Looms As CLARITY Act Shapes Bitcoin Market Dynamics The post Regulatory Milestone Looms As CLARITY Act Shapes Bitcoin Market Dynamics appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

18 Mar 2026, 09:30

STAK BTC’s Strategic $2.4M Raise: Ex-UK Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng Fuels Bold Bitcoin Accumulation

BitcoinWorld STAK BTC’s Strategic $2.4M Raise: Ex-UK Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng Fuels Bold Bitcoin Accumulation In a significant move for institutional cryptocurrency adoption, STAK BTC, a dedicated Bitcoin accumulation company, has successfully secured $2.4 million in funding. The firm, notably led by former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng, announced its intention to deploy this capital toward purchasing additional Bitcoin, according to a report from BitcoinTreasuries. This development, emerging from London in early 2025, signals a growing convergence between traditional political finance expertise and the digital asset ecosystem. STAK BTC’s Mission and the $2.4 Million Funding Round STAK BTC operates with a clear, singular objective: to systematically acquire and hold Bitcoin as a primary treasury asset. The recent $2.4 million capital raise represents a pivotal step in scaling this mission. Consequently, the influx of funds will directly increase the company’s Bitcoin holdings. This strategy aligns with a broader trend often called “digital gold” acquisition, where entities treat Bitcoin as a long-term store of value. Furthermore, the involvement of high-profile financial figures adds a layer of mainstream credibility to such ventures. The funding mechanism and investor details remain partially private. However, the participation suggests confidence from accredited investors or institutions. Typically, these rounds involve venture capital firms, family offices, or high-net-worth individuals seeking exposure to Bitcoin through a managed vehicle. Therefore, STAK BTC functions not as a fund for public investment but as a proprietary holding company. Its success hinges on the strategic deployment of capital and the subsequent performance of its Bitcoin treasury. The Significance of Kwasi Kwarteng’s Leadership The involvement of Kwasi Kwarteng as the leader of STAK BTC is arguably the most noteworthy aspect of this story. Kwarteng served as Chancellor of the Exchequer, the United Kingdom’s chief financial minister, from September to October 2022. His tenure, though brief, placed him at the apex of the UK’s economic policy. His transition into the cryptocurrency sector is a powerful signal. It demonstrates that serious financial and political operators are engaging with digital assets at a strategic level. Bridging Traditional Finance and Digital Assets Kwarteng’s background provides STAK BTC with unique advantages. Firstly, he possesses deep insight into macroeconomic policy, fiscal regulation, and global financial systems. This expertise is crucial for navigating the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies. Secondly, his network within traditional finance and government can facilitate institutional partnerships and dialogue. His leadership implies a view that Bitcoin has matured beyond a speculative asset into a legitimate component of modern finance. This perspective may influence other traditional finance veterans to explore the space. For context, other political figures have entered the crypto industry, but a former finance minister leading a Bitcoin-specific accumulation company is particularly significant. It reflects a calculated, long-term belief in Bitcoin’s value proposition. Moreover, it comes at a time when global regulators are actively shaping frameworks for digital assets. Kwarteng’s experience could position STAK BTC favorably during these developments. Bitcoin Accumulation as a Corporate Strategy STAK BTC’s model follows a path pioneered by publicly traded companies like MicroStrategy. The core thesis is straightforward: Bitcoin represents a superior treasury reserve asset compared to traditional fiat cash, which may depreciate due to inflation. Companies accumulate Bitcoin to protect their capital’s purchasing power over the long term. The strategy has gained traction since 2020, with numerous firms allocating portions of their balance sheets to Bitcoin. Key drivers for corporate Bitcoin accumulation include: Inflation Hedge: Perceived protection against currency devaluation. Capital Appreciation: Potential for asset value growth. Balance Sheet Diversification: Adding a non-correlated asset. Technological Forwardness: Signaling adoption of innovative financial systems. STAK BTC takes this concept further by existing solely for this purpose. Unlike a technology company that buys Bitcoin alongside its operations, STAK BTC’s entire operational mandate is accumulation. This pure-play approach attracts investors who want direct, focused exposure to this specific strategy without the operational risk of another business. The Reporting Role of BitcoinTreasuries and Market Context The news originated from BitcoinTreasuries, a well-known data aggregation service that tracks Bitcoin holdings of companies, nations, and ETFs. Their report via the X social media platform is a standard channel for breaking such news in the crypto community. The data provides transparency, allowing market participants to monitor the flow of institutional capital into Bitcoin. When a new entity like STAK BTC appears on their radar, it validates the company’s activity and contributes to the overall picture of institutional adoption. The $2.4 million raise occurs within a specific market environment. Factors such as Bitcoin’s price volatility, regulatory announcements, and macroeconomic conditions directly impact accumulation strategies. For instance, a period of price consolidation might be viewed as an accumulation opportunity. Therefore, the timing of STAK BTC’s capital deployment will be closely watched by analysts. The move also contributes to the ongoing narrative of Bitcoin’s “hardening” as an institutional asset class, potentially influencing market sentiment. Potential Impacts and Future Trajectory The establishment and funding of STAK BTC have several potential implications. Firstly, it may encourage the formation of similar single-purpose Bitcoin holding companies, especially in regions with clearer regulations. Secondly, it adds to the growing ledger of institutional Bitcoin ownership, which can reduce net sell-side pressure over time as these entities typically hold for long periods. Thirdly, Kwarteng’s involvement could spur more constructive discussions between the crypto industry and policymakers in the UK and Europe. Looking ahead, the key metrics for STAK BTC will be the size of its Bitcoin treasury and its disclosure practices. Will it report holdings publicly on a regular basis? How will it manage custody and security, which are paramount for large Bitcoin holders? Furthermore, its success may lead to subsequent funding rounds, scaling the operation significantly. The company’s journey will serve as a case study for the viability of dedicated Bitcoin accumulation as a standalone business model. Conclusion The $2.4 million funding round for STAK BTC, under the leadership of former UK Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, marks a notable moment in Bitcoin’s institutionalization journey. It exemplifies the merging of high-level traditional finance expertise with a conviction in digital asset strategy. While the sum may be modest compared to larger corporate treasuries, the symbolic weight of the leadership and the purity of the firm’s Bitcoin accumulation mandate are significant. This development underscores the enduring appeal of Bitcoin as a treasury asset and suggests that its integration into the formal financial landscape will continue to involve influential figures from the highest echelons of government and finance. The progress of STAK BTC will be a telling indicator of this convergence trend. FAQs Q1: What is STAK BTC? STAK BTC is a private company dedicated exclusively to accumulating and holding Bitcoin as its primary treasury asset. It operates similarly to a holding company focused on a single digital asset. Q2: Who is Kwasi Kwarteng and why is his involvement important? Kwasi Kwarteng is the former Chancellor of the Exchequer for the United Kingdom. His leadership of STAK BTC is significant because it signals serious engagement with Bitcoin by individuals with top-level experience in traditional government finance and macroeconomic policy. Q3: How will the $2.4 million be used? The raised capital is intended for the direct purchase of additional Bitcoin, thereby increasing the total holdings of the STAK BTC treasury. The company’s strategy is to grow its Bitcoin balance sheet over time. Q4: Is STAK BTC a fund where public investors can participate? No, based on available information, STAK BTC appears to be a privately held accumulation company. The $2.4 million raise likely involved private investors, and it is not structured as a publicly traded fund or ETF available to retail investors. Q5: What does this mean for Bitcoin adoption? This event contributes to the narrative of institutional Bitcoin adoption. It demonstrates that sophisticated actors are creating dedicated vehicles for Bitcoin exposure, viewing it as a legitimate long-term asset class rather than purely a speculative instrument. This post STAK BTC’s Strategic $2.4M Raise: Ex-UK Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng Fuels Bold Bitcoin Accumulation first appeared on BitcoinWorld .