hodler

11 Mar 2026, 10:14

Arthur Hayes Sees $250K Bitcoin but Says Now Is Not the Time to Buy

Arthur Hayes, founder of the BitMEX exchange, says he would not invest in Bitcoin at the current moment, even though he still believes the asset could eventually reach $250,000. Speaking on the Coin Stories podcast published Tuesday on YouTube, Hayes said that if he had money to invest immediately, he would choose to wait rather than buy Bitcoin now. He explained that Bitcoin typically reacts less to geopolitical conflict itself and more to the monetary policies that follow it. According to Hayes, the common narrative that wars are good for Bitcoin misses the broader point. In his view, the real driver behind Bitcoin rallies is monetary expansion, particularly when central banks inject liquidity into the financial system. Hayes added that he plans to start accumulating Bitcoin again once the U.S. Federal Reserve shifts toward easing monetary policy and liquidity begins expanding again. Bitcoin still faces downside risk before next cycle Hayes believes Bitcoin may not have reached its market bottom yet. At the time of publication, the cryptocurrency traded near $69,800, about 45% below its October all-time high of $126,000. He warned that rising geopolitical tensions, including the possibility of a prolonged conflict between the United States and Iran, could increase pressure across global markets. Such a scenario, he said, could trigger broader selloffs in both equities and cryptocurrencies. Liquidation risks remain below $60K If market pressure continues, Hayes suggested Bitcoin could fall below $60,000. A drop to that level could trigger a wave of liquidations among leveraged traders in the crypto market. Bitcoin briefly approached this level earlier this year. In early February, the price dipped toward that range before stabilizing and recovering modestly. Long term outlook remains strongly bullish Despite his cautious stance in the short term, Hayes has not changed his broader outlook for Bitcoin. He previously predicted that Bitcoin could reach $250,000 by the end of 2026 and reaffirmed that forecast during the discussion. Hayes also argued that the period in which Bitcoin trades below $100,000 may become increasingly limited as adoption grows and macroeconomic conditions evolve. Other analysts remain more optimistic about the near term. Market analyst Michael van de Poppe recently pointed to the strong rise in the Nasdaq index as a signal that risk appetite may be returning to financial markets. According to him, improving sentiment in traditional markets could support additional gains for Bitcoin and altcoins. For Hayes, however, the key catalyst remains clear. He believes the next major Bitcoin rally will likely begin when central banks pivot toward aggressive liquidity expansion again.

11 Mar 2026, 10:10

Tokenized Gold Triumph: Tether Partner Antalpha Secures $100M+ in Unrealized Gains

BitcoinWorld Tokenized Gold Triumph: Tether Partner Antalpha Secures $100M+ in Unrealized Gains In a significant development for digital asset markets, Tether’s partner firm Antalpha now holds over $100 million in unrealized profits from its strategic investment in tokenized gold. This substantial gain, reported first by CryptoPotato, underscores the growing convergence between traditional safe-haven assets and blockchain technology. The firm’s position, equivalent to approximately 1.8 tons of physical gold, has become profitable following a sustained rally in global gold prices. This event provides a compelling case study for institutional adoption of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). Antalpha’s Tokenized Gold Investment Strategy Antalpha, a known partner of stablecoin giant Tether, executed a major investment in the tokenized gold market. The firm strategically purchased around $241 million worth of XAUt tokens. XAUt is a digital asset where each token represents ownership of one troy ounce of physical gold stored in professional vaults. Consequently, Antalpha acquired these tokens at an average price of $3,693 per ounce. This transaction effectively gave the firm a digital claim to a massive hoard of physical gold. The move demonstrates a clear institutional strategy to gain exposure to precious metals through blockchain efficiency. Tokenized assets like XAUt offer distinct advantages over traditional ownership. They enable fractional ownership, 24/7 global trading, and streamlined settlement. Furthermore, they reduce the logistical hurdles and costs associated with storing and insuring physical bullion. Antalpha’s large-scale purchase highlights the liquidity and scalability these digital instruments provide. Major financial institutions are increasingly exploring this asset class for portfolio diversification. The Mechanics of XAUt and Gold-Backed Tokens XAUt operates on a simple but robust model. For every token minted, one ounce of London Good Delivery gold is allocated in a secure, audited vault. Independent custodians hold the physical gold, and regular attestations verify the reserves. This model mirrors the operational principles of major stablecoins but is backed by a tangible commodity. The transparency and redeemability of these tokens are critical for institutional trust. As a result, they serve as a bridge between decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional commodity markets. Market Dynamics Fueling the $100M Gain The subsequent surge in gold prices directly created Antalpha’s paper profit. Global macroeconomic factors have driven a powerful rally in gold markets. Persistent inflation concerns, geopolitical tensions, and shifting central bank policies have increased demand for the precious metal. Consequently, the spot price of gold has climbed significantly above Antalpha’s average entry point. This price movement transformed the firm’s substantial position into a highly lucrative investment. The unrealized gain of over $100 million represents a remarkable return on the initial capital deployed. This event illustrates a key narrative for 2025: tokenized assets perfectly capture the price performance of their underlying counterparts. When gold prices rise, the value of XAUt tokens rises in tandem. Investors gain pure exposure to the commodity’s price action without operational complexities. The performance validates the thesis that blockchain tokenization does not dilute the fundamental value proposition of the underlying asset. Instead, it enhances accessibility and transferability. Macroeconomic Drivers: Inflation hedges, currency devaluation fears, and central bank buying. Market Accessibility: Tokenization allows seamless entry for digital-native investors and funds. Liquidity Provision: Digital tokens can be traded on multiple exchanges globally, enhancing market depth. The Broader Impact on Tokenized Real-World Assets Antalpha’s success is not an isolated incident. It signals a maturation phase for the entire tokenized RWA sector. This sector encompasses digital representations of treasury bonds, real estate, and commodities. Billions of dollars in value are now migrating onto blockchain networks. This migration promises greater efficiency, transparency, and composability in global finance. Institutional players like Antalpha provide crucial validation and liquidity to these nascent markets. Their participation encourages further development of regulatory frameworks and infrastructure. The involvement of Tether, through its partnership, adds a layer of credibility. Tether has extensive experience in managing asset-backed digital tokens, as seen with its USDT stablecoin. Its association suggests rigorous due diligence regarding custody, auditing, and regulatory compliance for the underlying gold. This trust factor is essential for attracting more conservative capital. The growth of this sector could fundamentally reshape how institutions manage and trade physical assets. Expert Analysis on Institutional Adoption Trends Financial analysts observe that 2025 is poised for accelerated institutional adoption of RWAs. The clear profit motive demonstrated by cases like Antalpha’s is a powerful catalyst. Furthermore, the infrastructure for trading, custody, and compliance has improved dramatically. Major traditional finance (TradFi) entities are now launching their own digital asset platforms. This convergence reduces the friction for large-scale allocations. The performance of tokenized gold during market stress also tests its resilience as a true safe-haven digital asset. Regulatory Landscape and Future Outlook The regulatory environment for tokenized commodities remains a critical watchpoint. Jurisdictions worldwide are crafting specific rules for asset-backed digital tokens. Clear regulations will provide certainty for investors and issuers alike. They will address concerns about custody, redemption rights, and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. A stable regulatory climate is necessary for the sector to scale from billions to trillions in value. Progress in this area will likely influence the pace of future investments similar to Antalpha’s. Looking ahead, the success of tokenized gold investments may spur innovation in other commodities. Tokenized silver, platinum, and even strategic metals like lithium could follow. The underlying blockchain technology enables the creation of complex financial products, such as indexed baskets or yield-generating instruments. The fusion of decentralized finance protocols with tangible assets creates entirely new economic models. This evolution represents a significant chapter in the digitization of global finance. Conclusion Antalpha’s achievement of over $100 million in unrealized gains from its tokenized gold investment marks a pivotal moment. It validates the economic viability of merging blockchain technology with traditional commodity investing. The firm’s strategic purchase of XAUt tokens capitalized on both the structural benefits of digital assets and a bullish gold market. This event strengthens the case for tokenized real-world assets as a legitimate and powerful asset class for institutional portfolios. As the infrastructure and regulatory frameworks mature, such large-scale, profitable positions are likely to become more commonplace, further bridging the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset ecosystem. FAQs Q1: What is tokenized gold? Tokenized gold is a digital asset on a blockchain where each token represents ownership of a specific amount of physical gold, typically held in secure, audited vaults. It combines gold’s value with digital assets’ transferability. Q2: How did Antalpha achieve $100M in unrealized gains? Antalpha purchased approximately $241M worth of XAUt tokens at an average price of $3,693 per ounce. When the market price of gold rose significantly above this purchase price, the value of their tokenized holding increased, creating the paper profit. Q3: What is XAUt? XAUt is a specific tokenized gold product where one token equals one troy ounce of physical London Good Delivery gold. It is issued on multiple blockchains and is designed for fast, global transactions. Q4: Are unrealized gains the same as profit? No, unrealized gains represent an increase in the value of an asset that is still held. The gain becomes realized (and turns into actual profit) only when the asset is sold at the higher price. Q5: Why are institutions interested in tokenized real-world assets (RWAs)? Institutions are interested because RWAs offer the stability and intrinsic value of traditional assets (like gold) with the efficiency, transparency, fractional ownership, and 24/7 liquidity provided by blockchain technology. This post Tokenized Gold Triumph: Tether Partner Antalpha Secures $100M+ in Unrealized Gains first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

11 Mar 2026, 10:05

Ether holds above $2k amid sustained Middle East geopolitical tensions

The cryptocurrency market has slightly retraced after a positive start to the week. Bitcoin has dropped below $70,000, while Ether is trading below $2,100 as the market shed 2% of its gains in the last 24 hours. However, Ethereum's (ETH) onchain and derivatives data showed investors largely maintained their positions over the past week, despite the volatile market conditions. The ongoing Middle East geopolitical tensions continue to affect the broader financial markets, including cryptocurrencies. Ethereum whales continue to hold Ether is down 2% in the last 24 hours and now trades at $2,021 per coin. The bearish performance comes following a positive start to the week. However, investors continue to hold their positions despite the market volatility. On-chain data shows that the balance of wallets holding 10K-100K ETH remained unchanged at 20.81 million ETH. Meanwhile, the wallets with a balance of 100-1K and 1K-10K ETH collectively reduced their holdings by 200,000 ETH. Furthermore, institutional investors have also been showing weakness lately. Ethereum ETFs recorded three consecutive days of net outflows, eliminating the inflows recorded earlier last week. Finally, the derivatives data show that retail interest has been steady in recent days. Ether’s futures Open Interest (OI) reads $26.7 billion. While the OI has been steady, the funding rates flipped positive over the past two days after a weekend of sharp negative funding. The constant flipping between positive and negative funding rates suggests that investors' sentiment remains uncertain and overly cautious. In an email to Invezz, Nick Forster, Founder at the onchain options platform, Derive.xyz, stated that traders are quietly betting the worst of the crypto sell-off may already be behind us. “Ethereum derivatives markets show an even stronger tilt toward upside positioning. Nine of the 10 largest ETH option purchases over the past week were calls, with the majority clustered around the $2.5K strike – roughly 25% above current levels. Notably, a sizeable purchase was also recorded at the $4K strike for the September expiry, suggesting some traders are positioning for a far larger rebound later in the year.” Ethereum Price Forecast: ETH fails to take out the $2,108 resistance The ETH/USD 4H chart remains bearish and efficient as Ether failed to overcome the $2,108 resistance level. Ethereum recorded $61.7 million in liquidations over the past 24 hours, led by $34.1 million in short liquidations. Despite the retracement, the near-term bias remains bullish as Ether is still trading above the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $2,020 while remaining well below the 50-day EMA at $2,225. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 54 is above the neutral 50, indicating a fading bullish momentum. The MACD lines remain above the signal level, suggesting a minor buying pressure. If the buying pressure resumes, the bulls will likely retest the $2,108 resistance again. Breaking above this level would open the way toward $2,388, followed by $2,746 as a more distant cap aligned with the declining 50-day EMA cluster. However, if the selloff persists, Ether will likely sweep the $1,741 support level. An extended bearish run would expose the $1,524 support zone, marking a deeper pullback. As long as Ether holds above the 20-day EMA, the bulls will continue to pressure the $2,108 resistance. The post Ether holds above $2k amid sustained Middle East geopolitical tensions appeared first on Invezz

11 Mar 2026, 10:04

XRP Exchange Activity Hits Record Lows But Ripple Expands Globally

Key Highlights: Exchange activity involving Ripple (XRP) has dropped to historic lows, signaling weaker trading volumes across crypto platforms. Despite the slowdown, Ripple continues expanding its global payments network and regulatory footprint. CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently toured global offices as the firm pushes international growth and licensing efforts. Exchange activity around Ripple($XRP) has fallen sharply in recent months, and has reached levels that analysts describe as ‘historic lows’. Market data reveals that traders have reduced the frequency of transfers and trading activity involving the token. XRP Transactions Hits Historically Low Even with this mild exchange activity , the crypto still remains active in the global market. At the time of reporting, XRP was trading at around $1.37. The crypto saw a minor dip of nearly 0.3% over the past 24 hours. Price movements have remained relatively stable compared to the larger volatility often visible in the crypto market. The decline in exchange-based activity comes at a time when Ripple is actively pushing forward with its global payments strategy. Company leadership has continued to highlight the growing role of XRP in the firm’s cross border financial infrastructure. According to executives, the asset remains deeply embedded in the company’s payments, liquidity, and treasury operations. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently shared insights from a global tour undertaken by the company’s leadership team. On March 10, Garlinghouse’s post described his hectic five day trip that extended to several continents. 3 continents, 4 global office visits, 5 days. Crossed too many time zones to count… Recently, @MonicaLongSF and I (along with others on the Ripple leadership team) traveled to Dublin, London, Singapore and Sydney to meet with the Ripple Team (many of whom joined from our… — Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) March 10, 2026 The trip included meetings with colleagues and partners throughout various international offices. Garlinghouse was accompanied by Monica Long, Ripple’s president, and senior members of the leadership team. Their trip included visits in Dublin, London, Singapore, and Sydney. On the trip, executives met with employees across Ripple’s worldwide networks, including staff who came on board after recent acquisitions. The acquisitions include businesses like GTreasury, Hidden Road, Rail, Palisade, and Solvexia. Garlinghouse said the meetings were informative as to how the company’s global workforce continues to expand and shape itself around Ripple as it expands in new markets. The company CEO also shared some observations about the company’s global structure and internal culture. Business hubs of the business keep evolving as teams spread further over the board, he said. He added that for a company that works across multiple continents, there is a requirement to move beyond a US-based view. It takes time and attention to protect corporate culture, according to Garlinghouse. He pointed to discipline, focus, and accountability as vital elements required in any team. Ripple’s work for this is removing layers of bureaucracy. It is thus encouraging employees to take greater responsibility and autonomy toward their efforts, according to him. Product strategy was another theme highlighted during the trip. Garlinghouse noted that large-scale adoption in financial infrastructure develops slowly. He emphasized that in the long run, platforms that can sustain different services provide more value than single tools. Moreover, companies need to build products based on existing customers’ needs, not only future opportunities, he said. Ripple is also growing its regulatory presence across several jurisdictions. The company recently detailed plans to acquire BC Payments Australia Pty, an entity linked to the Banking Circle Group. This will also qualify Ripple with access to an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL). The acquisition is expected to close in April 2026. After completion, the license will allow Ripple’s payments division to operate as a comprehensive financial service provider in Australia. The company will be able to handle the full lifecycle of cross border transactions. Also Read: Spot XRP ETFs Holds $1.44 Billion in Inflows Amid Major Price Correction

11 Mar 2026, 10:02

This Ripple CEO’s Statement On Global Vision for XRP Stuns XRP Army

Brad Garlinghouse, the chief executive officer of Ripple, has shared insights from a recent global tour of the company’s offices, highlighting strategic priorities and developments across several regions. In his remarks, Garlinghouse emphasized that the company sees significant growth potential in the coming year and stated that “there’s a huge opportunity ahead, and we are making sure XRP is at the center of it.” His comments outlined how Ripple’s leadership is positioning the company to capitalize on developments in payments, liquidity, custody, and treasury management. 3 continents, 4 global office visits, 5 days. Crossed too many time zones to count… Recently, @MonicaLongSF and I (along with others on the Ripple leadership team) traveled to Dublin, London, Singapore and Sydney to meet with the Ripple Team (many of whom joined from our… — Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) March 10, 2026 Global Visits Reflect Ripple’s Expanding Footprint Garlinghouse explained that he and Monica Long, Ripple’s President, recently traveled across multiple regions to meet teams working within Ripple’s international operations. The trip covered four major cities—Dublin, London, Singapore, and Sydney—within 5 days. It included meetings with employees who joined Ripple through acquisitions such as GTreasury, Hidden Road, Rail, Palisade, and Solvexia. According to Garlinghouse, the visit provided a direct opportunity to engage with employees across three continents and gain insight into how different teams contribute to Ripple’s objectives. He noted that centers of business activity and talent continue to shift globally, stressing that companies must avoid focusing solely on traditional U.S. coastal hubs. Conversations with both long-standing employees and newly integrated teams offered perspectives on how different markets influence innovation and operational priorities. Strengthening Internal Culture and Focus During the trip, Garlinghouse also addressed the importance of maintaining a strong organizational culture. He stated that culture should never be taken for granted and emphasized the need to maintain focus across teams as the company grows. He highlighted Ripple’s effort to reduce bureaucracy and ensure employees operate with a sense of ownership. According to Garlinghouse, leadership is prioritizing clear objectives and disciplined execution. He stressed that organizations should not equate constant activity with genuine progress and instead should focus on measurable outcomes. Adoption Requires Long-Term Platform Development Garlinghouse further explained that adoption of new financial technologies takes time and requires careful alignment with customer needs. He stated that successful solutions must operate as full platforms rather than isolated tools. Ripple’s strategy focuses on meeting customers where they currently operate rather than expecting them to shift immediately toward future models. This approach reflects the company’s broader objective of integrating its technologies into existing financial infrastructure. By building platforms rather than narrow products, Ripple aims to support institutions seeking practical improvements in payments, liquidity management, and treasury operations. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Artificial Intelligence and the Road Ahead for 2026 Another topic highlighted during the trip was the growing role of artificial intelligence within Ripple’s products. Garlinghouse said AI is increasingly integrated into corporate finance teams, particularly in cash forecasting and real-time liquidity management. He acknowledged that productivity improvements for employees represent an early stage of AI adoption but indicated that the long-term goal extends beyond efficiency gains. Ripple intends to embed AI capabilities across its financial infrastructure solutions. Looking ahead, Garlinghouse described 2026 as a potentially defining year for the company. He stated that Ripple now operates in key global markets with expanded capabilities across payments, custody, liquidity, and treasury management. Within that broader strategy, the company plans to position XRP as a central component of future opportunities emerging in the evolving financial technology landscape. 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. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post This Ripple CEO’s Statement On Global Vision for XRP Stuns XRP Army appeared first on Times Tabloid .

11 Mar 2026, 10:00

Bitcoin’s Million-Dollar Dream: Bitwise Lays Out The Path To $1 Million Per Coin

Despite Bitcoin (BTC) trading approximately 40% below its all-time highs and striving to maintain stability above the $70,000 mark, the long-term optimistic view on its value remains intact, particularly according to Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise Asset Management. In a recent report titled “How Bitcoin Gets to $1 Million,” Hougan argues that Bitcoin is transitioning into an emerging store-of-value asset, serving a similar function to gold. The Path To $1 Million Hougan presents a straightforward method for estimating BTC’s potential value. The process involves gauging the size of the store-of-value market, determining Bitcoin’s share of that market, and then dividing by its capped supply of 21 million coins. Currently, the total store-of-value market sits just under $38 trillion, consisting of approximately $36 trillion in gold and around $1.4 trillion in Bitcoin. As a result, Bitcoin currently commands slightly less than 4% of this market. According to Hougan, this figure may lead many to believe that a $1 million price tag for Bitcoin is unrealistic, especially since, to reach that valuation, Bitcoin would need to capture more than 50% of the store-of-value market. However, the executive notes an important aspect often overlooked: the store-of-value market is not static. It has seen substantial growth over the last two decades, and with rising concerns over fiat currency debasement , this trend is likely to persist. Bitcoin’s Potential Growth A key point in Hougan’s analysis is that the market for storing value is expected to expand dramatically. He predicts that within ten years, this global market could reach approximately $121 trillion. Under this scenario, Bitcoin would only need to seize about 17% of the market to achieve a price of $1 million per coin . While achieving this level of growth—rising from around 4% to 17%—requires significant progress, it appears increasingly feasible given Bitcoin’s recent advancements, he said. While Hougan acknowledges the optimism surrounding this prediction, he also highlights potential risks. If the global store-of-value market does not continue to grow as it has over the past two decades, there could be a downturn in gold prices. Furthermore, Bitcoin might struggle to capture additional market share. Conversely, Hougan cautions that these projections might be too conservative. As concerns about rising government debt reach critical levels, the growth of the store-of-value market may accelerate, resulting in BTC obtaining a larger share than the anticipated 17%. He emphasizes that the prevailing outlook—where both the store-of-value market continues to expand, and BTC increases its share—could imply significantly higher prices than today. At the time of writing, BTC was trading at around $70,130, registering gains of 8% over the past two weeks, according to CoinGecko data . Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com