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31 Mar 2026, 06:30

Upbit Halts POKT Transactions: Essential Network Upgrade Sparks Temporary Suspension

BitcoinWorld Upbit Halts POKT Transactions: Essential Network Upgrade Sparks Temporary Suspension In a decisive move impacting digital asset traders, the prominent South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Upbit has announced a temporary suspension of all deposit and withdrawal services for Pocket Network (POKT). This pivotal action, scheduled for 9:00 a.m. UTC on April 7, directly facilitates a crucial network upgrade for the POKT blockchain. Consequently, users must prepare for a brief interruption in POKT liquidity on one of Asia’s most significant trading platforms. Upbit’s POKT Suspension: A Detailed Timeline and Rationale Upbit formally communicated the suspension plan to its user base on April 5, 2025. The exchange explicitly cited a “network upgrade” on the Pocket Network blockchain as the core reason for the temporary halt. This proactive measure is a standard industry practice. Exchanges typically suspend external wallet movements during major protocol changes to ensure user fund security and maintain accurate accounting. The suspension window will remain in effect until the Pocket Network development team confirms the upgrade’s successful completion and stability. Upbit has committed to providing a follow-up announcement once services resume normally. This operational pause affects only the movement of POKT tokens to and from the exchange. Importantly, spot trading of POKT against Korean Won (KRW), Bitcoin (BTC), and Tether (USDT) will continue uninterrupted on the Upbit order book during this period. Therefore, users can still execute buy and sell orders, but they cannot deposit new POKT from external wallets or withdraw their holdings to private wallets until the all-clear is given. Understanding the Pocket Network Upgrade The suspension directly stems from a planned technical evolution of the Pocket Network protocol. Pocket Network serves as a decentralized infrastructure protocol that provides robust blockchain data access. It operates through a global network of independent node runners who earn POKT tokens for relaying data requests. Network upgrades, often involving changes to consensus mechanisms or core protocol features, are essential for scalability, security, and introducing new functionalities. Such upgrades require all network participants, including exchanges like Upbit that operate full nodes, to synchronize their software. A temporary suspension of deposits and withdrawals prevents the occurrence of transaction failures or fund loss that could happen if a user sends tokens to an outdated wallet address during the transition. This practice underscores the exchange’s commitment to operational security and mirrors procedures followed by other major platforms like Coinbase and Binance during similar events. Expert Perspective on Exchange Protocol Management Industry analysts consistently note that coordinated protocol upgrades represent a sign of blockchain maturity. “When a top-tier exchange like Upbit pauses services for an upgrade, it signals both the importance of the underlying network change and the exchange’s rigorous custody standards,” explains a blockchain infrastructure specialist. “The temporary inconvenience is vastly preferable to the alternative of unsynchronized chains leading to potential double-spends or lost transactions. This is a textbook example of responsible asset management.” Immediate Impact on Traders and the POKT Market The announcement has several immediate implications for market participants. First, arbitrage opportunities between Upbit and other exchanges listing POKT may temporarily narrow or widen, as the flow of tokens to balance prices is halted. Second, users reliant on moving POKT for staking, providing liquidity in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, or personal custody must complete all transfers before the 9:00 a.m. UTC deadline on April 7. Historically, well-communicated technical suspensions for upgrades have a minimal long-term impact on asset prices, especially when trading remains active. The key metric for market sentiment will be the successful execution of the Pocket Network upgrade itself. A smooth upgrade often builds confidence in a project’s technical team, while problematic rollouts can induce volatility. Upbit’s role is primarily that of a secure conduit; its actions mitigate external risk during the process. Key Actions for Upbit Users: Complete any urgent POKT deposits or withdrawals before April 7, 9:00 a.m. UTC. Monitor official Upbit and Pocket Network channels for service restoration notices. Remember that spot trading of POKT remains available during the suspension. Broader Context: Exchange Operations and Blockchain Evolution This event highlights the intricate relationship between centralized exchanges and the decentralized networks they support. Exchanges must maintain robust technical infrastructure to interact with dozens of distinct and constantly evolving blockchains. The table below outlines common reasons for deposit/withdrawal suspensions: Reason for Suspension Typical Duration Examples Network Upgrade / Hard Fork Several hours to 2 days Ethereum Merge, Bitcoin Taproot Wallet Maintenance 1-6 hours Security key rotation, node resyncing Unusual Network Congestion Variable Sudden spike in gas fees or pending transactions Security Investigation Indefinite (until resolved) Suspected exploit or anomalous activity Upbit’s transparent communication regarding the POKT suspension aligns with best practices for user protection and regulatory compliance in South Korea’s strict digital asset framework. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) mandates clear user communication for any service disruption affecting fund accessibility. Conclusion Upbit’s temporary suspension of POKT deposits and withdrawals is a controlled, security-focused response to a scheduled Pocket Network upgrade. This operational procedure safeguards user assets during a critical technical transition. While briefly limiting external token movement, it allows continuous market trading and underscores the professional protocols employed by leading exchanges. The crypto community will now observe the successful deployment of the Pocket Network upgrade, after which Upbit will swiftly restore full POKT services, maintaining its pivotal role in South Korea’s dynamic digital economy. FAQs Q1: Can I still trade POKT on Upbit during the suspension? A1: Yes. The suspension applies only to deposits and withdrawals from external wallets. Spot trading of POKT against KRW, BTC, and USDT on the Upbit exchange will continue without interruption. Q2: How long will the POKT deposit and withdrawal suspension last? A2: Upbit has not specified an exact end time. The suspension begins at 9:00 a.m. UTC on April 7 and will remain in effect until the Pocket Network upgrade is confirmed stable. Upbit will issue a new announcement once services resume. Q3: What should I do if I need to move my POKT tokens before the upgrade? A3: You must initiate and complete any deposit or withdrawal transaction on Upbit before the deadline of 9:00 a.m. UTC on April 7, 2025. Transactions initiated after this time will likely fail or be delayed until after the maintenance. Q4: Is my POKT safe on Upbit during this suspension? A4: Yes. The suspension is a preventive measure to ensure safety during the network transition. All funds held on the exchange remain secure in Upbit’s custody systems. This is a standard operational procedure, not a response to a security incident. Q5: Will this suspension affect the price of POKT? A5: While temporary suspensions can sometimes cause minor short-term volatility due to reduced liquidity flows, the primary price driver will be the market’s perception of the Pocket Network upgrade itself. A successful upgrade is generally viewed positively by the market. This post Upbit Halts POKT Transactions: Essential Network Upgrade Sparks Temporary Suspension first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

31 Mar 2026, 06:23

Avalanche price forecast: AVAX eyes rebound as Korea deal boosts outlook

Avalanche (AVAX) price traded just in the green on Tuesday morning as most cryptocurrencies held near key levels amid ongoing market weakness. However, investor attention on the altcoin could rise as South Korea’s KB Kookmin Card accelerates the development of a stablecoin-based payment model on the Avalanche network. AVAX price hovered around $8.94 during early Asian hours, up 1.7% in the past 24 hours. Hybrid stablecoin card payments KB Kookmin Card, one of South Korea’s largest credit card issuers, has announced its move to build a hybrid payment system that integrates blockchain-based stablecoins into its existing card infrastructure. The financial institution is collaborating with Avalanche and digital asset provider OpenAsset. According to details, the model links a stablecoin wallet to a user’s card, enabling top-up, payment, and settlement processes to run on a public blockchain while preserving the familiar card payment experience. KB Kookmin Card’s system will allow users to prioritize spending stablecoin balances from the linked blockchain wallet, and automatically fall back to the credit card line if the wallet balance is insufficient. This design aims to lower the barrier to using digital assets in everyday transactions while keeping reward programs and card benefits intact, potentially accelerating mainstream stablecoin use. By moving beyond a limited proof-of-concept and toward real-world service deployment, the partnership positions Avalanche as key infrastructure for regulated, fiat-linked digital payments in a major Asian market. Avalanche price outlook amid growing institutional adoption The AVAX token has traded lower since peaking above $35 in September 2025. Current price levels of $8.90-$9.00 means that the cryptocurrency is down 27% year-to-date and -70% in the past six months. The short-term outlook aligns with the broader bearish market sentiment, where macro and geopolitical headwinds continue to hinder bulls. Bitcoin price is struggling below $70,000 while Ethereum has retreated to support around $2,000, with the Iran war a major near-term concern for bulls. From a technical perspective, the picture on the daily chart reinforces the downside as the path of least resistance. Charts show the daily RSI and MACD indicators in support of bears, and a dip for Bitcoin could see AVAX plummet to $8.00 or lower. However, market analysts note that Avalanche’s long-term price trajectory could be bullish, particularly amid real-world adoption, network activity, and institutional partnerships. The partnership with KB Kookmin Card has the potential to bolster transaction volumes and user activity on Avalanche as the stablecoin rollout takes shape. Long term, the resulting boost in on-chain fees and demand for AVAX as a core network asset could provide a constructive tailwind for price. AVAX price hit an all-time high above $147 in 2021. It means bulls have a steep hill to climb if they harbour any desire to reclaim these heights. The post Avalanche price forecast: AVAX eyes rebound as Korea deal boosts outlook appeared first on Invezz

31 Mar 2026, 06:19

Crypto Isn’t Trying to Get Attention Anymore, And That Might Be the Point

Crypto is no longer vying for attention. That may sound strange for an industry built so heavily on speculation, but it may not be a bad thing. After all, attention rarely lasts on its own. The Starbucks Teddy Bear cup is a small example: a limited-edition drop that drew queues, collector hype, and then faded. Crypto often worked the same way in previous cycles, when visibility and excitement were treated as proof of strength. This time, the market seems a little less dependent on being in the spotlight all the time. The change becomes more interesting when you look at the data. Outset Data Pulse (ODP) tested that idea by analyzing 63,926 CoinDesk headlines published between January 1, 2014, and December 30, 2025, and then matched them against daily Bitcoin closing prices from the TradingView composite index, covering a total of 4,381 days. ODP’s findings may run against what many traders feel they’ve seen in real time, but the data points in a different direction: news does not predict Bitcoin’s price. More precisely, the correlation between daily news and next-day Bitcoin price movements was 0.019 (negligible). Even the headline tone proved weak as a signal: CoinDesk coverage was 58% neutral, 21% positive, and 21% negative, while sentiment explained only about 0.5% of price movement. Image source: Outset Data Pulse That held true across halving cycles, bull and bear markets, the COVID crash, and the FTX collapse, and no meaningful effect showed up in the data. ODP examined its findings across five different time lags, in both directions, and still found no meaningful predictive effect. If anything, the opposite might be true. Bitcoin prices appeared to move before coverage, rising by roughly 1% before news spikes and then falling by around 0.8% after coverage. The market reacts first, presumably through insider networks or social media, while the headlines catch up later. In ODP’s framing, the headline is often just the last mile of an information relay: by the time it appears, faster channels have usually done the real work. The relationship looks loose even at the yearly level. More articles did not consistently mean more volatility, which only adds to the case that attention is not the same thing as signal. Image source: Outset Data Pulse ODP supports its claims with individual events as well. One good example is that of the Bitcoin ETF approval. In January 2024, the U.S. SEC approved the spot Bitcoin ETF, and CoinDesk published 51 articles that day. Despite this being the biggest news of the year, Bitcoin dropped 7.67% the next day. At first glance, that seems backwards. How could BTC’s price fall after a major regulatory win? The report answers this question with data from before the actual event. A month prior to the ETF approval, on December 4, 2023, CoinDesk published 81 articles on the topic as ETF speculation reached a fever pitch. Bitcoin rose 5% on December 4. “The market had already priced in the approval weeks before it happened,” analysts behind ODP state. The report is based on a defined dataset and should be read in that context. Even so, it highlights an interesting phenomenon: crypto may be learning to function without constant visibility. What the report does suggest is that crypto may be relying less on headlines as proof of relevance. If markets are moving before the coverage arrives, then attention is no longer the clearest signal of where the real action is. In essence, crypto may no longer need constant headlines to show that it still matters. By moving away from an attention-driven phase to a usage-driven one, crypto doesn’t become weaker, as some traders would assume. Instead, it makes it potentially more durable underneath. That said, it doesn’t mean attention has disappeared from the equation. This is the attention economy, so to say that it doesn’t matter entirely is, at the very least, disingenuous. However, when hype becomes a temporary spike rather than the engine itself, the market starts to look less attention-driven.

31 Mar 2026, 06:17

LINK Technical Analysis March 31, 2026: Support Resistance and Market Commentary

LINK under downtrend pressure at the 8.73$ level, critical support at 8.70$ is being tested. RSI neutral, MACD bearish; BTC correlation increases risks, resistance breakout at 8.87$ expected.

31 Mar 2026, 06:10

Google’s quantum breakthrough renews security concerns for Bitcoin and other blockchains

Google Quantum AI unveiled a method that could break blockchain cryptography with far fewer resources. Security experts and investors are urging blockchains to accelerate post-quantum migration plans as risks grow. Continue Reading: Google’s quantum breakthrough renews security concerns for Bitcoin and other blockchains The post Google’s quantum breakthrough renews security concerns for Bitcoin and other blockchains appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

31 Mar 2026, 06:00

Ethereum Treasury Bitmine Nears 4% Supply Share After New 71,179 ETH Buy

Ethereum treasury company Bitmine has announced that it loaded up on 71,179 ETH over the past week, taking its supply share to 3.92%. Bitmine Has Continued Its Aggressive Ethereum Accumulation As announced in a press release , Bitmine participated in additional Ethereum buying during the last week. In total, the firm has added 71,179 ETH with this accumulation spree, worth nearly $146 million right now. The purchase is larger than the recent weekly average for the company. “Bitmine has maintained the increased pace of ETH buys in each of the past four weeks, as our base case is ETH is in the final stages of the ‘mini-crypto winter,'” said Thomas “Tom” Lee, Bitmine chairman. Originally a Bitcoin mining-focused firm, Bitmine pivoted to an Ethereum treasury strategy in mid-2025. Since then, the firm has followed in the footsteps of Michael Saylor’s Strategy , continuously accumulating ETH even as the bearish market shift has occurred. The sector has faced an especially high degree uncertainty recently with the war situation in Iran. Lee pointed out, however, that crypto has held up well even as the war enters its 5th week, with ETH outperforming equities by 1,160 basis points. In contrast, Gold, the traditional safe-haven, has underperformed by more than 750 basis points. “Crypto is demonstrating itself to be a good ‘war time’ store of value,” noted the Bitmine chairman. Following the latest addition, Bitmine’s Ethereum reserves have grown to 4,732,082 ETH, equivalent to 3.92% of the cryptocurrency’s total supply in circulation. The firm has set a goal of 5% of the supply, so at the current figure, it’s already over 78% of its way to the target in just eight months. Lately, Bitmine has also been putting its ETH toward staking to earn some passive income through the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) contract. Unlike BTC, where miners secure the network, ETH is instead protected by stakers, validators who put forward some initial ‘stake’ to take part in consensus-making. Just like how miners earn rewards for mining blocks, stakers also get rewards when they add a block to the chain. According to the press release, Bitmine has a total of 3,142,643 ETH staked right now, representing 66% of the total reserves held by the company. “Bitmine has staked more ETH than other entities in the world,” said Lee. Bitmine isn’t the only organization locking its ETH in the PoS contract. As highlighted by Arkham in an X post , the Ethereum Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to supporting the ETH blockchain, has just transferred $46.2 million worth of the cryptocurrency to the staking deposit contract. “This is more ETH than they have EVER staked before,” explained Arkham. ETH Price Ethereum dropped under the $2,000 level earlier, but the coin has opened the new week with recovery back above $2,060.